After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 25

A small censer of blue lotus incense burned in the carriage, delicate fragrant smoke tracing the outline of the woman resting with closed eyes inside.

Xie Zhizhou rarely observed anyone so intently.

When facing officials who stubbornly denied their faults, he needed only glance at their eyes before prescribing the remedy—whether through intimidation, analyzing pros and cons, or stern punishment—always achieving his goal within a day.

When facing fawning subordinates or court officials, he wouldn’t spare them even a glance.

At this moment, Lin Shengshen’s heart was utterly silent, clearly showing how exhausted she was from her earlier maneuvering in the palace.

Her nose bridge was quite beautifully shaped, the tip slightly upturned, delicate and adorable.

The corners of her lips always carried a hint of smile, her lips full and rosy, the skin appearing thin and translucent. He wondered—if he were to bite them, would it hurt her?

Xie Zhizhou didn’t know.

He only knew that Lin Shengshen’s lips must be sweet, just like the red bean curd pastry on the Painted Boat that day.

Even though he had gazed at her for a long time under the moonlight last night, tracing the contours of her face over and over in his heart.

Xie Zhizhou admitted that he still couldn’t tear his eyes away.

He should have touched her lips last night.

If he had, he wouldn’t be so restless and lingering in his gaze today.

Lin Shengshen suddenly thought of something and opened her eyes, only to see Xie Zhizhou lowering his gaze, intently reading a book in his hands. If she wasn’t mistaken, it was likely a collection of folk forensic cases.

She cleared her throat, and only then did Xie Zhizhou shift his gaze from the book, reluctantly settling it on her.

“Has Xunniang been laid to rest?”

“Not yet.”

“Why?”

“Veratrum is highly toxic. There’s a possibility she was poisoned before her throat was slit. A partial autopsy is required, but the approval for the post-mortem examination hasn’t been issued yet, and the date is still undecided. So, Xunniang’s body remains at the Dali Temple.”

Lin Shengshen fell silent, parting her lips slightly but ultimately saying nothing.

“Please, Lord Xie, ensure Xunniang’s final arrangements are settled.”

Xie Zhizhou’s gaze suddenly turned serious as he stared into Lin Shengshen’s eyes.

“Naturally,” he agreed.

Lin Shengshen asked, “What about her mother…?”

Xie Zhizhou closed the book and sat upright. “Xunniang’s mother was already gravely ill, relying on expensive medicines to cling to life. With Xunniang’s death, her mother, overwhelmed by grief and suddenly deprived of medication, has also passed away.”

Lin Shengshen’s eyes trembled. In the span of a single night, two lives were lost.

Xie Zhizhou leaned forward, wanting to take her hand, but his hand remained tucked in his sleeve like a tender sprout rooted in the soil, unable to move an inch.

He said, “The money Wu Zhen owed Xunniang has been recovered. I added some more and arranged for her mother’s burial.”

Lin Shengshen’s heart was a tumult of emotions, and she could only reply, “Alright.”

[What connection could there be between preparing veratrum, supporting her mother, her entanglement with Wu Zhen, and her tragic death at the banquet…]

[If she died from poisoning, what did she intend for her gravely ill mother? If an assassin slit her throat, why would a highly skilled assassin be involved with a mere incense maid?]

Xie Zhizhou finally extended his hand, his eyes fixed on Lin Shengshen’s hand resting on the cushion beside her leg. “This case involves court officials and may be investigated jointly. Rest assured, I—”

“Young Master, Young Madam, we’ve arrived at the Lin residence.”

Lost in her thoughts, Lin Shengshen rose and stepped out of the carriage on her own, completely unaware of Xie Zhizhou.

Xie Zhizhou withdrew his hand, still hovering in mid-air, his brow furrowing slightly as he stood and followed her graceful figure.

—

“What a rare gathering today. Yun’an, quickly pour tea for our son-in-law.” Chen Yuying was exceptionally warm.

“Tell the kitchen to prepare a fine feast.”

Seated on the Rose Chair, Lin Shengshen glanced at Xie Zhizhou, then at Chen Yuying, and said cheerfully, “Mother, there’s no need for the trouble. Lord Xie… is merely accompanying me to pay a visit. He’ll be leaving shortly. I’m the only one staying for a while.”

Chen Yuying wasn’t surprised. After all, this son-in-law had never been particularly fond of Shengshen—it had always been Shengshen chasing after him.

Back when they had just married, he hadn’t even set foot in the Lin residence. That he was now willing to accompany Lin Shengshen for a visit was already unusual.

She shook her head inwardly.

Truth be told, no one wanted their daughter to suffer. She had advised and tried to stop her before, but alas…

Never mind. Let her be. Children grow up, and all they can do is support them with all their might.

Unexpectedly, after Xie Zhizhou took the teacup from Yun’an and took a sip, he stood up and bowed, saying, “If I return to the Xie residence alone, the elders in the family will likely send someone to urge her back soon. I have already dispatched servants to inform the elders that I will accompany Lin Shengshen for a short stay at the Lin residence.”

