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

The following day, Jiang Sese returned to the Duke of Dingguo's mansion as instructed.

In the afternoon, Xie Jue's carriage arrived on time in front of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion.

The two were already engaged, so Jiang Sese got directly into Xie Jue's carriage. Xie Jue pulled Jiang Sese into the carriage, naturally putting his arm around her waist and pulling her into his lap.

Jiang Sese: ...

She discovered that Xie Jue, who was always law-abiding in the book, was not actually that law-abiding.

Having a soft, fragrant woman in his arms was indeed a rare experience, but Xie Jue had something else on his mind.

Originally, he was unwilling to expose these court infightings and blood feuds to her. Some of the private disputes were unknown to her, which made things safer for her.

The matter concerning the Zheng family is different in importance.

Although she didn't ask him directly, he felt he should explain it to her clearly.

"This matter involves the Duke of Zheng..."

Xie Jue pondered for a moment, and before he could even begin, Jiang Sese interrupted, "I already know. You have a grudge against the Duke of Zheng, but he can't do anything to you, so he targeted me instead, is that right?"

In the imperial court, conflicting stances have never been about good or evil, right or wrong; in the end, all that remains is a struggle of checks and balances, a contest of survival for each other.

Just as fish need the ocean, people need the land.

Xie Jue glanced at Jiang Sese. In fact, he didn't quite understand how the Jiang family had raised such a daughter. She seemed to understand many things very easily and with great ease, as if she were very experienced.

Xie Jue paused slightly and began to explain the ins and outs of his new policies and the enmity between him and the Zheng family.

Six months ago, he implemented new policies that cut off the Zheng family's financial resources and career prospects.

The Zheng family hated him, but they couldn't do anything about it.

Jiang Sese frowned and said, "Powerful families rely on land annexation and hereditary privileges to enjoy wealth and luxury for generations, occupying vast amounts of land without paying taxes, squeezing out ordinary people and the court's tax revenue. In the long run, the national treasury will be empty, and the lower classes will struggle to survive. Your investigation into hidden land and the reduction of redundant officials are the right way to consolidate the foundation of the country and ensure its stability. It is a good thing for the country and the people, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Zheng Tong's resentment is simply because he is unwilling to give up the benefits he has already gained."

In other words, this book is a sweet romance novel. The author's setting is a peaceful and prosperous era with an economic boom, where many conflicts are concealed.

Problems arise when natural disasters or wars occur.

Xie Jue looked at her, his eyes filled with complex emotions, and said, "I thought you would advise me to temper my sharpness."

Jiang Sese gave him a strange look: "What do you mean by 'hide your sharpness'? You're doing things for the country and its people, why would I advise you to hide it? I'll only think you're amazing!"

Xie Jue pursed his lips slightly, a smile appearing in his eyes. He pulled her closer to him, his chin resting gently on the top of her head.

He had heard countless compliments throughout his life—from the imperial court, from officials, and from his colleagues—but no one had ever told him so bluntly that he was right and that he was very capable.

He really liked her.

He had never believed in the existence of an afterlife before, but now he found himself hoping for one.

Xie Jue closed his eyes.

But then he suddenly heard her mutter to herself, and then tentatively say, "Junheng, Zheng Tong... he'll be turning seventy soon, right?"

Xie Jue's eyes flickered slightly, and he hummed in response, "What's wrong?"

Jiang Sese pretended to be nonchalant and continued, "I was thinking... for someone of the Duke of Zhenguo's status, who is also celebrating his 70th birthday, what stupid things wouldn't his subordinates do to curry favor with him? They might build him a house, give him a garden, or even secretly do something beyond the bounds of propriety to make him appear noble and respectable."

Jiang Sese pronounced the words "over the limit" very softly.

The words "overstepping the limit" may sound trivial, but they are a capital offense.

Xie Jue: "Why did you suddenly think of this?"

Jiang Sese blinked twice, her face remaining calm, but her heart was pounding wildly. She tried to keep her voice as even as possible: "Nothing much, it's just that I was thinking about His Majesty, and he seems to have a rather bad temper. Regulations are the bottom line of imperial power; whoever crosses them dies. If the Zheng family tries to curry favor with him and does something out of line, they'll really be asking for trouble."

Xie Jue didn't speak, but just stared at her for a long time, so long that Jiang Sese almost thought her little thoughts had been seen through.

Xie Jue smiled faintly and said, "You make a good point. I'll have someone investigate."