Chapter 23: Coincidence

On the fifth day of the new year, Shen Hanxing sent someone to the Lin residence.

When the Lin residence’s butler, Cui Mu, heard the servant’s report, his heart skipped a beat, but he managed to remain calm on the surface: “Quickly, go notify the master.”

As he spoke, Cui Mu hurried to the front hall, where a guard with black clothes was waiting.

“I wonder what important matters General Shen has to instruct?” Cui Mu asked cautiously.

“The general accidentally injured the young master of your residence in the bamboo forest the other day and specifically sent me to deliver this antidote.”

Hearing this, Cui Mu felt relieved and delighted.

This antidote would surely restore Lin Xingyan’s speech.

In the past two or three days, he had consulted over ten doctors, all to no avail. Fortunately, Shen Hanxing hadn’t intended to be ruthless.

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Nkd Wwnyk bwaaklezu yaakhle yv vbl qasdv byzz, yde vbl twyae alrlyvle vbl xlppytl clqsal bydekdt shla vbl ydvkesvl: “Mbl svbla eyu, Yyeyx yde vbl uswdt xypvla csvb ldvlale vbl cyxcss qsalpv, obknb oyp iwkvl y nskdnkeldnl. R’x pwal Yypvla Nkd jdsop obyv R’x kxrzukdt.”

Mbl twyae’p osaep olal czwdv, nywpkdt Nkd Wwnyk’p lmralppksd vs pvkqqld.

Tl bye clld vss cwpu vs nyalqwzzu vbkdj ycswv vbyv eyu’p lhldvp.

Wkapv, Nyeu Tyd zlqv vbl alpkeldnl qsa alqzlnvksd, yde vbld Nkd Dkdtuyd alnlkhle vbl dlop yde oldv vs cwzzu Nkd Dkdtmwl. Rv oyp vss xwnb sq y nskdnkeldnl.

Mbl twyae oyp nzlyazu pwttlpvkdt vbyv bl bye saelale kv.

Nkd Wwnyk iwknjzu nzyakqkle yde rasxkple vs vbsaswtbzu kdhlpvktyvl vbl xyvvla yde tkhl yd lmrzydyvksd vs vbl Tsw alpkeldnl.

Gqvla vbl twyae zlqv, Nkd Wwnyk pzyrrle vbl vyczl blyhkzu kd ydtla, bkp clyae cakpvzkdt: “Rdhlpvktyvl! R oydv vs pll obs’p nywpkdt vaswczl kd vbl alpkeldnl.”

Uwk Yw, yzps pwarakple cu vbl bkeeld vawvb, vbswtbv ycswv vbl rsppkckzkvu vbyv Nkd Dkdtuyd bye clld wple yp y ryod. Tl bye y pwprknksd yde cltyd kdhlpvktyvkdt kd vbl ekalnvksd bl lmrlnvle. Fssd, bl wdnshlale vbl vawvb sq vbyv eyu’p lhldvp.

It was Concubine Jiang.

Despite the secrecy around the Yunxiao Courtyard that day, she had caught wind of it. She keenly sensed that Shen Hanxing cared about Lin Xingxue.

First, she intercepted Lin Xingyan, telling him about Lady Han’s punishment. Then, she arranged for a maid to lead Lin Xingyan and Lin Xingxue into the bamboo forest one after the other. Everything progressed smoothly, even though Concubine Jiang hadn’t anticipated Shen Hanxing actually being in the bamboo forest—that was just a lie she had the maid tell.

Even if Lin Xingxue hadn’t gone into the bamboo forest, with Lin Xingyan’s irritable nature, he would have started trouble anyway.

Lady Han was punished for a few wrong words, so Lin Xingyan, who delivered himself into trouble, wouldn’t have fared well either.

Concubine Jiang had calculated everything precisely, but she hadn’t expected Lin Xingxue to sense something amiss.

She received a slap from Lin Fucai and cried pitifully: “Master, I was momentarily confused. Please forgive me this once; I won’t dare again. I’m willing to copy Buddhist scriptures to pray for the young master, begging for your mercy.”

She was delicate and charming, the most favored by Lin Fucai. Now, kneeling weakly on the ground, she evoked pity.

Lin Fucai’s heart softened a bit, but Cui Mu whispered, “Master, shouldn’t we send the antidote over?”

One sentence reminded Lin Fucai of Lin Xingyan’s miserable state.

He harshly shook off Concubine Jiang’s hand, preparing to have her tied up.

Seeing the situation turn dire, Concubine Jiang cursed Cui Mu inwardly for ruining her plans. No wonder you’re a servant who came with Lady Han; you really do protect her.

“I know my sins are grave. Once I give birth to the child in my womb, I’ll accept any punishment from you and the mistress.” Concubine Jiang timidly touched her belly, playing her last card.

Lin Fucai’s eyes widened: “What did you say? You’re pregnant?”

