Chapter 672: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 29

The more Tang Can thought about it, the heavier her heart became.

Once she left the capital, she would be cut off from the center of power entirely. As Tang Wan had said before, whether she would ever return again was uncertain.

And without proximity—

Without influence—

Without allies in the court—

What chance would she have left?

The realization pressed down on her chest like a weight she couldn’t shake off.

Just as these thoughts churned within her, a sharp voice suddenly rang out.

“The imperial decree has arrived!”

All the imperial daughters froze for a moment before immediately dropping to their knees.

The female official stepped forward, her voice clear and authoritative as she began to read.

“By order of Her Majesty… all imperial daughters are to depart for their respective fiefs. Without express summons, none are permitted to return to the capital… nor are they required to return for the funeral rites.”

For a moment—

Silence.

Then, almost as one, the imperial daughters lifted their heads, shock written plainly across their faces.

The empress…

Was truly cutting them off completely.

Not even allowing them to return to bid her farewell one last time.

It was as if she feared that, after her death, they might turn against Tang Wan—so much so that she was willing to sever even this final thread.

Tang Wan herself hadn’t expected the empress to go this far.

In truth, even if they had remained in the capital, their presence would not have posed a significant threat—at most, a source of inconvenience.

But if those inconveniences were to interfere with her time with Tongtong…

Then she would rather not have them at all.

Now that the empress had removed these potential troubles in advance—

It was, undeniably, a good thing.

And so, she merely stood there, her expression calm and unreadable, as if the decree had nothing to do with her.

—

Tang Can, however, felt her chest tighten with suppressed anger.

The favoritism was unmistakable.

To prevent them from interfering with Tang Wan, the empress had gone so far as to deny them even the chance to attend her funeral.

Such partiality—

It was beyond reason.

And yet—

They had no choice but to obey.

The decree had been given.

Resistance was not an option.

For a moment, Tang Can could only stand there, her emotions churning, unable to find an outlet.

—

Nearby, Lin Zihao’s gaze drifted toward Lan Xintong.

He had always believed that after marrying Tang Wan, Lan Xintong would not fare well.

After all, Tang Wan had once pursued him so openly, so fervently. Compared to him, Lan Xintong’s appearance and presence seemed worlds apart.

How could she truly favor him?

And yet—

The reality before him told a different story.

The way Lan Xintong looked at Tang Wan…

It was unmistakable.

That kind of quiet, unwavering affection—

It was not something that could be faked.

If Tang Wan had treated him poorly, how could he look at her like that?

At that moment, Lan Xintong seemed to sense Lin Zihao’s gaze.

He looked up.

Their eyes met briefly.

A flicker of vigilance passed through Lan Xintong’s expression—subtle, but unmistakable.

Then, almost instinctively, he glanced toward Tang Wan.

Seeing that she hadn’t spared Lin Zihao even a single glance—

That she seemed entirely indifferent to his presence—

The tension in his chest eased.

His gaze softened.

Why had he felt wary just now?

If she had truly wanted Lin Zihao—

She would have chosen him long ago.

Even if he lacked confidence in himself…

He should at least have faith in her.

—

Lin Zihao noticed the shift in Lan Xintong’s expression, but couldn’t quite understand it.

The change had been too quick.

Too subtle.

But before he could think further, the female official spoke again, her tone brisk.

“The auspicious time is near. Please depart without delay.”

There was no room for hesitation.

One by one, the imperial daughters boarded their carriages, their reluctance hidden behind forced composure.

Tang Can cast one final look toward the capital—

Then turned away.

The procession soon began to move, wheels rolling steadily as they passed through the city gates and disappeared into the distance.

—

Once they were gone, the female official turned to Tang Wan.

“Your Highness, Her Majesty requests that you return to the palace at once.”

Tang Wan nodded.

“I understand. Thank you for the trouble, Lady Song.”

The official bowed slightly.

“You are too courteous, Your Highness.”

With that, she took her leave.

—

The courtyard fell quiet.

Tang Wan turned toward Lan Xintong, a playful smile already forming on her lips.

“Tongtong,” she said lightly, “just now… were you declaring your sovereignty to Lin Zihao?”

Lan Xintong froze.

Panic flashed across his face.

“My wife—I… I wasn’t!” he said quickly, his voice flustered as he shook his head.