A Dream Within A Dream Episode 5 Recap
> A Dream Within A Dream Recap
Emerging from the water disheveled, Nan Heng seemed lost in thought, unable to understand what had just happened. He instructed Fugui to keep the day's events a secret. Fugui was confused, realizing Nan Heng had actively chosen not to kill Song Yimeng. Nan Heng, equally bewildered, explained that whenever Song Yimeng is in danger, his body acts on its own to save her, and he needed to find a way to break this strange connection quickly.
Fugui worried Song Yimeng might tell Chu Guihong. Nan Heng decided to summon Censor Yao Qian. Song Yimeng returned from the outskirts, lamenting her misfortune since transmigrating. Gate guards, seeing her return with one of Nan Heng's men, concluded she was involved with him. She then encountered Chu Guihong in the capital. He expressed concern, asking if Nan Heng had bullied her. Song Yimeng reflected that Chu Guihong, as a kind second male lead, was naturally popular with the audience.
He gave her a jade piece, saying it would protect her even from Nan Heng. Showing her a scented pouch she had made for him, he asked her to make several more. Nan Rui approached them, inquiring about their engagement given the rumors circulating about Song Yimeng and Nan Heng. Song Yimeng clarified that Nan Heng was the last person she would ever be involved with, calling him a "monster in disguise."
She assured Nan Rui that she would remain faithful as long as Chu Guihong did not abandon her. Chu Guihong was pleased and escorted her home. Back at her residence, Zhixia noticed a wound on Song Yimeng's wrist and was distressed. Song Yimeng considered the story's plot, knowing Nan Heng's ambition for the throne meant he would target Chu Guihong.
She realized that a rule seemed to govern their interactions: no matter the situation, Nan Heng was compelled to save her when she was in danger. This realization made her feel safe from his attempts on her life. Song Yimeng mused on the script's future events, particularly how Chu Guihong's Qianyu Army would be ambushed and decimated after Nan Heng ascended the throne. Zhixia interrupted her thoughts, reminding her about a wellness routine and that the Lantern Festival was approaching.
The mention of the Lantern Festival triggered a memory of an iconic scene involving a hero saving a damsel. Meanwhile, late at night, Nan Heng was sleepless while Fugui slept soundly. Yao Qian arrived, and Nan Heng sternly reminded him to be prepared for the morning court session, emphasizing the need to gather proof of Chu Guihong's wrongdoings and warning him about the consequences of being useless.
At the morning court, Nan Rui proposed restoring Chu Guihong to command the Qianyu Army, citing his past merits. This proposal sparked murmurs and debate among the officials. Nan Heng opposed the idea, arguing it was a matter of personal interest overriding the public good and questioning if the court only listened to the Gao family.
He further asserted that Chu Guihong's reputation was poor after the recent border conflict and requested the Emperor summon Censor Yao Qian to present impeachment memorials against Chu Guihong. Remembering a crucial plot point, Song Yimeng instructed Zhixia to deliver a message to Rong Hua, Chu Guihong's attendant, intending to ensure Yao Qian was intercepted. At court, the Emperor waited impatiently for Yao Qian, who did not arrive. Nan Rui suggested they proceed without further delay.
Seeing no effective opposition, the Emperor reinstated Chu Guihong, appointing him Prefect of the Capital and Commander of the Army, granting him significant authority. Later, Nan Heng received word that Yao Qian had been waylaid, beaten, and abandoned on his way to court. Nan Heng suspected Chu Guihong was responsible but was puzzled as to how he knew Yao Qian's movements. Fugui suggested Song Yimeng might be connected, mentioning her recent contact with Chu Guihong.
Nan Heng went to the Song residence, where he found Chu Guihong speaking with Song Yude. Song Yude discussed investigating Waning River Crescent with Chu Guihong, describing it as a secret organization linked to the Nightwalkers and cautioning about navigating the complexities of court power. Song Yimeng, having anticipated Nan Heng's visit, greeted him with sarcasm. Nan Heng dismissed Fugui and confronted Song Yimeng about her meeting with Chu Guihong.
Taking out a dagger, Song Yimeng revealed the secret she had uncovered: he was fundamentally unable to harm her because his body would protect her, leaving Nan Heng momentarily speechless. Nan Heng attempted to threaten Song Yimeng by claiming he could easily harm her maids. Song Yimeng retorted that he was cold-blooded and pulled aside her outer garment, revealing her "secret weapon": she was strapped with explosives connected to poisoned arrows aimed at herself.
She audaciously demanded he undress and call her "Boss." Faced with the danger, Nan Heng, though resistant, began to undress as a distraction. As he did so, he swiftly pulled her away just as the arrows fired and struck the wall behind them. Still wearing the vest of explosives, Song Yimeng demanded Nan Heng agree to her condition: that she be allowed to marry Chu Guihong. Just then, Chu Guihong arrived outside, recognizing Fugui and realizing Nan Heng was inside.
Nan Heng tried to grab the fire source Song Yimeng held. She tackled him, covering his mouth to prevent him from making a sound that Chu Guihong might hear, even kissing him to keep him quiet. Nan Heng was flustered by the unexpected contact. Getting up, he left through the back, ordering Song Yimeng to provide him with "the method of satin blade" within two days, threatening to harm Chu Guihong if she failed to comply.
Fugui saw Nan Heng exit through the back, noticing lipstick on his face. Frustrated by the encounter, Nan Heng told Fugui that Song Yimeng had become too problematic and decided it was time to involve Waning River Crescent.
