At Chang'an's Phoenix Nest stadium, fifty thousand low-income citizens gather to witness a carefully staged spectacle. Zetian watches from a protected passageway, ready to flee if needed, while body doubles of her and Qin Zheng appear in a backlit booth. A prerecorded speech by Qin Zheng plays on jumbo screens, denouncing Zhuge Liang's reactionaries, blaming the old order for recurring economic crises, the bailouts of banks, and everyday systemic violence against the poor. The crowd erupts in fervor, chanting for Qin Zheng to live ten thousand years. Zetian recognizes that this oratorical power is a skill she must learn to advance her own goals for women.

Yizhi steps into the spotlight and publicly renounces his Gao family name. He cuts off his topknot with a dagger, declaring he will take his deceased concubine mother's surname Zhang, and pledges loyalty to the Emperor. He urges other sons of criminals to follow suit, then orders the accused to be brought in.

Three notoriously corrupt Chang'an oligarchs are dragged out in chains alongside three civilian witnesses. Yizhi confronts Cai Jing of Huashi Construction over embezzlement and toxic worksites that sickened workers. He hands Miss Qiu, widow of a poisoned laborer, a baton and invites her to take vengeance. After a hesitant first strike, the soldiers do not intervene; the audience cheers, and she beats Cai Jing bloody.

Yizhi proceeds to his own uncle Gao Lian, governor of Chang'an, accused of selling offices, bribery, and violent evictions—the second witness beats him savagely. The third accused, a food company executive whose tainted formula killed a baby, is brutalized by the grieving young mother. Sima Yi and the Sages watch as a warning to other officials.

The crowd's bloodlust grows ecstatic. Zetian, who would once have cheered, feels uneasy as empress, sensing they have unleashed forces they may not control. Yizhi stands silent and unreadable at the center of the storm.