It was originally intended that when the child was older and healthier, he would be sent away from the capital to live an ordinary life, which would be better than remaining in the palace amidst schemes and deception.
The Empress Dowager fell into deep thought after listening to Feng Jin's words, her face filled with melancholy. Feng Jin's reasoning was sound; the child's presence in the palace was indeed fraught with danger, and his identity alone would attract attention.
Such an identity was a burden to the child. If possible, it would be better for him to live as an ordinary person.
"What if the child's identity were changed..."
Changing his identity... What did the Empress Dowager mean by that? Feng Jin couldn't quite fathom the Empress Dowager's thoughts. Suppressing the urge to inquire, she decided to hear what the Empress Dowager had to say.
"Change his identity and let the child remain in the capital as an ordinary person. That way, I can be at ease."
Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Feng Jin's heart skipped a beat. She had a bad premonition.
"Your Majesty, what do you mean?"
"Change the child's identity and let him stay in the Ling residence, to be raised by you."
Suddenly, Feng Jin's mind was buzzing. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, you don't know that your concubine and the child's birth mother, that is, your concubine's sister, Feng Ruoyan, have always harbored resentment towards each other. Your concubine is worried that she will not be able to control herself and will transfer this hatred onto the child. Your concubine fears she is incapable of undertaking such a great responsibility. We beg Your Majesty to find someone else."
Feng Jin hurriedly tried to shirk the responsibility. She absolutely did not want to get involved in such a matter. If she could refuse, she would; if she could avoid it, she would.
However, the Empress Dowager seemed to have made up her mind to entrust this matter to Feng Jin. "I trust your character and know that you would never transfer your resentment onto the child. Therefore, I must trouble you to take care of this matter."
"But Your Majesty... Your concubine has an impulsive nature and fears she might harm the little imperial grandson. Perhaps Your Majesty could find..."
"My mind is made up on this matter. This task is yours. The child's identity will be that of an orphan brought back by General Ling, whose parents have both passed away. General Ling, moved by compassion, took him in as a godson and brought him back to the residence to be raised."
Very well... There was no longer any way to refuse. The Empress Dowager had already thought of all the explanations for her. She was truly in trouble now. This麻烦 had completely latched onto her, and she couldn't shake it off.
Feng Jin's expression was blank, as if she had accepted her fate.
However, she wondered how she would explain this to Ling Mohan upon her return. She was in for another scolding.
"What's wrong... Are you unwilling?"
"No... No, your concubine... your concubine is very willing... very willing..."
Feng Jin spoke words against her will. She wished she could refuse, but this was not something she could decide.
Now that things had reached this point, what else could she do but resign herself to fate? It seemed she would inevitably receive a scolding from Ling Mohan upon returning to the residence.
"It's good that you're willing. This has been difficult for you, and I will remember your hardship... Only you and I know about the child's matter. Do not let anyone else know, especially His Majesty."
If Emperor Xuanwen were to know, he would want to bring the child back. It was better not to let him know, to avoid causing further trouble.
"Go and find a stillborn infant to impersonate the child and send it to the Third Prince's residence. It will be announced to the public that the Third Prince's eldest son has died, and the child's true origins will vanish into thin air."
One had to admit that the Empress Dowager's thoughts were truly thorough, with no flaws whatsoever.
"Your concubine obeys."
Feng Jin said with a hint of grievance in her voice, her entire demeanor lacking spirit, completely different from her earlier state.
"Alright, since the matter has been decided, you may return now. I am tired and wish to rest."
The Empress Dowager showed a hint of fatigue on her face and directly dismissed Feng Jin, perhaps fearing that Feng Jin would suddenly change her mind and refuse to do this. Where else could she find such a suitable person?
It was best to quickly send Feng Jin away now, lest she reconsider later and become unwilling.
"Your concubine takes her leave."
Feng Jin said listlessly, standing up with a dejected air and walking out with a sigh.
Upon returning to the residence, Feng Jin immediately retreated to her room, not even eating dinner, and continued to sigh.
When Ling Mohan returned, he learned of Feng Jin's unusual behavior from Cai Qing and went to her room to ask for clarification.
"What's wrong? Sighing and not eating, are you on a hunger strike!"
Ling Mohan sat beside Feng Jin and asked softly. Seeing Feng Jin's troubled expression, he found it... rather amusing.
Suppressing a smile, Ling Mohan patiently asked, "Tell me, what's going on? Who upset you?"
Feng Jin looked at Ling Mohan, hesitated for a moment, and then recounted everything that had happened in the Empress Dowager's palace to Ling Mohan.
"What should I do? I've caused another big problem. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has already issued an order, and there's no way to shake it off. I initially thought the child's matter was no small thing, and I was worried about causing you trouble, so I thought it would be better to tell Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. I never expected it to turn out like this..."
"Is it because of these matters that you're so dejected?"
Feng Jin nodded softly, her voice full of worry, "I'm sorry, I've caused you trouble again."
"Since Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has said so, we just need to act according to her wishes. Don't worry so much."
Ling Mohan did not blame her at all; instead, he comforted her, which made Feng Jin feel even more guilty.
"I promise I won't cause you trouble again."
Feng Jin said solemnly. After this incident, she had learned her lesson. No matter what, she would not cause Ling Mohan trouble again.
"Alright, don't be upset. Even if you did cause trouble, I would cover for you. Now, get up and eat your meal. You can't just go hungry like this."
As long as Feng Jin could be happy, he would indulge her in whatever she wanted to do. Even if the sky fell, he would help her bear it. He would shoulder all the burdens.
Ling Mohan pulled Feng Jin up to sit on a chair and opened the food basket he had brought. Inside were all of Feng Jin's favorite dishes.
"Whatever it is, let's eat first. You can't stay hungry like this."