Episode Summary
In this episode, the screenwriter enters the story's world with a hidden agenda to destroy his characters. Shangguan He learns the devastating truth that he is a character in a script, which makes him hesitate to confess his love for Song Yiting.A grand plan is orchestrated by King Qianyu and Nan Rui to force his hand, leading to a public confession and a kiss between Shangguan He and Song Yiting. The episode ends with a chilling threat from the screenwriter, who reveals that meddling with the plot has dire consequences.
Spoiler Alert
"A Dream within a Dream" Episode 35 Spoilers
The episode opens with the screenwriter being brought into the world of Can Jiang Yue by Song Yimeng. She hopes that by showing him the world he created, he will develop some reverence for his characters and stop treating them as mere disposable pawns. The screenwriter feigns consideration for her request, but internally, he is already plotting how to destroy these "paper people."
The drama quickly escalates when Zhou Xueyi bursts into Can Jiang Yue, accusing Shangguan He of sabotaging the marriage between Song Yiting and Nan Rui. She demands that he crush Song Yiting's hopes completely. However, Shangguan He refuses to give her up. In a surprising turn, he declares his own intention to marry Song Yiting, promising to give her the life of freedom she desires. This development prompts a frustrated Song Yimeng to question the screenwriter's decision to write such a troublesome character like Zhou Xueyi.
Meanwhile, Nan Heng's health continues to decline, not from his injuries, but from a chronic condition from his childhood that even the imperial physicians can only manage with tonics. To solve the marriage dilemma, King Qianyu makes a strategic move: he adopts Shangguan He as his son, giving him the prestigious Chu family name and the status required to marry Song Yiting. This act silences Zhou Xueyi's objections, and the marriage is officially arranged. However, upon hearing this, Chu Guihong confronts the screenwriter, who cryptically reveals that this is all part of a larger plan to deal with his true target: Nan Heng.
As Shangguan He is teased by Fugui for his new family name, he grows suspicious of King Qianyu's motives. Seizing the opportunity, Nan Heng reveals the shocking truth to Shangguan He: their world is a script, and they are all characters in a story.The thought of falling in love with Song Yiting only to vanish and leave her alone terrifies him. Nan Heng then tasks him with using his new position as the King's adopted son to uncover his true intentions.
The marriage hits another obstacle when Song Yiting herself refuses to consent. She tells Song Yimeng that she will not agree to the wedding until Shangguan He personally confesses his feelings for her. This leaves Shangguan He in a difficult position, now paralyzed by the fear of his own fleeting existence. At the same time, Fugui, who overheard the conversation about the script world, pledges his unwavering loyalty to Nan Heng. He sees their world as real and his purpose to protect Nan Heng, agreeing to keep the secret for now.
The climax of the episode is set in motion when Nan Rui, at the behest of King Qianyu, brings Song Yiting to Can Jiang Yue and publicly proposes to her. This is a deliberate act to provoke Shangguan He. When Song Yimeng arrives, she finds the "wedding crashing" in full swing. Seeing Shangguan He still hesitating, Song Yiting accepts Nan Rui's proposal. This is the final push Shangguan He needs. He stops her, asking what she truly wants from a marriage and confessing his fear of disappearing. Her heartfelt response gives him the courage to finally act on his feelings, and he kisses her in front of everyone.
The tense atmosphere immediately shifts to celebration as Nan Rui reveals it was all a setup, with his attendant Rong Hua showering the couple in flower petals. As the happy scene unfolds, Nan Heng corners the screenwriter, who has just emerged from the restroom. Nan Heng confronts him, having seen through his scheme. The screenwriter doesn't deny it and reveals a sinister new rule of their world: anyone who disrupts a "famous scene" will suffer a severe backlash.
