After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 10

On the fifteenth of March, the rain in Yunjing continued to drizzle incessantly. The plantain leaves outside the window had been washed emerald green by the recent showers.

Lin Shengshen slept until noon before waking.

Peilan led the maids in single file, drawing aside the gauze bed curtains while advising, “Miss, you mustn’t stay up late blending incense anymore.”

Yawning, Lin Shengshen dipped her hands into the basin filled with rose petals and gave a perfunctory agreement.

After soaking her hands in warm water and washing her face, Lin Shengshen finally felt more awake. Staring blankly at the room full of maids, she asked, “What’s going on? Why such a grand production?”

Xie Zhenhuan’s voice approached from afar, “Sister-in-law, have you forgotten? Today is brother’s birthday!”

“You’ve been so busy lately, so I’ve picked out your dress and accessories for you.”

Speaking cheerfully, Xie Zhenhuan went to a maid’s side and lifted up a colorful embroidered pleated skirt, “See? Isn’t it lovely?”

Lin Shengshen nearly rolled her eyes and went back to sleep.

What a thoughtful little sister indeed.

Lin Shengshen forced a dry laugh, “It’s quite nice indeed.”

Before she could say more, Xie Zhenhuan had already pulled her to sit before the moon-palace gilded dressing mirror.

Seeing Xie Zhenhuan bustling about in the mirror’s reflection, Lin Shengshen sighed inwardly. Fine, let her have her way.

When Xie Zhenhuan eventually discovered after all her enthusiastic preparations that her brother wouldn’t be coming at all, she’d probably give up.

With this thought, Lin Shengshen relaxed, leaning back in the cloud-inlaid chair to rest with closed eyes.

Better to get more sleep than waste energy on Xie Zhizhou.

After applying rose cream and jade complexion powder to Lin Shengshen’s face, then adding lip color and peach blossom powder, Xie Zhenhuan looked left and right before selecting a floral decoration.

Lin Shengshen’s eyebrows were perfectly shaped without needing any kohl pencil, and her complexion was naturally radiant without requiring rouge. Thus Xie Zhenhuan soon finished her work.

“Sister-in-law?”

The reflection in the mirror slowly opened its eyes – an oval face with dewy, expressive almond eyes, full translucent vermilion lips, cheeks faintly pink like a bashful maiden, and a delicate upturned nose, all creating an exceptionally lively appearance.

Xie Zhenhuan couldn’t contain her excitement.

Although her brother was already outstanding among Yunjing’s young gentlemen, with countless families over the years seeking marriage proposals or making inquiries,

Xie Zhenhuan still felt that being able to marry such a peerless beauty as her sister-in-law was truly her brother’s great fortune.

In her previous life before death, Lin Shengshen had been long afflicted by illness – not to mention applying makeup, she hadn’t even bothered much about clothing.

Now seeing her reflection, she momentarily lost herself in contemplation.

When she regained awareness, Xie Zhenhuan had already dressed her in that skirt. Her figure was graceful, the hem fluttering elegantly with each step, accompanied by wafts of fragrance that drew continuous admiration from Xie Zhenhuan.

Lin Shengshen gazed at her reflection, “Such a beautiful dress, what a pity…” Pity it wasn’t for going out to enjoy herself.

Thinking she was worried about today’s Birthday Banquet, Xie Zhenhuan smiled, “Don’t worry, sister-in-law, leave it to me.”

Lin Shengshen hastily forced a smile, “I’m not worried at all. Please don’t do anything reckless.”

After much commotion, it was already evening by the time they boarded the carriage. Lin Shengshen nibbled on crispy cakes to fill her stomach as the carriage slowly made its way toward Jade Capital River.

“I’ve been so preoccupied with my own affairs that I haven’t asked you yet—how was the spring banquet a few days ago?” Lin Shengshen took a sip of tea.

A few days earlier, there had been a spring banquet at the palace. Lin Shengshen had been busy visiting her maternal home and managing affairs at Baoxiang Tower, leaving her with no spare time.

If Lin Shengshen remembered correctly, nothing particularly noteworthy had happened at the spring banquet in her previous life. So, she had allowed Xie Zhenhuan to attend alone without accompanying her.

Yet these past few days, she had been tossing and turning, unable to set her mind at ease.

At the mention of the spring banquet, Xie Zhenhuan’s cheerful little face instantly fell.

