Ouch. I was really hopeful about this. FL isn't the right actress for the role. There's no chemistry between the…
It was the same in season 1; the princess took up too much space, but it was purely contractual for a female celebrity. As you know, screentime is part of the contract.
In the novel, the princess has a minor role. She survived her r*** and was sent to marry Prince Ce. It failed.
Chu Qiao, after the lake, did not meet Yan Xun again—only once, and that meeting wasn’t even memorable, just a closure between two people who loved each other deeply but ended up as strangers. (Although he never truly recovers from losing her, he has hundreds of concubines who look physically like her but ends up alone in his kingdom.)
But that’s the novel. I am sure the drama will be different. Sadly, everything feels rushed, with no real emotion. No buildup. Everything feels flat.
Maybe with a different FL? My opinion here… she doesn't really fit the character. I don't care she is 18. This is not the issue. She doesn't ooze maturity. Something is off. Acting, physique, lack of something.
I am not impressed with both the ML too to be honest…
And what was the point of the fists flying between the two MLs? It felt like they were in kindergarten. The script is off.
Ouch. I was really hopeful about this. FL isn't the right actress for the role. There's no chemistry between the main leads (and I am not talking romantically). Whether it's the acting or the script, nothing feels particularly exciting. Honestly, so far, nothing seems fitting. Disappointed doesn't even begin to cover it. Oh well…
why show name is "rebirth" if there's no rebirth in story ?
Rebirth is similar to transmigration, like in the original novel... or it could be rebirth because ML supposedly died in the last episode of season 1 (lake). The debate is open.
What the heck is this? Decades of dramas and movies with all kinds of actors portraying generals, hundreds of dramas with inconsistencies, but all of a sudden he's the target because he's too handsome? WHAT THE F***ING PART OF FICTIONAL CHARACTERS THESE IDIOTS DON'T UNDERSTAND?
Plainly ridiculous. It's like comparing apples and oranges. I believe that both actresses couldn't care less about what Sagsengs thinks, and good for them. Loyalty to whom? Are we in kindergarten? Stirring hate and jealousy… some people should renew their medication ASAP.
i know most of the Princess agents fans are disappointed ,which is reasonable .And It's obvious that this version…
Huh? How can we feel disappointed if it hasn't aired yet? 🤔 These are biased people who rate dramas low without watching, expecting actors to always be good or bad. What narrow minds they have! Meh. I'm not interested in chatting with such narrow-minded folks, or should I call them crazy sansengs? They need medications.
I was disappointed after finishing season 1 because it ended abruptly without closure, and I was even more disappointed when Zhao Li Ying announced she wouldn't do a sequel. Then Rebirth was announced. Although not all original actors have aged physically, it’s normal that everyone has moved on.
Right now, I’m not sure if this is a sequel. Forty episodes are quite a lot compared to recent series. Maybe the relaxed rules allowed for this—after all they did reshoot content after a few months? Is it really a sequel or just a complete story told over 40 episodes?
I notice many snippets: scenes of the royal hunt wolves, the Yan clan family heads, Chu Qiao defending the city, moments with Yan Xun (including an intimate scene where he held her), and scenes of her as a servant with Zhuge Yue. These could be flashbacks, but the production might have decided to reshoot or extend season 1. Maybe they filmed the entire story in just 40 episodes. The term 'rebirth' could mean transmigration, which fits the original novel, but it might also refer to Zhuge Yue, who supposedly died in the lake. In the novel, the FL transmigrated into a 7-8-year-old slave, stayed two years with Zhuge Yue as his servant, and was in captivity with Yan Xun for eight years. In the novel, Chu Qiao was younger than Zhuge Yue by six years and Yan Xun by five. So, the actress is the exact age as in the novel.
Of course, we should give it a chance. And it makes sense to compare it. I haven't read all the comments, but yours caught my eye. Giving an opinion after rebirth has aired is one thing; judging it based on only a few previews is strange. Missing the original cast is understandable too. Season 1 was incredible. I hope rebirth will also be memorable.
"Chinese dramas never show realistic kisses, and this one won't be an exception. "Definitely not true.…
It's probably modern dramas, but I rarely watch them; I prefer costumes. It also depends on the actors I like, such as Ren Jialun, Yang Yang, Leo Wu, Zhao Lusi… I have never watched any of them sharing passionate kisses. There are many others whose names I’ve forgotten.
Google: Fans and industry observers point to several factors that contribute to these disappointing scenes: Censorship & "Pure Image": Strict government monitoring of the entertainment industry and actors wanting to maintain an "innocent" image for their fanbase often results in "lousy" or "peck-only" kisses. Contractual Constraints: Some celebrities have clauses in their contracts specifying how intense a kiss can be to avoid upsetting their dedicated "legion of fans". Technical Issues: Directors who cannot properly direct intimate scenes, self-conscious actors, or awkward camera angles can make even a scripted kiss feel unnatural.
So yes, there are exceptions and I noticed them. When the chemistry exists it is wonderful and yes it shows in their kisses. But too many are plain ridiculous.
