Fearing being killed for his overwhelming merits, the empress decided to marry him.

This day was destined to be the most glorious moment in Ye Fan's life.

When the Northern Expeditionary Army returned in triumph, it was welcomed everywhere it went, with people lining the streets and showering it with flowers.

Upon arriving at the palace gate, Ye Fan and the other disciples of the Shu Mountain Sword Sect were personally greeted by Zhao Huan, and entered the main hall with gongs and drums all the way.

"Your Majesty, our Great Song army has launched a northern expedition, and wherever we go, we have overcome all obstacles and been unstoppable. In just one month, we have captured twenty-three cities."

Upon hearing of the arrival of the Great Song army, the Jin soldiers fled in terror. In the Battle of Xiangzhou, they annihilated tens of thousands of Jin troops and also repelled the Jin soldiers who came to Xiangzhou's aid.

"It's all thanks to my senior brother... General Ye's skillful planning that we have this magnificent occasion today."

In the main hall, Ye Fan's junior brother, now the deputy general of the National Protection Army, Fang Hanzhou, embellished the story of the Northern Expedition.

When Zhao Huan heard that the Song army had killed tens of thousands of enemy soldiers, his eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but say, "It's said that the Jin army is invincible if they have less than ten thousand, but in my opinion, that's an exaggeration."

Wars are fought by people. When General Ye took action, the Jin people were terrified and dared not fight. They even lost more than thirty cities to our Song army.

This is the first time since the founding of this dynasty that a military general has achieved such a feat. General Ye, you are truly a great gift bestowed upon me by Heaven!

Zhao Huan was overjoyed. Ye Fan's victory in the Northern Expedition would secure his throne, and he would no longer have to be subservient to the faction of the retired emperor.

Instantly, the gloom of the previous failed reform was swept away, and the more he looked at Ye Fan, the more pleasing he became.

So he immediately said, "Good! This battle has demonstrated the might of our Great Song Dynasty's army and restored our dignity."

I know that many people, including you, lack confidence in me and are pessimistic about this Northern Expedition.

But now, the facts are before our eyes: our army has recovered lost territory, marched straight for Xiangzhou Prefecture, and swept through the land as if it were empty.

Does anyone still think that our Great Song Dynasty is inferior to the Jurchens?

"Long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty!"

All the officials immediately bowed to Zhao Huan in greeting.

At this moment, the pro-war faction, including Zhou Xianwu, were all triumphant, standing tall in the hall.

Zhao Huan pressed his advantage: "I hereby announce that General Ye Fan, the Protector of the Nation, shall step forward to receive my decree!"

Ye Fan immediately stood in the center of the hall, knelt on the ground, and shouted loudly, "Your subject obeys the decree!"

Zhao Huan: "General Ye Fan, the protector of the nation, has made outstanding contributions to our Great Song Dynasty. His achievements are as great as the sun and moon, and his prestige shakes the world."

Effective immediately, Ye Fan is officially appointed as the Loyal and Righteous Protector of the Nation General, Grand Commandant of the Palace Guard, Academician of the Privy Council, Right Chancellor, and Marquis of Dingjun!

He was also awarded ten thousand taels of gold, a piece of precious stones, a marquis's mansion, and a golden fish-shaped pouch (one of the Nine Bestowments). He was also granted the privilege of wearing shoes to the palace without bowing!

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Fan was overjoyed and immediately bowed deeply in gratitude.

This time, Ye Fan's radiant appearance could only be described as that of a high-ranking official.

He finally felt that he was one step closer to what he wanted. If he could just persevere for another two years, he would definitely be able to seize power and influence the government.

"Furthermore, the Protector General, Fairy Langyue, is hereby appointed as a Third-Rank Garrison General, awarded five thousand taels of gold and a gold fish pouch, and is permitted to wear shoes to court without bowing."

"As for the other commanders, the Ministry of War will investigate afterwards and reward them according to their military merits."

