Forensic Imperial Concubine

"Marquis Pearce, do you mean to say that we should not respond to this mistake, and just make the best of it?" asked Hollis
cautiously. He dared not make wild guesses. He could suffer serious disadvantages if he made the wrong guess about Pearce's
intentions. What complicated the situation was that Matthew was Alexander's brother-in-law, and he couldn't afford to offend the
prince either.
Also, he knew that Matthew was in the River City now. If Matthew knew that Alexander had been framed, he would be in trouble
and his life might even be in danger. But Hollis sensed that Pearce obviously wanted to convict Alexander for the murder. Thus,
the first thing Hollis needed to do was appear to be obeying Pearce's demands, and then figure out a way to inform Matthew.
Pearce wrinkled his brows in perplexity. Hollis immediately observed his subtle reaction and felt that he had read his mind
correctly. So Hollis said, "Sorry, I misspoke. It wasn't a mistake. Alexander is the murderer who killed your son. He will be put to
death in two days!"
Pearce's brows wrinkled into a deep frown. He had gone so far as to come to the government office in person. And now Hollis
insisted on the death penalty for Alexander. Had Hollis done it on purpose? Had he incited the coroner to issue the false
judgment?
Pearce restrained his anger and asked, "Hollis, do you know you are the mayor of the River City?"
"Marquis Pearce, I know. Although I am the mayor, you are well-loved here. I will not let you suffer, nor let your son die in vain. I
will definitely seek justice for you and punish the murderer, Alexander Chu!" Hollis thought he had read what was in Pearce's
mind. Killing Alexander to avenge his son was simple enough. If Matthew wanted to blame him, he would simply insist that it was
Pearce who pushed him to do that, and that the whole thing had nothing to do with him. He was just a low-level local officer and
could only obey the commands of high-level officials.
Taking a deep breath, Pearce couldn't contain his impatience anymore. Then he stood up and kicked Hollis down to the floor,
snarling, "Damn you! You think I am a lousy official who has people killed regardless of law and justice, do you?"
Hollis, after being kicked to the floor, quickly got up and went on kneeling down in front of Pearce. He added anxiously, "Marquis
Pearce, I don't think that of you. Please tell me how I should deal with Alexander Chu."
"Are you the mayor or not? Why must I tell you what to do?" Pearce was so disgusted with Hollis that he felt a headache. He
used to think it was a good thing that Hollis was so spineless, but now it seemed that his character was bound to drag him down.

"Marquis Pearce, you are my superior and of course you have the right to command me. I and all the civilians of River City will
follow your commands." Hollis hastened to flatter him.
Pearce's face turned red in anger and contempt. He snorted, "Since Alexander Chu is innocent, let him go, you damned fool!
And I command you to find the killer of my son with no further delay. Otherwise your political career will come to a quick end!"
Shocked, Hollis nodded quickly and said, "Yes, all right. I'll tell my men to release him right now. Marquis Pearce, please don't
worry. I'll dedicate myself to finding the murderer.
Taking a look at Hollis, Pearce felt increasingly angry. He stormed off after ordering Hollis, "Send Alexander Chu to Joy Inn."
"Yes, Marquis Pearce. I'll make sure that he will be sent to the Joy Inn right away." Even though Pearce had already left with his
attendants, Hollis was still kneeling on the floor. When Hollis's assistant saw that Pearce had gone out, he whispered to him, "My
Lord, Marquis Pearce has gone."
Then Hollis lifted his head and saw that there was no more trace of Pearce to be seen. He heaved a sigh of relief, forced himself
up from the floor, and kicked his assistant. "Why are you still standing there, fool? Why don't you get Alexander out of prison and
take him to the Joy Inn?"
Alexander was stunned to find himself released. When he saw people waiting outside the prison, his eyes turned red with tears.
"Mister Alexander, let's go. I must drive you to the Joy Inn," said the assistant gently. It was not easy to be a mayor's assistant
nowadays. He was the one who ran errands, and he was also the one who took beatings. He couldn't share the honor and
wealth of the position, but only took the blame. What had he done wrong?
Alexander took two steps forward and said, "Sir, you don't have to send me there. The person to pick me up is already here."
Taking a look at the carriage that was waiting at the gate, the assistant was a little worried and said, "The mayor ordered me to
send you to the Joy Inn. If you go with others halfway and run into danger, I will be the one to pay the price."
Alexander paid him no attention and went straight to the carriage. "Robert," he said to the man who was driving the carriage.
Robert bowed to Alexander and said, "Mister Alexander, Her Highness is waiting for you in the carriage. Please get in."
The assistant found that Alexander was quite familiar with the group of people. Suddenly, something popped into his mind and
his eyes lit up. Matthew and his wife seemed to be staying in the Joy Inn.

The curtain of the carriage was lifted up and Alexander entered. The assistant saw a man in white sitting in the carriage, and he
looked quite handsome. As soon as Alexander got in, he jumped into the arms of the man. It was obvious that he knew and
trusted that man.
Still fearing an emergency, the assistant summoned up his courage and asked, "Excuse me, but who are
you?"