After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 12

Mist curled over the Jade Capital River, and cold raindrops dampened the hem of Lin Shengshen’s skirt. She accepted the silk handkerchief Peilan handed her and wiped her tears again.

Xie Zhizhou hadn’t followed her out. In the deep night, Lin Shengshen gazed at the distant fishing lights along the shore, reminiscing about the past.

On their wedding night, she had been in pain.

Lin Shengshen thought all women in the world experienced this, though in the erotic pictures she had secretly glimpsed, both men and women appeared ecstatic.

The day after their wedding night, Xie Zhizhou didn’t show up. It was Xie Zhenhuan who personally made sweet soup and stayed with her.

Half a month after their wedding night, Lin Shengshen saw Xie Zhizhou for the first time. Though afraid of pain and shy, she mustered her courage and asked, “Husband, please rest at Tangli Residence tonight. At that time, Xie Zhizhou tilted his head to look down at her, his expression meaningful: “I thought you wouldn’t want to.”

It was only over a year later that she gradually understood Xie Zhizhou’s expression at that moment. He was making her back down, in such an icy manner.

Xie Zhizhou was always meticulous in his official duties, highly trusted by His Majesty. Outside, he enforced laws impartially and investigated matters thoroughly, earning the respect of everyone in the capital.

But only with Lin Shengshen was he arrogant, distant, pouring all his difficulties and impatience onto her alone.

In the past, trapped in the swamp of affection, she hadn’t felt the bitterness. Now, with a clear mind looking back, Lin Shengshen only felt an indescribable frustration lingering in her heart.

Where was the notion of sincerity for sincerity? Love itself was unfair.

The rain gradually grew heavier, and Lin Shengshen felt cold.

Peilan held an umbrella behind her, not daring to ask a single question.

“Go, hurry Yuan Qing along, tell him to be quicker.” Lin Shengshen wiped away her tears and walked under the carved eaves to shelter from the rain as the chilly wind rustled.

Peilan, holding an umbrella and lifting her skirt, descended the wooden steps and saw Yuan Qing rowing with great effort.

“What exactly happened? Did the young master say anything?”

Yuan Qing wiped the rain from his face and shook his head. “I didn’t even get to see the young master.”

Peilan sighed deeply. “No matter what, let’s get to shore quickly.”

Yuan Qing nodded. “The young master said the same.”

The fish-shaped lanterns still glowed, the music of strings and flutes still drifted, and the shore was as lively as before, as if everything had returned to how it was an hour earlier.

In the cold spring night rain, the painted boat’s latticed windows were wide open, letting in the drizzle and cool breeze.

Xie Zhizhou sat at the table. Even though Lin Shengshen had long since left, her fragrance still lingered around him.

The instinctual urges of his body had been warring with rational restraint for some time.

Fresh red blood welled from two small bite marks on the fingertip that had been dampened by Lin Shengshen’s lips.

Xie Zhizhou’s arm muscles tensed as he brought the fingertip to his lips.

The taste of blood mixed with the sweetness of the cheese pudding spread in his mouth—this bowl of cheese pudding was unexpectedly sweet.

Then what must the taste of Lin Shengshen’s moist, rosy lips be like? And her snow-white skin, dampened by the cheese pudding…

A low gasp escaped uncontrollably from his throat.

Xie Zhizhou knew Lin Shengshen was not far away.

The painted boat drifted on the river. If he wished, on this dark, cold, rainy night, where could Lin Shengshen possibly hide?

But she was unwilling.

So he must not think of it.

The scissors used to trim the lamp wick on the incense table nearby were picked up by a hand with bulging veins and, without hesitation, stabbed into his other arm.

Flesh tore open, assaulted by the cold wind like shattered ice shards densely piercing the steaming wound.

Impulse and madness were thus restrained.

Amid the gushing blood, the overwhelming redness, and the heart-piercing pain, Xie Zhizhou’s expression remained calm, his mind filled with the tears at the corner of Lin Shengshen’s eyes and the faintly stinging slap.

