Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty Episode 2 Recap
> Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty Recap
Yinxiang had almost forgotten about the wrestling match among the princes, but Yinzhen reminded him, and they arrived late to find Yintang and Yin'e already there. Yintang jokingly suggested that the loser should treat everyone to drinks. Yin'e and Yintang then subtly taunted Yinzhen and Yinxiang, implying their tardiness was due to their duties as the Crown Prince's "capable assistants." Yinzhen quickly covered for Yinxiang, attributing their delay to Yinxiang's recent "fondness for sleep."
Just then, Yinti arrived, eager to finally settle the score with Yinxiang after their previous undecided match. Yinxiang confidently asked about the wager. Yinzhen advised Yinxiang to be careful and not overexert himself, but Yinxiang assured him he would be fine. Yinsi, observing the scene, encouraged Yinti, promising him a grand celebration if he won the "colored ball." The match began, fierce and evenly matched, with both Yinxiang and Yinti vying intensely.
Yinzhen watched with concern, while Yinsi continued to make subtle remarks, hinting at the underlying political rivalries. Ultimately, the colored ball burst, and neither Yinxiang nor Yinti managed to secure it, ending the match without a clear victor, much to the disappointment of Yinsi's supporters. Later, in a quiet pavilion, Yinxiang confided in Yinzhen, revealing that he had no interest in who would eventually inherit the throne.
Instead, he excitedly spoke of his dreams, describing a futuristic world and a strange, unrefined, yet utterly fascinating woman named Wei. Yinzhen found these tales of "shadow puppetry" with real images to be "strange" and unbelievable, warning Yinxiang not to dwell in such fantasies but to return to reality, lest others consider him "out of his mind" or "bewitched."
Yinxiang, however, was adamant, believing his repeated encounters with Wei were fate and that he had never met anyone as interesting within the imperial city. Yinzhen, steadfast in his practicality, reiterated his advice for Yinxiang to focus on the present. Yinxiang then expressed a whimsical wish to bring Wei from his dreams into reality. Dismissing this as mere childish fancy, Yinzhen left for his mansion, urging Yinxiang to reflect on his words.
Left alone, Yinxiang called out to Wei, hoping to reunite with her in his dreams. In his dream, Yinxiang found himself back in Wei's modern apartment. Wei, clearly exasperated by his persistent, spectral presence, expressed her annoyance. Despite her frustration, she couldn't help but notice his handsome appearance. Suddenly, a light fixture above her head began to fall. Yinxiang, seeing the danger, instinctively lunged forward and pushed her out of the way, saving her from injury.
Wei, physically touched by the "ghost," screamed in terror, yelling for help. Yinxiang, trying to calm her, then revealed his identity as Aisin Gioro Yinxiang, the Thirteenth Prince of the Qing Dynasty, which only intensified her panic. Desperate to silence her incessant shouts, Yinxiang impulsively kissed her. After this unexpected moment, they finally managed to communicate more calmly.
Wei explained that his world was 300 years in the past, and her world was the modern age, where there were no emperors, only governments and public security. Yinxiang found the concept of a world without an emperor baffling. Wei then described modern inventions like "cell phones" and "airplanes," captivating Yinxiang with tales of communication over vast distances and flying iron birds.
As Wei grew tired from her long day and the need to wake early for work, she handed Yinxiang her architectural design draft, suggesting he examine it. Yinxiang, now wide awake and utterly fascinated, spent the entire night studying the modern world depicted in her drawings. Meanwhile, Wei, upon hearing a radio program discussing "wormholes" and quantum entanglement, began to reconsider her initial skepticism about Yinxiang's presence, realizing that his "dreams" might be far more real than she initially thought.
The next morning, as Wei prepared for her day, she found Yinxiang intently studying the "toilet" in her bathroom. He curiously asked about the "small well," to which Wei, stifling a laugh, corrected him, explaining it was a "flushing latrine pit." Yinxiang acknowledged the many "amazing things" of the modern era, observing Wei's busy morning routine. He then examined Wei's architectural design draft, observing that she had referenced mansions from his own Qing Dynasty.
