Rebirth Episode 17 Recap
> Rebirth Recaps
Upon learning of Li Ce’s imprisonment, Chu Qiao rushes to the palace to seek an audience with the Empress, hoping to uncover the truth behind the accusations. However, she is intercepted by Zhao Chun'er, who now mockingly identifies herself as Princess Consort Luo. Chun'er reveals that she has been waiting for Chu Qiao to congratulate her on her upcoming role as the Queen of Yanbei. She informs Chu Qiao that Yan Xun has requested a marriage alliance and the Empress has already granted it, noting that the plan to send Chu Qiao away was her own idea.
Chu Qiao confronts Chun'er about her descent into vengeance, pointing out that although Chun'er was born a high-ranking princess, she has chosen to use her beauty and status for destruction. She warns Chun'er that by obsessing over the past and lashing out at everyone—including herself—she is only inviting more misery. Despite the provocation, Chu Qiao leaves the palace, now fully aware of the trap set for her.
Meanwhile, Zhuge Yue follows a familiar messenger pigeon to find the Queen of Lingyue, who has been evading the Empress’s guards for days. She had remained hidden without food or water to wait for him. After informing him that the diplomatic mission was captured and only she and Ba Ze escaped, she faints from exhaustion and old injuries. Seeking a safe haven, Zhuge Yue brings her to the residence Li Ce previously bought for Chu Qiao.
Yan Xun later visits Chu Qiao, dressed in the robes he wore years ago when he was a prince in Zhenhuang City. He attempts to appeal to their shared history, asking Chu Qiao to briefly set aside their current roles and return to the identities they held when they were first trapped together. He takes her to an ancient wishing tree to hang prayer ribbons, a custom from Yanbei’s Huihui Mountain. He pleads with her to forget their pain and return to Yanbei, claiming that losing her felt like losing his entire world.
Chu Qiao remains unmoved, eventually drawing a dagger and placing it against his neck. She calls his supposed affection a mere obsession with conquest and reminds him of the many allies who have died by his hand. However, Yan Xun has anticipated her resistance and uses a power-scattering incense to weaken her. As she loses her strength, he warns her not to test his patience, declaring that she must appear as his Queen in three days; otherwise, he will systematically destroy everyone she cares for.
In the midst of the crisis, He Lian arrives in Biantang after riding for days to reach Yan Xun. She faints at the city gates and is eventually brought to his temporary palace. Fearing she will be cast aside, she pathetically shows her injuries from the journey and begs Yan Xun for mercy, claiming she only wants to stay and serve him and his new Queen. Yan Xun remains cold and indifferent to her presence, merely instructing his subordinate, Cheng Yuan, to find maids to tend to her.
Determined to save Li Ce, Chu Qiao and Zhuge Yue attempt to find evidence to overturn the assassination charges. They head to a mass burial ground to find the assassin’s body, where they encounter General Sun. They discover that the Empress and Zhan Ziyu’s agents have moved faster, having the bodies charred to prevent identification.
Despite the lack of physical evidence, General Sun shares a vital secret. He identifies a tattoo he saw on the assassin which matches a pattern from the Nanxi tribe, a group he was ordered to exterminate by the Empress fifteen years ago. The tribe had been wiped out after General Sun was forced to set fire to their villages, and their sudden reappearance to frame the Crown Prince points directly to the Empress’s orchestration. Recognizing their shared goal of saving Li Ce, General Sun gives Chu Qiao a token, promising to assist her in uncovering the conspiracy.