The painted boat advanced with the wind, and a low owl call echoed across the quiet river.

As soon as the boat reached shore, Lin Shengshen, supported by Peilan, boarded the carriage.

“Let’s go.”

The coachman outside delayed setting off.

Lin Shengshen angrily said, “Is Xie Zhizhou the only master in the Xie residence?!”

“Peilan! Go hire a carriage from the street! We don’t need to use the Xie family’s carriage after all!”

Before she finished speaking, the coachman hurriedly urged the horses onward toward the Xie residence.

Yuan Qing waited outside the painted boat for a long time before Xie Zhizhou finally emerged through the heavy curtain of rain.

His attire was proper, his posture as steadfast as a pine in the wind, and even the silver crown on his head was not askew—nothing like someone who had just quarreled with his wife.

But as he drew closer, Yuan Qing noticed something amiss: the dark red blood staining the left sleeve, the slightly pale face.

And the voice, hoarse and heavy: “Has the mistress returned to the residence?”

Listening carefully, it was not a question but a statement made with prior certainty.

Yuan Qing replied yes.

Then he lowered his head, not daring to look further or ask where the blood came from. The mistress’s dress, though disheveled, was neither torn nor stained with blood—this blood must be the young master’s.

The couple had boarded the painted boat cheerfully, yet when they disembarked, one still had tear-streaked cheeks, the other was covered in blood. What exactly had happened? Yuan Qing couldn’t figure it out no matter how hard he thought.

“Return to the residence.”

In the Xie residence study, the lamps were relit. By the time Yuan Qing brought in a copper basin, emptied the bloody water, and returned, Xie Zhizhou had already tended to his wound.

It was a jagged scissor wound, uneven in depth, revealing the unsettled state of mind of the person holding the scissors. The cut was long and wide, showing how ruthless the person had been.

How dare Young Madam injure the young master like this?

Usually, Young Madam was always smiling and hovering around the young master. What could have happened to make the gentle and amiable Young Madam resort to such cruelty?

Too curious to hold back, Yuan Qing spoke up, “Young Master, what happened?”

Xie Zhizhou took off his blood-stained outer robe and walked toward the bathhouse, answering nonchalantly, “Have you never quarreled with your wife at home?”

Yuan Qing took the outer robe. “I have…”

But never stabbed anyone with scissors.

Xie Zhizhou paused mid-step toward the bathhouse, as if suddenly remembering something. He turned back and asked, “Did you receive a fan pendant today?”

“It was sent by Young Madam,” he added.

“No.”

“Dismissed.”

For six or seven days in a row, the Xie residence remained unusually quiet.

Xie Zhenhuan was punished by Xie Zhizhou to copy books at home, Lin Shengshen spent her days at Baoxiang Tower, and Xie Zhizhou was busy with official duties.

Everything returned to how it was when they first married—hardly seeing each other.

But something was different: Lin Shengshen, after crying and fuming for a while that day, had put the matter behind her, refusing to trouble herself further.

As for Xie Zhizhou—

His Majesty sat on the dragon throne, supporting his forehead with one hand, while the officials below argued fervently, their faces flushed red.

“The northern regions face spring floods, and the northern barbarians are growing restless. Instead of addressing the people’s welfare, you quarrel endlessly over my household affairs—what kind of conduct is this!”

The emperor’s anger silenced everyone abruptly.

Minister Zhang stepped forward, knelt, and declared firmly, “The empress has long accompanied the green lantern and neglected the affairs of the inner palace. The noble consort has managed the six palaces for years. In terms of seniority and virtue—”

“Minister Zhang! The current empress is a model of virtue and grace. Accompanying the green lantern is to pray for the people—how dare you speak recklessly!”

“General Lin, if what you say is true, then why are there spring floods in the north? Clearly, the prayers are false, and atonement is the real purpose.”

The Son of Heaven stood up and rebuked, “How dare you!”

