“I’m back because I saw you didn’t follow, so I came to check what’s wrong,” Jiang Huai said. This time, when Jiang Huai reached out, Xiao Jingzhao didn’t stop him and let Jiang Huai touch his forehead.

“Why is it so hot?” Jiang Huai blurted out in shock.

Even if Xiao Jingzhao had a fever from the rain, it shouldn’t have risen to such a degree in such a short time. Unless he was already running a fever before, and the rain only worsened his condition.

Jiang Huai suddenly recalled how Xiao Jingzhao had seemed even more silent than usual today. But since Xiao Jingzhao was generally quiet, Jiang Huai hadn’t thought much of it. Only now, seeing him ill, did Jiang Huai piece things together.

However, now wasn’t the time to dwell on when Xiao Jingzhao fell ill; the priority was to control his condition.

There was no way to descend the mountain and find a doctor. Besides the potential danger of landslides, traveling on mountain paths at night was risky—one slip and the outcome could be deadlier than the illness.

“Calm down, don’t panic,” Jiang Huai muttered to himself in a low voice, trying to settle his chaotic thoughts.

The most important thing when dealing with a fever was to bring the temperature down; prolonged high fevers could cause severe damage, even frying one’s brain. Alcohol wipes would have been ideal, but in these conditions, a damp cloth was the only option. However, while cooling down, they also had to ensure warmth, or the illness could worsen.

Having set his course of action, Jiang Huai began to work. They didn’t have extra cloth on hand, but luckily their prison uniforms were loose. Jiang Huai tore a strip from his clothing, wetted it, and placed it on Xiao Jingzhao’s forehead.

Cooling just the forehead wasn’t enough, though. Jiang Huai recalled how, as a child, his family would wipe his ears, neck, armpits, and limbs when he had a fever.

Looking at the prison uniform, he noted it was oversized due to the poor fit, making it convenient for his current needs. Jiang Huai silently tore another strip, wet it again, and started wiping Xiao Jingzhao’s neck.

Jiang Huai didn’t notice Xiao Jingzhao’s slight shudder when his hand touched the neck. Only when Xiao Jingzhao opened his eyes and saw Jiang Huai did his body relax.

The neck and behind the ears were easy to clean since they were exposed, but for the armpits and limbs… Jiang Huai glanced at the still-unconscious Xiao Jingzhao. After murmuring a brief explanation, he continued his work.

While tending to Xiao Jingzhao, Jiang Huai also had to keep an eye on the damp cloth on his forehead, flipping it over when it got warm. By the time Jiang Huai finished wiping Xiao Jingzhao’s body, he was panting heavily.

Even so, Jiang Huai had no time to rest. He had to prepare water for Xiao Jingzhao to drink—feverish people often felt thirsty, and drinking water would help.

Jiang Huai patted the water flask hanging around his chest, grateful he hadn’t set it down earlier. Without it, he wouldn’t even be able to boil water now. Though the bamboo flask would scorch when used to boil water, this wasn’t the time to worry about such things.

Jiang Huai remembered that, while there wasn’t a stream nearby, the rain had likely filled some small stone pits in the area. The water wouldn’t be safe to drink as is, but boiling it should make it okay.

Just as he got up to leave, Xiao Jingzhao, now delirious from his fever, grabbed at his clothing. Although the gesture seemed instinctive, his expression was blank and confused.

“I’m just going to fetch some water. You rest; I’ll be back soon,” Jiang Huai said softly, his heart softening at the sight, coaxing Xiao Jingzhao in a low voice.

Whether Xiao Jingzhao understood or not, he looked at Jiang Huai for a moment before releasing his grip.

Before leaving, Jiang Huai checked Xiao Jingzhao’s forehead again, finding the cloth had already heated up. He quickly flipped it to the cooler side before hurrying away.

Jiang Huai didn’t dare venture too far, even to fetch water, fearful of leaving Xiao Jingzhao alone for long. He returned quickly after collecting water, set the flask over a fire to boil, and used the boiling time to continue cooling Xiao Jingzhao down.

Jiang Huai worked tirelessly through the night. Only when the sky lightened did he realize an entire night had passed.

“I think the fever’s gone,” Jiang Huai said, touching Xiao Jingzhao’s forehead and sighing with relief.

But the moment he relaxed, exhaustion overtook him. Having not rested all night, Jiang Huai collapsed into a deep, heavy sleep.

When Jiang Huai woke, he momentarily forgot he had transmigrated, thinking he was back in school. He rubbed his head against the pillow and was about to roll over when a hand stopped him.

