```
...
Liu Bei, leading Chen Xi and the others, returned with full satisfaction, only to come upon an infuriated Cao Cao about to leave.
"Lord Cao, I hope you are well." Liu Bei dismounted and saluted Cao Cao, admiring him for his loyalty and bravery in pursuing Dong Zhuo, given that his own allegiance to the Han Dynasty was still resolute.
"Lord Xuande, alas, to think that I, Cao Mengde, with one heart for the public good, would end up in such a plight," Cao Cao lamented. "Inside the tent, they are now reveling in song and dance, with wine banquets in full swing. Who still remembers the covenant we made before!"
"Lord Cao, better to address me by my style name. You and I should indeed exchange more, as for the scene inside the tent, frankly, if Zichuan hadn't insisted I witness this drama, I would have already been on my way back to Mount Tai Commandery," said Liu Bei with much grace.