Under Wang Chen's command, Mingyu Palace immediately entered a state of full alert.
Imperial Forest Guards swiftly took up positions at every strategic point of the imperial palace and set up heavy crossbows.
Mingyu Palace had been built for the emperor's border inspections. Though situated in the center of Hanhai City, its defenses were by no means weak; it could be called a city within a city.
Mingyu Palace was entirely encircled by tall, thick walls. Its front and rear gates were exceptionally sturdy, and facilities such as arrow towers and armories were all fully provided.
With its primary defenses properly arranged, three thousand elite Imperial Forest Guards could hold out for a long time.
The only trouble was that although there were wells inside the imperial palace, its granaries held no food or fodder. Relying solely on the supplies brought by the marriage delegation, they could not last more than a few days.
So long as the enemy surrounded Mingyu Palace completely, the three thousand Imperial Forest Guards would inevitably collapse without a fight once enough time passed!
But that presupposed that the Hanhai Army had truly rebelled.
With the situation unclear, Wang Chen and Sun Zhengheng did not act rashly by rushing to the Hanhai Prefecture administration to demand an explanation.
While arranging the palace's defenses, they began interrogating the cooks and servants being held under guard.
Yet these people basically knew nothing when questioned. Every one of them trembled in terror, tears and snot streaming down their faces as they cried out their innocence and begged for mercy!
"Sir!"
While the interrogation was underway, an Imperial Forest Guard hurried into the side hall and said anxiously, "A large number of soldiers have appeared outside the palace. We've been surrounded!"
Wang Chen and Sun Zhengheng exchanged a look,