Northern hinterland.

Ming army garrison.

In the big tent, Xu Da sat on the couch with a solemn expression.

For several days, the army was unable to break through the defense line built by Bei Yuan in Jinshan, and its morale gradually declined.

Tang He and Fu Youde were also on the side, looking equally gloomy.

"General, we need to think of a way as soon as possible. If this continues, the soldiers may not have much morale left."

Lu Chong stood aside respectfully and said hesitantly.

After listening to Lu Chong's words, Xu Da couldn't help but frown. He didn't want to immediately solve the predicament at hand, but he had tried all the ways he could think of, but to no avail.

"The war has reached its most difficult stage. Not only are there 200,000 soldiers from Naha to resist, we are also facing constant problems on our side."

"When the army arrived here, it was already far away from the border. The supply of food and grass could not be as timely as it was at the beginning. This was a big trouble. Also, along the way, the army was divided into troops to guard the more than 20 captured cities. The strength of the troops was not high at all.

It’s as plentiful as when the war first started.”

"If the fight continues, I'm afraid we will become even more passive."

Fu Youde on the side also frowned and said with a look of helplessness.

"It seems that this Northern Expedition can only end here. Otherwise, if it continues like this, when we are exhausted, once Naha leads 200,000 cavalry to counterattack, we will definitely suffer heavy losses.

Even the territories previously captured may be lost.”

"General Xu, without further ado, it's time to make a decision."

Tang He hesitated for a moment, looked at Xu Da, and said seriously.

After listening to Tang He's words, Xu Da frowned, the muscles at the corners of his mouth twitched involuntarily, and he sighed helplessly.

"It seems that this is the only way."

Xu Da shook his head and said helplessly.

Tang He was right. Once the army was in decline, Naha Chu might lead a counterattack. If he tried to stop him at that time, he would probably be unable to do so.

In this Northern Expedition, the front line was indeed stretched too long, beyond reach, and had reached its limit.

"Pass my order and the army will retreat to the south of the Luqu River and give up the attack on Jinshan."

"Draft a memorial quickly, report it to His Majesty truthfully, and ask for His Majesty's decision."

Xu Da hesitated for a moment and then said slowly.

After listening, the three people present agreed in unison.

...

A few days later.

Capital.

Royal Palace.

The Hall of Nourishing Heart.

Pang Yuhai, the chief eunuch, walked quickly into the hall with a solemn expression.

"Your Majesty, the latest battle report from the North has been sent back."

After Pang Yuhai came closer, he saluted and said respectfully.

"how?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang asked expectantly.

"After the army broke through Yuning City, it marched all the way down, and then went down ten cities. However, when it reached Jinshan, it was intercepted by 200,000 cavalry led by Beiyuan Taiwei Nahachu, and could not move forward any further."

"Because the army's strength has been divided into many to guard the captured city, the strength is no longer what it was before. In addition, the battle line is too long and the food and grass supplies are not timely. After several days of fierce fighting, Naha came out to defend Jinshan, and our army suffered heavy losses."

"General Xu announced that this Northern Expedition may have come to an end. It is better to withdraw our troops and guard the twenty captured cities. We will recharge our batteries before making any plans. I hope Your Majesty will make a decision."

As Pang Yuhai spoke, he respectfully handed the memorial in his hand to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned, reached out to take the memorial, and read it carefully.

Pang Yuhai stood aside with his head lowered, not daring to say a word.

He knew that His Majesty originally expected to be able to capture Bei Yuan in one fell swoop this time and completely eradicate the troubles in the North, but in the end, it backfired.

After Zhu Yuanzhang read the memorial, he sighed deeply and sat there without saying a word, with a solemn expression and a slightly unwilling look on his face.

"In this case, Xu Da is allowed to withdraw his troops, but he must find a way to hold on to the twenty cities he captured. This is the foundation for completely eradicating Beiyuan in the future."

After a long time, Zhu Yuanzhang made up his mind and said slowly.

In fact, this battle has continued to this day, which has greatly exceeded his original expectations. Although Naha blocked Jinshan, no matter from which aspect, this battle can be regarded as the victory of the Ming Dynasty. After all, the Bei Yuan was once again compressed.

territory.

In fact, to be honest, he was not disappointed, just unwilling.

Pang Yuhai hurriedly agreed, quickly retreated, and prepared the order to be sent to the north.

A few days later, Zhu Yuanzhang's decree was sent to Xu Da in the north, so Xu Da ordered the withdrawal of troops, preparing to end the war in the north, and let Fu Youde stay in the north as the leader of twenty cities.

Guard.

...

Luowu City.

This city was the twentieth city captured in the Northern Expedition. To the north of this city was the territory of the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

This Northern Expedition extended the border between the Ming and Yuan Dynasties directly from Peiping to Luowu City.

Hong Bin Building.

In a private room, Hu Fei was sitting on a chair, wiping the Jiu Qian Han in his hands.

At this time, footsteps were heard, and Pei Jie slowly knocked on the door and walked in.

"how?"

Hu Fei raised his eyes and asked casually.

"The young master's prediction is indeed true. Your Majesty's decree has reached the northern border. Xu Da is preparing to withdraw his troops and will leave Fu Youde in the northern border to guard Luowu City."

Pei Jie bowed his hands and replied respectfully, his eyes full of reverence.

"knew."

Hu Fei smiled and said lightly.

He had long expected that if Jinshan could not be captured in a short period of time, Zhu Yuanzhang would definitely order to withdraw his troops and stick to the captured territory.

"Master, what should we do? Your Majesty's decree did not mention the Imperial Guards."

Pei Jie paused and asked slowly.

"Since the army is about to withdraw, it is of no use for us to stay in the north. Naturally, we have to withdraw. After all, our duty is not to capture cities and territories."

"But before that, I have to go to Jinshan."

Hu Fei smiled and said lightly.

"Master?"

When Pei Jie heard this, his face changed drastically and he looked at Hu Fei in surprise.

"It's okay, I'm just going for a sightseeing, nothing will happen."

Hu Fei said with a smile.

"Then my subordinate will bring someone to accompany you."

Pei Jie said hurriedly.

"No need, you take the others and go to Peiping with Xu Da and the others first. After I finish my work, I will come to Peiping to find you."

Hu Fei waved his hand and said.

"Master, it's too dangerous! Otherwise..."

"Okay, I've decided that as long as Xiao An is here, nothing will happen."

Hu Fei glanced at Pei Jie, who still wanted to say something, and said in a deep voice.

Pei Jie frowned and had no choice but to stop trying to dissuade him, but he couldn't help but start to worry about Hu Fei.

...

Outside Luowu City.

Ming army garrison.

Hu Fei rode a red horse and slowly walked into the camp. Looking at the army that was busy reorganizing, he knew that Xu Da was about to leave to return to the Central Plains.

At this moment, Xu Da, who was not far away, also saw Hu Fei's arrival.
To be continued...