Knowing full well that the Prime Minister was using Hongxiu and her to target the Second Prince, Li Youran dared not expose the truth and could only pretend not to know.

She wanted to see what the Prime Minister was up to. If this path was cut off, the Prime Minister might try other methods. It was better to be prepared and let them cause trouble.

When the Second Prince entered the palace to meet the Emperor, he not only received praise from the Emperor but was also greatly pleased. The Emperor immediately invited the Second Prince's wife and Li Youran to attend the celebration banquet the next day.

"Since Your Highness did not mention You Ran's marriage, I am relieved."

The Second Prince's wife didn't care about the so-called reward; what she was most worried about was Li Youran's marriage. She was really worried that the Emperor would suddenly decide on a date for Li Youran.

"I never expected that Father would arrange a marriage for the fourth prince, to Hu Qinqin from the Prime Minister's residence."

Li Youran, who was planning the construction of the distillery nearby, raised her head and slightly raised her eyebrows after hearing the Second Prince's words. Clearly, Li Youran was very interested in this news.

"The Prime Minister has always been close to the Third Prince, and now that Hu Qinqin is engaged to the Fourth Prince, I'm afraid the Prime Minister's life won't be easy either."

Upon hearing Li Youran's words, the Second Prince suddenly burst out laughing. He looked at Li Youran and the Second Prince's Consort.

"I never understood why my father would betroth You Ran to Feng Yu from the Duke of Huguo's mansion. Now I understand why."

"Her Majesty the Empress has always valued the Third Prince, which is tantamount to having the Duke of Protectorate standing behind him. The Emperor's bestowal of You Ran's marriage to Feng Yu was intended to weaken the Third Prince's power. Now, the marriage between the Fourth Prince and Hu Qinqin is the same."

Li Youran now has a general understanding of the power divisions within the court. After hearing the Second Prince's words, he nodded thoughtfully.

"Everyone except the Third Prince has been rewarded for quelling the epidemic. Now, the Fourth Prince has been betrothed. I'm afraid the Third Prince will be driven to desperation."

Li Youran knew that the Third Prince was a ruthless person, and if pushed too far, he was capable of anything.

"Your Highness, someone from the Prime Minister's residence has passed away!"