After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 3

After dismissing Yuan Qing, Xie Zhizhou stood alone for a while before turning back—

Revisiting the crime scene was crucial to the investigation.

Tangli Residence lay silent, with only a few crickets chirping. Xie Zhizhou waved away the maid guarding the door and approached Lin Shengshen’s window.

Through the partially open lattice window, he could vaguely make out Lin Shengshen’s sleeping profile.

She had fallen asleep so quickly.

The bed curtains obscured most of her figure, but Xie Zhizhou heard that familiar voice again.

This time, however, it wasn’t noisy—instead, it carried a tinge of sorrow.

[It was His Majesty who decreed this marriage! I wonder if Brother Zhizhou is happy about it.]

[Do you truly dislike this marriage so much? Is it because the Xie and Lin families are rivals, or because… you despise me?]

[Entering the palace? He must be going to request the annulment…]

Xie Zhizhou averted his gaze, no longer looking at her, for he could hear Lin Shengshen’s soft weeping—like a young beast returning empty-handed and wounded from a hunt.

An inexplicable restlessness rose in his chest.

Lin Shengshen was cunning and duplicitous. He shouldn’t be swayed by a few words.

The night wind grew colder. Xie Zhizhou closed the lattice window firmly and strode away.

Lamplight flickered to life once more in the study, casting warm yellow hues into the quiet darkness of the Xie residence.

Yuan Zhen arrived through the night, stepping lightly across branches and tiles before landing silently outside the study window.

A chorus of insects sounded beyond the window. Without looking up, Xie Zhizhou said, “Enter.”

“Young master, I’ve investigated. There was nothing unusual around Minister Zhang’s time of death at the Prince Su’s residence.”

As expected. Xie Zhizhou asked, “Did Zhang Yin have contact with anyone?” He added in a low voice, “I mean, in secret.”

Yuan Zhen lowered his head in thought for a moment and replied, “This subordinate will immediately go investigate again.”

After speaking, he turned to leap out the window when Xie Zhizhou spoke: “Wait.”

Yuan Zhen respectfully turned back, “What instructions does the young master have?”

……After a moment of silence, Xie Zhizhou finally said: “Investigate—whether the young mistress has encountered any extraordinary individuals recently.”

Young mistress? Yuan Zhen was momentarily stunned before realizing the young master was referring to the young woman who had been married into the household some days ago.

But the young master had shown no interest in that woman, even treating her with coldness and disdain. Why would he want to investigate her now?

Yuan Zhen stopped overthinking it, accepted the order, and withdrew.

–

After Xie Zhizhou left, Lin Shengshen’s tense nerves suddenly relaxed, and she quickly fell asleep.

Dreams of her past life unfolded like a revolving lantern, with Xie Zhizhou’s aloof and solitary figure appearing exactly as he had tonight.

Back then, she had just received His Majesty’s decree and was overjoyed, immediately urging the carriage to take her to the entrance of the Xie residence.

Perhaps heaven was helping her, allowing her to just happen to encounter Xie Zhizhou just as he was leaving.

She stopped Xie Zhizhou’s carriage, standing outside timidly yet shyly saying: “Brother Zhizhou, from now on we will be husband and wife.”

However, Xie Zhizhou acted as if he hadn’t heard, not even lifting the carriage curtain to look at her, merely sitting inside and coldly stating: “To the palace.”

The carriage departed directly, leaving only a cloud of dust in its wake. Lin Shengshen stood by with reddened eyes, hearing the servants following the carriage whispering and chuckling among themselves.

Perhaps because her parents’ relationship had been so smooth, with her father and mother usually very affectionate, Lin Shengshen naively believed all married couples were like this.

She had seen Xie Zhizhou once from afar in her youth—a young man in deep blue informal robes, expression indifferent, casually pushing aside wine offered by those around him, standing out with transcendent elegance among the gathered young masters.

At that time, she felt that Xie Zhizhou was the cold moon in the sky—even if she couldn’t touch it, being able to see it once daily would satisfy her.

One glance that mistakenly defined her entire life.

From then on, Lin Shengshen became as if bewitched, constantly thinking of him, her heart and eyes filled only with Xie Zhizhou.

