A Dream Within A Dream Episode 14 Recap
> A Dream Within A Dream Recap
Song Yimeng saw a note with symbols on the table and asked Song Yude where he got it. Song Yude claimed it was a rumored formula for weapon forging. Song Yimeng felt awkward and explained it was just a cheesy pickup line. Song Yude mentioned the rumors circulating in the capital about her and Nan Heng and expressed his intention to proceed with her marriage to Chu Guihong earlier than planned.
Song Yimeng complained about the situation, saying she had no feelings for Chu Guihong as they had only known each other for a few days and had no emotional connection. Song Yude believed feelings could be cultivated through shared experiences. He worried about future political instability and wanted to ensure someone could protect her. Song Yimeng pressed him on the sudden urgency of the marriage.
Song Yude feared complications if they waited longer and was concerned she might be used by Nan Heng. He described Nan Heng as someone who grew up struggling in the cold palace, developing a heart of stone and a wolf-like nature, prioritizing self-preservation above all else. He believed Nan Heng viewed affection as mere tools to be cherished when useful and discarded when not, approaching her strategically with hidden motives.
Song Yimeng recalled Nan Heng saying no one truly trusted him, which he attributed to never having been trusted himself. Song Yude declared he would personally visit Chu Guihong's residence to discuss the marriage details, but Song Yimeng protested that she had not agreed. Fugui reported this news to Nan Heng. Nan Heng guessed Song Yude was reluctant to align with him and was using the marriage arrangement as a solution.
He decided to use the upcoming Qingtan Musical Banquet as an opportunity to publicly humiliate Chu Guihong before the capital's elites, hoping it would make Song Yimeng unwilling to marry him. The Qingtan Musical Banquet began. Song Yiting and Jia Ruru also attended. Fugui led the Xuanjia Army, and Shangguan He led the Nightwalkers. Both groups shouted slogans pledging their loyalty to Nan Heng and Li Shiliu, promising to make the banquet a success. Nan Rui entered with Jixiang.
When Chu Guihong called out to him, Nan Rui deliberately ignored him, feeling slighted because Chu Guihong hadn't visited him during his confinement, prioritizing a woman over his brother. Chu Guihong tried to explain, but Nan Rui loudly expressed his dissatisfaction, insisting he was no longer a child. Yingqiu accompanied Song Yimeng to the venue. Song Yimeng planned to speak clearly with Chu Guihong about her lack of interest. Shangguan He reassured Nan Heng that everything was prepared.
Song Yimeng greeted someone, and Nan Heng initially thought she was calling him and started to approach, but Song Yimeng quickly shook her head, indicating she was addressing Shangguan He. Song Yimeng inquired about Li Shiliu and learned he was out on a mission, thinking it was for the best to avoid him seeing her there. Shangguan He intentionally arranged for Song Yimeng to sit next to Nan Heng. Upon sitting down, Song Yimeng confronted Nan Heng.
Nan Heng loudly announced that Song Yimeng had visited his residence before. Hearing this, Jia Ruru nearby pressed for details, but Nan Heng told her not to pry to avoid embarrassing Song Yimeng due to her shyness. Chu Guihong overheard their conversation about meeting privately and was visibly displeased. Everyone was reading the novel "Exceptional Love" and discussing the rumors about Song Yimeng and Nan Heng. Unable to contain himself, Chu Guihong accused Nan Heng of harassing Song Yimeng.
Song Yimeng intervened, pulling the two men apart and stating clearly that she was not interested in either of them. This scandal reached the palace. High Consort Gao saw the novel and wept. Her servant suggested that Song Yimeng should be severely punished. The performances began. Shangguan He announced that the winner would receive a hairpin. Nan Heng brought up the Battle of Pingrong, seemingly to provoke Chu Guihong. Yao Qian spoke in support of Nan Heng.
The opening performance was titled "Pingrong Battle: Guihong Scouts the Camp." Nan Heng was surprised upon hearing this, as he was unaware of the specific act. Fugui then performed a comical portrayal of Chu Guihong scouting in the battlefield, causing laughter among the audience. Song Yimeng accused Nan Heng of deliberately making Chu Guihong lose face, and Nan Heng seemed unable to explain.
Song Yimeng stepped forward and began drumming, intending to help Chu Guihong salvage the situation, but she ended up breaking the drumhead. Not wanting Song Yimeng to be humiliated, Nan Heng flew over and joined her, striking the drum together with rousing beats that encouraged the audience and earned widespread applause. Shangguan He declared them the winners of the round and instructed Nan Heng to present the hairpin to Song Yimeng.
Chu Guihong angrily smashed a cup, believing the prize was awarded prematurely, and announced he would perform a piece with the Qianyu Army himself. After watching Chu Guihong's performance, Nan Heng learned that during the Battle of Pingrong, the Qianyu Army had sent messages requesting support from the Xuanjia Army, but Nan Heng claimed never to have received them. Afterwards, he ordered Fugui to investigate the matter of the request for aid.
Chu Guihong won the first prize with his performance and took the opportunity to propose marriage to Song Yimeng in front of everyone. As Song Yimeng was about to refuse, High Consort Gao suddenly appeared and objected. News of this turn of events quickly spread outside the palace, and "Exceptional Love" released a new chapter updating the plot. High Consort Gao directly presented betrothal gifts for Song Yimeng, effectively proposing a marriage alliance with the Gao family.
Nan Rui publicly insulted the Gao family, which displeased Nan Heng. Song Yimeng was stunned, not having anticipated this twist in the narrative. At this moment, an imperial decree arrived, summoning Nan Heng and Song Yimeng to the palace. Song Yiting worried about Song Yimeng's safety and decided to inform Song Yude immediately. After arriving at the palace, Nan Heng and Song Yimeng were ordered to kneel. Nan Heng offered his clothing for her to use as a cushion. Song Yimeng spoke sarcastically, complaining that she had done nothing wrong yet was being punished by the Emperor. She was then summoned to the Imperial Study.
