After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 41

In the faint light of dawn, the lanterns along the corridors of the Lin residence were lit one by one, illuminating the path all the way to Shuying Pavilion.

Peilan sat by the couch, holding a dry cloth as she gently dried Lin Shengshen’s hair.

Earlier, Lin Shengshen had run too fast. Peilan, chasing after her with an umbrella, had barely managed to keep up. Fortunately, only the ends of her hair were slightly damp.

Lin Shengshen, covered in blood, had thrown herself onto Chen Yuying’s lap, sobbing uncontrollably.

This was the first time since her rebirth that she had cried in front of her mother. She was utterly heartbroken, as if a gaping wound had been torn open in her chest, letting the biting north wind rush in mercilessly.

Chen Yuying remained silent, checking to ensure Lin Shengshen had no injuries before gently stroking her back to soothe her, while her other hand softly patted her head.

She knew her beloved daughter best. Ever since Lin Shengshen’s first visit home a month ago, she had sensed something amiss. At the time, she had assumed it was just newlywed awkwardness and unfamiliarity with Xie Zhizhou, causing Shengshen to act reserved and unhappy.

But later…

Chen Yuying sighed.

Lin Shengshen’s nose was red, and tears still clung to the corners of her eyes. She lifted her head. “Mother…”

“Shengshen, you’ve grown up and have your own ideas. No matter what choices you make, your father and I won’t blame you.”

Lin Shengshen shook her head.

She couldn’t speak.

Perhaps it was truly an ill-fated relationship – how else could they have missed each other across two lifetimes?

Whether Xie Zhizhou had grown tired of her in their previous life or something else had happened, it didn’t really matter anymore. What mattered was that loving Xie Zhizhou was too exhausting. She had suffered enough in her previous life and didn’t want to waste this lifetime as well.

There was simply no destined connection between her and Xie Zhizhou. In her previous life, she had forced a marriage that was wrong from the start. Now, she didn’t want to continue making the same mistake.

She could no longer summon that passionate devotion she had possessed in her previous life, even though Xie Zhizhou claimed to like her, love her, and want to grow old together with her.

She had long lost the ability to love.

Enough, enough.

Chen Yuying watched as the person in her arms wept so bitterly, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Without affection, there is little kindness; with affection, there comes endless worry.

For five consecutive days, the Xie residence knew no peace.

Xie Zhenhuan first wept over Xie Zhizhou’s injuries, then after half a day, suddenly remembered Lin Shengshen. If sister-in-law was this angry, she would surely never forgive brother… Filled with both anger and anxiety, she wept three more times at Tangli Residence.

Xie Zhizhou had been confined to bed recovering from his injuries these past few days, publicly claiming to have been seriously wounded in an assassination attempt. His Majesty was deeply concerned about his condition, specially sending trusted aides to deliver many precious medicinal herbs while privately inquiring about which faction was behind the attack.

Taking advantage of the situation, Xie Zhizhou naturally pointed the finger at Prince Su.

His Majesty was furious. Though he didn’t punish anyone directly, it was heard that under the pretext of allowing Consort Qi to focus on her pregnancy, he stripped her of authority over the six palaces and transferred the administrative power to the four consorts.

During these days, the Xie residence remained somber and lifeless. Xie Changxing was shocked and suspicious that assassins could so easily enter their home, feeling deeply unsettled. He dispatched numerous guards to protect the estate.

Concubine Jin tried several times to show her concern through attentive service, but never managed to see Xie Zhizhou. Only Xie Yunshuang entered Tangli Residence once, bringing some soup.

“Brother, how did your injuries become so serious? Were there really many bandits that day?”

Xie Zhizhou glanced at her but didn’t drink from the bowl, merely stirring it with a spoon. “Hmm.”

His voice was indifferent, keeping others at a distance.

Xie Yunshuang wasn’t discouraged, after all, Xie Zhizhou had always been like this.

He was the superior, the master of the Xie residence, heaven’s favored son – so his arrogance came naturally, and his aloofness was commonplace.

If one could get half a smile or a few warm words from him, that would be truly unusual.

Hadn’t that celestial beauty who married in a few months ago also met with a bleak ending? According to her mother, that one had been scolded so severely by brother that she returned to her parental home.

Hah, did she really think the Xie family was some ordinary household that anyone could enter? Brother had been too lenient with that arrogant sister-in-law.

Many thoughts flashed through Xie Yunshuang’s mind, but her expression remained timid and submissive.

“Father has arranged a marriage for me with Xu Wulin, but I heard he was recently imprisoned…” Tears welled in her eyes, her distress genuine. “Brother, do you know why the Court of Judicial Review arrested him? What am I supposed to do now?”

Xie Zhizhou looked up, stared at her for a moment, then returned to his previous indifferent demeanor. “Just routine investigation, nothing serious. He’ll be released within half a month.”

Xie Yunshuang’s heart tightened…

Nothing serious? He would be released? Then wouldn’t that mean he would still marry her after being let out?

This won’t do.

