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| Reborn of the Rightful Booting Ceremony Revealed with He Yu and Bao Shangen Leading the Cast (Photo: Weibo) |
iQIYI’s upcoming historical romance drama Reborn of the Rightful (嫡谋) has officially entered production, marking the moment with its booting ceremony and the release of the first lead posters featuring He Yu and Bao Shangen. With filming now underway, the drama is already drawing attention for its rebirth-driven storyline, heavy household politics, and strategic romance.
At first glance, the posters keep things restrained rather than flashy, hinting at a drama that leans more towards character psychology and long-game plotting than surface-level spectacle. It’s a clear signal that this series wants to play smart, not loud.
The story follows Ren Yaoqi, the fifth daughter of the Ren family, once carefree and trusting until her life collapses under family tragedy and ruthless power games.
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After meeting a tragic end alongside her enemy, she awakens five years in the past with memories intact and one goal firmly in place: protect her family and change their fate.
Unlike many rebirth heroines who rely on impulse or emotion, Ren Yaoqi takes a quieter route. She hides her sharpness, waits patiently, and moves only when the timing is right. Her growth is rooted in control, restraint, and learning how power truly operates within both family hierarchies and the wider political world.
Opposite her is Xiao Jingxi, the second young master of the Prince of Yanbei’s household. On the surface, he appears sickly, mild-mannered, and unassuming. In reality, he’s anything but. Calm, calculating, and always observing, he operates as a strategist who rarely shows his hand too early.
What sets their relationship apart is balance. Rather than a one-sided protector dynamic, the drama builds their bond on equality. Their connection starts as cautious cooperation, slowly evolving into trust as they face internal family struggles and broader state affairs together.
What to Expect from Reborn of the Rightful?
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1. Rebirth With Purpose
This is not a revenge-fuelled sprint. The drama leans into patience, foresight, and emotional maturity, making the rebirth element feel earned rather than dramatic for shock value.
2. Heavy Household and Political Games
From Ren family tensions to court-level manoeuvring, the narrative is structured around layered power struggles. Expect conversations that matter, decisions with consequences, and alliances that shift quietly.
3. A Different Side of the Female Lead
For viewers familiar with Bao Shangen’s softer roles, this drama positions her for a more composed, observant, and internally strong character, one who wins by thinking rather than reacting.
4. Slow-Burn Romance Over Grand Gestures
Romance here is built through trust, shared risks, and intellectual understanding. The emotional payoff is designed to arrive gradually, not all at once.
5. A Strong Supporting Ensemble
With multiple families involved, the cast brings depth to every corner of the story, from elders shaping family rules to younger characters challenging inherited roles.
There’s no denying that rebirth and political romance dramas have been having a moment, especially after recent genre successes.
But Reborn of the Rightful seems aware of that landscape and aims to differentiate itself by focusing on calculated storytelling rather than dramatic shortcuts.
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Directed by Zhong Qing, known for balancing character nuance with narrative pacing, expectations are cautiously optimistic that this won’t be another drama that peaks early and fades fast.
Reborn of the Rightful is currently expected to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027, giving the production ample time to polish both its visuals and storytelling.
How & Where to Watch? Reborn of the Rightful will stream on iQIYI once it officially premieres. International viewers can expect the series to be available later with subtitles after its mainland release.
If you enjoy historical dramas where intelligence matters as much as emotion, and where romance grows through mutual respect rather than destiny alone, this one is worth keeping on your radar.
Now over to you — are you excited for another rebirth power drama, or do you think the genre needs a fresh twist to truly shine again?