IDWBE -Chapter 357 The Yuan Family Army

“Be a real man, why are you crying?” Yuan Zhen drained the wine in his cup, laughed heartily, then sighed, “The only regret is not dying on the battlefield. To die on the execution block, bearing this shame… my descendants will never lift their heads again.”

A prison guard wiped his tears on his dirty sleeve, glanced around, and whispered, “General, is there anything you wish to instruct? I can help deliver messages to the Yuan household.”

“Brother, don’t you understand?”

Yuan Zhen drank another cup, then smiled, “Since my good nephew wishes me dead, how could I let you send messages out? I die, I die alone, without involving anyone else. I appreciate your kindness, but it’s unnecessary.”

The guard, hearing this, burst into tears again.

He understood Yuan Zhen’s reasoning. Smuggling prisoners’ private letters was a source of income for them, but with a high-security prisoner, they dared not risk it. If discovered, the consequences would be unimaginable—potentially costing their own lives.

“I am incapable,” The guard sighed, “I’ve troubled the General.”

“I’ve spent my life in the army; I’ve endured far greater hardships. These little things are nothing,”

Yuan Zhen rolled up his sleeves, grabbed a greasy pig’s trotter, chewed it heartily, and said,
“I’ve served the Emperor faithfully and the common people justly—now I can die without regrets!”

Halfway through the trotter, he tossed it on the table, grabbed the wine jar, and gulped it down. Soon, the jar was empty, and he threw it against the wall, shattering it with a loud crash.

The guard shivered in fright.

Turning around, he saw Yuan Zhen had already collapsed into the hay, fast asleep.

The next day, the prison continued providing fine food and wine.

Not only Yuan Zhen was bewildered—some guards didn’t understand either. When they inquired, they were told it was an order from above.

Night fell.

The Jinglan Palace was brightly lit.

Consort Yuan glared at Lai Ru kneeling before her and scolded, “My Fifth Brother is still in prison! How dare you deceive me about such an important matter? Have you gone mad?”

“Your Highness,” Lai Ru hurriedly explained, “It was just some idle chatter from a palace eunuch. I overheard it and learned that His Lordship is now held in Ankang Prefecture. The Prince, showing mercy, pardoned the Fifth Lord—he will be released tomorrow.”

Being a born member of the Yuan household, Lai Ru used different forms of address than outsiders.

“Really?”

Consort Yuan was not too surprised.

After all, her Fifth Brother was her son’s maternal uncle, and her son had always been filial. She believed he would never treat his uncle cruelly.

“I just confirmed it outside the palace—it’s true. The Fifth Lord will be released tomorrow,”

Lai Ru said confidently, “The Old Madam and Madam are already at home, prepared.”

“Good,” Consort Yuan thought for a moment, “Call that little rascal Xizi over here.”

“Yes.”

Lai Ru hurried away.

When Xiao Xizi arrived, he saw Consort Yuan feigning sleep on her couch and didn’t dare disturb her, standing quietly.

After a long moment, Consort Yuan slowly opened her eyes.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

Xiao Xizi knelt.

“You know about my Fifth Brother, don’t you?”

Consort Yuan snorted coldly.

“Yes, Your Highness. I just learned from Miss Ru,”

Xiao Xizi said with a smile, “Please give instructions; I’ll follow them without question.”

“Prepare the carriage. Tomorrow I leave the palace personally to welcome my Fifth Brother’s release,” Consort Yuan said calmly, “No one must stop me.”

“Yes.”

Xiao Xizi already had the Prince’s orders, so naturally, he agreed.

The next morning, he prepared the carriage early and personally drove Consort Yuan out of the palace.

The Imperial Guards cleared the way, imposing and grand.

Consort Yuan lifted the curtain and scolded, “Is going to Ankang Prefecture such a glorious event? You make such a fuss, as if the entire world doesn’t know!”

Xiao Xizi smiled, “For Your Highness’s safety, I must be careful. Please forgive me.”

“I am Fifth Rank!”

Consort Yuan snapped, “Who could possibly intimidate me?”

“I meant no offense,” Xiao Xizi kept pace with the carriage, “Ankang City is newly pacified; many petty criminals roam. I must be cautious, else Your Highness could be startled, and I would be responsible.”

The Imperial Guards didn’t need drums or gongs. Seeing the gleaming armor, citizens naturally cleared the streets, for none dared clash with the sacred entourage.

The bustling morning market instantly emptied; complete silence prevailed.

Without realizing it, they arrived at the Ankang Prefecture Office.

“Her Highness has arrived!”

Xiao Xizi shouted.

“Long live Her Highness!”

The new Prefect of Ankang, Ma Xie, led the staff, kneeling at the gate, calling loudly.

“My ears are not deaf,” Consort Yuan scowled at the shifty-eyed Ma Xie. She couldn’t understand her son’s thinking—how could such an ugly man be appointed to such an important post?

Moreover, Ma Xie wasn’t even a scholar!

“Yes,” Ma Xie replied awkwardly.

Standing aside, the copper doors of the Ankang Prefecture prison creaked open, and a figure emerged, flanked by two armed guards.

“Fifth Brother!”

Consort Yuan, peeking from the curtain, exclaimed, “You’re finally out!”

Yuan Zhen saw Consort Yuan, a brief joy crossing his face before returning to calm, expressionless neutrality.

“Advance!”

The thunder of hooves echoed on the street.

He looked up and saw a large flag embroidered with the character “Yuan.”

The Yuan Family Army banner—the only one in the world.

With the flag, the men live; without it, they perish!

This was the motto of the Yuan Family Army.

Consort Yuan turned back, joyful—her family had arrived.

Liu Kan glanced at Xiao Xizi, who nodded, then shouted, “Protect Her Highness!”

At once, the Imperial Guards raised their shields, turning right, half-kneeling, holding their shields up. Through the gaps, they watched the Yuan cavalry approach.

Archers readied their arrows.

“Who goes there? Consort Yuan is here. Do not act recklessly!”

After shouting, Liu Kan drew his waist sword, facing the Yuan cavalry without fear.

The palace Imperial Guards were mostly Sanhe soldiers, all Fifth Rank or above!

Come if you dare!