Rebirth For You Episode 23 Recap
> Rebirth For You Recap
Dongzhi emphatically declared her intention to break off ties with Qing An and returned the ring he had given her, labeling him an enemy and threatening to expose his true identity if he ever appeared before her again. Qing An was heartbroken but realized his current precarious position would only bring suffering to her, so he decided against pursuing her further at that moment.
His aide, Siqin, advised him to seize the day, prompting Qing An to decide he would clarify everything with Dongzhi before returning to Yongqing, fabricating a reason that he had left something important behind. Meanwhile, Qing An, using the Dark Force token entrusted to him by his late father, assembled the Dark Force. He explained that his father had groomed them to protect Yongqing State.
Though he would have willingly yielded the throne if Qing Tai sought peace and prosperity for the people, Qing Tai's ambitious plans to instigate conflicts among nations would inevitably lead to widespread suffering. Qing An rallied the Dark Force to join him in overthrowing Qing Tai's oppressive rule and restoring peace, to which they pledged their unwavering loyalty.
At the Li Mansion, He Cuihua, determined to marry off Dongzhi, tried to force her to attend Old Lady Liu’s birthday party to meet eligible young men. Dongzhi refused, even suggesting her mother focus on pleasing her father instead. Enraged, He Cuihua accidentally stumbled, then ordered servants to lock all the doors, threatening to keep Dongzhi confined until she agreed. However, Li Changqing secretly released Dongzhi from her room.
He Cuihua, discovering Dongzhi's escape, berated Li Changqing, calling him a disrespectful old bastard for undermining her authority. He Cuihua grew even angrier upon finding that Dongzhi had packed her seasonal clothes, money, and valuables before leaving. She swore to disown Dongzhi and break her legs if she ever returned. Baoning intervened, offering to bring Dongzhi back on the condition that He Cuihua would no longer force her into marriage and would allow her to choose her own partner.
Li Changqing supported Baoning, emphasizing Dongzhi's resolute character and the need for a lasting solution. He Cuihua reluctantly agreed to the deal. To find Dongzhi, Baoning discreetly questioned her maid, Ling'er, who eventually revealed that Dongzhi had mentioned going to a familiar place she hadn’t visited in a while. Baoning suspected Li Qian would know the location, and he confirmed it was likely their distant aunt’s pharmacy house, where they had spent time as children.
Concerned about the increasing unrest and refugees outside, Baoning insisted Li Qian accompany her, and he playfully agreed to the journey. Unbeknownst to them, Qing An had gone to the teahouse where he and Dongzhi first met, hoping to find her. He had just left, thinking she wouldn't come, but then saw her enter the teahouse shortly after he departed. He stealthily followed her. Dongzhi, despite her recent breakup, felt a profound emptiness and yearned for Qing An.
She purchased a folding fan, convinced he would appreciate its size, noting his large hands. Later, as she walked, she inadvertently dropped the fan, which Qing An secretly retrieved, musing that if fate wasn't on their side, there was no point in forcing things. While Dongzhi paused at a roadside tea stall, her purse was stolen by a gambler. Qing An, still secretly trailing her, swiftly intercepted the thief, forcing him to return the money.
He made the thief promise to keep his involvement a secret and to abandon gambling. Dongzhi noticed the thief’s bruised face and correctly inferred Qing An's presence nearby. However, she mistakenly approached and greeted a stranger, causing her embarrassment. She then resolved to seek refuge at her aunt’s house in Sanyuan Town, with Qing An continuing to discreetly follow her carriage to ensure her safety.
On their journey to the aunt’s house, Baoning and Li Qian encountered a multitude of refugees. Baoning, moved by their plight, generously distributed all their remaining money and food. Their act of kindness, however, drew the attention of a desperate group who attempted to rob them. Baoning, discerning their true desperation rather than inherent malice, chose not to fight.
Instead, she offered them her official seal and directed them to the charity house being established in Bingzhou, promising them food, shelter, and work. Overwhelmed with gratitude, the refugees recognized her as Commandery Princess Jia’nan and knelt in thanks. Dongzhi safely reached her aunt’s pharmacy house. Seeing her secure, Qing An quietly departed. Soon after, Li Qian and Baoning arrived, receiving a warm welcome from their aunt. Li Qian and Dongzhi exchanged playful barbs, typical of siblings.
Li Qian then remembered his aunt’s traditional remedies and asked her to prepare a strengthening tonic for Baoning, subtly hinting at their hopes for children. Dongzhi teasingly remarked on Li Qian's "impatience." Baoning then proposed a plan to revitalize the neglected pharmacy house. She suggested inviting the homeless refugees to work the land, providing them with food and lodging.
She further envisioned a long-term plan where, after the disaster, these workers could become co-owners, cultivating and selling medicinal herbs to official trading houses, thereby securing their livelihoods. Dongzhi enthusiastically volunteered to recruit people for this initiative. After a few days at the pharmacy house, Baoning spoke with Dongzhi.
She revealed that He Cuihua had agreed to respect Dongzhi's choices in marriage and suggested that Dongzhi could oversee the newly established charity house in Bingzhou – a project Baoning and a Miss Dong had started, partly to manage expenses. Delighted by this new purpose, Dongzhi agreed to return home. The following morning, they prepared to depart for Bingzhou.
In the capital, Emperor Zhao Yi faced mounting financial pressure from both ongoing disaster relief efforts and the extravagant expenses planned for Empress Han Tongxin’s upcoming birthday celebration. He instructed the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department to find "reasonable and compliant" justifications to curb the Queen's spending. Empress Han Tongxin, frustrated by the lack of preparations for her birthday, confronted officials.
The Ministry of Rites cited lengthy price comparison procedures, attributing delays to numerous new merchants, while the Imperial Household Department claimed they were occupied with the annual inventory. Furious, Empress Han Tongxin sought Zhao Yi’s intervention. Zhao Yi, feigning anger at the officials, declared himself too busy with state affairs and advised her to use her authority as Empress to resolve the matter independently.
Meanwhile, while Baoning was engaged in a game of chess with Li Qian, winning through some playful yet "shameless" tactics, Qingke arrived with alarming news: the Grand Empress Dowager was gravely ill and her condition was uncertain. Baoning immediately made preparations to return to the capital. Li Qian, unfortunately, was tied down by urgent military duties at the camp but promised to join her as soon as possible, assigning Wei Shu to escort her.
Dongzhi also offered to accompany Baoning, but He Cuihua forbade it. Upon her arrival at Shoukang Palace, Baoning discovered that her Grandmother's illness was not as critical as reported; she had merely caught a cold during the seasonal change and was already recovering, as confirmed by the Chief Physician. Zhao Yi, learning of Baoning's unexpected return, rushed to visit the Grand Empress Dowager, feigning deep concern.
The Grand Empress Dowager, aware that the news of her illness had not originated from Shoukang Palace, subtly questioned Zhao Yi about how Baoning had been informed, subtly hinting at her suspicions regarding his motives.
