The prisoners mocked Jiang Huai, but since their words indirectly involved the constables, they dared not speak too loudly, only murmuring in low tones.

Jiang Huai didn’t hear their remarks, but even if he had, he wouldn’t have cared. He had already prepared himself for every possible outcome before taking action.

“Brother Wei, here’s the water. Let me know if it’s not enough, and I’ll fetch more,” Jiang Huai said softly, his tone sincere, while subtly changing how he addressed Xiao Jingzhao.

The term “Officer” was too impersonal; after all, any prisoner could call the constables that. Sticking to “Officer” would slow down his efforts to build rapport. The only concern was whether Xiao Jingzhao would dislike the familiarity—if so, all his previous efforts would be wasted.

Still, Jiang Huai knew that if he didn’t change how he addressed him now, doing so later would only seem more awkward.

Even though Jiang Huai reasoned with himself, this move carried more risk than his earlier ones. His throat tightened, and he kept telling himself not to overthink it—just treat Xiao Jingzhao like an unfamiliar senior from university. There was no need to be nervous; at worst, he’d get scolded or maybe even hit. It wasn’t the end of the world.

Despite putting on a calm front, as if he wasn’t doing anything unusual, Xiao Jingzhao saw through him. Those clear eyes couldn’t hide the fear and anxiety within.

It became evident to Xiao Jingzhao—Jiang Huai truly didn’t know who he was.

Realizing this, Xiao Jingzhao knew he should keep his distance. Even if he was assigned to oversee Jiang Huai, he shouldn’t stay too close to him. Yet, when he met Jiang Huai’s eyes, he found himself unable to refuse.

So be it—it was just a flask of water.

Using this as a pretext, offering Jiang Huai a small favor wouldn’t hurt.

Taking the flask, Xiao Jingzhao glanced at the coarse biscuit placed beside Jiang Huai. His eyes flickered. He knew exactly how these were made. To put it bluntly, even horses might refuse to eat something so unpalatable, let alone humans.

He recalled how Jiang Huai had struggled to swallow it earlier, alternating between sips of water and bites of biscuit.

“I’ll borrow this flask for now. Once I buy a new one, I’ll return it to you,” Xiao Jingzhao said, holding up the flask.

Hearing this, the prisoners nearby, who had been eavesdropping, exchanged mocking looks. As they suspected, Jiang Huai’s efforts had backfired, and he had lost the flask.

Other prisoners sighed. They had briefly hoped that the new constable might be decent, but clearly, they had been too optimistic.

“Here, take this,” Xiao Jingzhao said, pulling out a small bag of dried fruits. On the journey the previous day, he had bought it from an elderly street vendor out of pity but hadn’t felt like eating it himself. He decided to give it to Jiang Huai instead.

When Jiang Huai opened the bag, he initially thought his gamble had failed, costing him the flask. But seeing the sweet-smelling dried fruits, he couldn’t help but swallow nervously.

Xiao Jingzhao’s earlier statement seemed like mere words, but the bag of dried fruits made Jiang Huai reconsider. If the constable were only humoring him, why bother giving him the fruits? A simple brush-off would have sufficed, and Jiang Huai wouldn’t have dared to protest.

Looking at the bag of fruits, Jiang Huai realized they could last a while. However, glancing around at the other prisoners and constables, he quickly understood he couldn’t keep them for long. If he insisted on holding onto them, they’d likely be stolen by other prisoners. Alone, he could guard them during the day, but at night, he wouldn’t be able to stay awake to fend off thieves.

Reluctantly, he picked up a piece and ate it.

The dried fruit wasn’t particularly delicious, but the faint sweetness that spread through his mouth made him smile unconsciously.

For the first time since arriving in this world, Jiang Huai smiled so genuinely.

His actions caught the attention of the curious prisoners, who noticed the dried fruits. Even though the bag wasn’t a big deal, seeing Jiang Huai smile while they couldn’t left some prisoners frustrated. They glared at Xiao Jingzhao, wishing he hadn’t been so “foolish.”

Why bother trading dried fruits for a water flask? They’d have gladly paid for the fruits themselves.

But the prisoners didn’t realize their frustration was far from over.

After the rest stop, the exile convoy resumed their journey. Not long after, they arrived at a small town where Xiao Jingzhao stopped to buy a water flask.

Once he had his own flask, he promptly returned Jiang Huai’s to him.

Jiang Huai stared at the flask, momentarily stunned. He had believed Xiao Jingzhao would keep his word, but he hadn’t expected him to replace the flask so quickly.

What’s more…

Jiang Huai shook the flask and found it full of water. Considering how much Xiao Jingzhao had drunk earlier, he must have refilled it before returning it.

Remembering how he’d devoured the dried fruits in one sitting, Jiang Huai suddenly felt guilty. If only he’d eaten more slowly, he might’ve been able to return half the bag.

While Jiang Huai was processing this, the other prisoners were even more affected. Several of them were mentally defeated, their thoughts consumed by this turn of events.

