Zetian rejoins Qin Zheng in shared dream training, finding it easier to face him than Yizhi because she never trusted him to begin with. In a candlelit tavern manifestation from his era, Qin Zheng dismisses her distress over the pregnancy scheme, taunting her with sexual innuendo. Zetian retaliates by kissing him then biting his lip, demanding he focus on training rather than flirtation.

Qin Zheng coldly analyzes Yizhi as a privileged boy more in love with the idea of being a savior than with Zetian herself, contrasting him with people like themselves who grew up struggling to survive. He admits he was content to let Yizhi keep the egg-harvesting secret because he wanted to avoid Zetian's anger. She rebukes him for not simply telling her the gods were forcing the issue, since she had already proposed faking a pregnancy.

When Zetian tries to leave, Qin Zheng invokes his historical conquests, arguing that internal division among allies is what doomed his enemies. He warns they must not destroy each other before they destroy the gods. He provocatively suggests flirting with Taiping instead, which Zetian forbids.

Qin Zheng then reveals the critical plan: in seven months, about a month before the baby's due date, when the Heavenly Court passes over Chang'an near dusk, they will strike against the gods. He intends to root out counter-revolutionary forces beforehand to secure the revolution's survival. He confesses his body is failing in this polluted future and he would rather die fighting the gods than waste away from disease, preserving his legend to inspire continued revolution. Moved by his sincerity, Zetian clasps his hand in agreement, while warning she still won't tolerate his perverted behavior.