On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

"Your Majesty's core strategy is: offense is the best defense! While the main force is assembled, we will dispatch elite cavalry to form several light cavalry brigades, each with about a thousand men, equipped with two or even three horses, and carrying enough fine arrows, oil, and dry rations for half a month. Taking advantage of the fact that the tribes in the northern desert have not yet fully assembled and that their vigilance may be relaxed due to the cold winter, we will use our familiarity with the border terrain to secretly cross the border in multiple routes and penetrate deep into the northern desert territory at opportune moments!"

Lin Zhen's fingers tapped heavily on several key points in the heart of the northern desert:

"Their mission is not a decisive battle, but guerrilla warfare! To harass their vital supply lines to Dragon City and other tribes, burn their pre-stockpiled pastures, hunt down their small patrols and scouts, and attack their poorly defended remote tribes! Their objectives are threefold: First, to cut off their supplies, exhaust their forces, and disrupt their morale; second, to ascertain the deployment of troops within the northern desert, the strength and weakness of the tribes, and the true movements of Uwei; third, and most importantly, to draw the flames of war into the northern desert, disrupting Uwei's spring offensive plans, preventing him from preparing for war in a relaxed manner, and even forcing him to launch an early attack or change his plans, thus putting him on the defensive!"

Lin Zhenxian listened intently, his fingers unconsciously tapping the edge of the table, his eyes flashing as he rapidly analyzed the feasibility and risks of the plan.

After a long pause, he spoke slowly, his voice low and deep:

"Hmm... the approach is correct. Avoid the strong and attack the weak, strike where they must defend, and throw them into disarray. This is indeed the best strategy to deal with the current situation. It's better than simply defending, and it's also safer than rashly seeking a decisive battle with the main force. It seems that His Majesty has a wise advisor by his side."

As he spoke, he gave Lin Zhen a meaningful look.

Lin Zhen lowered his head slightly: "Grandpa is too kind. This is His Majesty's decree. I, along with Prime Minister Du and Minister Zhou of the Ministry of War, were merely filling in the gaps."

He did not claim credit, but the sharpness in his eyes indicated that he was deeply involved in the planning.

"Where's the candidate?" Lin Zhenxian asked the most crucial question.

"Deep into the heart of the northern desert, a thousand-mile raid, fraught with danger. The general leading the troops must be bold yet meticulous, brave and decisive, and absolutely loyal to His Majesty and the Great Qian Dynasty. He must also be familiar with the customs and geography of the northern desert, and even be fluent in the local language. Such a person is hard to find. Zheng Jiao must remain in the central command to oversee the overall situation and should not be moved lightly."

Lin Zhen clearly had a plan in mind. He took out a small list and handed it to his grandfather:

"I have shortlisted a few candidates. First is Zhao Polu, the Lieutenant General of the Valiant Cavalry. His ancestors were from the border army, and he grew up on the frontier. He is fluent in the Hu language, familiar with the geography of the northern deserts, and exceptionally brave. He has also led small detachments out of the border for reconnaissance on several occasions, giving him practical combat experience. Second is Li Gan, the Tiger Guard General. Although young, he is meticulous, skilled in riding and archery, and especially adept at raids. His father, Li Guangli, was a beloved general under my grandfather, and his loyalty is beyond question. The third candidate is Su Dingfang, a young captain in the Imperial Guard. Although his rank is not high, I have observed him for a long time. He is quite resourceful, calm, and has great potential. I plan to secretly summon them tomorrow for a personal assessment before making the final decision."

Lin Zhenxian carefully examined the list, pondered for a moment, and nodded:

“Zhao Polu is indeed the best choice. He is experienced and can lead the main force. Li Gan is brave and can support the flank. Su Dingfang... Since you think highly of him, why not give him a chance to lead a small team for training? It might produce surprising results.”

He put down the list and looked sharply at Lin Zhen.

"But you must remember, even with provisions delivered from afar, soldiers will show signs of hunger. Deep behind enemy lines, supplies will be cut off, and danger lurks everywhere. Besides the talent of the generals, there must be thorough plans for the selection of soldiers, the quality of their equipment, the stamina of their warhorses, especially the arrangement of retreat routes, and even how to deal with capture or defeat! We must never let them become isolated and die!"

"Grandpa, don't worry!" Lin Zhen said solemnly.

