Yu Mingyue felt that Xie Jiayan seemed a bit off, but his complexion appeared no different from usual.
A gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves lining the path, creating a soft sound. Neither of them spoke again as they walked forward at an unhurried pace.
Xie Jiayan's study was simply furnished and remarkably tidy.
On a shelf by the desk hung two identical paintings. One was the damaged "Sunrise Over Dongyue" that she had seen before. The other was likely a replica.
It had to be said that the copier's skill was exceptional, paying attention to even the most minute details.
Most importantly, how had they managed to mix the colors to match the original so perfectly?
If the original painting hadn't been damaged, she wouldn't have been able to tell the difference.
In fact, in terms of artistic skill alone, it was no inferior to Master Beizhai.
"Did Jiyuan Gege copy this himself?"
"Mhm!"
He had studied Mo Xiang's painting repeatedly. To better grasp its artistic conception, he first made a copy himself, so as not to damage the original artwork.
"Jiyuan Gege, is there anything you can't do?" Yu Mingyue gently caressed the scroll, afraid of accidentally damaging it.
In her heart, this painting was as precious as Master Beizhai's.
Xie Jiayan was momentarily lost in thought before quickly regaining his focus.
"There are always greater heights to reach; this is nothing."
Yu Mingyue shook her head, her conviction unwavering. "No, no, no, Jiyuan Gege is the most amazing. No one can compare."
While she might have been exaggerating before, now, she swore, she was truly deeply impressed by the Prime Minister's vast knowledge and talent, offering her sincere praise.
Xie Jiayan's lips curved slightly. "If you want to learn to restore paintings, you must first learn to separate paper into layers. After layering, you must learn to restore it, then learn to mix colors, apply them, and fill in..."
"That sounds difficult!" Would Jiyuan Gege think she was too笨 (bèn - clumsy/stupid)?
"Are you scared?" Xie Jiayan teased, seeing her small face furrowed and her brows knitted.
"It's not fear, it's just that I'm afraid Jiyuan Gege will find me too poor a student." Yu Mingyue was self-aware.
She understood the book on mechanical arts last time, but her practical skills were somewhat lacking.
It took her nearly a month to build a mechanical kite. She was a prime example of understanding something instantly but failing to execute it.
"Confucius said: 'There is teaching without discrimination'," Xie Jiayan smiled, his voice softening. "I'll teach you how to separate paper into layers first."
Xie Jiayan took out two sheets of Xuan paper. He then gently smeared something like paste with a special brush on a corner of the paper. Next, using the force of his wrist, he evenly pulled outwards, and the paper, as thin as a cicada's wing, was easily separated into two layers in his hand.
"The force on your hands must be even. Focus on using your wrist..."
Yu Mingyue tried to imitate him, but as soon as she applied force, she tore a corner of the Xuan paper.
Yu Mingyue looked distressed. "I was really gentle. It tore by itself."
Xie Jiayan couldn't help but chuckle. "Try again."
Xuan paper was already thin, and to peel off a layer was naturally difficult.
Yu Mingyue tried several more times, and without exception, they all ripped.
She really was useless.
"Slowly..." Xie Jiayan demonstrated again.
Yu Mingyue felt her movements were the same as his, but she just couldn't get the knack of it, tearing one sheet after another.
Xie Jiayan saw her growing anxiety. But separating paper tested patience the most. This stage was about honing skill and cultivating patience. The more anxious she became, the less successful she would be.
Xie Jiayan leaned in, his fingers supporting her wrist, applying a slight force to transfer the wrist's momentum to her fingers.
Yu Mingyue looked up at him, her wrist twitched, and another sheet of paper was ruined.
Xie Jiayan, however, was very patient. If she couldn't master this, complete restoration would be even more impossible.
Finally, with Xie Jiayan's help, Yu Mingyue succeeded. Although the area was not large, at least the layers could be distinguished.
"Jiyuan Gege, I can do it!" Yu Mingyue exclaimed joyfully.
"That's right. You must practice more." After all, what she would be peeling in the future would be paintings, not Xuan paper. Once a mistake was made, an entire artwork would be ruined.
Yu Mingyue nodded solemnly. "Jiyuan Gege, don't worry. I'll practice by myself. You go ahead and be busy. You don't need to mind me."
"Are you sure you can manage?"
"Yes!"