After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 23

Lin Shengshen waited until another coroner arrived before stepping away from Xunniang’s body. She sat on the Rose Chair by the window, lost in thought.

She was familiar with hellebore because she had lived in the northern regions for a long time. Her grandfather had extensive knowledge of fragrances and medicinal herbs, and she had naturally learned through exposure.

But Yunjing was thousands of miles away from the northern regions. Why would this highly toxic hellebore make its way to Yunjing?

And why would it end up on the Incense Maiden Official, Xunniang?

Before she could finish her thoughts, Xie Zhizhou strode up to her. “Did you smell anything?”

Lin Shengshen knew the situation was critical and no time for games, so she didn’t give Xie Zhizhou a hard time. With a serious expression, she nodded and said, “It’s hellebore.”

Xie Zhizhou frowned; this was a plant he had never heard of before.

The newly arrived coroner approached Xie Zhizhou and reported, “Sir, the scent on the deceased has largely dissipated. It’s impossible to detect by smell alone now. I wonder if any strongly scented objects were left behind?”

Before Lin Shengshen could speak, Lord Wu’s cold voice came from outside the window, “Miss Lin, the Dali Temple is handling this case. You shouldn’t interfere. What if some crucial evidence gets lost? How would we account for that?”

Lord Wu had just been outmaneuvered by Lin Shengshen and only now realized how close he had come to being led by the nose. If the blame for Xunniang’s death were pinned on him, wouldn’t that be a gross injustice?!

Thus, he became aggressive, no longer sparing Lin Shengshen any face. So what if she was Xie Zhizhou’s wife? So what if she was the daughter of Chancellor Lin? She was just a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage, living as a grass widow. Who hadn’t heard the jokes about this little beauty, Lin Shengshen?

Lord Wu’s tone was full of contempt.

[He’s just like a mad dog barking outside the door, too scared to come in and bite. Tch.]

Lin Shengshen strode to the window and slammed it shut with force.

With a loud clatter, accompanied by Lord Wu’s yelp of “Aiyo!”, he hurriedly covered his ears outside the window. That was close—his ears were nearly caught! This little shrew!

Xie Zhizhou chuckled softly, then his expression darkened as he said, “Lord Wu, the matters of coercing a common woman and withholding life-saving funds will be thoroughly investigated later so I can report to His Majesty. Please remain calm for now.”

The person outside the window fell silent, too frightened to make a sound. Lin Shengshen paid him no mind and retrieved a lacquered wooden box from a small side table, handing it to the new coroner.

“Take a look at this.”

The coroner opened the box to find a long, brownish fingernail lying quietly inside, accompanied by a pungent, bitter odor.

Scents dissipate easily and require special preservation.

When blending fragrances, Lin Shengshen often stored Scented Pills in specially crafted lacquered boxes to compare different dosages. These boxes were airtight, preserving the scent to the greatest extent possible.

The coroner quickly sniffed it, then clipped a small piece of the nail into a silver cup. He examined it under the light for a long time before finally dipping a bit of the water from the cup onto the tip of his tongue.

“Miss Lin’s sense of smell is remarkably sharp!” The coroner cupped his hands toward Xie Zhizhou and said, “It is indeed hellebore. This substance is highly toxic; even smelling it can cause poisoning. It’s commonly used in the northern regions to exterminate pests but rarely used in medicine, which is why it’s almost never seen in Yunjing.”

Lin Shengshen curled her lips.

[Of course! There’s nothing I can’t detect by smell!]

Xie Zhizhou did not respond to the coroner but glanced at Lin Shengshen. Just moments ago, she had been tilting her chin up slightly, a smile on her lips, her eyes sparkling. But upon meeting his gaze, she instantly returned to calmness, even appearing distant and cold…

Lin Shengshen said seriously, “Since it’s highly toxic, why was Xunniang covered in so much of it? Earlier, when I smelled it, it seemed as though she had processed large quantities, leaving residues even in her hair and fingerprints.”

The coroner nodded, “Exactly. I heard Xunniang was an Incense Maiden Official. She should have known about the extreme toxicity of this substance. If inhaled accidentally, it could cause fainting and difficulty breathing in mild cases, and death in severe cases. Why would she process it herself?”

Lin Shengshen pondered the coroner’s words carefully, “If she did process it, then where did the prepared powder go?”

