Chapter 657: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 14

Lin Zihao, however, paid little attention to the comparisons spreading through the capital.

To him, one hundred and eight chests of betrothal gifts were already more than sufficient. Such a gesture was grand, respectable—enough to satisfy both propriety and pride. Master Lin, too, was thoroughly pleased. In his eyes, the Crown Princess’s excessive extravagance bordered on excess, but for the Prince of Qin, maintaining balance was far more appropriate. Too much would invite scrutiny; too little would invite disdain. What Tang Can had prepared was just right.

Only Tang Can herself felt otherwise.

When the two were finally alone, away from the noise and watchful eyes, her expression grew serious. She looked at Lin Zihao with quiet intensity, as if weighing every word before speaking.

“Zihao,” she said softly, “don’t envy Lan Xintong. What I can give you now may not compare… but in the future, I will make it up to you. I promise.”

There was determination beneath her calm tone—a quiet vow she intended to fulfill.

Lin Zihao’s expression softened immediately. He stepped closer, his gaze warm and unwavering.

“Can’er,” he replied, his voice filled with sincerity, “I don’t care about such things. As long as I can be with you, that is enough.”

To him, material gestures meant little.

In fact… had he truly been chosen by Tang Wan, it would have been a nightmare rather than a blessing.

Tang Can’s eyes flickered with emotion as she looked at him.

“I knew it,” she murmured, a faint smile forming. “Only you truly understand me.”

As she spoke, she reached out and looped her arm around his neck, drawing him closer.

Lin Zihao’s lashes trembled. He closed his eyes slightly, his expression turning shy yet tender, as if surrendering fully to the moment.

—

Time passed quickly.

In the blink of an eye, an entire month had gone by.

During that time, Tang Wan visited the Lan residence three separate times. With each visit, the distance between her and Lan Xintong gradually diminished. Where he had once been stiff and avoidant, he now responded with quiet warmth, his shyness still present—but no longer a barrier.

His favorability climbed steadily, eventually reaching seventy-nine.

And then—

The day of their wedding arrived.

—

Early in the morning, the capital stirred with excitement.

Tang Wan, dressed in ceremonial attire, rode a white horse at the head of the procession as she made her way to the Lan residence to receive her consort.

Though she was the one “marrying,” her appearance was no less grand. A phoenix crown rested upon her head, its intricate design gleaming beneath the sunlight, while her robes flowed richly with every movement.

Unlike traditional customs in other worlds, neither she nor Lan Xintong needed to cover their faces.

They would see each other clearly.

And when Lan Xintong finally appeared—

Tang Wan’s eyes lit up instantly.

Clad in a brilliant red wedding robe, he stood tall and striking, the vivid color accentuating his sharp features and powerful build. There was nothing delicate about him, nothing soft or conventional—but in that moment, he was undeniably captivating.

“Little Cutie,” Tang Wan said in her mind, her excitement barely contained, “start recording! Capture everything—Tongtong looks incredible!”

Little Cutie reluctantly activated its recording mode.

“The host is really…” it muttered internally, full of grievance. “Using a high-level system as a camera all day…”

And yet, it complied.

—

Lan Xintong did not miss the look in Tang Wan’s eyes.

The unmistakable brightness. The genuine admiration.

For a moment, the nervousness that had been tightening his chest since dawn began to ease.

If this were all an act…

She wouldn’t look at him like that.

Her Highness truly liked him.

That realization settled firmly in his heart, steadying him.

With quiet resolve, he stepped forward.

Tang Wan snapped out of her daze and quickly moved to meet him, her smile widening.

“Tongtong,” she said warmly, extending her hand, “come—I’ll lead you.”

Lan Xintong’s lips curved faintly as he placed his hand in hers.

His palm was no longer rough as before. The calluses had faded, softened through days of effort. But even if they hadn’t—

He realized now that it wouldn’t have mattered.

She truly didn’t mind.

With her support, he stepped into the bridal sedan.

Tang Wan watched until he was settled before turning, her movements light and confident as she mounted her horse once more. Her expression carried unmistakable vitality, her entire demeanor radiant with anticipation.

Soon, the procession began its return to the Crown Princess’s residence.

—

When the auspicious hour arrived, the ceremony commenced.

Under the witness of the empress and Empress Feng, the two completed the formal rites. Every step was carried out with precision, the grandeur of the occasion reflected in every gesture.

Once the ceremony concluded, Lan Xintong was escorted to the bridal chamber.

Tang Wan, meanwhile, remained behind to host the guests.

Wine flowed freely as congratulations echoed through the hall. One cup followed another, yet Tang Wan remained composed.

She had already prepared in advance.

The pot in her hand contained not wine—but water.

While others drank deeply, she merely lifted her cup, sipping lightly, maintaining the illusion without risking herself.

By the time several rounds had passed, the empress and Empress Feng rose to depart, returning to the palace.

And the moment they left—

Tang Wan seized the opportunity.

With a casual flick of her sleeve, she slipped away from the banquet, her steps light and unrestrained as she headed straight toward the bridal chamber.