After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 16

Three days later, the morning sun shone brightly.

In the Diligent Governance Hall, His Majesty’s hearty laughter echoed. “Zhang Yin is someone who tries to please everyone, yet he never expected to face retribution so quickly.”

Xie Zhizhou lowered his gaze and spoke solemnly, “The peculiar aspect of this case lies in Zhang Yin’s manner of death—a single clean slash across the throat. Unless the perpetrator possessed exceptional martial skill, such precision would be impossible.”

His Majesty pondered, “Are you suggesting Prince Su merely manipulated events from behind the scenes, while the true culprit remains at large?”

Xie Zhizhou presented the case file and reported, “Precisely.”

His Majesty’s expression shifted slightly. “Does Minister Xie possess the confidence to strike decisively?”

Xie Zhizhou responded, “Your servant would brave fire and water without hesitation.”

“Excellent! I shall entrust this matter to you discreetly. Yunjing has enjoyed years of peace—we cannot tolerate such audacious acts.”

Xie Zhizhou accepted the case file handed to him by His Majesty.

His Majesty said meaningfully, “Minister Xie, do you understand what ‘striking decisively’ entails?”

“Eradicating the entire network without leaving a single remnant.”

His Majesty nodded in satisfaction. “Minister Xie, you truly understand my intentions. I must reward you!”

Xie Zhizhou’s brow twitched slightly. After a moment’s contemplation, he did not decline. “If Your Majesty could deliver the reward to the Xie residence this evening. My wife is visiting her parents today, and I wish to receive her upon her return so we may accept Your Majesty’s grace together.”

The Emperor was greatly pleased. “Very well.”

“I still recall your visit to the Diligent Governance Hall on the day of the arranged marriage—you were solely intent on dissolving the engagement. In hindsight, I’m fortunate to have refused, lest I ruin a perfectly good match.”

Xie Zhizhou suddenly remembered that on the day he entered the palace, Lin Shengshen had come to the Xie residence seeking him. At that time, she was filled with hopeful anticipation and joy.

Lin Shengshen was clever—she must have guessed he was entering the palace to annul their engagement.

A sudden, sharp pang tightened in his chest. Xie Zhizhou bowed in gratitude.

—

Lin Shengshen boarded the carriage heading to the Lin residence.

Lighting a flickering candle, she opened the letter Wen Lingzhou had sent that morning.

‘Xiangyun Tower was purchased by Prince Su last month and has been managed discreetly by Princess Su.’

‘Prince Su has achieved remarkable military feats and harbors ambitions for the Eastern Palace.’

‘His Majesty’s intentions remain unfathomable.’

‘I know little of the internal affairs of the Qi family’s household—I fear I can offer little assistance.’

‘The spring rains have turned chilly recently—I hope Shengshen will dress warmly.’

Lin Shengshen held the letter over the candle flame until it caught fire, then dropped it into a teacup. Only when the last ember had dissipated did she look away.

After boarding Wen Lingzhou’s carriage at Zhonghua Gate that day, she had questioned him thoroughly about the current political landscape. It was only after reading this letter that Lin Shengshen began to grasp the situation.

The Qi family wielded significant influence. Since reaching adulthood, Prince Su—Consort Qi’s son—had campaigned extensively and now commanded numerous followers. Naturally, he refused to remain subordinate to the Crown Prince and was already stirring with ambition.

Yet, no one could discern His Majesty’s true intentions.

In her previous life, Lin Xun’en had been wrongly imprisoned, Xu Wulin had abandoned the northern city, and Prince Su had rescued the northern territories from disaster.

The Crown Prince repeatedly erred, while Prince Su’s popularity grew daily—so much so that he even brought down the newly prominent Lin family, whom the Emperor himself had elevated.

Had Lin Shengshen lived longer, would she have witnessed Prince Su taking control of the Eastern Palace?

Now, her brother had long since joined the Crown Prince’s faction—there was no turning back once the arrow left the bow.

The carriage gradually came to a halt. Lin Shengshen, surrounded by several maids and matrons, entered the Lin residence.

Lin Xun’en had been practicing swordplay in the courtyard when a servant reported Lin Shengshen’s unexpected return. Without pausing to change clothes, he hurried over.

Upon reaching the main hall’s entrance, he heard Lin Shengshen’s clear, cheerful laughter. The anxiety that had gripped him finally eased.

