Chu Heng thought of Ye Muyuâs insights from the future and shared all he knew: "That person can use some ability to make others obey him, and the person involved doesnât notice anything strange."
"This mainly happened to the palace lady who provided evidence against Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi."
"That palace lady was subjected to torture, yet her testimony didnât change. She only said she couldnât stand the evil deeds of Zhao Yi and feared that she might end up without a proper burial, which is why she revealed the truth."
"After thorough interrogation, the mastermind wasnât found."
Ye Muyu, upon hearing this, immediately had a thought: "Whatâs strange about that?"
"Hmm?" Chu Heng heard this response, raised an eyebrow, and realized his wife probably had a guess.
Sure enough, Ye Muyu didnât disappoint her, "This should be hypnosis."
"Hypnosis?" Chu Heng felt these terms were fresh; he had heard Ye Muyu mention them before but hadnât delved deeply.
"Yes, hypnosis can make a person forget some memories. Advanced hypnotists can even alter someoneâs memories. With psychological suggestions, the hypnotized person, once triggered, can fulfill the hypnotistâs purpose, such as the palace lady who, due to fear, divulged what Zhao Yi had done."
"I guess the hypnotist amplified this fear. As long as the interrogator mentioned a certain person or phrase, her inner fear was magnified beyond endurance, leading her to disclose it."
"Since itâs hypnosis, the person involved naturally wouldnât realize anything was wrong, and even memories of the hypnotist could be erased. Hence, no matter how harsh the punishment, the palace lady couldnât reveal the instigator because she herself was unaware of her own issues." Ye Muyu shrugged, explaining to him in the simplest terms.
Chu Hengâs mood was somewhat solemn: "Is this type of hypnosis simple?"
"Of course, itâs not simple. Very few achieve this level." Ye Muyu herself wouldnât hypnotize; sheâd only read similar books, "But hypnotists capable of such feats are indeed remarkable. If unguarded, one might be hypnotized during a conversation."
"But generally speaking, hypnosis requires direct eye contact with the hypnotist or other mediums."
"Ah Heng, if you enter the palace, donât hold eye contact with anyone for too long. However, the effects of hypnosis vary by person. Those with strong psyches naturally have less chance of being hypnotized, while the psychologically fragile are easily hypnotized."
"Ah Heng, I believe in you; youâre certainly among those hard to hypnotize." Ye Muyu placed a hand on his shoulder and winked.
Chu Heng helplessly rubbed his forehead: "Well... thank you for your trust."
"Haha, no need."
Ye Muyuâs eyes curved in a smile.
Chu Heng urged her to sleep; gaining insight into hypnosis was enough for his preparations.
Ye Muyu was also tired and didnât argue with him.
A good nightâs sleep.
The next morning, Chu Heng sent the memorial into the palace to Emperor Xuanming.
Meanwhile, the capital was bustling early today.
King of Huainan arrived in the capital.
Morning court had just concluded.
With Prince Rong leading the Ministry of Rites officials, heading out of the city to meet King of Huainan.
Li Chongjin sat on horseback, his slender figure upright, now exuding more mature youthful bearing, his face expressionless, leading the crowd out of the city gates.
A group waited by the pavilion five miles outside the city gates.
Li Chongjin dismounted.