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

Chapter 12 : A Heart Havey With Sarrow

Suddenly, Lady Wang spoke up, her voice dripping with a hidden nasty scheme. "But, sir, Su Ling's marriage is already arranged with Widower Jiang."

Hearing this, Master Su's face turned red with rage. He slammed his fist on the table and shouted at Wang, "Shut up, you wretched woman! How dare you mention that again?"

The room fell silent, with the officers and Su Ling watching in shock as Master Su's anger boiled over. Wang's eyes flashed with anger, but she remained seated, her face pale with fury.

Bao Zhi's expression turned stern, his voice firm. "Enough, Master Su. We're not here to discuss Su Ling's previous arrangements. We're offering a new proposal, one that benefits your family greatly."

Master Su's chest heaved with anger, but he slowly regained control, his eyes fixed on Wang with a warning. "Continue," he growled, his voice still trembling with rage.

Zhi sneered, revealing a glimpse of his murderous nature, making the surrounding air chill with an unsettling intensity. "That's a substantial amount we're offering for your brother, Su Ling. It's your family's good fortune that our Young Master has taken a fancy to your son. Think carefully, for you cannot afford to go against our Young Master's wishes. You people cannot imagine the consequences if you don't obey."

His words hung in the air like a dark cloud, casting a shadow of fear over the room. Master Su's face paled, while Wang's eyes darted nervously around the space. Su Ling felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized the gravity of the situation.

Bao Zhi's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. "Our Young Master's desires are not to be trifled with. You would do well to remember that."

The silence that followed was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of heavy breathing. The weight of Bao Zhi's words settled upon the family like a physical force, leaving them to ponder the dire consequences of refusal.

The officers, who knew the truth that the so-called Young Master was actually the ruthless and cruelest son of the current Emperor, His Royal Highness Fourth Prince Rong Xiang, trembled with fear. A fine layer of sweat appeared on their foreheads as they struggled to maintain their composure.

Their eyes darted nervously around the tent, avoiding eye contact with Bao Zhi, who seemed to take pleasure in their discomfort. They knew that Prince Rong Xiang's reputation for cruelty and ruthlessness was well-deserved, and that crossing him would be a fatal mistake.

Wang's eyes flashed with envy and resentment as she thought about the opportunity slipping through her fingers. If only Mei could have secured the Young Master's favor, their family's fortune would be made. But Bao and Zhi's offer was clear: they wanted Su Ling, and they were willing to pay a big fortune for him.

As she gazed at Mei, Wang's expression softened, seeing the disappointment etched on her daughter's face. But she quickly pushed aside her maternal instincts, thinking, "Why sacrifice Mei's future for Su Ling's sake? With 200 taels of silver, we can secure a better match for Mei, one that will elevate our family's status." And besides, she thought, "Su Ling will only suffer at the hands of the Young Master. Why would I push my daughter into the same fire?"

With a calculating smile, Wang turned to Zhi and said, "We accept your offer. Su Ling will go with you, and we'll take the 200 taels of silver." Master Su nodded eagerly, his eyes gleaming with greed. Mei, on the other hand, shot Su Ling a poisonous glance, her heart seething with anger and hurt.

Mei's eyes blazed with envy as she spat, "That son of a bitch! What kind of luck does he have? First, he lands a marriage with Widower Jiang, and now he's being bought by a wealthy young Master for a small fortune? It's just not fair!" Wang tried to calm her down, placing a soothing hand on Mei's shoulder. "Mei, don't be jealous. You will have a brighter future than him. Fate has dealt its cards, and Su Ling has luck on his side this time. But you will be the main wife of a high official, not just a concubine. You will have a life of luxury and respect." Mei shook off her mother's hand, her face twisted in a scowl. "Lucky? Ha! He's just a bastard who's always gotten in the way. I'm the one who deserves all this, not him!" Su Ling watched the exchange, feeling a pang of sadness. He knew Mei's resentment had been building for years, and now it was boiling over. He didn't want any of this and felt helpless seeing her jealousy consume her.