“Lord Xie?” The coroner noticed Xie Zhizhou’s gaze fixed on Lin Shengshen, remaining silent for a long while.

“Record these details carefully. Move the body to the Dali Temple. Have Qi Zhong gather personnel and conduct a city-wide search, focusing particularly on spice shops and apothecaries.” Xie Zhizhou’s expression was grim.

The poison had been meticulously prepared, yet the victim’s throat was slit—the powder likely remained in the assassin’s possession.

With the large crowd today, the assassin had gone into hiding after Xunniang’s death without further action. This indicated the massive commotion was unintended—likely a impulsive killing where the body hadn’t been disposed of properly.

Xie Zhizhou approached Lin Shengshen and said gently, “Go to the front hall and take Zhenhuan home first.”

Lin Shengshen instinctively took a step back.

[Why stand so close just to talk?]

Xie Zhizhou pressed his lips together and retreated a step.

Wu Zhen snorted coldly outside the window. “If I recall correctly, Lord Xie’s wife runs a spice shop in Yunjing called Baoxiang Tower. Xunniang frequented it regularly… Who’s to say this wretched hellebore didn’t come from Baoxiang Tower?”

[That scoundrel Wu Zhen…]

Lin Shengshen gritted her teeth and said coldly, “Lord Wu, mind your words. Baoxiang Tower deals in spices—how could it be connected to highly toxic medicinal herbs? Don’t slander Baoxiang Tower without evidence. If its reputation suffers, how will you compensate?”

This was no trivial matter. In her previous life, when Zhou Qiong’s face was disfigured, her mistress had suppressed the news tightly, yet Baoxiang Tower was still ruined by rampant rumors and gossip.

Now, with the poison incident barely over, if suspicion fell heavily on Baoxiang Tower again, even if proven innocent, its reputation would inevitably suffer, making the young ladies uneasy.

Sensing Lin Shengshen’s tension, Wu Zhen sneered, “Lord Xie, I’ve heard the Dali Temple handles cases impartially. Surely you wouldn’t neglect proper investigation just because it’s your wife’s business?”

Xie Zhizhou looked at Lin Shengshen. “Did Xunniang often visit Baoxiang Tower?”

Lin Shengshen nodded. “Xunniang was a regular at Baoxiang Tower. Unless something came up, she came every month.”

Xie Zhizhou fell silent for a moment, sensing Lin Shengshen’s anxiety.

He knew nothing about running a shop, but he understood how much effort Lin Shengshen had poured into Baoxiang Tower. Thus, he would lead the investigation personally to ensure no harm came to her shop.

Handling it as routine procedure to clear her name was the best approach.

Xie Zhizhou averted his gaze from Lin Shengshen and ordered, “I will personally lead the investigation at Baoxiang Tower.”

[What should I do…]

[If Xie Zhizhou leads the investigation, won’t it imply strong suspicion? If Xiangyun Tower seizes this chance to spread rumors, Baoxiang Tower will be trapped in another cycle of self-justification.]

Lin Shengshen felt disheartened. Xie Zhizhou was rigidly impartial and unyielding—she never expected special treatment for Baoxiang Tower, but must he be so ruthless?

[All that talk about husband and wife being one, about seeking him in times of trouble, about mutual respect and companionship—what a joke.]

[It’s a blessing if he doesn’t make things worse.]

Xie Zhizhou had thought his decision would reassure Lin Shengshen, but instead…

He stepped forward, about to say, “I—”

Lin Shengshen’s face turned cold. She pushed past him, lifted her skirts, and strode out.

Xie Zhizhou watched her angry retreating figure and lowered his eyes.

Xunniang’s body remained, and many details needed confirmation with the coroner. Xie Zhizhou couldn’t follow them out, and besides…

Lord Wu opened the window, glanced at Lin Shengshen’s retreating figure, and said disdainfully, “Lord Xie, the Lin family comes from humble origins. It’s normal for a daughter raised in such circumstances to lack some refinement. Don’t bother arguing with a woman. Once she’s confined to the inner courtyard, a few disciplinary lessons will make her obedient.”

Xie Zhizhou’s eyes instantly turned cold, sharp as poisoned ice. “Lord Wu, you keep such highly skilled assassins in your residence. Xunniang scratched you this morning and was silenced with a single knife stroke this afternoon. Do you truly believe you can evade responsibility?”