Sidenote…. Funny that nobody talk about 2nd ML…. He is 6 years older 😜
I'll try to answer these repetitive questions in one post:
1) When will "Rebirth" be aired? 2) Is "Rebirth" a prequel to season 1? 3) Can you watch "Rebirth" without watching season 1? 4) Is the story in the drama different from the novel? 5) Will we see romance in Rebirth? Age gap debate between FL and ML.
1) Answered multiple times... APRIL 8, 2026. Please scroll down before asking a question that's been answered dozen of times. This was confirmed in a trailer on Weibo.
2) According to Baidu, it is a prequel starting from the lake incident. For now, the trailers show many events from season 1. It could be flashbacks or a mix of season 1 and 2 in one new drama. Nobody knows at this point, so this question remains open. Note: the drama was initially named Chu Qiao but was changed to Rebirth. Possibly because 1/ the empress Chu Qiao drama is coming out (not related at all) or already 2/ production wants to separate both dramas. The debate continues.
3) Unknown. "Rebirth" has not aired yet… how can anyone answer this? Suggestion: watch season 1 and you'll find out while watching "Rebirth".
4) Yes. But that's not surprising. Dramas often take inspiration from main events and adjust screen time with the actors they cast. Like season 1, Princess Chun'er received a lot of screen time not in the novel. Same with the 13th prince, the 1st prince, etc. Many scenes, like the competition, the fake mountain, Yue Grandpa, the emperor’s extensive screen time, and others, were invented for the show. It's like comparing oranges and apples—both good but with different flavors.
5) If you're uncomfortable with this, don't watch it. Simple choice! If there are kisses, they'll be the same kind of cold standoffish kisses—clothed mouths pressed together, with no movement, no saliva, and nothing sexual—just actors kissing wooden props. Chinese dramas never show realistic kisses, and this one won't be an exception. Even if the story has romantic elements, 95% focuses on palace intrigues and wars. From my perspective, the age difference matters only if there's nudity or sexual content, which Chinese censorship bans. So, whether she's 17 or 18 and he's ten years older doesn’t really matter. We're far from a father/daughter age gap here… Again, if you don't like it, don't watch it. Plenty of other dramas out there.
Photos: Half of the FL photos are unrelated to the drama… Some don’t differentiate between fan pages and drama pages… 🙄
Finally, thank you to everyone using the SPOIL BUTTON and respecting those who prefer not to be spoiled. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.👍
The play revolves around the conflict on the icy lake, where Chu Qiao (played by Huang Yang Tian Tian) is rescued by Yan Xun (portrayed by Zhang Kangle).
Initially, she was led to believe that Zhuge Yue (Li Yun Rui) had died, and she embarked on a path of revenge. Throughout her journey, she receives help from mysterious individuals in Biantang and begins to suspect that Zhuge Yue might still be alive.
As the war among the four nations unfolds, Chu Qiao faces a critical choice: to bring peace to the world, awaken Yan Xun's conscience, or search for her lost love.
Ultimately, she partners with Zhuge Yue to defend their homeland. The emotional complexities between Chu Qiao and Zhuge Yue are central to the narrative as they gradually acknowledge their feelings while fighting against the chaos around them
What the relationship between Zhuge yue and Chu Qiao can some explain please 🙏
It started as a master-slave relationship. Then he taught her reading and writing and trained her in martial arts, even though she was never his disciple and already knew martial arts movements. (In the novel, she lost her memories and was only 8, making her too young and too fragile to do martial arts.) Later, he fell deeply in love with her, and when she was with Yan Xun, he protected her. He saved her multiple times. She only realized she loved him at the lake. In the end, it is a happy ending.
1
In the novel, the princess has a minor role. She survived her r*** and was sent to marry Prince Ce. It failed.
Chu Qiao, after the lake, did not meet Yan Xun again—only once, and that meeting wasn’t even memorable, just a closure between two people who loved each other deeply but ended up as strangers. (Although he never truly recovers from losing her, he has hundreds of concubines who look physically like her but ends up alone in his kingdom.)
But that’s the novel. I am sure the drama will be different. Sadly, everything feels rushed, with no real emotion. No buildup. Everything feels flat.
Maybe with a different FL? My opinion here… she doesn't really fit the character. I don't care she is 18. This is not the issue. She doesn't ooze maturity. Something is off. Acting, physique, lack of something.
I am not impressed with both the ML too to be honest…
And what was the point of the fists flying between the two MLs? It felt like they were in kindergarten. The script is off.
I was disappointed after finishing season 1 because it ended abruptly without closure, and I was even more disappointed when Zhao Li Ying announced she wouldn't do a sequel. Then Rebirth was announced. Although not all original actors have aged physically, it’s normal that everyone has moved on.
Right now, I’m not sure if this is a sequel. Forty episodes are quite a lot compared to recent series. Maybe the relaxed rules allowed for this—after all they did reshoot content after a few months? Is it really a sequel or just a complete story told over 40 episodes?
