Chapter 167: Changchunzi Qiu Chuji

"By the way, Xia Yu, you also bought a jade pendant, right? What kind of legend or story does that jade pendant have?" 

He Chaoqiong asked, looking a bit expectant, as if she had gotten hooked on listening to stories.

Xia Yu laughed heartily, opened the box, and took out the jade Maitreya Buddha pendant, gently placing it on the table.

"Xia Yu, what makes this jade pendant so special that it fetched over five hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars?" 

He Youguang inquired.

He Chaoqiong also watched Xia Yu intently, waiting for his introduction.

Xia Yu took a sip of coffee to clear his throat and began to explain.

"In ancient China, there were many jade carving masters, but one person is revered as the ancestor of the jade industry. You must have heard of him."

Xia Yu said mysteriously.

"Oh?"

Hearing this, He Youguang and He Chaoqiong became even more interested and focused.

"He is Qiu Chuji, also known as Changchunzi, who was appointed as the national teacher by the Yuan Emperor Kublai Khan."

Xia Yu said slowly.

"Qiu Chuji?"

He Youguang's eyes widened in surprise, staring at Xia Yu and blurted out.

He Youguang was truly shocked. He knew who Qiu Chuji was because of Jin Yong's novels *The Legend of the Condor Heroes* and *The Return of the Condor Heroes*, which were very popular in Hong Kong. He was aware of Qiu Chuji from those novels, but he didn't realize that he was a real person, and besides being a Taoist priest, he was also a master of the jade industry. This was a huge surprise for him.

"That's right! It is indeed him!"

Xia Yu confirmed with a nod.

He Youguang shook his head in amazement, unsure how to express his feelings at that moment.

He Chaoqiong, however, did not think too much about it. She had seen *The Legend of the Condor Heroes* on TV in 1976, when it was first adapted into a drama and became a sensation in Hong Kong. She knew who Qiu Chuji was, but she didn't expect that the Taoist priest was also such a significant figure in the jade industry.

"Xia Yu, I remember this pendant was said to be carved by Master Lu Zigang. Why are we talking about Qiu Chuji now?"

He Chaoqiong asked with big eyes, not understanding why Xia Yu mentioned Qiu Chuji.

"There is indeed a connection. If Qiu Chuji is the ancestor of the jade industry, then Lu Zigang is the master who greatly elevated the status of the jade industry. He can be considered one of the most famous jade carving masters after Qiu Chuji, and his status in the jade carving field is almost as high as that of Qiu Chuji, the founder."

Xia Yu explained with a smile, introducing Qiu Chuji to set a comparison benchmark and give them a general idea of Lu Zigang.

"I didn't expect him to be so amazing!"

He Chaoqiong's mouth slightly opened in amazement.

"Is that why this pendant is so expensive?"

He Chaoqiong looked at the jade Maitreya Buddha pendant and asked with curiosity.

"That's not entirely the case. Part of the reason is also due to the material of the pendant."

"You see, this pendant is an antique, but it has a white gold frame around it, which was added in modern times. However, it is definitely the work of a master and hasn't damaged the jade. Additionally, the craftsmanship of the white gold chain is exquisite, which enhances the beauty of the pendant."

"Of course, these are just embellishments. The main reason is still the high value of the jade itself."

Xia Yu said with a faint smile.

"Is the material of this pendant very rare? It looks really nice, as white as milk!"

He Chaoqiong said, unable to resist, carefully picking up the pendant to observe it closely, looking around with curiosity.

"Because this is truly top-quality sheep fat jade, that's why it is so white."

"Sheep fat jade is a high-quality variety of Hetian jade. The white jade of sheep fat jade has been soaked in the underground waters and soil of the Kunlun Mountains in mainland China for millions of years, making it rare and valuable."

"Sheep fat jade is crystal clear and white, delicate and smooth with few flaws, as white as freshly cut fat. Its characteristics are particularly fine, bright, and warm. The best sheep fat jade is nearly flawless and looks like freshly cut fat, with a luster similar to refined oil, hence the name sheep fat jade."

"And this pendant is made of the finest sheep fat jade!"

