Very clever, but that wasn't how the word was used. It could easily lead to misunderstandings...
Wang Yang looked perfectly composed. "Do you think I'd explain manipulation to you if I intended to manipulate you?"
That did seem to make sense...
Xiao Baoyue pondered this, seemingly accepting his argument.
Alas, the first rule of avoiding manipulation: never readily trust a rhetorical question.
Rhetorical questions were usually a form of leading. They all seemed reasonable, but in fact guided you into agreeing with the premise yourself.
Girl, you're still naive.
Xiao Baoyue said, "I've told you everything I should tell you. You can continue discussing the Partisan Prohibitions now, Young Master. What was that crucial point that aroused the Son of Heaven's suspicion?"
Naive, but eager to learn. A child worth teaching...
"You haven't told me everything."
"How haven't I?"
"You haven't said a word about your subsequent plans. Once you've established which Southern Man tribe it is, what do you intend to do?" Wang Yang asked.
"Things must proceed one step at a time. Knowing in advance would do you no good."
Wang Yang nodded. "Understood."
Xiao Baoyue's expression changed. "You're not going to..."
Wang Yang smiled. "Learning must proceed one step at a time. Knowing in advance would do you no good."
Xiao Baoyue looked at Wang Yang, her tone growing solemn. "You asked me just now why I was memorizing the Comprehensive Study of the Southern Barbarians. I've already answered."
Wang Yang acted as though nothing was amiss. "Yes, which is why I'm asking the next question now."
"You didn't say earlier that you would ask another question." Xiao Baoyue began arguing the point in earnest.
"It's not too late to say so now."
"But when you asked me beforehand, you didn't explain that you would ask more