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My Life is Over

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“My life is over.”

Lei Qilong shook his head slightly, his expression full of difficulty, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness. “However, the two conditions you mentioned are quite difficult for me. The government treasury is empty, and even the daily expenses are tight. How can we have extra funds to support these projects?”

Wei Lan’s eyes flashed with a moment of disappointment, but she quickly regained her composure. “Sir, I understand the difficulties of the treasury, but these plans are critical for the long-term development of Changsha Prefecture. Even if it’s just giving these projects a chance, it is better than sitting idly by and watching the people suffer as the treasury grows emptier.”

Lei Qilong’s mind drifted back to his late-night meeting with Prince Ji. He had reported the important matters from the disaster relief meeting to Prince Ji, but it seemed that the prince wasn’t interested in anything else, except when Wei Lan was mentioned. His eyes instantly lit up with intense interest.

At that moment, Prince Ji had even inquired specifically about Wei Lan, which made Lei Qilong realize that the prince might have a special interest in this highly skilled female doctor.

Lei Qilong smiled slightly and said, “Miss Wei, I have an idea. You might want to seek help from Prince Ji. Prince Ji is enlightened and benevolent, deeply concerned about the people’s suffering. Perhaps he can lend you a helping hand.” He paused intentionally, his eyes carrying a hint of mystery.

Upon hearing “Prince Ji,” Wei Lan’s thoughts instantly returned to that cold winter day last year, on the little bridge. The wind was biting, and she had returned the exquisite purse to that distinguished man. At that moment, she hadn’t thought much, only feeling that returning a lost item was the right thing to do.

She had never confirmed whether that person was really Prince Ji.

Wei Lan came back to her senses and involuntarily muttered, “Prince Ji…”

Lei Qilong gave a knowing smile and said in a mysterious tone, “Miss Wei, going to Prince Ji will be far more effective than seeking anyone else, including me. If the prince speaks in your favor, these plans will be easily accomplished.”

Wei Lan raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips. “Sir Lei, is Prince Ji really so enlightened?”

Lei Qilong laughed heartily, waving his hand with a look of firm confidence. “Don’t underestimate Prince Ji. He cares for the people and values talent highly. If you can earn his favor, there is nothing you can’t achieve.”

Wei Lan felt a stir in her heart at Lei Qilong’s words; perhaps this was indeed an opportunity—an opportunity to implement her plans.

After a moment, she lifted her head, her eyes filled with determination. “Thank you, Sir Lei, for showing me the way. I will take your advice.”

Just as Wei Lan was about to rise to leave and meet Prince Ji, an old woman suddenly entered.

The old woman was slightly plump, with a kind face. She wore a dark-colored straight-collared gown, paired with a plain long skirt, and a black cloth hat on her head, typical of a servant in a noble household. Her face was filled with a smile, indicating that she had likely been waiting for a while.

Wei Lan was startled. Before she came, Zhang Wenyuan had quietly warned her that Lei Zhifu probably had his eye on her money. She had already made plans for her savings, which were meant for the establishment of a school. If Lei Zhifu agreed to the conditions she proposed, she wouldn’t hesitate.

However, given the current situation, Wei Lan felt something was wrong. What was Lei Zhifu up to? Was she unknowingly stepping into a bigger trap? But at this moment, she could only proceed cautiously and see where it led.

The old woman approached Wei Lan, bowing respectfully and saying, “Miss Wei, His Highness, Prince Ji, requests your presence. I’ll take you there right away.”

Wei Lan nodded slightly, her heart filled with wariness.

The old woman led Wei Lan out of the government office. A sedan chair was waiting in front. The old woman smiled and moved forward, reaching out to assist Wei Lan into the chair. “Miss, although the royal residence is not far, there is still a long way to walk once we enter. I wouldn’t want you to tire yourself out.”

Though Wei Lan had doubts, she felt there was no turning back. As she was about to step into the sedan, her eyes inadvertently caught sight of a familiar figure in the distance. Upon a closer look, it was Liu Yao!

After the flood disaster, Liu Mingyi rushed back to Baiyan Village. Fortunately, Liu’s family home was on high ground, and although the roof had been smashed, the rest of the house was relatively intact.

However, Liu Mingyi couldn’t find Liu’s father, and after searching at Liu Yao’s grandmother’s house, he still couldn’t locate her. He had inquired about their whereabouts, but no news had come yet. Wei Lan, busy with the medical clinic, could only anxiously wait for good news.

Wei Lan hadn’t expected to run into Liu Yao here. She immediately rushed over, shouting, “Sister Yao!”

Liu Yao froze for a moment upon seeing Wei Lan, then her face immediately lit up with joy. She quickly walked towards her, nearly running, and embraced Wei Lan tightly.

