Chapter 17: Return and Political Maneuvering

⚠️ 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

Xingyin returns to Tianxia on the back of a grateful qilin, which she releases despite its wish to stay. She reflects on the scar left by the God of War’s dagger and the Divine Pearl Lotus still safe within her. Realizing the God of War needs the lotus and that only he might protect Tianxia from Queen Caihong’s fury, she resolves to seek a compromise rather than confront him openly. At court, she hides the god’s sword, lies about having secured the mandate to rule, and learns of severe flooding in the east—likely caused by the queen’s anger. Ministers Guo and Dao try to undermine her authority, but Xingyin rebukes them and shocks the court by announcing a fight‑to‑the‑death competition to choose her imperial consort. The proposal buys her time and unsettles her opponents. Chengyin publicly declares his loyalty, while Xingyin’s newfound assertiveness signals a shift in her leadership style.

Key Events

Xingyin dismounts the qilin near home, thanks it, and sends it away to keep it safe.
She notes the scar from the God of War’s dagger and feels the warmth of the Divine Pearl Lotus still inside her.
She decides to negotiate with the God of War: he needs the lotus, and she needs his help against Queen Caihong.
Xingyin enters the palace, changes clothes, and hides the god’s sword in a locked cupboard.
In the throne room, Chengyin declares loyalty, and the court bows.
She learns of flooding in the east from relentless rain, suspected to be Queen Caihong’s doing.
Xingyin lies that her visit to the Immortal Realm went as planned and that she has the mandate.
Ministers Guo and Dao attempt to seize power; Xingyin sharply rebukes Minister Dao.
To distract from questions about the mandate, she announces a competition for an imperial consort: a fight to the death.
The court is shocked; Xingyin’s unpredictable move strengthens her position.

Character Development

Xingyin emerges as a more cunning and assertive ruler. She uses deception, blunt speech, and a shocking proposal to control the court. Her experiences in the Immortal Realm have hardened her resolve.
Lord Chengyin openly aligns himself with Xingyin, reinforcing his loyalty and cautioning against unrest.
Ministers Guo and Dao continue their power plays but are caught off guard by Xingyin’s ruthlessness.
Aunt Shou appears as a silent watchful presence, reminding Xingyin to maintain balance.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Power and Authority: Xingyin reflects that “clothes, crowns, and ceremony” only create an illusion of power; true authority must be earned.
Deception and Necessity: She lies about the mandate and fabricates the competition rules to buy time, showing that survival sometimes demands falsehoods.
Fragility of Life: The withered flowers and the flooding contrast with the ageless perfection of the Immortal Realm, underscoring that mortality makes every moment precious.
Compromise over Confrontation: Xingyin chooses to negotiate with the God of War rather than fight him, recognizing mutual need.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a turning point in Xingyin’s political growth. She no longer reacts passively to court machinations but actively shapes events through calculated deceit and bold proposals. The consort competition, though a bluff, introduces a potential major plot thread. The chapter also deepens the external threat: Queen Caihong’s anger is now visibly harming Tianxia, and Xingyin’s uneasy alliance with the God of War becomes a central dilemma.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Xingyin decide to seek a compromise with the God of War rather than confront him?
Answer: She recognizes that he alone might protect Tianxia from Queen Caihong’s wrath, and because he needs the Divine Pearl Lotus, both of them have something the other wants. A direct fight would be hopeless, so a negotiation is the only viable path.
How does Xingyin handle the ministers’ attempts to undermine her authority?
Answer: She lies about having the mandate, directly rebukes Minister Dao when he tries to expand his power, and shocks the court by announcing a deadly consort competition. This unpredictability makes the ministers hesitate and forces them to reassess her.
What does the flooding in the east indicate about the broader conflict?
Answer: The flooding is likely caused by Queen Caihong’s anger over Xingyin’s escape from the Immortal Realm. It shows that divine displeasure can directly harm Tianxia, raising the stakes for Xingyin to placate or counter the queen’s power.