Xu Wulin must never be released! If only he could die in prison.

Why is Prince Su so concerned about the reason for Xu Wulin’s imprisonment? Could it be because Xu Wulin holds some unspeakable secret?

She wiped her tears. “Then I can rest assured.”

Xie Zhizhou set down the porcelain bowl, slightly pulling at his wound. His expression remained unchanged, not even clenching his teeth, but sweat had already beaded on his forehead.

Xie Yunshuang left with a troubled heart, and the residence physician immediately entered.

“Young master, your old injuries haven’t healed and now you’ve added new ones. You must absolutely avoid straining the wound recently and need to rest in bed for recovery!”

The residence physician looked grave.

Xie Zhizhou frowned. “Rest in bed? For how long?”

The physician calculated while stroking his beard. “One month.”

Xie Zhizhou looked displeased.

The physician added, “At least one month.”

“Impossible. I need to go out today.”

The physician grew anxious. “Absolutely not.”

Xie Zhizhou’s face turned cold. “I’ve already followed your advice and rested for five days. I have official duties and don’t have time to linger sick in bed. Quickly prepare some effective medicine – I’m going out today.”

The physician broke out in a sweat, knowing this young master frequently entered the palace and seemed very busy. Not daring to delay, he carefully prescribed several medicines.

Before leaving, he still advised, “Young master, you absolutely must not sustain any new injuries.”

“…” Xie Zhizhou remained silent.

Whether new injuries would be added still depended on Lin Shengshen’s mood. Perhaps this stab wasn’t enough to relieve her anger – then let her stab him again.

Lying on Lin Shengshen’s bed, but without the usual faint sweet fragrance, the lush pear trees outside Tangli Residence rustled loudly, making the room feel even more lonely.

Lin Shengshen stood at the entrance of Xiangyun Tower, watching the constant flow of people, her anger rising.

She sneered at the limping Yin Wei. “Shopkeeper Yin, how are you finding this stolen brilliant idea?”

Yin Wei bowed to her through the window, his smile making his eyes disappear. “Miss Lin, I’m quite busy at the moment and can’t get away. Please make yourself at home, make yourself at home, haha.”

Peilan was so angry she wanted to rush up and kick Yin Wei’s good leg. “He’s going too far! Wan Jin Lou are also untrustworthy scoundrels!”

Shopkeeper Zhu came out and held an umbrella over Lin Shengshen’s head. “Miss Lin, don’t stand in the sun. Come inside quickly.”

Lin Shengshen ignored Yin Wei any further and ducked under the umbrella to return to Baoxiang Tower.

Zhu Yu had grown many more white hairs these days from exhausting herself dealing with her husband’s relatives. Her husband had been conscripted into the army and would soon depart for the northwest battlefield, where survival was unlikely. They would probably never see each other again, and she had cried until her eyes were nearly blind.

Unexpectedly, her husband’s relatives had come without discussion to seize what little family property remained, even driving her and her daughter out of their home.

The nearly collapsing house and the few remaining possessions were all divided among the relatives. These days, Zhu Yu had been temporarily staying at Baoxiang Tower with her daughter Wan’er.

Wan’er wasn’t doing embroidery but was carefully studying an account book, sometimes making notes with her brush, sometimes tapping the abacus, looking quite like a young shopkeeper.

Lin Shengshen didn’t want to discuss Zhu Yu’s family matters further with her.

Sometimes one shouldn’t interfere too much with others’ karma. After all, hardships temper people – without experiencing difficulties, one would never understand.

She sat down beside Wan’er, glanced at the account book, and pointed at one entry. “Red for expenses, black for income. This should be written in red ink.”

Wan’er quickly circled it with a vermilion brush.

She pointed again, “The month-end reconciliation is still ahead—it’s only been ten days, no need to rush. You can try calculating last month’s accounts first.”

Wan’er nodded and buried her head back in her work.

Shopkeeper Zhu smiled and nodded repeatedly, “I never realized before how talented Wan’er is!”

As she spoke, she followed Lin Shengshen to the window, lowering her voice, “Miss Lin, this is the rent for Wan’er and me these past days. Staying here temporarily has truly troubled you.”

Lin Shengshen pushed the money back.

“Keep this money and find a quiet place to stay. Once you’re back on your feet, I’ll deduct it from your monthly allowance.”

Zhu Yu’s eyes reddened, but in the end, she said nothing. Indecisive and nostalgic, she always sought to minimize conflicts, believing family harmony was paramount. Though her husband was reckless, she felt he had his reasons—if she didn’t understand him, who would care for him?

But she never expected that while she cared for her husband, he showed no concern for her!

Not even for their daughter…

These days had made her see clearly: her husband’s family was full of ill-intentioned people. Since that was the case, it was better to take the matter to the authorities and let the government mediate their separation. In the future, she could lead Wan’er to a good life on their own.

Yet her heart still ached…

They had been young lovers, once struggling in obscurity and later enjoying modest success. They were comrades standing side by side by day and intimate partners sharing a bed by night. Through hard work, they built their family fortune, thinking hardships were behind them—only to find everything changed.

