Episode Summary
In this episode, Gao Changyin faces his demise after the Emperor's plot to expose him succeeds. The Qianyu Army is exonerated, but Chu Guihong's hatred for Nan Heng deepens. The Emperor names a reluctant Nan Heng as the new Crown Prince, leading to a touching reconciliation with his brother, Nan Rui. To prevent Song Yimeng from running away from her "destiny," Shangguan He and Song Yiting stage a performance to trick her into believing their organization is being disbanded, prompting her to seek out Nan Heng in their defense.
Spoiler Alert
"A Dream within a Dream" Episode 30
The aftermath of the Battle of Pingrong brings a swift and harsh reckoning. Gao Changyin and his cohorts are stripped of their titles, their homes are ransacked, and they are exiled to the northern frontiers.
Before his exile, Nan Heng visits his uncle, Gao Changyin, in the great prison. Gao Changyin, filled with remorse, admits he drew his sister, Gao Changrong, into the palace's treacherous world for the Gao family's sake and worries for her well-being. Nan Heng, with solemn determination, kneels and assures his uncle that he will protect his mother and the Gao family in his own way. As Nan Heng leaves, he reflects on his uncle's past advice to never let emotions become a vulnerability. Soon after, an imperial decree arrives with poisoned wine for Gao Changyin, which he drinks without hesitation, bringing an end to his story.
With Gao Changyin's plot unraveled, the Emperor officially exonerates the Qianyu Army. He posthumously honors King Qianyu with a first-class burial and permits the citizens to release lanterns in the capital, mourning the wronged soldiers and restoring their honor. Despite the truth being revealed, Chu Guihong remains consumed by his hatred for Nan Heng, accusing him of hypocrisy. Nan Heng, weary of the conflict, simply states he will provide the Gao family with the justice they are due. Chu Guihong vows they will forever be enemies.
Elsewhere, Nan Rui releases a river lantern, contemplating his path. He decides to renounce his claim to the throne in favor of Nan Heng. Meanwhile, Chu Guihong drowns his sorrows in wine, unable to let go of his obsessive grief.
In a tense audience with the Emperor, Nan Heng kneels to surrender his tiger tally. The Emperor, however, reveals the entire affair was an elaborate setup to ensnare Gao Changyin. He tells Nan Heng to keep the tally, as the plot was a success. Wracked with guilt over the Gao family's fate, Nan Heng wishes to punish himself and forsake any claim to the throne. Enraged by this, the Emperor throws an edict at him, officially naming him the Crown Prince and commanding him to atone for his "sins" by serving the people of Dajing.
Later, Nan Heng and Nan Rui have a heartfelt reconciliation. Nan Rui sincerely apologizes for his past misunderstandings and hostility, acknowledging that Nan Heng is the only one fit to be Crown Prince. They share a drink, their brotherly bond restored. This news, however, pushes Chu Guihong further into despair, feeling betrayed by Nan Rui.
Word of Nan Heng's appointment spreads. Shangguan He is thrilled, preparing a celebration and anticipating that his group, the Ye You Shen, will finally be officially recognized. His plans are complicated when Fugui declares the Ye You Shen will be absorbed into his command, leading to a comedic argument between the two.
The news also reaches the Song household. Song Yiting mentions that with Nan Heng as Crown Prince, Song Yimeng's marriage is imminent. Fearing the "plot" of the story she's trapped in is coming true, Song Yimeng plans to flee. Shangguan He rushes to inform Nan Heng, and they devise a scheme to make her stay. Shangguan He and Song Yiting stage a dramatic scene, pretending that their group, the Can Jiang Yue, is being disbanded and that he can no longer provide for her. Song Yimeng overhears their "heartbreak" and is completely fooled. Caught up in the act, Song Yiting impulsively kisses Shangguan He, much to his surprise.
Believing her friends are in trouble, Song Yimeng storms off to the Can Jiang Yue headquarters. There, A Long and A Hu have instructed the other members to put on a pitiful display of weeping and despair. Outraged on their behalf, Song Yimeng resolves to confront Nan Heng and demand justice for them.
