A Ming Dynasty painting, *Jiangnan Chun* by Qiu Ying, has surfaced at a Beijing auction, raising questions about the Nanjing Museum's artifact management. Originally part of a 1959 donation by the Pang Laichen family, the painting's appearance in May 2025 led to the auction's suspension after a family member's intervention. An inventory check revealed five missing artworks, which the museum claimed were forgeries destroyed in the 1990s. However, the family disputes this claim. In December, a former museum staff member accused the ex-director of mishandling artifacts, prompting a national investigation. This incident highlights significant concerns about transparency and trust in public institutions, with implications for the broader cultural heritage sector.