“Mother, let’s move to the Porcelain Alley behind Xiangyun Tower. It’s affordable and quiet.”

Zhu Yu pushed aside her tangled thoughts and nodded repeatedly.

Wan’er lowered her eyelashes again. The manager of Xiangyun Tower had snatched such a big business from Sister Lin—she would keep a close watch on him until he slipped up!

Peilan pushed the door open, set down a bundle in her hands, and the scent of medicine wafted through.

“Miss, everything is prepared as you instructed.” Peilan looked puzzled, “But… why are these all medicines for colds? Not for treating knife wounds.”

Lin Shengshen froze for a moment, “Why would I need medicine for knife wounds?” She stepped forward, picked up the bundle, and gracefully descended the stairs.

Wen Lingzhou arrived a quarter-hour earlier than the time mentioned in his letter. He stood before the counter of Baoxiang Tower, carefully reading a note introducing spices.

The handwriting was as elegant and delicate as plum blossoms—written by Lin Shengshen.

“General Wen, the herbs you asked me to find are all here.” Lin Shengshen approached and handed him the bundle.

Hearing the first three words, Wen Lingzhou’s eyes dimmed briefly, but he soon laughed heartily, “Shengshen, thank you.”

Lin Shengshen scratched her head. Truthfully, these weren’t rare or precious medicines. Wen Lingzhou’s letter asking her to find them seemed rather random, but she didn’t overthink it. After all, he had helped her so much; finding some herbs for him was a small way to repay him.

Wen Lingzhou asked casually, “I heard you rushed back from the Xie residence to the Lin residence before dawn a few days ago. Did something happen to Lord Lin or Lady Chen?”

Lin Shengshen smiled calmly, “Nothing happened. I just missed home, so I returned.”

Wen Lingzhou turned these words over in his mind, sensing something unusual.

He took a deep breath, “Shengshen…”

He took a step forward.

“That day at Qingsheng Temple, I asked if you regretted marrying Xie Zhizhou. You never answered me.”

Lin Shengshen did not reply, only saying, “General Wen, I wish you great victory in this battle and a safe return.”

Wen Lingzhou felt a pang of bitterness in his heart. “If I return safely, you—”

Before he could finish, a commotion erupted on the street, followed by the Wen family servant’s furious shout: “Are you blind? How dare you crash into the Wen family’s carriage!”

Wen Lingzhou’s expression darkened as he strode out of Baoxiang Tower.

Lin Shengshen followed behind and saw the ebony carriage inlaid with gold knocked askew by an ordinary carriage, one of its wheels shattered and clearly unusable.

Wen Lingzhou first dismissed the servant sternly, “Do not be rude!”

Another servant approached and whispered, “General, His Majesty summons you to the palace.”

“I will return to the residence to fetch another carriage immediately.”

Just then, a carriage made of fine materials but extremely low-key without any decorations slowly approached from the street corner.

Xie Zhizhou gradually lifted the carriage curtain, half of his face hidden behind it. The visible half was unnaturally pale, the small mole beside his nose bridge becoming more prominent, adding a gentle and refined aura to his handsome, imposing features.

He first looked at Lin Shengshen and smiled. “Shengshen.”

Then he turned to Wen Lingzhou beside him, his smile fading as his usual arrogant and distant demeanor returned. “General Wen, the Xie family’s carriage can be lent to you temporarily. I will share the Lin family carriage with Shengshen later.”

Wen Lingzhou instantly understood how his carriage had been damaged. He snorted coldly, walked to the Western Regions horse, and began untying the reins. “No need. I’ll go on horseback.”

Before mounting the horse, Wen Lingzhou patted the bundle in his hand and smiled at Lin Shengshen. “Shengshen, thank you for the carefully prepared medicinal herbs.”

Then he rode away.

Xie Zhizhou had already stepped out of the carriage and approached Lin Shengshen, his arm brushing against hers unintentionally. He handed the food box in his hand to Peilan nearby and said, “Shengshen, I brought your favorite red bean pastry.”

People around occasionally glanced over, whispering among themselves.

It seemed like the married couple were merely bickering and flirting sweetly, rather than having a life-threatening conflict where they nearly stabbed each other.

Lin Shengshen knew Xie Zhizhou was not a restrained and humble gentleman but a madman who would go to extremes for love.

Not daring to provoke him, she signaled Peilan with her eyes and turned to enter Baoxiang Tower.

Peilan hurriedly returned the food box to Yuan Qing, bowed, and rushed in after her.

Xie Zhizhou watched that retreating figure in crimson, 耳边响起——

[“When Bodhisattvas rely on Prajna Paramita, their minds are unobstructed;

Being unobstructed, they have no fear…”]

She was silently reciting the Heart Sutra in her mind, preventing him from hearing anything else.

Xie Zhizhou curled his lips into a smile. She was truly clever and adorable in her actions. He also walked into Baoxiang Tower.