Chen Yuying’s eyes lit up as she looked at Lin Shengshen—

Had the sun risen from the west?

She never expected that her son-in-law, who appeared aloof, was actually someone who knew how to care for others.

Lin Shengshen stared at Xie Zhizhou in astonishment.

[What is he doing?]

[If not for past lessons and the pain of previous experiences, I might have been moved by Xie Zhizhou’s thoughtful gesture.]

[Yet I cannot even tell Mother the truth… The Lin family’s foundation is still unstable and cannot withstand such turmoil.]

In her past life, she had thought the Lin family had long been deeply rooted in the capital after years of establishment. But when disaster struck, she realized that wealth, high positions, and official salaries were mere illusions. Without generations of accumulated influence in the capital, one would ultimately struggle to stand alone.

Lin Shengshen looked at Xie Zhizhou, who had set down the teacup and sat upright, exuding the demeanor of a refined gentleman and the appearance of a loving couple.

[…Putting on an act, tsk.]

Lin Shengshen coughed lightly and feigned a smile, chiding, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Xie Zhizhou’s gaze softened. “I thought it was only natural and didn’t need to be mentioned separately.”

Lin Shengshen laughed it off. “Ah, right, right.”

[Gag.]

Xie Zhizhou pretended not to hear the word, his expression unperturbed.

Chen Yuying nodded in approval. Excellent—this son-in-law seemed far more agreeable than before. Handsome, promising, well-mannered, and now, he even knew how to care for others.

Shengshen had truly weathered the storm and finally seen the moonlight. Chen Yuying felt relieved and happy for Lin Shengshen.

“In that case, you two should first go to Shuying Pavilion and see if anything needs to be added. I’ll hurry the kitchen along. Once your father returns, we’ll have dinner.”

Chen Yuying’s smile lingered as she gracefully departed.

Lin Shengshen watched her mother walk away.

Her expression turned serious, her tone unfriendly. “Young Master Xie, what is the meaning of this?”

Xie Zhizhou replied earnestly, “Staying with you at the Lin residence serves three purposes: first, it prevents the Xie family elders from constantly pressing for your return; second, it avoids arousing His Majesty’s suspicions; and third…”

The third reason was to live together with Lin Shengshen.

He left it unspoken.

Lin Shengshen had no patience to hear more. “Fine, fine.”

She sighed deeply.

[Why must I always be entangled with Xie Zhizhou in such an unclear manner?]

Xie Zhizhou rubbed the jade ring in his sleeve. Was she really so unwilling?

Not long ago, hadn’t Wen Lingzhou also been entangled with her in an unclear way?

The absurd dreams Lin Shengshen had been having suddenly resurfaced in Xie Zhizhou’s mind, leaving him unsettled and annoyed.

Shuying Pavilion had been unoccupied for some time. Although maids swept and cleaned it daily, it inevitably felt empty and devoid of life.

Lin Shengshen opened the storeroom and retrieved several newly acquired decorative pieces her mother had stored away. After arranging the main room carefully, she finally felt a semblance of its former atmosphere returning.

Chen Yuying sent a few of her personal maids to serve them, thinking that since Lin Shengshen was staying with Xie Zhizhou this time, she would certainly need extra hands.

Lin Shengshen frowned as she looked at these trusted maids from her mother’s side—

It might be difficult to conceal.

Having been in business for years, Mother was astute and resourceful, and the maids by her side were naturally clever and experienced, having served her for a long time.

Lin Shengshen deliberated and said, “Young Master Xie dislikes crowds. On ordinary days, do not come to the main room to serve. Peilan alone is enough here.”

The maids exchanged glances.

Lin Shengshen added, “If there is anything, I will call for you.”

The maids acknowledged the order and withdrew.

Lin Shengshen quickly took a quilt from the bed and placed it on the Xiangfei bamboo daybed.

“Though it’s not as spacious as the Arhat Bed in Tangli Residence, it should be sufficient for sleeping.”

Lin Shengshen glanced at the daybed, then at Xie Zhizhou.

[Xie Zhizhou has broad shoulders and long legs. Sleeping on this small daybed would indeed be a bit cramped…]

[He might even struggle to turn over.]

Xie Zhizhou’s gaze flickered slightly, and a faint, almost imperceptible sense of anticipation rose within him.

[Heh, whatever, it’s not me sleeping there anyway.]

Lin Shengshen tossed the quilt onto the small daybed, then turned and went to her dressing table to rummage through her old hairpins and ornaments.

Xie Zhizhou: “…”

At the small family dinner that evening, everyone enjoyed themselves merrily.

Lin Xunen was occupied with military affairs and did not return.

Chen Yuying and Lin Zhiping were in good spirits, toasting and drinking a few cups with Xie Zhizhou. Lin Shengshen did not touch a drop of alcohol but focused intently on eating.

[The Lin Residence’s chef still suits my taste best. How unfortunate it would be to spend a lifetime at the Xie Residence!]

