Chapter 678: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 35

Seeing the stunned expressions on both their faces, Tang Wan couldn’t help but cough lightly. It seemed her way of thinking was still far too unconventional for this world. For a brief moment, neither General Lan nor Lan Xintong could respond, as if her words had completely overturned something deeply ingrained in them.

Then, slowly, emotion surfaced on Lan Xintong’s sharply defined face. His eyes reddened, and before long, a faint sheen of tears gathered within them. “My wife…” he murmured, his voice trembling slightly. From the moment he had married her until now, she had given him everything—her favor, her affection, her protection—and now, even in something as important as heirs, she was willing to yield for his sake. How could he not love her? How could he ever let her go?

At the same time, General Lan’s expression turned complicated. Looking at Tang Wan, she felt a strange mixture of admiration and disbelief. Back when she was young, she had thought she had already spoiled Lan Xintong’s father enough—but compared to this, it was nothing. If word spread of how Xintong lived after entering the palace, how deeply he was cherished, how many people would envy him? How many would be unable to accept it?

After a long pause, she let out a low sigh and said, “Your Majesty, although I am glad that you value Xintong so much, you are still the ruler of a nation. The matter of heirs cannot be neglected. If Xintong… is still unable to conceive, then Your Majesty must accept new consorts into the palace.”

At those words, Lan Xintong’s fingers tightened involuntarily. His chest constricted, a sharp, suffocating ache spreading through him. He didn’t want that—didn’t want it at all—but his mother was right. If the time truly came, even if he resisted, he would have to send her to someone else. Just imagining it made jealousy and pain surge uncontrollably in his heart.

Tang Wan, however, shook her head without hesitation. “There’s no need for that, General Lan,” she said calmly. “If Tongtong cannot conceive, then I will adopt a child from the clan. Besides…” She paused slightly, as if the thought had just occurred to her, and then added, “what if the problem lies with me?”

The moment the words left her mouth, an idea fully formed in her mind. The more she thought about it, the more perfect it seemed. If she declared herself infertile, then no one could pressure her to accept more consorts. At the same time, the other branches of the royal family would eagerly offer their children for adoption, hoping to secure future favor. It would resolve everything cleanly.

With her mind made up, Tang Wan acted immediately. Soon, several of the most experienced imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau were summoned. Hearing that the empress wished to be examined, they approached with utmost seriousness. Tang Wan narrowed her eyes slightly before turning and walking into the inner chamber, instructing calmly, “Tongtong, General Lan—wait outside.”

Once inside, the elderly physicians stepped forward one by one, carefully taking her pulse, their expressions focused and cautious. After a short while, Tang Wan spoke, her tone casual but probing. “Well? Is there anything wrong with my body?” The physicians exchanged glances before shaking their heads almost in unison. “Your Majesty’s health is excellent,” one replied respectfully. “There are no abnormalities, nor any signs of infertility.”

A flicker of disappointment passed through Tang Wan’s eyes, but it vanished just as quickly. Her expression shifted, turning serious as she said slowly, “Is that so? But… I feel that I am unable to conceive.”

The physicians froze.

For a moment, they were completely at a loss, unable to understand her meaning. Was Her Majesty… implying something else?

Before they could speak, Tang Wan continued, her voice calm yet carrying unmistakable pressure. “Esteemed physicians… you understand what should be said once you leave this room, don’t you?”

A heavy silence fell.

The physicians exchanged uneasy looks, their expressions turning strained. Finally, the eldest among them stepped forward, his voice steady despite the tension. “This subject understands,” he said. “Your Majesty suffers from infertility… and may find it difficult to bear children.”

Tang Wan’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Correct.”

The matter was settled in a single sentence.

The physicians lowered their heads, but confusion filled their hearts. Why would the empress deliberately tarnish her own reputation? In this world, a ruler without heirs was always a dangerous thing—yet she had chosen this path herself without hesitation.

What exactly… was Her Majesty planning?