'First, I'll go and get that mace of ointment... At the same time, I'll ask Shopkeeper Cui if this poison is valuable... After I get a clear answer, I'll think about the rest.'
With that in mind, Qin Fang quickly got ready. He took a vial of poison—less than a gram—and left immediately with his silver taels.
He paused at the door... noticing two pitchers of water and a food container... It was the hot water and food for the day.
...But it was all cold by now.
He glanced at them and headed to the entrance of the Post House. Seeing the soldiers on duty, he walked over.
"Excuse me, sirs, could you tell me the time?"
As Qin Fang approached, several soldiers turned to look at him.
Hearing Qin Fang's question, the men exchanged glances. One of them answered, "It's three quarters past the hour of xu."
'Three quarters past the hour of xu?'
That was around nine o'clock at night.
Qin Fang nodded, thanked them, and hurried out the gate.
