Zongwu: Start as Jinyiwei, invincible and powerful!

"I believe that retreating to the defensive now is not advisable. Although Li Shimin and Dou Jiande have temporarily gained the upper hand, that is only temporary. The court's most powerful forces have not yet been deployed."

Lin Fan pondered for a moment, then said to Emperor Zhu Shou, "If we simply withdraw our defense, it will undoubtedly embolden the enemy and boost their morale."

"But if we can quickly mobilize more troops and launch another counterattack, we will surely disrupt the enemy's deployment and catch them off guard. Then, we will not only be able to inflict heavy damage on the enemy, but also greatly boost our own morale."

"Those Sui soldiers who have just surrendered will undoubtedly become even more devoted to the Great Zhou upon seeing the imperial court's powerful counterattack. Therefore, I believe that the most important thing to do now is to quickly mobilize more troops and launch another counterattack."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhu Shou's expression changed slightly, and he seemed to agree with Lin Fan's opinion.

He looked at the important officials standing beside him and asked, "My dear ministers, what do you think?"

Minister of Personnel Zhang Julu pondered, "Your Majesty, I believe it's best to be cautious. After all, the army on the northern front has suffered heavy losses. If we launch a rash counterattack now, I'm afraid we won't be able to do it."

"Yes, the most important thing now is to replenish our troops as soon as possible."

"It won't be too late to decide whether to defend or counterattack after we have rested and recuperated for a while."

Several other important officials also echoed Zhang Julu's opinion.

Emperor Zhu Shou frowned slightly, obviously very dissatisfied with the cowardly attitude of these important ministers in avoiding war.

He looked at Lin Fan and asked, "Lord Lin, do you know how the war on the southern front is going?"

Lin Fan smiled faintly and said seriously, "Your Majesty, I have just received news that General Meng Tian has led his army and defeated the main force of the Wagang Fort. He has also captured the two main commanders of the Wagang Fort, Qin Qiong and Cheng Yaojin. Both have surrendered to our dynasty."

Emperor Zhu Shou was overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately slammed the table and stood up: "Good, good, good, General Meng Tian is indeed a great general! Now that the battle on the southern front is a great victory, the northern front naturally cannot fall behind."

"Lord Lin, since you believe we should launch another counterattack, I appoint you as the commander-in-chief of the northern front. Lead the army north again and make sure to wipe out Li Shimin, Dou Jiande, and other rebels!"

Zhu Shou said this, waving his sleeves with an awe-inspiring air.

"Wei Chen accepts the order!"

Lin Fan clasped his fists and agreed, his eyes flashing with brilliance.

He didn't expect that the emperor would directly let him, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, be the commander-in-chief of the army.

However, there seem to be such examples in history.

This was exactly what he wanted. The emperor was handing over the army on the northern front to him.

As long as he can achieve more military exploits, his status in the court will rise, and at the same time, he will be able to strengthen his deployment and control over the Sui Dynasty.

Zhu Shou looked at Zhang Julu and the others again and said coldly, "My dear ministers, you are all so timid and afraid of death, which really disappoints me."

"Since you are all so cautious, then I will let Lord Lin take the lead. You only need to provide support from the rear and ensure the logistics of the army. If there are any mistakes, I will punish you severely!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Although Zhang Julu and others were indignant, they could only bow their heads in response.

"Let's adjourn the court," Zhu Shou waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Lin Fan and others responded in unison, and then left the hall one after another.

After leaving the palace, Zhang Julu and others surrounded Lin Fan.

Zhang Julu said in a gloomy tone, "Commander Lin is so arrogant. He is only able to lead the northern frontier army because of His Majesty's favor. I hope you won't harm the soldiers!"

Lin Fan glanced at Zhang Julu and said calmly, "Master Zhang, you're joking. I'm a member of the Emperor's personal army, so I'm supposed to share His Majesty's worries. As for the tone of his words, Master Zhang, don't worry about it."

"As for tone, I believe I am not as good as you, the Minister of Personnel."

"You!" Zhang Julu's beard trembled with anger. He pointed at Lin Fan and was speechless for a long time.

Lin Fan was too lazy to argue with him any further, so he smiled slightly and turned away gracefully.

A cold snort suddenly came from behind.

"Lin Fan, if anything happens to you on the battlefield, don't blame me for not warning you."

Lin Fan paused slightly and looked sideways, only to see that the person who spoke was none other than the Minister of War, Sima Feng.

Although he was the Minister of War, the country had been at peace for a long time and he had lost his fighting spirit. He did not want the court to start a war easily. However, Lin Fan repeatedly instigated the emperor to send troops, which made Sima Feng very hostile to Lin Fan.

Facing Sima Feng's gloomy gaze, Lin Fan curled up the corners of his lips into a smile and said quietly, "Thank you, Lord Sima, for your kindness. However, you and I both know that if I lose this battle, you will be very happy."

"Therefore, I, Lin, will do my best and will never let Master Sima get what he wants."

After he finished speaking, Lin Fan strode away, his back looking elegant and resolute.

Sima Feng watched Lin Fan leave, a gloomy look flashing in his eyes, and said, "The villain has succeeded!"

After returning to the Northern Pacification Office, Lin Fan immediately summoned a group of his confidants, including Dong Tianbao and Lin Pingzhi.

"Lord Lin." Several people saluted in unison.

Lin Fan glanced around and said in a deep voice, "I have been ordered to be the commander-in-chief of the northern front. I will set off immediately. Except for Lin Ping, everyone else will come with me."

"Yes!" When they heard this, excitement flashed in their eyes.

They knew very well that this battle was of extraordinary significance to Lin Fan.

If he could achieve more military exploits, Lin Fan's position in the court would surely be further improved.

As Lin Fan's confidants, their future will be even brighter.

Lin Fan nodded and instructed Dong Tianbao and Lin Pingzhi, "Lin Pingzhi, please stay in the capital for the time being. While I'm away, you need to keep a close eye on Lu Liren."

"Don't worry, Lord Lin, we will definitely fulfill our duties!" Upon hearing this, Lin Pingzhi immediately responded respectfully.

Lin Fan nodded in satisfaction, his eyes sweeping over the crowd as he slowly said, "Everyone, this expedition is unpredictable, whether it will be a success or failure."

"But for the sake of the Great Zhou Empire and your future, we must do our utmost to recover our territory."

"Yes," everyone was greatly encouraged and responded in unison.

Lin Fan looked at this scene with a flicker in his eyes. He never expected that one day he would be able to give others encouragement.

"Let's go down and prepare," Lin Fan thought to himself and said with a faint smile.

"Yes, sir!" Everyone responded respectfully and then retreated.

Lin Fan pondered for a moment, then went back to the palace to find Emperor Zhu Shou and asked him to transfer Yue Fei to the northern front to assist him. The emperor agreed.

In the blink of an eye, the day of departure arrived.

Lin Fan rode a warhorse and walked in the front. Behind him, the Jinyiwei guarded on both sides, and behind them were tens of thousands of troops!

It is vast and powerful.

The people of the capital looked at the heroic figure and discussed among themselves.

"I wonder which general is leading the troops this time. He looks so majestic!"

"I heard it was the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Lord Lin, the Marquis of Bravery and Resoluteness!"

"That's right, I heard that the northern front suffered a great loss this time, and the emperor is furious. He wants Lord Lin to clean up the mess!"

"Is this Lord Lin good at fighting?"

"Of course, otherwise His Majesty wouldn't trust him so much!"