785 A Million Times for You 147 (1/2)
Despite being alleged expert hypnotists, they did not manage to get the truth out of them at all.
The hypnotists could tell that both An Xiaoning and Shi Qingzhou were rather strong-willed and resistant to hypnosis, despite having already slipped into the initial stages of the sleep cycle. Yet, the hypnotists did not wish to admit to their incompetence right in front of the royals, for they would be ruining their own reputation that way.
In the end, Shi Qingzhou and An Xiaoning did not breathe a word about the book.
The two of them had already expected such an outcome. At the end of the session, Madam Tuoba shot Shi Xiaoyu a glance whose meaning the latter understood clearly.
The other members of the Tuoba family were dismissed, all of whom felt that the matter was absolutely absurd, ridiculous, and a waste of their time.
However, Shi Xiaoyu still refused to believe the truth before her eyes and did not actually give up like she had promised her mother-in-law.
The deaths of Shi Qingzhou and An Xiaoning were the only things that could put her mind at ease.
However, there was no way she could have them executed openly with a rightful reason.
She was filled with regret, now that she had to suffer the consequences of not being merciless enough and killing Shi Qingzhou back then.
Shi Xiaoyu was filled with anger and frustration. Why didn't I just get rid of Shi Qingzhou and her daughter back then? If only I did so, things wouldn't have turned out this way.
What was I thinking all these years? All I did was enjoy the thrill of tormenting and abusing Shi Qingzhou.
Yet, I've never thought of using a lie detector or carrying out hypnosis.
Seems like it's going to be extremely difficult to lay another trap again.
But I've got plenty of time and a long way ahead of me. I'll definitely find an appropriate chance now that they're both in the Autumn Palace.
Just as the idea formed in her head, Shi Xiaoyu's hopes were instantly dashed.
The reason was that An Xiaoning said to Tuoba Gucheng, ”Your Majesty, you initially requested for us to stay here for a week, but I don't see a need to anymore now that this matter has been clarified. My parents are still wounded from the gunshots they suffered. They ought to head home to get some rest and recuperate. We won't impose on you any further. Will you allow us to go home, Your Majesty?”
”Your parents? You mean, you address Shuo as your father?” Madam Tuoba asked in astonishment.
”My father has loved my mother and did so much for her throughout his lifetime. Now that they finally get to be with each other again, I'd naturally consider him to be my father. From now onward, I'll treat him with respect, be filial to him, and take care of him in his old age, until he departs from this world.”
Tuoba Rui, her biological father, was rather upset and aggrieved to hear her words.
Old Madam Tuoba turned around to glance at her elder son, not uttering a single word apart from a sigh she let out.
”I'll approve of that,” said Tuoba Gucheng, who agreed to let them leave.
An Xiaoning looked at him and said with a smile, ”Thank you.”
Tuoba Gucheng nodded and answered, ”Don't mention it.”
——
On the way home, the three of them dared not to speak much about the matter. Once they returned to Shi Qingzhou's bedroom at home, An Xiaoning and Shi Qingzhou embraced each other in utmost joy and agitation.
Before they arrived at the Autumn Palace, the two of them had already analyzed the strategies to adopt when facing the possible situations that might occur during their visit.
They had already expected that the Autumn Palace would engage hypnotists as well as carry out lie detector tests.
In fact, lie detectors were merely a test of one's emotions.
Hypnosis is not entirely real either, for one would be insusceptible to hypnotic guidance so long as their willpower was strong.
”If it were me, I probably wouldn't have passed the tests. I was really nervous at the start,” said Tuoba Shuo.
”Fortunately, they didn't make you partake in the tests too. I guess they've put an end to this matter. There's nothing Shi Xiaoyu can do even if she's disgruntled and unappeased by the results.” Shi Qingzhou lay down slowly and continued, ”Xiaoning, start practicing the techniques tomorrow. Your grandmother managed to master it within a short amount of time back then. I reckon it would be the same for you.”
”I thought so too, but, Mother, the book doesn't mention what'll ensue once one has mastered the techniques. I was wondering if I'll really be able to attain such potent powers once I've acquired those skills.”
”We'll know when you've successfully mastered them. I'm not too sure about it either. I was so afraid of implicating you into this matter, but let's put it behind us now that we've managed to dupe and convince them. Xiaoning, you didn't sleep at all last night. Go get something to eat before taking a nap. Otherwise, your body won't be able to take it,” said Shi Qingzhou, who felt like a burden had been lifted off her shoulders.
”Alright.”