A Dream Within A Dream Episode 14 Recap
> A Dream Within A Dream Recap
Song Yimeng saw the formula on the table and asked Song Yude how he got the note. Song Yude said it was the rumored Duan Blade method. Embarrassed, Song Yimeng explained that it was actually a formula for cheesy pick-up lines. Song Yude mentioned rumors about her and Nan Heng and planned to proceed early with her engagement to Chu Guihong. Song Yimeng complained about such a plot twist, saying she had no feelings for Chu Guihong.
Song Yude believed feelings could grow over time and, concerned that future political turmoil might arise, insisted that at least someone should be there to protect her. Song Yimeng pressed him on why he was in such a rush to arrange her marriage. Song Yude worried that the longer they waited, the more unpredictable things could become—especially if she were to be used by Nan Heng. He knew that Nan Heng had grown up in the shadows, becoming cold-hearted.
Song Yimeng recalled Nan Heng saying that no one had ever truly believed in him. Song Yude decided to go to Prince Chu’s residence personally to discuss the engagement, but Song Yimeng protested that she had not agreed to it. Fu Gui reported the matter to Nan Heng, who guessed that Song Yude didn’t want to support him and planned to resolve things through marriage.
Nan Heng intended to use the Qing Talk Music Banquet to publicly embarrass Chu Guihong, making Song Yimeng unwilling to marry him. The Qing Talk Music Banquet began. Song Yiting and Jia Ruru also attended. Fu Gui led the Xuanjia Army, while Shangguan He led the Night Watchers, with both sides shouting slogans about their allegiance to Nan Heng and Li Shiliu, determined to make the event a success. Nan Rui arrived with Jixiang.
When Chu Guihong called him, he deliberately ignored him, thinking about how Chu Guihong had neglected him during his confinement, choosing romance over brotherhood. Although Chu Guihong tried to explain, Nan Rui shouted in frustration, insisting he was no longer a child. Yingqiu accompanied Song Yimeng to the venue. Song Yimeng intended to speak plainly with Chu Guihong and clarify that she didn’t like him. Shangguan He reassured Nan Heng that everything was set.
When Song Yimeng greeted him, Nan Heng mistakenly thought she was calling him and stepped forward, only for Song Yimeng to shake her head and say she was looking for Shangguan He. She asked about Li Shiliu and, upon learning he was away on errands, felt relieved that he wouldn’t witness the scene. Shangguan He intentionally arranged for Song Yimeng to sit next to Nan Heng. As soon as she sat down, she began mocking him.
Nan Heng loudly declared that Song Yimeng had visited his residence. Jia Ruru, overhearing this, questioned him about it. Nan Heng told her not to pry so Song Yimeng wouldn’t feel embarrassed. Chu Guihong was clearly displeased to learn they had met in private. Everyone was reading Love Tragedy of the Capital and gossiping about the scandal between Song Yimeng and Nan Heng. Chu Guihong couldn’t hold back and accused Nan Heng of harassing Song Yimeng.
Song Yimeng stopped both of them and said she had no interest in either. The scandal reached the palace, where Royal Consort Gao Changrong wept as she read it. Her attendant suggested Song Yimeng should be punished. During the performances, Shangguan He announced that the winner would receive a hairpin. Nan Heng mocked Chu Guihong over the disgrace of the Battle of Pingrong, and Yao Qian stepped in to speak on Nan Heng’s behalf.
The first performance was about Chu Guihong’s camp visit during the Pingrong battle, which shocked Nan Heng, who knew nothing about it. Fu Gui portrayed Chu Guihong’s battlefield scenes dramatically, stirring the crowd. Song Yimeng accused Nan Heng of purposely humiliating Chu Guihong, and Nan Heng couldn’t explain himself. To salvage the situation, Song Yimeng stepped forward and beat the drum to restart the performance, but accidentally broke it.
Not wanting her to be embarrassed, Nan Heng flew to her side and beat the war drum together with her, rallying the crowd into applause. Shangguan He declared them the winners and instructed Nan Heng to place the hairpin on Song Yimeng. Chu Guihong smashed his cup in frustration, claiming the victory prize had come too early and that he would personally lead the Qianyu Army in a performance.
After watching Chu Guihong’s act, Nan Heng realized that during the Battle of Pingrong, the Qianyu Army had sent a message asking the Xuanjia Army for reinforcements, but he had never received it. He later instructed Fu Gui to investigate the matter. Chu Guihong, having won the prize, took the opportunity to propose to Song Yimeng. Just as Song Yimeng was about to refuse, Royal Consort Gao Changrong suddenly appeared and objected.
The news quickly spread outside the palace, and Love Tragedy of the Capital updated its plot. Gao Changrong directly sent betrothal gifts to Song Yimeng, and Nan Rui publicly insulted the Gao family, angering Nan Heng. Song Yimeng was completely baffled—she hadn’t expected the plot to twist like this. At that moment, an imperial decree arrived summoning Nan Heng and Song Yimeng. Song Yiting, worried for her safety, rushed to inform Song Yude.
Upon entering the palace, both were punished by being ordered to kneel. Nan Heng gave Song Yimeng his cloak as padding. Song Yimeng, sarcastic and resentful, complained that she had done nothing yet was still being punished by the Emperor.
