The imperial decree arrived swiftly. In consideration of Qin Hu's ancestors' meritorious service, his death sentence was commuted, but he could not escape punishment. He was exiled to Youzhou to serve in the military while retaining his title, so that his future conduct might be observed.
However, upon arriving in Youzhou, he was promptly assigned to the front lines—to await orders at the vanguard tents.
After turning these events over in his mind, Qin Hu deduced that this was clearly a trap.
Chapter 868