Emperor Xuanwen hesitated for a long time, his gaze shifting between the child and the Empress Dowager. Finally, he spoke softly, "Then let this child be sent away."
It was a helpless decision. Since the child could not be saved, the only thing left was to let them depart without suffering. This was, in a way, his final act of mercy towards the child.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
With Emperor Xuanwen's approval, Feng Jin felt a semblance of peace. She walked towards the child, who was crying inconsolably in pain. A wave of reluctance washed over her.
She had saved countless lives, yet this was the first time she had to act against an infant. Although she knew the child wouldn't survive and this was to alleviate suffering, her heart still ached.
After a moment's hesitation, she took out a prepared pill from her怀, dissolved it in warm water. Feng Jin found it difficult to proceed and handed the bowl to a nearby palace maid. "Give this medicine to the child."
Having given the instruction, Feng Jin turned her head away, unable to bear another glance. Such a cruel act, and she was the one carrying it out.
The palace maid, filled with apprehension, carefully scooped a spoonful and fed it to the child. The medicine was potent. After just a few sips, the child's breath was gone.
Seeing that no more medicine could be administered, the palace maid reached out to check the child's breathing. Upon finding no breath, her hand trembled, and the bowl fell to the ground, shattering into pieces.
Terrified, the palace maid immediately knelt, bowing her head heavily to the ground. "Reporting to Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, the little imperial grandson has passed."
Upon hearing this news, Emperor Xuanwen, though prepared, felt his heart jolt. His steps faltered as he sank into his chair, his body suddenly weak. His heart ached as if a piece had been torn away. After all, it was his own grandson, and his death brought him immeasurable grief.
The Empress Dowager took a deep breath, suppressing her own sorrow. Her gaze fell upon Emperor Xuanwen as she slowly stood up. At this moment, she absolutely could not falter; she had to preside over the overall situation.
"Let the imperial grandson be sent off for a proper burial."
"Mother, will the imperial grandson not be interred in the imperial mausoleum?"
Emperor Xuanwen, hearing the Empress Dowager's words, forced himself to inquire. According to custom, imperial grandchildren were to be buried in the imperial mausoleum.
"This child was born with a potent poison, their complexion peculiar. If the officials and the world were to know that the royal family had given birth to such a child, there would undoubtedly be widespread discussion. Would the royal family's reputation not be utterly ruined? For the sake of the royal family's reputation, and for the grand cause of the empire, not a single blemish can be allowed. This child must not be buried in the imperial mausoleum!"
"The royal family absolutely cannot have such a child. Fortunately, few people know of this matter. Silence those who do, and the royal family will simply never have given birth to such an inauspicious child!"
The reason for this course of action was for the greater good. The child was born poisoned. If such a matter were to spread, how would the world comment? The royal family's reputation would be utterly disregarded.
The only way was to secretly send the child away, as if this child had never existed, to maintain peace and calm.
"Mother's consideration is thorough. I was rash. I shall follow Mother's wishes."
Emperor Xuanwen said helplessly. Despite his inner reluctance, he had to consider the stability of Dongchu and the eternal prosperity of the empire.
He could only sacrifice this child. This was the sorrow of being born into royalty; one could not live for oneself, and one's life was never one's own.
"Mother, I am tired. I shall return to rest."
As his voice faded, Emperor Xuanwen walked out with a weary body, his steps unsteady, like an old man.
The Empress Dowager could understand Emperor Xuanwen's feelings and did not blame him. She then turned her gaze to Feng Jin. "You have done well in this matter, bringing the child into the palace promptly and preventing the matter from spreading."
"Your Ladyship the Empress Dowager overpraises me. This is what I should do. It is only my own inadequacy that I could not save the little imperial grandson. Furthermore, the Third Prince's Consort is also on the verge of death, likely not to survive much longer."
Mentioning Liu Menghan, Feng Jin cautiously probed the Empress Dowager's expression.
"That woman's heart is not pure. If she had not harbored malicious intent, how could she have harmed others and ended up in such a predicament? Her fate is her own doing, and she has no one else to blame. It is only a pity for the child who had to endure such suffering, never having opened their eyes to see the world before departing..."
Although the Empress Dowager had not overtly expressed her feelings earlier, she was still very concerned about the child, otherwise, she would not have said such words.
Feng Jin had a general grasp of the Empress Dowager's thoughts; it seemed Liu Menghan's life or death was of no concern to her.
After a brief pause, Feng Jin spoke, "Your Ladyship, I wish to ask Your Ladyship for a favor."
Having said that, Feng Jin immediately knelt, fearing that her words might anger the Empress Dowager. It was better to kneel first before speaking.
"My child, you were speaking well just now, why are you kneeling again? Speak whatever you have to say."
The Empress Dowager reached out to help Feng Jin up, but Feng Jin was obstinate and refused to stand.
"Your Ladyship the Empress Dowager, it will not be too late to stand up after I have finished speaking."
She truly lacked the courage to stand and discuss this matter. Remaining kneeling, her heart felt somewhat more at ease.
"Very well, speak first. I wish to see what grave matter it is that makes you behave like this."
The Empress Dowager was also growing curious. What significant issue could make the fearless Feng Jin so cautious, even kneeling on the ground without rising?
Feng Jin took a deep breath, organizing her thoughts before speaking. "Your Ladyship, I wish to ask Your Ladyship... to allow me to take the little imperial grandson with me and bury them together with Liu Menghan."
She poured out her heart in one go. After speaking, Feng Jin quickly lowered her head, daring not to look at the Empress Dowager's expression, fearing her anger and the ensuing consequences for herself.
Fortunately, Emperor Xuanwen had already left, giving her the courage to speak to the Empress Dowager. If Emperor Xuanwen were still present, she would never have dared.
However, after saying it, she began to regret her words. How could her compassion have gotten the better of her and led her to say such a thing? If the Empress Dowager became angry, her life would surely be forfeit.
"Your Ladyship... my mind was muddled just now, I was speaking nonsense. Your Ladyship, please consider..."