Rebirth Episode 34 Recap
> Rebirth Recaps
Under Yan Xun's attentive care, Chu Qiao’s injuries began to heal. During a ride near the border of Ximeng and Yong, they looked toward Xin City, a strategic stronghold. Yan Xun suggested a plan to set fires along the border to destroy the enemy's supplies and force the Yong troops to withdraw. Chu Qiao immediately rejected the idea, refusing to adopt a strategy that would harm innocent civilians.
Their disagreement was interrupted by General Huan, who arrived with news of a rebellion by the Lanchuan Tribe. Yan Xun was shocked to learn that the Lanchuan Elder had secretly colluded with Yong, trading the counties of Yun and Ji for ten thousand troops. While Yan Xun discussed the crisis with the general, Chu Qiao consumed fruit that had been laced with muscle-softening powder. She quickly lost consciousness and collapsed.
General Huan revealed his intention to hand Chu Qiao over to Yong in exchange for the return of the lost counties, a portion of the black gold mines, and a cessation of hostilities. He argued that the Yong Emperor, Prince Zhao Yang, and Princess Chun'er all wanted her. Though Yan Xun was furious, General Huan held a sword to his throat, reminding him of his duty to the people of Yanbei and the legacy of the former king.
Yan Xun eventually relented, rationalizing that he could use the trade to force a retreat and then find a way to rescue Chu Qiao later. Meanwhile, Zhuge Yue returned to Qingshan Court to handle the funeral arrangements for his grandfather, Zhuge Muqing. Upon entering the study, he discovered that the coffin was empty.
His grandfather appeared, revealing that he had faked his death to lure Yue back to the capital, where the Emperor had already issued a decree for Yue to take command of Qingshan Court. Yue’s first instinct was to return to Chu Qiao, but his grandfather warned him that he could never truly leave.
Yue was shocked to see his grandfather stand up from his wheelchair, as the old man had found a cure for the poison that had previously crippled him. A fierce struggle ensued as Muqing taunted Yue for his soft heart and repeated failures. In a moment of desperation, Yue stabbed his grandfather. As he lay dying, Muqing thanked Yue for killing him, declaring that Yue’s heart would now be forever bound to Qingshan Court in atonement for his "sin."
Overwhelmed with grief, Yue encountered Zhao Che, who had secretly entered the capital. Zhao Che had been falsely accused by Prince Zhao Yang of conspiring with Yanbei, leading to the execution of twenty-five of his officers. He lamented that despite his loyalty, the Emperor’s suspicion and Zhao Yang’s cruelty had left him no choice but to rebel. He asked Yue to join forces with him, as they had both reached a point of no return.
During the journey toward the negotiations, Consort Helian spoke with General Cheng, who had saved her life during the rebellion. She reflected on her past as a tool for her clan's ambition and expressed a desire to find a place where she could live a simple, free life away from the conflicts of the great clans. Despite her plea, General Cheng remained steadfast in his devotion to Yanbei and Yan Xun.
General Huan eventually brought Yan Xun and the captive Chu Qiao to meet Prince Zhao Yang. The Prince was distracted by his obsession with Princess Chun'er and had not even read the negotiation documents. Chun'er intervened, refusing to allow any portion of the black gold mines to be shared with Yanbei. To secure peace, General Huan agreed to forgo the mines if the truce was extended to ten years.
Later that night, Yan Xun killed the guards at Chu Qiao’s door to rescue her, only to find the room empty. General Huan informed him that Chu Qiao had already been handed over to Princess Chun'er. In a dark cell, Chun'er confronted the weakened Chu Qiao, mocking her for being abandoned by Yanbei and taking pleasure in seeing the once-mighty general reduced to a helpless prisoner.
