Episode Summary
In this episode, Li Shiliu survives a massive fire, leading to a public confrontation with Chu Guihong where the latter's legendary sword is broken.
Spoiler Alert
"A Dream within a Dream" Episode 11: Spoilers and Analysis
The episode opens with intense drama as Song Yimeng anxiously watches a building engulfed in flames, worried sick about Li Shiliu who is trapped inside. Her attempt to rush in is blocked by Chu Guihong, who coldly orders his Qianyu Army to make an arrest. Just then, Li Shiliu emerges from the inferno, miraculously unharmed and carrying two children to safety. Song Yimeng's relief is palpable.
However, the reunion is cut short. Chu Guihong immediately confronts Li Shiliu, accusing him of attempting to assassinate Nan Heng and demanding his surrender. Li Shiliu, disgusted by what he sees as a betrayal, refuses to yield. The two engage in a fierce duel. Chu Guihong draws his famed Zhanyue Blade, but in a shocking turn, it shatters against Li Shiliu's weapon, breaking into two pieces.
The next day, news has spread through the capital that Nan Rui was the one who started the fire. Song Yimeng finds this unbelievable, suspecting that Li Shiliu has somehow altered the story's original plot. Her handmaiden, Zhixia, confirms the streets are in an uproar, with citizens demanding the Emperor hold Nan Rui accountable.
The political intrigue deepens when Song Yimeng is summoned by her father, Song Yude. She observes him drinking both red and green tea, a tactic to prevent anyone from discerning his personal preferences. He quizzes her on the latest rumors: a whisper campaign suggests Chu Guihong conspired with Nan Rui to murder Nan Heng. More disturbingly, the Emperor believes Nan Heng himself is the source of this rumor.
This suspicion leads to a tense confrontation at court. The Emperor questions Nan Heng about his connection to Li Shiliu and tasks Chu Guihong with a full investigation. When Nan Heng offers to lead the investigation himself to prove his innocence, the Emperor accuses him of orchestrating the entire affair.
Upon hearing of the events at court, Song Yimeng is outraged by the Emperor's blatant bias, though her father cautions her that she is too naive for the complexities of court politics.Meanwhile, Nan Heng finds the turn of events peculiar, realizing that Song Yimeng's predictions are coming true. His advisor, Shangguan He, suggests he learn more about her.
Seeking to de-escalate the situation, Song Yimeng goes to Nan Heng and takes full responsibility for the assassination attempt, begging him not to blame others. Amused by her fierce protection of Li Shiliu, Nan Heng smiles.
The episode concludes with another conflict. Li Shiliu and the Ye You Shen begin repairing the damaged houses, with Song Yimeng's full support.
