Chapter 16 Strategy Guide: 300 Clever Ways to Turn Enemies into Friends...
At noon, the hall door opened, and Cao Mingyu personally escorted Xue Rongyue out of the Guard Division: "Madam Xue, I apologize for any offenses I may have caused in the course of investigating this case."
Upon seeing the magnificent carriages in front of the Imperial Guard's residence, Xue Rongyue realized that Cao Mingyu must have been pressured by Princess Yu'an to release the people so early.
After Cao Mingyu left, the female official stepped forward and sprinkled the pomelo leaf water prepared to ward off bad luck on Xue Rongyue: "Your Highness was very worried about this matter. After learning about it, he went to the Emperor immediately and begged for a long time before he received the Emperor's grace."
With the help of a female official, she boarded the carriage. The bamboo-green silk curtains swayed in the spring breeze. Princess Yu'an sat reclining in the carriage, her fingertips gently rubbing her temples.
Hearing the noise, she opened her eyes, frowned, and said, "How did you get involved in this murder case too?"
He recounted the events in a few words, and Xue Rongyue asked in confusion, "Who exactly is this Wang Jinhu? Why did his death cause such a sensation?"
Princess Yu'an shook her head: "A local ruffian who hangs around in Chang'an has no background whatsoever."
"The reason this murder case has become so big is that Princess Kang happened to find the mutilated body when she entered the palace this morning. Princess Kang is pregnant and about to give birth. The shock immediately affected her pregnancy, which angered His Majesty. Fortunately, the child was born safely and both mother and child are safe. Otherwise, there would have been even more trouble."
"I see." Xue Rongyue realized, then frowned again, "Where did Princess Kang find Wang Jinhu's body? Why didn't the Imperial Guards, who patrolled day and night, discover it?"
"At the southern end of Zhuque Avenue." Princess Yu'an knew what Xue Rongyue wanted to ask. "That's why His Majesty was so furious. The body that the entire Imperial Guards couldn't find was seen by the pregnant Princess Kang. It must have been premeditated and deliberately done by someone."
Xue Rongyue looked unwell and lowered her eyes in thought. Princess Yu'an comforted her, saying, "Don't worry. I've inquired about the case. The reason the Guards summoned you for questioning is because the incident involved Princess Kang and her son. The Guards must take a tough stance to appease Prince Kang and the court."
"Don't blame Lord Cao. His Majesty is furious above, and the matter involves the Crown Prince's wife and her child below. If he doesn't take a firm stance, he might be impeached to death by those with ulterior motives."
"After we pick up Qin Jin, I'll prepare a feast for you both at my residence tonight and bring out the Autumn Osmanthus Wine that you've been craving for so long, so you can get rid of the bad luck."
Continuing from Qin Jin?
Xue Rongyue thought to herself, no wonder the carriage had been parked in front of the Guard Office.
She asked, "Such a big thing has happened, why hasn't the Marquis of Ding'an's residence shown any signs of intervention?"
Princess Yu'an sighed: "You know the Ding'an Marquis's mansion perfectly well."
The female official explained, "The Marquis of Ding'an and his wife went to Luoyin Temple, which is thirty miles outside the city, for seclusion and meditation early yesterday morning, and they have not seen anyone."
Since Qin Zhi, the eldest son of the Qin family, died in battle ten years ago, Lady Ding'an has been ill and has not recovered. Although she has been recuperating for the past few years and her health has improved, she always wants to become a nun and shave her head to practice Buddhism. Marquis Ding'an is worried about her and does not want to stay by her side. The two of them are not seen in the Marquis's residence for most of the year.
Qin Jin only returned to the mansion when his parents came home. Otherwise, he was either wandering around somewhere or was invited to stay at the mansion by Princess Yu'an.
Having been implicated in a murder case, Princess Yu'an would likely not allow him to go out and fool around.
Xue Rongyue made up her mind, frowned, and slowly sighed.
Princess Yu'an asked as expected, "What's wrong? Are you still worried about this matter?"
"I feel uneasy, something seems amiss." Xue Rongyue placed her fingertips over her heart, feigning worry and indignation. "How come I'm involved in all these recent events in Chang'an? First the Xu family, then the murder case, I haven't had a peaceful day."
Princess Yu'an also had doubts. Seeing the barely perceptible fear hidden in Xue Rongyue's eyes, she knew that she might be frightened by the series of twists and turns.
If the Marquis of Ding'an's mansion is deserted, how much better can the General's mansion be?
Princess Yu'an sighed silently and reached out to hold Xue Rongyue's hand: "Just like before, come and stay at my residence for a while. I know you two don't get along, but don't worry, I'll arrange for you to stay somewhere far away, so you're guaranteed not to see each other."
Xue Rongyue was just waiting for Princess Yu'an to say this, hoping to drag Qin Jin into the mess.
However, she hesitated and was reluctant to agree. It took a while of persuasion and tugging from Princess Yu'an and the female officials before she finally nodded reluctantly.
Before Princess Yu'an could show any joy, a guard from the Imperial Guard rushed out, bowed, and stood before the carriage to report: "Your Highness, Lord Cao has ordered me to report that Prince Qin will probably not be able to leave the Imperial Guard for the time being. I hope Your Highness will understand."
Xue Rongyue knew that the Guards must have found those blacksmiths and verified her story, which was why they dared not release her. Qin Jin was already a prime suspect, and now with the blacksmiths' witness testimony, the suspicion would only intensify.
Princess Yu'an was startled: "Why? Is there a new development in the case?!"
Yan Wei said, "The case is being handled by Lord Cao; I was unaware of it."
