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

She had already heard the whole story from the servants last night.

But since Xie Yihua was unharmed and Xie Jue had already determined the nature of the matter, she could no longer be too harsh on Jiang Sese.

After all, Jiang Sese was also a victim, and blaming her would only make her seem unreasonable.

Wang's question was merely a test of Jiang Sese, to see if she was truly honest and whether she would use her status as a victim to conceal or distort the truth.

Wang always felt that Jiang Sese looked alluring and that her mind must be impure.

But Jiang Sese was quick-witted and understood the probing intent in Madam Wang's words. She didn't try to hide anything, lowering her eyes and concealing her expression, she respectfully recounted the events of the previous day in a frank and honest tone, without a trace of falsehood: "Reporting to Second Madam, yesterday it was Zhixi, the maidservant of Fourth Cousin, who harbored malicious intent and pushed Fourth Cousin down the steps, then framed Sese for it. Fortunately, Eldest Cousin was discerning and cleared Sese's name."

Jiang Sese spoke frankly, stating only the facts without mentioning Xie Yihua's faults or embellishing her own grievances. She handled the situation perfectly.

Wang listened quietly, and seeing that her expression was calm and that what she said was exactly the same as what she had heard, without hiding a single word, Wang's expression softened a little. She picked up her teacup and took a sip: "So that's how it is. I'm sorry you had to go through this. It's good that you're a sensible person and haven't let this matter disturb your peace of mind."

Jiang Sese quickly put on an expression of being flattered and said, "Sese is fine, thank you for your concern, Second Madam."

Madam Wang casually gave her a few more instructions, telling her to be careful in all things in the mansion and to avoid going to places where there are many people and much trouble, before letting her leave.

Jiang Sese led Hongdou out of Zhaohua Hall and followed the blue stone path to Tinglan Courtyard.

Aunt Sun was her aunt and her only support in the Xie family. After such a big incident yesterday, she should go to her aunt's courtyard to put her mind at ease.

Upon arriving at Tinglan Courtyard, Yuehe, the maidservant of Aunt Sun, greeted her with a smile, saying, "Miss Sun, you've arrived! Aunt Sun has been talking about you."

Jiang Sese entered the room, and Aunt Sun's heart finally settled when she saw her. Her tone was full of undisguised concern: "Sese, I heard about what happened yesterday. Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself anywhere? That girl Zhixi was so heartless. It's fortunate that the eldest young master was reasonable and cleared your name."

Aunt Sun carefully examined Jiang Sese's complexion and, seeing that she looked alright, felt somewhat relieved.

Aunt Sun continued her nagging, "Sese, you must be more careful in the manor from now on. After all, the Fourth Miss is a legitimate daughter, a golden branch and jade leaf. You must never have any more conflicts with her. If you can avoid her, then do so."

Jiang Sese said, "Aunt, don't worry, I'm fine. Yesterday's incident was because of Zhixi, and had nothing to do with the Fourth Miss. The Eldest Young Master has already taken care of it."

Jiang Sese didn't want Aunt Sun to worry, so she only said the easiest things.

Aunt Sun sighed, tidied a stray hair at her temple, her eyes full of pity: "You're just too sensible. In the Xie family, it's not like an ordinary family; you have to be careful in everything you do."

The two sat down, and a maid served tea. The room was quiet for a moment. Aunt Sun seemed to have been thinking for a long time, and her expression hesitated for a moment before she looked at Jiang Sese and said in a low voice, "Sese, there is something I want to ask you."

"In a couple of days, I will go to Panlong Temple to offer incense on behalf of the Second Madam. Firstly, to pray for the Xie family's safety and well-being, and secondly, to pray for the Second Young Master's academic success so that he may pass the imperial examination next year. The abbot of the temple said that this prayer requires fasting and quiet meditation, and we will probably have to stay at the temple for three to five days."

Aunt Sun paused, then looked earnestly at Jiang Sese and said, "I was thinking, why don't you come with me? Firstly, the temple is quiet and the incense is plentiful, so I can pray for a smooth marriage for you. Secondly... leaving the manor for a few days will allow you to avoid Fourth Miss for the time being. Otherwise, I will always worry about you staying in the manor by yourself."

Jiang Sese thought for a moment.

I think it's not entirely impossible.

She originally wanted to speed things up to please Xie Jue, but she hadn't really figured out how to do it.

For now, I'll go with Aunt Sun to Panlong Temple for a few days. This will allow me to temporarily avoid Xie Yihua and also give me a chance to plan how to please Xie Jue.

Moreover, since Madam Wang had already agreed to let Aunt Sun offer incense on her behalf, it was perfectly legitimate for her to go along, and no one could find any fault with it.

Thinking of this, Jiang Sese raised her eyes, nodded gently to Aunt Sun, and softly replied, "Okay, Sese will listen to Aunt."

When Aunt Sun saw that she had agreed, her brows immediately relaxed, and she patted her hand with a smile: "That's good, that's good. I'll go and tell the Second Madam to give you permission to go with her. The vegetarian food at the temple is a bit simple, but it's quiet and peaceful."

Jiang Sese smiled and agreed, feeling slightly relieved.

Jiang Sese came out of the main house of Tinglan Courtyard and had just reached the corridor when she saw a small figure running towards her from the moon gate at the corner of the courtyard. Behind her was her maid, Yun Que, who was panting as she chased after her: "Young master, slow down and watch your step!"

Xie Xun's face was flushed from running, and there was a thin layer of sweat on his forehead, indicating that he had just finished practicing martial arts and returned home.

Xie Xun looked up and saw Jiang Sese. His dark eyes suddenly lit up, like starlight falling. He immediately shook off Yun Que's hand, took short steps and rushed over, his voice crisp and clear: "Sister Sese!"

Jiang Sese quickly bent down to catch him, carefully wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, and asked with a gentle smile, "Xun-ge'er, did you just come back from martial arts practice?"

Xie Xun clung to her, refusing to let go, and looked up at her with a pleading expression, "Sister Se Se, can you tell me another story?"

Jiang Sese felt slightly embarrassed.

These days, whenever she comes to Tinglan Courtyard to pay her respects, Xie Xun always likes to pester her to listen to stories.

She recounted all the fairy tales she remembered from her past life over and over again; she had told every fairy tale she could think of.

She never expected to time travel.

I should have learned how to make gunpowder soap mirrors.

All she could remember were familiar stories, like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White.

Now that Xie Xun was bothering her again, Jiang Sese couldn't think of any new stories suitable for children to hear.

Jiang Sese led Xie Xun to a stone bench and sat down. Yun Que and Hong Dou, being observant, brought over a food table and placed two bowls of fresh lotus and lily soup on it. Then they stood by and served.

Xie Xun took a couple of sips, then eagerly leaned over, shaking Jiang Sese's arm and urging, "Sister Sese, tell me quickly, tell me quickly!"

Looking at Xie Xun's expectant eyes, Jiang Sese had an idea.

Jiang Sese said gently, "How about I tell you two things you've never heard of before?"

Xie Xun was slightly taken aback, a doubtful expression on his face: "There are things I haven't heard of? Impossible, Sister Se Se."

Although he's just a teenager, he's a proper little master, having seen and eaten much more than many others.

Jiang Sese smiled and said, "It's a strange story I heard from a wandering gentleman when I was back in my hometown. He said he once accidentally wandered into a place called Peach Blossom Spring, and there was something in Peach Blossom Spring called a train!"