The ministers below knelt in unison.

“The empress and I met in humble circumstances. The events of those years have hidden complexities—how could I allow you to spread rumors here!”

After a pause, His Majesty scanned the room and noticed Xie Zhizhou, who had been standing silently nearby. His expression softened as he asked, “Minister Xie, why have you not spoken today?”

Xie Zhizhou’s expression was colder than usual, as if weighed down by heavy thoughts. He replied solemnly, “As the Young Secretary of the Court of Judicial Review, I only know how to enforce the law impartially. I know nothing of the affairs of the inner quarters.”

Minister Zhang said, “Minister Xie, you have not been married long—how can you claim ignorance of inner quarter matters?” As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully at Lin Xunen. “Or could it be that Minister Xie has some dissatisfaction with this marriage?”

Minister Zhang knew that Xie Zhizhou deeply detested this marriage and that he was highly favored by His Majesty. Now, sowing discord was the best strategy.

Lin Xunen turned his head to look at Xie Zhizhou, his gaze cold and sharp. He had a clear idea of how his sister’s life had been since marrying into the Xie family.

The atmosphere grew tense instantly. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances as His Majesty sat back on the dragon throne, his expression inscrutable.

Xie Zhizhou sneered coldly: “Half a month ago, this official toured Jade Capital River with my beloved wife. This marriage is a perfect match blessed by His Majesty’s decree. What dissatisfaction could there be?”

“If we’re discussing household matters… Minister Zhang just acquired several Jiangnan ‘slender horses’ the other day. I’m afraid you’ve been reveling night after night, even forgetting to review the memorials about the northern spring flood sacrifices and prayers.”

The crowd gasped in shock.

Xie Zhizhou was typically reticent and aloof, never engaging in public disputes. Yet now…

Was he doing this to curry favor with the Lin family, or was he pressured by His Majesty?

Zhang Cheng stammered angrily, “You… you’re talking nonsense!”

His Majesty intervened timely: “Investigate! Investigate this for me!”

“Ministers, continue discussing the northern spring flood matters.”

Those who had been clamoring about the empress’s deposition fell silent, their efforts thwarted before they began.

Outside Zhonghua Gate, Lin Xunen had been waiting early.

Xie Zhizhou’s expression remained placid as he slightly nodded: “General Lin seeks me for something.”

Lin Xunen was somewhat surprised. Previously, Xie Zhizhou never acknowledged anyone. Even after marrying Lin Shengshen, he would act as if he didn’t see the Lin family members.

“How is Shengshen?” Lin Xunen only cared about this matter.

Xie Zhizhou remained silent.

Lin Shengshen had been busy at Baoxiang Tower these days. According to Yuan Zhen, she seemed to be in good spirits.

Lin Xunen said: “This marriage was mismatched from the start. If you don’t like Shengshen, don’t torment her. We can take Shengshen back home.”

He added: “State affairs and marriage matters shouldn’t be confused. The Lin and Xie families will remain relatives hereafter.”

“She’s fine,” Xie Zhizhou said coldly before turning away with a flick of his sleeve.

–

Actually, Lin Shengshen wasn’t doing very well. Having eaten too much frozen milk pudding on the painted boat that day, then getting drenched in rain and chilled by wind on the river.

Thus her current menstrual cramps were particularly severe.

She had even canceled her scheduled appointment with Shopkeeper Zhu to examine incense materials.

Peilan brought another hot water bottle and tucked it into Lin Shengshen’s embrace. “Miss, keep warm with this first. I’ll go make you a bowl of brown sugar water.”

As Peilan hurried away, Lin Shengshen called her back.

“Remember to add an egg!”

Peilan laughed seeing how she still remembered to eat despite her pale, pained expression. “Alright!”

Collapsed on her bed, Lin Shengshen calculated the information she’d recently obtained.

Since returning from the southwest, Wen Lingzhou had been stationed in the capital. Recently, he was appointed Deputy Commander of the Palace Command.

