After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 17

The pear blossoms in Tangli Residence were in full bloom, filling the courtyard with fragrance.

Xie Zhizhou looked around and found that this small courtyard had been well maintained by Lin Shengshen.

A few months ago, Lin Shengshen had still been pestering him, chattering about these pear trees. Now that she had gotten her wish and the flowers were blooming so vibrantly, she hadn’t come to tell him about it.

Xie Zhizhou looked down at Lin Shengshen beside him and saw her standing angrily under the tree.

[So many things have changed. I never thought Xie Zhizhou, who used to avoid me like the plague, would one day take the initiative to move into Tangli Residence.]

[I need to think of a way to drive him away.]

“Young Master Xie, this marriage was neither your wish nor mine. There’s no need to go to such trouble. What you’re doing…”

Xie Zhizhou said casually, “Oh? Neither of us willing? If I remember correctly, that’s not what Miss Lin was saying a month ago.”

[That was because I was blind!]

Lin Shengshen gritted her teeth and said, “I was young and ignorant back then. Those words shouldn’t be taken seriously.”

Then she promised, “From now on, I definitely won’t bother you. Just like you said, we’ll stay out of each other’s way.”

“If you want to maintain a good reputation outside, I can cooperate. But in daily life… we don’t need to live so close, do we?”

Xie Zhizhou detected the underlying meaning in Lin Shengshen’s words. She seemed very afraid of living together.

Was she afraid of being discovered when exchanging letters with Wen Lingzhou? Or was she afraid he would have improper thoughts about her like on her birthday?

Thinking of this, Xie Zhizhou curved his lips slightly.

Lin Shengshen really didn’t need to be so afraid of him.

Her correspondence with Wen Lingzhou was merely for gathering information and analyzing court situations. Naturally, he wouldn’t bother interfering with that.

As for consummating their marriage, if she was unwilling, he certainly wouldn’t demand it of her.

He considered himself clear-minded and detached from worldly desires. Had it not been for being drugged that day, he would never have committed such an improper act.

He merely wished to live closer, gradually accepting one another, so they could live harmoniously together in the future.

As the two stood at an impasse, Yuan Qing suddenly arrived to report that someone from the palace had come, seemingly bearing rewards.

Lin Shengshen breathed a sigh of relief and said with a cheerful smile, “It seems Young Master Xie has matters to attend to. Please go ahead.”

Yuan Qing quickly added, “Eunuch Liu mentioned that these rewards include a portion for Young Madam as well.”

Xie Zhizhou remarked, “It appears Miss Lin also has matters to attend to. Please proceed.”

Keeping a considerable distance between them, they walked together toward the main hall.

After listening to a series of cryptic imperial decrees, Lin Shengshen knelt on the ground, drowsy and struggling to stay awake.

“The Xie and Lin families are joined in eternal harmony. The couple is in perfect conjugal bliss, sharing hearts and minds, living up to Our benevolent intentions…”

Lin Shengshen jolted awake instantly.

[Perfect conjugal bliss? Isn’t it more like clashing head-on? Sharing hearts and minds? Aren’t we utterly disgusted with each other?]

[This isn’t a reward—it’s a warning, isn’t it!]

[A phoenix-and-luan harmoniously singing embroidered screen? A pomegranate-patterned lovebird couch? A twin-lotus-fish-playing-in-water rosewood wardrobe? And even a mandarin-duck-necking brocade quilt…]

Lin Shengshen wished she could faint on the spot.

[Why is His Majesty only adding to the chaos?]

Xie Zhizhou knelt beside Lin Shengshen, the corner of his mouth twitching. This woman was audacious—he had nearly forgotten.

After expressing gratitude for the imperial favor, Xie Zhizhou exchanged pleasantries with Eunuch Liu. “Would you care to stay for a cup of tea, Eunuch?”

Eunuch Liu knew that this Lord Xie frequently visited the Diligent Governance Hall and was a trusted confidant of His Majesty, one of his right-hand men. Not daring to slight him, he replied respectfully, “It’s getting late. This humble servant has delivered the decree and must hurry back. There’s no need to trouble Lord Xie.”

As he spoke, Eunuch Liu glanced meaningfully at Lin Shengshen, who stood frozen behind Xie Zhizhou. “His Majesty has specially granted you a day off, Lord Xie. May you have a son early!”

[…Do all you eunuchs understand these matters so well?!]

Without turning around, Xie Zhizhou could sense Lin Shengshen’s inner turmoil, like a boiling kettle screeching inside her.

After the pleasantries, Eunuch Liu led the palace entourage away in a grand procession, leaving behind a courtyard full of rewards.

“Yuan Qing, have all these moved to Tangli Residence and arranged properly.”

“Yes.” Yuan Qing began directing people to move the items, overjoyed.

Lin Shengshen stopped him. “Wait! Young Master Xie, since these were bestowed upon you by His Majesty, you should keep them. My Tangli Residence is small and can’t accommodate them.”

