Chapter 647: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 3

The moment Tang Wan’s words fell, the entire hall erupted into shocked murmurs.

Yet amid the uproar, Lin Zihao and Tang Can both quietly let out a breath of relief.

The empress herself was visibly taken aback. She studied Tang Wan carefully before asking, “Wan Wan, are you certain?”

“I am certain.” Tang Wan’s tone was firm, without the slightest hesitation. “Among all of them, he is the one most pleasing to my eyes. I wish to take him as my principal consort.”

Her words were decisive, leaving no room for doubt.

For a brief moment, the hall fell into an odd silence.

Lan Xintong, who had been standing quietly at the end of the line, suddenly lifted his head. His usually calm expression cracked, revealing clear disbelief as he looked at Tang Wan.

It was as if he couldn’t comprehend what he had just heard.

Among the officials, one figure was even more shaken.

Lan Xintong’s mother.

Her eyes turned red instantly, emotions surging within her chest. She had never imagined that her son—who had always been ridiculed as an “ugly man”—would catch the eye of the eldest imperial daughter.

For a moment, pride and relief overwhelmed her.

In her heart, she silently swore that from this day forward, she would wholeheartedly support Tang Wan’s ascension. With her son entering the palace as principal consort, she would see who still dared to mock him!

On the throne, the empress gazed steadily at Tang Wan.

Seeing the unwavering determination in her daughter’s expression, she fell silent for a moment before finally nodding.

“Very well. Since you have made your choice, I will grant this marriage.”

Though Lan Xintong’s appearance did not align with the current standards of beauty, his background was undeniably strong. With General Lan’s support, Tang Wan’s position would be further stabilized.

In the empress’s eyes, this was a wise decision.

Tang Can and Lin Zihao both relaxed completely upon hearing the decree.

Since the empress had spoken, the matter was settled.

Soon after, the formal edict was issued. The marriage between Tang Wan and Lan Xintong was officially confirmed.

A faint smile appeared on Tang Wan’s lips.

Lan Xintong stepped forward, his movements steady despite the lingering shock in his eyes, and knelt to express his gratitude.

Only then did the atmosphere in the hall begin to settle.

With Tang Wan’s selection complete, the empress turned her attention to the other imperial daughters, instructing them to choose their consorts one by one.

In the original storyline, Tang Can had been forced to select another man after losing Lin Zihao. But this time, with Tang Wan no longer interfering, she naturally chose him without hesitation.

The empress did not object.

After granting the marriage with equal ceremony, she suddenly shifted the topic.

“I am no longer young,” she said slowly, her gaze sweeping across the hall. “It is time to establish the crown heir.”

The moment these words were spoken, the tension in the hall rose sharply.

According to ancestral rules, only a daughter born of the empress could inherit the throne. Among all the imperial daughters, only Tang Wan met that requirement—and she was also the eldest.

The others, regardless of talent or achievement, had little chance.

As expected, the empress did not keep them waiting long.

“I hereby appoint the eldest imperial daughter, Tang Wan, as Crown Princess.”

The declaration echoed through the hall.

Although many had anticipated this outcome, the impact was no less heavy.

Tang Can’s hands tightened unconsciously.

From the age of eleven, she had fought across battlefields for the Tang Empire. Whether in strategy or combat, she far surpassed Tang Wan in every way.

And yet, in the end, the throne still went to someone she considered inferior.

How could that be fair?

But no matter how unwilling she felt, she knew the truth.

She was neither the empress’s legitimate daughter nor the eldest. As long as Tang Wan did not commit a grave mistake, the position of crown heir would never fall to her.

Still… she couldn’t help but feel resentful.

In contrast, Tang Wan remained calm.

She stepped forward, knelt, and expressed her gratitude with composed humility. Her words were modest and appropriate, perfectly in line with the etiquette expected of a crown princess.

The empress watched her with satisfaction.

After the formalities, Tang Wan withdrew to the side, her expression serene.

With the crown heir established, the empress moved on to the next matter—bestowing titles and territories upon the other imperial daughters.

One by one, fiefs were assigned.

When it came to Tang Can, the seventh imperial daughter, she was granted the title King of Qin—along with a territory located far from the capital.

The meaning behind this decision was unmistakable.

The empress intended to send her away, reducing any potential threat she might pose to Tang Wan.

Tang Can understood this clearly.

But even so, she had no choice but to accept.

Whether thunder or rain, all were imperial favor. She could only endure it.

At the very least…

This time, she had obtained the one thing she truly wanted.

Lin Zihao.