As autumn arrives, Zetian's spirit sense has grown strong enough that she can detect Shimin's residual signature in Tang Anding throughout Chang'an. She visits places he frequented, including the former fight ring now repurposed as a queer club, The Split Peach. She mourns Yizhi's absence but finds comfort in Wan'er, Taiping, Qieluo, the Iron Widows, and the Alliance during her final months before confronting the gods.

Qin Zheng announces a reformed civil service exam open to anyone who doesn't own property, and Wan'er and Taiping prepare to take it. Zetian takes lessons from Di Renjie instead, planning to have him pardoned. Di Renjie tutors strictly and criticizes the regime's extended punishment policy, arguing it makes more enemies than it eliminates. Zetian acknowledges his point but believes executions cannot be halted while the civil war rages.

Daily public executions occur at the Phoenix Nest stadium, including via the Hammer of Judgment. Reactionaries, led by Zhuge Liang, broadcast denunciations and sabotage supply chains, causing economic chaos and shortages. Public opinion polarizes between counter-revolutionaries and Yellow Sashes demanding harsher purges. The Alliance struggles to address persistent issues like foot-binding, but Zetian trusts the Phoenix Ladies' bonds will outlast her.

The exam results post: Wan'er ranks third in the nation (tànhuā), and Taiping places thirty-fourth. The Alliance erupts in celebration, and crowds parade them through North Gate. Zetian feels the happiest she's been, reaffirming her purpose.

As Zetian prepares to discuss government positions with Qin Zheng, two Gewei Bu agents enter the Alliance building. They arrest Wan'er for failing to report her mother Kudi Suiye's counter-revolutionary rhetoric—linked to a short story titled The Journey of Miss Meng Jiang—and move to seize Auntie Kudi as well.