Forensic Imperial Concubine novel Chapter 16

Charles escorted Mavis back to the Peony House after their dinner. There were words on the tip of his tongue but he didn't know where to start. On the other hand, Mavis knew that he wanted to ask her something, but she didn't open her mouth either. Charles was curious of Harper's changes and wanted to know what had happened.

It wasn't until they were at the Peony House that Charles managed to ask, "Mother...Harper..."

"Son, what do you think of her performance?" A meaningful smile was on Mavis' lips. She was very satisfied with how Harper behaved today.

"It's like she has changed into another person." Harper used to be proud, domineering and arrogant, but now she was introverted and elegant, and had a temperament like Kelly Qin, Charles' first wife.

"I, too, feel like she's changed. Mary's really a good nanny."

"Nanny Mary!" That surprised Charles greatly. He had asked Mary in person to teach Hailey imperial etiquette, but had been rejected. He couldn't help but wonder how much his mother had paid to hire Mary.

"Mother, I can't believe that you managed to ask Nanny Mary to teach Harper!"

"Mm." Mavis nodded. "In just a month, Harper has changed completely. Her every move is gentle and charming. What's more, she looks just like her own mother. That kind of tenderness makes her more attractive. Don't you think His Majesty will like her?"

Her words shocked Charles. "You mean you want Harper to enter the Imperial Palace and be His Majesty's concubine?"

"Since His Highness broke off the engagement to her, no one in noble clans dares to ask for her hand for fear of offending Prince Kevin. Harper is your daughter and can only marry a man with a superior position than hers. There's no way I'll arrange for an ordinary man for her. After I pondered over this, I decided that it's a good idea for her to enter the Imperial Palace. Moreover, Lady Katrina is alone in the palace with no children. Harper's young and beautiful, and if she gives birth to His Majesty's child, Lady Katrina will help her raise the child," Mavis explained slowly. She adored Harper but she cared more about the glory of the Chu Clan.

"Will Harper agree? She's a stubborn girl." It worried Charles because he didn't treat Harper well. If Harper gained power in the Imperial Palace, he feared that she would turn against Katrina and the Chu Clan.

"It's impossible for her to survive in the Imperial Palace without the support of the Chu Clan. And I'm sure that Hailey will marry the crown prince. It's inevitable that they would help each other in the future." There was a twinkle in Mavis' eyes. "You should treat Harper nicely from now on, even if you're just pretending!"

The words made Charles pause in thought but he eventually nodded. "I see. But has she really changed?"

It was hard for Charles to believe that Harper really changed, and that made Mavis unhappily glare at him. "I've seen her changes. She went through tests of life and death. How could she not learn her lesson?"

"It's my fault. I'm overthinking, Mother."

"I'm tired. Go back and discipline Felicia. Don't let her make trouble." It cost her a lot of effort and money to get Mary to teach Harper, so she couldn't let anyone ruin it.

"I'll ask Sue to discipline her."

Meanwhile when Harper returned to the Emerald House, she said nothing about the dust and stain in the place. She just asked some maids to fetch water to clean and even cleaned up with them.

The words Mavis told him remained in Charles' mind even after he came out of the Peony House, so he decided to see Harper. He was greeted with the sight of Harper cleaning the house with her maids, which made his face darken. He immediately sent someone to bring the steward to him. Charles scolded the steward in front of Harper, "You're an amazing steward, aren't you? Harper has to clean the house by herself."

"I'm so sorry. It's all my fault." The steward was scared out of his wits. "I've been cleaning the Peony House for the past couple of days and forgot to take care of Lady Harper's Emerald House. Please forgive me, My Lord. I'll have the house cleaned up now."

"Hurry up!" Charles yelled at him because he didn't know what else to say with Harper being so quiet. She used to love drama and pester him with trifles. Her sudden change made Charles feel a little uncomfortable.

"Harper."

"Father."

"Now that you're back, let bygones be bygones. Don't take it to heart. If the maids fail to serve you well, you have to tell me and I'll help you punish them." With Harper's beauty, Charles was sure that the emperor would fall in love with her, and he wanted to build a good relationship with her. The emperor wasn't getting any younger, but he still loved beauty. It didn't bother Charles to be nicer to Harper since she'd earn glory for the Chu Clan.

"I know."

It satisfied Charles to see Harper being well-behaved. "You must be tired after a long journey. Go to bed early."

"Thank you, Father."

A flicker of smile emerged on Harper's lips as she looked at Charles' receding figure. But after a second, the faint smile disappeared without a trace. Enya felt that Harper became a little strange but she couldn't put a finger on it.