Chapter 663: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 20

“How could that be enough?” Tang Wan said at once, her tone firm as she looked at Lan Xintong. “You are my principal consort. If the return visit is handled carelessly, others might think I am dissatisfied with you—and deliberately make things difficult for you.”

She paused, resting her chin lightly against her fingers as she considered it more seriously.

“No,” she decided after a moment, “I’ll have the steward prepare everything properly. There won’t be any room for gossip.”

The carriage suddenly jolted.

Taking advantage of the movement, Tang Wan leaned naturally against Lan Xintong’s shoulder, her expression perfectly composed—as if it were entirely unintentional. And yet, in the next instant, she tilted her head just slightly and stole a quick kiss from him.

Lan Xintong froze.

For a brief moment, his mind went completely blank. He didn’t even know how to respond—only that his heart had begun to beat wildly, warmth spreading uncontrollably through his chest.

His wife…

Really left him with no way to react.

And yet—

He couldn’t help but feel… happy.

—

Before long, the carriage arrived at the entrance of the Crown Princess’s residence.

Tang Wan stepped down first, then immediately turned and extended her hand toward Lan Xintong. Her movements were smooth and attentive, guiding him carefully as he descended from the carriage.

The surrounding attendants watched the scene unfold in silence, but their thoughts shifted almost instantly.

There was no longer any doubt.

The Crown Princess valued her principal consort—deeply.

This level of care, this kind of consideration, could not be faked. If she did not hold him in her heart, she would never treat him this way.

For a moment, many couldn’t help but feel a trace of amazement.

Lan Xintong…

An “ugly man” in the eyes of the capital, yet able to receive such favor.

What kind of fortune was this?

—

Once inside the residence, Tang Wan wasted no time.

She summoned the steward and had the keys, account books, and all matters of household management brought forward and handed directly to Lan Xintong.

“Tongtong,” she said, her tone calm but decisive, “from now on, the residence will be under your management.”

She paused briefly, her expression softening.

“But don’t overwork yourself. If anything is troublesome, let the attendants handle it. And if anyone dares to treat you poorly, tell me—I’ll deal with it personally.”

Lan Xintong was stunned.

For men in this world, authority within the household was not a trivial matter. It represented status, recognition… and security.

And yet, she had handed it to him so easily.

So soon.

“My wife…” he said softly, his voice filled with disbelief.

Seeing his reaction, Tang Wan stepped closer and smiled, pulling him gently into her arms.

“What’s wrong?” she asked lightly. “You are my principal consort. Isn’t it only natural that you manage the household?”

Lan Xintong leaned slightly against her, still trying to process it all.

“I just… didn’t expect it to be so soon,” he admitted.

Most households would observe, test, and wait before entrusting such responsibilities.

But she had done so without hesitation.

Tang Wan chuckled softly.

“What’s ‘soon’ about it?” she said. “This is your rightful place.”

Her gaze held a hint of quiet assurance.

“And when we visit the Lan residence tomorrow, seeing this will put your mother completely at ease.”

Lan Xintong nodded slowly.

“Mm.”

But in his heart, a different thought surfaced.

Mother had already entrusted him to her.

Now…

She was returning that trust in full.

—

The next morning arrived quickly.

After breakfast, Tang Wan and Lan Xintong set out together for the Lan residence.

General Lan had been waiting since early morning.

To her, today’s visit carried far more weight than mere formality.

What she truly wanted to know was—

Had the marriage been consummated?

If it had, then everything was settled, and she could rest easy.

But if not…

Then it would mean that Tang Wan’s earlier words—her praise, her apparent fondness—were nothing more than polite deception.

After all, even she had to admit—

If a man like Xintong were not her own son, she herself might not have spared him a second glance.

At that moment, a servant hurried over.

“General, the carriage from the Crown Princess’s residence is about to arrive!”

“They’re here?” General Lan’s eyes lit up.

Without another word, she turned and walked quickly toward the entrance, her steps carrying barely concealed anticipation.

Soon, the carriage came into view.

It rolled to a stop before the gates of the Lan residence.

And as General Lan arrived—

The first thing she saw was Tang Wan stepping down with a smile, then reaching back to take Lan Xintong’s hand, helping him descend with the same care and ease as before.

That single scene—

Was enough.

In an instant, the tension in her chest eased, more than half her worries dissolving on the spot.