Lord Wu paled in shock. “Wh-what? Keeping assassins? How is that possible?”

Without another word, Xie Zhizhou glanced behind him. His attendants immediately understood and stepped forward to seize Lord Wu, leading him away.

Just as Lin Shengshen left the room, Peilan hurried over, wiping Lin Shengshen’s hands with a handkerchief while whispering, “Miss, Second Miss is in the main hall, together with Young Master Xu.”

“What?” Lin Shengshen said. “I thought he wasn’t coming today.”

Without delay, Lin Shengshen strode toward the main hall.

The main hall was crowded, with female relatives gathered in small groups, whispering about the day’s murder case and gossiping about Lord Wu’s successive concubines.

Xie Zhenhuan naturally had no interest in joining the chatter. Having finally encountered Xu Wulin today, she felt both joy and regret.

She was delighted to see Xu Wulin safe and sound after so long, but regretted that she hadn’t worn her more beautiful honey-colored pleated skirt, knowing she would meet her beloved.

Xie Zhenhuan hid behind a tree near the moon gate outside the main hall, where no one would notice.

Xu Wulin stood beside her, not looking at her.

“Brother Wulin, we agreed to meet at Qingsheng Temple a few days ago. Why didn’t you come?”

Xu Wulin didn’t even glance her way, replying curtly, “Busy.”

Xie Zhenhuan hummed in acknowledgment. “You must take care of your health; don’t overwork yourself. Did you receive the pouch I sent you recently? Why aren’t you wearing it today?” She would have been thrilled if he had.

Xu Wulin clicked his tongue, his gaze still elsewhere. “Received it.” He didn’t explain why he wasn’t wearing it.

Xie Zhenhuan lowered her head. Perhaps her pouch was poorly made, or maybe he didn’t like the pattern, so he hadn’t brought it.

After a moment of silence, Xie Zhenhuan ventured carefully, “My brother has started looking for a match for me this year. You…”

“Does Zhenhuan not wish to marry me?” Xu Wulin finally looked at her.

Xie Zhenhuan’s face flushed instantly. “I do…”

“Then you should make it clear to your brother.”

Xie Zhenhuan nodded. “You’re right.”

Before Lin Shengshen could approach, she saw the two of them—one standing aloof with a cold expression, the other gentle and blushing.

Sighing inwardly, Lin Shengshen put on a bright smile. “Zhenhuan, what are you doing here?”

Then she pretended to notice Xu Wulin for the first time. “What a coincidence, Young General Xu is here too.”

As a deputy general under Lin Xun’en, Xu Wulin naturally showed respect to Lin Shengshen. He bowed and stood straight, his demeanor somewhat proud but his actions genuinely humble.

Xie Zhenhuan whispered, her face still red, “Sister-in-law, Brother Wulin was worried about me, that’s why…”

Lin Shengshen smiled. “Of course. No one in the world worries about you more than he does.”

“Oh, I heard Lord Xu has been busy at the military camp in the suburbs these days. How did you find time to attend Lord Wu’s celebration banquet today?”

Before receiving an answer, Lin Shengshen feigned sudden realization. “Ah, look at me, I completely forgot! Lord Xu must have come because he’s thinking of giving Zhenhuan a better coming-of-age gift to make up for the last one. Isn’t that right, Zhenhuan?”

Coming-of-Age Ceremony?

Xie Zhenhuan thought of that plain silver hairpin, feeling a dull ache in her heart. Was he really here to make up for her missed coming-of-age ceremony?

She stole a glance at Xu Wulin, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Xu Wulin frowned. Coming-of-age ceremony?

Hadn’t he already sent servants to deliver gifts?

He said, “Didn’t you receive the coming-of-age gifts a few days ago?”

Xie Zhenhuan froze on the spot. So that plain silver hairpin really was prepared by Xu Wulin. What exactly was his intention in preparing this?

Was he so indifferent that he didn’t even care if she noticed?

Or was he using this to warn her against being extravagant and vain?

Whichever it was, she found it hard to accept.

These past few days, she had imagined many reasons for Xu Wulin in her mind – perhaps he was too busy with official duties and had someone else prepare it, and that person didn’t do it well.

