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RtE II — Main

Chapter 33: The Emperor and the Empress Part 1

The deposed Empress delivers her parting words, and the court splits: ministers demand one thing, Li Zhi demands another. The question of war against Baijie bec…

Survival Rate40%
Choices7
Death Branches7
Favor CheckLi Zhi, Ji Huaizhong

Synopsis

The deposed Empress delivers her parting words, and the court splits: ministers demand one thing, Li Zhi demands another. The question of war against Baijie becomes a test of whether you can think beyond the immediate crisis. Seven bad endings await those who choose the obvious answer.

Choice-by-Choice Walkthrough

Choice 1

The deposed Empress speaks her mind. Her words cut deep. Prerequisite: your choice at Scene 147 (kill or spare Empress Wang) affects this scene.

Your earlier choice with Empress Wang determines the dialogue
Show outcome
NEUTRAL

Differential scene based on Scene 147 outcome

Choice 2

The court demands you choose a side. Ministers or His Majesty?

Agree with the ministers — win their support
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 093 — Prestige +, but you've sided against the emperor

Agree with His Majesty — help him
Show outcome
SAFE

Ambition +, Resolve + — Main path; the emperor's trust is worth more than the ministers'

Choice 3

Why attack Baijie? What justification do you give for war?

Intimidate neighboring states
Show outcome
RISKY

Strategy +, Prestige + — If you recommended Ji Huaizhong at Scene 136, enters Scene 151; otherwise BE 096

Expand the empire's borders
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 094 — Ambition +, but naked expansionism has no allies

Train and harden the army
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 095 — Resilience +, but military escalation without purpose backfires

Choice 4

The war has reached a stalemate. How do you break it?

Lightning-speed decisive strike
Show outcome
SAFE

Resolve + — Main path; speed overcomes stagnation

Mobilize the nation and strengthen supply lines
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 097 — Resilience +, but a war of attrition drains everything

Choice 5

What strategy will deliver quick victory?

Find an unexpected angle of attack
Show outcome
SAFE

Strategy + — Main path; creativity beats brute force

Feign retreat and lure the enemy
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 098 — Strategy +, but the enemy sees through the ruse

Gather elite forces and break through the center
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 099 — Resolve +, but a frontal assault fails against prepared defenses

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Scene 136 prerequisite work?

If you recommended Ji Huaizhong at Scene 136 (earlier in the game), choosing 'Intimidate neighboring states' at Scene 150 leads to Scene 151 (main path). If you didn't recommend him, the same choice triggers BE 096 instead. This is a long-term consequence of an earlier decision.

Which war justification is safest?

'Intimidate neighboring states' is the safest IF you made the right choice at Scene 136. Otherwise, it's a death trap. If you're unsure about your prerequisite status, siding with His Majesty and then choosing 'unexpected angle of attack' is the reliable main path.

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Ch32: The Feast of Power Part 2
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Ch34: The Emperor and the Empress Part 2