Seeing Lin Xun’en in practical short robes, sweat still beading on his forehead from his rushed arrival, warmth flooded Lin Shengshen’s heart.

“Brother, look at you not even wiping your sweat. What if you catch a cold?” Lin Shengshen rose from her mother’s embrace and stepped forward to wipe Lin Xun’en’s sweat.

Since Lin Shengshen’s return visit after her wedding, Lin Xun’en hadn’t seen her again. Back when she was still unmarried and stayed in her boudoir, she would pester him daily, and he never felt those months were particularly long.

But now, even though summer hadn’t arrived yet, the Lin residence felt empty, as if Lin Shengshen had been married off for a long time.

“Shengshen, why have you returned?”

Lin Shengshen chided, “What? It seems Brother doesn’t want me back. Well then, I’ll leave.”

Lin Xun’en smiled and said, “I wish you would never go back after returning.”

Seeing that the two had much to discuss, Chen Yuying offered a few words of advice before leaving, also dismissing the maids in the hall.

With no one else around, Lin Shengshen adopted a serious expression. “Brother, Consort Qi’s birthday is in another month. I heard the Eastern Palace has prepared a gift this time?”

Lin Xun’en was quite surprised. His sister, who used to only care about romantic fantasies, was now showing interest in court politics.

He replied, “Naturally. The relationship between the Qi family and the Crown Prince is growing increasingly strained. At the very least, we must maintain appearances for this birthday. Otherwise, unrest in the court would not be a good thing.”

Lin Shengshen’s heart tightened. “Do you have any ideas for this gift?”

Lin Xun’en said, “I’ve asked someone to find an exceptionally vibrant coral from the southeast to present to the Crown Prince.”

“No!”

Lin Xun’en was baffled and asked suspiciously, “Why not?”

Lin Shengshen didn’t know where to begin. Should she say she had lived two lifetimes and knew this coral was problematic? Her brother would probably find her a famous physician first!

Lowering her gaze, Lin Shengshen thought for a moment and said, “A few days ago, Consort Qi summoned me to the palace. I noticed her residence is elegantly simple and she seems to dislike gaudy and bright things. This gift might not suit her taste.”

Lin Xun’en paused, then laughed. “We’re already at odds. The gift is just for show. As long as it looks good on the surface, who cares if she likes it or not?”

“……” That made sense too. Lin Shengshen told herself not to act rashly and that she needed to plan carefully. She smiled and said, “You’re right.”

Lin Xun’en asked, “When Consort Qi summoned you to the palace, did she give you a hard time?”

Lin Shengshen shook her head. “Because of my recent punishment at Xiangyun Tower, Consort Qi summoned me to the palace to sound me out.”

“Xiangyun Tower? So, Xiangyun Tower is owned by the Qi family?”

Lin Shengshen said, “To be precise, it’s Prince Su’s business.”

Lin Xun’en nodded, pondered for a moment, and said, “If she summons you to the palace again in the future, just play dumb. Never show your capabilities in front of Consort Qi.”

“Of course.”

Lin Xun’en knew Lin Shengshen wasn’t foolish and felt somewhat reassured.

“Brother, we still need to carefully consider the coral matter.”

Lin Xun’en nodded. “Naturally. I need to discuss this gift with the Crown Prince before finalizing it.”

“Ah, that’s right.” Lin Shengshen asked, “I heard from Zhenhuan that Xu Wulin promised her a coming-of-age gift at the beginning of the year. Any news recently?”

Lin Xun’en thought seriously and said, “Perhaps he’s been too busy lately. I haven’t heard Wulin mention it.”

Lin Shengshen nodded with satisfaction. Good, just as she hoped.

She instructed Lin Xun’en, “If Xu Wulin plans to give a coming-of-age gift, please send him away on an assignment or give him more tasks. Don’t let him deliver it.”

“Ah? Why is that?”

Lin Shengshen smiled and said, “Just do as I say, brother.”

Suddenly, a maid called from outside the door, “Miss, Young Master Xie is here.”

“Ah?”

Lin Shengshen lifted her skirt and paced in place a couple of times, still unable to figure out what was happening. She leaned out to ask the maid, “Is he here to see Father?”

The maid shook her head. “He said it’s getting late and he’s here to take you home.”

……Lin Shengshen fell silent for a moment.

