After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 61

It was not until late at night, when Chen Yuying and the other two saw that Lin Shengshen had fallen asleep, that they felt slightly relieved and stepped out of the inner room, sitting down again in the outer chamber.

Lin Xunen still wore an unpleasant expression. Lin Zhiping, knowing Chen Yuying had something to say, remained silent and only drank his tea.

Chen Yuying looked at Xie Zhizhou, who sat upright beside her, and said gently, “Shengshen has been pampered since childhood, never having experienced storms or hardships. She has been spoiled by us and impulsively married into the Xie family. I’m afraid she has caused the Xie family much trouble lately. Young Lord Xie, you are a man of great principles—you married Shengshen for the sake of the court’s concerns and, for the sake of your family’s reputation, never mistreated her. We have seen all of this.”

Xie Zhizhou frowned and was about to speak, but Chen Yuying interrupted him.

She continued, “However, the Lin family comes from humble origins. We have no connections to the intricate power networks in the capital and likely lack the strength to involve ourselves in the court’s struggles. Moreover, Shengshen has always been free-spirited since childhood, and we cannot bear to see her confined to a secluded household. I have noticed that Shengshen has matured greatly and no longer bothers you as she used to. The child has learned her lesson after hitting a wall, and as her parents, we wish to secure a chance for her to turn things around.”

Chen Yuying glanced at Lin Zhiping, who nodded, and she went on, “Once Shengshen recovers from her injuries, let us end this marriage. Our Lin family will speak to His Majesty and ensure that the Xie family is not implicated in the slightest.”

It was as if a massive boulder had crashed down, shattering all of Xie Zhizhou’s illusions and hopes. He opened his mouth to speak but found his throat blocked.

Ever since Lin Shengshen took a liking to Xie Zhizhou, Chen Yuying had never uttered a single word of opposition. Some things must be realized through personal experience; persuasion from others would only backfire.

She knew that Shengshen had not been happy since marrying into the Xie family.

She also knew that Xie Zhizhou had once been indifferent to Shengshen but now harbored some feelings for her.

However, whether Xie Zhizhou had feelings or not was not important. What mattered was whether Shengshen had him in her heart.

Chen Yuying observed coldly—most likely, she did not. It was for this reason that she steeled herself to settle this matter while Lin Shengshen was ill.

Though Lin Xunen wore a cold expression, his tone softened as if persuading, “Lord Xie, you are outstanding, with a bright future ahead. The Xie family will rely on you to uphold its legacy, and an alliance with the Lin family is unnecessary.”

Xie Zhizhou felt as if he were submerged in water, his ears blocked, hearing their words only vaguely.

If the Lin family unanimously decided to end this marriage, would Lin Shengshen object?

She probably would not.

She already disliked him, and now that she knew her family was willing to go all out, she would surely joyfully pack her belongings and return home.

Having just recovered from the pain of nearly losing Lin Shengshen forever, Xie Zhizhou now sank into an even deeper agony.

Compared to losing her forever, perhaps loving her yet being unable to have her, watching her marry someone else and live happily ever after, was even more painful.

Xie Zhizhou said earnestly, “I treated Shengshen poorly in the past, but now… Shengshen and I deserve a chance to start over.”

Lin Zhiping rarely spoke up, “Times have changed, but it’s hard not to feel lingering fear. Lord Xie, since you and Shengshen have had conflicts, why insist so stubbornly? If you end up as a resentful couple in the future, how could we elders bear to see it?”

These words blocked all of Xie Zhizhou’s arguments. What use were promises about the future? They were empty, while the past events were undeniably real.

He knew deeply how severe the conflicts between him and Lin Shengshen had been.

Chen Yuying stood up at the right moment, “It’s getting late, we shouldn’t disturb any longer. We’ll head back first. Let’s not tell Shengshen about this matter for now, to avoid her overthinking while she’s ill.”

She essentially settled the matter right then.

It was only at this moment that Xie Zhizhou understood the feeling of helplessness that Yuan Qing and Yuan Zhen often spoke of.

Since childhood, he had excelled in everything, whether in studies or official duties, never experiencing the feeling of unattainable desires or narrowly missed opportunities.

But now he fully understood it.

Xie Zhizhou’s voice trembled slightly, though he suppressed it firmly, standing up with relative composure, “Alright.”

After seeing off the three members of the Lin family, Xie Zhizhou dismissed Yuan Qing and wandered aimlessly alone outside Tangli Residence.

The full moon cast warm white light upon him, yet Xie Zhizhou only felt cold.

Outside Tangli Residence grew a cluster of lush flowers and plants that Lin Shengshen had planted with her own hands. She loved making scents and always preferred growing some simple botanical ingredients herself.

