Contents
Chapter Fifteen: The Supposed Pinnacle of Female Existence
Overview
Zetian and Li Shimin are sent to the Tiger Cage for a coached media rollout under Sima Yi, who becomes their official handler. The army remakes their images to quell fear, exposing Zetian’s resentment at being weaponized as hope. Li Shimin’s severe nearsightedness and a dead past partner are revealed, and his rare outburst heightens tension. Zetian resolves to endure two weeks before seeking a decisive rematch.
Summary
On a shuttle skirting the Tang Mountains toward the Tiger Cage training camp, Zetian reflects on myths of Emperor-General Qin Zheng and the reality of the fragmented Great Wall. Ordered into a media debut to dispel rumors after the Vermilion Bird’s transformation, she and Li Shimin travel under guard, both now in official pilot uniforms.
Sima Yi arrives as their newly appointed coach and handler, orchestrating makeovers to present Zetian as a normal, relatable girl. The process reminds Zetian of being prepared as a concubine, fueling her contempt for the army’s manipulation and the false hope her image will inspire in other girls.
Zetian notices Li Shimin’s transformed appearance—clean-shaven, head-wrap concealing his cropped hair, and thick glasses that reveal he is nearly blind. Sima Yi warns her about Li Shimin’s past misuse of glasses as a weapon, prompting a tense exchange about responsibility and gendered expectations.
When Sima Yi hints that Li Shimin once had a “partner,” Li Shimin sharply interrupts, his booming voice startling the guards. He confirms the girl is dead but refuses details. The moment exposes his suppressed fury and deepens the mystery around his past, intensifying Zetian’s caution.
Despite the staged normalcy and scrutiny, Zetian refuses to embrace the role of tamed symbol. She clings to her goal: survive the next two weeks to secure a rematch in the Vermilion Bird and reclaim power on her own terms.
Who Appears
- Wu ZetianProtagonist; prepped for media debut, resentful of being weaponized as hope; resolves to endure two weeks for a rematch.
- Li ShiminPartner pilot; cleaned up and given thick glasses, revealed nearly blind; halts talk of a past partner’s death with a fierce outburst.
- Sima YiAppointed coach and handler; arranges media debut and grooming; provokes tension by referencing Li Shimin’s past and enforcing roles.