After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 15

The sudden rain had just ceased, and the white orchids outside the study window of the Xie residence were battered and scattered.

Yuan Qing directed the gardeners for a while, then stood under the corridor to rest when Yuan Zhen approached, scratching his head and asking, “What’s going on today? Are we not even allowed to report urgent messages?”

Normally, if there was an emergency, Yuan Zhen could even climb through the window without prior notice.

Yuan Qing whispered, “If you think your life is too long, you can go right in.”

Yuan Zhen switched hands to scratch his head, weighing whether the message was more important than his own life, then sighed and left.

“Yuan Qing.” A cold voice sounded from the study.

Yuan Qing hunched his shoulders and entered.

“Extinguish the incense.”

Yuan Qing complied, then stood with bowed head, not daring to breathe loudly, waiting for Xie Zhizhou’s instructions.

But Xie Zhizhou simply sat upright at the desk, flipping through some letters without looking up or speaking further.

Xie Zhizhou scanned the letters discarded by Lin Shengshen again—dense, delicate plum-blossom script, filled with genuine tenderness and affection.

After handling them for a long time, a faint, crisp plum fragrance would linger on his fingertips, just like what he had smelled before.

It had been a long time since he had caught that scent.

“Has the person in charge of household procurement changed?”

“No,” Yuan Qing replied.

“The Scented Pills in the study have changed recently.”

Yuan Qing thought for a moment, puzzled. “The Scented Pills have always been prepared by Young Madam herself, then given to Second Young Miss, who delivers them to the study. They’ve never changed.”

Xie Zhizhou frowned slightly. “Why doesn’t she deliver them directly?”

Yuan Qing said, “Right after your wedding, you instructed that Young Madam was not allowed to enter the study.”

The study fell silent for a moment.

Recently, the incense in the study had become soft and sweet, just like the Spring Message in Snow he had smelled elsewhere, with no crispness at all.

So, for years, the Scented Pills used in his study had been secretly prepared and delivered by Lin Shengshen, which was why they had that unique cold fragrance.

It had been so long that Xie Zhizhou had almost forgotten that Spring Message in Snow was supposed to be floral and gentle.

“Throw away all the remaining Scented Pills.”

Yuan Qing was taken aback. “This… then I’ll go buy some myself.”

Xie Zhizhou shook his head. “No need.”

Aside from Lin Shengshen, who else could be so familiar with his preferences? Who else could precisely recreate the previous fragrance?

Lately, she had stopped blending incense and casually bought some to give to Zhenhuan. Was she too busy?

Busy with romantic affairs with Wen Lingzhou.

Looking at the letters in his hand again, Xie Zhizhou’s expression darkened.

Had his wife written such letters to Wen Lingzhou as well?

Or perhaps…

Was still writing them.

On this long spring night, picking up a brush to pour out her longing.

“Yuan Zhen.”

When Yuan Zhen stepped inside, he glanced at Xie Zhizhou’s expression and felt a chill run down his spine.

“Investigate Young Madam’s relationship with Wen Lingzhou before her marriage.”

Yuan Zhen paused. “I was about to report this an hour ago.”

“The Wen family’s roots are in the northern regions, and they have been longtime friends with Young Madam’s maternal family, the Chen clan of Weibei. I heard that when they were in the north, Young Madam and General Wen were childhood sweethearts. Later, Chancellor Lin was promoted, and the entire family moved to the capital, while General Wen was dispatched to the southwest. That’s when they separated.”

“And then…” Yuan Zhen felt a cold shiver down his back and didn’t dare to continue.

Xie Zhizhou sneered coldly. Later, when Wen Lingzhou was promoted to the capital of Yun, the two rekindled their relationship.

“Why wasn’t this reported an hour ago?”

Yuan Zhen exchanged a troubled glance with Yuan Qing, hesitating, “This…”

“One month’s allowance deducted.”

—

As dusk fell, Lin Shengshen closed the small booklet under the lamplight and rubbed her eyes.

Summer was approaching, and the weather was growing hot. Women in the capital of Yun preferred to carry sachets, which served to repel insects, fragrance the body, and refresh the mind.

Lately, whenever she had free time, Lin Shengshen would go to Baoxiang Tower to discuss with Zhu Yu the sachets to be sold in the summer and the raw materials needed to make them.

Preparing sachets alone was not difficult, but Lin Shengshen had other ideas—

In summer, women wore lighter clothing, such as sheer skirts and sheer outer garments, which exposed more skin, so they often accessorized with gold, silver, jade, and other jewelry.

If bracelets, hairpins, beaded strands, and even earrings could be combined with fragrances and sold as sets, the profits would more than double compared to selling sachets alone.

“Baidou, take this booklet to Wanjin Tower and ask Shopkeeper Yu to review it.”

