"Young Madam."
Lu Shi rose respectfully to greet Feng Jin when she saw her emerge.
"Young Madam, is Liu Meng Han truly beyond saving?"
She was alive and well just yesterday; how could she be beyond help after only the span of giving birth? It seemed too swift.
Feng Jin sat down, picked up her teacup, and took a sip. Her voice was calm as she said, "She was poisoned with the mother-child toxin. The mother and child share a bond, and the poison in the mother's body is partially absorbed by the fetus. While the child is in the womb, both mother and child are safe. However, once separated during childbirth, the toxins in the body will spread rapidly. It will take at most a day for the poison to be fatal, and as little as a few hours."
"I just checked Liu Meng Han's pulse. The poison has spread significantly and is now invading her internal organs. It should be tomorrow. After everyone leaves, go find a place to bury her."
"Young Madam, Liu Meng Han is technically the Third Prince's consort. If she truly passes, she should be buried in the imperial mausoleum. If we bury her elsewhere, how will we answer to His Majesty?"
Lu Shi had learned to think analytically, although disagreements still arose occasionally. Nevertheless, she had made progress. Her efforts had not been in vain.
Liu Meng Han's position as the Third Prince's consort was precarious, requiring support to maintain. Chu Yan Xi was too busy fleeing for his life to care about Liu Meng Han's fate. Furthermore, with the Empress gone, she had no one to rely on. Now that the child was born, no one would pay attention to Liu Meng Han's well-being. It was likely that even after her death, no one would remember that there was once a Third Prince's consort.
"There's no need to worry. Liu Meng Han is insignificant, and His Majesty will not care. The Empress Dowager certainly won't either."
"Your subordinate obeys!"
Feng Jin's gaze fell upon the iron bars of the window, finding the surroundings incredibly oppressive.
"You stay here and keep watch. If anything happens with Liu Meng Han, report it immediately."
Being in this place was unbearable. She wanted to find a quiet spot to rest.
Just as Feng Jin was about to move, a eunuch bearing an imperial edict rushed in, blocking her path.
"Young Madam Ling is truly difficult to find."
"Your humble servant is honored by your presence, Eunuch. May I ask the purpose of your visit?"
"Young Madam Ling, His Majesty has decreed that you are to enter the palace immediately, without delay."
Feng Jin's brow furrowed slightly. Emperor Xuan Wen summoning her to the palace at this hour likely concerned the child. Though she was extremely reluctant, she ultimately relented. Refusing to go might cause further trouble. Going, however, would not change the outcome, and it was merely a trip.
"Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch. Please accept this small sum for some tea."
Feng Jin placed two gold ingots into the eunuch's hand. People like him, who swayed with the wind, valued wealth above all else. Money made the world go round; bribing them was paramount and would make future dealings much smoother.
"Thank you, Young Madam. Young Madam, there's no time to waste. Let us hurry, the carriages are waiting outside."
The eunuch happily accepted the gold ingots. His demeanor changed entirely after receiving the money, greeting Feng Jin with a smile and a respectful tone.
"Lu Shi, watch this place carefully. Absolutely no disturbances."
Before leaving, Feng Jin worriedly instructed Lu Shi. At this critical juncture, even the slightest mistake could lead to utter ruin.
"Your subordinate understands. Young Madam, please be at ease. Your subordinate will not make any mistakes."
Lu Shi was aware of the importance of the matter and would exert all her effort to ensure no errors occurred.
Feng Jin nodded gently and followed the eunuch outside.
"Eunuch, may I inquire why His Majesty has summoned me to the palace at this hour?"
Although she had already formed some suspicions, she wanted to confirm them to be entirely at ease.
"Young Madam, you are unaware. His Majesty's legs nearly gave out when he saw the little imperial grandson. He almost fell. That's why he sent me to fetch you. He wishes for you to save the little imperial grandson. Young Madam, you must be extremely cautious once you enter the palace. Do not say the wrong thing and anger His Majesty, lest you invite further disaster."
A faint smile lingered on Feng Jin's lips. Her suspicions were confirmed. It was indeed about the child. However, this child was not meant to live. Even if Hua Tuo were alive today, or if all the gods descended, they could not save this child. She had already decided that upon meeting Emperor Xuan Wen, she would be direct and explain the situation clearly, saving Emperor Xuan Wen from persisting in his pleas to save the child.
"Young Madam, I can only escort you this far. Be very careful when you enter; do not speak incorrectly."
"Thank you for the reminder, Eunuch. I appreciate your efforts."
The moment Feng Jin pushed open the door and stepped inside, she keenly sensed the peculiar atmosphere of the place.
"Your subject, Concubine, pays respects to His Majesty and the Empress Dowager."
"You are here. Good. Quickly, examine the child. You must save the child. Tell us what medicine you need."
Upon seeing Feng Jin, Emperor Xuan Wen immediately urged her to see the child.
"I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness. This subject truly cannot save the little imperial grandson. The poison the little imperial grandson has is from his mother. His internal organs are filled with toxins. Now that he is born, it is his time to die. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"
Without even looking at the child, Feng Jin directly stated that she could not save him. Based on the timing, the child was likely nearing his end.
"Your Majesty, the little imperial grandson is having difficulty breathing and his complexion is very poor! He is about to pass!"
The maid holding the child reported urgently. The child was crying uncontrollably and could not be soothed.
"Is there truly no other way? This child has just been born and is already leaving us!"
Emperor Xuan Wen found it difficult to accept the outcome. The child still had a breath of life, and in the blink of an eye, he was about to die.
"It is fate! Emperor, do not insist. Let the child depart in peace."
The Empress Dowager sighed helplessly, believing this outcome was retribution. Those with impure hearts would never have a good end.
"Feng Jin, prepare a medicine for the child. Let him depart without suffering."
Feng Jin hesitated to agree, her gaze fixed on Emperor Xuan Wen. If he did not assent, she truly dared not proceed.