After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 66

After venting her anger, Lin Shengshen secluded herself in Shuying Pavilion, blending incense. She didn’t step out until two days later.

Unexpectedly, Xie Zhenhuan was waiting at Baoxiang Tower. As soon as she saw Lin Shengshen, she rushed over with tear-filled eyes. “Sister-in-law, why are you and Brother suddenly seeking a divorce?”

Lin Shengshen rolled her eyes. “It’s all because your brother angered me!”

Xie Zhenhuan wiped her tears and asked, “What did Brother do?”

“He took it upon himself to pack my belongings and send them back to the Lin residence while I was away. Don’t you think he’s trying to humiliate me?”

As the two walked toward Baoxiang Tower, the ladies and young women who saw Lin Shengshen brightened up and began whispering among themselves.

“I heard this Miss Lin has been married into the Xie family for only half a year, yet she’s turned the entire household upside down. Now, Young Master Xie can’t take it anymore and wants to divorce her.”

“I heard it’s a mutual separation, and it was the Lin family who requested it.”

“The Lin family? Would Lin Shengshen be willing? I heard that a while ago, Miss Lin and the Xie family’s young lady were kidnapped together. The Xie family searched all night before finding them. Not long after, the two families began discussing a separation. What do you think happened?”

“Could it be… that the two of them were taken by bandits and… lost their virtue?!”

“It must be! Otherwise, why would it come to this? Young Master Xie is like a celestial being—how could he tolerate such a stain?”

“I heard the Xie family’s young lady is engaged to the Second Young Master of the Wen family. Then… this engagement must be off too, right?”

“Oh dear! Of course! What man could endure such a thing?”

A scornful laugh cut through the chatter. Wen Zhao’e stood behind them and said coldly, “Gossiping behind others’ backs and spreading rumors—what fine upbringing you ladies have.”

The crowd abruptly dispersed, their faces filled with shock and suspicion, no longer daring to speak further. This Second Young Master Wen had recently been promoted to the position of Secretariat Drafter—a young man with a bright future ahead of him. The Wen family had both civil and military influence, and it was estimated that within three or four years, they would undoubtedly reach the peak of their power. Who would dare to provoke him so recklessly?

Wen Zhaoya cast a cold glance over the crowd. “The young lady of the Xie family and her sister-in-law escaped from the jaws of death—they are heroines among women. They sought help from farmers along the way to shake off the bandits. How could there be any of the filthy rumors you speak of?”

The people exchanged uneasy glances, and a few of the more tactful ones hurriedly stepped forward to smooth things over. “Ah, I always said that the young lady of the Lin family is clever—she would never allow herself to be manipulated!”

“Let’s disperse, everyone…”

They went back to selecting Scented Pills.

Wen Zhaoya glanced at Xie Zhenhuan, who was not far away, holding Lin Shengshen’s arm as they spoke. He paid for the Scented Pills in his hand, smiled faintly, and left.

Over on her side, Xie Zhenhuan was fretting anxiously. “Sister-in-law, there must be some misunderstanding between you and my brother. He’s utterly infatuated, his heart completely devoted to you—how could he ever bear to divorce you?”

Lin Shengshen nodded. That much was true, but the fact that he had sent people to deliver those things had stirred up gossip all over the capital, giving her a headache. She couldn’t just swallow her anger.

Lin Shengshen asked casually, “Where is your brother? If he’s truly so infatuated, why hasn’t he come to see me?”

Xie Zhenhuan sighed. “For some reason, two days ago, he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood at Tangli Residence. Now he’s confined to his bed, recuperating.”

“He coughed up blood?!” Lin Shengshen’s heart clenched.

Xie Zhenhuan nodded.

Overwhelmed with mixed emotions, Lin Shengshen let out a deep sigh. “How could he be so fragile! I only wanted to provoke him a little…”

Xie Zhenhuan widened her eyes. “What? What do you mean, provoke him?”

Lin Shengshen didn’t know where to begin. Frowning, she asked, “How is he now?”

“He’s managing. He drinks medicine every day, but he looks listless. Whenever I try to talk to him, he just tells me to leave.”

Lin Shengshen said, “In that case, go to the row of flower stands behind Tangli Residence where the jade hairpin flowers are placed. Count from the left to the fourth pot, take it out, and give it to him.”

As soon as Xie Zhenhuan heard this, she turned to rush back to the Xie residence to cure her brother’s heartache, but Lin Shengshen called her back.

“Wait! Tell him that if he doesn’t recover quickly, he shouldn’t even think about seeing me after the Mid-Autumn Festival. Tell him I said so!”

Xie Zhenhuan memorized every word and hurried off.

Lin Shengshen went up to the second floor, with Peilan following behind. “Miss, why don’t you go back and see for yourself?”

