"This contemptible man failed to recognize your heavenly might, General, and actually dared oppose you. Please forgive me, General!"
Wu Yan knelt on the deck and bowed his head to the ground.
Tang Zi looked at his fellow officer before him, faint recollections stirring in his mind. He sighed deeply. "Why must you do this, General?"
"Please rise."
"I know your abilities, General. If even someone like me can be trusted and entrusted with important duties in Wei, how much more so could you?"
He was just about to step forward and help him up when a fast boat suddenly sped toward them. Several sailors leaped aboard, and Zhang Te hurried over to Tang Zi. Glancing at Wu Yan kneeling before them, he said quietly, "General, the Grand General has sent an order."
"The Grand General said: this man had the courage to lead the vanguard against us in fierce fighting for so long. He surely cannot be someone who clings to life and fears death. His surrender may be a feint, intended to eliminate you, a man versed in naval warfare, for the Wu Kingdom. You must be on your guard..."
Tang Zi's eyes widened. He looked at Wu Yan again.
At that very moment, Wu Yan seemed to realize something too. He lunged forward, knocked Tang Zi over with his head, and reached out with both hands to seize his throat.
The armored guards reacted swiftly. Zhang Te severed his arm with a stroke of his sword, and Wu Yan screamed. Several guards pinned him to the deck and bound him.
Sweat dripped steadily from Wu Yan's forehead. He glared hatefully at Tang Zi, struggling wildly as he shouted, "You treacherous dog! You fickle wretch!"
"My lord treated you well! You submitted to a new lord to save