Originally, the plan was to wait until the child was a little older and healthier before sending him away from the capital, allowing him to live an ordinary life like a commoner. It would be better than staying in the imperial palace amidst deceit and scheming.
After hearing Feng Jin's words, the Empress Dowager fell into deep contemplation, her face filled with melancholy. Feng Jin's reasoning was sound; it was indeed perilous for the child to remain in the palace, and his very identity was bound to attract attention.
Such an identity was a burden to the child. If possible, it would be better for him to be an ordinary person.
"What if the child were to change his identity..."
Change his identity... What did the Empress Dowager mean by this? Feng Jin couldn't quite fathom her thoughts. Suppressing the urge to inquire, she decided to listen to the Empress Dowager's intentions.
"With a changed identity, letting the child remain in the capital as a commoner, I would be at ease."
Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Feng Jin's heart sank. She had a premonition of something unpleasant.
"Empress Dowager, what do you mean?"
"Let the child change his identity and remain in the Ling household, to be raised by you."
Instantly, Feng Jin's mind reeled, and she found herself speechless.
"Empress Dowager... Empress Dowager, you may not know this, but my sister Feng Ruoyan, the child's birth mother, and I have always harbored animosity. I fear I might not be able to control myself and transfer this hatred to the child. I am afraid I cannot bear this great responsibility. I implore the Empress Dowager to find someone else."
Feng Jin hastily tried to shirk the responsibility. She absolutely did not wish to get involved in such a matter. If she could avoid it, she would.
However, the Empress Dowager seemed resolute in entrusting this matter to Feng Jin. "I trust your character and know that you would never transfer your resentment to the child. Therefore, this matter will require your diligent attention."
"But Empress Dowager... I have a temper, and I fear I might harm the young imperial grandson. Perhaps the Empress Dowager could..."
"My mind is made up on this matter. This task is now yours. The child's identity will be that of an orphan brought back by General Ling. His parents have passed away, and General Ling, out of compassion, has taken him in as a godson and brought him back to the mansion to raise."
Alas... there was no way to refuse now. The Empress Dowager had thought of every possible explanation. Feng Jin was truly in a predicament; this trouble had clung to her, and she could not shake it off.
Feng Jin's expression was blank, as if she had already resigned herself to fate.
However, upon returning, how would she explain this to Ling Mo Han? She would undoubtedly face another scolding.
"What's wrong... You are unwilling?"
"No... no, Your Highness... I am very willing... very willing..."
Feng Jin spoke against her will. She wished she could refuse, but this was not something she could decide.
With matters having reached this point, what else could she do but accept her fate? It seemed she was in for another lecture from Ling Mo Han upon returning home.
"It is good that you are willing. This matter has been difficult for you, and I will remember your hardship... Only you and I know about the child's affairs. Do not let anyone else know, especially His Majesty."
If Emperor Xuanwen were to find out, he would want to bring the child back. It was better not to let him know and avoid any unnecessary complications.
"Go and find a stillborn infant to impersonate the child's identity and send it to the Third Prince's mansion. Publicly announce that the Third Prince's eldest son has died, and the child's true lineage will vanish into thin air."
One had to admit, the Empress Dowager's plan was meticulous, leaving no room for error.
"Your subordinate obeys."
Feng Jin's tone was tinged with a hint of grievance, her spirit visibly dampened, a stark contrast to her earlier demeanor.
"Very well. Since the matter is settled, you may return now. I am tired and wish to rest."
A flicker of exhaustion crossed the Empress Dowager's face as she promptly dismissed Feng Jin. She feared that Feng Jin might suddenly change her mind and refuse to proceed, and she wouldn't be able to find anyone as suitable. It was best to quickly send Feng Jin away before she reconsidered.
"Your subordinate takes her leave."
Feng Jin replied listlessly, rising with a dejected air and sighing as she walked away.
Upon returning to the mansion, Feng Jin retreated directly to her chambers, skipping dinner and sighing continuously.
When Ling Mo Han returned, he learned of Feng Jin's peculiar behavior from Cai Qing and went to her room to inquire about the situation.
"What's wrong, sighing like this and not eating? Are you on a hunger strike!"
Ling Mo Han sat beside Feng Jin and asked gently. Seeing her troubled expression, he found it somewhat amusing.
Suppressing a smile, Ling Mo Han patiently asked, "Tell me, what is it? Who has upset you."
Feng Jin looked at Ling Mo Han, hesitated for a moment, and then recounted everything that had transpired in the Empress Dowager's palace.
"What should I do? I've caused another big problem. The Empress Dowager has already given her orders, and I can't shake it off anymore. I initially thought the child's matter was significant and feared it would cause you trouble, so I thought it best to inform the Empress Dowager. I never expected it to turn out this way..."
"Is it because of these things that you are so worried?"
Feng Jin nodded faintly, her voice filled with worry. "I'm sorry, I've caused you trouble again."
"Since the Empress Dowager has spoken, we simply need to follow her wishes. There's no need to worry so much."
Ling Mo Han offered no reproaches, only comfort. This made Feng Jin feel even more guilty.
"I promise I won't cause you trouble again in the future."
Feng Jin said with utmost sincerity. This incident had taught her a valuable lesson; she would never cause Ling Mo Han trouble again, no matter what.
"Alright, stop being so upset. Even if you did cause trouble, I would handle it for you. Now, get up and eat. You can't go on starving yourself."
As long as Feng Jin could be happy, he would indulge her in anything. Even if the sky were to fall, he would support her. He would bear all the burdens.
Ling Mo Han pulled Feng Jin up and sat her on a chair. He opened the food box he had brought, which contained all of Feng Jin's favorite dishes.
"Whatever it is, let's eat first. We can't go on like this, starving yourself."