Lin Xunen smiled with relief. “It seems you and Xie Zhizhou have been getting along quite well recently. You didn’t even tell your brother, making me worry for nothing.”

“Ah, it’s not what you think, we haven’t…”

“Alright, alright, I understand. You’re already married, why be so shy?”

[Is Xie Zhizhou crazy? What is he doing at the Lin residence?]

Just as Xie Zhizhou reached the doorway, he overheard this remark. He stepped inside and nodded to Lin Xunen. “General Lin, I’m here to take Shengshen home.”

Lin Xunen felt that his sister had finally seen the light after enduring hardships and didn’t want to disturb them further. He gave Lin Shengshen a meaningful smile and said, “Very well.”

With that, he strode away briskly.

Watching Lin Xunen’s retreating figure, Lin Shengshen felt like crying but had no tears.

“How come you’re here.” Lin Shengshen returned to sit on the Rose Chair.

Several days had passed since the incident on the Painted Boat. Xie Zhenhuan had been confined all this time, and Lin Shengshen had vaguely deduced that Xie Zhizhou had indeed been drugged that day to…

Seeing Xie Zhizhou again today, Lin Shengshen felt much calmer, not as furious as she had been three days ago.

[Zhenhuan is truly bold, to have drugged someone as ascetic as Xie Zhizhou into such a state—it shows how potent the dosage must have been. Fortunately, she still remembered me as her sister-in-law and didn’t subject me to the same treatment.]

Xie Zhizhou’s hand trembled as he held the teacup, nearly spilling it.

Steadying himself, he said with a calm expression, “Since we are husband and wife, it’s only right that I come to fetch you when you visit your family.”

Lin Shengshen gave a hollow smile. “Husband and wife? I never saw Young Master Xie being so attentive before.”

Xie Zhizhou’s eyes darkened. Before?

Admittedly, he hadn’t been fond of this marriage in the past, but now…

On his way here, Yuan Zhen had urgently reported that Wen Lingzhou had actually sent a letter to Lin Shengshen this morning…

Xie Zhizhou looked at Lin Shengshen, who sat upright with her eyes lowered, sipping tea. She resembled a graceful butterfly alighting on a flower’s heart—the same delicate girl who had fainted from pain on the bed just days ago, now lively and full of energy after only a few days of rest.

Perhaps having a wife suddenly appear in his life, someone to accompany him through the long years, wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

Xie Zhizhou looked at her and said, “Since we are married by imperial decree, from now on I will fulfill my duties and be a proper husband to you.”

[It seems Xie Zhizhou isn’t just diligent in official matters—he’s equally conscientious in private affairs too.]

Lin Shengshen rolled her eyes inwardly. “In that case, since you’ve already come, there’s no need for Young Master Xie to trouble yourself seeing me back. I came by carriage, so let’s each return to the Xie residence separately.”

“That won’t do. I didn’t bring a carriage.”

[Coming to fetch someone, but without a carriage to fetch them with, is that it?]

Lin Shengshen immediately stood up and walked toward the door, making it clear she didn’t intend to wait for Xie Zhizhou.

But when she bid farewell to her father and mother, Xie Zhizhou stood beside her offering his own farewells. And when she reached the side gate to board her carriage, she discovered there was indeed only one carriage. ?

“Then how did you get here?”

Xie Zhizhou raised an eyebrow and said, “I walked here.”

[Does he take me for a fool?]

[He must have come on horseback and had Yuan Qing take the horse back!]

Lin Shengshen, holding Peilan’s hand, entered the carriage, with Xie Zhizhou following closely behind.

Watching the sway of her crimson skirt, Xie Zhizhou chuckled inexplicably—

Lin Shengshen was quick-witted and clever.

Throughout the journey, the carriage remained silent, but Xie Zhizhou’s ears were once again filled with chatter…

[I had planned to stay at the Lin residence tonight, but now that this person has shown up, my father and mother are practically pushing me to leave with him immediately.]

[Has Xie Zhizhou had too little official business lately? How does he have the leisure to put on this husband-and-wife act?]

[I should go stir up Old Man Xie and find some tasks to keep Xie Zhizhou busy.]

[Concubine Jin hasn’t been causing trouble lately either—what’s going on? Everyone should come out and make some noise to give Xie Zhizhou some headaches.]

[The Xie residence is still too dull. Zhenhuan has been confined by her ruthless brother too. I wonder if she’ll be able to accompany me when I go to offer incense in a few days.]

