Chapter 654: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 11

When Lan Xintong heard Tang Wan’s words, his hands tightened unconsciously at his sides. The force was just enough to ground himself, to keep the emotions rising in his chest from spilling over. A faint sting gathered behind his eyes, and he had to lower his gaze slightly to hide it.

All his life, he had believed he would never marry.

In a world where men like him were mocked and rejected, where even noble families hesitated to accept him despite his background, he had long since grown accustomed to quiet dismissal. Yet now, not only had the Crown Princess chosen him as her principal consort—she had also given him such overwhelming dignity, such undeniable respect.

This level of betrothal… this level of care…

If it were merely an act, there would be no need to go this far.

Seeing the redness in his eyes, Tang Wan immediately stepped closer, her expression softening with concern. Her voice lowered instinctively, gentle and coaxing.

“What’s wrong, Tongtong?” she asked. “Do you feel the betrothal gifts are insufficient?”

She paused, then added almost hurriedly, “Don’t cry. If it’s not enough, I’ll return to the palace and ask Mother Emperor to prepare even more for you.”

The moment those words left her mouth, Lan Xintong’s heart skipped.

He looked up quickly, startled, and shook his head.

“Your Highness has misunderstood,” he said, his voice slightly unsteady. “Xintong… is only feeling overwhelmed by your kindness.”

Hearing that, Tang Wan felt an ache in her chest.

It was easy to imagine how he must have been treated in the past—how rare it must have been for anyone to show him even a fraction of this consideration.

That was why even a little kindness seemed excessive to him.

For a moment, her gaze softened even further, tinged with something almost protective.

“What is there to feel overwhelmed about?” she said, her tone turning firm, as if correcting him. “Tongtong, you deserve the best this world has to offer.”

Her eyes held his steadily, unwavering.

“This hall promises you—what you have now is only the beginning. In the future, I will give you even better.”

Lan Xintong’s lashes trembled.

Almost involuntarily, he lifted his eyes and met hers.

Those eyes… clear, serious, and filled with a warmth he had never known before.

For a fleeting second, he was caught in them.

Then, as if burned, he quickly looked away, his heartbeat quickening.

She wasn’t lying.

There was no trace of mockery, no hidden disdain.

She truly didn’t think he was ugly.

She truly… didn’t look down on him.

“Thank you… for Your Highness’s favor,” he said softly.

His voice, already deep, was lowered even further, as though he feared it might offend her ears.

Tang Wan, however, only felt more at ease hearing it.

A small smile curved her lips as she spoke again, her tone light but sincere.

“You don’t need to belittle yourself,” she said. “No matter what others think, in my eyes, you are the best.”

Lan Xintong’s face flushed instantly, the color spreading rapidly to his ears.

“Y-Your Highness…” he stammered, clearly flustered.

His mother was still here!

But when he glanced to the side, he realized that General Lan had already taken the steward and others to inspect the betrothal gifts. The space around them had been quietly cleared, leaving only the two of them standing together.

The realization made him relax slightly.

After a brief hesitation, he couldn’t help himself. He lifted his eyes again, stealing a quick glance at Tang Wan—

Only to meet her smiling gaze directly.

Startled, his breath caught.

Tang Wan noticed his shy glance and couldn’t help but smile more deeply. Taking a small step forward, she leaned in slightly, her voice lowering into an intimate murmur.

“There’s no need to be shy, Tongtong,” she said. “We’ll be husband and wife soon. You can look at me as much as you like.”

Lan Xintong immediately turned his head away, his face burning.

“Your Highness, please… spare me,” he said hurriedly, his words stumbling over each other.

Tang Wan let out a soft laugh.

“What is there to spare?” she teased lightly. “If you refuse to look at me, I’ll be the one with a headache.”

Then, her tone shifted, becoming more serious—more deliberate.

“And you don’t need to worry about anything after entering the Crown Princess’s residence,” she continued. “I truly don’t like those weak, delicate types. You are exactly the kind of man I prefer.”

Her gaze was steady, filled with reassurance.

“I will treat you well,” she added quietly. “You will never regret marrying me.”

Outwardly, her expression was calm and sincere.

But inwardly—

Tang Wan was practically bursting with laughter.

This was exactly the right approach.

Seeing Lan Xintong blush, grow flustered, and try to hide his reactions… it was unexpectedly entertaining.

Lan Xintong, however, felt his heart pounding uncontrollably.

Each word she spoke seemed to settle deep within him, stirring emotions he could barely contain.

In the end, he could only lower his head again, his voice soft but resolute.

“Xintong understands… and will surely repay Your Highness’s kindness in the future.”