After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 45

Along the way, peonies lay fallen and hibiscus blanketed the ground, creating a scene of utter desolation. The further Lin Shengshen walked, the more fearful she grew in her heart.

If she had truly stabbed Xie Zhizhou to death, how would she explain it to His Majesty? Would the Lin family be utterly destroyed because of this…

She knew Xie Zhizhou had always been someone His Majesty valued.

Lost in such chaotic thoughts throughout the journey, by the time she arrived at the Golden Moon Pavilion, the rain was pouring down like buckets of water. Lin Shengshen paid no mind to her completely soaked shoes and socks, pushing open the door and heading straight for the inner chamber.

“Xie Zhizhou.”

The estate physician was personally overseeing the medicine brewing in the outer room. The chamber was filled with the scent of blood and enveloped in silence, with only a small lamp flickering on the bedside table, casting light upon Xie Zhizhou’s deathly pale face.

Lin Shengshen’s heart clenched.

She strode forward and saw that Xie Zhizhou had already fallen into a deep slumber. His lips were colorless, his complexion cold and pale, while the small mole beside his tall nose bridge appeared excessively dark.

“Xie Zhizhou…” Lin Shengshen sat by the bedside, touching his icy cold hand. “You absolutely must not die…”

The person on the bed showed no response.

Lin Shengshen hurried to the outer room and quietly inquired about his condition from the physician.

“Young Master Xie is no longer in critical condition, but he hasn’t rested properly these past few days. The exhaustion from his travels has inevitably triggered this episode… Once tonight passes and he takes his medicine on schedule, he will recover.”

Lin Shengshen gently patted her chest, finally allowing her heart to settle slightly.

“Peilan, go to the storeroom and fetch the finest medicinal ingredients according to the prescription. Also, bring that aged ginseng we obtained from the northern regions years ago and keep it ready.”

Peilan showed a pained expression but obediently went to do as told.

Lin Shengshen took the medicine from the physician and instructed, “Please stay in the side chamber tonight. Once Young Master Xie shows improvement tomorrow, I will surely prepare a generous red envelope for you.”

The physician repeatedly expressed that it was his duty and he dared not expect such rewards, then departed.

Several maids, seeing Lin Shengshen holding the medicine, understood they should not interfere and quietly withdrew.

Lin Shengshen returned alone to the inner chamber. Seeing Xie Zhizhou still lying there motionless, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow.

[Why must it be like this? Having been reborn, we should have parted ways cleanly. Yet now we’ve reached this point where both sides are wounded—how tragic! Could it be that only through her death in the previous life and Xie Zhizhou’s death in this one, dying back and forth, will this ill-fated bond finally be severed?]

She approached, scooped a little decoction with a porcelain spoon, and gently brought it to Xie Zhizhou’s lips. However, only half of it flowed into his mouth while the other half trickled down his cheek onto the pillow.

Having never tended to anyone before, Lin Shengshen was momentarily at a loss. She stood up, intending to call a maid from the outer room to assist.

But just as she rose, her hand was grasped by a pair of large, slightly cool palms. “Don’t go. I’ll drink it myself.”

Startled, Lin Shengshen sat back down by the bed. “When did you wake up?”

Xie Zhizhou’s voice was somewhat weak. “Half an hour ago.”

Lin Shengshen said, “Why didn’t you say anything when you woke up? You didn’t even move when I was feeding you medicine.”

Xie Zhizhou remained silent. Having overheard Lin Shengshen’s inner monologue earlier, he simply couldn’t bring himself to drink the medicine.

Lin Shengshen sat by his pillow, gently supporting his head with one hand as she replaced his pillow with a softer one. Only then did she release him, sitting back down beside his arm facing him. She lifted the bowl, scooped a spoonful of medicine, and brought it to his lips.

“Here, drink it yourself.”

Xie Zhizhou didn’t move his lips, simply gazing at Lin Shengshen as she leaned forward.

She seemed to have rushed over in haste—the collar of her garment was slightly askew. The medicine was extremely bitter, but Lin Shengshen carried a faint, pleasant fragrance.

[Why isn’t he drinking? Could it be too hot?] Lin Shengshen couldn’t resist lightly touching the edge of the porcelain spoon with her lips.

[“Not too hot.”]

Xie Zhizhou slightly parted his lips, staring at that spoonful of medicine.

Only then did he begin to drink.

Soon, the bowl of medicine was finished. Lin Shengshen asked, “Would you like some preserved fruit?”

Xie Zhizhou raised an eyebrow.

Preserved fruit? Could any preserved fruit in this world be sweeter than Lin Shengshen’s lips?

Seeing that he didn’t respond, Lin Shengshen took a piece and brought it to Xie Zhizhou’s lips.

Xie Zhizhou looked at her, opened his mouth to eat the preserved fruit, and his lips accidentally brushed against Lin Shengshen’s fingers.

