Chapter 655: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 12

Tang Wan smiled without hesitation, her eyes curving with warmth as she replied, “There’s no need to repay anything. As long as Tongtong stays by my side and looks at me a little more, I’ll already be satisfied.”

This time, there was no mistaking the teasing in her tone.

Lan Xintong paused, then couldn’t help but lift his gaze again, drawn in despite himself. The moment his eyes met hers, his breath seemed to falter. There was a softness in her expression—gentle, attentive, almost indulgent—that made it difficult to look away.

It felt too real.

Too warm.

His fingers tightened unconsciously, emotions stirring quietly in his chest.

…Was he truly worthy of someone like her?

Or was all of this nothing more than a fleeting illusion—a dream he had yet to wake from?

Before he could sink deeper into those thoughts, General Lan’s voice broke the moment.

“Your Highness, please forgive me,” she said, stepping forward with a bright, slightly embarrassed smile. “I was so excited earlier that I forgot to invite you to sit in the main hall.”

Her tone turned brisk, full of enthusiasm.

“You must be thirsty after the journey. Come, have a seat—I’ll have Xintong prepare tea for you. Don’t be fooled by his appearance; though he looks… sturdy, he’s actually very meticulous. His tea-making skills are excellent.”

Tang Wan’s eyes lit up slightly at the suggestion.

“Then this hall truly looks forward to tasting Tongtong’s craftsmanship,” she said at once, her tone carrying a hint of anticipation.

In truth, she was more than happy for any excuse to spend a little more time with him.

Soon, the group made their way toward the main hall of the Lan residence.

Lan Xintong quietly excused himself to prepare the tea, while General Lan personally accompanied Tang Wan inside. The conversation that followed was smooth and cordial, but beneath the polite exchange, there was a clear undercurrent.

Every word General Lan spoke carried a subtle declaration of allegiance.

Her support was unwavering—absolute.

It was almost as if, should anyone dare challenge Tang Wan’s claim to the throne, she would not hesitate to raise an army and crush them without question.

Tang Wan listened calmly, her expression composed.

She offered polite responses, neither overreacting nor rejecting the sentiment.

She wasn’t naive.

General Lan’s loyalty, at its core, was rooted in the Lan family’s interests—now intertwined with Lan Xintong’s future. As long as the empress remained in power, Tang Wan’s position as crown princess was secure. Supporting her was the most logical choice.

But even so…

That didn’t make the support any less valuable.

—

Before long, soft footsteps approached.

Lan Xintong returned, carrying a tray with the tea set arranged neatly upon it. His movements were steady and precise, each gesture careful and controlled.

He first poured a cup for Tang Wan, then one for General Lan, placing them gently before each of them.

Only after everything was in place did he step back slightly.

Tang Wan lifted the teacup, bringing it to her lips. The fragrance rose faintly, subtle yet refined.

She took a sip.

Then—

Her eyes brightened.

“This is excellent,” she said immediately, her tone filled with genuine appreciation. “The aroma is delicate yet lingering, the taste smooth and perfectly balanced… truly remarkable.”

One compliment followed another, flowing effortlessly from her lips.

Her praise was so enthusiastic—so detailed—that it left no room for doubt.

General Lan burst into laughter, her face lighting up with pride, while Lan Xintong, unable to withstand the attention, quietly retreated from the hall, his ears flushed red.

Only after he left did Tang Wan glance in his direction and remark with a soft smile, “Tongtong is good in every way… he’s just a bit too shy.”

General Lan chuckled knowingly. “Men are naturally like that,” she said. “Once he becomes familiar with you, it will no longer be the case.”

Tang Wan nodded lightly. “Mother-in-law speaks wisely.”

—

By the time the tea was finished, the sky had already begun to shift toward evening.

Tang Wan stayed for dinner.

The dishes, once again, were prepared by Lan Xintong himself.

Each plate was carefully arranged, the flavors rich yet balanced, clearly reflecting both skill and attention.

Tang Wan didn’t hold back her praise in the slightest.

From the taste to the presentation, she complimented everything without restraint, her words almost overflowing with admiration.

By the end, she even laughed lightly and said, “It seems I’ve truly picked up a treasure.”

Hearing this, General Lan’s smile only grew wider, her earlier concerns completely put to rest.

She had seen countless people in her life—read countless expressions, weighed countless intentions.

Even the empress herself was not beyond her understanding.

And yet, when it came to Tang Wan…

There was no trace of falsehood.

No hidden calculation.

Her satisfaction with Xintong was real.

It wasn’t because of the Lan family’s influence.

It wasn’t for political gain.

She truly liked him.

And as long as there was even a fraction of genuine affection, with Xintong’s intelligence and character, he would undoubtedly secure his place within the palace—respected, stable, and unshakable.

At that thought, General Lan finally allowed herself to feel completely at ease.

—

After the meal, Tang Wan lingered for a while longer.

Only when it grew late did she finally prepare to leave.

Even then, as she stepped toward the carriage, she couldn’t help but glance back.

Her eyes found Lan Xintong once more.

“Tongtong,” she called, her tone light yet warm, “this hall will come to see you again soon.”

Under the fading light, her smile lingered—gentle, unhurried, and full of quiet promise.