Yet deep affection met with shallow fate—even after seizing every advantage to marry him, this one-sided, passionate girl’s heart ultimately only brought her heartbreak.

Fortunately, heaven pitied her sincere heart that had been betrayed and worn down, allowing her to start over.

Since she and Xie Zhizhou now held no affection for each other, then going forward, each should find their own peace.

Morning larks chirped noisily outside the window—another fine, clear day. Peilan quietly pushed the door open and entered, circling around the mother-of-pearl inlaid flower-and-bird floor screen to find Lin Shengshen still sleeping.

After placing the winter jasmine she carried into a celadon vase and lighting the pear-blossom incense Lin Shengshen had previously loved most in the incense burner, she finally heard a voice from behind the gauze curtains.

“What time is it?”

“You slept well, miss. It’s already the end of the hour of the Dragon now.”

During her past life’s serious illness that lasted over a month, her body had felt heavy and her mind foggy, making good sleep rare. Now she had finally gotten proper rest, yet had dreamed only of unpleasant matters—really…

After washing up and having a simple breakfast, Lin Shengshen sat at the raised-head desk and buried herself in reviewing accounts.

Her father Lin Zhiping came from a humble background. Early in his official career, he faced difficulties and was demoted to the northern regions where he met Chen Yuying, the daughter of a local wealthy family.

The two married and had children. Later, Lin Zhiping gained His Majesty’s favor and was promoted to chancellor, with the whole family moving to the capital to settle.

Unlike the noble daughters of prominent families in the capital, my mother was exposed to business operations from a young age and became highly skilled in managing shops. Thus, she inherited much of my grandfather’s wealth and managed it herself, with her business flourishing day by day.

His Majesty does not show favoritism toward agriculture or commerce.

Although merchants were held in extremely low regard in previous dynasties and despised by society, the restrictions have now relaxed. Moreover, my father adored my mother and never restrained her.

Since marrying into the Xie family, Lin Shengshen had heard that her father-in-law despised commerce. Coming from a centuries-old, deeply rooted aristocratic family, he naturally had no understanding of the livelihoods of common people.

In his eyes, hustling and managing businesses were nothing but cunning and opportunistic pursuits.

In her previous life, Lin Shengshen feared being looked down upon by Xie Zhizhou and being reprimanded or ostracized by her father-in-law, so she never personally managed her perfume shop, Baoxiang Pavilion. Gradually, Baoxiang Pavilion fell into decline.

Marking another vague entry in the accounts, Lin Shengshen lifted her head and sighed inwardly. To abandon such a grand enterprise as Baoxiang Pavilion for a man—it truly wasn’t worth it.

“Is sister-in-law here?” A soft voice sounded from outside the door—it was Xie Zhenhuan.

Lin Shengshen quickly set down her jade brush and rose to welcome her.

Xie Zhenhuan was Xie Zhizhou’s younger sister by the same mother. Gentle and kind-hearted, she was the only one who had visited Lin Shengshen during her severe illness in her previous life.

At that time, Xie Zhenhuan was already married, struggling with her own family’s misfortunes, yet she still cared for Lin Shengshen, the sister-in-law who had never been valued in the Xie household.

Lin Shengshen had long regarded her as her own younger sister.

Taking Xie Zhenhuan’s hand, Lin Shengshen looked her over. The light yellowish-green ruqun made her appear soft and obedient, and her gentle smile filled her cheeks like plump apples. At sixteen, she was innocent and carefree.

This was the real Xie Zhenhuan—naive and untroubled, not melancholy and sorrowful. Suppressing the tears in her eyes, Lin Shengshen smiled and asked, “Weren’t you busy with the spring banquet these past few days? What brings you here to see me?”

“Sister-in-law, I’ve heard…”

Lin Shengshen was puzzled. “Heard what?”

“Last night, my brother came, but you didn’t…” Unsure how to phrase it, Xie Zhenhuan continued, “Sister-in-law, don’t be sad. My brother has always been this cold and distant.”

“Is that all? Was it worth coming all this way just for that?” Lin Shengshen led her to sit down and took the hot tea offered by Peilan.

