To obtain the divorce paper as quickly as possible, Gu Lingwan grabbed the pitch-black ink stick from the inkstone. His thick, fan-like eyelashes lowered, and he focused intently on the small, delicate object in his palm. However, his brows, which had been relaxed, began to knit together tightly as if pulled by an invisible force, knotting like tangled ropes.
Seeing his expression, Xiao Yingxun pondered silently, Is it possible he truly does not know how? Then what on earth was the meaning of his inner voice earlier?
He sighed softly. “I will teach you how to grind ink.”
Gu Lingwan turned his eyes toward him.
Xiao Yingxun’s well-defined, thin lips parted slightly. His voice was cold yet magnetic as he began to patiently instruct Gu Lingwan. “Place the ink stick on the inkstone. Your movements must be both gentle and firm, much like the steps in a dance, curved and rhythmic, yet maintaining an air of grace and elegance. At the same time, ensure your posture is as upright as a pine, like an immovable mountain.”
Gu Lingwan perked up his ears like a rabbit, listening with immense focus.
Xiao Yingxun continued, “The most critical step follows. You must hold the ink stick firmly and draw circles on the stone at a constant speed and a vertical angle. Remember, you must never tilt the stick while grinding, nor should you simply push it straight forward. Never act on impulse or without a proper method.”
Gu Lingwan’s phoenix eyes widened with every word.
“As for adding water, you must precisely control the ratio and rhythm. Too much water will make the ink too thin, ruining the effect. Too little will make it thick and viscous, which is equally undesirable.”
Xiao Yingxun added, “Throughout the process, you must remain mindful of the pressure and the speed of your movements. Never be impatient or reckless. Only in this way can you produce a superior ink that is perfectly balanced and rich in texture.”
After the detailed tutorial, Gu Lingwan gave Xiao Yingxun a thumbs-up without hesitation. “Your Highness is truly learned! You have turned the simple act of grinding ink into something so poetic and evocative. I am truly impressed by your talent!” He suddenly changed his tone. “However, I did not understand a word of that. I still do not know how.”
Following Gu Lingwan’s remark, Xiao Yingxun fell into a brief silence. Moments later, he stood up quietly, lifted his sleeve with an elegant and natural motion, and extended a long, calloused finger to take the ink stick from Gu Lingwan. He began to grind the ink himself.
His focus was absolute, as if he had poured his entire spirit into this simple but vital task. As the rhythmic sound of the ink stick against the stone filled the room, a faint, clean scent of ink permeated the air.
Gu Lingwan rested his chin in his hands, watching him from the side. The man stood tall as a pine, his features exquisite, his expression cold and aloof. He radiated an innate nobility that seemed to transcend the mortal world.
Gu Lingwan could not help but click his tongue internally. What a waste of such a fine exterior, housing such a vicious soul inside. Murdering people without a shred of humanity while still in his teens just to achieve his own goals. Hmph, vicious Xiao the Second.
Hearing his inner voice, Xiao Yingxun’s hand faltered for a heartbeat. He needed to prove his innocence to this person, and he needed to do it quickly. The words “vicious Xiao the Second” were particularly grating.
Xiao Yingxun slowly put down the ink stick and picked up a brush to begin writing the divorce paper. Gu Lingwan sat obediently beside him, waiting to receive it.
Once I have the divorce paper, I will go collect my debts. Xiao Zitang is too arrogant; he dared to bully me. Now I will make you cry until you pass out. Once I have gathered all my money, I will leave Northern Qi with Dongming immediately. Yes, I shall plan to leave in three days.
Xiao Yingxun turned to meet Gu Lingwan’s clear gaze. “Why is the Heir staring at me?”
Hurry up and finish writing that divorce paper.
Xiao Yingxun said, “I need to rewrite it.”
“Rewrite it?” Gu Lingwan looked down at the divorce paper. A smear of black ink caught his eye. “How did that happen, Your Highness?”
“I lost my grip on the brush.”
He laid a new sheet of rice paper on the desk and began to write again.
Gu Lingwan glared at him sideways with suspicion. Are you doing this on purpose?
