Wasn't he supposed to be beaten to death? Why did this powerful cousin love him so much?

Jiang Sese lowered her eyelashes, thought for a moment, and said, "Aunt, as you know, Miss Qing Shuang loves the snacks I make. I was thinking that if I could save some money, perhaps in the future... I could leave the Xie family mansion, find a quiet little place, start my own business, and make a living."

In fact, Jiang Sese's original plan was to curry favor with Xie Jue.

Clinging to Xie Jue's coattails, you can live a life of luxury, even if you never get married.

However, when she actually tried to put it into practice, Jiang Sese discovered all sorts of difficulties.

Putting aside the fact that she couldn't even get close to Xie Jue, even if she did, judging from Xie Jue's lukewarm attitude towards her that day, Jiang Sese knew that if she really rushed over to cling to his leg, she would probably be kicked away by Xie Jue immediately.

"You want to leave the Xie family? To live independently?" Aunt Sun was clearly taken aback by this answer.

Aunt Sun said, "Sese, have you ever thought about it? You're a lone woman, without the protection of the Xie family. You'll be helpless and alone outside. You'll have no way to make a living! Not to mention how difficult it will be, those local ruffians and scoundrels will surely come to bully you, a weak woman living alone."

Furthermore…

Aunt Sun looked at Jiang Sese, hesitatingly saying, "And what about your marriage? If you stay in the Xie family, your aunt will surely find you a decent match."

It's good to rest in the shade under a big tree.

Although Jiang Sese has no direct relation to the Xie family, she lives there, making her a cousin of the Xie family.

It's good to say some nice things when arranging a marriage.

If it were just because she's an orphan, it would probably be difficult.

Jiang Sese listened quietly to Aunt Sun's words, understanding that Aunt Sun meant well for her.

Jiang Sese raised her head, a deliberately bitter self-deprecating smile on her face: "Aunt, what you said is all wise advice, Sese understands it all. But..."

Jiang Sese lowered her head again and stammered, "Aunt, as you know, with a face like mine, the best outcome is probably becoming a concubine for some nobleman. But Aunt, I don't want to be a concubine."

Jiang Sese raised her head and stared intently at Aunt Sun.

Aunt Sun herself was a concubine, so she knew all too well what it was like.

The glory belongs to the mistress, and the dignity belongs to the legitimate sons and daughters. One is always inferior to others, always having to be mindful of others' opinions, and even one's own son has to call someone else's mother.

Aunt Sun was silent for a moment, then reached out and gently patted Jiang Sese's hand, her tone more gentle and solemn than ever before: "Good child, I am pleased that you have such a spirit and do not wish to be a concubine."

Aunt Sun sighed, and said with the wisdom of someone who had been through it all, "In this world, it's not easy for women. It's even rarer to know what you want and dare to say it."

Jiang Sese called out softly, "Aunt..."

Aunt Sun looked at Jiang Sese, leaned closer, and whispered, "Sese, since you have such ambition and are unwilling to become a concubine, your aunt... actually has someone in mind. I haven't mentioned it before because I was afraid you were too proud and wouldn't be interested in someone from a good family."

Jiang Sese felt a slight stirring in her heart, but at the right moment, she revealed a hint of surprise and shyness on her face.

Looking at Jiang Sese's expression, Aunt Sun continued, "He is a distant nephew from my maternal family. His surname is Zhou. He is sixteen years old this year, one year older than you. He is of good character and appearance, and he has already obtained the title of Xiucai (a scholar who passed the imperial examination at the county level)."

"I've met this child a few times. She's honest and reliable, and a capable person who can support the family. It's just that her family isn't very well-off. If you're willing to marry into the family, your aunt will prepare a generous dowry for you."

Jiang Sese's mind raced: a scholar, a poor family...

These conditions do sound much better than being a concubine, and Aunt Sun's words clearly show that she genuinely cares about her.

Jiang Sese lowered her head, feigning shyness, and said, "Aunt has planned so thoroughly for Sese, so I'll leave it to Aunt to decide."

Seeing her daughter's compliant and obedient manner, Aunt Sun felt reassured and a satisfied smile appeared on her face: "Good child, don't worry, your aunt will definitely take a good look for you. After the Dragon Boat Festival, I'll find an excuse to have him come to our house to pay his respects, and you can take a look from afar. If you think he's suitable, we can discuss it further, how about that?"

"Mmm." Jiang Sese kept her head down and responded softly.

After seeing Aunt Sun off, Jiang Sese finally breathed a sigh of relief.

As for the marriage proposal put forward by Aunt Sun, Jiang Sese didn't take it to heart.

"Miss! Miss!" A maid's voice suddenly came from outside.

Since Lü'e had gone to the kitchen, Jiang Sese got up by herself, lazily responded, and lifted the curtain to go out.

The person who came was Bitao, Xie Huaizhang's maid.

Bitao, with a smile on her face, was about to speak when she saw Jiang Sese, and she immediately forgot to breathe.

day!

The woman before me is none other than Miss Jiang, who is staying at the mansion.

Bitao didn't know how to describe it, she only knew that she had never seen such a beautiful woman in her life.

I used to think that the most beautiful girl in the world was probably like the Fourth Sister, pure and beautiful beyond compare.

But I never expected there to be such a stunningly beautiful woman.

If the Fourth Sister is a light ink painting, only those with refined taste can appreciate it, then the Jiang Biao Girl is a painting in bold and vibrant colors.

It's so captivating that once you take one look, you can't look away.

Every smile and frown, even without looking at her figure, is enough to make her stunningly beautiful.

Thinking about who might be able to enjoy such a beautiful woman's favor in the future, Bitao's face involuntarily flushed slightly.

Seeing Bitao's dazed expression, Jiang Sese smiled and asked, "Is it Sister Bitao who's next to my cousin?"

Thanks to the original owner's good memory, Jiang Sese was able to recognize the person who came.

Upon hearing the voice, Bitao jolted awake, quickly regaining her composure. She gave a proper bow and smiled, "Greetings, Miss Bitao. Our Second Young Master sent me to inquire about your well-being. The weather is so lovely today, and several young masters and ladies have arranged to go horseback riding at the Yuquan Mountain horse farm on the outskirts of the capital. The Heir Apparent of the Duke of Chu, as well as our Fourth and Fifth Young Ladies, are all going. Our Second Young Master thought you'd been cooped up at home for too long, so he specially sent me to invite you. Would you like to join us for some fun?"