“Drink this to warm up. The wind has been quite chilly these past couple of days,” Lin Shengshen said.

Xie Zhenhuan glanced at Lin Shengshen’s expression, took a small sip of tea, and then anxiously added, “Actually, my brother is just unfamiliar with you. Once more time passes, he’s sure to like you very much. Sister-in-law, please don’t be sad.”

Lin Shengshen gave a faint, wry smile.

Given more time, Xie Zhizhou would only grow to despise her more—not that she could explain how she knew.

“How could a child like you understand the affairs of adults? Don’t worry about it. Just focus on preparing for the upcoming spring banquet and don’t think about anything else.”

Hearing this, Xie Zhenhuan’s heart sank. In the past, whether worried or happy, Lin Shengshen had always been preoccupied with thoughts of Xie Zhizhou. But now, her words sounded as if she had completely let go.

At this thought, Xie Zhenhuan’s eyes reddened. Clutching Lin Shengshen’s hand, she said, “Sister-in-law, it’s all my brother’s fault. Please, don’t be sad.”

Xie Zhenhuan had lost her mother at a young age. Though her father never remarried, he exclusively favored Concubine Jin, and even her daughter received abundant affection. With her brother busy with official duties, Xie Zhenhuan had no one close to her in the Xie residence.

But ever since His Majesty bestowed the marriage, her sister-in-law had frequently visited her until she married into the family and had always treated her well.

She regarded this sister-in-law as her own elder sister from the bottom of her heart.

Alas, her brother was unambitious—ignoring such a peerless beauty as her sister-in-law and burying himself in official duties.

What if her sister-in-law, in a fit of anger, divorced her brother?

Would she ever get to see Lin Shengshen again?

“Dear sister, why are you crying? Does the matter between your brother and me warrant such sorrow?” Lin Shengshen had no choice but to coax her gently, “Your brother and I are just temporarily upset. We’ll reconcile in a while. Don’t worry.”

Xie Zhenhuan wiped away her tears, her eyes red-rimmed as she stared anxiously at Lin Shengshen. “Really?”

“Really,” Lin Shengshen said. “My heart is wholly devoted to him—how could I genuinely quarrel with him? I cherish him so dearly I fear even the slightest grievance toward him.”

Xie Zhenhuan’s small face flushed, and she stammered, “Sister-in-law, you…”

Lin Shengshen inwardly cursed a hundred times, wishing she could immediately rinse her mouth to completely dissociate herself from those words.

In her youthful days of infatuation, she would never have dared utter such cloying words. Now, devoid of any affection, these phrases rolled off her tongue effortlessly without a hint of blush.

Xie Zhenhuan felt mostly reassured and finally remembered her purpose. She retrieved an octagonal treasure box from her maid and handed it to Lin Shengshen. “What you asked me to do is all settled, sister-in-law.”

Lin Shengshen froze, accepting the box with suspicion. “What matter?”

“Sister-in-law, have you forgotten? In a few days, it will be brother’s birthday. You said the jade from West City was excellent and asked me to buy a fan pendant from Yunheng. It’s ready now.”

Birthday. Fan pendant.

Lin Shengshen let out an “oh” and suddenly recalled. “Look how busy I’ve been lately—I nearly forgot such an important matter. Thank you.”

After speaking, she didn’t open it to look but handed the box to Peilan. “Take it and store it properly.”

Xie Zhenhuan asked, “Sister-in-law, you’ve been preparing this fan pendant for so long. Won’t you take a look before giving it away?”

“You’re right. Such a fine fan pendant—and since you’re here, let’s admire it together.” Lin Shengshen took back the box and slowly opened it.

Amid Xie Zhenhuan’s exclamations of admiration, Lin Shengshen’s expression remained wooden as she forced out a few dry smiles.

The fan pendant was made of superior material, carved with divine skill—a celestial child holding a lotus, elegant and serene.

Even having seen it in her previous life, she still found it breathtaking now.

What a pity, though—this fan pendant, given with such hopeful anticipation, would meet an unfortunate end.