Xie Zhizhou held a book, pretending to read while actually listening intently.

He raised an eyebrow.

If Lin Shengshen wanted to go offer incense with Zhenhuan, he could simply release Zhenhuan tomorrow—it was a trivial matter.

[Ah, the ashes of the letter are still in the teacup. I hope Xie Zhizhou doesn’t notice them and become suspicious.]

…Xie Zhizhou’s gaze shifted from the book to the teacup, where pitch-black ashes lay, completely burned.

Was this the letter Wen Lingzhou had sent this morning? What could it have contained that required such careful destruction?

In the past, when apprehending rebel factions, if any letters were found destroyed, the person would be locked in the dungeon, subjected to whipping, branding, or even limb amputation—tortured until barely alive—until every piece of information was extracted.

Xie Zhizhou’s eyes sharpened as he glanced at Lin Shengshen sitting calmly beside him. With her delicate skin and pristine appearance, even her hair strands were immaculate—locking her up was certainly not an option…

Instantly, Xie Zhizhou snapped back to reality. What was he thinking?

Lin Shengshen closed her eyes to rest, mentally calculating.

[Consort Qi sought me out immediately after I dealt with Xiangyun Tower, which shows Prince Su has long been keeping a close watch on the Lin family. From now on, I must be cautious in every move I make.]

[Fortunately, Brother Lingzhou passed this information to me. Otherwise, it would be like walking by the river at night, never knowing when I might fall in.]

Xie Zhizhou’s brow relaxed slightly. So, the letter from Wen Lingzhou was about the current political situation?

Lin Shengshen had sensed something amiss during her palace visit that day and had turned to her childhood friend, someone she trusted, for answers…

If that were the case, then his inferences from the past few days had been mistaken.

Lin Shengshen was indeed clever—able to grasp the whole from minute details and highly vigilant. This was different from the lovesick, worldly-unconcerned image he had previously assumed of her, and it was a good thing.

However… Xie Zhizhou had served in court for years. If Lin Shengshen had any uncertainties, she should have come to him.

But since he had previously forbidden her from approaching his study and discouraged her from seeking him out, it was understandable that Lin Shengshen, having no other recourse, had turned to Wen Lingzhou.

Considering this, Xie Zhizhou said solemnly: “His Majesty has arranged this marriage, and we are the key to easing tensions between the new nobles and established families. We must not disgrace the emperor’s dignity. From now on, we should treat each other with respect and appear together as a couple. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you may also seek my help.”

[?]

Lin Shengshen suddenly opened her almond-shaped eyes, looking at Xie Zhizhou before her, feeling somewhat unfamiliar. “Young Master Xie is magnanimous and righteous. I feel ashamed in comparison.”

“I will fulfill my duties and responsibilities.” Xie Zhizhou suddenly wanted her to believe these words. His gaze was serious as he looked at Lin Shengshen.

However, Lin Shengshen sneered, “If I remember correctly, on our wedding night, Young Master Xie told me we would stay out of each other’s way. Have you forgotten your own words?”

Xie Zhizhou frowned slightly and remained silent.

Lin Shengshen continued, “I don’t want to dutifully play the role of husband and wife. I only want to stay out of your way, just as you said.”

Xie Zhizhou understood. Lin Shengshen had admired him for a long time without success, so it was normal for her to feel hurt and act willfully now.

No need to rush. They could take things slowly. Being husband and wife was ultimately about enduring through time with quiet companionship.

Xie Zhizhou nodded and said no more, burying himself in his book again.

As soon as the carriage stopped, Lin Shengshen hurriedly got out.

Just then, she saw Baidou rushing out from Tangli Residence. “Miss!”

Lin Shengshen asked, “What’s the matter? Why are you so flustered?”

As she spoke, she entered Tangli Residence and walked toward the main house.

Baidou said, “Ah! Miss, you’d better see for yourself!”

Lin Shengshen was suspicious until she walked in and saw maids bustling back and forth in front of the main house, seemingly moving things inside. She froze in place.

She grabbed Yuan Qing, who was directing nearby, and asked, “What’s going on?”

Before Yuan Qing could answer, Xie Zhizhou walked up behind her and said, “Since we’re husband and wife, we should live together. Starting today, I’ll be living with you in Tangli Residence.”

[Didn’t you prefer sleeping in the study?!]