Or maybe, what was originally prepared was actually good, but was swapped out by someone with ill intentions.

But she never expected…

Lin Shengshen heard the person beside her take a deep breath, quickly grabbed Xie Zhenhuan’s hand, and said to Xu Wulin with a smile: “Of course we received it. You’re very thoughtful. Zhenhuan and I have more to discuss, so we’ll take our leave first.”

After speaking, Lin Shengshen led Xie Zhenhuan away to beneath the flower corridor.

“Sister-in-law, why do you think he’s like this?”

[Silly girl, he just doesn’t care about you!]

“That plain silver hairpin is really ugly. I don’t want to wear it at all.” Xie Zhenhuan sobbed. “Does Brother Wulin think I’m too extravagant and deliberately chose this to remind me, so…”

Lin Shengshen wiped her tears with a handkerchief. “Is wearing gold hairpins and ornaments considered extravagant? Then the set of gold and jade hair accessories I gave you would surely earn his utmost contempt?”

“In my opinion, Xu Wulin simply doesn’t care about you.”

Xie Zhenhuan couldn’t accept this. “How could that be? Before the Xu family declined, we were clearly very close. Even after the Xu family fell, he and I, we…”

Lin Shengshen asked: “What about it? Did things get better or worse?”

[Ah, Zhenhuan, wake up quickly, don’t follow in my footsteps…]

Xie Zhenhuan didn’t answer, only cried.

After a while, Xie Zhenhuan said: “Sister-in-law, I think he must still care for me in his heart. It’s just… just that there must be other reasons, that’s why…”

Lin Shengshen curved her lips slightly and coaxed: “Alright, don’t cry. We can take it slowly.”

[Forget it, forget it. Let’s take it slow. How could she break it off completely all at once?]

Xie Zhenhuan wiped her tears and composed herself, saying: “In the coming days, I’ll speak clearly with my brother about our marriage. Since Brother Wulin intends to marry me, he must care for me in his heart.”

Lin Shengshen gasped sharply. “No hurry, not yet. Your brother is busy investigating a case recently and can’t spare the time. You should wait a bit.”

“Ah, where is my brother, sister-in-law? Why aren’t you together?”

[…Don’t mention him. Just hearing Xie Zhizhou’s name annoys me.]

Xie Zhizhou, who had arranged everything and come to see Lin Shengshen, paused in his steps.

Watching from not far away as Lin Shengshen pulled Xie Zhenhuan toward the main hall, greeting and exchanging pleasantries with various ladies along the way, appearing very enthusiastic.

Yuan Qing said: “Second Young Lady met with Xu Wulin today and spoke for a while. When Young Madam heard about it, she rushed over immediately.”

Xie Zhizhou nodded. Lin Shengshen treated Xie Zhenhuan not like a sister-in-law but more like a sister. He could sense that Lin Shengshen deeply disliked Xu Wulin, though he didn’t know why.

Just as she inexplicably detested him…

By the time the investigation at the Wu residence concluded, it was already noon. No one had the heart to eat, and they all took their leave one after another. Even the guest of honor—Lord Wu’s newly acquired one-month-old son—never made an appearance.

Lin Shengshen didn’t bother consulting Xie Zhizhou and directly led Xie Zhenhuan onto the carriage. Time was pressing—she needed to find a way to protect Xiangyun Tower.

Before the carriage could depart, Yuan Qing’s voice sounded from outside, “Young Madam, the young master invites you to accompany him.”

Lin Shengshen didn’t even lift the carriage curtain. “Tell your Lord Xie to suit himself. Since it’s my shop, I’ll avoid any appearance of impropriety and won’t go.”

“Depart for the residence,” she ordered.

Xie Zhizhou stood with a gloomy expression, watching the carriage gradually disappear into the distance.

Xu Wei emerged from the Wu residence, glanced at Xie Zhizhou, and bowed. “Speaking of relations, I should address you as brother-in-law.”

Xie Zhizhou stood with his hands behind his back, his tone unfriendly. “I’ve never heard of Minister Lin having a new son.”

Xu Wei smiled carelessly, the youthful vigor he’d displayed beside Lin Shengshen during the day somewhat faded. “Not by blood, but closer than blood—isn’t that even better than a real sibling?”

Better? Better in what way?

