Chapter Twenty-Seven: With a Bang

In a storm-lashed camp, Zetian learns Chairman Kong is the Sages’ leader and is abandoning hopes for a counterattack, instead ordering immediate deployment. An Lushan directs soldiers to bring Zetian and Li Shimin to the Vermilion Bird. When Zetian tries to unfurl her armor’s wings to flee, soldiers shoot her in the back, ending any chance of escape.

Escorted at gunpoint up the Great Wall and into a shuttle for the Zhen’guan watchtower, Zetian writhes in agony while Li Shimin cradles her. Despite depleted qi, Li Shimin warms her through his armor, and they share a vulnerable exchange about fear, hope, and his lost ability to write. His tenderness steadies her as the shuttle speeds through the rain.

In the elevator to the docking platform, Zetian sees resignation in Li Shimin and refuses to accept it. She kisses him and urges him to fight despite the pain, insisting they do not deserve to die like this. The moment rekindles Li Shimin’s resolve, and he carries her out into the storm toward the Vermilion Bird as soldiers line the path with leveled guns.

They strap into the yin-yang seats in the cockpit, only for two soldiers to climb in and take side seats, holding guns to their heads to ensure compliance. Under duress, with Zetian wounded but determined and Li Shimin newly steeled, they are forced into battle on the Vermilion Bird.