Lin Shengshen immediately withdrew her hand, but seeing that Xie Zhizhou’s expression remained neutral, as if it had been an accident… she calmed herself and pretended nothing had happened.

But Xie Zhizhou continued to watch her, which made her somewhat uncomfortable. Lin Shengshen coughed lightly and said, “Today, Zhenhuan went to see Xu Wulin. Did she cry?”

Xie Zhizhou replied, “At first, she cried bitterly, but later she stopped. She even cursed that scoundrel and slapped him before letting it go.”

“Ah?”

Lin Shengshen was stunned for a moment, realizing that the story about Zhenhuan chasing Wen Zhao’ya with a feather duster in Baoxiang Tower, as told by Lai Zhuyu, was indeed true.

“Although Zhenhuan stopped crying, she will surely dwell on it at night.”

Xie Zhizhou nodded. “She still cherishes old sentiments.”

“What else? Did Xu Wulin say anything?”

Xie Zhizhou said, “Xu Wulin claimed that the Consort has a plan to make the Crown Prince’s faction die without a burial ground.”

Lin Shengshen sneered, “What brilliant plan could she have? She’s just using the child in her womb to harm others!”

Xie Zhizhou hesitated for a moment before asking, “In your previous life… what exactly happened to the Lin family?”

Recalling the past, Lin Shengshen showed little emotion. “At the Consort’s Birthday Banquet, the Crown Prince presented a coral from the southeast. Within half a month, the Consort suffered a poisoned miscarriage in Qingchun Palace and nearly lost her life. His Majesty was furious. After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the coral contained poison. To protect the Crown Prince, my brother, who had prepared the birthday gift, was imprisoned pending investigation.”

Lin Shengshen frowned. “Coincidentally, northern enemies invaded south, and seven northern cities fell into chaos. Xu Wulin took my brother’s place to lead the campaign but abandoned three cities in succession. In the end, it was Prince Su who led the forces and saved the seven northern cities.”

She sneered, “The Crown Prince harmed the Consort’s unborn child, and his subordinate abandoned cities and fled in the north. So…”

At this point, she widened her eyes and looked at Xie Zhizhou.

Xie Zhizhou said, “The poison in the coral happened to be hellebore, which is exclusively produced in the northern borderlands. Coincidentally, the Crown Prince’s subordinate abandoned cities in the north. Every detail pointed to the Crown Prince colluding with the enemy and betraying the state, intending to use the chaos of war to force His Majesty to abdicate.”

“With Prince Su’s growing power, it’s no surprise the Crown Prince might harbor ambitions to ascend the throne hastily. Faced with such evidence, how could His Majesty not suspect the Crown Prince?”

Lin Shengshen nodded. “No wonder they went to such lengths to obtain hellebore… and even sacrificed the lives of Xunniang and Ningxiang for it!”

Xie Zhizhou coughed twice. Lin Shengshen held his hand and said, “Don’t dwell on these matters at night. You should rest early and focus on recovering your health.”

He shook his head, taking the opportunity to clasp her hand before she could pull away. “The Consort’s birthday falls on the Mid-Autumn Festival. We must not repeat the same mistakes.”

Lin Shengshen thought for a moment. “Perhaps there is one person we can use. We’ll know in three days. If this person doesn’t work out, we’ll make other plans.”

Xie Zhizhou knew that Lin Shengshen was always quick-witted and nodded. “Today, when I entered the palace, I reported everything Xu Wulin had done. His Majesty has long been wary of Prince Su.”

He tightened his grip slightly. “Don’t worry, this time we will surely overcome the danger.”

Lin Shengshen felt scorched by his gaze. Though she wanted to withdraw her hand, his grip remained firm, so she could only say stiffly, “It’s getting late. You should sleep. I’ll watch over you.”

She lowered the bed curtains, enclosing the two of them inside. Xie Zhizhou lay on the bed while she sat at the edge.

Xie Zhizhou seemed to want to say something but ultimately remained silent. He closed his eyes, still holding her soft, fragrant hand protectively.

The cry of a night owl pierced the air. Xie Yunshuang tightened her cloak around herself.

By the faint light of the lanterns, she could make out the pavilions and towers in the rainy night, rising and falling in staggered layers as if intent on trapping her within. The continuous curtain of rain made the atmosphere feel eerie.

She had heard from her aunt that many people had died here. On such a heavy, rainy night, would the wronged souls drift about, weeping and lamenting?

Prince Su had directed her to meet him in a remote, deserted side courtyard. He told her to slip in secretly through the side gate after midnight and wait there.

The night was deep, and Xie Yunshuang had no idea what would happen.

The lantern light illuminated her ambition.

The door opened.

Prince Su, with his imposing figure, stood inside the doorway looking down at her. “How long have you been waiting?”

“Half an hour.”

“Come in.”

