In the critical stage of the Northern Expedition, in order to eliminate future troubles after regaining the Central Plains, the emperor proposed the strategy of "annihilation of the main force of the Mongolian Yuan in the capital and capturing and killing the fake Mongolian Yuan emperor in Dadu". After the discussion of important officials, the expeditionary army formulated a battle plan. The current task of the expeditionary army was to cut off the post roads and prevent the enemy from fleeing.

However, the situation of the war has changed rapidly. No one expected that the Mongolian Yuan would organize tens of thousands of troops to launch a large-scale battle when the Song army approached step by step and lost consecutive battles. Whether the purpose was to open up connections with the grassland or to give up the breakthrough of the majority of people, it is difficult to judge now, but the expeditionary forces must do the worst, which puts them in a dilemma.

"The commander, although most of the capital is in danger at present, the Mongol Yuan has not yet reached the point where the ammunition and food are exhausted. Even if the Mongol Yuan pseudo emperor escaped, he would not go away in a hurry. He would have to take his wife and children, and he would have to accompany him. He would have to have a large number of chariots and horses to carry baggage, so he would have to escort them. So I thought they could only go out of the main road, so we could give up the narrow roads of river valleys where cars and horses were difficult to move around, and concentrate the main force on guarding the mountainous areas on both sides of the main road to guard the dangers. In this way, we would avoid the strongholds being conquered one by one, and also exert the power of artillery!" Li Zhen suggested for a long time.

"Sima, if you give up the strongholds on both wings, the enemy army will drive directly under the Bohai City. The Tucheng is weak and there is a large open area ahead, with no danger to defend. The enemy can launch a strong attack, which is more conducive to the cavalry. If the Tucheng is lost, the enemy can enter the post road, but the valley road is wide and the mountains are low and flat. We have no time to build fortifications. How to block the impact of the enemy army!" After hearing this, an army joined the army immediately expressed opposition.

"Yeah!" Luo Datong nodded without complaining.

However, he also understood that what he said about joining the army was true. To be precise, the southern part of Bohai City was shaped like two irregular circles with gaps. There were hills that stretched dozens of miles outside to form a natural obstacle. They used this to set up defenses, and the road was built between a wider valley. Once the enemy broke through this line of defense, they would break into the open area within the ring.

Bohai City is built on the gap in the north, and the road passes through the city. The valley behind the Tucheng suddenly opens wide, several miles wide, and the mountains on both sides are low and flat, making it difficult to use the terrain of the mountains to block the enemy. After traveling north for more than ten miles, the road is divided into two forks, one can exit the Gubei exit, and the other leads to Liaodong.

According to Li Zhen's intention, he gave up the southern position, retreated to Bohai City, and relied on the mountains on both sides of the Tucheng to prevent the enemy from breaking through. The advantage is that he can concentrate his troops around Tucheng and shorten the defense line. The open terrain is conducive to the enemy's deployment, but under uncovered flat terrain, it is also conducive to the firepower of his own artillery and can greatly damage the enemy.

"Sima, the two brigades ahead are now in a stalemate with the enemy, and it is not easy to retreat. If the enemy pursues the head, the losses will be heavier. If they alternately cover and retreat, some troops may not be able to retreat!" said another army officer.

"If the organization is effective, we can retreat safely!" Li Zhenyan said, "We can organize a counterattack in the evening, repel the approaching places, and then use the darkness of the night to escape from the enemy. At the same time, we arrange doubtful soldiers, so that the enemy misjudged the army and dare not advance without advancement, and then set up ambush layers of cavalry on the way. If the enemy dares to pursue, they will attack them hard, and then quickly get rid of the enemy and withdraw, so that the enemy will not dare to go deeper rashly, and buy time for the withdrawal."

"This matter is feasible, but..." Li Zhen and Luo Datong were both brigade commanders of the imperial guards in the past. The relationship between the two was very harmonious. Of course, they were clearer about his command and combat capabilities. Naturally, they attached great importance to their suggestions, but they also knew the serious consequences of the failure to withdraw, so they couldn't help but hesitate.

"The governor, the news is broken now, and it is difficult for the camp to know our battle situation. Even if you are aware of it, sending reinforcements and marching in an urgent manner will be tomorrow. With the current attack intensity of the Mongols, it is difficult for us to persevere until the reinforcements come!" Li Zhen saw that he was still worried, and he couldn't help but be anxious. If he delayed for a moment, he would have to add another casualty in front. He asked for the battle, "I will go to the front to command and dispatch and organize the retreat. Can the governor still believe it?"

"Okay, take care of yourself!" Looking at Li Zhen's firm eyes, Luo Datong also understood that what he said was true. As the casualties increased, their existing defense line would become more and more loopholes. Once the enemy broke through to the defense line from a certain point, the defense line would collapse. A earthen city behind could not stop Meng Yuan's attack several times that of his own. After weighing the pros and cons, he finally made up his mind.

"The governor should take care of himself, and the Tucheng should strengthen defenses, and lay out two lines of defense at the mountain pass. If necessary, you can still hold on for a while!" Li Zhen thought about it and said.

