Forensic Imperial Concubine

As soon as Lucas came back to the Imperial Palace, old memories daunted him. He regretted saying hurtful words to his father.
If only he had been patient and maintained his closeness to his father, perhaps he could see his father one last time and wouldn't
have felt distressed so much!
The death of the emperor didn't cause much of an uproar in the imperial capital. After the emperor's burial in the imperial tomb,
the officials at the imperial court quarreled and couldn't decide who would be the rightful heir to the throne.
The emperor's death was sudden without appointing an heir to the throne or leaving any imperial edict. Now there were only four
princes left in the royal family. Jason was idle and out of the Imperial Palace for years. Francis was gentle and talented, but he
was physically weak and might get sick anytime. Lucas was a playboy, and he was still playing in some brothel even when his
father was dead. He was the least expected by the public. Wale was still a baby making every effort to learn to speak, and
everyone subconsciously ignored him. The final outcome was endless quarreling on whether Jason or Francis would be the new
emperor.
When the two factions were at a stalemate, Jason suddenly stepped forward and said, "Everyone, there's no need to argue. I'm
used to being idle and I can't do what you ask me to. I think Francis is better. Though he had health problems, now he is much
better under the treatment of Aunt Harper. If you are worried about his health, be rest assured of it."
One of the officials tried to intervene. "Your Highness..."
"I haven't even finished reading the national policy, but you have decided to let me manage the national affairs? If that happened,
aren't you worried that the common people would live a miserable life? Even if you aren't worried, I am afraid that I will be
considered to be a fatuous emperor. So please don't argue anymore. I have decided to quit!" With those words, Jason flipped his
robe, turned around and walked out of the Golden Hall smartly. He just stated in front of everyone with his words and actions that
his interest in the throne was nil. He was ready to accept anyone as the new emperor as the officials wanted.
The civil and military officials were all speechless, and then all of them turned to Francis at the same time. His status was
equivalent to that of the prince regent. He was generous and had never mentioned his desire for the throne from beginning to
end, which convinced many officials.
"This year has been a sorrowful one for all of us. My father has bid adieu to this world. Also, there were many natural and man-
made disasters that happened, and the overall power of our country has been greatly undermined. Now that Emperor Rolando of
the Great Jade Kingdom has ascended the throne, we shall ally with each other and send Lilian to marry him. Any comments?"
Francis asked unhurriedly, trying to change the subject.

"We agree. But to show that we attach much importance to it, we should send someone as the envoy for peacemaking." Zack
picked up the subject. His father had already retired, and now he was alone at the imperial court. Although he was young and not
experienced, most of the courtiers admired him.
"Lucas has a good relationship with Lilian. I'm sure he is willing to see her off." Francis looked at Lucas. It was rare for Lucas to
stay in the Golden Hall, and now he was here only because Francis had insisted.
"Francis, I object to Lilian's marriage at this time." Lucas stepped forward and took a deep breath. "It is not the best time for us.
Father has just died. As his daughter, Lilian wouldn't be prepared for marriage at this time of mourning."
"Father has passed away. I believe that Lilian should show filial respect. But now, the Bright Dynasty is facing both internal and
external troubles. Lilian is considerate, and personally brought up this marriage alliance for peace-making between the two great
countries. She hopes that the Great Jade Kingdom and the Bright Dynasty can ally well with each other. I believe that if Father
was here, he too would have agreed with her." Francis was soft-spoken as always, but it was hard to refute him.
"I just think..."
"Lucas, I know you are sad about Father's death, and so are we. But this is a time not to remain in sorrow, but to work
proactively. If we don't, then it would be our enemies who would take benefit of the situation. Lilian is a woman, but she
shoulders the rise and fall of our country and will marry a man for the sake of making peace with another country. She is
excellent and remarkable, and even more assertive than many of us. I'm so proud of her for taking such a bold decision. Lucas,
it's not the time for you to go out and have fun, but it's time to do something for our state." Francis tried his best to convince
Lucas.
"What Prince Francis said is true, Your Highness. When the deceased emperor was alive, he spoiled your behavior and allowed
you to act wildly. Now that he has gone, it's time for you to restrain yourself for your own good as well as for the benefit of our
country. You should learn from Prince Francis and Prince Jason to work for our country, instead of playing games all day long
and indulging yourself with women!" Someone from the royal court stepped forward to reprimand Lucas.
"Your Highness, you are too absurd. Now, are you even inferior to a woman? Princess Lilian is willing to sacrifice herself for our
country. But you do not even realize your mistakes and are trying to stop her. What do you think you are doing?" Another courtier
questioned Lucas' intentions.
"Do you wish for a fight against the Great Jade Kingdom? Will you go to the battlefield if a war breaks out between the two
countries? Which of your skills are you planning to use to fight against Emperor Rolando then, your gambling skills or flirting

skills?"
The courtiers' words pierced Lucas' heart like a knife. Although he was a good man with commendable qualities, there were very
few people who knew about it. Could he say that he was pretending on purpose to be so absurd? He couldn't! He even had to
admit that he was a playboy. Otherwise, his long-standing efforts of forbearance and disguise would have ended up in
vain.