Forensic Imperial Concubine novel Chapter 186

A deafening silence enveloped the hall. Not a word was spoken as Matthew sat quietly. The people in the hall were painfully aware of the real intent behind the proposal, and the air rippled with a tense breath.

No one dared mock Matthew. Despite his disability, he was still a prince, and was entitled to his right to consider the proposition of marriage.

He had the military forces of the entire country under his command. A single word from him was all it would take to end anyone who dared offend him.

Harper trembled as she knelt on the floor, the muscles of her limbs growing numb. Franklin stood up as he noticed the slight tremors that racked her stooped frame. Mustering his courage, he opened his mouth to speak and help her, but before the words left his mouth, Matthew moved his lips and answered, "It is an honor. You have my gratitude, Your Majesty." With these words, his answer was clear. Every single person present knew that Harper was nothing but a pawn. Whether she would survive or perish was uncertain. All that she could do was pray that fate would give her mercy.

"Ha-ha, Matthew, as long as you're satisfied with it, it will be my greatest pleasure. Hansen had called off his engagement to Harper, but she is a woman of talent and beauty, not to mention that she is the daughter of Prime Minister Charles and the vice director of Imperial Academy of Medicine. She is befitting of your rank and status," the emperor said, his tone belying his greater intention. Before Harper, three women who were Matthew's betrothed had died before they even had a chance to enter his mansion. It was clear that Harper was caught in between a dangerous power struggle. Her next move would be crucial—her life was hanging on delicate strings and she would have to tread carefully.

All the officials present did not need any explanation. They knew their emperor all too well to see through his facade. The emperor was delighted in the humiliation of his brother; thus he mentioned Harper's engagement to Hansen. The relationship between the two brothers was a tragic sight. Matthew had risked his life to prove his innocence and fought to serve the emperor, only to end up crippled. The emperor's cruelty to his own brother was almost odious, but the people present did not have to option to avert their eyes from the scene.

Matthew, however, seemed as if he had no idea of it. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said.

"Harper," Charles called out, "surely you would also like to express your gratitude to His Majesty and His Highness."

Harper gritted her teeth but complied with the silent command. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Very well. Today is a fortunate day for my dear brother. Matthew, I have always been worried about you remaining unmarried for a long time, but this day puts my troubles at rest. It is my great happiness to see you accept this proposal. We must get to the marriage preparations quickly. I will send my eunuch for the imperial edict immediately. Where's the imperial astronomer?"

"Your Majesty! I'm Floyd, the imperial astronomer."

"When would be the ideal day to hold the wedding?" the emperor asked with a bright smile.

"Your Majesty, the sixth day of the Lunar New Year would be an auspicious time for a marriage. It would bring the pair good fortune," Floyd answered after thinking for a while.

"The sixth day of the Lunar New Year? Great. Then, let's choose the day! Now, where is the head of the Ministry of Rites?"

"I am here, Your Majesty."

"Help Matthew hold the wedding. It has to be perfectly arranged. We can't make Harper feel treated shabbily. Is that understood?" The officials hummed and nodded as the emperor made a show of making arrangements quickly. Matthew listened quietly without interrupting him. His gaze remained on Harper, who had not moved from her kneeling position on the floor.

"Your Majesty, my betrothed is still kneeling on the floor," he said lightly, even as his voice was full of pressure.

It was only then that the emperor seemed to have remembered her. Smiling, he said, "You may rise, Harper." Then, turning to Matthew, he remarked, "It seems I've made the right choice. You are already starting to care for your fiancee. This is a very good sign. I am certain if she marries into your mansion, she will definitely be taken good care of."

Matthew did not answer. He continued to drink disinterestedly, as if everything around did not have the least bit of importance. Harper returned to her seat, her back straight and her steps elegant. She maintained a dignified expression, far from the one she had as she knelt down on the floor.

The wedding date was set on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, leaving only ten days left for the preparations.

Murmurs arose from the whole hall. As Matthew was disabled, he had spent most of his time in the confines of his home without involving himself in any statewide affairs. He had even relinquished his post with the three judicial departments. No one had expected the emperor to appoint Harper as his wife. Matthew's rank as a prince was among the highest. It would be a great honor for any woman to marry such a man, but as the prince was a cripple, the spectators pitied Harper.

Harper didn't utter a word even after the feast was over. Mavis looked at her granddaughter and sighed at her silence. "Harper, this is life."

Harper raised her head, her face devoid of any anger or tragedy. "Grandma, it is a good thing. Marrying Prince Matthew is not an opportunity granted to everyone. I am happy with it. You don't have to be worried about me."

Mavis opened her mouth to speak but she could not find her words. What Harper said was right—marriage to a prince was a chance of a lifetime. However, Mavis also knew the rift between the emperor and his brother. Despite his facade, the emperor had not been subtle with his attacks. Mavis had lived long enough to understand how the court was a battlefield on its own, and the emperor had his eyes locked on Matthew. If Harper married the prince, she would also be caught in the crossfire.

"I will ask your father to try and see if this marriage could be avoided," Mavis said.

"Grandma, we cannot disobey the imperial edict. Disobedience is a capital crime!" Harper raised the imperial edict in her hand, effectively silencing the rest of Mavis' words. She had a plan in mind. This predicament might be turned into a golden opportunity. She had already been considering getting a backer, and now the emperor took the initiative to send her one. If she played her cards right, she could make herself a favorable deal.

As soon as they got back to Chu Clan mansion, Charles called Harper into the study.

"Father, Brother, what do you want?" asked Harper coldly.

"His Majesty has bestowed a great favor upon you. You have to remember his graciousness," Charles said. "You were not highborn, but as you have been chosen to marry Prince Matthew by His Majesty, you should be grateful. You will be an imperial member once you wed him."