At present, their troops are very tight. The two brigades ahead have reduced their troops by 30% after several draws, and after a fierce battle of one night and one day, there are also around 20% casualties. In addition, the directly affiliated supplementary regiments and baggage regiments stay at the port, and the guard regiments also have to separate troops to protect the military headquarters. In fact, only the artillery regiments, cavalry regiments and engineering regiments are full, but some forces have also been drawn to reinforce the front line. Li Zhen was also worried that if an accident occurs in the withdrawal, the casualties are too large, and even if it cannot be withdrawn, it will be very difficult to fight based on the forces mentioned in the front.

"Don't worry, the city is here!" Luo Datong said, "You are going here too hard. I believe you can bring everyone back!"

"Well, our imperial guards never left a brother and left a body on the battlefield!" After saluting, Li Zhen turned around and called on several personal guards to leave with great strides.

As night fell, Luo Datong stood on the top of the city and looked anxiously at the south, but the darkness obscured the sight and could not see a man or a horse. He could only hear the sometimes sparse and sometimes dense sound of guns and cannons. After Li Zhen left, he organized troops to re-strength the Tucheng, adjusted the cannon position, and built a defensive position at the valley entrance in the rear, and sent a supporting force.

"President, someone is coming in front!" a lookout report said.

"Go and get it!" Luo Datong ordered in surprise. Someone came over, indicating that the withdrawal had finally begun.

"Yes!" A group of people rushed out of the city and merged into the night.

With the support of the city, the first group of retreated troops quickly entered the city, and Luo Datong also went down to the city to welcome him, but his expression quickly became serious. The first team to enter the city were large trucks carrying the bodies of the dead soldiers and generals. Then there were the seriously injured lying on the stretcher. Although they were unable to speak, they tried to raise their arms and try to salute them. He hurriedly pressed them and told them that they were safe and safe to recover from their wounds.

"Report to the commander-in-chief, the first brigade, the second brigade's minor and serious wounded soldiers and the dead robes have all returned to the team!" The last one to enter the city was the commander-in-chief of the second brigade and the third brigade. He was also wrapped in bandages and the wounds on his face were covered with blood. He saluted loudly when he saw him.

"Okay, how is ahead?" Luo Datong hurriedly replied, supporting the shaking commander and asked.

"Report to the commander, Sima organized several small counterattacks after he arrived at the front line, snatched the brothers and wounded from various positions back, and readjusted the deployment..." The commander took a few breaths before saying again, "Since so many brothers injured, our expeditionary army has never fought such a cowardly battle. I heard that we were going to retreat, but everyone refused to fight again. It was Sima who issued a death order that the wounded retreated!"

"We must avenge this revenge, but withdrawing it is also a fight to re-adjust the deployment and to facilitate the battle!" Luo Datong nodded, and he felt sad and happy in his heart, which shows that despite the heavy casualties, the morale of the army has not dispersed and his morale is still there.

"Sima said the same!" said the commander, "After we retreat, Sima will launch a counterattack and alternately cover and retreat. The large army should arrive later!"

"Okay, let's go back to the rear and recover with peace of mind. We also have to participate in the battle to capture Dadu and capture the enemy chief!" Luo Datong said.

After the bodies of the dead soldiers were sorted out and registered, they were temporarily buried. After rebanding and treatment, the injured immediately took a car to the road under the escort of the doctor and evacuated to the rear hospital where there were better rescue conditions. After the serious injury was stable, the seriously injured would be transferred to a medical ship to Jiangnan to recover from the injury.

After the wounded team passed, Luo Datong breathed a little relieved, but was still watching the city. About half an hour later, the south suddenly lit up, illuminating the entire night sky, and then there was a sound of cannons like rolling thunder. He knew that this was the artillery preparation before launching a counterattack in front, and then the army would look for an opportunity to retreat.

The artillery fire was prepared for a long time. I think Li Zhen wanted to shoot all the shells. This would give the enemy and huge damage; the second was to lighten the equipment and facilitate rapid retreat. He also understood that after the artillery fire preparation, many of the soldiers participating in the counterattack would be difficult to survive and leave their lives in the mountains forever.

It was nearly an hour of anxious waiting. Luo Datong finally saw the first group of retreating troops returning, but he did not ask them to rest, but went directly to the preset position to set up defenses. This was not his cruelty, because the enemy army might soon follow and a more cruel battle broke out.

Batches of troops were withdrawn one after another into the position. After inspection, although the casualties of each unit were large, the organization was still intact and morale was still there. Luo Datong's anxiety remained unabated because Li Zhen still did not come back. When asked about the withdrawn generals, Sima was behind him. But every inquiry was disappointed and he never came back.

The further he got to the back, Luo Datong became more and more worried. He had heard the reception troops and the chasing enemy troops, but Li Zhen was still missing. He and he were orphans in his mind. He was avoiding the pursuit of the Mongols with the fleeing crowd, and also preventing them from being bullied by the traitors in the fleeing.

Everyone had to carry them together to help each other. They had to eat and drink with water. They would rush up when they were bullied. Although they were often beaten to the point of bruised face, they finally survived. Li Zhen was the youngest at that time, as weak as a puppy, but he was the most stubborn. He would always rush forward when fighting. Even if he could beat him with his teeth, he would tear off a piece of his meat.
Chapter completed!