Chapter 6

All the officials were dumbfounded!Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

To dispatch troops to attack the Mo Kingdom at such a time?

Although the Mo Kingdom had lost 200,000 troops, they still had 400,000 left, which was more than the total number of troops in their Xia Kingdom!

To use 200,000 troops to go up against an army of 400,000, wasnt that like throwing an egg against a rock?

Moreover, the nation is currently in mourning, in the midst of grief. To provoke them now, isnt that asking for trouble?

If they dont vent their anger on you, then on whom will they?

Is this even a question that a human brain can come up with?

Your Majesty, you must not do this! the officials pleaded in alarm.

Lin Beifan furrowed his brow: Why must I not?

An elderly minister stepped forward: Your Majesty, although the Mo Kingdom has lost 200,000 soldiers, they remain strong and well-equipped. To provoke them would be to attack the strong from a position of weakness, which is very unwise. Please reconsider, Your Majesty!

Lin Beifan said with a smile: Even though the enemy is strong and we are weak, the Mo Kingdoms defenses are currently empty, their gates wide open. It is the perfect time for our army to strike while they are vulnerable! If we do not send out our troops now, then when?

The second senior official stepped forward and said, Your Majesty, the Mo Kingdom has just suffered the loss of 200,000 soldiers and is in a period of national mourning! If we dispatch our troops now, it would be an unjust war, and we would be weakened before the battle even begins! Moreover, they will surely turn their grief and anger into strength, with their morale greatly boosted. The chances of us defeating the Mo Kingdom are slim, so please, Your Majesty, think it over thrice!

Lin Beifan sneered and replied, What unjust war? Those 200,000 men of the Mo Kingdom who lie buried in the Huazhou iron mine have clearly been struck down by divine punishment; even the heavens cannot tolerate them! Thus, we are the righteous army! We go to war as agents of heavenly retribution against the unrighteous. Victory in this battle is certain!

The third senior official stood up and said, Your Majesty, our national power is weak, and rashly going to war, regardless of victory or defeat, will inevitably lead to heavy losses! Once our national power declines, other countries will take advantage of our vulnerability, and we will regret it too late! Please, Your Majesty, think it over thrice!

Lin Beifan spoke loudly, It is precisely because our national power is weak that I want to wage war! Once we conquer the territory of the Mo Kingdom, wont our national power become stronger? How do you not understand such a simple truth?

And yet, you dismissed him without a second thought?

Lin Beifan extended his hand, his face expressionless as he spoke, Uncle Chai, you are no longer the Grand General. Please hand over the military token. Dont make this difficult for me.

Your Majesty, do you truly intend to strip me of my position? The Grand General said, his face filled with shock.

A ruler does not speak in jest. Do you think I am joking? Lin Beifan said with a cold smile.

The Grand General closed his eyes in disappointment, and when he opened them again, his eyes were filled with bloodshot veins and tears. With a slight tremble, he took out the military token and, bowing, said, If my lord wishes for my death, I have no choice but to die! Since Your Majesty wishes to reclaim the military token, I shall comply. However, I must say one more thing: this war should not be taken lightly, or it may lead to the downfall of the nation. Please, Your Majesty, think it over thrice!

Uncle, youre no longer the Grand General, so theres no need for you to worry about this. Go back and enjoy your well-deserved retirement!

Lin Beifan, clutching the military token, looked around at the civil and military officials and said with a smile, This battle must be fought; theres no avoiding it! Whoever among you has the ability and confidence to fight this war for me, step forward and volunteer!

The officials exchanged glances, none daring to step forward lightly.

After all, the chances of winning this battle were slim, and defeat would not only mean a crushing military loss but also a risk to their lives.

They were all seasoned court schemers, not ones to gamble with their lives in jest.

Then, at that moment, a young, corpulent general with a round belly and chubby cheeks stood up from the back, speaking out with some excitement, Your Majesty, your humble servant is willing to lead the troops into battle and expand your Majestys territory!

Its rare to see a brave warrior step forward!

Lin Beifan looked at him with interest. I admire your courage. What is your name?

Your Majesty, humble servantis An Lushan!

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