Zhang Ji's Remarkable Prophecy

Lu Lingqi had a forthright, fiery temperament and usually spoke plainly. So when she suddenly turned sarcastic, Gan Qian was taken aback and hurried to explain, "What are you saying, little sister? I've always treated you like family. I was only worried about Wan'er."

"Wan'er is a child Ziyu and I watched grow up. We know her inside and out. What's there to worry about? It's you who's acting strange today, elder sister." Lu Lingqi pressed on.

Gan Qian tried to remain calm. She picked up the water beside her and took a sip, then covered her tension with a smile. "It's probably because I'm marrying off my daughter. I'm feeling a little melancholy."

"Any ordinary woman might feel that way, but you're the Queen of Hanzhong." Lu Lingqi countered, then pressed her advantage without pause, bluffing, "You look terribly unwell today, elder sister. I've gone to Master Hua for medicine a few times and learned a little about taking pulses. Would you like me to check yours?"

"Uh... there's no need, is there?" Gan Qian fell silent for a long while. But Lu Lingqi's gaze seemed to allow no refusal, and she realized she could no longer hide the truth. She sighed. "Ah, I may as well tell you, little sister. I'm gravely ill, and I don't have long to live. I wanted you and Ziyu to leave soon. I truly don't want to make him grieve."

"How could that be?"

Lu Lingqi was utterly shocked. She had thought Gan Qian might be seriously ill, but she never expected her to be on the brink of death. Gan Qian sounded so solemn and desolate that she didn't seem to be lying at all.

"Elder sister, you're joking with me, aren't you?" Lu Lingqi grabbed Gan Qian's hand and demanded