Back then, on Xie Zhizhou’s birthday…

Lin Shengshen waited until late at night outside the study before Xie Zhizhou finally appeared. His expression was indifferent as he brushed past her to push open the door, a fleeting scent of winter plum lingering about him.

“Husband…”

Xie Zhizhou finally paused and glanced sideways at her. “What is it?”

“Today is your birthday. This is for you.”

Xie Zhizhou withdrew his gaze and walked into the study, his tone flat. “Yuan Qing.”

Understanding his meaning, Yuan Qing stepped forward and accepted the box.

Though disheartened, Lin Shengshen felt a flicker of joy—at least he had accepted the fan pendant.

But the next moment, a cold voice came from the study: “In the future, do not bring such matters to the front courtyard.”

And later?

Later, while organizing the storage room, Lin Shengshen discovered this box—covered in dust and discarded in a corner.

Even then, she refused to give up. She took out the fan pendant and went to confront Xie Zhizhou with it.

“Why didn’t you open the birthday gift, husband? Don’t you like this fan pendant?” At the very least, she needed to know whether he disliked it or if there was another reason, so she could better cater to his preferences.

Xie Zhizhou merely glanced at it and said, “Leave it here. You may go.”

Lin Shengshen placed the fan pendant on the table. The moment she stepped out the door, she heard a crisp shattering sound—

“How could you be so careless!” Yuan Qing’s voice rang out.

This was followed by the sound of a maid kneeling and kowtowing.

Then Lin Shengshen heard Xie Zhizhou say indifferently, “Never mind. Dismissed.”

This fan pendant had now returned to her hands. If it were to gather dust and shatter like in her previous life, it would truly be a pity.

She still needed to slowly investigate the injustice her brother suffered in her past life. It would be better to keep it for gifting and networking.

As for Xie Zhizhou’s birthday, if he himself didn’t care, why should she bother getting involved?

After coaxing Xie Zhenhuan for a while and promising to visit Baoxiang Pavilion together another day to select fragrances, she finally managed to comfort and send off this clever-minded younger sister.

Lin Shengshen clutched the fan pendant in her palm, leaning back in the rocking chair as she silently told herself:

Just one more moment of laziness, only one moment, then I must get up and review the accounts!

–

Xie Zhenhuan still had worries on her mind. She knew Lin Shengshen had an open-hearted nature and wouldn’t hold grudges over her brother’s temporary coldness.

But human hearts are made of flesh—even the most open-minded person would gradually become disheartened after repeated cold treatment.

The problem was her brother showed no remorse. Over the years, she had advised him countless times, only to receive perfunctory responses in the end.

What should she do!

At this moment, Xie Zhenhuan truly wished she could marry her sister-in-law into the family herself and treat her properly!

Lost in these frustrated thoughts, a shadow suddenly fell over her. Looking up abruptly, she saw Xie Zhizhou standing before her.

“Walking around absentmindedly—what’s on your mind?”

After speaking, Xie Zhizhou glanced behind Xie Zhenhuan. Seeing she had come from Tangli Residence, he raised an eyebrow and asked, “You went to see Lin Shengshen.”

“Brother! Please treat sister-in-law better! Don’t break her heart anymore.” Xie Zhenhuan said resentfully.

Recalling how the woman pinned against the wall last night had shown clear resistance…

Xie Zhizhou said in a deep voice, “Adult matters are none of a child’s business.”

Xie Zhenhuan felt like she had punched cotton. She urged, “Brother, sister-in-law has been preparing for your birthday for a long time. When the time comes, don’t spoil her mood.”

Xie Zhizhou sneered, “She certainly puts great thought into it.”

Such deep affection and loyalty—acted so convincingly that Zhenhuan believed it completely.

Instantly, Xie Zhizhou’s smile vanished.

If he hadn’t overheard her thoughts, he would have remained in the dark too.

“That fan pendant was something sister-in-law started searching for half a month ago. She finally bought it at a high price. Brother, if you still care about this family at all, when you receive it, treasure it properly. Only then will you not disappoint her sincere intentions!”

Otherwise, this family would inevitably fall apart…

Xie Zhizhou said carelessly, “Fine.”