Boy Advice, Part II

Having grown up on mind games and cunning tricks in the deep palace, Xiao Moxian was a master of manipulation. To him, Wang Jingyuan was an extremely easy target—not just because she was naïve and fully trusting of him, but also because he had dealt with and won people much more sly than her. He was only careful not to overdo it because he genuinely liked her and did not want to lose their friendship.

"Ah, well, if you put it that way, I suppose I can tell you my opinions," he said. "I think, based on what you told me of how Minister Shao reacted…" His voice trailed off.

Wang Jingyuan looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to finish his sentence. Xiao Moxian opened his mouth as if to speak again, but then shook his head. "No, no, never mind, I should not say this. I won't say anything."