Chapter 658: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 15

At Tang Wan’s words, the hall erupted into laughter.

“Your Royal Highness, please go ahead!” several officials said with amused smiles, their eyes filled with teasing understanding.

To them, the scene was almost comical.

The Crown Princess—who had chosen an “ugly man” by their standards—was now so eager that she could barely wait to return to the bridal chamber. It only reinforced what they already believed: her tastes were… unconventional, to say the least.

Yet Tang Wan remained completely unfazed.

A faint smile rested on her lips, calm and composed, as if she hadn’t heard a thing. But inwardly, she scoffed.

What do you people know?

Tongtong is clearly handsome—only I have the taste to appreciate it.

With that thought, she flicked her sleeve lightly and strode away, her steps swift and unrestrained, heading straight for the inner courtyard.

—

Inside the bridal chamber, the atmosphere was entirely different.

Lan Xintong sat stiffly at the edge of the bed, his hands clenched tightly in his lap. The festive red decorations around the room only seemed to heighten the tension in his chest, each passing moment stretching longer than the last.

His thoughts drifted uncontrollably.

Tonight…

Would Her Highness… consummate the marriage with him?

The mere thought made his heart race.

After a moment of hesitation, he reached for the small booklet his mother had given him before the wedding. His movements were careful, almost cautious, as if afraid someone might see.

He opened it.

And instantly—

His face flushed deep red.

Before he could process what he was looking at, a voice sounded from outside the door.

“Your Royal Highness has arrived!”

Lan Xintong startled, his fingers trembling as the booklet slipped from his hands and landed softly on the bed.

He quickly composed himself, snatching it up and tucking it beneath the pillow. Straightening his posture, he forced himself to sit upright, his expression returning to a semblance of calm dignity—though the redness in his ears betrayed him completely.

A moment later, the door opened.

Lan Xintong instinctively lifted his gaze toward the entrance.

And there she was.

Tang Wan stepped inside, still dressed in her brilliant red wedding attire, the phoenix crown swaying gently with her movements. A smile played on her lips as she walked toward him, her presence filling the room with warmth.

“Tongtong,” she said lightly, her tone teasing yet soft, “have you been waiting long? I’m here.”

Lan Xintong’s breath tightened.

“Your… Your Highness…” he began, his voice low and uneven.

Tang Wan tilted her head slightly, her smile deepening.

“Your Highness?” she echoed, amused. “We’ve already completed the ceremony.”

Her teasing tone made his face burn even hotter.

Summoning what little courage he had, Lan Xintong lowered his gaze and corrected himself, his voice barely above a whisper.

“…Wife-lord.”

“Hmm?” Tang Wan stepped closer, her eyes bright with mischief. “That’s not quite right.”

She leaned in slightly, her voice softening as she said with a smile, “You should call me wife.”

The word landed heavily.

Lan Xintong’s heart skipped, then began to pound uncontrollably, as if trying to break free from his chest.

At that moment, Tang Wan reached out and gently pulled him to his feet.

“Husband,” she said naturally, as if the word belonged there, “it’s time for us to drink the union wine.”

Lan Xintong nodded, still dazed. “Mm…”

Together, they walked to the table.

Tang Wan poured a cup of wine for him—but when it came to herself, she quietly poured tea instead.

Leaning slightly closer, she lowered her voice conspiratorially.

“Tongtong, let me tell you a secret,” she whispered. “I can’t handle alcohol well. I get drunk easily. So what I drank earlier was all water.”

Her tone turned softer, almost thoughtful.

“Tonight is our wedding night. If I were drunk, I might end up troubling you. So I’ll use tea in place of wine… I hope you don’t mind.”

Lan Xintong shook his head immediately, his expression earnest.

“It’s alright,” he said. “Your health is more important.”

His fingers tightened slightly around the cup as he lifted it, his face still flushed.

“I… I offer this cup to my wife,” he added softly.

He was just about to drink when Tang Wan reached out and stopped him.

“Wait,” she said, her tone gentle but firm. “That’s not how this is done.”

Before he could react, she slipped her arm through his, linking them together.

Her voice carried a quiet sincerity as she spoke.

“Tongtong, we drink this together. From now on, you are in me, and I am in you. Our hearts are one—through life and death, never to part.”

Lan Xintong’s lashes lowered, his grip tightening slightly on the cup.

“…Alright.”

They looked at each other.

Then, in unison, they raised their cups and drank.

When the last drop was gone, they set the cups down.

For a moment, neither spoke.

The room fell into a soft, expectant silence, filled only with the quiet rhythm of their breathing.

Then, slowly—

Tang Wan stood up.