[But I never expected Xie Zhizhou to drink? If I recall correctly, the first time I met him, he clearly declined when others offered him wine…]

[This fish stew is absolutely delicious. I never got to taste it before, right up to the end.]

Xie Zhizhou glanced down at Lin Shengshen sitting beside him, paused for a moment, then picked up her celadon bowl and served her another portion of fish stew.

Chen Yuying looked at Xie Zhizhou, her smile deepening. She knew Lin Shengshen’s temperament—stubborn to the core. Once she set her mind on something, she would pursue it single-mindedly until she achieved it.

Though she possessed tenacity, she was also prone to fixating on things.

Fortunately, the young master of the Xie family was one who understood romance and tenderness. Entrusting Lin Shengshen to the Xie family now put her mind at ease.

“Your father is tired today, Shengshen. You and Zhizhou should retire early.”

With that, Chen Yuying helped Lin Zhiping to his feet.

Lin Zhiping, dazed, protested, “Madam, I still want to talk with our son-in-law. I’m not drunk, I’m not drunk…”

Chen Yuying said gently, “My lord, of course you’re not drunk, but Young Master Xie has a low tolerance for alcohol. He’s drunk—let him go and rest.”

Lin Shengshen shot a glance at Xie Zhizhou.

His eyes were clear and composed, showing no sign of drunkenness.

Yet, in the next moment, Xie Zhizhou swayed slightly and grabbed Lin Shengshen’s hand, saying, “I’m a bit dizzy. Let’s go back.”

Seeing that Xie Zhizhou seemed genuinely drunk, Lin Zhiping relented and slowly followed Chen Yuying out.

Lin Shengshen’s hand felt scorching hot. She wanted to pull away immediately, but Xie Zhizhou held on tightly. She stood rigidly in place.

“Xie Zhizhou, let go!” she whispered.

Xie Zhizhou released her as instructed.

The hand that had held hers clenched and unclenched faintly beneath his sleeve. He resumed his usual imposing stance, with no trace of the earlier unsteadiness.

Lin Shengshen leaped back several steps, hiding her hands behind her back. “What are you doing?”

“Your father was drunk. If I hadn’t done that, he would never have agreed to leave.”

“……” Lin Shengshen rubbed her hand vigorously behind her back. “Oh.”

Xie Zhizhou’s gaze fixed on her arm stretched behind her back, his expression darkening slightly. Just like last time at Wu Zhen’s house, she loathed his touch.

The two returned to Shuying Pavilion with an unbridgeable chasm between them.

The moon was bright and the breeze gentle along the way, with fragrant orchids permeating the air, yet Lin Shengshen’s heart was in turmoil.

[Father and Mother believe I’m deeply devoted to Xie Zhizhou. Seeing us together like this has made them so happy.]

[If they were to learn this is all just an act to comply with His Majesty’s wishes, and that Xie Zhizhou and I still detest each other as before, what would they think?]

[When the Lin family was at its peak, we still couldn’t withstand the calamity of factional strife. Now that everything is just beginning to take shape, I must not lose my composure and cause the Lin family to fall out of His Majesty’s favor before we’ve even grown our wings.]

[Father, Mother, your daughter is unfilial.]

[If I hadn’t been so insistent on having him back then, if I had guarded my heart, would things be different…]

A fierce glint flashed between Xie Zhizhou’s brows, his heart racing wildly. His thumb pressed against the jade ring on his index finger in his sleeve, the cool touch unable to quell the burning in his chest.

The past? Calamity of factional strife?

Xie Zhizhou suddenly thought of Lin Shengshen’s dreams – in her dreams, Miss Zhou was disfigured, Lin Shengshen fell into water, and after he rescued her, he coldly left her alone.

Could it be that the factional strife she mentioned, like these bizarre dreams, was some kind of foresight? Or something else?

She foresaw future events, so she regrets her past choices?

What was he like in her dreams?

To make her so bitterly disappointed.

How could she readily believe these messy, illusory things?

Xie Zhizhou’s face gradually showed signs of anger.

He admitted he had been quite cold and distant to Lin Shengshen before, but hadn’t he treated her well these days? Was she completely ungrateful?

Her unwillingness to consummate their marriage, her arguments with him over Wen Lingzhou, her refusal to share a carriage, her resistance and inexplicable distance, her silent criticisms and aversion—

Did they all stem from these absurd dreams?

These days, every time he tried to get close to her, he was pushed away; every time he showed kindness, she ignored him…

The affection between him and Lin Shengshen shouldn’t be disrupted by these dreams.

It wasn’t fair.

Figures moved in Shuying Pavilion. Sensing Xie Zhizhou’s bad mood, Lin Shengshen naturally couldn’t be bothered to speak. After bathing, she let down the bed curtains and lay down.

“Peilan, put out the lamp.”

No one answered, but the lamp went out.

Before Lin Shengshen could close her eyes, she noticed the moonlight shifting on the bed. The bed curtains had been drawn aside at some point.

Xie Zhizhou stood before the bed. “The daybed is broken. I want to sleep on the bed with you.”