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

Xie Yujiao's expression did not soften at all after hearing Jiang Sese's words; in fact, she felt even more resentful. She felt that the other party was clearly putting on an act and pretending to be magnanimous.

Xie Jue said, "After a short rest, it's time to return home."

Jiang Sese was a little disappointed. She had come out in such a big way, thinking that she would not go back until at least dark, but she did not expect to have to go back in such a short time.

And in all that time, she didn't accomplish anything.

"Yes, brother." Xie Huaizhang quickly replied.

Xie Huaizhang ordered someone to comfort the frightened "Snowball".

The others dispersed, tidied themselves up, and rested with water.

Xie Jue dismounted and said to Xie Yujiao, "Yujiao, come with me."

Xie Yujiao stiffened, bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately dared not disobey. She lowered her head and slowly moved towards Xie Jue.

The two stood a little distance apart to talk, but did not leave the sight of others. Even cousins ​​should avoid suspicion, especially since they were both grown up.

Xie Yujiao lowered her eyes, not daring to look Xie Jue in the eye.

Even if this older brother was exceptionally handsome and the object of desire for countless noble ladies in the capital, in Xie Yujiao's heart, this older brother was nothing but terrifying.

Xie Yujiao called out softly, "Big brother."

Xie Yujiao was indignant, wondering what Xie Jue wanted her to do now. Hadn't she already apologized? What more did her older brother want?

Xie Jue glanced at Xie Yujiao and asked, "Are you feeling resentful?"

Xie Yujiao suddenly looked up, her eyes still red, with the hurt of having her secret exposed: "Big brother, I..."

"Do you think I'm biased towards outsiders?" Xie Jue spoke for Xie Yujiao, revealing her true feelings.

Xie Yujiao didn't say anything, but the resentment in her eyes said it all.

Xie Jue suddenly said, "The selection of the Crown Prince's consort has not yet been finalized."

Xie Yujiao's body trembled slightly as she looked at Xie Jue with a mixture of surprise and suspicion.

Xie Jue said calmly, "If word gets out about today's events, what do you think people will say? Will they praise the free-spirited and straightforward nature of my Xie family's daughter, or will they say you are arrogant, domineering, and utterly intolerant?"

Xie Yujiao bit her lip, her eyes flickering, and remained silent.

Xie Jue said, "Do you know how many eyes in the capital are eyeing the position of the Crown Princess? If your actions today are used by those with ulterior motives to exaggerate and say that you, as the legitimate daughter of the Xie family, are of bad character and bully your weak cousin, and this reaches the Emperor's ears, do you think the Emperor will like you?"

If the emperor dislikes something, the princes dare not like it either.

A subject should follow the ruler's preferences and dislike what the ruler dislikes.

The princes were no exception.

Sometimes, even princes are less favored than their subjects.

Xie Jue: "His Majesty detests arrogant and noble individuals and values ​​a family with a pure and upright tradition. The Xie family's reputation has lasted for a century. If you were to tarnish the family's honor due to a moment of anger and displease His Majesty, do you think the princes would still consider having such a concubine?"

Hearing Xie Jue's words, Xie Yujiao involuntarily pursed her lips.

She was only thinking about venting her anger and embarrassing Jiang Sese. She never thought that this lash would affect the marriage that she cared about most.

Xie Yujiao was pampered by Madam Wang and grew up without any worries. The only thing she cared about was her marriage.

For a woman, getting married is like being reborn.

No one can be sure if they will have a happy marriage.

This is also why Xie Yujiao dislikes Jiang Sese.

If she had Jiang Sese's beauty, plus her status, what woman wouldn't she marry? What man wouldn't she be able to win over?

Xie Yujiao despised Jiang Sese's background and was also jealous of Jiang Sese's beauty.

I felt that with her face, she was born to be someone's concubine.

At the same time, she secretly resented that this face wasn't born on her own.

But after hearing Xie Jue's words, Xie Yujiao realized that she had been stubborn. Why was she arguing with Jiang Sese? Jiang Sese was beautiful, but that was all.

The two have absolutely no conflict of interest.

Her opponent was not Jiang Sese.

The husband she chooses is someone Jiang Sese could never even dream of.

