Chapter 680: Female Sovereign’s Consort Selection 37

It was only a month later, when General Lan returned to the capital with her entourage—and five young girls in tow—that the court finally realized something was amiss.

At first, the officials were merely puzzled.

Why had General Lan been sent personally to the various fiefs?

And why had she brought back the daughters of the imperial families?

But the very next morning, the truth struck like a bolt from the blue.

The empress—

Was infertile.

—

The news spread through the court with astonishing speed, leaving no one untouched.

Only then did everything begin to make sense.

Her long-standing refusal to draft consorts.

Her repeated deflection of the ministers’ suggestions.

Her unwavering stance on the matter.

It turned out—

She had known all along.

And now, in order to secure the future of the Tang Dynasty, she had personally ordered General Lan to retrieve the daughters of her imperial sisters, intending to raise them within the palace as potential heirs.

—

Standing before the court, Tang Wan’s expression remained calm, almost indifferent.

“From this day forward,” she said evenly, “these five children shall be recognized as my stepdaughters. Their upbringing and education will be conducted within the palace. As for who will inherit the throne in the future, that will be determined by their individual merit.”

Her gaze swept lightly across the hall.

“And as such… there is no longer any need to bring up the matter of a draft.”

The ministers immediately lowered their heads.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Very well,” Tang Wan replied. “If there are no further matters, court is dismissed.”

She turned and left the Jinluan Hall, her steps measured, her back straight.

Only when she was out of sight did the corners of her lips lift slightly.

—

Elsewhere, in the fief of Qin, Tang Can had also received the news.

At first, she had assumed that someone would soon arrive to demand the daughter she had with Lin Zihao. She had already prepared herself—if necessary, she would refuse even at the cost of her life.

But as days passed, and then weeks—

No one came.

Tang Wan had taken the daughters of the other imperial sisters.

But not hers.

—

Only then did Tang Can understand.

Tang Wan had never intended to touch her child at all.

And somehow—

That infuriated her even more.

What did this mean?

Was Tang Wan afraid?

Afraid that her daughter would inherit her abilities—would grow strong enough to challenge the throne one day?

The thought burned in her chest.

And yet…

Another realization followed closely behind.

Tang Wan had no children of her own.

That—

Was an opportunity.

If she played her cards well, nurtured her own strength, waited for the right moment—

Then one day, she could return to the capital.

And take everything.

—

Back in the palace, Tang Wan stood quietly, looking down at the five small figures before her.

The oldest was barely four years old.

The youngest was still an infant, no more than a few months old.

Five children.

Five possibilities.

According to General Lan’s report, once the imperial sisters had learned of Tang Wan’s infertility—and the possibility that their daughters might one day inherit the throne—not one of them had hesitated.

Some had even wished to send more.

After all, they themselves could not hope to seize the throne.

But their daughters?

That was a different story.

If even one of them succeeded…

Then in the future, they themselves would rise as well.

—

Tang Wan watched the children for a moment longer, her expression unreadable.

Then she spoke calmly.

“Ensure that all five are treated equally. Every arrangement must be reviewed by the Empress Consort. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the attendants replied in unison.

She gave a slight nod.

Though Lan Xintong had never displayed his abilities openly since entering the palace, that did not mean he lacked them.

On the contrary—

He was more than capable.

Entrusting these children to him—to observe, to guide, to shape—

Was the best choice.

In time, their true natures would reveal themselves.

And when that day came—

The right successor would be clear.

—

Having said what needed to be said, Tang Wan did not linger.

She cast one last glance at the five children—

Then turned and left.