[He means well, he really does, but Xichen can also read the room. He offers a gentle, placating smile.]

...So long as Huaisang is careful with the tools, this er-ge will drop the matter.

[He plucks a packet of inksticks off of its hook, and frowns. They had, initially, seemed of good quality, but on closer look, they actually look quite cheaply made. He wordlessly offers over the packet to get Huaisang's verdict.]

However, if he finds a teacher of aptitude and temperament, he will ask him to offer Huaisang some advice.