The young man stepped into the tent, his posture upright despite the dust of travel. Though only sixteen or seventeen, his bearing already carried a trace of composure beyond his years.
"This humble one, Wang Ling, pays respects to Marquis Xuanwei."
Zhang Xin narrowed his eyes slightly as he studied him.
Wang Ling.
So it really was someone from the Wang clan of Taiyuan.
He waved his hand. "No need for formalities. Since you claim to be my brother-in-law—are you related to Wang Jiao?"
Wang Ling straightened and replied clearly, "She is my elder sister."
Only then did Zhang Xin fully relax.
He had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed was different.
"Then you truly are family," Zhang Xin said, his tone softening. "What brings you here, especially at a time like this? Qi County is under siege—you must have taken quite a risk."
Wang Ling hesitated for a brief moment, then spoke in a low voice:
"My lord, I came… to save the Wang family—and to offer you Qi County."
The entire tent fell silent.
Even the seasoned generals present exchanged glances.
Offer Qi County?
Zhang Xin's expression sharpened instantly.
"Speak clearly."
Wang Ling took a breath.
"Guo Da is currently stationed in Qi County, but he does not truly control it. The great clans within the city—especially my Wang family—are merely cooperating on the surface."
"He has over fifty thousand troops, but most are recently gathered Yellow Turbans. Their discipline is poor, and their loyalty is shallow."
Zhang Xin nodded slightly.
This matched his own assessment.
"Continue."
"My lord's reputation for benevolence has already spread throughout Taiyuan," Wang Ling said. "The surrendered soldiers you released… many of them have relatives inside Qi County. Word has already reached the city."
"Most people no longer wish to resist."
"However," he added, "Guo Da is strict in his control. The gates are tightly guarded, and no one dares act rashly."
Zhang Xin leaned forward slightly.
"So—you came to propose an internal response?"
"Yes."
Wang Ling's eyes flickered with determination.
"If my lord is willing to trust me, the Wang family can coordinate with several other clans inside the city. At the critical moment, we can create chaos, open the gates, and welcome your army."
A murmur rippled through the tent.
This was far better than digging tunnels or launching costly assaults.
Zhang Xin, however, did not immediately agree.
Instead, he asked calmly:
"And what does the Wang family want in return?"
Wang Ling did not avoid the question.
"My lord, we ask only for protection."
"When the city falls, we hope you will spare the great clans from plunder—and ensure the safety of the Wang family."
A fair request.
Too fair, in fact.
Zhang Xin tapped his fingers lightly on the table, thinking.
This was the classic exchange—open the gates in return for survival.
But there was always risk.
"What guarantee do I have," Zhang Xin said slowly, "that this is not a trap?"
"If I lead my army forward and your people fail to act, we will be exposed under the walls."
Wang Ling immediately knelt.
"My lord, I am willing to remain here as a hostage."
That answer made several generals raise their brows.
Bold.
Zhang Xin looked at him for a long moment.
Then—he suddenly smiled.
"No need."
He stood up.
"If I cannot even trust my own brother-in-law, how can I win the hearts of the world?"
Wang Ling looked up, slightly startled.
Zhang Xin continued:
"I agree."
"But listen carefully—once the city is taken, discipline will be strict. The army will not be allowed to plunder indiscriminately… but neither will powerful clans be allowed to oppress the people as before."
"If the Wang family abides by the law, they will be safe."
Wang Ling bowed deeply.
"Thank you, my lord."
Zhang Xin turned to the generals.
"Prepare for coordinated action."
Then back to Wang Ling:
"When can you act?"
"Three nights from now," Wang Ling replied. "At midnight. The east gate."
Zhang Xin nodded.
"Good."
His eyes gleamed faintly.
"Guo Da thinks he is defending a solid city…"
"But he doesn't realize—his walls are already hollow from within."