Rebirth For You Episode 13 Recap
> Rebirth For You Recap
Qingke heard from the servants that Madam He came from a humble family. When Master Li Changqing was in dire straits, he remarried her, but she remained covetous of small gains. Qingke noted that the dowry Commandery Princess Jia'nan brought was a tempting bait, and Madam He would surely want to pocket it.
Jia'nan, however, was not worried, believing her father-in-law, Li Changqing, was a sensible man who would not defame himself for a few dowries, especially in Bingzhou where everyone would know. She asserted that Li Changqing, as the master of the family, would prevent Madam He from doing such a foolish thing. To ensure this, Jia'nan instructed Qingke to gather the antiques and paintings not listed in her dowry, and send them to Li Changqing.
She explained it was a gift from her to her father-in-law, ensuring fairness since Madam He had taken some gifts. When Li Changqing received the list of unlisted items, he realized Jia'nan's cleverness. He then confronted Madam He, addressing her as "He Cuihua" and calling her a "silly wife" for coveting their daughter-in-law's dowry and disgracing the Li family. Madam He argued back, accusing him of spending too much on Jia'nan and worrying about their daughter Dongdong's future dowry.
Li Changqing threatened to divorce her if she didn't return everything immediately, to which Madam He retorted that she might divorce him first. Gao Miaorong observed Li Changqing leaving in a rage and later learned the cause from Madam He's complaints. Madam He lamented that she had only picked a few items from Jia'nan's jewelry box but was severely scolded.
Gao Miaorong subtly fanned the flames, questioning how Li Changqing would have known about the unlisted items without Jia'nan's deliberate action. Madam He realized Jia'nan's shrewdness and vowed to show her who the real hostess of the family was. Gao Miaorong then advised Madam He to calm down, pointing out that Li Changqing, as a man, wouldn't care about trifles, and that Jia'nan had not complained, while Madam He often made a scene.
Madam He agreed to be more careful in dealing with the "cunning girl." Later, a servant announced that Madam He was unwell and would not attend the family dinner in the East Courtyard. Li Qian, understanding the situation, dismissed the servant, instructing the kitchen to prepare a simple meal for him and Jia'nan. He comforted Jia'nan, acknowledging his mother's greedy nature and that Jia'nan was right to remind her, expecting Madam He's anger to subside soon.
Jia'nan, feigning unfamiliarity with Bingzhou, asked Li Qian to buy a gift for his mother on her behalf, to which he playfully agreed. Li Qian then visited Dong’s Trading House, the largest firm in Bingzhou and an Imperial merchant, to purchase a face-washing cream made from natural hydromica. The shopkeeper recognized him and, despite the item usually being reserved for the Imperial Family, offered him two jars.
That evening, Li Qian presented Jia'nan with a box containing all his property: banknotes and title deeds. He jokingly said he now had nothing left, only wanting to make a living and be by her side. Jia'nan appreciated his gesture, affirming that money was external and she would not let it cause conflict with his mother. She emphasized that as husband and wife, they were one, and she would embrace his family with tolerance.
Jia'nan then skillfully repaired a broken keepsake from Li Qian's deceased mother, which he had cherished but couldn't bring himself to throw away. Li Qian was overjoyed by her dexterity, praising her as "nimble-fingered." Meanwhile, Zhao Xiao, heartbroken over Jia'nan's marriage to Li Qian, drowned his sorrows in drink. His father, Marquis Jinghai, confronted him, chastising him for being so distraught over a woman and forgetting his responsibilities as a marquis's son.
Zhao Xiao, however, declared he cared nothing for "great cause," only for the family happiness he never had, blaming his father for his mother's lonely death. Angered by his son's words, Marquis Jinghai called him a "worthless boy." Zhao Xiao then resolved to go to the palace and request Emperor Zhao Yi for a transfer to the Jinxi Border Battalion. Separately, Su Su sought medical attention for stomach discomfort.
The physician diagnosed her with severe coldness, characterized by cold hands, shallow sleep, and an intermittent pulse, indicating a severe condition that would make conception difficult. The physician suggested an ancient medicated bath treatment, warning it would be strenuous and exhausting. Despite this, Su Su agreed, determined to try it. Outside the pharmacy, she saw Cao Xuan happily playing with children, which solidified her resolve, but she decided to conceal her condition from him.
After enduring the painful medicated bath, Su Su was exhausted and had no appetite at dinner, feigning a cold to retreat to her room. Cao Xuan noticed red marks on her arms and the lingering smell of herbs, prompting him to confront her. Su Su confessed her coldness, her difficulty conceiving, and the painful treatment, believing the suffering was worth it if she could have a child for the Cao family, knowing his fondness for children.
Cao Xuan, pained by her sacrifice, assured her that children were not important and he would be content with just her, stating, "in my heart, you’re more important than children." Back in the capital, Empress Han Tongxin, observing a maid being overly familiar with Emperor Zhao Yi, ordered the maid to be clubbed to death for seducing the Emperor. Zhao Yi, though displeased, did not intervene but later questioned if she truly believed he wouldn't dethrone her.
