Chapter 665: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 22

At General Lan’s words, a faint trace of embarrassment crossed Lan Xintong’s face. His lashes lowered, and after a brief hesitation, he gave a small nod.

“…I understand,” he replied softly.

But inwardly, his thoughts were far less steady.

His wife… was different.

Unlike the women he had heard about—those who enjoyed dominance and control—Tang Wan had never treated him that way. Even on their wedding night, she had not shown any desire to “conquer” him in the manner others might expect.

Instead, she had been gentle.

Considerate.

Almost… indulgent.

Still, these thoughts remained locked firmly in his heart.

Such matters were private—between husband and wife alone. There was no need, nor any reason, to speak of them to anyone else. More importantly, revealing such details would only harm Tang Wan’s dignity.

He would never allow that.

Seeing that he showed no signs of grievance, General Lan finally relaxed. Her tone softened, though her words remained firm.

“As long as the Crown Princess treats you well, I can rest easy,” she said. “But remember—if anything troubles you in the future, you must tell me. Do you understand?”

Lan Xintong nodded obediently. “I understand, Mother.”

“Good.” General Lan gave a satisfied nod, then added, “Let’s not keep Her Royal Highness waiting. We should return.”

—

When the two of them reentered the hall, Tang Wan’s gaze immediately landed on Lan Xintong.

Her expression brightened almost imperceptibly.

“Tongtong,” she called, her tone warm, “come sit beside me.”

Lan Xintong’s face flushed slightly. Lowering his head, he walked over and stopped at her side, his movements restrained but obedient.

Watching the scene, General Lan couldn’t help but smile, covering her lips lightly as if suppressing her amusement.

“Your Royal Highness,” she said, “why not have Xintong show you around the residence?”

Tang Wan’s eyes lit up instantly.

“I’d be delighted,” she replied without hesitation.

Truthfully, she had already run out of things to say to General Lan. Remaining there would only make the conversation awkward. Spending time alone with Tongtong was far more appealing.

Lan Xintong, too, felt a quiet sense of relief.

For reasons he couldn’t quite explain, he had begun to prefer being alone with her. In his mother’s presence, he always felt slightly constrained—unable to fully relax.

The two of them soon left the hall together.

—

As they walked along the garden paths, the atmosphere gradually softened.

The rustling of leaves, the faint scent of greenery, the quiet isolation of the surroundings—

It all created a sense of privacy.

When they passed by a cluster of dense shrubs, Tang Wan suddenly reached out and pulled Lan Xintong into the shade, out of sight.

Before he could react—

She leaned in and kissed him.

Lan Xintong froze for a heartbeat.

Then, slowly, realization dawned.

So that was why…

Why he didn’t like having his mother nearby.

Because with others around, she would never act this way.

Only when they were alone would she become so bold, so unrestrained—closing the distance between them without hesitation.

And he…

Didn’t dislike it.

Not at all.

If anything, there was a quiet warmth blooming in his chest, something he couldn’t quite put into words.

After a moment, Tang Wan pulled back slightly, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

“Tongtong,” she whispered, her voice low and teasing, “doesn’t this feel… a little more exciting?”

Lan Xintong’s face flushed instantly.

“My wife…” he said, his voice soft, almost helpless.

Tang Wan laughed lightly.

“Alright, I’ll stop teasing you,” she said, straightening. “Let’s go—take me to your courtyard.”

Lan Xintong nodded. “Yes, my wife.”

As she turned ahead, he lifted a hand to his cheek, which still felt warm. A small, unguarded smile appeared at the corner of his lips before he quickly suppressed it.

His wife…

She was gentle, thoughtful—and occasionally a little mischievous.

But somehow, that only made everything feel more real.

More… intimate.

—

When they arrived at Lan Xintong’s courtyard, Tang Wan’s eyes immediately began to wander, taking in everything around her with interest.

Compared to the inner chambers of women in more traditional settings, this place felt both familiar and different.

There was the expected elegance—orderly furnishings, refined decorations—but also something more.

A training ground occupied one corner of the courtyard.

Inside the residence, there was not only a spacious study, but also separate rooms for music and strategy.

It was clear—

Lan Xintong’s life had never been confined to the narrow expectations placed upon most men.

Tang Wan turned to look at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

“Tongtong,” she asked, her tone thoughtful, “do you usually stay at home and learn all these things?”