Chapter 052: Chen Gong's Final Stratagem

Chen Gong’s thoughts were abruptly drawn back by the report of a soldier.

“General Gao Shun has arrived.”

Chen Gong’s eyes brightened. “Quickly, invite him in!”

Before long, a tall and striking general with a grave expression entered in full armor. This was none other than Gao Shun, one of Lü Bu’s most trusted commanders. Known for his strict demeanor, Gao Shun was not fond of drinking nor greedy for wealth, commanding great respect within the army. Not only was he a formidable warrior, but he also led an elite unit known as the “Camp of the Resolute.”

This was a truly unique force—though numbering only around seven hundred, each soldier was a battle-hardened veteran, superbly equipped, and unmatched in their ferocity.

Upon entering, Gao Shun clasped his fist in salute to Chen Gong, then asked, “What does Lord Gongtai require of me?”

Chen Gong gestured for him to sit and handed him a cup of tea.

“Gao Shun, are you aware that the city of Xiapi is on the verge of falling?”

Gao Shun’s gaze was as sharp as steel, his face solemn and unwavering. Not one for words, he hesitated, unsure how to respond to Chen Gong.

It seemed Chen Gong did not expect an answer, for after a brief pause, he continued, “I know you are a man of loyalty and righteousness, seeking to serve a worthy lord. But this is fate, and one must accept it—as I do. Having chosen Lü Bu, we must resign ourselves to this end.”

Gao Shun nodded. “I have never once resented my lord.”

Chen Gong regarded him with a look of genuine admiration. Truly, this was a commander of rare virtue.

“If the situation reaches its most desperate moment, your Camp of the Resolute will be our final hope.”

Gao Shun did not respond with any stirring words, only the most steadfast of promises: “Rest assured, Lord Gongtai—as long as I live, I will protect our lord with my life.”

…

Another day passed.

Outside Xiapi, the Yi and Si rivers finally burst their banks.

A mighty torrent crashed down, its power more overwhelming than a thousand armies. The surging waters, like a primordial beast, rushed hungrily toward Xiapi, the small city seemingly insignificant before its wrath.

The defenders atop the walls were struck with terror at the sight—some covered their heads and cowered, others cast aside their armor and fled in panic. In no time at all, the city was drowned.

The camps, provisions, supplies, and soldiers—all were submerged.

Outside the city, the air was filled with thunderous shouts as Cao Cao’s troops, seizing the moment, launched their assault once the waters had engulfed the city.

This time, Cao Peng led twenty thousand men as the vanguard, attacking through the main gate. Dian Wei, Xu Chu, Xu Huang, and Zhang He each commanded ten thousand men, blocking the east, west, south, and north gates respectively.

In Cao Cao’s grand strategy, this was a true “trap the prey in the urn” operation.

Within the city, from the moment Cao Cao’s attack began, Lü Bu had already donned his armor and mounted his horse. Clutching the Coiled Dragon Halberd, clad in beast-faced chain armor, and astride the fiery Red Hare, he galloped toward the barracks.

He intended to rally his forces, organize the defense, and fight Cao Cao’s army to the bitter end.

A handful of personal guards accompanied him. On the way to the barracks, he encountered Chen Gong and Gao Shun.

Anxiously, Lü Bu cried, “Sir, you’ve arrived just in time—there is no moment to lose! Come with me to the barracks so we can muster the troops and resist Cao Cao!”

But Chen Gong only shook his head with a bitter smile. “Fengxian, we have already lost. Cao Cao’s men have broken the dikes, depriving us of our natural defenses and flooding the entire city. How can we hope to withstand the fury of his tiger-wolves now?”

Hearing this analysis, Lü Bu’s face darkened, but he still shouted, “No! I have the Red Hare, I have the Coiled Dragon Halberd—no one under heaven can defeat me!”

At this point, Chen Gong had no desire to shout at Lü Bu. His tone remained calm. “Yes, you have the halberd, you have the Red Hare—but do the soldiers?”

Lü Bu’s heart grew colder, yet he continued to protest, “I still have my Eight Champions, my Camp of the Resolute, and loyal soldiers at my side!”

“The Eight Champions have already betrayed you. And as for the soldiers within the city, they are all hoping to seize you and deliver you to Cao Cao for a reward.”

He had not meant to raise his voice, but in the end, Chen Gong could not help but shout. In his eyes, Lü Bu’s frenzy was no different from a petulant child.

After his outburst, Lü Bu, too, calmed down. He looked at Chen Gong and asked in a low, choked voice, “Sir, what should I do? Please, guide me…”

The once-mighty God of War, Lü Bu, now spoke with a tremor in his voice.

Chen Gong patted his shoulder and said, “Where there is life, there is hope. Let Gao Shun lead the Camp of the Resolute and escort you out. As long as you escape alive, you may yet rise again.”

Lü Bu glanced at Gao Shun, then at Chen Gong, and asked despondently, “And you, sir?”

Chen Gong smiled faintly. “I will leave by the west gate. If we split up, our chances of survival will be greater.”

Deeply moved, Lü Bu swung onto his horse and clasped his hands in salute. “Sir, in this life, I have wronged you…”

Chen Gong could only force a bitter smile. “The rebels are upon us. General, you must go quickly!”

Without further hesitation, Lü Bu spurred the Red Hare and vanished like the wind, with Gao Shun and the Camp of the Resolute racing after him.