The atmosphere inside the imperial palace suddenly turned solemn.
A large contingent of unfamiliar armored guards appeared inside the imperial palace, bringing its defenses to an entirely new level.
Clad in armor, Sima Xun led a host of armored guards toward Taiji Hall in haste.
Their armor clattered as the pieces struck together.
Nearly a hundred fully armed guards followed behind Sima Xun. Their steps were uniform and their gazes sharp; one glance showed they were elite soldiers of the highest caliber.
When Sima Xun reached the Western Hall, someone immediately blocked his path.
The man blocking him was an exceptionally tall, formidable warrior, with a dozen or so armored guards behind him. Facing "enemies" several times their number, he showed not the slightest fear, only staring solemnly at Sima Xun.
"What do you intend to do, General?!"
This formidable warrior was none other than Man Changwu.
Guo Jian had stationed him here to protect Cao Mao.
Sima Xun said, "I have orders to protect His Majesty. Stand aside at once."
"Whose orders?"
"The Grand General's orders!"
"Show me."
"You... stand aside at once!!"
Sima Xun rebuked him again. "If you delay the Grand General's business, don't think your uncle can protect you!"
Man Changwu ought to have been a trusted aide of the Sima Family, for his aunt had married Sima Gan. And who was Sima Gan? Sima Yi's fifth son, born of the same mother as Sima Shi and Sima Zhao.
Sima Yi had many sons, but few truly enjoyed Sima Shi's and Sima Zhao's affection. The others were half brothers born of different mothers, but Sima Gan was their own full younger brother.
With an uncle like that, Man Changwu ought to have been secure within the Sima Family. Only... his temperament made it impossible for him