Guoqiang and his army were marching towards Shenzhou. During their march a bird messenger arrived that delivered the news of the incident of Guoqiang's wife. Upon hearing the news he wanted to go back to the capital and deal with his wife's abductors himself, but presenting Sehnzhou with the proof for treason was of importance. Guoqiang had send commander Chen and his army back with the war report and proof of General Wang's treason. Tianxia court will deal with him.
Before they can near the settlements of Shenzhou, Qin general's hawk was send with a message to the city gates guards. In the dark of the night, a bird cut through the sky was approaching the city walls. On protocol arrows were launched, but Qin has excellent flight. He swift through the arrows dodging them and still on the wall balcony. The head of the security saw that the bird had a message tied to its feet. When the head removed the message, the bird took flight again and disappeared in the darkness. The message unfold read : 'Do not be alarmed. Requesting an audience with Emperor Wu. Tomorrow morning I will arrive the east city gate. My army will be stationed 200 li away from the capital. Signed Xu Guoqiang' And the message had his official stamp. The head rushed to the palace.
Royal eunuch Wai of Emperor Wu interrupted emperor's sleep. "Your majesty a message from the capital city gates has arrived." Emperor allowed the eunuch in and the messenger. Emperor after reading the message asked, "Who delivered the message?"
"A very swift hawk. It dodged three arrows." Replied the head of the security of the capital city gates.
The emperor with amusement replied, "As expected of GuoqiAng's bird. Eunuch Wai tomorrow morning go to receive Tianxia general Guoqinag and escort him to the royal court." "Yes your majesty," replied the loyal servant.
"Has, Tianxia army reached?" asked Emperor Wu.
"Replying to his majesty, no they haven't reached the mentioned perimeters yet. The scouts reported that they will only reach the location at the break of dawn." Replied the head of security of the city gates.
"Hmmm alright, take your leave." A concerted eunuch asked emperor, "Your majesty, can the general be trusted?"
"He is the only one you can trust in whole of Tianxia, take your leave as well eunuch Wai." Said emperor Wu. Eunuch backed out with careful steps in order to not disturb the emperor, who wished to continue his rest.
Next morning at the eastern city gates of Shenzhou empire, hoofs of three horses could be heard. Eunuch Wai, on the emperors' order was present at the gat with eight escorts. As mentioned Guoqiang's army was in its location away from the capital, to not have any indiction of war, causing unnecessary unrest among people. The three militants halted outside the city gates. "Greeting to the general of the northern army of Tianxia, General Xu Guoqiang." Greeted eunuch Wai. "I am Eunuch Wai, your escort, this way general," he said as he lead the way.
Before Guoqiang could enter the royal court, in the throne room, he was haled by eunuch Wai. "General your weapons." "Even before I unsheathe my glaive your positioned shooters on the ceiling will thrust an arrow right through my heart." Despite what Gouqiang said he detached his scabbard as well as his hidden pocket knife. His accompanying companions Commander Chu and Commager Yuan both followed pursuit. Eunuch Wai was impressed by this general. He not only noticed the hidden shooters on the high beams of the throne room ceiling, but gave away every weapon on him, completely harmless. Guoqiang did not need a weapon to protect himself, he was skilled in the marital arts. If push comes to shove he can always take the weapon off the palace soldier, it was not a cause of concern to him. He was impersonation of death itself.
He entered the throne room, he looks unkept. His beard outgrown, his faced slightly haggard buy his armour unscathed. Nobody present in the court could believe the general who battled with less men, against ascending odds, had incurred not as much as a scratch on his armour. Truly showcases his skill. "Greeting to the mighty ruler of Shenzhou, Emperor Wu." Greeted the three militants in unison.
"You may rise." Said emperor Wu.
Emperor Wu : "What is your reason to have an audience general Guoqiang?"
Guoqiang : " Emperor I have reason to believe that two people involved in a treacherous coalition, was the cause of the battle at the passes."
Emperor Wu : "With what proof you say that?"
Guoqiang : " I have brought the evidence with me your majesty." The evidence was handed over by Commander Chu to eunuch Wai. He presented the proof to the emperor.
"A member of Tianxia court and a personnel of Shenzhou colluded for this tragedy." Continued Guoqiang.
To confirm the evidence, emperor Wu drenched the paper in a bowl of water and Shenzhou's insignia appeared. Emperor long ago had ordered special paper for his palace, that has an insignia inked on it. Made with special ink that only appears with drenched in water. This was to monitor the flow of secrecy that goes within the palace. The papers present to the emperor had directions for battle, formations and attacks. It clearly illustrated that at the Niangzi pass, Shenzhou will loss, win at Juyong pass, and general will be beheaded at the Zijin pass. Emperor could recognise the penmanship of his son. With an understood look, emperor raised his head to make eye contact with Guoqiang. Rather than defaming the royal family's member in open court he chose to be discreet. Indeed he was once a royal himself.
Emperor Wu : "General I am grateful for your contribution in catching this traitor. He will be dealt with accordingly. However this is not a meritorious deed you have performed, after wiping out my army of 200,000."
Guoqiang : "Replying to his majesty. Only the 80,000 of Shenzhou army suffered, rest are prisoners of war at my camp. Your majesty can send men to retrieve them."
Very well. I am please with your conduct general. Stay here for a week before you depart. We will provide for your soldiers at camp. What do you say general?"
"I am grateful for your benevolence your majesty. But I am afraid we cannot stay for a week. We are required in the court."
"Zhou Gouqiang, what is your rush?" Everyone was shocked when emperor addressed Guoqiang with his princely name. It is no surprise that the emperor was close with Guoqiang. He had visited this court when he was young, with his father, along with other rulers for summit. His reply to the emperor was generic. "I wish to go home, to my wife," said Guoqiang with a serious face. Emperor burst into laughter, "You're married? I see then I won't keep for long. How about this let your men rest for two days. My court will provide for it and after two days you can return home." "Thank you your majesty." Gouqiag accepted the offer as there was a need for his men and the horses to rest.