The emperor knew that as well.
He had dared to lead the imperial expedition only because he was certain the Ming Dynasty army would win, that Guo Deng would hold Datong, and that the two hundred thousand soldiers he had brought would win glory for him. But now things were different. A venomous snake lay hidden behind them, ready to spring out and bite him at any moment.
So the emperor wanted to return to the Capital City.
The Duke of England did not oppose the emperor's return to the Capital City; that had been his aim all along. But he opposed taking all two hundred thousand men away.
Seated below the emperor, the Duke of England did not discuss how dangerous the Oirat forces infiltrating their rear were. He spoke only of the mobility of a two-hundred-thousand-man army.
In war, more men did not necessarily mean a greater advantage.
Too many men brought the danger of a tail too large to wag. Orders became difficult to relay, and soldiers found it difficult to carry them out precisely. If any link in that chain went wrong, disaster would follow.
Especially since, just as on their journey here, their returning column would be stretched out for miles.
Therefore, leaving part of the army at Datong as reinforcements would not only save Datong, but also rid them of their burden.
The Duke of England did not mention Guo Deng concealing the military intelligence. He merely commented, "Guo Deng is a commander suited to defending a city. He manages well enough in peacetime, but in wartime, he lacks the ability to press forward. Datong's defense line is long, and I fear he will not be able to cope. Since His Majesty has personally led this expedition, the great army must fight the Northern