I notice many snippets: scenes of the royal hunt wolves, the Yan clan family heads, Chu Qiao defending the city, moments with Yan Xun (including an intimate scene where he held her), and scenes of her as a servant with Zhuge Yue. These could be flashbacks, but the production might have decided to reshoot or extend season 1. Maybe they filmed the entire story in just 40 episodes. The term 'rebirth' could mean transmigration, which fits the original novel, but it might also refer to Zhuge Yue, who supposedly died in the lake. In the novel, the FL transmigrated into a 7-8-year-old slave, stayed two years with Zhuge Yue as his servant, and was in captivity with Yan Xun for eight years. In the novel, Chu Qiao was younger than Zhuge Yue by six years and Yan Xun by five. So, the actress is the exact age as in the novel.
Of course, we should give it a chance. And it makes sense to compare it. I haven't read all the comments, but yours caught my eye. Giving an opinion after rebirth has aired is one thing; judging it based on only a few previews is strange. Missing the original cast is understandable too. Season 1 was incredible. I hope rebirth will also be memorable.
let's agree to disagree that we do not see the same dramas loll
Google:
Fans and industry observers point to several factors that contribute to these disappointing scenes:
Censorship & "Pure Image": Strict government monitoring of the entertainment industry and actors wanting to maintain an "innocent" image for their fanbase often results in "lousy" or "peck-only" kisses.
Contractual Constraints: Some celebrities have clauses in their contracts specifying how intense a kiss can be to avoid upsetting their dedicated "legion of fans".
Technical Issues: Directors who cannot properly direct intimate scenes, self-conscious actors, or awkward camera angles can make even a scripted kiss feel unnatural.
So yes, there are exceptions and I noticed them. When the chemistry exists it is wonderful and yes it shows in their kisses. But too many are plain ridiculous.
Sidenote…. Funny that nobody talk about 2nd ML…. He is 6 years older 😜
1) When will "Rebirth" be aired?
2) Is "Rebirth" a prequel to season 1?
3) Can you watch "Rebirth" without watching season 1?
4) Is the story in the drama different from the novel?
5) Will we see romance in Rebirth? Age gap debate between FL and ML.
1) Answered multiple times... APRIL 8, 2026. Please scroll down before asking a question that's been answered dozen of times. This was confirmed in a trailer on Weibo.
2) According to Baidu, it is a prequel starting from the lake incident. For now, the trailers show many events from season 1. It could be flashbacks or a mix of season 1 and 2 in one new drama. Nobody knows at this point, so this question remains open. Note: the drama was initially named Chu Qiao but was changed to Rebirth. Possibly because 1/ the empress Chu Qiao drama is coming out (not related at all) or already 2/ production wants to separate both dramas. The debate continues.
3) Unknown. "Rebirth" has not aired yet… how can anyone answer this? Suggestion: watch season 1 and you'll find out while watching "Rebirth".
4) Yes. But that's not surprising. Dramas often take inspiration from main events and adjust screen time with the actors they cast. Like season 1, Princess Chun'er received a lot of screen time not in the novel. Same with the 13th prince, the 1st prince, etc. Many scenes, like the competition, the fake mountain, Yue Grandpa, the emperor’s extensive screen time, and others, were invented for the show. It's like comparing oranges and apples—both good but with different flavors.
5) If you're uncomfortable with this, don't watch it. Simple choice! If there are kisses, they'll be the same kind of cold standoffish kisses—clothed mouths pressed together, with no movement, no saliva, and nothing sexual—just actors kissing wooden props. Chinese dramas never show realistic kisses, and this one won't be an exception. Even if the story has romantic elements, 95% focuses on palace intrigues and wars. From my perspective, the age difference matters only if there's nudity or sexual content, which Chinese censorship bans. So, whether she's 17 or 18 and he's ten years older doesn’t really matter. We're far from a father/daughter age gap here… Again, if you don't like it, don't watch it. Plenty of other dramas out there.
Photos: Half of the FL photos are unrelated to the drama… Some don’t differentiate between fan pages and drama pages… 🙄
Finally, thank you to everyone using the SPOIL BUTTON and respecting those who prefer not to be spoiled. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.👍
*****
Synopsis from Baidu
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%86%B0%E6%B9%96%E9%87%8D%E7%94%9F/64151240
The play revolves around the conflict on the icy lake, where Chu Qiao (played by Huang Yang Tian Tian) is rescued by Yan Xun (portrayed by Zhang Kangle).
Initially, she was led to believe that Zhuge Yue (Li Yun Rui) had died, and she embarked on a path of revenge. Throughout her journey, she receives help from mysterious individuals in Biantang and begins to suspect that Zhuge Yue might still be alive.
As the war among the four nations unfolds, Chu Qiao faces a critical choice: to bring peace to the world, awaken Yan Xun's conscience, or search for her lost love.
Ultimately, she partners with Zhuge Yue to defend their homeland. The emotional complexities between Chu Qiao and Zhuge Yue are central to the narrative as they gradually acknowledge their feelings while fighting against the chaos around them