“With all the rumors circulating about me in the capital, if I were to show up at the Xie residence again, people would laugh their heads off. When doing business, I still need to maintain some dignity.”

Peilan covered her mouth and laughed, but after a moment, she sighed and leaned close to Lin Shengshen’s ear to recount what Wen Zhaoya had done downstairs earlier.

After listening, Lin Shengshen nodded, quite satisfied.

“Good. Zhaoya is quick-witted, not like those other dullards.”

Peilan was puzzled. “Why did Second Young Master Wen lie? I think the way you escaped danger on your own that day was truly remarkable.”

Lin Shengshen smiled. “What should I have said? That Zhenhuan and I smashed the driver’s head with a stool, gouged out his eyes, and stabbed him to death? Would they believe that? If we had told the truth, the gossip about Zhenhuan and me in the capital would only have grown worse. They’d just think we were boasting to save face.”

“Perhaps it would be better to simplify the story and not make Zhenhuan and me stand out too much. That way they’ll believe it – two delicate young women seeking help to escape danger, that’s the image they can easily imagine.”

Peilan seemed to grasp it only partially but nodded anyway. “No matter what, in Peilan’s heart, you will always be a hero!”

Lin Shengshen tapped her nose playfully. “You and your sweet talk!”

Shortly after entering the room, they found Wan’er sitting quietly by the window reviewing account books, her brows slightly furrowed as if puzzled by something.

Hearing the door open, she looked up and upon seeing Lin Shengshen, immediately rushed over.

Lin Shengshen was pulled down to sit and handed a cup of tea. She smiled, “What’s troubling you? Feel free to ask me.”

Wan’er stared at her intently before saying, “Sister Lin, you’ve finally recovered completely!”

As she spoke, her eyes reddened.

Lin Shengshen smiled gently. “I’m sorry for worrying you all. How is your mother?”

Wan’er lowered her gaze. “She’s fallen ill.”

“Why? She seemed perfectly fine when I saw her half a month ago.”

Wan’er’s expression remained calm, as if discussing someone else’s affairs. “Her husband died. The news came yesterday – when they were heading northwest, during an overnight camp rest, he incited some soldiers to gamble. General Wen found out and executed him on the spot to enforce military discipline.”

Lin Shengshen wanted to say “served him right,” but considering he was Wan’er’s father, she merely pursed her lips and remained silent.

Wan’er, however, smiled frankly. “Actually, I think it’s for the best. Someone like him would have been nothing but a liability at the front lines, probably dragging others down with him. At least this way, his death served to uphold military discipline.”

Surprised by her response, Lin Shengshen patted Wan’er’s shoulder. “Take good care of your mother.”

Only then did Wan’er bring over the account books, asking Lin Shengshen about all the parts she didn’t understand.

Before they knew it, evening had fallen. Lin Shengshen urged Wan’er to return home before settling by the window with her teacup, sipping slowly.

Following her gaze to the bustling streets outside, Peilan said, “Miss… I heard there’s a betting pool in the gambling den, with people betting that you and Young Master Xie will definitely divorce before the year ends!”

Lin Shengshen was momentarily speechless. These wealthy young masters and misses of the capital were truly bored… She asked, “Did you find out which option has more bets?”

Peilan whispered, “Almost ninety percent are betting on your divorce.”

“…” Lin Shengshen checked her pockets and realized she hadn’t brought any money today. “Never mind, let them have their fun.”

Peilan added, “I heard General Lin also placed a bet.”

“What did he bet on?”

“He bet on your divorce.”

“…” Lin Shengshen massaged her forehead. “Why is my brother causing trouble too?”

With him betting on divorce, everyone would surely think the divorce was certain and follow suit.

Lin Shengshen instructed Baidou, “Go to Shuying Pavilion to get some money and bet against the divorce. When we win, divide the money among yourselves for drinks. Don’t use my name.”

Peilan and Baidou’s eyes lit up, thanking her repeatedly.

At the Xie residence, a deathly silence hung in the air.

Xie Zhenhuan retrieved a tea canister from the location Lin Shengshen had mentioned. Tea? Could this thing really cheer up her brother?

She couldn’t worry about that now, carrying it into the room.

Xie Zhizhou waved his hand, ordering Yuan Qing to take away the medicine. He didn’t want to drink it.

Yuan Qing pleaded earnestly, “Young Master, even if it’s just to catch a glimpse of Young Madam at the Mid-Autumn banquet, you need to take your medicine and recover quickly.”

“Don’t call her Young Madam anymore from now on.”

Yuan Qing, hearing these words, knew Xie Zhizhou had completely lost his spirit. His heart ached bitterly—if this continued, Xie Zhizhou’s health would be utterly ruined.

He had resolved himself to die…

Yuan Qing set down the medicine bowl and rushed outside. No matter what, he had to persuade Young Madam to come see him, if only to help Young Master Xie recover.