This time, he watched Xiao Yingxun with total concentration, guarding against any tricks. Xiao Yingxun knit his brows slightly, appearing entirely serious, with no sign of foul play. Gu Lingwan’s eyes darted around, and he began to doubt himself. Could it be that I have wronged him?
As Gu Lingwan contemplated this, the man’s hand suddenly trembled, leaving a blur of ink on the paper. Gu Lingwan lost his patience. He shot to his feet, pointing at the paper with an accusatory air. “Your Highness, what are you doing?”
You are doing this on purpose.
Xiao Yingxun looked up at him. “Does the Heir believe I am doing this intentionally?”
Gu Lingwan puffed out his cheeks and remained silent, but his meaning was clear.
Xiao Yingxun asked, “In that case, why would I do such a thing?”
Gu Lingwan did not want to provoke the man, so he remained silent, though he grumbled internally, I am not a worm in your stomach; how should I know what devious schemes you are harboring?
Xiao Yingxun put down his brush, extended his left hand, and slowly rolled up the sleeve of his right arm. What met Gu Lingwan’s eyes was a blood-soaked bandage, so saturated that fresh droplets of crimson seemed ready to fall at any moment.
Gu Lingwan was stunned into silence. Xiao Yingxun unwound the bandage layer by layer. When the final layer was revealed, the sight was shocking. The skin, which should have been smooth, was now a mangled, horrific mess of flesh. The wound showed no signs of healing and was clearly infected and inflamed, with tendons and blood vessels visible. It was a severe injury that was painful to behold.
Gu Lingwan shuddered and quickly averted his gaze. “I will go call a physician for you.” He turned and sprinted out of the room.
Xiao Yingxun, appearing entirely indifferent to the pain, stared quietly at the wound on his wrist.
Moments later, the chief physician followed Gu Lingwan back inside. Seeing the wound, the physician’s face changed. “Your Highness, this injury is too severe!” He rushed forward to begin treatment.
Gu Lingwan looked at the pale Xiao Yingxun. “Your injury is so serious; why did you not have it looked at while I was being treated for my leg?”
Xiao Yingxun’s gaze fell upon the discarded divorce paper on the table. “If I had treated it all at once, would the Heir not have suspected me of having ulterior motives again?”
Gu Lingwan pressed his lips together and looked down. “I did not think your wrist injury would be this bad.”
Xiao Yingxun said expressionless, “My wrist has been under constant strain today; holding you, grinding ink, and performing various tasks. How could it not be severe?”
Gu Lingwan glanced at the physician wrapping the bandage and stayed silent.
Xiao Yingxun said, “If you have something to say, say it.”
The chief physician, knowing the ways of palace survival, kept his mouth shut.
Gu Lingwan emphasized Xiao Yingxun’s previous words. “There was one time you insisted on carrying me, and two times you pulled me by the hand.”
The physician’s eyelid twitched, and he pretended to hear nothing. From their conversation, he concluded that the Princess Consort believed the Prince’s severe injury was his fault.
Once finished, the physician warned him respectfully, “Your Highness, the injury is not light. You must rest for a period and avoid lifting heavy objects.” He glanced at the brush on the table. “Since the wrist is injured, do not write. It will worsen the condition. Especially in your current state, the quality of your calligraphy will be severely compromised.”
My god, why is it so difficult to get a divorce? Gu Lingwan asked the physician, “How long will it be until his wrist can hold a brush to write normally again?”
“At least half a month.”
I have to stay by the side of a murderer who wants to kill me for another half a month!
Xiao Yingxun closed his eyes, stood up in frustration, and paced out of the room. Gu Lingwan followed him helplessly.
As they reached the palace gate and were about to board the carriage, a voice called out from behind them, “Wait for me!”
Gu Lingwan turned to look, his expression instantly brightening. Xiao Yanming came running over. Gu Lingwan suddenly felt a sense of security having a bodyguard by his side. He said to Xiao Yingxun, “Your Highness, I am inviting the Eleventh Prince to be a guest at the estate for a few days.”
Hmph, the estate is not the palace. You cannot force any schemes on me now, especially since he is your brother. I have decided to have him move into my bedroom for the next half a month to ensure you do not harm me for the sake of my money.