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

Jiang Sese was wearing only a plain-colored outer garment, with a few strands of hair clinging to her cheeks, which were flushed from her haste.

Dressed in plain clothes with black hair, fair skin and red lips, her beauty was not diminished, but rather enhanced by a breathtakingly fragile charm.

On the other hand, Xie Yujiao herself wore a newly made crimson dress and was adorned with jewels, but her face... could only be described as pretty at best.

She might stand out among the maids, but compared to a beauty like Jiang Sese, she was like a sparrow meeting a phoenix, instantly looking pale and bland.

The sour smell made Xie Yujiao feel a tightness in her chest, and her anger, which was originally five points, instantly rose to twelve points.

Although Jiang Sese knew that she was now living under someone else's roof and walking on thin ice.

But she couldn't ignore Xie Xun's situation.

Xie Xun offended Xie Yujiao because he was worried about her and was in a hurry to see her.

If Yun Que hadn't come to tell her, that would have been fine, but since Yun Que did tell her, she couldn't just hide and not show her face.

Otherwise, if Aunt Sun found out, it would break her heart.

She had no one to rely on in this household, only her aunt, Aunt Sun, was somewhat sincere towards her. If even Aunt Sun stopped caring for her, her future was predictable.

So even if it's to no avail, Jiang Sese has to come.

Jiang Sese glanced at Xie Xun's swollen little hand, quickly went over to blow on it, and asked softly, "Does it hurt?"

Xie Xun shook his head, his eyes brimming with tears.

Jiang Sese then turned to Xie Yujiao: "Fifth Cousin, although I am not very knowledgeable, I do remember that the *Elementary Learning Manual* says: 'Brotherly love and respect are the proper order of human relationships.' It is also said that elders should be kind and the young should be respectful. Xun-ge is only five years old, still a child, and even if he makes mistakes, guidance should be the priority. Fifth Cousin, as the eldest sister, instead of showing kindness and guidance, you use your power to punish your younger brother…"

Jiang Sese paused, her gaze lingering on Xie Yujiao's suddenly unpleasant face for a moment. She lowered her eyes, twisting her handkerchief in her hand, and said softly, "If word gets out, those who know will say it's Fifth Cousin disciplining her younger brother, while those who don't will think it's some bully harassing the weak."

"You! Jiang Sese, what nonsense are you spouting!" Xie Yujiao was stunned by this accusation of bullying the younger woman. Her face turned pale and then red, and her finger pointing at Jiang Sese was trembling.

"Who's shouting like that here? What kind of behavior is this!"

Second Madam Wang walked over with a sullen face, surrounded by a group of maids and servants.

Wang spotted Jiang Sese immediately, and recalling yesterday's farce, her face darkened.

Wang also learned from the maid that Xie Yujiao had punished Xie Xun.

Thinking that the fight was over, he decided to come over and act like a good person in front of Xie Xun, to put on a show for everyone, and to spare Xie Xun.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Sese also rushed to stand up for Xie Xun.

"Mother!" Xie Yujiao exclaimed, as if she had found a powerful backer, and immediately complained, "Jiang Sese, she..."

"Shut up!" Madam Wang glared at her daughter, her gaze sharp as a knife as she looked at Jiang Sese. She sneered and said, "Who do we have here? It's Miss Jiang."

"My cousin has only just recovered from her illness, and she's already causing trouble? Yesterday's events are known throughout the entire household, and I refrained from punishing you because of your illness. Instead of repenting, you're here stirring up trouble and talking back to your fifth cousin? It seems the lesson you learned yesterday wasn't enough!"

Jiang Sese was surprised that Wang Shi had also come.

This is troublesome.

Before Jiang Sese could come up with a good story...

Madam Wang's face suddenly darkened, and without further ado, she said, "Guards, take Miss Biao back and punish her by making her copy 'Admonitions for Women' and 'Inner Teachings' one hundred times each! She is not allowed to step out of her room until she has finished copying them all, so she can reflect on her mistakes!"

