The Bastard Who Bought Candied Hawthorn

Grace was taken aback. "Pass card? What's that?"

"You didn't know? Now you need a pass card to go in and out."

A chill ran down Grace's spine. "Wasn't this not a thing just a few days ago? When did this rule start?"

"It started yesterday. Apparently, the General ordered it himself. He said the servants were getting too lazy, always sneaking out to buy candied hawthorns and stuff," the guard replied.

Uh... buying candied hawthorns...

"Things were so much better before! Now none of us have any freedom. Who the hell was the bastard who kept running out for candied hawthorns?" another guard complained.

Grace coughed. "So, um, where can I get a pass card?"

"We guards get ours from Captain Guo. You all have to go see Steward Qin," the guard said.

"Alright, thanks for the info." Grace turned and headed for Steward Qin.

But Steward Qin was busy at the moment.

He had gathered several of the head servants in the manor and was lecturing them: "...Things have been way too lax around here. Starting today, no one is allowed to go out and wander aimlessly. If you have business outside, you must come to me to get a pass card and register your entry and exit..."

Grace didn't want to interrupt, so she waited anxiously on the side.

After finishing his speech, Steward Qin beamed at her. "Little Fish, what brings you here?"

"Steward Qin, I need a pass card. I have to step out for a bit," Grace said.

"Oh? What's the matter?" Steward Qin asked.

"I want to go to the pharmacy to buy some medicinal herbs," Grace said, having already prepared her excuse. "I need to make some herbal tea."

"Eh? Little Fish, can you really tell fortunes?" Steward Qin looked at her with an admiring gaze.

"Huh?" Grace was completely confused.

"Did you predict the military supplies would be stored in our manor? Is that why you asked for herbs?" Steward Qin grinned like a flower.

"Mil...military supplies?"

"That's right! Military-use medicinal herbs are the best quality. I'll take you to pick some out later—take whatever you want!" Steward Qin grinned, his face full of wrinkles. "Little Fish! You know medicine, and your fortune-telling is so accurate. You're just amazing!"

Grace gave a silly laugh, feeling like she wanted to bite off her own tongue.

Why did she have to pick that excuse?

Why did she say she needed medicinal herbs, of all things?

"Um, Steward Qin, isn't it inappropriate for me to take military-use herbs?" Grace asked.

"What's the problem? How much could you possibly use?" Steward Qin said.

"Alright then! I won't hold back!" Grace said. "But Steward Qin, I need to buy a few other things too. Could you please give me a pass card?"

"What else do you need?" Steward Qin asked. "The manor's storeroom has everything. Just ask me, no need for you to spend your own money."

Grace: "...I need roasted barley. Do we have any in the storeroom?"

"Huh? That, we actually don't have," Steward Qin said.

"Then I'll have to go out after all. Whatever I spend, you better reimburse me later!"

"Deal!" Steward Qin agreed readily.

But he didn't move, just kept smiling sincerely. "Little Fish, there's something I've been meaning to ask you for a while."

"What is it?" Grace asked.

Steward Qin asked sneakily, "Can you give me a fortune reading too?"

Read your fortune? Seriously?

I've already predicted disaster for myself—if I don't run now, I'm doomed!

She was panicking inside, but couldn't let it show.

Qin Zhong was extremely shrewd. If he sensed anything was off, she'd never get away.