He hadn’t run far when he encountered Xie Zhenhuan, who approached cheerfully. “Yuan Qing, where are you off to in such a hurry?”

Yuan Qing hung his head dejectedly. “The young master refuses to take his medicine. I thought… I thought I’d go beg Young Madam to come see him…”

Xie Zhenhuan laughed. “By the time you bring someone back, it’ll be far too late. Besides, with all the gossip swirling around Yunjing these days, how could you possibly ask Sister-in-law to come? Wouldn’t that just humiliate her openly?”

Yuan Qing felt utterly helpless. “Miss, please save the young master! If this goes on, it’ll cost him his life!”

Xie Zhenhuan replied with confidence, “Don’t worry. Wait outside the door. I’ll go in, and I guarantee within a quarter of an hour, my brother will be eager to drink his medicine.”

“Really?”

“Really!”

Xie Zhizhou stared at the canopy overhead, where butterflies flitted among flowers—a pattern Lin Shengshen had loved most. It adorned her dresses, bed curtains, even the screens.

He suddenly smiled. Such a vibrant, lively pattern suited her perfectly.

But the smile vanished in the next moment, as it struck him that Lin Shengshen, as vibrant and graceful as those colorful butterflies, had already flown away from him. In a few months, she might fall into another’s embrace.

Would others treat her well? Xie Zhizhou scoffed inwardly. No matter how others treated her, it would surely be far better than his own cold indifference over the past few years.

Lin Shengshen, ah, Lin Shengshen…

Just then, the door creaked open again. Suppressing his irritation, he said darkly, “Get out. I don’t want the medicine.”

“Brother! Why are you acting like a child? If Sister-in-law found out, she’d be angry with you again.”

Seeing it was Xie Zhenhuan, Xie Zhizhou softened slightly. “Did you… go see her today?”

Xie Zhenhuan sat by the bed, cradling a tea caddy. “Of course.”

“Is she… well?”

“Very well.”

“Good…”

He stifled the urge to ask more and lowered his gaze.

Without elaborating, Xie Zhenhuan pressed the celadon tea caddy into Xie Zhizhou’s hands.

Feeling its cool surface, he asked, “What is this?”

Xie Zhenhuan explained, “Here, Sister-in-law asked me to dig this out for you from under the flower trellis behind Tangli Residence.”

Then she added mysteriously, “Seems she prepared it for you a while ago.”

Xie Zhizhou dared not hope too much, quelling the surge of anticipation in his heart as he slowly opened the lid.

Perhaps it was something related to Prince Su, or something else… Surely it wasn’t meant especially for him.

As the lid came off, a clear, delicate fragrance wafted out, dispersing through the bed curtains like winter plum blossoms braving the snow.

Spring Message in Snow?

And… the exact scent from before!

“This… she made this herself.” By the dim light filtering through the window, Xie Zhizhou saw eighteen scented pills arranged neatly inside the jar. Judging by their condition, they had been made over half a month ago—just ready to be used now.

She had previously said she would never make Spring Message in Snow for him again, so the one Xie Zhizhou accidentally found in the study was extremely precious. He would only burn a portion at a time, using it intermittently over a long period.

But now, she had made it again, specifically for him.

What did she mean by this?

In his daze, a flash of insight crossed his mind, and an unbelievable answer seemed ready to emerge.

Did Lin Shengshen envision a future with him? Did she… not intend to divorce?

Xie Zhizhou threw off the covers and got out of bed, coughing as he headed for the door. “Yuan Qing, prepare the carriage. I’m going to the Lin residence.”

He had to get a clear answer!

Xie Zhenhuan’s voice drifted from behind him, “Sister-in-law said you must recover fully before seeing her, or she’ll ignore you forever!”

Xie Zhizhou halted, supported by Yuan Qing as he lay back down on the bed.

He pondered her words carefully. Recover before meeting—was this her way of caring for him? And “forever”… did that mean she had no intention of divorcing?!

His breathing quickened. Xie Zhizhou wished he could fly to the Shuying Pavilion of the Lin residence immediately, hold Lin Shengshen in his arms, and ask her properly.

A few days ago, he had feared the answer, but now he was desperate to know—what exactly was Lin Shengshen’s answer? He needed to hear it from her own lips.

Xie Zhenhuan watched her brother’s rare loss of composure and felt a pang of sorrow. Clearly, love and affection could cloud one’s judgment—she must guard against it at all costs.

Xie Zhizhou asked, “What else did she say?”

Xie Zhenhuan shrugged, “Nothing else.”

“Oh, right! On the way back, I heard that the Yunjing Gambling House is taking bets on you and Sister-in-law. Almost everyone is betting that you’ll divorce this year—even General Lin placed a hefty wager!”

Xie Zhizhou coughed a few times. “Yuan Qing, bring me the medicine.”