Chapter 17: The Rest of the Voiceless — Summary & Study Guide
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
The chapter opens with Zetian in a heated argument with Sima Yi following the assembly, with Yizhi catching some of the fallout. Determined to escape the threats of deposition or forced marriage, she decides to recruit a eunuch-pilot from the Tianlao, Huaxia's highest-security prison. She hesitates when she remembers that Shimin was once held there, and decides she must judge the prisoners herself rather than rely on files.
Zetian travels to Chang'an with Qieluo and Wan'er in an understated Gao family carriage. They are joined by Gao Taiping, Yizhi's math-genius sister, who insists on tagging along. Taiping, who now lives paycheck to paycheck after the nationalization of her family's company, immediately clashes with Wan'er over wealth, labor rights, and the nature of the recent protests. Their argument escalates into a tense debate about exploitation, corporate sabotage, and the motivations behind the revolution, which they continue via messages on their tablets.
As they drive deeper into the city, they witness the aftermath of the protests: smashed estates, burned luxury vehicles, and celebratory crowds. They also see long lines of people receiving free government rations of rice, flour, and vegetables. The mood is festive, with dragon dancers, firecrackers, and people cutting their hair in solidarity with Yizhi. Zetian is struck by the number of women out in public on natural feet.
The celebration turns dangerous when a mob attacks a young man on a hovercycle, mistaking him for someone named Wang Zhong. The crowd pelts him with debris, and when his vehicle crashes, they swarm him. The mob then turns its attention to the luxury carriage, surrounding it and demanding the occupants come out. Wan'er quickly strips Taiping of her expensive robe to avoid provoking the crowd.
Zetian sticks her head out the window and, recalling Qin Zheng's ability to rouse a crowd, shouts revolutionary slogans like "Power to the laboring class!" and "Down with the old order!" The mob responds enthusiastically, and she redirects their energy by leading them to escort the young man to the Tianlao. She continues to lead the crowd in chants, feeling a "delicious power" in their unity, even as she acknowledges she is lying to them about the future.
At the Tianlao, Warden Lai Junchen receives the unexpected crowd. Zetian instructs him to investigate the young man's case properly. Inside the prison, she experiences flashes of Shimin's memories, feeling a painful sense of familiarity. In an observation booth, she and her companions review three candidates with high spirit pressure. The first is Di Renjie, a political prisoner convicted of treason and inciting subversion. He deduces the empress's purpose from the clues, correctly identifying that she needs a co-pilot. He agrees to the procedure on the condition that she fight for "the rest of the voiceless," including the prisoners. The other two candidates are a murderer and a producer of heinous pornography. Zetian ultimately decides to take both Di Renjie and Feng Xiaobao, planning to rotate them as co-pilots to spread the risk, a decision that angers Sima Yi.
Key Events
- Zetian argues with Sima Yi and decides to recruit a eunuch-pilot from the Tianlao.
- Gao Taiping joins the expedition, leading to a heated ideological debate with Wan'er about wealth, labor, and exploitation.
- The group witnesses the celebratory and chaotic aftermath of the protests in Chang'an, including free food ration lines.
- A mob attacks a hovercycle rider and then surrounds the empress's carriage.
- Zetian calms the mob by shouting revolutionary slogans and leads them to the Tianlao.
- Warden Lai presents three candidates; Di Renjie deduces the empress's purpose and agrees to the procedure.
- Zetian selects both Di Renjie and Feng Xiaobao as co-pilots, defying Sima Yi's objections.
Character Development
- Zetian: This chapter shows her strategic pivot from military power to political influence. She recognizes the need to win the hearts of the masses to secure her position against Qin Zheng. Her ability to calm and redirect a mob demonstrates a growing understanding of propaganda and crowd psychology, even as she grapples with the dishonesty of her actions.
- Wan'er: She emerges as a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for labor rights, challenging Taiping's privileged perspective. Her composure and sharp arguments reveal a deep ideological commitment that predates the emperor's revolution.
- Gao Taiping: Introduced as a wealthy, somewhat naive figure, she is forced to confront the realities of class conflict. Her discomfort and fear during the mob incident highlight her detachment from the struggles of the common people.
- Di Renjie: A brilliant and perceptive political prisoner, he demonstrates his intelligence by deducing the empress's plan. His demand that Zetian fight for the voiceless establishes him as a moral counterweight to her pragmatic ambitions.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- The Voiceless: Di Renjie's plea for Zetian to fight for "the rest of the voiceless" directly echoes the chapter title, expanding the theme of empowerment beyond just women to include all marginalized and imprisoned people.
- Mob Justice and Class Conflict: The attack on the hovercycle rider and the subsequent rally illustrate the volatile energy of the masses, capable of both violence and unity when directed by a leader.
- Revolutionary Propaganda: Zetian's use of slogans demonstrates the power of language to mobilize people, but also its potential for manipulation. She feels the "delicious power" of leading a crowd while knowing she is lying to them.
- Sacrifice and Mutilation: The procedure required of the eunuch-pilots is framed as a form of sacrifice, highlighting the physical and psychological costs of serving the state.
- Shared Memory: Zetian's flashes of Shimin's memories at the Tianlao illustrate the blurring of identities between pilots, a recurring motif that deepens her connection to him.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter marks a significant shift in Zetian's strategy. She moves from relying solely on her martial prowess to actively cultivating political influence and public support. Her handling of the mob demonstrates her growing ability to wield revolutionary rhetoric, a skill that will be crucial in her ongoing power struggle with Qin Zheng. The introduction of Di Renjie provides a new ally with a strong moral compass, while the debate between Wan'er and Taiping fleshes out the ideological stakes of the revolution. The chapter also deepens the exploration of class conflict and the question of who truly benefits from the new order.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Zetian decide to recruit a eunuch-pilot, and why does she insist on choosing the candidates herself?
Zetian needs a co-pilot to escape the threats of deposition or forced marriage, as she cannot rely on Qin Zheng. She insists on judging the prisoners herself because she cannot trust the Tianlao's files, especially after remembering that Shimin was held there. She wants to assess the candidates' character directly.
2. How does Zetian manage to calm the mob, and what does this reveal about her evolving leadership style?
Zetian calms the mob by shouting revolutionary slogans that resonate with the crowd, such as "Power to the laboring class!" and "Down with the old order!" She then redirects their energy toward a constructive goal, escorting the accused man to the Tianlao. This reveals her growing understanding of propaganda and crowd psychology, as well as her willingness to use manipulation to achieve her goals.
3. What is the significance of Di Renjie's condition for agreeing to become Zetian's co-pilot?
Di Renjie agrees to undergo the procedure only if Zetian promises to fight for "the rest of the voiceless," including the prisoners. This condition expands the scope of her mission beyond just empowering women, challenging her to address systemic injustice and the broken prison system. It introduces a moral imperative that will likely shape her future actions.