He turned to Chen Heng. "Chen Heng, once I have reported to the Emperor and received his approval, immediately take my order to the Capital Garrison and the Ministry of War. Under the pretext that 'the Grand Protector of the Northern Border has been ordered to oversee the defense of the Northern Border and requires elite reinforcements,' select one thousand veteran soldiers skilled in horsemanship and archery, resistant to the cold, and with experience in northern warfare. They must be volunteers. They must be assembled within three days and accompany me north. Remember, quality over quantity; I need soldiers who can fight!"

"yes!"

"Order Lei Bao and Yan Qing to immediately enter Level II combat readiness across the entire northern border."

"yes!"

"In my name, I hereby issue a document to all the prefectures in the northern border, ordering them to immediately check their treasuries and register all available military supplies, including grain, medicine, and winter clothing, for allocation."

"Furthermore," Lin Feng said, turning to one of his advisors, "you must immediately calculate the detailed quantities of all supplies needed to maintain a high-intensity state of alert for three months, including grain, fodder, salt, medicine, arrow wear and tear, and weapon maintenance, as well as the required silver. I need to provide His Majesty with a concrete figure and plan when I meet him, instead of just asking for money and supplies."

"I will carry it out immediately!" The staff member accepted the order.

"Finally, send my secret order to Lei Bao via express courier," Lin Feng said in a deep voice. "Instruct him to select three hundred of the most elite, loyal, and knowledgeable scouts and cavalrymen in the northern desert to form the 'Falcon Battalion,' which he will personally command. Their mission is singular: like falcons, keep a close watch on the northern desert alliance site and the movements of the remnants of the Crimson Feather Tribe. If necessary, they may carry out small-scale, high-intensity harassment, sabotage, and decapitation missions, but they must remain concealed, strike and retreat immediately, never reveal their identities, and never linger in battle."

Special operations thinking! This is a strategic deterrent force that Lin Feng created by combining his past experience with current realities. Although small in scale, when used properly, its psychological deterrence and tactical value far exceed that of ordinary troops.

The generals and staff were all invigorated. Although they did not fully understand the full meaning of the "Falcon Battalion," they could sense the sharp killing intent and advanced tactical concepts in Lin Feng's tone.

"Alright, let's split up and get on with it. I need to go to the palace in an hour." Lin Feng waved his hand.

Everyone readily agreed and quickly left to attend to their own business.

Lin Feng returned to his study and changed into the court robes of a first-rank Grand Protector.

"Guards, the carriage is ready," Bai Xiaohe whispered from outside the door.

"Walk."

……

The Imperial Palace, Qianyuan Hall.

The emperor had clearly received the urgent military report from the north, and his expression was rather grim. Besides several high-ranking officials, Princess Pingyang was also present in the hall, standing beside the throne. Upon seeing Lin Feng enter, a hint of undisguised worry flashed in her beautiful eyes.

"Your subject Lin Feng greets Your Majesty." Lin Feng bowed.

"Rise, my subject," the emperor said in a deep voice. "You've seen the military report from the northern border?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I have received the urgent report from Cangyun Pass and have taken preliminary action." Lin Feng replied neither servilely nor arrogantly.

"Oh? Tell me about it." The emperor's gaze sharpened slightly.

Lin Feng clearly outlined his arrangements at the Protectorate General's Office: from drawing veterans from the Beijing Garrison and upgrading military preparedness in the northern border, to contingency plans for procuring supplies, and the formation of the "Falcon Battalion" for strategic deterrence. He provided specific details of the implementation and even presented a preliminary list of required supplies and a budget.

Several high-ranking officials in the hall, including Prime Minister Li and the Minister of War, nodded frequently as they listened.

The Emperor's expression softened considerably, and approval appeared in his eyes: "My dear minister, your thinking is thorough and your actions decisive; I am greatly pleased. The safety of the northern border rests on your shoulders. I grant your request; one thousand veteran soldiers from the capital garrison will be allocated immediately. The necessary provisions and weapons will be coordinated and prioritized by the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War. As for the 'Falcon Battalion'..." He pondered for a moment, "This plan is excellent and could yield remarkable results. However, we must be extremely cautious and not give anyone a handle to use against us, thus triggering a war between our two nations."

"I understand. The 'Falcon Battalion' is only for deterrence and reconnaissance; it will not provoke a large-scale conflict unless absolutely necessary," Lin Feng replied.

"Hmm. When do you plan to depart?" the emperor asked.

"The veterans of the Beijing garrison can be assembled within three days. I plan to lead the troops out of the capital early three days from now, traveling light and quickly heading to the northern border," Lin Feng said.

"Very well, the military situation is urgent, my dear minister, go and make preparations. I am in the capital, awaiting your report of victory!" the emperor said encouragingly at the end.

"Your Majesty, I will certainly not fail in your trust!" Lin Feng said resolutely, bowed again, and strode away.

Only after his figure disappeared outside the palace did the emperor sigh softly and say to Princess Pingyang beside him, "This young man is indeed a dragon among men. However... his brilliance is too exposed, and his future will be fraught with difficulties."

Princess Pingyang gazed at the empty palace gates, gently biting her lower lip, her eyes filled with a mixture of worry and reluctance. She whispered, "Father, the northern border is dangerous, he..."

"This is the path he chose, and it is his responsibility." The emperor patted his daughter's hand, his gaze deep and thoughtful. "A fine sword is forged through tempering. Let's see how he is tempered into steel amidst the storms of the northern frontier."

……

Lin Feng had not gone far from the Qian Yuan Hall when he heard a series of light, hurried footsteps behind him.

"General Lin, please wait."

It was Princess Pingyang. She seemed to have walked quickly, her breathing slightly rapid, and her cheeks were flushed with a faint blush. In the afternoon sunlight of autumn, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

"Your Highness." Lin Feng stopped, turned around, and bowed.

Princess Pingyang dismissed her attendants and approached alone. Today, she wore a light purple palace dress, which made her skin appear even whiter than snow. She looked at Lin Feng, her eyes filled with complex emotions—worry, reluctance, and perhaps something else entirely.

"The journey to the Northern Frontier is fraught with peril, high mountains, and long roads. Grand Protector... please take good care of yourself." Her voice was soft, yet trembled slightly. She took a palm-sized, bright yellow brocade pouch from her sleeve and handed it to Lin Feng. "Inside is a 'Heavenly Snow Lotus Pill' that my father bestowed upon me years ago. It is said to be a sacred medicine for healing and saving lives, but I have never used it. The North is bitterly cold, and the war is fraught with danger. Grand Protector, carrying this with you might... come in handy someday."

The brocade pouch still carried the slight warmth and faint fragrance of her palm.

Lin Feng looked at the brocade pouch, then at the princess before him, a woman of noble birth who was now displaying a girlish tenderness, and felt a warmth in his heart. He accepted the pouch with both hands, finding it soft to the touch, and said solemnly, "Thank you for your generous gift, Your Highness. This is a precious item, and Lin Feng will certainly take good care of it. Please take good care of yourself in the capital."

Princess Pingyang nodded, seemingly wanting to say something more, but in the end she only gave him a deep look and whispered, "I'll wait for your... triumphant return." After saying that, she turned and left quickly without lingering.

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