2 Samuel 14: Joab uses a woman to try and heal David's relationship with his son, Absalom

Absalom has fled to Geshur, the home of his maternal family, after he murdered Amnon for the rape of his sister. Absalom knows that if he returns to Israel, he may be executed.
David is torn between his love for Absalom, and his anger at Absalom's deed.
Joab wants reconciliation for David and his son, both for the good of David and for the good of the country. David won't listen to him, so he devises a scheme to get David to reconsider.
He asks a woman from his home town to go to David and present a case of manslaughter, similar to Absalom -- but not too similar.
The goal is to get David to declare mercy -- and then demand the same mercy for Absalom.
The plan works, and David eventually guarantees Absalom's safe return.
However, David's forgiveness is not sincere, refusing to meet with him. Eventually, Absalom forces a meeting, get a legal 'kiss' pardon -- but it is clear that David still can't fully forgive -- leading to the next steps in Absalom's coming insurrection.