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

Chapter 19:*ROYAL RIDDLE*

One month later, in the Imperial Hall of the Dakin Empire, Emperor Rong Xian sat majestically upon his throne, his countenance as unreadable as stone. The cold, imposing aura surrounding him caused the room's trumpeters to lower their instruments, while the ministers present couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Before him, General Wei, Commander of the Northern Border, knelt with his head bowed deeply in a gesture of utmost respect.

"Your Majesty," General Wei began, his voice trembling slightly, "this humble minister is guilty of underestimating the Zaisu tribe's movements at the borders. These days, they are making trouble at the border."

Emperor Rong Xian's expression remained inscrutable, his eyes fixed upon some distant point beyond General Wei's head. The silence that followed was oppressive, punctuated only by the soft rustling of robes as the ministers shifted uncomfortably. Finally, the Emperor spoke, his voice devoid of emotion.

"General Wei, explain to me how this situation came to pass. I was assured that our borders were secure."

General Wei's voice was laced with fear as he replied, "I am unsure, my Emperor. We had received reports of tribal movements, but we did not anticipate attacks of such magnitude. I take full responsibility for this failure."

Emperor Rong Xian's gaze lingered upon General Wei for a moment before shifting to the ministers. "It appears we have a problem. One that requires... decisive action."

Minister Zhou, the Minister of War, spoke up, his voice firm and resolute. "Yes, Your Majesty, we must investigate every detail of this failure. We need to know where we went wrong and how to prevent such lapses in the future."

Emperor Rong Xian nodded, his expression unchanging. "See to it, Minister Zhou. I want a full report on my desk within a fortnight. General Wei, you will cooperate fully with Minister Zhou's investigation."

General Wei nodded, still kneeling, his head bowed in shame. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will do everything in my power to assist the investigation and ensure that such a failure does not happen again."

Eunuch Yan stepped forward again, his eyes glinting with intrigue. "If I may suggest, Your Majesty, perhaps it would be wise to also investigate the possibility of... internal treachery. It is possible that there are those within our own ranks who are working against us."

Emperor Rong Xian's gaze narrowed, his eyes flashing with anger. "I will not tolerate treason, Eunuch Yan. If you have evidence, bring it to me. If not, do not waste my time with speculation."

The room fell silent once more, as the ministers and officials digested the emperor's words. The air was thick with tension, as the weight of the emperor's displeasure hung heavy over them all.

Rong Muyang, the second son of Emperor Rong Xian, nodded in agreement with his father. "Yes, Father, Adviser Yan is indeed getting old. Perhaps he is no longer as sharp as he once was."

Eunuch Yan's face turned red with indignation, but he said nothing, knowing better than to cross the emperor's son.

Meanwhile, Rong Xiang, the fourth prince, felt a growing sense of unease as he watched the exchange. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was brewing behind the scenes. He needed to speak with General Wei in private, to get to the bottom of the matter.

As the meeting drew to a close, Rong Xiang caught General Wei's eye, subtly nodding towards the door. General Wei understood, and made his way out of the throne room, followed discreetly by the fourth prince.

Once they were out of earshot, Rong Xiang turned to General Wei and asked, "What's going on, General? What's really happening with the Zaisu tribe?"

General Wei hesitated, looking around nervously before leaning in close. "Your Highness, I fear there is more to this than meets the eye. I have reason to believe that there is a traitor among us, someone who is secretly aiding the Zaisu tribe."