Forensic Imperial Concubine

Owen went to Matthew's mansion in order to pay Harper a visit. He had assumed that he would be able to see her in person by claiming that Francis was feeling unwell. Unexpectedly, he was turned away.

Looking at Nina with wide open eyes, he couldn't believe his ears. "Nina, didn't you tell Her Highness that it's me, the one who works for Prince Francis, wanting to see her?" he asked again for confirmation.

"Her Highness said that you may turn back. She won't go to Prince Francis' mansion now, and even added that she will never go there again in the future," Nina told him, then turned around and walked away. She dared not let anyone in, because the woman in the Phoenix House now was not the real Harper. Otherwise, the truth might be revealed for everyone to know.

In shock, Owen's eyes widened even more. He could not understand what had happened. 'What could possibly be wrong with Her Highness? Hasn't she always got along well with my master? Why was she suddenly refusing to go see him? How could she even say she would never come back to my master's mansion?' he pondered in utter bafflement.

Owen sensed that something was amiss. He decided he had better tell Francis about this straightaway. So he rushed back to Francis' mansion and informed him that Harper had shut him out.

"Ahem! Ahem! Ahem!" Francis coughed hoarsely after Owen delivered the news. "Were those her actual words?"

"Yes. Your Highness. Are you all right?" Owen said with concern. He then poured a cup of warm water and handed it over to Francis to ease his discomfort.

However, Francis merely shook his head and refused the drink. He asked, "Did she really say that she would never come here again?"

Owen's eyes reddened a bit, and then he replied, "I didn't even manage to see her in person. Nina came to deliver Lady Harper's answer, and said that she refused to see me and asked me to go back. She told me that Lady Harper also said she would never come here anymore."

leaned against the headboard, feeling utterly dejected by this news. The light in his eyes dimmed. After a while, he forced himself to regain his composure and ordered, "Get the carriage ready. I'll go to see

Highness, your condition..." Owen balked. He thought it was a reckless idea for Francis to go out when he was

fine. I just have a cold," Francis said, taking a deep breath. Then he asked his servants to get him ready. After he was fully dressed up, Owen put a cloak on him to shield

cloak for him. He then remembered that on the day of the emperor's birthday banquet, Harper had also put a cloak for him gently like this. It warmed his heart to recall that. He did not want to lose that feeling, and he craved it again.

going there now? Your health is not robust. Why don't you go there

birthday banquet had raised suspicions in Harper and

had to wait in the living room, and neither Matthew nor Harper came out to see him. Matthew was still at the Imperial Palace,

to welcome him. So

Yes, Her Highness is in the mansion." Noah

even finish his words, he had a sudden and violent cough, as if he were about to cough his lungs out. His pale face turned red suddenly because of the fierce cough.

maybe you ought to go back now. When His Highness comes back, I will tell him about your visit," Noah suggested upon seeing Francis have such a bad cough. He feared the

"No, I will stay here. I must see her, and I won't leave until I

Phoenix House, but I'm not sure whether she will be willing to see you."

"Yes, Steward Noah,"