Episode Summary

Chu Guihong finds a supposed witness, Lu Yi, to incriminate Nan Heng for the disastrous Battle of Pingrong. However, Lu Yi is murdered in a setup, and two of Nan Heng's subordinates are framed for the crime. Consumed by a desire for vengeance, Chu Guihong tortures the framed men for a confession to use against Nan Heng at an impending trial, horrifying his cousin, Nan Rui. It is revealed that the manipulative Gao Changyin orchestrated the entire plot to ensure Nan Heng's downfall.

Spoiler Alert

"A Dream within a Dream" Episode 28 Spoilers

The episode kicks off with Chu Guihong spotting a familiar face, Lu Yi, a scout from his old Qianyu Army. Enraged, Chu Guihong rushes to attack him, believing him to be a deserter. Nan Rui steps in to stop the fight, learning that Lu Yi was the one who was supposed to deliver their call for reinforcements. Lu Yi puts on a pitiful act, claiming he was forced by Nan Heng, who allegedly threatened his wife and children.

The conversation brings back the painful memories of the night before the Battle of Pingrong. The soldiers, learning Nan Heng wouldn't be coming to their aid, blamed Chu Guihong for trusting the "God of Slaughter." Chu Guihong had planned a sneak attack, only to walk straight into an enemy ambush. He harbors a deep-seated hatred for Nan Heng, whose lack of support led to the Qianyu Army's devastating defeat and disgrace. Lu Yi pours salt on the wound, suggesting Nan Heng intentionally sacrificed the army for his own military achievements. This sends Chu Guihong into a rage, and he is only stopped from killing Lu Yi by Nan Rui's desperate pleas. Lu Yi promises to expose Nan Heng's crimes at Songjiang Forest that night, after he has ensured his family is safe.

Chu Guihong, now armed with what he believes is the final piece of evidence, is ready to ruin Nan Heng's reputation. Nan Rui, however, voices his concerns. He finds Lu Yi's sudden appearance highly suspicious and worries he might not be telling the truth. But Chu Guihong is blinded by his desire to clear the Qianyu Army's name and tells Nan Rui to stay out of it.

Later that night at Songjiang Forest, Duan Shanhu and Po Yunlong are waiting for members of the Kou Bang when they hear a noise. Investigating, they discover Lu Yi's dead body. As they realize it's a trap and try to leave, they are caught by Chu Guihong and his men. Chu Guihong immediately assumes they murdered the key witness and has them arrested and taken back to the Jingzhao Fu for interrogation. Despite Duan Shanhu's claims of innocence, Chu Guihong is convinced Nan Heng ordered them to silence Lu Yi and subjects them to brutal torture.

Chu Guihong's plan is now clear: he doesn't care who actually killed Lu Yi. He intends to use a forced confession from Duan Shanhu to confront Nan Heng at the upcoming Three Departments' Joint Trial. Nan Rui is horrified to see how much his cousin has changed, resorting to torture and manipulation. He tries to reason with him, but Chu Guihong guilt-trips him, claiming that he and the entire Qianyu Army sacrificed themselves to pave the way for Nan Rui's future.

Torn, Nan Rui decides to take matters into his own hands. He approaches his brother, Nan Heng, and asks him to confess to the crimes related to the Battle of Pingrong, hoping it will stop Chu Guihong's obsessive quest for revenge. Nan Heng is speechless, stating firmly that he never received any request for help. The moment highlights Nan Rui's desperation to save his cousin, Chu Guihong, even at the expense of his own brother.

Meanwhile, a subplot reveals that the supposedly deceased Gao Changyin is alive and well. He was the true mastermind, ordering the Kou Bang to murder Lu Yi and frame Nan Heng's men. His ultimate goal is to completely isolate Nan Heng and orchestrate his downfall, believing it's for the greater good of the world.

The situation escalates when Chu Guihong attempts to forcibly alter official records at the Ministry of War to incriminate Nan Heng. Song Yude intervenes, accusing him of abusing his power for a personal vendetta. Song Yimeng arrives and also tries to stop him, but Chu Guihong lashes out, accusing her of once again siding with Nan Heng. Song Yude makes it clear the Song family wants no part in this and warns Chu Guihong to stay out of military affairs. Both Song Yimeng and Song Yude understand the grave danger Nan Heng now faces as the trial looms.