Because from his perspective, he saw not only Zhou Cheng's gaze, but the densely gathered gazes of all the civil and military officials, like countless arrows shooting at him from every direction.
And as he involuntarily showed fear, even among the military officers, people slowly began rising one after another.
The Crown Prince swallowed with difficulty. At this moment, he stood in opposition to every civil and military official at court.
The officials, meanwhile, gathered around Zhou Cheng like stars clustered around the moon, casting icy stares at him.
The Crown Prince helplessly turned to the Empress Dowager for help, but the makeup on her face now seemed several shades whiter. She closed her eyes weakly.
The Crown Prince felt so wretched that he wanted to vomit blood.
He did not know what to do, how to answer, or whether the ceremony should continue-and if it did, how.
Below the dais, Zhou Cheng's gaze pressed him. Everyone's gaze pressed him, waiting for his response.
In the end, the Crown Prince lacked the courage to stake everything.
Helpless, he gritted his teeth and spoke with difficulty. "Since... Father Emperor's final edict is in doubt, we must wait for Fan Xian to return to the Capital and investigate. Then the coronation shall be... postponed for now."
As his words fell, the Crown Prince seemed utterly deflated. His back no longer stood straight; only his eyes retained a little strength.
He glared hatefully at Zhou Cheng, that vicious gaze seeming to say: Satisfied now?
Of course Zhou Cheng was not satisfied.
Whether the Crown Prince successfully ascended the throne or not, he still had to do what needed doing.
Just as the officials all breathed sighs of relief and prepared to give the Crown Prince a graceful way out, Zhou Cheng's voice rang