During those three years in his previous life when he hadn’t accompanied her, how many flowers and plants had she planted? How many fragrant Scented Pills had she made? Had she often wandered alone through Tangli Residence like he was now, gazing at the mid-heaven moon, sighing over a lonely future?

These past two days had piled up many cases. Even Yuan Qing couldn’t bear to see it and urged him to go to the Dali Temple today after Lin Shengshen woke up.

But he didn’t want to go. Without Lin Shengshen, what meaning did any of it hold?

Romantic love and moonlit sentiments—he used to think these were the most foolish things, unable to comprehend why people would struggle half their lives over them, producing those cloyingly sweet poems and songs that sounded so tedious.

Wearing gold-decorated belts and purple robes, protecting the dozens of people in the Xie family—this was what he was born to do.

But now…

Once Lin Shengshen recovered from her injuries, she would return home, leaving him alone in the empty Xie residence. What meaning would life hold then?

When Lin Shengshen opened her eyes again, it was already noon. She had slept comfortably, so upon waking, aside from the still-painful bleeding wound, she felt fine.

What surprised her most was that Xie Zhizhou was actually sleeping beside her, holding her hand. His movements were very restrained, yet he greedily rested his chin against the crook of her neck.

As Lin Shengshen moved, Xie Zhizhou also woke.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze deep, eyelids slightly drooping, exhaustion evident.

Xie Zhizhou first got up to examine the wounds on Lin Shengshen’s arm and back, then picked up the ointment from the bedside and carefully applied it to the bruises on her neck. Finally, he lifted Lin Shengshen, supporting her as she leaned against soft pillows to sit up, before getting out of bed to dress.

Lin Shengshen felt there was something strange about Xie Zhizhou. Although he had appeared tender while asleep, after waking he had become somewhat distant.

Despite his extremely gentle care for her, he was too restrained—unlike the passion of previous days, which made Lin Shengshen somewhat uncomfortable.

[Did I accidentally injure my face?]

[Or… does Xie Zhizhou suspect I was violated by the bandits after being kidnapped?]

[“So shallow…”]

Xie Zhizhou had just finished dressing and was about to fetch warm water and a cloth when he paused.

“Don’t overthink things.”

Lin Shengshen hummed in acknowledgment. Unable to decipher the profound melancholy in Xie Zhizhou’s expression, she decided to let it go.

After washing up, Lin Shengshen was being spoon-fed egg custard by Xie Zhizhou when she suddenly heard irregular footsteps outside the window.

Shortly after, Xie Zhenhuan peeked in from the doorway of the inner chamber.

“Sister-in-law…”

Lin Shengshen wished she could get out of bed, but her legs still ached too much. “Don’t just stand there, come in quickly.”

Xie Zhenhuan glanced at Xie Zhizhou. Seeing his expression unchanged and that he remained silent, she limped inside.

“What happened to your leg?”

Xie Zhenhuan replied, “I stepped on a clam shell in the mud and cut my foot—the one that lost its shoe.”

Lin Shengshen’s heart ached for her. “Did the imperial physician say how long it will take to heal? It didn’t hit the bone, did it?”

Tears welled up in Xie Zhenhuan’s eyes. “I’m fine, Sister-in-law. You… your arm bone is fractured, swollen so badly. My injuries are nothing in comparison.”

Lin Shengshen chided her gently, “We’re both badly hurt. Are we going to compare who’s worse off? Let’s not talk about this anymore.”

Xie Zhenhuan reached out and lightly touched Lin Shengshen’s neck, where purplish-blue finger marks were visible. Just looking at the bruises evoked a suffocating sensation.

“Does it hurt?”

Lin Shengshen said, “How could it not? But we survived and escaped. This pain is nothing.”

Hearing this, Xie Zhenhuan couldn’t hold back any longer and burst into loud sobs. That night had been truly terrifying, and she had been having nightmares ever since.

Torn between worrying about Lin Shengshen’s condition and fearing the nightmares that kept her awake, she had finally gotten a restful night’s sleep thanks to a Western medicine sent by Wen Zhao Ya, which had excellent calming effects.

Seeing her like this, Lin Shengshen couldn’t help wiping away her own tears.

Xie Zhizhou used a cloth to dry Lin Shengshen’s tears and cast a cold glance at Xie Zhenhuan. “If you keep crying, go back to your room.”

Xie Zhenhuan immediately stopped, though she continued to sniffle, making Lin Shengshen want to laugh.

After the sisters-in-law exchanged a few more words and calmed down, Lin Shengshen finished her bowl of egg custard.

Just then, a maid outside the door announced, “Young Master, Young Madam, Second Young Lady is here.”

Lin Shengshen’s smile faded, her eyes darkening. She glanced at Xie Zhizhou and found him looking back at her.

