Chapter Thirty-Six: The Crown

Before dawn on Match Crowning day, Wu Zetian leaves Yizhi and faces her mother’s traditional hair-combing ritual, recognizing her family’s devotion to marriage and resolving to prove women can live for more—justice, change, and power.

At the Golden Lotus hotel fundraiser, Gao Qiu reframes the ceremony as an army benefit. Chief Strategist Zhuge Liang officiates as Li Shimin is introduced first. With Yizhi presenting the crown, Shimin theatrically transforms it using qi and spirit metal into a winged, flaming diadem, thrilling the elite audience. Sima Yi, recalling rescuing Shimin from a prison camp, quietly weeps with pride.

Zetian makes her dramatic entrance in elaborate armor and silk. Shimin removes the top circlet from his own crown and, despite their unconventional bond, places it on Zetian while declaring her his One True Match. Zetian links to the spirit metal, resolves to reform the pilot system so girls are not sacrificed, and ignites her Metal and Fire qi to mirror Shimin’s display.

They take flight hand in hand, accepting adulation while maintaining a cool façade that preserves their star image. Spotting Sui-Tang strategists, including An Lushan, Zetian restrains her fury, realizing Gao Qiu has corralled a sworn enemy into their celebration. She recognizes this as proof that the counterattack is imminent and steels herself for what comes next.