Chapter 649: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 6

“Yes, Your Highness! We understand!”

The voices of the assembled officials rang out in unison, crisp and respectful, echoing through the grand hall.

Tang Wan gave a small, satisfied nod. Without another word, she flicked her sleeve lightly and turned to leave, her movements smooth and unhurried. From beginning to end, she didn’t spare Lin Zihao even a single glance—as if he had never held any importance to her at all.

That simple act, however, struck far deeper than any deliberate slight.

Tang Can’s expression darkened almost instantly.

She stood rooted in place, her gaze fixed on Tang Wan’s retreating figure, her thoughts churning.

What was she thinking?

Tang Can had been certain—absolutely certain—that Tang Wan would seize this opportunity to snatch Lin Zihao away from her, just as she had done countless times before. That had always been her way: possessive, competitive, unwilling to let Tang Can have anything of value.

And yet this time…

Not only had she not taken him, she had discarded him without hesitation and chosen Lan Xintong instead.

Lan Xintong.

An “ugly man” in the eyes of the capital.

If Tang Wan had made this decision purely for political reasons—for the sake of the Lan family’s military power—then it would have been understandable.

But that didn’t align with Tang Wan’s character.

She had always been willful, indulgent, and self-centered. Never the type to compromise her own preferences for the sake of strategy. Choosing someone she found unattractive simply to gain influence?

That wasn’t like her at all.

Especially when Lin Zihao’s background was no less advantageous. The Lin family held strong influence within the civil court—marrying him would have been equally beneficial.

More importantly…

Tang Wan had openly shown affection toward Lin Zihao before. Time and again, she had made her interest known.

So why, on the very day she was meant to choose her consort, had she suddenly changed her mind?

What exactly was she planning?

Tang Can couldn’t make sense of it.

And she wasn’t the only one.

Among the gathered officials, quiet murmurs began to spread once more. Many exchanged subtle glances, confusion evident in their eyes. Tang Wan’s actions today had completely overturned their previous understanding of her.

Yet amid the uncertainty, a faint, unspoken thought began to take root.

Perhaps…

The eldest imperial daughter was not as incompetent as they had once believed.

Perhaps there was more to her than met the eye.

For the first time, a flicker of expectation stirred within their hearts.

What kind of ruler… would she become?

—

By the time Tang Wan left the main hall, a palace attendant was already waiting to relay a summons.

The empress consort wished to see her.

Without delay, she made her way toward Fengxiang Palace.

The palace was quiet and refined, its atmosphere softer than the imposing grandeur of the main hall. As Tang Wan stepped inside, her gaze was immediately drawn to the figure seated by the window.

A man sat upon a low couch, a length of fine fabric draped across his lap as he carefully guided a needle through it. His movements were graceful and unhurried, every gesture carrying a quiet elegance.

The light streaming through the lattice window fell across his features, illuminating a face so striking that it seemed almost unreal.

Tang Wan paused.

For a brief moment, she simply stared.

…Alright.

Even by her standards, this was exceptional.

Although she didn’t particularly favor the delicate beauty admired in this world, she had to admit—

Her imperial father was truly, undeniably beautiful.

Perhaps sensing her gaze, the man looked up. Seeing her standing there in a daze, he set aside the needle and thread in his hands, a faint smile curving his lips.

“What is it, Wanwan?” he asked gently. “Have you forgotten your father?”

His voice was warm, laced with quiet amusement.

“Come here.”

Tang Wan snapped back to her senses and quickly stepped forward, a bright smile appearing on her face. “No, I just… thought Father Emperor looks especially beautiful today.”

At her words, Empress Feng raised a brow slightly, then let out a soft chuckle. His slender fingers reached out, lightly tapping the tip of her nose.

“Since when did your tongue become so sweet?” he teased. “I’ve already heard—you chose the Lan family’s son?”

His gaze lingered on her, thoughtful.

“Didn’t you once insist that you wanted to marry the Lin family’s young master?”

Tang Wan immediately shook her head.

“That was before,” she said earnestly. “At the time, I thought it didn’t matter who I married. Lin Zihao is known as the most beautiful man in the capital—marrying him would certainly draw envy from others.”

She paused slightly, as if recalling something.

“But when I saw Lan Xintong today… I changed my mind.”

Her tone softened, a hint of genuine admiration slipping through.

“Father Emperor, his eyes are truly beautiful. I never paid much attention before, but when I looked carefully today… I realized how striking they are. I liked him at first sight.”

Empress Feng regarded her for a moment before shaking his head helplessly.

“You…” he sighed lightly, though there was a trace of fondness in his eyes. “Your thoughts change as quickly as the wind.”

His expression grew more serious.

“Now that your mother emperor has named you crown princess, you can no longer act as recklessly as before. Do you understand?”

“I understand, Father Emperor,” Tang Wan replied immediately, her posture straightening in an obedient show of sincerity.

Seeing her so compliant, Empress Feng couldn’t help but smile again.

Still, the smile soon faded into something more measured.

“You choosing the Lan family’s second son is not a bad decision,” he said slowly. “Though his appearance may not be favored, his background is solid. With General Lan supporting you wholeheartedly, your position will be far more secure.”

His gaze sharpened slightly as he continued,

“No matter how the other imperial daughters scheme… they will not be able to shake you easily.”