Dazed, Jiang Huai opened his eyes to see Xiao Jingzhao sitting beside him. Despite looking pale, Xiao Jingzhao no longer seemed feverish.

Jiang Huai’s memories flooded back, jolting him awake. He immediately looked himself and Xiao Jingzhao over, relieved to find no injuries. It was far too dangerous for both of them to have passed out on the mountain.

Before Jiang Huai could say anything, shouts echoed from the distance, voices that sounded familiar.

The constables had found them!

Even though Jiang Huai had prepared himself for being captured, he still felt a pang of dread now that it was happening.

“The body is gone. Pretend nothing happened. You went to see me, and only me,” Xiao Jingzhao said in a low, firm voice.

Jiang Huai’s eyes widened, but before he could ask more, the constables had arrived.

“There they are, Zhang Tou!” a constable exclaimed excitedly upon spotting them.

The excitement wasn’t surprising. The mudslide last night had scattered the exile group, and it was only thanks to Zhang Tou’s leadership that they had regrouped safely. But upon arriving at a secure location, they realized two constables and Jiang Huai were missing.

Jiang Huai was the most important prisoner in the group. If he had escaped, the constables would be severely punished, perhaps even tortured for collusion.

But venturing out at night was too dangerous. It was only when morning came and visibility improved that they dared to send search parties. Still, not everyone went, fearing that other prisoners might get ideas about escaping.

Zhang Tou hurried over, his face livid. Striding up to Jiang Huai, he raised his hand to strike, but the slap landed on Xiao Jingzhao’s hand instead, producing a sharp “smack.”

Seeing Xiao Jingzhao standing in front of Jiang Huai, Zhang Tou growled, “Step aside.”

“Jiang Huai is under my watch,” Xiao Jingzhao said evenly, meeting Zhang Tou’s gaze.

If Jiang Huai needed discipline, Xiao Jingzhao would handle it.

Zhang Tou’s expression darkened. While he could reassign Jiang Huai to another constable, none of the others wanted the responsibility. Jiang Huai was a troublesome prisoner—valuable enough to guard closely but offering no benefits.

Reluctantly, Zhang Tou turned to the other constables, who avoided his eyes. Frustrated, he cursed under his breath and changed the subject.

“Have you seen Sun Yong?” Zhang Tou asked.

Xiao Jingzhao shook his head calmly, and Jiang Huai quickly followed suit.

Zhang Tou didn’t press further. He had already questioned the other prisoners and knew Jiang Huai had gone to find Xiao Jingzhao. As for Sun Yong, his absence was likely unrelated.

Grumbling, Zhang Tou ordered Xiao Jingzhao to escort Jiang Huai back to the camp.

As Zhang Tou and the others left, Jiang Huai hesitated, wanting to ask something.

“Don’t talk. Let’s go,” Xiao Jingzhao interrupted hoarsely.

Seeing Xiao Jingzhao’s pale face, Jiang Huai pushed down his questions. Supporting Xiao Jingzhao’s arm, he guided him back to the camp.

The camp was a chaotic mess. Both prisoners and constables were visibly drained from the night’s ordeal. Some prisoners muttered in disappointment at their return.

“They found them so quickly.”

“Thought we’d get more rest. Looks like we’re moving soon.”

“At least one’s still missing. Maybe we’ll get more time if something happened to him.”

Hearing the prisoners’ callous remarks, Jiang Huai felt a chill.

“You should rest. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to keep up when we move,” Xiao Jingzhao said softly, his tone distant.

Jiang Huai nodded. He hadn’t fully recovered himself. Navigating the muddy mountain paths in his current state could lead to disaster, and with Xiao Jingzhao still weak, there would be no one to help him if he fell.

After settling Xiao Jingzhao in the constables’ tent, Jiang Huai prepared to leave for the prisoners’ area. But Xiao Jingzhao stopped him.

“What is it?” Jiang Huai asked.

Xiao Jingzhao patted the bedding beside him. “Sleep here.”

“But…” Jiang Huai hesitated. He wanted to stay in the constables’ tent, but wasn’t this too much?

“Rest assured. No one will mind,” Xiao Jingzhao said firmly, his expression weary but resolute.

“Alright, call me if you need anything,” Jiang Huai said, surrendering to his exhaustion. He lay down and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Xiao Jingzhao, watching Jiang Huai’s initial reluctance, had expected him to take longer to doze off. Instead, Jiang Huai passed out instantly, nearly making Xiao Jingzhao laugh.

After staring at Jiang Huai for a long time, Xiao Jingzhao finally closed his own eyes and drifted into sleep.