Lelouch learns that the Chinese Empress Tianzi is being forced into a political marriage to First Prince Odysseus u Britannia. The wedding is orchestrated by the High Eunuchs, who will become nobility in Britannia in exchange for turning over half their land to Second Prince Schneizel el Britannia. As the wedding begins, Li Xingke initiates a coup-d'état to overthrow the Eunuchs, but before he can free the Empress, Lelouch appears and takes her hostage. Elsewhere, V.V. prepares to unleash Jeremiah Gottwald against Lelouch and C.C.

Lelouch successfully escapes with Empress Tianzi and the Black Knights attempt to unite with their Indian allies. Desperate to recover the Empress, the Eunuchs agree to forgive Li Xingke if he rescues her. To that end, he is granted use of the powerful Shenhu. Kallen intercepts him with the Guren Flight-Enabled Version, but its power runs out and she is taken hostage. Lelouch swears to rescue her, despite Diethard Reid's suggestion to retreat. Xingke demonstrates his skill as a strategist, forcing the Black Knights to retreat to a mountainside monument constructed as the tomb for the former Tianzi, hoping the Federation would be hesitant to attack. The Eunuchs turn on Xingke and his troops, having enlisted the aid of the Britannian forces. Meanwhile, another Lelouch is present at the Ashford Academy.