Lin Fucai had few offspring, with only one son and two daughters so far, and Lin Xingyan had turned out the way he did¹ wonder why…maybe because he was spoiled so much. He desperately wanted more children, but it never seemed to happen.

“Yes, it’s only been a little over two months. I planned to tell you once the pregnancy stabilized. I usually don’t dare to do things like this, but I’ve been anxious and overthinking due to the pregnancy, often plagued by nightmares. It’s all my fault. My life is worthless, but please, have mercy on the child.”

As for what the dreams were about and why she overthought, that was up to Lin Fucai to ponder.

With her skillful words, although she was still confined, Concubine Jiang managed to save herself.

When Old Madam Lin heard the news, she ultimately acquiesced to Lin Fucai’s decision.

Now, their greater concern was how to handle the matter with the Xia family.

——

The New Year passed in a flash, and as the fifteenth approached, the festive atmosphere began to fade.

Lin Xingxue walked into Autumn Water Courtyard, greeted by the scent of medicine.

Qi Ye was brewing medicine under the veranda, fanning it. Hearing footsteps, he didn’t look up: “What is it this time? Has your general gotten into trouble again?”

The person at the gate didn’t respond, and Qi Ye felt something was off. He looked up and saw Lin Xingxue, his eyes flickering.

He got up, put the fan aside, and smiled gently: “Please come in, madam.”

Inside, the medicinal smell was even stronger. As soon as Lin Xingxue entered, she first noticed a slightly sweet herbal scent.

She looked at the withered herb, and Qi Ye, seeing her curiosity, handed it to her: “Does the scent seem familiar?”

Lin Xingxue sniffed a few times and nodded.

This was the scent that Shen Hanxing emanated. 

“The general doesn’t like the bitter smell of medicine on him. I always add some of this herb to his medicinal baths, and his clothes are probably infused with this scent too. It serves no purpose other than adding fragrance.”

His words sounded like a complaint.

Lin Xingxue didn’t expect Shen Hanxing to have this side. She pondered if she could make this into scented balls.

She liked the scent.

Qi Ye noticed her thoughts and smiled: “If you want some, feel free to take it. I have plenty. But I doubt that’s the reason you came today.”

Lin Xingxue returned the herb, nodding as she handed over a piece of paper: Is there anything I can do for the general?

Qi Ye was surprised by the contents of the paper.

He thought Lin Xingxue came to inquire about Shen Hanxing’s health, but he was mistaken.

“The general’s health is fine lately.”

Qi Ye didn’t plan to elaborate on Shen Hanxing’s condition.

Lin Xingxue wasn’t stupid. She could see Qi Ye’s guardedness, or rather, Qi Ye intentionally showed it.

But she didn’t want to give up easily.

The night before her return visit, Shen Hanxing came back covered in cold air. She didn’t know where he had gone but vaguely guessed it was related to his illness. He initially didn’t plan to accompany her back but eventually did for her sake.

When they returned to the Lin residence, he protected her.

She wanted to do something for her husband too.

Lin Xingxue flipped the paper over: Anything at all, even small tasks.

If Qi Ye didn’t want her to know too much, she could do simple things.

The girl was stubborn. After pondering for a moment, Qi Ye turned around and retrieved a white porcelain ointment bottle, handing it to her. “This is an external application for his leg, but he finds the smell unpleasant, and the effect is minimal, so he is too lazy to use it. Madam can try to use it, but it might be refused.”

After all, Shen Hanxing was the most difficult patient he’d ever had.

Lin Xingxue took the bottle and nodded firmly.

Carrying a bag of herbs and the bottle of ointment, she happily returned to the East Transverse Courtyard. As soon she entered, she saw several people moving a large mahogany bed into the main room.

Lin Xingxue’s heart skipped a beat, and a bad feeling arose.

She hurried to the inner room and indeed saw that the chaise longue² btw guys, this is the French way to spell lounge, in case you guys are confused. That’s just how it was translated so I’m not going to mess with it. had been moved out, and the servants were placing the large bed in its place.

Lin Xingxue sighed silently, feeling a bit disappointed.

She thought her husband had forgotten about this matter.

“What’s wrong? Is the bed too small?” a languid voice sounded behind her.

Lin Xingxue, pouting, turned to Shen Hanxing, clearly expressing her displeasure.

She was unhappy, but Shen Hanxing seemed quite pleased.

They should sleep in separate beds; he couldn’t keep indulging this young woman.

“What are you holding?”

Lin Xingxue hid it, not letting him see.

Seeing her little tantrum, Shen Hanxing didn’t rush to find out.

Lin Xingxue sat there sulking for a while, then thought of the Lantern Festival tomorrow and had an idea.

She scooted over to Shen Hanxing, looking at him with her big, bright eyes, and wrote in his palm: Lantern Festival, accompany me?

“No,” Shen Hanxing wasn’t interested in the Lantern Festival.