Several old women responded and were about to step forward to arrest the person.

Jiang Sese's heart sank, realizing that this Wang Shi was determined to use this as an excuse to get back at her.

She wasn't afraid of copying books, it's just... her handwriting was terrible.

"Wait a minute."

Just then, a clear and calm voice suddenly rang out.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a maid wearing a light blue vest standing at the entrance of the passageway.

Jiang Sese also looked over curiously.

The maid was exceptionally beautiful, with a distinct oval face that, unlike the gentle demeanor of ordinary maids, possessed a somewhat cold and hard quality.

Unfortunately, the original owner's memories did not include the identity of this maid.

The maidservant approached, curtsied respectfully to Madam Wang and Xie Yujiao, and said, "Second Madam, Fifth Miss, are you well? This servant has come on the orders of the Eldest Young Master."

Upon seeing this maid, Madam Wang's anger subsided considerably, and her eyes twitched slightly: "So it's Miss Qing Shuang. May I ask what orders the young master may have?"

Qing Shuang?!

Now we know each other.

Jiang Sese quickly realized that this was Xie Jue's head maid in the novel.

No wonder Mrs. Wang was so polite.

Qing Shuang smiled slightly and slowly said, "The eldest young master just went out and passed by this place. Hearing some commotion, he sent me to see what was going on. After inquiring, I learned that the fifth young lady was instructing the sixth young master on manners. The eldest young master said that the sixth young master is young and should be taught patiently. As for Miss Jiang..."

Qing Shuang paused, looked at Jiang Sese who was pale, and couldn't help but show a hint of amazement in her eyes.

...This young lady is too beautiful, and her complexion is a bit too much.

Qing Shuang suppressed her thoughts and said, "The eldest young master said that he asked the second madam to waive this punishment for now. It would not be too late to discipline her after she has fully recovered."

As soon as Qing Shuang finished speaking, everyone present looked at her with extreme astonishment.

The eldest son actually pleaded for Jiang Sese?

Could it be...?

All eyes turned to Jiang Sese's face.

Jiang Sese herself was also a little unsure. Could it be that Xie Jue was interested in the original owner of this body?

However, in the book, Jiang Sese was beaten to death, and Xie Jue's reaction was not described at all.

Others might not understand Xie Jue's thoughts, but Qing Shuang, as Xie Jue's head maid, naturally knew them.

If this young lady has just fallen into the water and is punished further, potentially causing her death, the Xie family's reputation for "mistreating an orphan girl" will not sound good.

Seeing the suspicious looks on everyone's faces, Qing Shuang smiled and said, "Miss Biao was frightened after falling into the water yesterday, and her body has not yet fully recovered. Although punishing her by making her copy scriptures is meant to help her meditate, going too far may harm her health."

As soon as Qing Shuang said this, everyone understood.

It turned out to be the case.

No wonder the eldest young master spoke up for Jiang Sese for no reason.

Although Wang was furious, she was surprised that her attempt to punish a junior was rejected in public by the eldest son's family.

Who is Xie Jue?

That was a powerful minister whom even the emperor relied on, and the eldest son of Princess Anning!

Xie Jue's words carried almost the weight of an imperial edict within this mansion.

Wang would never dare to offend Xie Jue.

Madam Wang glanced at Jiang Sese, then smiled kindly and said, "Since the eldest young master has spoken, then so be it. Sese, quickly thank Miss Qing Shuang. Let it go this time. Go back and rest well. If you dare to cause trouble again, I will not let you off lightly!"

"Yes, thank you for your forgiveness, Second Madam." Jiang Sese immediately bowed her head and replied, feeling a great sense of relief and relief at surviving a disaster.

Seeing that her goal had been achieved, Qing Shuang curtsied again: "Thank you for your understanding, Second Madam. This servant will take her leave."

Seeing Qing Shuang turn to leave, Jiang Sese hurriedly called out, "Sister Qing Shuang, please wait!"