Chapter 671: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 28

Tang Can could not understand it.

No matter how many times she thought it through, the answer never changed—and yet, it still made no sense to her.

She was also the empress’s daughter.

In every measurable way, she had always been superior to Tang Wan. Her military achievements were undeniable, her reputation among the people unmatched, her competence proven again and again on the battlefield.

And yet—

The position of Crown Princess had still been given to Tang Wan.

Why?

Was bloodline truly that important?

But the empress had never been someone who strictly followed such rules. If she had truly wanted to break tradition, no minister would have dared oppose her.

So in the end…

It was simple.

She had never intended to choose Tang Can.

The realization left a bitter taste in her mouth.

For years, she had fought across the land, defending the Tang Dynasty, carving out victories one after another. Among the people, her name was known everywhere.

But Tang Wan?

How many even knew who she was?

And yet, all her efforts—

All her sacrifices—

Had amounted to nothing in the empress’s eyes.

Tang Can let out a cold, mocking laugh.

In the end, she was still nothing more than a contrast.

—

Beside her, Lin Zihao watched her fall into silence, his own thoughts growing complicated.

For a fleeting moment, an unexpected idea crossed his mind—

If Tang Wan had chosen him back then…

If he had become her principal consort…

Then perhaps he could have stood beside her, gained her trust—

And eventually, removed her.

Clearing the way for Tang Can.

The thought startled even him.

But it lingered.

“Can’er,” he said softly, breaking the silence, “don’t let this trouble you too much. With Tang Wan’s temperament, once she truly ascends the throne, her flaws will inevitably be exposed.”

His voice was calm, reassuring.

“When that happens, and she loses the people’s support… you will still have your chance.”

He understood her ambitions.

And if the time came—

He would stand with her, no matter the cost.

Tang Can listened, her expression gradually easing.

A faint nod followed.

“You’re right,” she said quietly. “I still have a chance.”

After all—

Until the very end, who could say who would truly win?

—

Meanwhile, within the palace, the empress moved swiftly.

Using the pretext of “bringing good fortune” to counter her illness, she ordered that all the remaining marriages of the imperial daughters be completed in advance.

But the true purpose became clear soon after.

The very next day, after the ceremonial visits, each imperial daughter was granted her fief—and ordered to depart immediately.

No delays.

No exceptions.

It was unmistakable.

The empress was clearing the path for Tang Wan.

None of them dared object.

Even if they understood the intention, even if resentment lingered, the authority of the empress was absolute.

And so—

One by one, they left.

Tang Can and Lin Zihao were no exception.

—

On the day of their departure, Tang Wan personally came to see them off, bringing Lan Xintong with her.

Dressed in bright imperial yellow, she stood at the forefront, her posture straight, her presence composed. The days of overseeing court affairs had already begun to reshape her demeanor.

Gone was the careless princess they once knew.

In her place stood someone—

Steady.

Commanding.

Unfamiliar.

As the imperial daughters approached, their expressions grew complicated.

Had they… misjudged her all along?

“Greetings, Your Highness,” they said in unison.

Tang Wan raised her hand lightly.

“No need for formality,” she replied, her tone calm yet warm. “We may not see each other again for some time. Take care of yourselves.”

Her words were gentle, her expression sincere.

And that only made things more unsettling.

Because this—

This was not the Tang Wan they remembered.

Before, her thoughts had been easy to read, her emotions obvious.

Now…

She was like still water—calm on the surface, impossible to see through.

Tang Can clenched her fists quietly, her heart sinking further with each passing moment.

If she hadn’t witnessed it herself—

She would never have believed it.

This Tang Wan…

Was completely different.

Had she been hiding all along?

If so—

Then her patience, her restraint, her ability to deceive everyone for so many years…

Was terrifying.

And if such a person continued to win the support of the court and the people—

As long as she made no critical mistakes—

Then Tang Can would have no chance at all to seize the throne.