Being in the capital naturally made meetings more convenient.

Many things had changed in this lifetime. She couldn’t predict how things would unfold, but investigating both the Consort’s birthday poisoning incident and Xu Wulin’s city betrayal were definitely correct approaches.

She needed to find an opportunity to meet Wen Lingzhou.

Three years apart—did he still remember their childhood friendship?

“Miss, the master requests your presence,” Baidou called from outside the door.

Old Man Xie? What does he want from me?

Certainly nothing good.

“Tell him I’m unwell and won’t be going.”

–

The familiar sandalwood fragrance filled the air again. Xie Zhizhou, unaccustomed to the scent, stood closer to the doorway.

Xie Changxing held a Book of Songs, seated before his desk.

“Your father knows marrying the Lin girl wasn’t your wish, nor do I wish to see you despondent.”

Xie Zhizhou remained silent.

Xie Changxing continued speaking: “You had no choice in your wife, but you can carefully select your concubines.”

“Although the Zhou family holds minor office, they have the advantage of simple family relations. Lord Zhou is cautious and honest.”

“I’ve already settled with him recently. Next month, we’ll take the Zhou family’s Third Miss as your concubine.”

Xie Zhizhou frowned and said coldly: “I have no intention of taking a concubine.”

Xie Changxing set down the Book of Songs and said meaningfully, “You still haven’t consummated your marriage with the Lin girl—do you think I don’t know why?”

“If you don’t like her, then just pick another one.”

“The Xie family has been passed down for a hundred years. I only have you, my son—you should devote yourself to continuing the family line.”

Upon hearing this, Xie Zhizhou sneered, “Continuing the family line? Father has many concubines—this task should be left to you.”

“You! How dare you be so insolent!” Xie Changxing refused to engage in a war of words with Xie Zhizhou.

“You’re still young. As time goes on, you’ll naturally understand the balance between wives and concubines.”

“Lady Zhou is quite beautiful and has a gentle temperament—much more obedient and sensible than the Lin girl. Once she enters the household, she can temper Lin’s sharpness.”

Xie Zhizhou said resolutely, “I will not take a concubine.”

After saying this, he turned to leave.

Suddenly, a servant hurried in from the doorway and reported, “Lady Lin says she is unwell and will not be coming.”

Xie Changxing’s face darkened. “Just a few days ago, she was running around outside the residence, flaunting herself in public. Why is she suddenly claiming illness today when summoned for discussion?”

“Go and fetch her again!”

The servant accepted the order and retreated from the room, but just as he was about to leave, Xie Zhizhou stopped him. “Wait.”

“Since I do not agree to taking a concubine, calling her here is pointless.”

Xie Changxing said impatiently, “For all their boasting about proper family values and strict rules, the Lin family has raised such a disrespectful daughter!”

Xie Zhizhou glanced sideways at Xie Changxing and said coldly to the servant, “Since my wife is unwell, do not disturb her.”

“The Book of Songs is useless—Father would do better to read more of Mencius.”

Only when Xie Zhizhou had already stepped away did Xie Changxing realize the veiled sarcasm in his words. Enraged, he threw the Book of Songs to the ground and shouted, “The matter of taking a concubine can wait, but you must not neglect your duty to continue the family line!”

Inside Tangli Residence, the fragrance of pear-blossom incense drifted gently from the bed curtains.

Lin Shengshen drank warm sweet water and groaned softly under the covers.

“No, it hurts too much. Peilan, go fetch the physician.”

In the past, the pain had only been a faint stirring in her lower abdomen, but now it was ten, a hundred times worse. The pain made her vision flicker between light and dark; her hands and feet were icy cold, yet sweat beaded on her forehead.

Peilan lifted the curtain and saw that even Lin Shengshen’s lips had turned pale. Startled, she hurried out to find the physician.

But as soon as she rushed out, she ran into Xie Zhizhou.

Xie Zhizhou stopped at the doorway, his hands clasped behind his back. “What’s all this panic about?”