“I didn’t see Brother Wulin at the spring banquet that day,” Xie Zhenhuan explained. “I heard General Lin has been extremely strict with military drills and training lately. Brother Wulin must be very busy.”

Her brother had indeed been busy these days, Lin Shengshen nodded. Even when she had visited her maternal home last time, she hadn’t seen him.

Lin Shengshen breathed a sigh of relief. Not seeing Xu Wulin was a good thing!

In her previous life, Xie Zhenhuan had married her childhood sweetheart Xu Wulin as she wished, only to end up treated unpredictably and ultimately implicated in his downfall.

Xu Wulin was her brother’s subordinate. In her previous life, her brother had been implicated in the Consort’s birthday incident, and Xu Wulin had taken his place as the vanguard to lead troops against the northern barbarians.

But for some reason, when the situation was favorable in the northern territories, he abandoned three cities in succession. If Prince Su hadn’t arrived in time, the northern lands would likely have been bathed in blood and suffering.

No matter what, Xu Wulin was definitely not a suitable match for Xie Zhenhuan.

Lin Shengshen probed cautiously, “The Xu family was confiscated and exiled because of the Yingzhou flood incident back then. Now, with no elders to support them, I’m afraid it’s not a good match. Zhenhuan, are you really sure about this?”

Xie Zhenhuan said firmly, “Brother Wulin is diligent and hardworking. He’s been accumulating military merits over the years and rising step by step. After we marry, we’ll live well and surely restore the Xu family to its former glory.”

Then she added, “Brother Wulin told me that there were hidden circumstances regarding the flood back then. It definitely wasn’t Uncle Xu’s doing.”

“I know, Zhenhuan. But none of that matters anymore. What matters is that you are the legitimate daughter of the Xie family, of noble status, while he comes from a family of convicted officials with unstable foundations. You… you should reconsider.”

As Lin Shengshen said this, she felt somewhat guilty. When she had been determined to marry Xie Zhizhou back then, her mother had advised her, “You come from a newly prominent family, he comes from an established noble house—your backgrounds are fundamentally incompatible. If you marry him, you will surely suffer.”

But how could she have listened back then? She had stubbornly charged ahead until she hit the wall, bloodied and broken, and only when the pain tore her heart apart did she finally see clearly.

As expected, Xie Zhenhuan shook her head. “Sister-in-law, I don’t care. Status and nobility are merely worldly constraints. Wulin and I grew up together—he understands me, and I understand him. That’s enough.”

Lin Shengshen nodded silently and said no more. She understood how Xie Zhenhuan felt now.

In the recklessness of youth, we always mistake the dissuasion of those around us as obstacles on the path to love. The more obstacles there are, the more determined we become to plunge in, until finally…

Finally, we find ourselves trapped in thorns, lost and confused, unable to recall the meaning of that initial recklessness.

In such matters, dissuasion often proves useless. It might be better to go along with her for now, let her be, and gradually allow her to discover the problems herself.

As for how to make her see…

Lin Shengshen fell deep in thought.

Lost in thought, the carriage suddenly came to a halt. Lin Shengshen asked suspiciously, “How did we arrive so quickly?”

The Jade Capital River circled the city, and it should have taken over an hour to reach it from the Xie residence.

Xie Zhenhuan cheerfully lifted the carriage curtain and called out affectionately, “Brother, come on up!”

“…” Why had he come directly to the palace gate to pick up Xie Zhizhou?

Lin Shengshen decided to play along. She also lifted the curtain and leaned out, deliberately making her eyes sparkle as she said, “Hus… haha, come on up!”

[In the past, whenever Xie Zhizhou saw her, he would turn and walk away without a second glance.]

[I bet he only needs to look over once and realize I’m here—he definitely won’t get in the carriage.]

[Tsk, the noble and unparalleled young master of the Xie family—how could he possibly share a carriage with me?]

Xie Zhizhou’s gaze swept over them calmly before he turned back to continue speaking with the person behind him.

[Just as I expected! Perfect, now we don’t have to go boating. I can just take Zhenhuan to the Meeting Immortals Tower for a meal instead!]

[Peace and quiet, freedom and ease!]

However, in the next moment, Xie Zhizhou seemed to say something to the person behind him. Several officials paused in surprise, glanced toward the carriage, then bowed and took their leave.