Ye Fan shouted loudly, "Your Majesty, long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

He was incredibly excited. The higher a disciple of the Shushan Sword Sect held a position in the army, the more it demonstrated the stability of their position in the imperial court.

At this moment of glory, the system voice in his mind sounded again.

"Ding, congratulations host, you are currently in a high position in the Song court and have gained 1000 points of luck."

"Based on the detection, the host's luck value has exceeded 3000 points. A special mission is now being issued."

Help the Song Dynasty recover its strength and stop the Jin army from advancing south. The mission reward is 3000 points of luck. Do you wish to accept the mission?

"Receive".

Ye Fan accepted the challenge without hesitation.

Having already failed once, he absolutely could not allow himself to fail a second time.

Whether it's the Jin Kingdom or the Chu Kingdom, sooner or later they will all be stepping stones to his imperial ambitions...

The celebration banquet started at noon and lasted until late at night.

Emperor Zhao Huan was also completely drunk and had to be carried back to his palace by eunuchs and guards.

As for Ye Fan, perhaps he was in high spirits because of a happy occasion, he spent the whole night playing a two-person skit with Fairy Langyue, and only slowly woke up at dawn.

That night, the entire city of Bianjing was plunged into revelry.

But there was another group of people who were constantly worried: the few remaining loyalists of the Eastern Palace (the palace where the retired emperor lived).

With Ye Fan's brilliant military achievements, their already precarious influence has vanished even further, making their position even more awkward.

Therefore, as soon as the celebration banquet ended, Xue Congli, Lai Ba, and Jiang Yuhan, three former protégés of Prime Minister Cai Yuanchang, came to the Eastern Palace to meet Zhao Ji.

Upon entering the Eastern Palace, Jiang Yuhan was the first to kneel on the ground and weep to Zhao Ji.

"Your Majesty, the Song Dynasty's northern expedition has been successful, and the Emperor has secured his throne. Therefore, Ye Fan will undoubtedly push forward with reforms next."

"If that happens, it will shake the very foundations of the Song Dynasty, and the nation will be in grave danger. We implore the Retired Emperor to intervene and make the decision."

Lai Ba and Xue Congli also knelt down and cried, "Please, Your Majesty, make the decision!"

Seeing the three of them crying, Zhao Ji felt extremely annoyed and couldn't help but roar, "What's the use of crying? The situation has turned out this way because of your incompetence."

"You expect me to make the decision? I ask you, how am I supposed to make the decision for you? Should I go to the Golden Palace and tell Zhao Huan, 'You can't implement reforms; you must maintain the status quo'? How naive!"

After venting his anger, Zhao Ji still seemed unsatisfied and grabbed a jade teacup from the coffee table, intending to smash it on the ground.

But as soon as he raised his hand, he stopped him.

There were only two of these Emerald Cloud Glass Cups in the entire Song Dynasty. One was buried with the late emperor in the palace mausoleum, and only this one remains in the world. He couldn't bear to part with it.

"Ugh!"

He sighed and put down his teacup.

"If Prime Minister Cai and Tong Daofu were still here, I wouldn't be in this situation. As Prime Minister Cai's students, how can you not have any self-awareness?"

I just want a few days of peace, why is it so hard? Sigh…

Jiang Yuhan: "I have disappointed the Emperor Emeritus, but Ye Fan has been highly valued by the Emperor since arriving in the Song Dynasty. He listens to everything the Emperor says, and we are powerless to assist him."

Now that the National Protection Army has captured Xiangzhou, the whole country is jubilant. Ye Fan is already famous throughout the land, and the Emperor will only value him more in the future. We really don't know what to do next, so we've come to ask the Retired Emperor for advice."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji raised his hand and said, "Alright, all of you, get up and stop kneeling."

After the three of them got up and sat down, Zhao Ji continued, "Since that's the case, then you should all follow the Emperor's wishes and not go against him."

The three of them looked puzzled.

Zhao Ji laughed and said, "At this time, the emperor's power is at its peak, and he will not listen to any of your objections."

Only when the time is right will it be your time to shine. Just wait patiently for the right opportunity.