Old Liu

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Liu Zhihe (刘志和)
Alias(es)	Old Liu (老刘); Elder Liu
Gender	Male
Occupation/Role	Renowned antique appraiser, cultural-relic expert, calligrapher, and mentor
Status	Active
First Appearance	2

Background / History

Liu Zhihe is a highly respected elder in Beijing’s antique and cultural-relic circles, with influence extending into official circles. He previously served as head of archaeological work and used that position to keep a low profile during a politically difficult period for his family. His family’s earlier assistance to a prominent figure during the war helped protect them at the time. 632 1077

In his youth, Liu encountered Yuan blue-and-white porcelain but failed to recognize its worth, an experience he later remembered with regret. 45 He developed into a leading authority on antiques, calligraphy, tea, jade, ceramic appraisal, and cultural preservation, becoming known throughout the antiques association. 79 80 309

He lives in a strictly guarded high-end villa district with his daughter, Liu Qinshu. 42 His grandson Liu Sizhe is also involved in antiques, though Liu often corrects his impatience and recklessness. 795 821

Appearance

Old Liu is an elderly, white-haired man with an imposing presence. Despite his age—he celebrates his eightieth birthday during the story—he remains energetic and actively participates in appraisal, martial arts practice, and cultural-relic work. 43 46 125

• White-haired elder. 43
• His sternness and authority can make others visibly nervous when he is angry. 530
• Maintains enough physical vigor to spar more energetically after using the Spirit Calming Candle. 125

Personality

Old Liu is cautious, principled, and deeply protective of cultural heritage. He refuses to make unsupported judgments in antique appraisal and emphasizes that an expert must identify a specific flaw rather than rely on intuition alone. 2 Even when he has a strong opinion, he favors further confirmation if evidence remains incomplete. 632

He is demanding toward disciples but patient in teaching them. Before accepting Chu Chen, he investigated his background, observed whether sudden wealth would corrupt him, and repeatedly tested his knowledge and character. 78 80 172 He also uses his influence to protect Chu Chen while warning him not to abuse that protection. 124

Though often stern, Old Liu is sentimental and loyal to old friends and disciples. A pair of Nine Dragon Walnuts reminds him of the late disciple Zhu Jiaying’s brother, and he remains willing to help the family of his old friend Xie Gong’s father. 435 632

Abilities & Skills

Antique Appraisal

Old Liu is a renowned appraiser whose reputation commands immediate respect among collectors, experts, and antique dealers. 222 245 309

• Identified the fragrance-producing candle in Chu Chen’s incense box as the Spirit Calming Candle from ancient records. 92
• Located the tiny inscription containing the Spirit Calming Candle’s recipe inside the incense box. 93
• Compiled specialized methods for safely handling detoxified jade after consulting ancient texts. 80
• Used patina, handling wear, inscriptions, and material characteristics to assess the authenticity of rare Li ink. 821 822
• Confirmed the authenticity and value of Chu Chen’s Chai kiln three-legged washbasin. 435
• Recognized an authentic Xue Ji stele at the opening of Zenhua Museum. 1078
• Deciphered an acrostic clue reading “Jin Shan You Bao” (“Gold Mountain Has Treasure”) from carved Qi characters. 1104

Research and Historical Knowledge

Old Liu combines practical appraisal with extensive study of historical texts, lost techniques, and ancient materials.

• Connected the incense box’s unusual material to a Northern Song meteorite-fall account recorded by Shen Kuo, while clearly presenting the link as a hypothesis. 92
• Maintains rare ceramic-appraisal materials that are unavailable on the ordinary market. 80
• Provides information and strategic advice during the investigation of Wang Mang’s treasure and the “Great Wilderness” clue. 1124 1130
• Recognized the limits of his own knowledge, openly admitting uncertainty when an item’s material or age could not be established. 91 92

Calligraphy

Old Liu is an accomplished calligrapher, particularly in running script.

