After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 4

On the first day of the third month, with gentle breezes and brilliant sunlight, Lin Shengshen boarded the carriage supported by Peilan.

Before she could even settle properly, Xie Zhenhuan leaned over and hugged her arm, saying, “Sister-in-law, it’s been five days in a row now. Why haven’t I seen you visiting the front courtyard?”

Lin Shengshen brushed aside the stray hairs on Xie Zhenhuan’s forehead and smiled, “The accounts at Baoxiang Pavilion are nearly in complete chaos. How would I have time to go to the front courtyard?”

She knew what Xie Zhenhuan really meant—

Xie Zhenhuan was still worried about her relationship with Xie Zhizhou.

Xie Zhizhou was busy with official duties and usually stayed in the front courtyard study. Even at night, he mostly rested in the study.

Lin Shengshen used to love running to the front courtyard—delivering sweet soups one day, embroidered pouches the next.

Even Madam Jin, who had always been quiet and reserved, couldn’t resist teasing her: “Those who know would say Miss Lin married in as the legitimate wife. Those who don’t would think she’s a concubine, spending all her energy trying to please a man.”

Naturally, Lin Shengshen didn’t let her off either, replying cheerfully: “I wouldn’t know how to be a concubine—I’d have to learn from Madam Jin. After all, you’ve been one for so many years, you must have plenty of insights.”

Xie Zhizhou’s mother had passed away early. His father never remarried but never elevated Madam Jin to the official wife position either. Every year, rumors of her promotion would surface only to be suppressed again.

Madam Jin’s face flushed then paled. She forced a laugh and left after a few casual remarks, never bothering Lin Shengshen again after that.

Yet after that incident, Lin Shengshen couldn’t help but feel somewhat dejected.

As Xie Zhizhou’s properly wedded wife, she received so little affection. Every attempt to get close was rejected outright. Even Madam Jin dared to mock her openly—who knew how the servants gossiped behind her back back then?

In those days, Lin Shengshen feared nothing. If anyone spoke ill to her face, she’d retort sharply in few words. If they whispered behind her back, she’d simply ignore it.

But now…

Having tasted the bitterness of love was like being doused with cold water—Lin Shengshen had sobered up completely. How could she possibly repeat the same mistakes?

Xie Zhenhuan lowered her head to think of a plan, then continued: “In a few days it’s elder brother’s birthday. I’ve specially reserved a painted boat on the Yujing River. The breeze will be gentle, the lotus lanterns glowing brilliantly in the night… Sister-in-law, let’s invite brother to join us, alright?”

Lin Shengshen didn’t turn her gaze from the lively scene outside the carriage curtain, answering perfunctorily: “Since it’s your brother’s birthday, of course we should invite him. But as you can see, I’ve been extremely busy lately and truly have no time.”

“I’ll have someone buy the finest banquet from Immortal Gathering Inn and deliver it to you—”

As she spoke, Lin Shengshen turned and saw Xie Zhenhuan’s tearful eyes looking back at her.

Ah, just how determined was this child to matchmake her and Xie Zhizhou?

She needed to find a way to placate Xie Zhenhuan, otherwise she’d have no time for account books and shop management—just spending all her energy soothing a child.

Lin Shengshen surrendered. “Alright, alright, I’ll go.”

Xie Zhenhuan jumped with joy, her face softening with a gentle smile: “When the time comes, sister-in-law needn’t pay attention to brother—just enjoy the scenery with me!” After all, if she could get these two in the same place, there would be opportunities to matchmake.

Lin Shengshen nodded, then said seriously: “Zhenhuan, actually I’ve recently realized after reflection that all the methods I used before were wrong.”

“Wrong?”

“Yes. Look, despite all my initiatives over these two years, your brother’s heart remains unmoved. This shows he doesn’t like proactive approaches.”

Lin Shengshen declared with utmost seriousness: “The best strategy now is playing hard to get.”

“Playing hard to get?”

“So I’m forcibly suppressing my feelings and keeping distance from your brother—all to get his attention. You can rest assured, within a year I’ll definitely win your brother over.” Lin Shengshen maintained a straight face while inwardly cursing a hundred times.

Within a year, the best outcome would be an early divorce and clean break.