Xie Zhizhou nodded, turned around, and began walking toward the carriage…

Watching Xie Zhizhou approach, Xie Zhenhuan happily tugged at Lin Shengshen’s arm and said, “Sister-in-law! See, I told you Brother would come.”

Lin Shengshen forced a dry laugh and completely deflated.

Xie Zhizhou had always traveled in a carriage alone.

Now, with three people squeezed inside, it felt rather cramped.

Xie Zhenhuan pulled him to sit in the middle, to the left of Lin Shengshen.

Then, as Xie Zhenhuan chattered away, she kept shifting to the right. By the time she had finished her long stream of words, Xie Zhizhou and Lin Shengshen were sitting arm to arm, while a large empty space had opened up on Xie Zhenhuan’s left.

……

Xie Zhizhou said in a deep voice, “Return to your own seat.”

Xie Zhenhuan picked up her teacup awkwardly and took a guilty sip. “Which side? Aren’t I already in my own seat?”

Lin Shengshen could feel the warmth of Xie Zhizhou’s arm against her left arm, and a shiver ran down her spine. She abruptly stood up.

“It’s fine, I’ll sit over here!”

As she moved to step toward the right side of Xie Zhenhuan, before she could take a single step, Xie Zhenhuan’s teacup tilted, and the tea accidentally spilled over the empty seat.

Xie Zhenhuan said apologetically, “Oh dear, it’s all my carelessness…”

[You’re ruthless…]

Lin Shengshen sat back down in her original spot.

Whether it was because Xie Zhenhuan had shifted even further to the right, she and Xie Zhizhou were now squeezed even closer together.

Through the thin fabric of their clothes, she could feel the firmness of Xie Zhizhou’s arm and the cool, distant aura emanating from him.

For a moment, none of the three spoke. Lin Shengshen simply closed her eyes and pretended to doze off.

[Xu Wulin is no good person at all. I need to find a chance to investigate his background—I can’t let Zhenhuan marry him without knowing the truth.]

Xie Zhizhou glanced sideways at Lin Shengshen, who had her eyes closed as if resting.

She was still concerned about Zhenhuan’s marriage.

He and Zhenhuan had lost their mother at a young age. If no one took charge of Zhenhuan’s marriage, it would fall to Concubine Jin to handle. But Concubine Jin had vile intentions and would certainly not treat Zhenhuan well.

Xie Zhizhou had originally planned to take charge of his sister’s marriage himself once he finished his current busy period.

He hadn’t expected that Lin Shengshen, who had only recently married into the Xie family, would already be so attentive to Xie Zhenhuan’s marriage prospects.

No wonder Zhenhuan had been overjoyed every day since his marriage, frequently visiting Tangli Residence to accompany Lin Shengshen. Their relationship was excellent.

[Men are fickle and always crave novelty. Perhaps I should find an excuse to have my brother send Xu Wulin a few beautiful concubines?]

[Ah, no, my brother definitely wouldn’t agree. He might even scold me if he knew what I was thinking.]

[What should I do?]

Xie Zhizhou glanced at Lin Shengshen and saw her delicate brows tightly furrowed. The red fish lanterns from the street, flickering through the gaps of the swaying carriage curtain, cast shifting patterns across her cheeks.

Xie Zhizhou was squeezed even closer to Lin Shengshen by Xie Zhenhuan. Watching her silently lean away, he inexplicably raised his arm and slowly moved to wrap it around her shoulder…

Since they were husband and wife, some intimacy was inevitable. Though Xie Zhizhou felt extremely uncomfortable with this, he still gradually…

“We’ve arrived,” the coachman’s voice rang out at just the right moment.

Lin Shengshen practically sprang up from the cushioned seat and was the first to step out of the carriage, murmuring as if reluctant to leave, “We’re here already?”

[Finally, we’ve arrived!]

[Did the coachman take a detour? Why did it take so long?]

[It’s completely dark outside!]

[I’m finally out. Sitting next to Xie Zhizhou made me feel so uneasy—does this man have thorns growing on him?]

Xie Zhizhou casually lowered his arm, his fingertips still tingling with the lingering sensation of Lin Shengshen’s hair brushing against them.

“Sister-in-law, wait for my brother!”

Xie Zhenhuan quickly got out of the carriage as well, linking arms with Lin Shengshen as if afraid she might slip away in the dark.

Xie Zhizhou remained seated quietly in the carriage for a moment, listening to the bustling noise outside while gazing at the hand Lin Shengshen’s hair had just grazed…

What was he doing?