The booklet was filled with jewelry designs sketched by Lin Shengshen, who intended to collaborate with Wanjin Tower, the largest jewelry store in the capital of Yun.

As Baidou turned to leave, Lin Shengshen called her back, “Take this as well and deliver it to Shopkeeper Zhu for me.”

It was a heavy box of money. Baidou was puzzled, “Miss, didn’t you already give her money before?”

Recalling the marks on Zhu Yu’s body, Lin Shengshen shook her head, “It’s not enough.”

Baidou hesitated, unable to hold back any longer, “Shopkeeper Zhu willingly endures such hardships. We can help her temporarily, but not forever. All this money will just end up in the pockets of that gambler. Miss, let’s not interfere anymore.”

Lin Shengshen replied, “Don’t overthink it. I never expected her to change her mind overnight. People can’t be taught by words alone—sometimes, it takes a harsh lesson. No matter how much I say, it won’t compare to her experiencing true pain.”

She lowered her gaze, “But if that pain comes now… it’s not the right time. This money will keep her and her daughter safe for a while. It’s worth it.”

After giving these instructions, Lin Shengshen stood up, stretched, and went out for a walk.

Peilan followed beside her, holding a lantern.

The mistress and her maid stopped when they reached the southeast corner room of Tangli Residence.

Peilan watched the busy maids in the room and asked worriedly, “Miss, are you really going to tidy up this place for Miss Zhou to live in later?”

Lin Shengshen nodded. In her previous life, because Xiangyun Tower secretly caused Miss Zhou’s disfigurement and due to some misunderstandings at Lord Wu’s family celebration, Miss Zhou ultimately failed to enter the Xie residence.

Now, she was letting things take their natural course without interfering. She estimated that before long, Zhou Qiong would enter the residence as Xie Zhizhou’s concubine.

Fanning herself, Lin Shengshen looked around and was quite satisfied.

Lin Shengshen said, “When Zhou enters the residence as a concubine, whether she is favored or not, she can only live in the old courtyard in the southwest corner until she gives birth. That place is stuffy in summer and lacks sunlight in winter—she will surely suffer.”

“Since Tangli Residence is so spacious, I’m setting aside this spot for her. First, it’s far from my quarters, so she won’t disturb me. Second, it’s well-ventilated and gets plenty of sunlight. She was ill recently and deserves a better place to live.”

Peilan recalled the situation at Zhou Mansion that day and felt somewhat indignant. “Miss Zhou’s accommodations at Zhou Mansion weren’t particularly good to begin with. When she moves to the southwest courtyard, she should adapt quite easily.”

“Young Madam, you haven’t even consummated your marriage with Young Master Xie yet, and the Xie family is already rushing to arrange a concubine for him. This is nothing but a slap in your face!”

By the end, Peilan was so angry she said bitterly, “If you ask me, Young Madam, you shouldn’t treat the Zhou girl so well at all.”

Lin Shengshen shook her head to soothe Peilan. “Look at you, getting so worked up over nothing.”

“Precisely because I know Miss Zhou’s circumstances at Zhou Mansion that I can’t bear to see her continue suffering at Xie residence. She’s inherently delicate—why make things harder for her?”

“As you said yourself, the concubine matter is the Xie family’s decision. Why should I take my anger out on Miss Zhou?”

Hearing this, Peilan realized she had let anger cloud her judgment. Blushing, she lowered her head and said, “Young Madam, you consider every detail for her sake. I just wonder if she’ll ever repay your kindness?”

Lin Shengshen walked slowly, gazing at the scattered stars in the clear night sky. The chorus of insects and rustling leaves filled her ears, making her feel serene and content.

She found the remark rather amusing. “Why would I need her gratitude?”

[Whether Miss Zhou gains favor or remains neglected after entering the residence has nothing to do with me.]

[Though the Xie family is rather conventional, at least the residence is peaceful and well-provided. For Miss Zhou to leave Zhou Mansion and remain at Xie residence might actually be a good thing.]

[If she can bear children and live harmoniously with Xie Zhizhou, that would be Zhou Qiong’s good fortune.]

[Regardless, it’s a matter between her and Xie Zhizhou. As an outsider, I won’t interfere.]

[It would be best if Zhou Qiong wins Xie Zhizhou’s favor. When they’re deeply enamored with each other and thoroughly disgusted with me, I can find an opportunity to sever ties with him completely.]

Peilan still couldn’t suppress her anger. “Young Master Xie is truly unreasonable! They say the Xie family has centuries of tradition and upright rules, but leaving a new bride unconsummated for months—is this the Xie family’s way?”

Though she genuinely hoped Lin Shengshen could let go of Xie Zhizhou and suffer less heartache, when it came to actually moving on, Peilan still felt furious and resentful.