“You’ve prepared so thoroughly for this birthday banquet, I suppose I have to attend. But please don’t try to matchmake us in the future, otherwise all my plans will be ruined.”

After all, if Xie Zhizhou heard she was going, he definitely wouldn’t attend.

Xie Zhenhuan was confused yet completely convinced, breaking into a bright smile as she nodded repeatedly: “Sister-in-law, you’re amazing!”

Baoxiang Pavilion had three floors. The entrance level displayed common perfumed powders and Scented Pills, with fragrant mist curling around the girls’ skirts, their laughter and soft conversations filling the entire space.

Lin Shengshen scanned the area – shop assistants were bustling about sweating profusely, while the accountant sat in a corner clicking his abacus loudly.

Currently, Baoxiang Pavilion was the largest perfume shop in Yunjing, with business naturally booming. But in just one month, all this glory and prosperity would completely shift to the Xiangyun Pavilion across the street.

Lin Shengshen turned to look at Xiangyun Pavilion directly opposite, where she saw their shopkeeper standing at the entrance with a smiling face, trying to lure girls inside. Passing girls kept waving him off and instead entered Baoxiang Pavilion, showing how poor their business was.

“Miss Lin, you’ve only been married for a short while, how did you find time to come to the shop?”

Lin Shengshen snapped out of her thoughts to see Manager Zhu smiling warmly. On his round face, the crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes were particularly noticeable, with three lines on his forehead and strands of white hair at his temples. Though only in his thirties, he had aged so quickly.

“Has Xiangyun Pavilion been behaving lately? I’ve been worried, that’s why I came to check,” Lin Shengshen said.

Zhu Yu glanced across the street a few times before pulling Lin Shengshen inside. “They seem quite honest to me. Ever since they were caught tampering with our perfumed powders six months ago, they haven’t dared bother us again.”

Lin Shengshen still felt somewhat unsettled.

In her previous life, she had been completely focused on the Xie family, and could no longer clearly remember what exactly had happened to Baoxiang Pavilion.

“Have there been any suspicious people coming to buy suspicious perfumes?”

Zhu Yu thought seriously for a moment. “No.”

Xie Zhenhuan came running up to Lin Shengshen with a box of Eupatorium Scented Pills she had chosen. “Sister-in-law, I’ve picked mine out.”

Lin Shengshen randomly pointed to a shop assistant. “Take Miss Xie upstairs to continue shopping.”

Then she turned to Xie Zhenhuan. “I still have some matters to attend to. You go have fun first, pick whatever you want without holding back.”

As Xie Zhenhuan was led away by the assistant, she kept looking back every few steps, unable to resist reminding: “Sister-in-law, brother loves the Spring Message in Snow you blend the most. Let me bring some to him for you again this time.”

Mentioning Xie Zhizhou gave Lin Shengshen a headache. Massaging her temples, she said: “Alright, I remember.”

Finally having sent Xie Zhenhuan away, Manager Zhu hadn’t even opened his smiling mouth when he saw someone approaching behind Lin Shengshen and hurried forward to greet them.

“Qiangniang, why has it been over a month since your last visit this time?”

Qiangniang wore dark blue cotton clothes, elegant and delicate with a slender figure. Despite her youth, there was a trace of sorrow between her brows. “My mother at home fell ill. I’ve been on leave these days, so I didn’t come to buy Scented Pills.”

“Who is this?” Seeing how much importance Zhu Yu placed on this Qiangniang, Lin Shengshen assumed she was a regular customer who spent generously, though her clothing didn’t resemble that of a wealthy family’s daughter.

Zhu Yu enthusiastically introduced: “Qiangniang is the incense mistress in charge of the four departments and six bureaus at Official Wu’s residence. Official Wu’s household has many celebrations and is quite generous. Qiangniang comes to our Baoxiang Pavilion every month to buy perfumes.”

Lin Shengshen nodded. Wu Zhen, the current Vice Minister of the Secretariat, came from a large family with numerous wives and concubines, and children and grandchildren everywhere. This month, there were weddings for the elders and the young, and next month, there would be a full-month celebration for a newborn—truly, there were many joyous occasions.

