Jia

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"History passes down knowledge and civilization. Therefore, as a noble, history is indispensable. Antiques bear the marks of history, so if you wish to study history well, you must first learn about antiques."

"A noble should be learned, elegant, and wise. A true noble must appreciate and understand antiques. Can anyone tell me the background of this ring?"

Jia held up the ring. Under the sunlight, it did not shine particularly brilliantly. It was clearly not polished from a gemstone, and its material was likely quite unusual.

Merlin knew nothing about antiques, but Anson beside him was quite fond of them and usually collected interesting antiques. Upon hearing Jia's question, Anson immediately stood up.

"Teacher Jia, may I take a closer look at this ring?"

Jia nodded and personally handed the ring to Anson. Anson gently stroked it, carefully examining the patterns on its surface. At last, he said confidently, "This ring is made from an unusual material. It should have been polished from jade. Historically, only the mysterious Molta Empire, three thousand six hundred years ago, was particularly fond of making rings from jade. The patterns on the ring also reveal its style. It is undoubtedly a ring from the Molta Empire period."

Hearing Anson's orderly analysis of the ring's origins, a flicker of surprise crossed Jia's eyes. She then nodded. "Not bad. You explained it very well. What is your name?"

Delighted, Anson immediately replied, "My name is Anson."

Jia nodded and continued, "Very good. Anson's analysis was correct. It is clear that he is quite learned and has already mastered the most basic elements of noble etiquette. Every noble should be highly knowledgeable. You may not understand antiques yet, but that is all right. For a long time to come, I will specifically teach you the basic principles of identifying antiques. For now, pass this ring around. Feel its material, then examine its patterns. Experience the passage of three thousand six hundred years."

The ring was first passed to Merlin and the others in the front row. Merlin was not interested in antiques, but he was intrigued by the Molta Empire Jia had mentioned.

Merlin had some recollection of this Molta Empire as well. The Molta Empire of three thousand six hundred years ago had undoubtedly been a great and mysterious empire.

It had been great because three thousand six hundred years ago, the Molta Empire had unified the entire continent. Unlike now, when there were nearly dozens of kingdoms, large and small.

It had been mysterious because the collapse of the Molta Empire was truly incomprehensible. It had seemingly collapsed overnight, without any warning. The entire Molta Empire had existed for less than a hundred years. Even now, there was no consensus on why it had collapsed overnight.

Why would such a vast empire collapse overnight? Merlin found it hard to believe. He was more inclined to think that the passage of time had distorted the stories, concealing the true reason for the Molta Empire's collapse.

The ring was passed toward the back, and Jia followed it. At that moment, Merlin noticed that Anson, who had been excited just moments ago, now looked rather grim.

"Anson, what's wrong?"

Merlin asked softly.

Anson gave Jia, who had moved to the back, a complicated look. Then he sighed and slowly said, "Winning Jia over is probably impossible. I originally thought she was like other women, coming here only to hook up with noble youths. But after seeing this ring, I realized that probably wasn't the case. Do you know how much this ring is worth?"

"Several dozen silver coins?"

Gute did not know much about antiques either. In his view, jewelry was what truly held value. This ring was merely polished from jade, so being worth several dozen silver coins would already be quite good.

But Anson shook his head. "You couldn't buy it even with several dozen gold coins. You may not know this, but antiques from the Molta Empire period are outrageously expensive on the market right now. Not to mention that this ring was exquisitely polished and was definitely an ornament belonging to a noble of that era. Someone who can casually bring out an antique worth several dozen gold coins—do you really think Jia came here for money?"

Merlin fell into thought as well. This world had three denominations of currency: gold coins, silver coins, and copper coins. One gold coin was roughly equivalent to a thousand in his previous life. Several dozen gold coins amounted to tens of thousands. Someone who could casually produce something worth tens of thousands was indeed unlikely to be here to hook up with noble youths.

"Hmm, that makes some sense. Looks like this woman has some background. But it doesn't matter. There's no one I can't investigate. Give me a few days, and I can dig up Jia's family history going back three generations."

Gute's face was filled with confidence.

Jia's first lesson soon ended. These noble youths only attended one lesson each day, and people gradually began to leave.

Merlin and Anson's group also came outside the small building, where Moss was already waiting. Just as Merlin was about to climb into the carriage, Anson hurriedly grabbed his coat and whispered, "Merlin, why go back so early? Why not come somewhere with us?"

Remembering Macy's warning from earlier, Merlin helplessly shook his head. "Forget it. I'd better head back early. I won't go today. Besides, Macy warned me that I had to be home before dark."

Anson quickly said, "Merlin, where do you think we're going? Heh, this time we're taking you to broaden your horizons. An acquaintance of mine recently got some new antiques, and Gute and I want to take a look."

"Just to look at antiques?" Merlin hesitated.

"Of course we're looking at antiques. Come on."

In the end, Merlin nodded and said to Anson and Gute, "Get in. Let Moss take us there."

Anson looked disdainful. "Your broken-down carriage? Riding in that would be torture. We should take Gute's carriage instead."

Merlin looked up and saw a luxurious carriage wrapped in animal hide and drawn by four horses before them. After comparing it with his own, Merlin gave a bitter smile. He then nodded and instructed Moss, "Moss, go pick up Macy from the church. It's so cold today, and she'll be more comfortable in the carriage."

"But Young Master Merlin, how will you get back?"

Moss glanced at Anson and Gute, concern showing on his face.

Gute waved a hand. "I'll take Young Master Merlin home."

Moss nodded and said nothing more. He immediately drove the carriage toward the church, while Merlin and the others climbed into Gute's extravagant carriage and slowly departed.