Forensic Imperial Concubine novel Chapter 688

When the news that Lucas had been assassinated and killed reached the imperial capital, it came as a great shock to everyone. However, they only sighed slightly rather than feel sad about it. After all, Lucas had gained quite a bad reputation when he was alive. Now that he was gone, the courtiers merely chatted about him curtly. It didn't take too long before Lucas had been completely forgotten.

Because of this, Harper couldn't help but think that it was quite hilarious. The image of Lucas as a playboy who indulged in gambling and sex was a masterpiece laid by the late emperor himself. He had shaped Lucas so successfully that all of the courtiers were fooled into thinking that Lucas was nothing but a playboy whose death was not to be regretted. If the late emperor only knew that his effort had all been in vain, he would probably furiously jump out of his coffin.

"What are you pondering about?" Francis asked. After a couple of days of recuperation, he was already able to get out of bed and have a walk. Although he had been seriously injured, he managed to recover very quickly. Perhaps it was all thanks to the Imperial Academy of Medicine not hesitating to use any precious medicine to treat him.

Looking at the huge Imperial Palace which extended into the distance, Harper slowly said, "I heard that Lucas unfortunately died, but the courtiers all said that there was nothing to regret about his death. I wonder why they all think this way. Had Lucas done anything so outrageous that was so against reason and nature? Had he committed murder and arson, raped the wife or daughter of any man, or forced a girl of good family to become a prostitute? As a noble prince of the Bright Dynasty, his death is considered as something not to be regretted. Given all of the things they are saying, I believe that he would not be able to rest in peace."

Clutching his chest with his hand, Francis coughed violently. When Harper turned her head to look at him, she couldn't help but frown slightly. "You haven't fully recovered yet. You should not come out in case you may catch a chill. If you get sick because of that, you'll be the one to suffer."

Francis stopped coughing and said, "Today during the imperial court session, I reprimanded the courtiers for their rude comments about Lucas' death and ordered the appropriate department to investigate and find out the murderer. I believe there's going to be a result real soon. Lucas hadn't done anything outrageous. It just so happened that he was a playboy."

"Yes, he was a playboy who lost his life through playing," Harper said in a light voice, completely devoid of any emotion. "By now, your wound should have already scabbed and your health is steadily improving. So, when will you allow me to leave the Imperial Palace?"

A glimmer of light flashed across Francis' eyes. "The imperial capital is not peaceful at the moment. The situation is so bad that even a prince could be killed. Uncle Matthew has a lot of enemies. I cannot allow you to stay in his mansion all by yourself," he replied.

"Our mansion will be having a guest in a couple of days. As the hostess of the mansion, I have to go back to make arrangements in order to receive the guest. It's the duty I have to fulfil," Harper gently said as she looked at Francis. "Besides, the secret guards will be there to protect me. I'll be fine."

"If..." Francis looked Harper straight in the eye. "What if I say that I want you to stay?"

Avoiding eye contact with Francis, Harper turned around and continued to look at the red walls and green roofs in the distance. "The courtiers have been asking you to ascend the throne as soon as possible. You are not getting any younger, and it's about time for you to get married. You should have someone take care of the household for you. I carefully observed the daughters of the courtiers who are at marriageable ages. It's just not a handful of them who are beautiful, talented, and gentle. Once you see them yourself, you're going to like them for sure."

"I won't like them!" Francis roared in anger. Perhaps it was because he was being too emotional that it even affected his wound, and he even had to hold onto the railing to keep himself upright. Seeing that, a young eunuch rushed to his side to support him, only to be pushed away. Instead, Francis reached out to grab Harper's arms, forcing her to look at him. "Harper, I've told you many times before. I don't like those women, and I'll never like any of them!"