Watching Liu Qingqing's departing figure, Hu Qingqing's lips curled up slightly, revealing a cold smile.

People die for wealth, birds die for food. If you really have to blame someone, blame yourself for being too greedy.

Hu Qinqin had no good intentions in trying to set Liu Qingqing up with someone. She looked down on women from humble backgrounds and was only using them.

A few days ago, when I went to the palace, the topic of the Third Prince's selection of a consort came up. The Second Prince's consort mentioned the legitimate daughter of the Protector of the Nation, who is also Hu Qinqin's cousin.

She and her cousin had been at odds since childhood, with many conflicts arising from their early years. If her cousin were to become the Third Prince's consort, it would likely only bring her harm and no benefit.

So Hu Qinqin took advantage of her cousin's arrogant personality and spread two rumors in the capital.

One is that His Highness the Third Prince frequents brothels, is surrounded by a variety of women, and has a large number of concubines at home. The other is that he will soon marry the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Huguo's family.

Cousin Wu Qinqin is arrogant and selfish. She is unwilling to marry the Third Prince and will definitely find a way to get married before then, thus cutting off any future options.

Hu Qinqin's plan was quite clever. The person the Empress mentioned about the daughter of the Duke of Huguo's mansion was the Second Prince's wife. If the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Huguo's mansion had been hastily married before, this matter would naturally be related to the Second Prince's wife.

"Young Master Tian, ​​today is the day of the imperial examination. Why haven't you set off yet? What are you doing here?"

The Second Prince's Consort got up early and hurriedly went to visit Li Youran. Unexpectedly, as soon as she arrived at Li Youran's courtyard, she saw Tian Alang lingering outside the courtyard.

"Greetings, Second Prince's Consort."

Tian Alang clasped his hands in a respectful greeting.

“The princess saved my life, and I am really worried about her. I want to go and see her.”

After hearing what Tian Alang said, the Second Prince's Consort Xiao began to look at Tian Alang with interest.

The boy, who looked only fifteen or sixteen years old, perhaps even younger than You Ran, was surprisingly popular with girls of all ages. Even Tian Alang was interested in her.

“Young Master Tian, ​​since you are so grateful, I can’t stop you. In that case, you will come with me to visit You Ran.”

Seeing that the time for the palace examination was about to be delayed, the Second Prince's wife did not want to miss such a talented person, so she asked Tian Alang to accompany her to visit Li Youran.

"elder sister."

When the Second Prince's Consort and Tian Alang entered, Li Youran was sitting on the bed, supported by Xiao Hong, drinking millet porridge sip by sip.

Did you sleep well last night?

I had no dreams all night.

Li Youran said with a smile, but because it aggravated the wound on her chest, her smile was very forced.

"Young Master Tian."

Li Youran then noticed Tian Alang following behind the Second Prince's wife.

When Tian Alang heard Li Youran calling him, he hurriedly stepped forward and looked at Li Youran.

He saw that Li Youran was pale, spoke weakly, and even her smile was forced, and he felt as if he had been pricked by a needle in his heart.

The boy's thoughts were written all over his face. Seeing his worried expression, Li Youran hurriedly said something.

"She is no longer in mortal danger. All that's left is for her to rest and recover. Princess Sweet, there's no need to worry."

"Young Master Tian, ​​you're about to be late. You'd better hurry and take the carriage to the palace to participate in the imperial examination!"

The Second Prince's wife was worried for Tian Alang. This was a rare opportunity to take the imperial examination, and Tian Erlang had previously achieved first place in the written examination. If he could perform well in the imperial examination, he might even become the top scholar, which would be a very promising future.

"You Ran, take good care of yourself. I'll bring you back the top scholar title."

Upon hearing Tian Alang's words, Li Youran couldn't help but smile.

"Keep it up, I believe in you."

Normally, Li Youran would definitely have argued with Tian Alang, telling him that she only had brotherly feelings for him and no other emotions.

However, time was limited, and Li Youran didn't want to say more, so she didn't explain.

After hearing Li Youran's encouraging words, Tian Alang seemed to be fully charged. He turned around and left, looking determined to win the palace examination.

"Your Highness the Second Prince has a truly discerning eye; two of the top three are on good terms with you."

"Your Highness, what are you saying? I'm just appreciating your talent."

"His Majesty has arrived."

Just as the Third Prince was arguing with the Second Prince, the Emperor arrived.