Lü Bu's smile froze on his face. He slowly turned to look at the man behind him and gave a dry laugh. "Gongtai, wh-when did you get here?"
Chen Gong regarded him coldly, his face expressionless. "His Majesty sent me to ask about the battle. I never expected that, instead of hearing about the battle, I would hear Duke Wen's opinion of me."
"It seems I talk too much and have tried your patience, Duke Wen. I will ask His Majesty to transfer me out of the Bing Province Army shortly."
Lü Bu's toes were practically digging through his boots. At those words, he hurried forward with an ingratiating smile. "I was only talking nonsense just now. Please don't take it to heart, Gongtai."
"In my eyes, your abilities are no less than the military advisor's."
Chen Gong scoffed. "So I am only the military advisor's equal in your eyes, Duke Wen. In reality, I still fall short. I understand what you mean now. You still find my talents lacking."
Lü Bu was dumbfounded and hurried to explain. "No, that isn't what I meant! Don't talk nonsense..."
Chen Gong ignored Lü Bu and asked Zhuge Liang, "Military Advisor, how does the battle stand?"
Zhuge Liang smiled. "Xiangyang City has fallen. The floodwaters will recede in another few hours. We can invite His Majesty to come to Xiangyang City aboard the tower ship and rest for a while."
"Once the floodwaters have receded, I will send troops to search for traces of the Jing Province navy."
Chen Gong nodded. Ignoring Lü Bu, who kept tugging at his sleeve and trying to explain himself, he took a boat back to report.
"Gongtai! Gongtai! Gongtai!"
"Don't go!"
Lü Bu stood atop the city wall, watching helplessly as the boat sailed away, calling out