Xiao Hen's speculation was confirmed in the days that followed.
In mid-August, news came from Tianshan Pass that the Jin Country's army was marching east.
Two days later, news arrived from Yanmen Pass that the Liang Country's army was also advancing east.
The Han Family and the Nangong Family were still on their way and had not yet reached the border pass. They might have been in contact with the border garrison commanders through their trusted aides.
Tianshan Pass was guarded by Han Family forces, while Yanmen Pass was guarded by Nangong Family forces. Although there were other generals, the main commanders were trusted aides from these two families. Almost immediately after receiving the urgent report, the two families' forces swiftly cleared obstacles and seized control of the border situation.
When the intelligence reached Shengdu in Dayan, the monarch was so furious that he smashed the inkstone in the Imperial Study Room!