Wei explained her struggles as a designer, working tirelessly for her "Boss" (meaning her employer or manager), yet lacking inspiration for her current project. Impressed by her dedication, Yinxiang offered a concise but insightful suggestion for a small change to her draft, improving its balance. He then, once again, proposed marriage, suggesting she become his "princess consort" to avoid such strenuous work. Wei playfully retorted to his teasing.
Yinxiang, continuing his playful teasing, stated that her design "looked hard to read" and offered to reveal why if she either "begged him" or "married him." Wei playfully retorted that she was the "boss" in her own home. Back in his own time, Yinxiang eventually awoke from his lengthy dream. His attendant, Shun'er, noted how long he had slept.
Yinxiang, upon noticing a physical scar on his arm, a direct result of saving Wei from the falling lamp in the dream, was convinced that his dream experiences were undeniably real. He excitedly tried to explain his visions of the future to Yinzhen, enthusiastically describing "cell phones," "airplanes," and "love walls." Yinzhen, however, dismissed all of it as "nonsense," angered by Yinxiang's continued distraction by these dreams, reminding him of the urgent and ever-changing political landscape in court.
Yinxiang insisted on the reality of his experiences, even showing the scar as proof, and expressed a profound curiosity about the world 300 years hence. Yinzhen, a firm believer in duty and responsibility, stressed that as a prince and a descendant of Aisin Gioro, their purpose was to serve the Emperor and the people, urging Yinxiang to focus on the present.
Concluding that Yinxiang's dreaminess stemmed from idleness, Yinzhen decided to instruct his princess consort to find a suitable wife for Yinxiang, a suggestion that elicited knowing, quiet chuckles from the attendants Quan'er and Shun'er. Meanwhile, Wei's design draft was still not approved by Mr. Bei, who felt it lacked the true "royal style," despite acknowledging some commendable elements. Her colleague offered to provide further guidance.
Later, while discussing her frustrations with a friend, the friend jokingly remarked that to truly capture royal style, she would need an "Aisin Gioro to revive," sparking a sudden realization in Wei's mind about Yinxiang. Rushing home, Wei called out for Yinxiang. Entering her dream, Yinxiang immediately praised Wei for her "true nature." Wei earnestly explained her need for help with her design project, specifically the "royal style" aspect, acknowledging his unique position as a member of the royal family.
Yinxiang, ever the tease, once again proposed marriage, suggesting she become his "Thirteenth Princess Consort" to naturally possess the desired nobility. Wei refused to marry him but agreed to any other condition. Yinxiang then requested to "feel her world" again, and Wei, explaining it as "modern etiquette," gave him a kiss on the cheek. Yinxiang, amused by her blushing face, promised to bring her "royal treasures" in their next dream encounter to demonstrate the true essence of nobility.
Preparing for his next dream, Yinxiang meticulously gathered various precious objects, some even borrowed from Yinzhen, who cautioned him against becoming overly immersed in his fantasies. Once in Wei's dream, Yinxiang proudly displayed a beautiful vase from the Western regions and an ornate incense burner he had acquired from a past expedition.
He then shared his profound understanding of nobility with Wei, explaining that true "nobility" was not merely about "gorgeous ornament" or "beauty and luxury," but rather "the essence of purity and softness," worthy of respect and inheritance. Wei, deeply grateful, expressed her thanks and offered him a "hug," explaining it was how modern people showed appreciation, a concept Yinxiang found unfamiliar.
Wei then pointed out that her antique lamp looked remarkably similar to one of his and noted that his appearances often coincided with her lamp lighting up. They both wondered if it was a "Magic Treasure Lantern" that linked their destinies. Yinxiang also showed her Kangxi's bow and guided her to feel its essence by closing her eyes and concentrating. Wei, visibly touched, declared herself lucky and happy to have met him.
Seizing the opportunity, she asked for his help in restoring some damaged architectural drawings that lacked clear design patterns, seeking his wisdom on how to infuse them with a sense of "ancient to modern times." Yinxiang, playfully calling her "demanding," proceeded to instruct her on how to restore a drawing by focusing on its symmetrical elements.
