Episode Summary
In this episode, Song Yimeng agrees to marry Nan Heng, but they both fear a scripted tragedy at their wedding. Nan Heng devises a counter-plan to use another script rule—the hero must save the heroine—to save her, even if it means sacrificing himself. His plan works, but he is critically wounded during an attack by Chu Guihong. After the imperial doctors fail, a mysterious physician from Chu Guihong's own army is brought in and manages to save Nan Heng's life, while Yimeng stands guard, having completed their wedding rites alone.
Spoiler Alert
"A Dream within a Dream" Episode 32: A Wedding, a Betrayal, and a Desperate Gamble
To ease Song Yimeng's fears about their predetermined fate, Nan Heng takes her to the Yue Lao (Matchmaker) Tree and swears an oath that he will never betray her or her family. Still, Yimeng is haunted by the script, especially a notorious scene she calls the "three-person spinning stab." Nan Heng assures her that the characters in their world are already changing and that he will wait for her to be ready. His sincerity convinces Yimeng, who declares she is willing to be brave one more time and agrees to the marriage.
To circumvent the dreaded "spinning stab," Yimeng suggests they skip the formal wedding procession and get straight to the marriage rites. Amused and baffled, Nan Heng asks for an explanation of the scene, and upon hearing it, he scoffs at how ridiculous the script is. This gives him an idea: if the script dictates that the male lead must always save the female lead when she is in danger, perhaps that rule can override the stabbing plot. He then petitions the Emperor to have Chu Guihong and his Qianyu Army stationed in the distant Pingrong City.
The Emperor correctly guesses this is for Yimeng's sake. He questions Nan Heng about his relationship with his cousin, Nan Rui, prompting Nan Heng to realize he should have consulted Nan Rui first, as Chu Guihong's transfer would affect him. However, the Emperor reveals that Nan Rui had already approached him with the same request, hoping that a change of scenery would help Chu Guihong escape his obsessive "demonic thoughts." With both cousins in agreement, the Emperor grants the order.
Chu Guihong, however, refuses to accept the decree, blaming Nan Heng for all his troubles. Despite Rong Hua's attempts to calm him, Chu Guihong is consumed by rage and vows to ruin Nan Heng's wedding. Three days before the ceremony, he makes a show of leading the Qianyu Army out of the capital. Nan Rui watches secretly from the city tower, while Shangguan He tasks his men, A Long and A Hu, with tailing Chu Guihong to ensure he doesn't double back.
The day before the wedding, Yimeng mourns the mother she had in the script, her grief mixing with memories of her real parents from her own world. She feels a deep gratitude for the warmth and care the people in this world have shown her. The next day, dressed in her wedding finery, she steps out of her family home to find Nan Heng waiting to escort his bride.
The plan to stop the wedding is already in motion. Shangguan He's men follow Chu Guihong's army to a post station, but after an uneventful night, they realize they've been tricked. Rong Hua, aware they were being followed, created a diversion at the back of the station, allowing Chu Guihong to slip away from the front.
As the wedding procession makes its way through the city, Nan Heng silently vows to protect Yimeng no matter what. His resolve is immediately tested when Chu Guihong emerges from the crowd, intent on killing him. Yimeng tells herself to stay calm and remain in the carriage, but the distinct sound of a keyboard typing fills her ears, compelling her to fly out and intervene.As Chu Guihong lunges for Nan Heng, Yimeng stabs Chu Guihong first. In the next moment, Nan Heng finds himself uncontrollably drawing his own sword, but he manages to twist his body to shield Yimeng. This forces his loyal guard, Fugui, to stab him instead. Nan Heng collapses, vomiting blood, as a heartbroken Yimeng cries over his body.
The imperial physicians declare Nan Heng's wounds fatal, but Yimeng refuses to believe it. She insists on completing the wedding ceremony, determined to wait for him to wake up. She later confronts Fugui, asking why he would attack his master. Fugui reveals the truth: Nan Heng had arranged the entire sequence. He intentionally triggered the "heroine in danger" protocol to overwrite the "three-person spinning stab" script, sacrificing himself to save her.
With the capital's doctors helpless, Nan Rui arrives with Doctor Zhao of the Qianyu Army, claiming he can save Nan Heng. Fugui objects, blaming the Qianyu Army for the attack. Doctor Zhao pleads for Chu Guihong's life, promising he can heal Nan Heng. Yimeng agrees, but with a chilling ultimatum: if Nan Heng lives, Chu Guihong will be spared, but if he dies, she will ensure not a single person in the Qianyu Army escapes her wrath.
After a night of surgery, Doctor Zhao manages to save Nan Heng's life for the time being. When questioned by Nan Rui, the doctor reveals he was sent by a mysterious messenger. The Emperor is enraged by the events and orders Chu Guihong's arrest, but Nan Rui pleads for mercy. During this time, Song Yiting visits the Imperial Concubine's palace to give an update on Nan Heng's condition. The Emperor notices Nan Rui's fond gaze toward her and inquires if she is betrothed. Song Yiting states her heart is already taken, which displeases the Emperor. The episode ends as Nan Heng finally awakens and sees Yimeng asleep by his bed.
