Rebirth Episode 22 Recap
> Rebirth Recaps
After reaching a peace agreement with Yan Xun, Chu Qiao and the Yan North army went their separate ways. On her journey back, she found Zhuge Yue waiting for her; he had been standing guard, ready to be the first to assist her should any trouble arise. News of the victory at Longyin Pass reached the palace via an express dispatch, sending Li Ce into a state of pure excitement.
He took the opportunity to mock the ministers who had previously advocated for peace, asking if they felt any shame now that Chu Qiao had achieved such an astonishing feat. Proud of her success, Li Ce considered appointing her as either the Left or Right Cavalry General. When informed those posts were already held by Sun Di and Li Qi, he resolved to create an even more impressive and resonant title to honor her for safeguarding the Biantang empire.
However, a conspiracy was unfolding in the shadows. Li Yan, acting as Prince Luo, met with his co-conspirators Xu Su and Pei Jian. Revealed to be the hidden descendant of the late Crown Prince Maocheng, Li Yan had spent years undercover, waiting for the right moment to reclaim what he believed was rightfully his. They had already begun spreading rumors about the Xuri Palace incident and the truth behind Maocheng’s murder to stir unrest in Tangjing.
With Chu Qiao’s elite forces still away, Li Yan decided to strike before Li Ce could further solidify his rule. Unaware of the impending betrayal, Li Ce stood at the highest point in Tangjing, looking north so he could be the first to see Chu Qiao return. Li Yan joined him, maintaining his facade of a mild-mannered scholar.
As Li Ce spoke of bestowing a magnificent title on Chu Qiao to thank her for saving the kingdom—admitting he didn't want to bind her with his own feelings—Li Yan drew a concealed dagger. He told the stunned Emperor that while he hadn't initially wanted to kill him, their destinies left no other choice. Li Yan stabbed Li Ce repeatedly and pushed him off the high city wall.
As snow began to fall over the capital, Li Ce lay dying on the freezing ground, abandoned by guards who had been bribed into silence. In his final moments, he reminisced about his time with Chu Qiao, lamenting that he could no longer protect her or wait for her return.
Li Yan seized the throne and immediately initiated a purge, ordering the execution of the Minister of Revenue, Li Lin, and his entire family to eliminate any remaining opposition to his new regime. Zhuge Yue and Chu Qiao returned to find Tangjing completely changed, with loyalists being slaughtered and the city under new, hostile guards. To counter the usurper, Zhuge Yue acted swiftly, infiltrating the Ministry of War to steal back the tiger tally for the Southeast Guard Army.
Meanwhile, Sun Di had been locked away by his father-in-law, who feared for the family's safety after his son had surrendered the tiger tally to Li Yan. Once Zhuge Yue secured the military authority and coordinated with loyalist commanders, they began the effort to reclaim the palace. Inside the palace, Zhao Chun'er was horrified by the man Li Yan had become. She refused to wear the Empress’s robes or attend ceremonies, realizing she had never truly known him.
Li Yan, having dropped his scholar's persona for one of cold ambition, showed no tenderness toward her. He told her that if she didn't want the title, he wouldn't force it on her, and warned her to stay in the palace to rest while he dealt with the chaos of the transition. Chu Qiao eventually fought her way into the heart of the palace and confronted Li Yan.
Even as she held a sword to his neck, the usurper tried to negotiate, offering her the same support Li Ce had promised. He claimed he could help her rebuild the Xiuli Army and offered her the title of Xiuli Queen or even Empress, arguing that in the royal family, benefits were far more reliable than meager affection. Chu Qiao, however, refused to treat her friend's life as a bargaining chip.
When Li Yan attempted a final treacherous move, Chu Qiao struck him down, ending his life on the throne he had stolen. In the aftermath, Xu Su tried to rally the guards to execute Chu Qiao for regicide, but Zhuge Yue arrived with the army and exposed Xu Su’s own role in the betrayal. With the rebels neutralized and the innocent guards pardoned, the immediate threat to Biantang ended.
Chu Qiao retreated to the Mihe Residence to mourn Li Ce, feeling the weight of the promises she hadn't been able to keep. Zhuge Yue remained by her side, offering comfort and reminding her that the vengeance was complete and that she could finally let the pain of the past go.
