Seeing that the hall had fallen utterly silent, the Crown Prince slowly swept his gaze over the crowd. Apart from a handful of people, everyone else either lowered their heads and shrank back or greeted him with fawning smiles.
Though he guessed that they had most likely misunderstood his intentions, the Crown Prince still swelled with pride. Especially when he thought of how, after displaying his might anew today, he would sweep away all the doubts and mockery throughout the court and the realm, inherit the Imperial Lineage in flawless fashion, and then establish the true bloodline as heir—his frail chest lifted even higher.
Only after savoring the anxious looks of the assembled officials did the Crown Prince continue. "There is no need for you all to worry. The important matter I speak of is actually..."
"Prince Zhongshun has arrived!"
Just as he spoke, a long cry suddenly rang out from outside. Hearing that Prince Zhongshun, a staunch Royalist Party supporter, had abruptly arrived, half the people in the hall could not help looking toward the entrance. Some of the more timid ones even shrank back toward the corners as they peered outside, afraid that a bloodbath was about to follow.
The Crown Prince had been in high spirits when his enjoyment was suddenly interrupted, and the visitor was none other than Prince Zhongshun, with whom he had recently been at odds. His face immediately darkened with displeasure.
Seeing the commotion on both sides, the Crown Prince grew even more annoyed. He could not be bothered to put on a polite front, so he stood imposingly in the center of the hall. Only when Prince Zhongshun entered under the guidance of the deputy prefect did he symbolically step forward two paces, forcing a smile as he said:
"Uncle, your timing