A Dream Within A Dream Episode 30 Recap
> A Dream Within A Dream Recap
The defeat at the Pingrong Battle brought sorrow to the entire country. Gao Changyin and his involved followers were accused of grave crimes, their property was confiscated, and they were sentenced to exile in the northern borders, stripped of all official ranks and titles. Nan Heng visited Gao Changyin in prison. Gao Changyin asked about the Noble Consort, expressing regret for bringing his frail sister into the palace for the Gao family's glory, which led to her lifelong hardship.
Nan Heng reassured him that the Noble Consort was fine, guarded by royal physicians, and promised he would use his own methods to protect her and the Gao family. He knelt and asked his uncle to rest assured. As Nan Heng left, he recalled his uncle's past advice not to let emotions become a weakness. Gao Changyin expressed no regrets for his life.
Nan Heng reflected on his uncle's words, thinking that his father's love and Chu Guihong's companionship were fleeting; giving them his heart would give them the power to hurt him. He resolved to become strong on his own and fight for his future, protecting his mother and the Gao family who genuinely cared for him. Following the Emperor's decree, Gao Changyin consumed poisoned wine and died.
The Emperor announced that the 20,000 Qianyu Army soldiers, who died unjustly, were to be honored, granted the highest rank, and buried properly. A lantern ceremony would be held in the capital that day for citizens to mourn and console the spirits of the martyrs, clearing the army's name. Chu Guihong attended the ceremony, thinking of his fallen comrades and father.
Even after the truth of the Pingrong case was revealed, Chu Guihong still confronted Nan Heng, accusing him of being the real culprit and feigning guilt. He demanded that Nan Heng pay the price. Nan Heng stated he would make amends on behalf of the Gao family for what his uncle owed Chu Guihong and the Qianyu Army. Chu Guihong refused to forgive him, declaring they would always be enemies.
Nan Rui released lanterns on the river, wondering if the deceased could receive them. He thought about his past prayers to his mother to surpass Nan Heng and felt grateful that they weren't answered, realizing Nan Heng was better suited for the position of crown prince. Jixiang sighed, and Nan Rui, misunderstanding, promised Jixiang would receive his salary even if he couldn't become chief steward.
Jixiang revealed he wasn't an eunuch and therefore couldn't be chief steward, causing Nan Rui embarrassment. Nan Rui then invited Jixiang to release more lanterns with him. Shangguan He sought out Song Yimeng, complaining about potentially losing his position as Second Master of the Waning River Crescent because the chief might leave. He implied she could help him keep his job by talking to Nan Heng.
Song Yimeng dismissed his worries, stating that the chief (Nan Heng) wouldn't leave because it was part of the story's "plot." She advised him to accept his situation, suggesting being married into the wealthy Song family was a good outcome and that selling his plight wouldn't work with her. Nan Heng returned the command token to the Emperor. The Emperor asked why Nan Heng never explained his role in the late Empress's death years ago.
Nan Heng tried to explain that he had when he was young, but the Emperor hadn't believed him. He instinctively knelt and admitted fault. The Emperor, showing understanding and knowing Nan Heng hated him, told him to hold onto the token for now, revealing that their setup was purely to trap Gao Changyin, which was now accomplished. He promised not to pursue the matter further.
However, Nan Heng stated he had realized that his uncle's great crimes stemmed from greed for power, and his own involvement meant his hands were not clean, making him unqualified to pursue the throne. Angered by Nan Heng's desire to retire, the Emperor threw an imperial edict at him, declaring him the Crown Prince. He mentioned Nan Rui had visited him and admitted his inferiority in governing, advocating for Nan Heng.
The Emperor insisted Nan Heng's path to atonement was not towards him, but towards Great Jing and its people. He ordered Nan Heng to accept the title and leave. Nan Heng bowed and left. The Emperor then asked Nan Heng if he liked Song Yimeng, and Nan Heng affirmed that he did. Returning to his mansion, Nan Rui was waiting.
Nan Rui sincerely apologized for misunderstanding and being hostile towards Nan Heng regarding the Empress's death, even offering his properties as compensation. Nan Heng said he didn't need anything and acknowledged that Nan Rui was justified in blaming him, as his mother had indeed died because of the Gao family.
Nan Rui reiterated that Nan Heng was the most suitable person for Crown Prince, possessing both a pure heart and the intelligence to fight evil and protect the people, which he himself lacked. They reconciled and drank together. Nan Rui asked if he could continue to call him "Seventh Brother" for a while longer before officially switching to a more respectful address, as he felt immediately changing the address was unfair to his cousin (Chu Guihong), and Nan Heng agreed.
Meanwhile, Chu Guihong was seen drinking alone, feeling betrayed by Nan Rui, and ruminating that loyalties easily change. However, he then thought that one must always look forward, and as long as Nan Heng could confess his guilt, the rest didn't matter. Upon hearing that Nan Heng was to become Crown Prince, Shanhu alerted Yan and Huang to prepare a celebratory feast. Shangguan He was excited, believing the Nightwalkers would no longer be mere outsiders from the martial arts world.
Fugui arrived with uniforms, intending to absorb the Nightwalkers into the Xuanjia Army, suggesting they start as cooks. Shangguan He strongly objected, leading to a heated argument with Fugui, with both men insulting each other and asserting their own value to Nan Heng. Song Yiting mentioned Nan Heng's new title and Song Yimeng's impending marriage. Song Yimeng, worried about the "plot" advancing, decided to leave quickly.
Shangguan He reported her plan to Nan Heng and then schemed with Song Yiting to trick Song Yimeng into staying. He staged a scene for Song Yimeng to overhear, telling Song Yiting that the Waning River Crescent was being disbanded and he would no longer be Second Master, making him unable to provide for her. Song Yimeng, overhearing this, believed the Waning River Crescent was in trouble.
Song Yiting, touched by Shangguan He's performance, unexpectedly kissed him, causing him to react with surprise about the "added kiss scene." Song Yiting playfully suggested the act wasn't entirely up to him and that his emotional words required payment. Song Yimeng prepared to go to the Waning River Crescent to investigate.
Yingqiu warned her that the situation seemed suspicious, possibly a trap set by Nan Heng's people to lure her there, having learned from Song Yimeng's frequent mentions of the "script." Song Yimeng acknowledged the possibility but decided to go anyway. At the Waning River Crescent premises, A Long and A Hu, along with other Nightwalkers, put on a performance, crying and begging for help upon Song Yimeng's arrival, claiming Nan Heng was abandoning them. Song Yimeng expressed sympathy for them and declared she would go find Nan Heng to reason with him.
