Forensic Imperial Concubine

"I envy Lucas immensely," Francis said in a light voice that was just enough for everyone to hear. "He is healthy and carefree all
the time, and Father dotes on him endlessly. He has lived the most comfortable life among us."
Felix turned to look at Francis. Although the latter had taken some strides along the road to health, his face still looked somewhat
morbidly pale. He looked like a bullied young wife because of his condition, without a trace of masculine spirit.
"How are you getting along with Zack?" Felix asked flatly. He had gone to Matthew's mansion that morning to sound out
Matthew's opinion. But as soon as he arrived, he found that Francis was already there, which was quite awkward. After all, their
father had already shown his desire for Francis to engage in politics, and Francis' mother came from a powerful clan. If Francis
really stepped into the struggle for the throne, he would be a formidable opponent for him.
"I enjoy playing the game of Go with him," Francis said. A smile quickly spread across his face. "Unfortunately, I'm no match for
him. I've never won against him yet, not even once."
Felix was dumbstruck. It was impossible for him to believe what Francis said. "Zack has been going to your mansion every day.
Playing the game of Go was the only thing he does with you?"
"Yeah. Zack is really a master in doing that. I've been studying tactics with him because I am weak and have nothing better to do,
but I'm still no match for him." Francis didn't seem to feel any shame about being no match for Zack. Instead, Zack's superiority
in the game of Go just seemed to make Francis admire him all the more.
Matthew drank his tea in silence. He was the sort of man who would never let his two nephews know that he had also been
defeated by Zach in the game of Go. He regarded Zack as devious and cunning. Despite his gentle smile, he showed no mercy
when he played the game of Go. While chatting with him cordially, Zack set up traps on the board. That was how Matthew had
lost the game.
The steward came in and reported, "Your Highness, lunch is ready. Your Highnesses, please come to the dining hall for lunch."
Matthew promptly stood up and strode towards the dining hall, trailed by Felix. Felix bumped into Francis intentionally. Without
uttering a word, Francis followed them in the rear.
Felix raised his eyes in disdain to see Francis' reaction. Despite the high status and great power of his mother's clan, Francis
was meek and totally without ambitions. He could never compete in the great struggle for power at court.
Felix had been quite wary of Francis at first, but after seeing his manners today, he began looking down on him. He always felt
that Francis was lacking in spirit. He had been sitting in a wheelchair since he was six years old. He had never even studied the

national policies. Later, because of his poor health, their father only sent him a tutor to teach him to read, because an illiterate
prince would bring shame to his country. Otherwise, he would likely have never learned to read.
There were only three people in the dining room. Harper was absent, but Matthew immediately understood why she wasn't there.
"Let's have lunch."
"Uncle Matthew, why doesn't Aunt Harper come to eat lunch?" Francis asked mildly.
"She has already had lunch. You'd better eat quickly and go back soon." Matthew didn't even bother to hide his wish to drive
them away quickly. If Felix and Francis weren't there now, he would have had Harper for company at lunch instead.
Francis just kept quiet and ate his meal with his head down. Felix's visit was only to sound out Matthew's attitude on him.
Unexpectedly, he learned that Francis had no stomach for power struggles, so the biggest threat to him was still Matthew. There
was no need for him to fear the weak Francis. All things considered, it seemed to Felix that he had better deal with Matthew first.
His most immediate grudge against Matthew was his humiliation in seeing that the pearl he had given Harper as a gift was now
hung on the neck of a dog.
"Uncle Matthew, I'm done. Goodbye," Felix said after just a few bites. Since he no longer needed to sound out Matthew's
opinion, it was unnecessary for him to stay there, so he stood up and left.
After Felix walked away, Francis continued eating his own food slowly. If possible, he would have preferred not to have lunch
with Matthew. Matthew's cold stare made delicious food as tasteless as wax.
While taking his time to have his meal, Francis wondered how Harper could bear to live with Matthew. Didn't she feel scared in
front of his cold face every day? Or did Matthew have a totally different expression in front of Harper?
Francis could not help but imagine that Matthew smiled like a fool in front of Harper. That image in his mind caused gooseflesh
on his body. He peeped at Matthew, only to find that he was staring at him with icy persistence. Francis couldn't resist pausing to
touch his face, to check if he had rice on his face.
"What's wrong, Uncle Matthew?" Francis asked. As a good student, he had always asked questions when he didn't know the
answers.
"Why are you still here?" Matthew asked with obvious discontent. He couldn't understand why Francis had no sense. Felix had
already gone, but Francis didn't show the least intention of leaving.