No words were needed—a single glance was enough for them to understand each other.

Xie Zhizhou instructed, “Let her in.”

Hearing that Xie Yunshuang had come to visit Lin Shengshen, Xie Zhenhuan set aside her usual hostility and gave her a rather friendly smile.

Xie Yunshuang had gained a little weight recently, looking plumper and healthier than before, with much better complexion. She spoke softly, “I was ill these past few days and feared I might pass on the sickness, so I didn’t come to see you, Sister-in-law. I hope you won’t blame me.”

She observed Lin Shengshen—her right arm still swollen, purplish bruises on her neck, her face pale as she leaned against the bed, like a delicate flower that had been ravaged.

Stealing a glance at Xie Zhizhou, she noted his exhausted appearance, thinking he was merely putting on a brave front as he sat upright.

Beside them, Xie Zhenhuan had red, swollen eyes and walked with a limp, looking utterly pitiful.

An inexplicable sense of satisfaction washed over her, dispelling her earlier worries.

Lin Shengshen smiled faintly and said, “How could I? I’m just glad you came.”

Xie Yunshuang bowed to Xie Zhizhou, who acknowledged her with an indifferent expression.

“Who could be so ruthless? Has Brother found out who did it?”

Hearing this, Xie Zhenhuan also looked at Xie Zhizhou anxiously.

Xie Zhizhou glanced at Xie Yunshuang and leisurely sat down in the official’s armchair. “I’ve found out.” Then, he stared directly at Xie Yunshuang.

Xie Yunshuang sneered inwardly, completely disbelieving that Xie Zhizhou had such capability. Yet her face remained calm as she said, “That’s good, that’s good. We absolutely cannot let that person off! They must be made to suffer.”

Xie Zhizhou raised an eyebrow. “Naturally.”

Lin Shengshen smiled. “It’s rare for us to gather together. Let’s not talk about these matters and instead chat about everyday things.”

Xie Yunshuang sat down on the embroidered stool nearby, wondering what exactly Lin Shengshen wanted to say.

Lin Shengshen’s eyes were full of laughter. “A few days ago at the Yong’an Marquis’ residence, many ladies asked me why you didn’t come. It seems they’ve taken a liking to you. I just said you were ill and couldn’t receive guests. They all expressed regret.”

Though full of suspicion, Xie Yunshuang still lowered her head demurely.

Lin Shengshen continued, “But I don’t think these ladies stand a chance.”

Xie Yunshuang’s heart skipped a beat. What did she mean? Had Lin Shengshen already discovered her secret dealings with Prince Su?

Lin Shengshen took in her expression completely. “Dear sister, your good fortune is coming. After the toasts that day, I met Lady Qi on my way to freshen up. She specifically asked about you.”

Her nervousness suddenly turned to excitement. Had Prince Su decided to take her in? Otherwise, why would Lady Qi suddenly inquire about her? Xie Yunshuang’s heartbeat quickened abruptly. She straightened her posture, her eyes shining slightly.

Xie Zhizhou, watching from the side, curled the corner of his mouth. Lin Shengshen was cunning, manipulating people’s emotions up and down with just a few words—utterly… adorable.

Having built sufficient suspense, Lin Shengshen feigned delight. “It turns out the Qi family’s young master, Qi Yan, has taken a fancy to you!”

Xie Yunshuang’s face instantly turned deathly pale.

“I heard he saw you somewhere and returned home insisting on sending a marriage proposal. If Lady Qi weren’t cautious about acting without understanding the situation, you’d probably be quite busy these days—just embroidering pillow covers and handkerchiefs would be exhausting enough.”

Xie Yunshuang clenched her fist, then released it, forcing a stiff smile. Her voice trembled slightly. “I’m merely a concubine-born daughter. The Qi family holds high status and power, and Young Master Qi is beyond my reach. How could I be worthy?”

Lin Shengshen said, “Don’t underestimate yourself. Reputable families never mistreat concubine-born daughters. Lady Qi doesn’t care about your status. Hearing that you have proper features, gentle and dignified manners, and are well-versed in poetry, literature, music, and chess, she was so pleased she settled the match right then. She told you to wait at ease—they’ll come with a proposal soon.”

Xie Zhenhuan, listening nearby, was utterly confused. Qi Yan? Wasn’t that the scoundrel who wrote terrible poetry and had privately accosted her recently?

She glanced at Lin Shengshen, who maintained a perfectly serious expression, so she said nothing more.

Hearing this, Xie Yunshuang felt as if struck by lightning. Her entire body trembled.

She had been pregnant for some time now, yet Prince Su had shown no intention of acknowledging it. Her heart had been unsettled, and now the Qi family had taken interest in her… If they really came with a proposal, how would Prince Su sweep aside the Qi family’s dignity for her sake?