Han Tongxin expressed her desire for his love, not just the power and titles he bestowed upon her. Zhao Yi, in turn, questioned if she truly loved him or the power. Han Tongxin accused him of preferring maids who resembled Jia'nan and pointed out that Jia'nan had chosen Li Qian over him, the "nine-five supreme," further infuriating Zhao Yi, who then banished her from his sight.
Shortly after, Zhao Xiao met with Zhao Yi, formally requesting his transfer to Jinxi to defend against Yongqing State, expressing guilt for his past inaction. He then asserted that Commandery Princess Jia'nan had been "deceived" into marrying Li Qian, and if she could be made sensible, he would bring her back to the capital "at whatever cost." Zhao Yi, still harboring desires for Jia'nan, readily approved Zhao Xiao's request and instructed him to deliver an imperial edict to Li Qian.
Zhao Xiao arrived at the Li mansion to announce the imperial edict, appointing Li Qian as Supervisorate of Community Self-defense, requiring him to report to the Suibian Brigade within three days. Zhao Xiao also mentioned his own transfer there. Li Qian accepted the decree. Li Changqing expressed his anger to Li Qian, believing Zhao Yi was intentionally trying to separate him from Jia'nan, as she was originally intended to be the Empress.
Li Qian, however, declared his intention to forge his own future, rather than relying on his father's influence or his status as the Commandery Princess's husband. He also revealed his plan to use this opportunity to investigate the massacre of the Li Village. Li Changqing, proud of his son's ambition, pledged to safeguard their home front so Li Qian could focus on his career.
That night, Qingke led Li Qian to the courtyard where Jia'nan, dressed in a red gown, gracefully danced under the moon. Li Qian, captivated, praised her as a "fairy." They shared a poignant moment, both reluctant to part. The next morning, Li Qian departed, seen off by Jia'nan and the Li family. Alone in the mansion, Jia'nan soon found herself bored and deeply missed Li Qian. During this time, Jia'nan engrossed herself in studying the 'Divine Ghost Weapon Maps.'
Unexpectedly, Li Qian made a brief return to the mansion, taking advantage of a short break from his military duties. Their reunion, though short (only half an hour), was poignant. Before he left, Li Qian took her sachet as a keepsake. Jia'nan, in turn, added a lock of her hair to it, instructing him to keep it safe.
Qingke complained about the undisciplined and inattentive servants of the Li mansion, suggesting their sloppiness had prompted Madam He to hand over household duties to Jia'nan. Jia'nan, however, advised Qingke to be discreet and not to quarrel with the servants, but to quietly observe and record their mistakes, as they were new to the household.
Unbeknownst to them, Gao Miaorong had been subtly undermining Jia'nan's authority, reassuring Nanny Tian, who felt disrespected by Qingke, with flattery and a monthly payment, solidifying her loyalty. Upon arriving at the Suibian Brigade, Li Qian was met by Jin Xiao, who warned him about Zhao Xiao, his newly appointed superior, who had just taken office. Zhao Xiao immediately declared his hostility, telling Li Qian, "As long as I’m here, you’ll never be successful."
Jin Xiao noted Zhao Xiao's "unfriendly intent." Later, while Jia'nan and Qingke were shopping, they "coincidentally" encountered Zhao Xiao, who invited Jia'nan to walk with him. Jia'nan politely declined, suggesting she and Li Qian could show him around when Li Qian was on leave. Zhao Xiao, regretting missing her wedding, presented her with his personal jade pendant as a wedding gift. Despite Jia'nan's protests, Zhao Xiao insisted, pressing the pendant into her hand before abruptly leaving.
This entire interaction was witnessed by Gao Miaorong and her maid. Back at the military camp, Li Qian diligently trained. Shao Jiang of the Xuanjia Battalion, harboring jealousy towards Li Qian, instigated a fight between the Huben and Xuanjia Battalions, causing a large-scale brawl that displeased Mr. Jin. Li Qian stepped forward, accepting responsibility and offering to take the punishment alongside the other soldiers.
Mr. Jin ordered all involved to receive twenty floggings and three days of confinement, announcing the punishment to the entire army. After the flogging, Shao Jiang, still incensed, threw Li Qian's belongings out of his quarters. He publicly insulted Li Qian's common origins, claiming he was unworthy to associate with the "distinguished clans" of Huben Battalion and belonged instead with the "poor people" of Xuanjia Battalion.
Shao Jiang then picked up Jia'nan's sachet, remarking on its "good smell" and that he had never encountered such a scent on other women. Enraged by the insult and the violation of his wife's personal item, Li Qian attacked Shao Jiang. Zhao Xiao seized this opportunity, declaring Li Qian could no longer remain in Huben Battalion and transferred him to Xuanjia Battalion, the vanguard army.
He warned Li Qian that Xuanjia soldiers lived dangerous lives, fighting against Yongqing State, and he should be prepared to die at any moment. Soon after, Yun Lin, a Xuanjia soldier, challenged Li Qian to a duel. Li Qian accepted, ultimately winning the contest and earning Yun Lin's respect.