Lin Xingxue tugged on his sleeve and pointed emphatically at the bed.

They were sleeping in separate beds now; shouldn’t he comfort her a little?

Shen Hanxing inexplicably understood Lin Xingxue’s meaning. He still wanted to refuse, but the young girl looked at him pitifully with her cheeks puffed up, almost on the verge of tears.

Shen Hanxing knew she was pretending to be pitiful. He had seen her truly cry before. Even though Lin Xingxue never said anything, he could tell she hadn’t been sleeping well lately.

Not even the calming pills could settle her mind.

But during the day, she acted as if nothing was wrong.

Shen Hanxing was silent for a while before finally saying, “At most, two hours.”

Lin Xingxue immediately agreed, her heart bubbling with joy.

She initially felt that her husband had been somewhat distant these past few days, seemingly trying to keep his distance from her. But now it seemed that wasn’t the case; the moment she acted pitiful, he agreed to her request.

If Shen Hanxing knew her thoughts at this moment, the planned outing for the Lantern Festival tomorrow would likely be canceled immediately.

Fortunately, Shen Hanxing didn’t have the ability to read minds.

The following evening, Lin Xingxue specifically went to the study, carefully observing Shen Hanxing’s attire before quietly leaving.

Shen Hanxing frowned, intuitively sensing the girl was planning something.

Sure enough, when it was time to leave, Lin Xingxue had changed into a light blue pleated skirt with matching accessories, and a snowy white ribbon hung from her waist.

Coincidentally, Shen Hanxing was wearing a blue brocade robe, with a black leather belt around his waist.

Upon closer inspection, even the patterns on their clothes were similar.

The girl’s little intentions were clear and obvious.

While finding it amusing, Shen Hanxing also felt an inexplicable sense of pleasure.

The carriage left the Hou residence but didn’t head straight for the bustling Guangsheng Street, stopping instead at a residence halfway.

The doorkeeper, recognizing the visitors, immediately invited them in. “The master instructed that if we see the General, we don’t need to notify him. He said the General would certainly come to retrieve something today.”

Shen Hanxing raised an eyebrow at these words, puzzled as to how the old gentleman had anticipated this.

“You take her to the flower room,” Shen Hanxing instructed the maid, then turned to Lin Xingxue, “Wait for me in the flower room; I’ll be back shortly after retrieving something.”

Lin Xingxue nodded in agreement and followed the maid to a brightly lit little house.

The small house was very warm, and as soon as she entered, she was greeted by the fragrance of flowers—it was a greenhouse.

With the scent of flowers wafting around, Lin Xingxue curiously admired the flowers that should have bloomed in the spring.

The maid left to fetch tea and snacks, leaving her alone in the flower room.

The silhouette of the young girl was projected onto the paper window, graceful and lively.

Gu Yan stood there in a daze, almost thinking he was seeing things.

He hadn’t expected to encounter Lin Xingxue here.

That maid had not returned for a long time.

Gu Yan shifted his feet, struggling internally. Remembering how Lin Xingxue had been frightened in the bamboo forest, he couldn’t help but step forward.

Hearing someone enter, Lin Xingxue initially thought it was the maid and didn’t look up.

Only when the person remained silent for a while did she look up.

Seeing Gu Yan, she frowned.

Why was Gu Yan here? She was alone in this room; how could he just come in like this?

Her displeasure was evident.

Gu Yan took a few steps closer, but seeing her retreat, he stopped. “Sorry, I thought no one was in the flower room.”

Reluctantly glancing at the pink peonies, Lin Xingxue decided to leave.

He was married, and she was too; it was inappropriate for them to be alone together.

Lin Xingxue tried to avoid Gu Yan as she walked past him. Just as she brushed by, Gu Yan suddenly reached out.

He touched her fingertips, and Lin Xingxue immediately shook off his hand, stepping back several paces, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“Sorry,” Gu Yan quickly stepped back, seeing her tension. “I just wanted to give you this.”

He opened his palm to reveal a jade-carved rabbit, as if lying in the snow.

Lin Xingxue shook her head, signaling she didn’t want it.

Gu Yan had expected this. He smiled bitterly and put the jade carving away, saying softly, “I knew you wouldn’t accept it… Ah Xue, I’m sorry, I failed your feelings.”

He had wanted to say this for a long time, and now he finally did.

But he didn’t notice the look of utter confusion on the girl’s face upon hearing his words.

Her feelings? What feelings?

Lin Xingxue felt something was wrong and stepped back two more paces, paying no mind to Gu Yan’s bitterness.

The silhouette of the girl was reflected on the window paper, clearly stepping back several paces.

Outside the flower room, Shen Hanxing watched the two figures on the window, hearing Gu Yan’s words clearly with his sharp ears.

Failing her feelings?

How could he not know the girl had other feelings?

Hiss, now it seemed like he was a bit angry.