No one else was in the room. There was an Arhat Bed with nothing spread on it and a low table with a seven-stringed wutong zither placed on top.

Prince Su plucked the strings lightly, paying no attention to Xie Yunshuang, who was drenched, her shoes and socks covered in mud, looking utterly uneasy.

Xie Yunshuang took off her cloak on her own, removed her shoes and socks, and stood barefoot on the cold floor.

Prince Su asked, “Well? What news have you brought?”

Xie Yunshuang replied, “Rumors outside say Xu Wulin was only taken away for routine questioning, but… Xu Wulin has been tortured relentlessly in prison and is on the verge of death. It’s unclear what Xie Zhizhou is trying to extract from him.”

The zither music paused for a moment.

“He had resolved to die, but this afternoon, Xie Zhizhou took Xie Zhenhuan to see him. Xu Wulin and Xie Zhenhuan grew up together and share a deep bond. It’s said that after seeing Xie Zhenhuan, he wept bitterly and declared he would meet with Xie Zhizhou tomorrow.”

Prince Su sneered, a murderous intent lurking in his laughter. “Do you know what happens to those who deceive me?”

Xie Yunshuang’s mind suddenly flashed to what Concubine Jin had said about favored maids who had their noses sliced off, ears cut, or limbs severed before being carried out. She shuddered all over.

But she quickly steadied herself. “Every word Yunshuang has spoken is true.”

Prince Su did not press the matter further. Instead, he rested his hands on the zither strings and glanced at her. “Your name is Xie Yunshuang?”

Xie Yunshuang struggled to control her trembling legs and slowly took a few steps forward until she reached the low table. “Your Highness, you may simply call me Yunshuang.”

Prince Su suddenly smiled and beckoned her over.

Xie Yunshuang, guessing his intention, slowly knelt and sat beside him.

Prince Su pinched her chin, turned her face left and right, then released her.

He began plucking the zither strings again.

When the melody ended, Xie Yunshuang finally mustered the courage to press closer. Trembling, she let her hand wander across the man’s chest beside her.

Suddenly, a pair of strong, large hands seized hers and shoved her backward. Xie Yunshuang was slammed hard onto the floor.

“Your Highness…”

“Be quiet.”

Prince Su flipped her over, forcing her to lie face down. Her dress was torn to shreds and scattered across the floor. He gripped her neck from behind, and a dull pain shot through her.

She nearly cried out but remembered his command, only daring to gasp softly.

Prince Su showed no mercy. The ferocity he had displayed on the battlefield was now fully unleashed, without a trace of pity.

The lamplight flickered in the room. Xie Yunshuang endured the pain but dared not make a sound, the initial excitement in her heart fading away by seven or eight parts from the ordeal.

She suddenly began to suspect that perhaps Prince Su had long seen through her lies…

After what felt like an eternity, her tear-filled eyes could no longer hold out, and just as she was about to plead for mercy, she felt a scorching heat surge forth. Prince Su denied her any chance of bearing his child, spilling everything onto her back.

Prince Su rose without a trace of attachment, slightly adjusting the clothing at his waist, once again assuming the imposing and aloof demeanor he had before.

Xie Yunshuang clutched the disheveled garments in front of her, unable to conceal the scent that belonged solely to Prince Su. She carefully wiped herself, her gaze lifting with a hint of tenderness and expectation. “Your Highness, when will you take me into your residence?”

Prince Su wiped his hands with a silk handkerchief. “In due time. There are more important matters for you to handle. The position of secondary consort will surely be yours by the end of the year.”

With that, Prince Su strode out the door, not even bothering to close it properly.

—

The morning rain had ceased, and Lin Shengshen was awakened by a ray of sunlight.

She had no idea when she had fallen asleep the previous night, but it must have been very late, for her eyes were still heavy with sleep, and her entire body felt soft and languid. She nuzzled against the pillow, and a bitter medicinal scent wafted into her nostrils.

Startled, her eyes flew open, only to find herself lying on the inner side of the bed, sharing a mandarin duck soft pillow with Xie Zhizhou. Beside her, Xie Zhizhou lay flat, sound asleep.

“Xie Zhizhou!” She sat up abruptly, only then noticing that Xie Zhizhou’s face was still pale, the color in his lips just beginning to return. He was sleeping deeply.

[Forget it. Our clothes are tidy, so nothing must have happened. Let it be, let it be.]

[Besides… Xie Zhizhou is so ill, hovering between life and death, he definitely wouldn’t have had the strength to do anything to me. There’s nothing to fear.]

[Moreover, sleeping in a bed is quite comfortable—much better than sitting by the bedside all night.]

She readjusted her loosely draped collar, tied the silk ribbon of her inner garment, and then cautiously tried to step over Xie Zhizhou to get out of bed.

Just as she had swung one leg over and was still hovering above Xie Zhizhou…

The person beneath her suddenly opened his eyes.