Unable to take the suffocating feeling on my chest, I ran out of Mama's room.
I had to get out of here. At least for a while.
"Qing Shan, where are you going?" Nian Zhen yawned as I entered our room, throwing on an extra layer of clothes.
I had woken earlier than usual to confront Mama. It was still the hour of snake. The day would begin at the hour of the rooster. I had plenty of time.
I didn't tell Nian Zhen I wanted to pay for her freedom, in case Mama did something that ruined my plans. I was right to assume so.
"Out. I'll be back by tonight. If Mama asks, just tell her I won't do anything stupid," I muttered. Before she said another word, I strode out of the door, putting on my pink veil hat.
I had no money. Nothing to my name. I had failed in every aspect of my mission; made the situation even worse by aggravating the Crown Prince.
But the worst part was that I had no way to determine how my family was doing.
I was totally, completely cut off.
