Chapter 650: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 7

Empress Feng’s expression softened slightly as he continued, his tone calm yet deliberate.

“As for Lin Zihao,” he said, his gaze resting on Tang Wan, “though he is known as the number one beauty in the capital, I told you long ago that he is not someone destined for you. Keeping him close may only bring trouble.”

He paused, then added with quiet relief, “It is a good thing you did not choose him. Your father is at ease now.”

In his eyes, no matter what others said, his daughter was still the best.

So what if her temperament was flawed? So what if she had once been petty and jealous? As long as she was surrounded by capable people who could support and guide her, she would still be able to sit firmly upon the throne.

Hearing this, Tang Wan nodded seriously, her expression turning thoughtful.

“Father Emperor is right,” she said. “When Mother Emperor asked me to choose a consort earlier, you didn’t see how nervous Lin Zihao and Seventh Sister were.”

A faint scoff escaped her lips, her eyes carrying a trace of disdain.

“I may not know everything, but I’m not blind. Do they really think I can’t see through their little… connection?” she continued. “I’m not foolish enough to marry a man who might betray me.”

Her tone was light, but the meaning behind it was clear.

Empress Feng smiled faintly at her words, a hint of approval flickering across his eyes. Then, as if something had crossed his mind, his expression shifted slightly, and he let out a soft sigh.

“It is rare for you to see things so clearly now,” he murmured. “Unlike before…”

He stopped himself midway, shaking his head lightly.

“Nothing. Just some old matters.”

Though he didn’t continue, Tang Wan knew exactly what he had been about to say.

It wasn’t hard to guess.

He had been thinking of the current empress.

According to the original storyline, when the empress was young, she had been much like the original Tang Wan—willful, domineering, accustomed to taking whatever she desired.

Back then, she had fallen in love at first sight with Tang Can’s biological father.

Even after learning that he already had someone he loved, she had still used her authority to bring him into the palace, granting him the title of a favored consort.

But she had underestimated him.

Before entering the palace, he had already given his heart—and even his body—to the woman he truly loved.

When the empress discovered this, her fury had been overwhelming.

And yet…

Human nature was often contradictory.

Had he begged for mercy, perhaps she would have discarded him without hesitation. But instead, he had remained proud, even to the point of seeking death.

That only ignited her desire to conquer him.

Rather than killing him, she lavished him with favor, determined to win his genuine affection.

But no matter what she did, it was useless.

He never returned her feelings.

Before long, he became pregnant.

Clinging to a sliver of hope, the empress allowed the child to be born.

But once the child came into the world, it was quickly discovered that the child was not hers.

For the sake of his daughter’s life, the consort pleaded desperately, promising that he would serve the empress wholeheartedly in the future if only she would spare Tang Can.

In the end, the empress relented.

Perhaps it was desire. Perhaps it was unwillingness to let go.

Tang Can was allowed to live.

From then on, she grew up safely within the palace, though she and her father were forbidden from seeing each other again. Until his death, weighed down by sorrow, the two never had the chance to meet one last time.

All of this, Tang Wan knew clearly.

But she could not reveal it.

So she simply tilted her head slightly and asked, feigning curiosity, “Why did Father Emperor stop? What were you going to say?”

Empress Feng shook his head with a faint smile. “It’s nothing—just some matters from the past.”

He didn’t dwell on it further.

“Actually, I called you here today for something else,” he added, his tone lightening once more.

As he spoke, he reached to the side and picked up a carefully folded garment.

“This is the wedding attire I prepared for you.”

With a gentle motion, he unfolded it.

In an instant, a magnificent robe of deep crimson spread open before Tang Wan’s eyes.

Golden threads shimmered across its surface, intricately embroidered into the form of soaring dragons. Each scale seemed alive, every detail exquisitely crafted, radiating a sense of grandeur and nobility.

The craftsmanship was breathtaking.

Tang Wan couldn’t help but stare.

For a moment, she forgot to speak at all.

Only after a few seconds did she draw in a quiet breath, genuine admiration filling her gaze.

The embroidery—every stitch, every line—was impossibly refined. Even the finest artisans of the modern world would struggle to replicate such perfection.

“It’s… so beautiful,” she said softly, unable to hide her amazement. “Father Emperor, your hands are incredible.”

Hearing her praise, Empress Feng’s lips curved into a gentle smile, his expression warming with quiet satisfaction.

“I began preparing this when you were twelve,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. “And now… it has finally come to use.”