Chapter Thirty-One: Bad Examples for the Children

At the Gao estate, Zetian and Li Shimin review their first studio photographs, crafted to exploit controversy: Zetian styled as a foxlike vixen on a leash, Shimin as her ostensible master. Zetian frames the images as performance and propaganda, not truth, easing Shimin’s discomfort while privately seething at Gao Qiu’s earlier coercion.

Once released, the photos provoke immediate uproar over their outfits, poses, and histories as killers. Simultaneously, awe and curiosity surge, intensifying debates about whether their Hundun victories offset their human kills and whether they can liberate Zhou. Zetian suspects Gao’s team is seeding arguments to dominate attention.

During dinner, they watch Yizhi on a live variety show. After charming the audience, Yizhi pointedly endorses the Vermilion Bird pilots, promising his qi whenever needed, strengthening their public position. Zetian envisions power shifting toward their side.

Zetian messages Gao Qiu to gauge impact. Gao laughs, insisting it isn’t enough to keep headlines. Recognizing the need for a bigger, faster escalation, Zetian searches for an idea that can eclipse the current shock.

Recalling Dugu Qieluo and Yang Jian’s spectacular Match Crowning, Zetian resolves to surpass that national spectacle. She proposes to Shimin that they outdo the legendary debut, signaling a bold plan to seize control of their public image and momentum.