Could she be leaving the palace? Or had the Emperor learned something?
The more the Empress thought about it, the more afraid she became. She tossed and turned all night, hardly sleeping, and when she rose early the next day, she looked even more haggard.
Seeing her sallow reflection in the mirror, the Empress couldn't help but look away.
"Tell them there's no need to come pay their respects!"
In such a state, she really was unfit to see anyone.
Yu Lan bowed her head in acknowledgement, went out to pass on the message, and then came back with a question.
"Your Highness, you don't look well. Are you feeling unwell? Should I summon the Imperial Physician?"
The Empress was somewhat impatient.
"No need!"
Yu Lan paused, then said nothing more.
And so the Empress sat in front of her dressing table in a daze.
