The Red Mole Prophecy : A Concubine's Rise (BL)

chapter 7 :The weight of Failure

The Fourth Prince's eyes blazed with fury as he stormed through his sleeping chamber, destroying everything in his path. He overturned tables, shattered vases, and sent porcelain crashing to the ground.

His servants cowered in fear, trying to stay out of his way as he rampaged through the room. They knew better than to approach him when he was in such a state.

The Fourth Prince's anger was a palpable force, fueled by the events of the previous night. He couldn't shake the memory of Su Ling's tears, or the feeling of shame and guilt that had consumed him.

He slammed his fist into a nearby wall, leaving a dent in the plaster. "Why did I let it happen?" he growled, his voice barely audible over the sound of his own ragged breathing.

His servants exchanged nervous glances, unsure of how to calm their master's fury. They knew that he was struggling to come to terms with his own actions, and that this destruction was a manifestation of his inner turmoil.

As the Fourth Prince continued to vent his anger, the room around him descended into chaos. But eventually, his rage began to subside, replaced by a dull sense of emptiness and regret.

He felt defeated, trapped in a web of his own making. He had fallen into the Second Prince's trap, and now his reputation and virtue were at risk of being ruined.

A bitter smile twisted his lips. "Well played, Second Brother," he muttered. "You've won this round."

He thought back to the events of the previous night, and how he had let his desires cloud his judgment.

"With a heavy heart, he emerged from his slumber and made his way to his study, the weight of his thoughts and emotions lingering like a shadow."

"The Fourth Prince entered his study, where Zhi, Bao, and several shadow guards awaited punishment, aware that they had failed in their duty to protect His Highness, Rong Xiang."

"Rong Xiang's icy gaze swept over his subordinates, who knelt before him, trembling with fear as they awaited their fate."

"With a disdainful sneer, Rong Xiang sat down in the chair, drumming his fingers on the armrest as he awaited an explanation for their failure."

"Bao trembled as he spoke, 'My lord, I am deserving of punishment. I failed in my duty to anticipate the Second Prince's treachery.'"

"Zhi stepped forward, his head bowed in shame, 'My lord, I confess my fault. I was remiss in my duty to safeguard Your Highness and foresee the Second Prince's treachery.'"

"With eyes blazing like embers, the Fourth Prince growled, 'So, you finally comprehend the magnitude of your mistakes and where your failures lie...'"

"You were once the most exceptional individuals in my realm, but this time, you have all fallen short of my expectations and disappointed me deeply."

"They all felt a deep sense of guilt, knowing the cruel nature of the Fourth Prince and the dire consequences of their failure. They trembled with fear, aware that their heads might roll if they couldn't redeem themselves."

"Rong Xiang beheld the pitiful sight before him, their faces etched with remorse and their bodies trembling with dread."

"Rong Xiang drew a deep breath to temper his deadly fury, reminded that his loyal subjects would willingly lay down their lives to protect him. Their devotion was absolute, bound to his every command."

"He addressed them in a rich, majestic tone, his voice booming like thunder and sending shivers down their spines."

"Go together and receive your punishment, that you may share in the consequences of your collective failure."

"With one voice, they chorused, 'Yes, my lord!'

"Bao and the others felt their hearts, once heavy with anxiety, now lifted and restored to their rightful place. With a sense of gratitude and respect, they bowed deeply to the Prince and withdrew from the study, their heads hung low in a mixture of shame and relief."