Xie Zhizhou smiled gently. “These were granted to both of us by His Majesty, so they naturally belong in Tangli Residence.”

[…]

[Stay calm…]

[Xie Zhizhou just moved in to live together, and now His Majesty sends rewards right after. It’s clear he’s fully aware of the situation in the Xie residence.]

[His Majesty’s intentions are obvious now: if the Xie and Lin families live peacefully, he will be pleased. Otherwise…]

[Since good behavior brings rewards, it follows that poor behavior will bring punishment. No, I must act as Xie Zhizhou’s wife for a while, or the Lin family might suffer the consequences.]

[Just like before…]

Xie Zhizhou coughed lightly at the right moment. “Miss Lin, as you can see.”

Lin Shengshen forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Move them. Arrange everything in Tangli Residence. And as for living here—you’ll move in tonight.”

Xie Zhizhou nodded, satisfied, and strode toward Tangli Residence.

“But! I want to set three rules with you.” Lin Shengshen hurried after him from behind.

Xie Zhizhou slowed his pace, falling into step beside Lin Shengshen.

“Go ahead and speak your mind.”

“First, no sharing the same bed.”

Xie Zhizhou nodded without hesitation. “Naturally.”

“Second, no interfering in each other’s private matters.”

“What do you mean by private matters?”

“I stay up late blending fragrances, reading, and writing prescriptions. If Young Master Xie can’t tolerate this, you’ll have to find another place to stay.”

Xie Zhizhou nodded. “I also enjoy reviewing case files at night. That works perfectly.”

Lin Shengshen’s eyes shifted craftily. “Third, no excessive talking.”

Xie Zhizhou looked at Lin Shengshen’s stern lips, red as cherries and moist as fruit pulp, now completely still yet—

[As expected, when it comes to court affairs and official business, this Xie Zhizhou becomes quite agreeable, unlike his usual cold demeanor.]

Xie Zhizhou rarely smiled, but now he offered a gentle one that felt like spring breeze… Lin Shengshen averted her eyes and snorted. “It’s settled then.”

[Just in time, Miss Zhou’s quarters have been prepared too. From now on, the three of us will live together in Tangli Residence. Living peacefully is what matters most.]

“…” Xie Zhizhou’s smile froze on his face.

By the time the servants finished cleaning Tangli Residence thoroughly, it was already the end of Xu hour.

Lin Shengshen rewarded each servant with a string of coins. They expressed profuse gratitude with blessings of “May the young master and Young Madam enjoy eternal harmony and bear noble sons early,” then withdrew.

[I’ve wasted my money on you…]

Lin Shengshen sat stiffly back in her rocking chair and began reading.

Xie Zhizhou sat on the Rose Chair farthest from Lin Shengshen, holding a teacup while reviewing case files.

He glanced toward Lin Shengshen. “Reading under lamplight in a rocking chair is very damaging to your eyes.”

“Third rule…”

Xie Zhizhou withdrew his gaze and said no more.

[This ancient text Brother found—why does it look like it was fabricated and artificially aged by later generations? How could Southern Dynasty Dream use frankincense? Frankincense neutralizes and dilutes the pure, crisp quality when blended—this fragrance is ruined.]

[I heard it cost fifty taels of silver… Brother, could you please verify authenticity before purchasing next time?]

[So sleepy, so sleepy…]

[No, mustn’t sleep.]

[So sleepy, so sleepy, so sleepy…]

By the end of Hai hour, under the warm yellow lamplight, Lin Shengshen’s rocking chair moved slower and slower until it gradually stilled.

Xie Zhizhou stood and walked to the rocking chair, where he saw Lin Shengshen’s face covered by the book, her hands hanging limply beside the mottled bamboo armrests.

“Lin Shengshen?”

The young maiden before him didn’t respond.

Xie Zhizhou reached out, removed the book, inserted a green bamboo bookmark, closed it, and set it aside.

When he turned back, he saw Lin Shengshen had rolled onto her side in the spacious rocking chair, still sleeping soundly.

Her disheveled hair trailed from the rocking chair to the floor, swaying gently in the night breeze from the latticed window.

Xie Zhizhou stood still, watching Lin Shengshen’s back.

He first learned of Lin Shengshen’s existence during an elegant gathering.

Burdened with official duties, he had long lost interest in the leisurely pursuits of wealthy idlers, and attended this gathering only to investigate a case.

Unfamiliar with the regular attendees, the young noblemen didn’t dare approach him, though he overheard much of their whispered conversations.

“Did you see that? That’s the Young Master Xie whom Lin Shengshen likes.”

“Aside from his good looks, what exactly does Lin Shengshen see in him? He’s as dull as a mute gourd, utterly devoid of charm.”

“If you ask me, Lin Shengshen must be blind. Xu Wei swore he would marry no one but her from the day she arrived in the capital, pursuing her relentlessly all these years. Yet Lin Shengshen’s heart belongs to the young master of the Xie family. Isn’t that laughable?”