Madam Qian stepped forward to pay her respects. Having overheard parts of the conversation between Xie Zhenhuan and Lin Shengshen earlier, she flattered, “Miss Lin and the young master of the Xie family share such a deep affection. Even matters like blending Scented Pills, Young Master Xie relies on you so much—it’s truly enviable.”

Touching on a sore subject, Lin Shengshen forced a slight smile and said, “You flatter me.”

Madam Qian warmly continued, “In a few days, Minister Wu’s family is hosting a celebration banquet, inviting all the young masters and ladies of Yunjing. Miss Lin, why not bring your younger sister along? It’ll be lively.”

Having long memorized the invitations and preferences of all the noble families, she naturally knew that Lin Shengshen and Xie Zhenhuan were among the guests.

Lin Shengshen agreed with a smile.

Of course, she would go—preferably to find a good match for Zhenhuan, so she wouldn’t end up as miserable and worn down as in her previous life.

But if she remembered correctly, Xie Zhizhou would also attend this banquet.

Back then, she had even stumbled upon him with…

Never mind, why think of him? It would only lead to heartache again.

Lin Shengshen withdrew her thoughts, losing interest in further conversation. “In that case, Shopkeeper Zhu, you go with Madam Qian to select the Scented Pills. I’ll wait for you in the private room on the second floor.”

Casually picking up some ready-made Spring Message in Snow, Lin Shengshen sat idly by the window, sipping tea.

The commercially available Spring Message in Snow emphasized a softer scent, but Xie Zhizhou preferred a colder, sharper fragrance. In her previous life, whenever she blended the Scented Pills, she would add a bit more camphor, experimenting many times before achieving the perfect balance.

But now, it was no longer needed.

After two cups of tea, Shopkeeper Zhu still hadn’t arrived. From outside the window downstairs came the sound of a hushed, tense argument. Lin Shengshen leaned out to look.

She saw a disheveled, drunken man in plain clothes tugging at Zhu Yu’s arm. Zhu Yu pulled the man to a secluded corner, took a pouch of money from her sleeve, and handed it to him. The man weighed it in his hand, muttering as if still unsatisfied. After some back-and-forth, he finally left.

Zhu Yu wiped her tears roughly with her sleeve, stood quietly for a moment, and then reentered Baoxiang Tower.

“Peilan, fetch some silver,” Lin Shengshen said, sitting back down to drink her tea.

In her previous life, she hadn’t been close to Shopkeeper Zhu, but she had heard about her alcoholic husband squandering the family’s wealth and even selling their daughter to be a concubine. In the end, her mother had managed to redeem the young girl upon hearing the news. However, the drunkard showed no remorse, and his gambling addiction only grew worse. When the Lin family fell into trouble, they were too preoccupied to offer help.

What happened after that, Lin Shengshen didn’t know.

After going over the accounts with Zhu Yu for a while and planning which spices to purchase next month, she looked up to find the sun high in the sky—it was already noon.

Zhu Yu was taken aback by Lin Shengshen’s diligence and pulled her aside to ask if she was lacking food, clothing, or other necessities in the Xie residence, wondering why she was working so hard on the shop’s affairs.

In the past, under the care of her parents, Miss Lin had never been this burdened.

Lin Shengshen shook her head with a smile. “I’m perfectly fine. But Shopkeeper Zhu, you’ve gained more white hairs recently, and your brows are furrowed with worry. Have you encountered some difficulty?”

Zhu Yu was momentarily stunned, then shook her head. “What difficulties could I have? These white hairs must be from my little daughter’s mischief.”

Speaking of her daughter, Zhu Yu’s smile softened, as if she could endure anything for her sake.

Seeing this, Lin Shengshen shook her head inwardly and instructed Peilan to bring the money.

“Shopkeeper Zhu, over these years you have served my mother and me with utmost dedication. This money is my token of gratitude. Should you encounter any difficulties, please do not hesitate to tell me.”

Zhu Yu declined, “I cannot accept rewards without merit. How could I deserve such regard from the young mistress?”

Lin Shengshen came straight to the point, “Your daughter is still young, and you are in your prime. Why persist in clinging to a drunken gambler?”

Zhu Yu’s face flushed red, realizing Lin Shengshen had witnessed the earlier commotion.

