A Dream Within A Dream Episode 7 Recap
> A Dream Within A Dream Recap
On the road, Song Yimeng expressed understanding for Li Shiliu, believing he had hidden difficulties, and vehemently criticized Nan Heng as tyrannical and oppressive towards women and children. Li Shiliu grew angry upon hearing this but restrained his emotions, sarcastically praising Song Yimeng for her exceptional insight. Song Yimeng insisted she knew Nan Heng best and suggested they join forces to oppose him. Li Shiliu couldn't bear to listen further and quickly departed, leaping across rooftops.
Upon returning to Waning River Crescent's Hall, Nan Heng (acting as Li Shiliu) pondered Song Yimeng's words, feeling dismayed that he was perceived as ambitious and ruthless. Separately, Nan Rui, hearing that Chu Guihong was injured, went to check on him. Chu Guihong suspected that Waning River Crescent's Hall was more complicated than it appeared and believed Li Shiliu might be working for Nan Heng, possibly seeking knowledge of weapon forging methods.
He asked Nan Rui for help to test Nan Heng. Nan Rui worried that Nan Heng possessed more resources than they had anticipated and that there might be a spy within their ranks, though Chu Guihong dismissed the spy concern. Back at her residence, Song Yimeng told her maid, Yingqiu, about her encounter with Li Shiliu.
Yingqiu excitedly revealed that Li Shiliu was widely regarded as the capital's most desirable bachelor, comparable in fame to Chu Guihong, known for his cold demeanor and infrequent appearances. Song Yimeng was thrilled but frustrated that she had overlooked such a significant character in the original plot, wondering if he was a variable not initially in the script.
Eager for more information, she requested everything known about his past, and Yingqiu provided her with a biography titled "Famous Men in the Martial World—Li Shiliu Edition." At Waning River Crescent's Hall, Shangguan He and Fugui discussed Song Yimeng's criticisms of Nan Heng. Fugui voiced strong disapproval of Nan Heng using the Li Shiliu identity to forge an alliance with Song Yimeng, fearing exposure and severe repercussions if the Eighteenth Prince and his men discovered the secret.
Shangguan He argued that risks were necessary, stating, "No risk, no reward," and insisted they must effectively leverage the Li Shiliu identity. He proposed using Song Yimeng's unique perspective to their advantage. Song Yimeng read the biography, finding Li Shiliu portrayed as kind and brave, although the account lacked detail. She noted that the book mentioned he provided shelter for those left homeless by tragedies caused by Nan Heng's political conflicts. Feeling hopeful, she believed this connection was crucial.
She interpreted Li Shiliu's questions to her as a test of her stance and determination. She decided to approach him with a facade of opposing the Seventh Prince while genuinely seeking to ally with him against Nan Heng. Shangguan He suggested Nan Heng write a personal letter to Song Yimeng, believing it the most effective way to win her over, volunteering to write it himself.
Song Yimeng received the letter and found its poetic and romantic tone overly "greasy," advising him in her reply to stop reading such inappropriate books. Meanwhile, Shanhu and Yunlong, following orders from Shangguan He, directed other Nightwalkers to copy popular storylines and craft new books to create a compelling "handsome, strong, yet miserable" persona for Li Shiliu, much to Yunlong's exasperation. Nan Heng later read the fabricated biography detailing Li Shiliu's dramatic hardships.
Outraged by the ridiculous stories, he angrily confronted Shangguan He. Deciding to bypass Shangguan He, Nan Heng wrote a personal letter to Song Yimeng, acknowledging her previous letter and inviting her to Waning River Crescent's Hall for conversation, hinting that General Chu Guihong's busy schedule might leave her lonely. Song Yimeng responded by sending him a box of pear pastries, which Shangguan He viewed as a clear sign that she was becoming interested.
Nan Rui sent Nan Heng an invitation to meet at Waning River Crescent's Hall the following day. Nan Heng accepted, planning to secretly swap the Qianyu Moon-Cleaving Blade during the meeting. When Nan Rui and Nan Heng met, Nan Rui appeared visibly nervous, which Nan Heng did not miss. This meeting was part of a plan by Chu Guihong to test Nan Heng and Li Shiliu.
Chu Guihong's men had planted military equipment at Waning River Crescent's Hall as a pretext for the Qianyu Army to enter and make arrests. As Nan Rui and Nan Heng talked, Rong Hua arrived outside the hall with Qianyu Army troops, announcing their intent to search the premises and arrest the chief, Li Shiliu, claiming he was injured and hiding after stealing military supplies. Song Yimeng unexpectedly arrived at the compound, insisting on seeing Li Shiliu.
Shanhu and Yunlong attempted to stall her by giving her an extensive tour of the hall's various levels and functions, detailing areas like Guan Crescent, Wang Crescent, Cang Crescent, Wan Crescent, and the private Yin Crescent. Despite their efforts, Song Yimeng grew impatient and demanded to see Li Shiliu immediately. Nan Rui continued to show his nervousness by constantly eating melon seeds as he awaited Chu Guihong's planned staged appearance.
Chu Guihong, disguised as Li Shiliu, executed the plan by falling from the ceiling into the room. Nan Rui dramatically declared he would unmask the intruder, but Nan Heng remained composed, urging Nan Rui to hurry or call the waiting Qianyu Army troops. As Nan Heng moved closer, Chu Guihong quickly got up and made his escape. Just then, Shangguan He entered to inform Nan Heng that Song Yimeng had arrived and was demanding to see Li Shiliu.
Nan Heng immediately left to change into his Li Shiliu disguise. While trying to flee, Chu Guihong accidentally entered the room where Song Yimeng was waiting. Mistaking him for Li Shiliu, Song Yimeng quickly pulled him into the room. Confused, Chu Guihong avoided looking directly at her. Moments later, the real Li Shiliu (Nan Heng in disguise) arrived to meet Song Yimeng.
Song Yimeng was startled to see a second Li Shiliu and turned back to find the first one gone. Hidden in a closet, Chu Guihong overheard the conversation between Song Yimeng and the real Li Shiliu (Nan Heng). Song Yimeng commented on his voice returning to normal and his sudden appearance. Li Shiliu stated he needed to leave, leading Song Yimeng to perceive him as cold. She insisted they discuss Nan Heng.
They sat down, and Song Yimeng urged him not to fear Nan Heng and to join her in opposing him. Li Shiliu pressed her for her full plan, acknowledging the difficulty of opposing a prince. Song Yimeng revealed her plan revolved around the upcoming Lantern Festival, asserting that Nan Heng intended to use it to cause chaos and set fires across the capital, resulting in mass casualties.
She appealed to Li Shiliu's known compassion and asked for his help to prevent this catastrophe. Li Shiliu (Nan Heng) was taken aback by her specific claims about his supposed plan for the Lantern Festival, which he had not formulated. He inwardly suspected that Song Yimeng and Chu Guihong were concocting this story to frame him and create an opportunity for Chu Guihong to gain political standing.
Song Yimeng reiterated her assertions, citing Nan Heng's past deeds as proof of his capacity for evil, and implored Li Shiliu, known for his benevolence, not to remain indifferent. She even offered to include Chu Guihong in their alliance if Li Shiliu was hesitant to challenge Nan Heng alone.