Wei Lan hugged her back, continuously murmuring, “I’m so glad you’re safe! This is so wonderful!”

However, while Liu Yao was laughing, tears began to fall like broken pearls, uncontrollably streaming down her face as her shoulders trembled with sobs.

Wei Lan’s heart sank, sensing something was wrong. She gently pulled away from Liu Yao and asked with concern, “Why are you suddenly crying? And where’s Liu father? Why didn’t he come with you?”

Wei Lan now noticed that Liu Yao was alone, carrying several bundles, appearing as though she had just arrived from a long journey, her face bearing the marks of fatigue.

Liu Yao wiped her tears, her face filled with a mixture of joy and sorrow. Many people she knew had perished in the flood, and she had been worried about Wei Lan and Mingyi’s safety. Now, seeing Wei Lan safe, the worry in her heart was finally alleviated, and she couldn’t help but cry.

She choked out, “Father is at home. Mingyi brought him to Changsha City. Lanmei, we can go back together.”

Wei Lan eagerly nodded in agreement. The two walked arm in arm, and as Wei Lan looked at Liu Yao, who was still tearfully smiling, her heart ached. To cheer her up, Wei Lan leaned close to Liu Yao’s ear and whispered in a voice only Liu Yao could hear, “Sister Yao, it’s been so long! I think your chest has gotten bigger!” Then, pretending to exaggerate, she teased, “When you hugged me just now, you nearly crushed me! Hahaha.”

Liu Yao was immediately amused, blushing slightly, and playfully scolded, “You little thing~” But she still couldn’t help but proudly boast, “I do look like dough, the more you knead, the more shaped it gets!”

Just as they were laughing and about to head home, the old woman stepped forward, blocking their way. With her head lowered respectfully, the old woman said, “Miss Wei, if you’re returning home, I’ll go inform His Highness so he won’t have to wait too long.”

Wei Lan’s laughter abruptly stopped.

With Prince Ji’s noble status, if he were to be kept waiting too long and grew displeased, it would be hard to see him again next time. She secretly thought that the royal family and nobles were extremely particular about propriety, and it was not something she could afford to offend.

Just as she was about to part from Liu Yao after their reunion, Wei Lan felt reluctant but said, “Sister Yao, you go ahead. I have something to do, but I’ll be back soon.”

Liu Yao looked at the old woman with suspicion. She had heard the words “His Highness” and was startled. Could it be Prince Ji? Wei Lan had always refused to be a concubine for him, but now, it seemed like their relationship had become much closer?

Filled with doubts, Liu Yao gently patted Wei Lan’s hand and softly said, “Alright, go ahead. Don’t rush; I’ll stay for a few more days.”

Wei Lan sat in the sedan, feeling the world spin around her. The motion of the sedan made her feel nauseous. She had never gotten motion sickness on horseback, but the sedan was making her feel miserable. She gripped the sedan poles tightly, trying to stay awake, but the dizziness made her feel like vomiting.

Finally, the sedan stopped. Wei Lan let out a long breath, lifted the curtain, and quickly got out. Standing on the ground, she tried to steady herself, still feeling queasy.

As soon as she was steady, she realized that both the sedan bearers and the old woman were gone, as if they had disappeared in the blink of an eye. Looking around, she found herself standing by a wide lake. The lake sparkled under the summer sun.

There were several damaged lotus flowers floating on the water, the aftermath of the recent heavy rain. The petals had been knocked off, but the lotus leaves remained green, and the pods were still crookedly standing, creating a sense of incomplete beauty.

The old woman had repeatedly told Wei Lan to wait here, saying that Prince Ji would come to see her soon. Wei Lan stood by the lake, yawning as she waited.

Looking at the lotus pods, she couldn’t help but swallow. Lotus seeds not only taste delicious but are also a valuable medicine, commonly used in her medical clinic for their ability to nourish the spleen, stop diarrhea, benefit the kidneys, and calm the heart.

She slowly approached the lake, stood on tiptoe, and stretched her arm. Just as her fingers were about to touch the lotus pod, suddenly, her knee jolted with pain, as if something had struck her hard. Her leg gave way, and her balance faltered, sending her straight into the lake.

Before she could react, the pain in her knee rendered her immobile. Instinctively, she tried to grab something, but the slippery water plants by the lake were impossible to hold. She sank deeper into the water, her mind racing with the thought, “I can’t swim!”

Desperately struggling in the water, she waved her hands, trying to find something to hold onto. Holding her breath, she kept her eyes wide open, trying to stay conscious. She saw the underwater plants swaying, and her panic increased. But she knew she couldn’t move recklessly or she’d sink even further.

At that moment, she heard a “splash” and saw a figure swimming toward her through the sunlight. She immediately held her nose and mouth, feeling a surge of relief.

She was going to survive!

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