Xia Yu explained with a smile, causing He Chaoqiong and He Youguang to nod repeatedly.

He Chaoqiong touched the pendant, feeling its smoothness, and then showed a delighted smile, saying, "It really is, it feels so smooth, just like touching a cheek, very delicate!"

She said as she fondled it lovingly, reluctant to put it down.

"Ah, Xia Yu, I remember there is a saying that men wear Guanyin and women wear Buddha. This pendant is of Maitreya Buddha, so it should be worn by women, right?"

He Youguang looked at the pendant in his sister's hand, furrowing his brows, and then asked with confusion.

Hearing his brother's question, He Chaoqiong also looked up at Xia Yu, wanting to hear his explanation.

"There is indeed such a saying. The main reason is that men often have more aggressive temperaments, and Guanyin is a female figure symbolizing compassion and gentleness. 'Men wear Guanyin' means hoping that men will have a gentler temperament and avoid being emotional."

"Women wearing Buddha is to hope that women can have the tolerance of the Buddha and possess a broad mind."

Xia Yu explained with a faint smile.

He Youguang nodded in understanding, "I see, that makes sense."

"I remember there are many Buddhas. Does Maitreya Buddha also have any special meaning?"

He Youguang asked again, clearly interested in this topic.

"Yes, it does have special meanings." Xia Yu nodded in agreement.

Seeing He Youguang and He Chaoqiong listening attentively, Xia Yu extended his hand towards He Chaoqiong and said, "Come, Chaoqiong, let me have it first."

"Okay!" He Chaoqiong immediately handed the pendant over to Xia Yu.

Xia Yu held the pendant's chain with his thumb, using his palm to hold the Maitreya Buddha pendant, and began to explain to He Youguang and He Chaoqiong.

"First, wearing Maitreya Buddha can bring happiness. Look, Maitreya Buddha's face is always smiling, conveying an optimistic and positive spirit. Wearing Maitreya Buddha can make one feel happy and alleviate suffering."

He Youguang and He Chaoqiong looked at the smiling face of Maitreya Buddha, nodding in agreement, and involuntarily smiled, seemingly influenced by the Buddha's smile.

"Second, it promotes a peaceful mindset. Maitreya Buddha is the one among many Buddhas who has the strongest ability to endure humiliation. No matter what happens, he maintains a calm and optimistic attitude. Wearing Maitreya Buddha can help one handle various pressures in work calmly, promoting career development and maintaining a peaceful mindset."

"Third, it teaches tolerance and generosity. Maitreya Buddha, also known as the 'Buddha with the Cloth Bag,' though his bag may seem small, it can hold all things. Thus, wearing Maitreya Buddha gives a feeling of tolerance and generosity, helping the wearer build good relationships."

"Because of the saying 'A big belly can tolerate everything,' Maitreya Buddha has surpassed other Buddhas and become the most common depiction on the market. If you have the chance in the future, observe and you'll find that the most common Buddha carvings are of Maitreya Buddha."

"Earlier, Youguang mentioned that men wear Guanyin and women wear Buddha, which is not wrong, but men can also wear Buddha, specifically Maitreya Buddha, which is suitable for everyone regardless of gender or age."

"Men wearing Maitreya Buddha can gain great wisdom, be humble and tolerant, and achieve career success."

"Women wearing Maitreya Buddha can supplement their masculine energy, learn Maitreya Buddha's tolerance, overcome shortcomings such as jealousy and stinginess, and become more composed."

"Older adults wearing Maitreya Buddha can be protected by the Buddha, which can help them live longer and enjoy a peaceful old age. The Buddha's material can nourish and protect the elderly, and jade has health benefits."

"And children wearing Maitreya Buddha can be inspired by the Buddha's wisdom, becoming clever and well-behaved, and their learning and growth will go smoothly."

"Overall, the meaning of women wearing Maitreya Buddha is the best."

After Xia Yu's detailed explanation, He Youguang looked enlightened and said, "I didn't know there was so much to learn. I've learned a lot!"

He finished with a cupped fist salute to Xia Yu.