• His running script follows Zhao Mengfu’s style and is considered nearly comparable to Zhao Mengfu’s; some call him the contemporary “Zhao Mengfu.” 537
• Wrote the plaque for Chu Chen’s antique shop, Ciyizhai. 537
• Wrote the plaque for Zenhua Museum. 1077

Xing Yi Quan

Old Liu has practiced Xing Yi Quan for many years and has achieved notable proficiency. 45

• Takes an interest in discussing martial arts with Chu Chen. 45
• Values martial discipline but prioritizes personal safety when dealing with criminals. 45

Mentorship

Old Liu recognizes Chu Chen’s ability early but does not immediately accept him. He first evaluates Chu Chen’s personality, diligence, luck, memory, and response to wealth. 53 78 80

After learning more about Chu Chen’s background and character, Old Liu chooses him as a disciple and sets September 1 as the date for his acceptance. 172 He later holds a deliberately low-key apprenticeship ceremony and introduces Chu Chen to his senior disciples as his final disciple. 191 194

• Tests Chu Chen’s appraisal knowledge using materials he previously provided. 124
• Gives Chu Chen access to rare ceramic-appraisal references. 80
• Uses his reputation to introduce Chu Chen to the wider antiques community once he judges the disciple ready for public scrutiny. 309
• Gives Chu Chen a Ding ware platter upon formally accepting him. 195
• Supports Chu Chen’s museum, attends its opening, writes its plaque, and joins its ribbon-cutting ceremony. 1077

Relationships

• Chu Chen — Final disciple. Old Liu carefully evaluates Chu Chen before accepting him, then becomes his principal mentor, protector, and adviser. 78 172 195
• Liu Qinshu — Youngest daughter. She assists Old Liu with guests, research, and arrangements concerning Chu Chen. 42 79 92
• Liu Sizhe — Grandson. Old Liu is affectionate but stern toward him, particularly when Liu Sizhe acts impulsively. 222 794 821
• Yu Renpeng — Senior disciple. Old Liu introduces him to Chu Chen after accepting Chu Chen as his final disciple. 191 194
• Yi Hongguo — Senior disciple and jewelry businessman. Old Liu disapproves of Yi’s attempt to draw Chu Chen into a stone-gambling consultancy role. 191
• Wu Ziping / Uncle Wu — Longstanding acquaintance and fellow antique dealer. Wu respects Old Liu’s judgment and frequently brings Chu Chen to seek his advice. 42 79
• Zhu Jiaying — Late disciple. Old Liu’s memories of her family are stirred by the Nine Dragon Walnuts given to him by Chu Chen. 435
• Xie Gong’s father — Old friend. Old Liu regrets being unable to protect him during an earlier political period and helps Xie Gong’s family in his memory. 632

Story Role / Major Arcs

First Meetings with Chu Chen

Old Liu first meets Chu Chen through Wu Ziping and expresses approval that younger talent is entering the antiques profession. 43 He warns Chu Chen against confronting dangerous criminals merely because he knows martial arts. 45

Evaluating a Potential Disciple

Old Liu becomes interested in Chu Chen’s appraisal skill, photographic memory, and unusual luck, but deliberately observes whether wealth and success will affect his character. 53 78 80 He provides guidance on detoxified jade, ceramics, artifact preservation, and housing security. 79 80

Incense Box Research

When Chu Chen presents the mysterious incense box, Old Liu identifies the Spirit Calming Candle, discovers its hidden formula, and collaborates with Chu Chen and Liu Qinshu to study the object’s origins. 92 93 Chu Chen ultimately leaves the box with Old Liu for safekeeping and research. 125

Accepting Chu Chen as His Final Disciple

Old Liu investigates Chu Chen’s past, explains what he learned about Chu Chen’s lost-family background, and accepts him as his disciple after deciding that his talent and character are worthy. 172 173 He later formally introduces Chu Chen to Yu Renpeng and Yi Hongguo as his final disciple. 194 195

Supporting Chu Chen’s Career

Old Liu uses his standing to help Chu Chen establish himself in the antiques world, publicly introduces him at an exchange meeting, and writes the plaque for Ciyizhai. 309 537 He later supports the opening of Zenhua Museum by writing its name and participating in the ceremony. 1077

Later Investigations

Old Liu continues to assist Chu Chen with difficult appraisals, including Li ink, unusual inscriptions, suspected forgeries, and clues tied to ancient treasures. 821 822 1038 1104 He also helps revise Chu Chen’s strategy after learning that Zhong Zhili may possess information on Wang Mang’s treasure. 1130

Notable Quotes

“After all, I am human, not a god.” 632

“If anything goes wrong, I’ll take responsibility. However, I’ll say this upfront: if you act recklessly, I’ll hold you accountable.” 124

Trivia

• Old Liu once missed the chance to acquire valuable Yuan blue-and-white porcelain because he did not recognize its importance when he was younger. 45
• He serves high-quality Da Hong Pao tea and recognizes Chu Chen’s ability to properly appreciate it. 79
• His status is so significant that some antique dealers become unwilling to provoke Chu Chen after learning he is Old Liu’s disciple. 963
• He is regarded as an idol by collectors who specialize in Buddhist statues and cultural relics. 222