Princess Yu'an knew that Cao Mingyu wouldn't refuse to release her unless he had discovered something, but seeing that Cao Mingyu wouldn't even show his face this time, she knew there was no room for negotiation.
The female official advised, "Your Highness, no matter what is found, as long as no one is convicted, there is still a chance for a turn of events. Why don't you return to your residence and observe the situation?"
Princess Yu'an also understood that at this critical juncture, she could not force her way into the Guard Division and take the person away.
"Return to the residence."
After Xue Rongyue was summoned to the Imperial Guard, all servants of the Xue household were to be interrogated, and Jingnu was no exception. Now that the suspicion had been temporarily cleared and the Yan Guards had just withdrawn, Jingnu learned that Xue Rongyue was going to stay at the Princess's residence for a while, so she packed her belongings and went after her.
When Xue Rongyue lived in the palace as a child, she became close friends with Princess Yu'an. Even after they left the palace to live separately, they did not lose contact. When her parents divorced, Xue Rongyue was still young and General Xue was not at home, so it was inevitable that the servant would bully the master.
Princess Yu'an would often go to the Xue residence to support Xue Rongyue, and would also invite her to stay at the princess's residence for a while, in the same courtyard.
When Jingnu came in, Xue Rongyue was reading by the window. She was surprised, as her mistress was the one who hated reading the most. How could she suddenly have such a leisurely mood today?
Upon closer inspection, his lips twitched violently.
On the table in front of him were several books scattered haphazardly: "The Art of Speaking," "Making Words Less Harsh," "Teaching You the Ability to Turn Conflict into Peace," "The Domineering Young Master's Pampering," and "Bowing Down is the Best Way to Attack."
Xue Rongyue was engrossed in reading a book titled "Three Hundred Clever Ways to Turn Enemies into Friends".
Jingnu nearly knelt down, asking tremblingly, "My lady, who has provoked you this time?"
Xue Rongyue remained silent, her brows furrowed as she read.
Jingnu said with a mournful face, "Or I can accompany you to the Taoist temple to exorcise the evil spirits. Please don't do this, I'm scared..."
With a "snap," the servant was interrupted before he could finish speaking.
Xue Rongyue's expression changed drastically, and she threw the book in her hand far away.
Meeting Jingnu's astonished gaze, she stammered, a rare occurrence for her: "Who wrote this scroll? Has anyone gone mad?! What does it mean that when an annoying person keeps babbling, you can go up to them, grab their neck, and kiss them hard to shut them up?!"
Xue Rongyue was still in shock and even began to doubt herself. She pushed Jingnu and said, "Look, am I really crazy? Can't I read anymore?"
Jingnu ran up to it, opened it, and nodded in bewilderment.
Xue Rongyue felt it was absurd, and a scene inexplicably appeared in her mind...
A chill ran down her spine. Realizing what had happened, she snapped out of it, then erupted in fury and embarrassment: "The person who wrote this book should be dragged out and beaten to death! What utter nonsense!"
Seeing her agitated, Jingnu gathered up all the open books and locked them in a box on the dressing table, saying, "My lady, don't look at them anymore. These books are all nonsense."
Still somewhat shaken, Xue Rongyue hugged the soft pillow to her chest. She deeply agreed with what she heard, but couldn't help feeling troubled.
Although she understood Qin Jin, she really didn't know how to win over a man.
A new strategy mission has been issued: "Achieve a progress of 10 within one month." For the sake of her life, her resentment has faded with time, leaving her powerless to hate. She temporarily disregards her dignity, pride, and humiliation, intending to find some "martial arts manuals" to learn, but unexpectedly stumbles upon a crooked path.
Unable to find a solution, Xue Rongyue decided to ask for help: "Jingnu, I'm asking on behalf of a close friend. How can I make someone who hates me fall in love with me?"
Without hesitation, Jingnu said, "Find a donkey."
Xue Rongyue asked, puzzled, "Why are you looking for a donkey?"
Jingnu replied, "Kick his brain and break it."
"..."
Xue Rongyue retorted angrily, "I'm talking to you seriously!"
Jingnu sighed and gave Xue Rongyue a look that said, "Something's not right with you." Then, after thinking carefully, she replied cautiously, "If you want someone who hates me to fall in love with me, you should first improve their opinion of me, find a way to reverse their prejudice and hostility towards me, and make them feel my change and the goodwill I'm showing."
That makes a lot of sense.
Xue Rongyue jumped off the soft couch and picked up her notebook.
"The second thing is to understand each other and build trust. Only when we have common topics and trust each other can we coexist."
Xue Rongyue urged, "Is there anything else?"
"Thirdly, physical attraction. Who doesn't like beautiful people and things? Dress up nicely, have more physical contact and spend more time alone with him, and he'll be smitten. Fourthly, create some secrets and beautiful memories just for the two of you..."
Xue Rongyue picked up her pen and quickly wrote two large pages. Looking at the densely packed words on it, she felt relieved. She carefully dried and stored them away. Facing Jingnu's sharp gaze, she didn't forget to explain awkwardly, "I'll give them to my best friend another day."
With the secret manual in hand, Xue Rongyue was confident in conquering Qin Jin, the ultimate mission.
She wasn't made to wait long; the following evening, Qin Jin was taken from the Imperial Guard to Princess Yu'an's residence.
As night fell, Xue Rongyue, carrying the secret manual, knocked on Qin Jin's door.
A note from the author:
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Anyone want to read "The Overbearing Young Master's Gentle Pampering"? I'll go steal it! [Rabbit head with upright ears]
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