When Zhang Tou later announced that they could buy water flasks for themselves, many prisoners didn’t react as enthusiastically as expected.

Under normal circumstances, the prospect of buying flasks would’ve thrilled them—it was unbearable to stay thirsty for so long. But after witnessing Jiang Huai’s experience of receiving a flask for free and even earning goodwill from the constable, paying for one didn’t seem as appealing.

Zhang Tou noticed their subdued reactions and sneered.

The other constables didn’t look pleased either. They stood to profit from selling the flasks, and if the prisoners hesitated to buy, their share of the silver would decrease.

“Fine. If none of you want a flask, I won’t force you,” Zhang Tou said, his tone eerily calm.

His cold demeanor made the prisoners uneasy, especially when they noticed the constables’ growing discontent. Realizing they might’ve offended the constables, panic set in.

“Officer, officer, we’ll buy them!” one prisoner blurted out in a rush.

“I’ll pay one hundred wen!” another prisoner offered, gritting his teeth. While the flask wasn’t worth that much, he hoped the high price would appease Zhang Tou and the other constables.

The others hesitated. One hundred wen was a steep price for a flask, and they hadn’t brought much money with them. Even those who had saved some silver worried about the expenses they’d face upon reaching their exile destination.

The hesitation caused an awkward silence to descend, and the constables’ previously softened expressions darkened once again.

Zhang Tou, who had merely been annoyed before, now grew furious. These prisoners were truly shameless—only responding when faced with punishment. Did they not understand their current situation? How dare they try to bargain!

With a cold snort, Zhang Tou declared that the flasks were no longer for sale. When some prisoners protested, he silenced them with angry lashes from his whip. Those struck didn’t even dare to cry out in pain.

Xiao Jingzhao watched this unfold with indifference. In the past, he might’ve thought Zhang Tou’s methods were overly harsh. But after witnessing the emperor’s own methods firsthand, his heart had grown cold and unyielding.

Besides, these prisoners weren’t innocent. Xiao Jingzhao had seen the records. Some of them were guilty of crimes severe enough to warrant execution. It was only the need for labor on the border that spared them from death.

His gaze shifted to Jiang Huai. If there was anyone among the prisoners who might be considered innocent, it was him. As the Crown Prince, Xiao Jingzhao understood all too well that the emperor’s accusations of treason were merely an excuse to eliminate the Crown Prince’s faction. Jiang Huai was simply collateral damage.

Jiang Huai wasn’t unfamiliar with Zhang Tou’s temper, but today, the constable’s anger seemed particularly intense. The crack of the whip left him tense and alert. Seeing Zhang Tou clutching the whip tightly, Jiang Huai’s heart raced, fearing he might become the next target.

Glancing around nervously, Jiang Huai noticed Xiao Jingzhao watching him. His expression was calm, with a hint of warmth in his eyes.

Though uncertain where that warmth came from, Jiang Huai instinctively moved closer to Xiao Jingzhao, seeking protection.

Xiao Jingzhao didn’t expect Jiang Huai to approach him deliberately, but when he looked up and saw Zhang Tou’s gaze shift toward them, he immediately understood. Jiang Huai was seeking his shield.

Under normal circumstances, Xiao Jingzhao wouldn’t intervene for anyone. But for Jiang Huai…

Without analyzing his emotions, Xiao Jingzhao stepped forward, subtly shielding Jiang Huai from Zhang Tou’s line of sight.

Zhang Tou’s gaze briefly lingered on Xiao Jingzhao before softening slightly. When he turned back to the other prisoners, however, his eyes were sharp and cold as he resumed leading the group forward.

The exhausting march left Jiang Huai feeling dazed, but having access to water helped him endure the journey.

When they reached the relay station, Zhang Tou shoved the prisoners into their quarters and sternly instructed the constables on duty not to allow couriers to sell water or food.

The prisoners realized with dismay that Zhang Tou wasn’t done punishing them. Their faces turned pale.

For Jiang Huai, who had no money to buy anything anyway, this wasn’t particularly new. Yet hearing Zhang Tou’s orders, he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

He had underestimated the control the constables wielded over the prisoners. If they wanted to, they could make life unbearable at any moment.

Though he didn’t pity the others, Jiang Huai couldn’t shake the thought that one day, he might find himself on the receiving end of such treatment.

The idea of escape began to take root in his mind. Though he’d never seriously considered it before, Zhang Tou’s oppressive behavior made him weigh his options.

Still, after a while, Jiang Huai dismissed the thought.

Given his current frail condition, he wouldn’t get far. Even if he managed to escape, he’d likely end up as prey for wild animals in the wilderness.

Escaping into a town wouldn’t be any easier. As a wanted criminal with no identification, avoiding capture by authorities or establishing a new life would be nearly impossible.

And even if he avoided all that, humans posed their own dangers. Falling into the hands of bandits or other unsavory individuals could lead to a fate worse than being a prisoner.