"Good Zhen'er, you must help me speak well in front of the Empress."
Su'er was also aware of the Empress's resolute nature—once she made a decision, only the Emperor could change it. However, she neither had the connections nor the courage to ask the Emperor for help. If the Emperor discovered today's incident was her doing, she would be punished, but worse, it might implicate the Empress.
"Alright, we've been sisters for a while; I wouldn't just watch you leave the palace like this."
With Zhen'er reassuring her, Su'er didn't say much more and left the palace early the next morning when the gates first opened.
The palace didn't stir up much of a fuss over the departure of a lady and a maid.
The Empress initially thought Baili Yan would notice it was her doing, but Baili Yan never mentioned it, which set her mind at ease.
Mourning rituals three times a day—morning, noon, and night.
