Forensic Imperial Concubine

The number of guards in the bridal procession had reduced to one hundred, but they continued to head for the Great Jade
Kingdom. However, there was an emotional dark cloud smothering the entire procession. There had been over five hundred
guards in the procession before they kicked off their odyssey from the imperial capital.
But now there were just one hundred guards left, and they also lost Lucas. The guards who escorted Lucas' coffin back to the
imperial capital had in fact risked their lives. Odds were that they would bear the bane of the royal family's anger, and everyone
was worried that they wouldn't be spared this time.
Lilian was extremely depressed. She guessed Francis would be the one responsible for Lucas' death, but she didn't want to
believe that. She found it hard to accept that Francis, who was always so gentle and neat, would turn so vicious to kill his own
brother.
Matthew didn't know how to comfort people. His only experience prior was in comforting his wife. Moreover, he was in no mood
to soothe others. He was still enraged, knowing about the attempt on Harper's life right after he left the imperial capital. However,
she was lucky to escape unhurt.
"Your Highness." Barry called as he looked at Matthew. Matthew immediately understood what he meant. He implied that they
should deal with the real Lucas. However, Matthew continued to head forward. Then, the procession stopped at an inn to stay for
the night. Lilian was engulfed in sadness, so she didn't notice anything unusual.
When Lucas woke up, he immediately touched his body to check if he was wounded. He was relieved to confirm that he was
safe and sound. Then he turned over and sat up, only to see that Matthew was sitting at a table not far away from him. Seeing
that he was awake, Matthew said in an indifferent tone, "Finally, you are awake."
Lucas was still in a state of shock as he responded, "Uncle Matthew, I cannot believe I am alive. What happened there was so
terrible."
"If I had arrived there a little later, you would already be dead. Oh no, I forgot, you are dead now," Matthew replied with a tease.
"For your information, the guards have already taken your coffin back to the imperial capital."
Lucas grinned, saying, "I'm actually curious to know how I looked when I was lying dead? Did I look pretty?"
Hearing that, Matthew narrowed his eyes, giving out a dangerous aura. Lucas immediately laughed and said, "It doesn't matter if
I didn't look pretty. I was just joking. But will he believe that I'm dead?"

"Yes, he will," Matthew said as he poured a cup of tea for himself gracefully. "Now that he thinks you are dead, he will act soon.
You're the only person who can threaten his claim to the throne. As soon as the news of your death reaches the imperial capital,
he will begin his preparation for the ascension of the throne."
"He cannot ascend the throne," Lucas said slowly, after remaining silent for a while. "Because I have the imperial jade seal."
Raising his eyebrows, Matthew said nothing, but just kept listening to Lucas.
Lucas then tore the collar of his clothes and took out a piece of bright yellow cloth. Matthew was quick to recognize the
auspicious clouds painted on the cloth. It was the imperial edict wrapped in the yellow cloth.
"Father gave this imperial edict and the imperial jade seal to me before his death. The imperial jade seal currently in the Imperial
Palace is fake," Lucas said, as he gave the imperial edict to Matthew. However, Matthew did not take it in his hand.
"Uncle Matthew, I didn't mean it to hide it from you. Father..." Lucas hesitated, as he was not sure whether or not he should
reveal all the truth.
"Your father had already decided secretly about who should ascend the throne after his death. I've always known about it, and I
also know that the person is you," Matthew stated plainly. Lucas was quite surprised to hear that, but then he laughed
sarcastically.
"That's right. Uncle Matthew, you are farsighted and smart as a whip. You know exactly what Father intended to do." He gave a
wry smile and continued, "Everyone says I'm ridiculous. In their eyes, I am a regular guest of the brothels and only know about
gambling and enjoying my life. However, they have no idea what I've been truly going through. I read endless books and
garnered ample knowledge to be the next emperor of this country. Father arranged all of this. But, since when did you know it's
me?"
"Since Hoffman came back to the imperial capital," Matthew replied. He then put down his teacup and continued, "It was just a
great coincidence when Hoffman came back to the imperial capital. Felix was reigning strong and was the only one who was
powerful in the imperial capital at that time. And you were the only one who remained safe among all the princes. Your father
knew that Felix was a narrow-minded man, and once he became the most powerful one, he would turn to deal with you. That
was the time when your father ordered Hoffman back to the imperial capital. I discerned that he did this to distract Felix's
attention from you. He used Hoffman to distract Felix, and thus you were protected from Felix's possible attacks. As long as Felix
stayed alive, no one would think you were actually the one your father favored the most."

Lucas was surprised to hear his words. He didn't expect that Matthew would know the truth so early. But why would he treat him
like always and protect him? Puzzled, Lucas asked, "Uncle Matthew, despite knowing that I am the real heir to the throne, you
didn't attack me but protected me. Why?"
"Why would I attack you?" Matthew asked, in a composed manner. "Who the next emperor of the Bright Dynasty would be has
nothing to do with me and I don't care about it either. I don't have any desire for the throne, not even in my dreams. All I want is
to protect my wife at all costs. As for others, I have no interest."
"You love her so much," Lucas sighed with emotions. "I remember what Aunt Harper told me once, that you are the most
important person for her in the world. And now, you just said that you will protect her at all costs. You guys are really a great
couple. I envy you so much."
Matthew's eyes became much tenderer when he heard Lucas mentioning Harper. Lucas had always thought Matthew to be cold
and cruel. He rarely saw him wear such a gentle face. He could not help but feel quite jealous. An old saying went that, "even
heroes would fall for beauties", and that was true with Matthew. However, it also made Lucas upset, as he had no idea how it
would feel like if he met someone who loved him so much.
"By the way, Uncle Matthew, you already knew about Francis' evil intentions. But why didn't you take Aunt Harper along with
you? If you had taken her with you, you could have avoided the grief of being parted with her and could have kept her protected
as well," Lucas asked, as he sprang to his feet and gave both the imperial edict and imperial jade seal to Matthew.
Matthew accepted the imperial edict. As for the imperial jade seal, he didn't take it. He said, "Keep the imperial jade seal with
you. As for the imperial edict, I'll send it to Harp. She should know what should be done with it."