Lin Shengshen tapped Peilan’s head with her fan. “Silly girl, you’re so angry you’re talking nonsense.”

[How could someone as distinguished as Xie Zhizhou make do with someone like me?]

[I used to hope for consummation, but now I only wish he’d stay away. Matters of intimacy are better left for when I find a true soulmate in the future.]

“Be careful—you’re so busy talking you’re tilting the lantern…”

The figures of mistress and maid, carrying their lanterns, gradually disappeared into the flower bushes amid laughter and chatter.

Xie Zhizhou stood in the hexagonal pavilion behind the trees along the gravel path, watching the figure fade into the distance.

Sever ties completely…

Soulmate…

He never realized before that his wife was such a forward-thinking person.

In the distance, dim yellow lights glowed from several rooms in the southeast corner. Maids were bustling in and out, moving furnishings and items from the storage rooms.

She’s certainly putting great care into preparing for Miss Zhou.

That day when he said he wouldn’t take Miss Zhou as a concubine, Lin Shengshen clearly didn’t take it to heart at all—she eagerly rushed to prepare accommodations for Miss Zhou, and in Tangli Residence no less.

Yuan Qing glanced in that direction and remarked, “Young Madam is truly virtuous. It’s rare to find a wife who would take such good care of her husband’s concubine.”

Xie Zhizhou said, “Does your wife also arrange concubines for you like this?”

Yuan Qing paused, his expression troubled. “How could that be? If I dared take a concubine, she would surely be so angry she wouldn’t let me sleep in our room, forcing me to stay in the study.”

Sleep in the study…

Xie Zhizhou withdrew his gaze from that warm, yellow-lit room. “Tell them not to clean it up anymore.”

Yuan Qing looked very troubled. “But… this is the madam’s courtyard. I’m afraid…”

“Forget it.”

–

In Xie Changxing’s study, Xie Zhizhou rarely stood anywhere but by the door.

He stood before Xie Changxing’s desk, his tone carrying a faint irritation. “If Father insists on bringing the Zhou woman into the residence as a concubine, then you should take her yourself.”

Xie Changxing was so angry his beard seemed to bristle. “How can you be so ungrateful! I only arranged this because I’ve seen how miserable you’ve been since marrying Lady Lin!”

“Thank you for your consideration, but I don’t need it.”

Xie Changxing fell silent for a moment before saying helplessly, “Then what exactly are you thinking? Do you really plan to wait three years before divorcing Lady Lin on grounds of having no heir?”

Xie Zhizhou remained silent.

“Then take a concubine from a good family that you like during these three years and have children with her. When Lady Lin leaves after three years, you can elevate the concubine to principal wife.”

Xie Zhizhou sneered, “Father seems quite familiar with this matter. When Mother died of depression after childbirth, Father couldn’t wait to elevate Concubine Jin. You must have planned this when you married my mother, didn’t you?”

Xie Changxing’s face turned pale. “Nonsense! Your mother and I treated each other with the utmost respect!”

“Respect? If you respected each other, why did you keep numerous wives and concubines? Why was she depressed after childbirth? Why were you still entangled in Concubine Jin’s bed on the day Mother died painfully from illness?”

Xie Changxing took a deep breath. “You unfilial… you!”

Xie Zhizhou’s eyes instantly sharpened, like cold blades piercing toward his elegant, book-holding father before the desk.

“These years the Xie residence has been peaceful, and I had no intention of pursuing past matters. However… if Father and Concubine Jin continue to covet my mother’s position, then don’t blame your son for being ruthless.”

Xie Changxing’s face turned deathly pale.

Marrying the daughter of the Wang family of Langya had not been his wish back then. After marriage, he indulged in pleasure, particularly favoring courtesans, with Concubine Jin being the most outstanding among them.

Lady Wang had a stubborn temperament and often clashed with him. Initially constrained by the powerful family behind Lady Wang, he didn’t dare entertain other thoughts and could only pretend affection with Lady Wang to have children.

Later, the Xie family gradually restored its former foundations, and then… Lady Wang fell ill…

Disgust flashed in Xie Zhizhou’s eyes. “Cutting off her hopes back then was just a small punishment. If she dares entertain improper thoughts again in the future, she should watch her life.”

Xie Changxing looked at the person before him. The refined gentleman from before had completely disappeared. The current Xie Zhizhou was cold, severe, and gloomy, feeling utterly unfamiliar to him.

“Regarding the Zhou family, I’ll trouble Father to personally pay them a visit.”

Xie Zhizhou turned and walked toward the door.

Before he could step out, he heard Xie Changxing shout behind him, “I thought given your current situation, you would understand my actions back then!”

Xie Zhizhou paused his steps and said coldly, “I won’t become like you.”