"My grandson has ordered the Ordnance Bureau to prioritize equipping the attacking force with the finest composite bows, crossbows, sabers, as well as easily portable incendiary canisters and signal rockets. All warhorses will be selected from the finest steeds of the Hexi Corridor, with ample spares. Each person will carry high-calorie dried meat, cheese, and salt. The route will avoid the main force of the Northern Desert as much as possible, utilizing the advantage of frozen rivers and partially frozen swamps in winter to choose concealed paths. Simultaneously, the most elite 'Night Owl' teams will be dispatched to accompany or provide advance support, responsible for intelligence transmission and, if necessary, guiding the retreat route. As for the retreat route…"

He drew several meandering lines on the map with his finger.

"Once we succeed or encounter danger, we can retreat to the northwest and temporarily take refuge in the border areas of the Western Regions, such as Cheshi, or detour eastward through the Yinshan Mountains to return. I have already secretly ordered the Anxi Protectorate and the Yunzhong County Garrison to prepare for our rescue."

Lin Zhenxian listened carefully to his grandson's plan, his eyes filled with increasing admiration.

His grandson not only inherited the Lin family's bravery but also surpassed them, his meticulousness and thoroughness of planning far exceeding those of his peers. He slowly nodded:

“Well thought out, very good. But a plan is just a plan. The battlefield is ever-changing. We must give frontline generals enough authority to make decisions on the spot. When a general is in the field, he may not obey the emperor’s orders.”

"Grandson understands." Lin Zhen solemnly replied, "His Majesty has also authorized that the frontline generals may act as they see fit based on the actual situation."

The grandfather and grandson then had an in-depth discussion on the timing of grain and fodder allocation, the details of coordination among various military towns, how to prevent possible retaliatory counterattacks from the northern desert, and how to use this military operation to cooperate with Du Ruhui's propaganda offensive in the court and among the public to further expose the true colors of Wuwei and Kong Jiazi.

The flickering candlelight cast the focused shadows of the grandfather and grandson onto the wall, where the map, densely covered with markings, seemed to foreshadow the impending bloodshed.

Before we knew it, it was already midnight.

The old servant came in, added some charcoal to the fire, and then quietly withdrew.

Lin Zhenxian looked tired, but he was still in good spirits.

He picked up the now slightly cooled tea, took a sip, looked at his grandson across from him with bright eyes, and suddenly asked:

"Zhen'er, if this war breaks out, regardless of victory or defeat, the people on the border will inevitably suffer, the national treasury will be greatly depleted, and there will certainly be criticism in the court. Have you... and His Majesty considered how to deal with the possible difficult situation? Especially... if the war goes against us?"

Lin Zhen met his grandfather's gaze without flinching, his eyes resolute as iron:

"Grandfather, Your Majesty and I know this war is crucial to the fate of the nation. But some battles, though known to be difficult, must be fought! If we retreat today, the enemy will take advantage of us tomorrow! Uwei's collusion with the remnants of the Kong family is not about plunder, but about undermining the foundation of the nation! This war is not about showing off our strength, but about survival! To fight for a true peace for our descendants! As for the difficulties..."

He paused, his tone resolute.

"Your Majesty and your grandson have made their choice and are prepared to bear all the consequences! Even if there are countless difficulties and dangers, we will forge ahead! If there are any objections in the court, the law of the land will be used to deal with them! The court will do its utmost to comfort the people on the border after the war! But there is absolutely no turning back in this war!"

Seeing the unwavering determination and sense of responsibility in his grandson's eyes, Lin Zhenxian's last worry vanished, replaced by immense joy and pride.

He put down his teacup and slammed his hand heavily on the table, the sound like a booming bell.

"Good! This is the true descendant of the Lin family! This is the regent prince of the Great Qian Dynasty! Since you two have such determination and strategy, this old man has nothing more to say! Go ahead and do it! If needed, my old face can still help you mobilize some of your former subordinates and border troops!"

"Grandson, thank you, Grandpa!" Lin Zhen stood up and bowed deeply. He knew that his grandfather's promise carried immense weight.

Lin Zhenxian waved his hand: "Alright, it's late, and you've had a long day. Go back to the palace and rest early. His Majesty can't do without you. You can arrange the specifics of the military campaign tomorrow. If you encounter any difficulties, come and tell me immediately."

"Yes, Grandpa, please rest early as well." Lin Zhen bowed again and left the study.

Standing in the courtyard, the biting cold invigorated Lin Zhen.

He looked up at the dark sky, where a few cold stars twinkled.