Contents
Chapter Twenty-Five: Prey
Overview
After Dugu Qieluo’s assault, Ma Xiuying of the Black Tortoise arrives and offers discreet support, exposing the quiet coping mechanisms among concubine pilots. Shaken, Zetian reframes her public vilification as leverage, deciding to weaponize media profitability through Gao Enterprises to shield herself and Li Shimin from tributing.
Summary
Reeling from Dugu Qieluo’s blow in the showers, Zetian gathers herself as other women hastily leave. Ma Xiuying, yin pilot of the Black Tortoise, approaches with empathy, revealing she and Zhu Yuanzhang transferred due to local Hundun unrest. They talk by Xiuying’s toddlers, and Xiuying offers cover powder, assuming Zetian’s bruises came from Li Shimin.
Zetian rejects the assumption and rails against enduring abuse, while Xiuying explains most concubine pilots protect families by keeping quiet and helping one another. The exchange softens Zetian’s stance; she accepts the offer of support, but reflects bitterly on how women are conditioned to be prey—even by other women.
Back in her suite, sleepless and haunted by Qieluo’s accusations, Zetian studies her battered reflection and recognizes public hatred as potential capital. She reasons that media companies profit from outrage and will shield lucrative figures, citing Sun Wukong’s precedent and Gao Enterprises’ power to influence military decisions.
Concluding that making herself indispensable to Gao Qiu could block tributing and protect Li Shimin, Zetian resolves to monetize her infamy through an exclusive media contract. Energized by this strategy, she leaves to find Yizhi—not for affection, but to activate the plan.
Who Appears
- Wu ZetianProtagonist; reeling from Qieluo’s strike, debates endurance vs. resistance, and decides to weaponize media infamy via Gao Enterprises to protect herself and Li Shimin.
- Ma XiuyingBlack Tortoise yin pilot; approaches Zetian with empathy, offers support and cover powder, highlighting concubine pilots’ quiet survival strategies.
- Dugu QieluoYang Jian’s wife; her earlier assault leaves Zetian bruised and catalyzes Zetian’s reflections on misogyny and public perception.
- Gao YizhiAlly and media scion; tending to Li Shimin. Zetian seeks him to pursue a protective media strategy through his father’s company.
- Li ShiminCo-pilot recovering near death; his vulnerability motivates Zetian’s plan to secure protection from tributing.
- Biao’er and Di’erMa Xiuying’s toddler sons; present during the conversation, underscoring the risks and constraints on pilot mothers.