“Speaking of which, Prince Ying Zhao Linfeng also took a fancy to Lin Shengshen, saying he wanted to take her as his concubine. But he didn’t succeed either, did he?”

“Tsk tsk, Chancellor Lin is His Majesty’s favorite. With the current situation suppressing both the Xie and Wang families, how could Lin Shengshen possibly be interested in Xu Wei, the son of a mere fourth-rank official?”

“Then wouldn’t the position of concubine be worthy of her?”

“Prince Ying is merely the late emperor’s younger half-brother. Back then, his mother was just a lowly palace maid. Now he’s mediocre and useless, all looks and no substance, with a house full of wives and concubines. Lin Shengshen would never be interested in him.”

“That girl has her sights set too high. If that’s the case, why doesn’t she just enter the palace and become a consort? Instead, she’s fixated on the Xie family.”

Xie Zhizhou listened for a while before leaving his seat.

He happened to encounter Lin Shengshen behind the flower bushes, tugging and pulling with Prince Ying.

When Lin Shengshen saw Xie Zhizhou, she rushed over and grabbed his sleeve. “Brother Zhizhou, did you receive the sachet I sent you a few days ago?”

Xie Zhizhou sidestepped and pulled his sleeve from her grasp. “Miss Lin, please maintain your dignity.”

With that, he coldly walked away.

However, Lin Shengshen wouldn’t give up. She followed him closely, pestering him relentlessly until he had gone quite far, when he spoke sharply, “Miss Lin, please leave.”

Later…

Later, Lin Shengshen sent him many gifts, all of which he returned. She encountered him by chance numerous times, but he always avoided her. Until the end of last year, when a marriage contract bound the two of them together.

Since he had no intention of having any involvement with Lin Shengshen, he strictly adhered to the principle of non-interference, never overstepping. Rather than leaving someone dangling in uncertainty, it was better to make a clean break directly.

However… Over the years, Lin Shengshen had never given up trying to get close to him, and after marriage, it became even more intense, until—

Outside the window, Peilan’s soft voice suddenly sounded, “Miss, are you asleep?”

Xie Zhizhou snapped back to reality and saw that Lin Shengshen, who had been sleeping soundly before him, had turned over again, facing him, still asleep.

Her sleeping face was serene, her cheeks like ripe peaches, her delicate brows relaxed, and her eyelashes fluttering slightly as if she were dreaming.

Xie Zhizhou opened the door and signaled Peilan to keep her voice down.

Then he turned back, hesitated for a moment, bent down, picked up Lin Shengshen, and placed her on the bed.

After doing this, Xie Zhizhou withdrew his arms and averted his gaze, instructing Peilan, “Attend to your miss and help her wash up.”

With that, he lowered the bed curtains and headed toward the bathing room.

Peilan carefully undressed Lin Shengshen and wiped her down. She was quite practiced at this, as Lin Shengshen often stayed up late until she fell asleep, and because she tended to overthink before bed, she slept deeply and was difficult to wake.

But Peilan was somewhat uncertain—what exactly did Young Master Xie intend to do later? If it were to consummate the marriage, it would be perfectly reasonable. But if that were the case, why had he been so proper just now, not even glancing sideways, as if he had no improper thoughts at all…

After Xie Zhizhou finished bathing, Peilan had quietly withdrawn and had drawn an additional layer of bed curtains, shielding Lin Shengshen completely.

On the nearby Arhat Bed, fresh bedding was spread out—

It wasn’t there earlier—Peilan just laid it out.

These master and servant are truly of one heart.

Xie Zhizhou blew out the lamp and lay down on the Arhat Bed. Outside the window, a bright moon hung high, casting a cold glow, while inside, Lin Shengshen’s silhouette was faintly visible through the layers of bed curtains.

Just as he was drifting between sleep and wakefulness, Xie Zhizhou suddenly heard many things.

It was that same elegant gathering, with spring in full bloom and camellias everywhere. Lin Shengshen was sitting on a “beauty’s recliner,” counting petals.

[Brother Zhizhou is willing to talk to me, unwilling to talk to me, willing, unwilling…]

Peilan rushed over in a panic, “Miss, hurry, Prince Ying is heading this way.”

[That old lecher! Endlessly pestering—what does he want?!]

Lin Shengshen stood up and quickly hid behind the flower bushes, only to find Prince Ying blocking her path.

“Shengshen, if you don’t care for the position of consort, then I have no choice but to catch you.”

[Such strong liquor on his breath…]

“Tell me, if I take you here and then go to Lin Zhiping to demand you as my concubine, do you think your father would agree?”

[Of course he wouldn’t agree—you’re delusional!]

“Still so stubborn? Just wait, and you’ll soon learn how formidable I am.”

[Someone, help!]

Lin Shengshen turned abruptly and saw Xie Zhizhou approaching like a god descending from heaven. She rushed forward in a single stride.

[Brother Zhizhou, the sachet I gave you a few days ago…]

Xie Zhizhou jolted awake to find the cold moon just past its zenith, while the young girl in the bed seemed to be dreaming, tossing and turning restlessly.