Chapter 660: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 17

After that night, all of Tang Wan’s lingering curiosity had finally been answered.

Because of the differences in physiology in this world, she found herself waking up the next morning feeling unusually refreshed. Her body felt light, her mind clear, and even her mood carried a faint trace of satisfaction.

Beside her, however, Lan Xintong was still asleep.

Despite his strong build, he lay quietly against the pillows, his breathing steady, his expression softened in sleep. There was none of the usual restraint or tension he carried while awake—only a rare, unguarded calm.

Thinking back to the events of the previous night, Tang Wan couldn’t help but let out a small, amused chuckle.

It really was as they said—no matter how strong a man appeared in this matriarchal world, when it came to intimacy, the dynamics were… quite different.

Even someone like Tongtong—

In the end, he had been unexpectedly easy to handle.

Her lips curved slightly at the thought.

She lingered for a moment longer, her gaze resting on his face, before quietly getting out of bed so as not to wake him.

By the time she finished washing and dressing, faint movement came from behind her.

Lan Xintong stirred, then slowly opened his eyes.

“Tongtong, you’re awake?” Tang Wan turned toward him immediately, her voice soft with concern. “Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?”

At her question, Lan Xintong’s face flushed instantly.

He shook his head quickly, pushing himself up into a seated position. “No… I’m fine, my wife.”

“That’s good,” Tang Wan replied, her tone gentle. “Come, I’ll help you up.”

Lan Xintong froze slightly.

A look of surprise—almost disbelief—flashed across his face.

In the Tang Empire, the status of men had always been low. Marrying into a good household could mean a peaceful life, but if one encountered a harsh or domineering wife, then endurance was the only option.

He had thought…

At best, Tang Wan’s earlier kindness might fade after marriage, turning into something distant and formal.

But now—

She was still treating him with such care.

Such gentleness.

It felt almost unreal.

Seeing the expression on his face, Tang Wan’s brows knit slightly, her heart softening.

“Why do you look so surprised?” she asked, her tone tinged with concern. “You should have been used to this kind of life by now.”

Lan Xintong paused at her words.

Used to it?

Could he really…?

A flicker of emotion crossed his eyes.

She would one day become empress. And an empress would naturally have more than one consort. In the future, there would be others—more delicate, more traditionally beautiful—entering the palace.

When that time came…

Would she still treat him like this?

The thought caused a faint ache in his chest.

He lowered his gaze briefly, forcing himself to steady his emotions.

Lan Xintong, don’t be greedy, he told himself. As long as she has even a place for you in her heart… that should already be enough.

When he looked up again, his expression had returned to calm.

“Thank you, my wife,” he said softly. “I’m just… not used to it yet.”

But deep down, another thought lingered—

At least for now, there was no one else in her residence.

At least for now…

This gentleness belonged to him alone.

And even if it was only temporary, it would still be enough to cherish for a lifetime.

Tang Wan, of course, had no idea what storm of thoughts had just passed through his mind.

Hearing his answer, she only smiled lightly.

“That’s alright,” she said. “You’ll get used to it after spending more time with me.”

Then, as if remembering something, she added, “I had the kitchen prepare bird’s nest for you. You must be tired—get up and have some.”

At her words, a quiet warmth spread through Lan Xintong’s chest.

“Alright, my wife,” he replied softly.

After washing up, he sat down as instructed.

Just as he was about to reach for the bowl—

Tang Wan picked it up first.

She lifted a spoonful, blew gently to cool it, then brought it toward him.

“Come, Tongtong,” she said with an easy smile. “Open your mouth.”

Lan Xintong froze.

He hadn’t expected this at all.

Color rushed to his ears as he quickly shook his head, his voice turning flustered.

“M-my wife, I… I can do it myself…”