The imperial decree arrived promptly. In consideration of the meritorious service of Qin Hu’s ancestors, his capital punishment was commuted to life imprisonment. He was exiled to Youzhou to serve in the military, retaining his title while his future conduct was monitored.
However, upon his arrival in Youzhou, he was immediately assigned to the front lines—serving under the vanguard command.
After ruminating on these events, it became clear to Qin Hu that this was a setup. The Duke of Chen had long been eager to call off their betrothal. The union between the Qin and Chen families had been a political alliance, with both parties aiming to expand their influence. But the later Qin Hu had become a hedonistic wastrel, useless in every regard and a disgrace to the Champion Marquis Estate.
Chapter 425