The Battle That Decided the Fate of the Realm
It was clear that Magistrate Du's thoughts had long since flown to Qi. He had already thoroughly studied Qi's land-allotment and tax plan.
Seeing this, Wang Yue didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He left thirty thousand troops stationed there to serve as his supply base and ensure he had enough provisions to take Taiyuan. Then he set off for Taiyuan with the remaining soldiers and two female guards.
He brought the female guards because if he left Liu Yuru in Tongling, she might be attacked by people her own age—after all, she was his Princess Consort.
Taiyuan wasn't far from Tongling, so Wang Yue traveled through the night and arrived before long. To his astonishment, the city gates stood open, and there seemed to be no one guarding them.
Wang Yue was taken aback. He sent scouts into Taiyuan to investigate. He wasn't about to turn back like Sima Yi when faced with what looked like an empty city.
The scout was gone only a short while before he returned with someone. Wang Yue didn't recognize the newcomer and looked at the scout suspiciously.
The scout hurriedly introduced him. "My lord, this is General Qin. I found him at the Qin residence. But when I arrived, there wasn't a soul in the city, and everyone in the Qin family had been tied up."
Wang Yue was stunned. He quickly dismissed the scout, then asked in confusion, "General Qin, what exactly happened in Taiyuan after my wife left?"
General Qin bowed to Wang Yue, then said helplessly, "Ding Hu suddenly sent men to surround my home. I thought my family was done for, but he only tied us up and did nothing else. I don't know what happened. I only