–

Countless fish lanterns hung around the Painted Boat. Though not particularly large, its interior was lavishly decorated, with boatmen and several maids waiting outside.

Xie Zhenhuan instructed, “There’s no need for any of you to accompany us. We’ll enjoy ourselves on our own.”

The maids and boatmen bowed their heads and disembarked.

Inside the boat, colorful silk decorations adorned the space, and golden lamps shone brilliantly. A low crane-knee table was laden with delicacies and fine wine.

Xie Zhenhuan’s maid, Yuan Qing, and Peilan did not enter, waiting respectfully outside.

“The wind is strong on the river right now, so we’ll have to dock for a while before setting off. Brother, sister-in-law, shall we eat first?”

Lin Shengshen nodded listlessly and went straight to sit at the table.

Xie Zhizhou sat beside her.

[?]

Lin Shengshen tried to shift away but was blocked by Xie Zhenhuan.

Xie Zhenhuan first glanced at Xie Zhizhou in pleasant surprise, then sat down in the empty spot next to Lin Shengshen, smiling brightly. “Sister-in-law, today is my brother’s birthday. Shall we toast and have a drink?”

Before Lin Shengshen could politely decline, Xie Zhenhuan had already picked up the wine pot and begun pouring.

Once all the cups were filled, Xie Zhenhuan raised hers and said, “Brother, happy birthday.”

[When I ask you to do embroidery, you’re never this quick with your hands.]

Lin Shengshen had no choice but to raise her cup as well and echo, “Happy birthday.”

Xie Zhizhou naturally had no reason to refuse. He glanced at Lin Shengshen and downed his drink in one go.

Satisfied, Xie Zhenhuan stood up and said, “Brother, sister-in-law, please sit for a while. I’ll go check if we can set off now.”

With that, she closed the door and left.

The two of them wordlessly and tacitly shifted toward the empty seats at the table, remaining silent.

Suddenly, the boat swayed slightly—they had set off.

Through the carved wooden window, Lin Shengshen saw the scattered lights along the shore flowing like a silver river, while the colorful fish lanterns hanging from the boat drifted across the water’s surface.

The Painted Boat continued toward the center of the river, and Lin Shengshen also saw—

Xie Zhenhuan standing on the shore, waving cheerfully…

Lin Shengshen nearly threw herself against the window. “Zhenhuan! You!”

[This child! How dare she scheme against me!]

A wave of sweet fragrance brushed past her. Xie Zhizhou stared at Lin Shengshen’s back for a long while.

He had long realized that Xie Zhenhuan had no intention of peacefully sharing a meal. Her enthusiastic bustling about was surely meant to bring him and Lin Shengshen together.

As husband and wife, there was nothing wrong with touring the Jade Capital River together like this and enjoying the night scenery.

So Xie Zhizhou had seen through it early on but pretended not to know.

Yet, for some reason, as he watched the graceful figure by the window, a thought inexplicably surfaced in his mind: This dress is beautiful—or rather, Lin Shengshen looks beautiful in this dress.

His gaze followed Lin Shengshen as she sat back down at the table, angrily eating her food. Under the lamplight, the delicate, soft whiteness of her cheeks shimmered like pearls.

[Just wait until tomorrow—I’ll teach you a lesson, Xie Zhenhuan. I never expected you to be so bold.]

[How outrageous!]

Even her inner thoughts were so… adorable?

The moment the thought emerged, Xie Zhizhou’s expression turned completely cold.

Something felt off.

Today, the sweet fragrance on Lin Shengshen was particularly alluring. Even the glimpse of her snow-white wrist as she picked up food seemed to taunt him: Come on, do it…

Grab that wrist, kiss those tender, luscious lips—this beautiful dress deserved to be torn apart, her delicate skin ought to be marked with his traces…

Faint strains of music drifted over the water with the breeze, and a light rain began to fall without warning. The boat swayed gently, and ripples spread across the river’s surface.

The seductive music, paired with the damp, rainy night, left only him and Lin Shengshen alone on the vast, empty river.

And they were husband and wife.

Xie Zhizhou no longer looked at Lin Shengshen, who was still eating beside him. He picked up an empty wine cup, his muscles tense and his throat moving as he swallowed—

Xie Zhenhuan truly was so bold as to… put something in his wine.