The man would never be interested in someone like Jiang Sese.

Taking a concubine only requires judging her appearance.

But when it comes to marriage, one should not only marry a virtuous woman, but also a woman who can help one.

Her current taunts and sarcastic remarks towards Jiang Sese only bring her personal pleasure, but also do her no good.

But what's the point of enjoying this momentary pleasure?

Xie Jue watched Xie Yujiao's constantly changing expression, his tone remaining unchanged: "I'm asking you to apologize not to show favoritism, but to remind you that as a daughter of the Xie family, your every word and action represents the family's reputation. A small act of impatience can ruin a great plan. A true noblewoman knows when to advance and retreat, understands what to choose and what to discard, and is clear about the consequences. Compared to the family's future and your own desires, which is more important, a momentary squabble of pride?"

These words were like a sudden awakening.

Xie Yujiao had previously thought her older brother was strict and unapproachable, but now she truly understood his intention to care for her.

Xie Yujiao quickly bowed to Xie Jue and said gratefully, "Yujiao understands, thank you for your guidance, elder brother. It was Yujiao who was foolish. Yujiao will definitely be careful with her words and actions in the future and will never be so reckless and willful again."

Xie Yujiao's tone this time was completely different from when she was forced to apologize. She was completely convinced and showed no resentment.

Xie Jue then said, "Remember what I said today, now go."

Xie Yujiao bowed deeply again, then turned and left.

Xie Jue's gaze swept lightly over Jiang Sese, who was secretly watching them from a distance, before shifting away.

Jiang Sese's gaze kept drifting towards Xie Jue and Xie Yujiao.

Seeing Xie Yujiao walk away, Xie Jue stood alone under the shade of the trees, his profile appearing even more cold and profound in the dappled light and shadow.

Jiang Sese's heart fluttered.

This is a great opportunity to boost my favorability with her!

After today, who knows when I'll see Xie Jue again?

However, Jiang Sese really didn't have the courage to approach the Wenquxing (a star in Chinese literature) who had been chosen by the imperial brush with cinnabar.

He doesn't appear much in the book; in the early parts, he's only mentioned by his identity and name. The later parts about him are only written for the sake of the female lead, Xie Yihua, showing how he goes to great lengths and schemes for her.

A female supporting character tried to compete with Xie Yihua for Chu Shaoyuan, but Xie Jue dealt with her calmly and without making a sound.

Chu Shaoyuan and Xie Yihua had a misunderstanding and quarreled, and it was Xie Jue who helped them clear up the misunderstanding.

After Chu Shaoyuan got into trouble after their marriage, it was the female lead who went home to find Xie Jue, and only then did Xie Jue manage to get her brother-in-law out of jail.

The comments section is full of people saying that Xie Jue is the biggest fan of the "Yuan Hua" CP.

If the book had described Xie Jue more, Jiang Sese might not have been so intimidated. The less Xie Jue was described in the book, the less she understood the character.

Jiang Sese was having a mental battle when she suddenly saw Xie Jue glance in her direction.

Jiang Sese's heart skipped a beat, and in a moment of impulsiveness, she quickly walked towards Xie Jue.

Green Calyx didn't know that Jiang Sese had gone to Xie Jue, and subconsciously followed her.

As she got closer to Xie Jue, Lü'e's face turned pale, her legs went weak, and she glanced at Jiang Sese with a look of horror.

Good heavens, what is this girl doing?

Jiang Sese stopped a few steps away from Xie Jue, curtsied gracefully, and said in a soft, sweet voice with a hint of gratitude, "Big Cousin."

Upon hearing this, Xie Jue turned his gaze indifferently and it landed on her.

Jiang Sese felt a slight tightness in her chest when he looked at her.

She was like a mortal who had stumbled into a temple, enshrined high above, and glanced down at by a god who was untouched by the dust of the world.

Meeting Xie Jue's gaze, Jiang Sese began to ramble incoherently, saying whatever came to mind: "Thank you so much, cousin, for upholding justice and clearing up the misunderstanding with cousin Yu Jiao. If it weren't for your keen observation, I'm afraid I would have suffered injustice today."

"My cousin's outfit today is so elegant and sophisticated, it even gives off a fierce vibe, it looks great!"