He had never told Xiao Baoyue about Wang Tai threatening him. Her conclusion that he was a Wang Residence member might also have had something to do with his dealings with Wang Tai. Though Baoyue was now willing to help, Wang Yang still had no intention of telling her about it.
For one thing, when he had previously used Wu Qian's situation to sound Wang Tai out, accusing him of "colluding with imperial princes," Wang Tai had reacted violently. (See Chapter 166, "Countermeasures.") If the Crown Prince stood behind Baoyue, who stood behind Wang Tai? Revealing Baoyue to Wang Tai or Wang Tai to Baoyue could both drag him unwittingly into a struggle between imperial princes. That would be exceedingly foolish.
For another, he naturally could not let others see every card in his hand. As long as Baoyue did not know what was going on between him and Wang Tai, he might be able to conjure that old geezer into a card out of thin air. Holding him in reserve and keeping Baoyue guessing about his resources was not necessarily a bad thing.
Without a trace of guilt, Wang Yang said, "Given our friendship, he should help."
Baoyue turned to look at Wang Yang, a hint of amusement lifting her brows.
"Are you putting on a show of strength?"
Wang Yang's heart skipped a beat, but he asked with a blank expression:
"What does that mean?"
"To put on a show of strength is to fabricate an imposing front to unsettle others. In military terms, you beat drums and raise dust, displaying formations to sow doubt, though your battle lines are not secure and your actual forces have yet to arrive. I'm doing my utmost to help you, and you're putting on a show for me?"
Baoyue narrowed her