She hurriedly explained, “My husband is a worthless man, making a fool of himself in front of you. But rest assured, young mistress, the shop’s accounts are clean and honest. I never falsify records—the money I gave him was my own.”

“I never doubted you. Shopkeeper Zhu, this money isn’t meant as a warning, but to give you the means to leave him and take your daughter with you.”

“My daughter is still young—she cannot be without a father,” Shopkeeper Zhu wept.

“If you truly care for your daughter’s wellbeing, you should leave him as soon as possible.”

—

That evening, in Xie Changxing’s study at the Xie residence, the scent of sandalwood incense hung thick in the air.

Xie Zhizhou, summoned for discussion, paused at the doorway and saw Lin Shengshen standing inside the study, like a butterfly settled peacefully on a withered leaf.

Xie Changxing stood before the bookshelf, flipping through a poetry collection while stroking his beard. “In pursuit of fame, one must avoid certain things; in pursuit of profit, nothing remains unmanaged.”

Xie Zhizhou’s gaze fell upon Lin Shengshen, who stood properly and silently to the side in the study.

[In pursuit of fame, one must avoid certain things? I don’t think so. Those who fish for fame are no virtuous scholars!]

Xie Zhizhou’s brow twitched slightly, surprised that Lin Shengshen, who usually appeared quiet and obedient, harbored such rebellious thoughts in private.

Xie Changxing continued, “I heard you went to the West Street shop again?”

Lin Shengshen replied, “Father is well-informed.”

“The Xie family has maintained its prestige for a century—how could you degrade our dignity by appearing in public?” Xie Changxing snorted coldly. “From now on, stay home to serve your husband and attend to your in-laws. Don’t bring the Lin family’s vulgar mercenary air into the Xie residence.”

[You shamelessly accepted the arranged marriage, clinging to a towering tree in desperate times—who exactly has degraded their dignity? Shouldn’t the Xie residence keep its decayed atmosphere from contaminating our Lin family instead?]

[Serve Xie Zhizhou? Don’t even think about it in this lifetime.]

With subtle sarcasm in her tone, Lin Shengshen spoke slowly, “A few days ago, Auntie Jin came inquiring about my dowry list. I thought the Xie family might be facing some difficulties.”

Xie Changxing looked up from the bookshelf with a frown, “There was such a thing?”

Lin Shengshen continued, “Now that I’ve heard Father’s words, it’s clear the Xie family upholds noble principles and would never covet a new bride’s dowry. This puts my mind at ease.”

Xie Changxing detected the barbs in her words, but since Auntie Jin’s actions were truly shameful, he remained silent for a long moment before finally saying, “Zhizhou is usually busy. You should devote more attention to him.”

[I’d rather devote my attention to anyone else than to him.]

Xie Zhizhou’s briefly relaxed brow furrowed again, and he inexplicably recalled Xie Zhenhuan’s mention of a birthday gift.

If she was unwilling to devote effort for him, why go through such trouble to prepare one?

Lin Shengshen bowed and said, “My husband usually keeps his distance from me. I’m willing but unable, and I hope Father will advise him more.”

[Just wait until you receive Xie Zhizhou’s cold remarks too.]

[The thought of Xie Zhizhou being annoyed by Old Man Xie makes me happy.]

Without another word, Lin Shengshen withdrew. Just as she reached the doorway, she nearly collided with Xie Zhizhou, almost stumbling into his arms.

Xie Zhizhou, who usually avoided her like the plague, surprisingly didn’t move away. Fortunately, Lin Shengshen reacted quickly, sidestepping him and hurrying off.

Watching Lin Shengshen, who was frowning and muttering “damn it” in her heart, walk further and further away, the butterfly fluttered lightly and flew off. The faint, sweet fragrance lingering in his embrace seemed like an illusion.

Xie Changxing looked displeased. “The Lin family girl lacks manners. You should teach her properly.”

Xie Zhizhou curled his lips in a cold smile. “The Lin daughter schemes tirelessly, Father seeks undeserved fame—the Xie Manor truly has no shortage of talent. Where is there any use for me?”

Xie Changxing angrily threw down his book and roared, “I agreed to your marriage with her for the sake of the Xie family’s century-old foundation! How is that seeking undeserved fame?!”