Barely awake from a deep stupor, Su Sikong shook his groggy head, hastily imploring the Yamen runner for some water to drink.
Unexpectedly, the same Yamen runner who usually attended him with respect was now gloating over his misfortune, taunting him mercilessly.
"Ah! Lord Deputy County Magistrate, as the saying goes, a phoenix that has lost its feathers is inferior to a chicken. Once in the big prison, do you still regard yourself as the noble official? Wanting to drink water, fine! But bring out the silver. This very rule was set by you – no money, no food, no drink."
The runner stretched out his hand in anticipation, eliciting a round of laughter from the others.