Better because they could maintain intimacy under the guise of sister and brother?

Xie Zhizhou’s expression turned icy. “Young Master Xu, I won’t see you out.”

Xu Wei grinned, his peach-blossom eyes sparkling. “The whole world knows you entered this marriage unwillingly. I imagine you’ll be quite cheerful once you divorce my sister soon—how wonderful.”

Few people could speak to Xie Zhizhou with such sarcasm. His upbringing among noble families in his youth and his subsequent ups and downs in officialdom had forged an aura of authority even without anger.

Xie Zhizhou merely chuckled lightly and calmly said, “Divorce? Who told you—that I’m going to divorce Lin Shengshen?”

He spoke slowly, each word clear, tilting his head to glance over with sharp, penetrating eyes.

Xu Wei was momentarily stunned. Had everything he’d heard about Lin Shengshen’s life after marrying into the Xie family… been false?

Before he could figure it out, Xie Zhizhou had already ridden off on his horse.

–

Late into the night, Lin Shengshen was still hunched over her desk, sketching and writing.

The desk was cluttered with scales, incense powder, silver spoons, scattered papers, flower extracts, small incense burners, and oil lamps—appearing chaotic from afar but actually organized up close.

“Young lady, you should rest soon. According to Yuan Qing, the young master won’t be back for a while tonight,” Peilan came to trim the lamp wick.

Lin Shengshen was indeed struggling to keep her eyes open. She asked casually, “Why?”

“Yuan Qing said the young master is personally leading his subordinates to search every medicine shop and incense shop in Yunjing.”

“Personally leading them? Searching every one?”

Lin Shengshen was skeptical. “Does he have nothing better to do?”

Such searches should be delegated to subordinates. As the Young Secretary of the Court of Judicial Review, he should just wait for reports.

But perhaps it was for the best. With him personally conducting the searches, Baoxiang Tower wouldn’t stand out. Even if Xiangyun Tower tried to say something about it, it would lack credibility.

Lin Shengshen actually felt somewhat relieved. The worries and tensions of the day vanished instantly. Tonight, not only would Xie Zhizhou not be sharing her bed, but there would be no troubles to disturb her either.

“Being diligent is good, very good! Peilan, help me bathe. Tonight, I can finally sleep well!”

–

At the third watch (1:45 AM), Xie Zhizhou returned under the moon and stars to find Tangli Residence completely dark.

Lin Shengshen had long been asleep, not even leaving a single lamp lit for him.

After bathing in cold water with light footsteps, he didn’t spare another glance at the tightly drawn bed curtains and lay down on the Arhat Bed, covering himself with the brocade quilt to sleep.

Soon, in his drowsy state, Lin Shengshen’s laughter drifted in—

It seemed she was having a joyful dream tonight. Xie Zhizhou let out a soft sigh.

[Push higher, just a little higher!]

[Brother Lingzhou, push harder! The swing is about to stop.]

The cheerful laughter and distant flute music suddenly faded into a sigh, followed by soft weeping carried by the spring breeze.

Tender willow shoots sprouted, barely clinging to the one about to depart.

[Brother Lingzhou, be extremely careful on your journey to the southwest. I… I’ll wait for you in Lizhou.]

“Shengshen, I know there’s someone else in your heart, but I’m willing to wait, as long as you change your mind.”

[Though I’m close with my cousin, there’s no romantic feeling between us. Brother Lingzhou, I…] The young girl hesitated, naive and uncertain.

“Shengshen.” The man interrupted her.

Whether he didn’t dare to hear or couldn’t bear to.

“The battle in the southwest is perilous. Please accept this Heart Lock Pendant, so I may have something to remember you by.”

[Brother Lingzhou…]

[I’ll wait for you.]

In the pitch-black night, Xie Zhizhou suddenly opened his eyes. After a few breaths, he turned over and got out of bed, striding to the desk by the window.

The dressing case was painted with longevity and white-haired love, beside it lay a horn comb carved with nine fish playing in water, and beneath the comb rested a delicate hairpin of twin golden lotuses.

Everything in sight symbolized his harmonious marriage and growing old together with Lin Shengshen.

But he knew that deep inside the dressing case lay quietly a Heart Lock Pendant—hers and Wen Lingzhou’s.

One he had never received.