Episode Summary
The Screenwriter's manipulations are exposed, causing Chu Guihong to rebel against the script's narrative. He executes a plan to frame Nan Rui for poisoning the Emperor, which throws the court into chaos and tragically results in Jixiang's death. As Nan Heng's health worsens under the immense pressure, and with the original plot seemingly back on course, Song Yimeng realizes the dreaded "City Tower" confrontation is imminent and resolves to face Chu Guihong.
Spoiler Alert
A Dream within a Dream Ep36: The Unraveling Script
The episode begins with Nan Heng learning a terrifying truth from the Screenwriter(King Qianyu): altering the story's major events results in a backlash. His first thought is for Song Yimeng, but the Screenwriter assures him she is safe, as her attempts to change the plot were never successful. The only significant change was made by Nan Heng himself on their wedding day, altering a key fight scene. Relieved at first, Nan Heng suddenly collapses, vomiting blood as his condition deteriorates drastically after the Screenwriter departs.
Song Yimeng quickly realizes they've been manipulated; the Screenwriter intentionally used Nan Rui as an external force to push the plot forward. Furious, Chu Guihong drags the Screenwriter into the woods and holds a knife to his throat, demanding the whole truth. Cornered, the Screenwriter reveals that they are all living inside a script. The revelation shatters Chu Guihong, who cannot accept a story that seems to favor the "villain," Nan Heng. He declares his intention to seize control of his own destiny. The Screenwriter tries to bargain, promising to rewrite the ending and make Chu Guihong the main character if he cooperates with the upcoming major scenes. Chu Guihong, however, refuses to believe him, steals his horse, and leaves him stranded in the forest.
Meanwhile, Song Yiting thanks Nan Rui for his help, praising his pure heart and predicting he will find a wonderful partner. Their exchange solidifies their friendship. Elsewhere, the Emperor and the Imperial Concubine grow increasingly worried about Nan Heng's failing health, with the Emperor expressing deep regret for his past actions. After a medical consultation at the Winter Palace, Song Yimeng stays by Nan Heng's bedside, questioning him about what truly happened once he awakens. Nan Heng lies, claiming the Screenwriter poisoned him for not cooperating with a scene but that he has already obtained the antidote. He tries to reassure her with his "protagonist halo," insisting he won't die easily.
The conversation shifts to the mystery of "Can Jiang Yue," as Song Yimeng questions why the Screenwriter is so insistent on arranging a marriage between Shangguan He and Song Yiting. Nan Heng, not wanting to worry her further, withholds the truth.
Suspicious, Shangguan He pays a visit to King Qianyu, attempting to pry information from him over drinks. The cunning King, fully aware of Shangguan He's intentions, plays along without revealing anything. After pretending to leave, Shangguan He spies from the rooftops and makes a startling discovery: Rong Hua is secretly leading the Qianyu Army back to the capital to set an ambush. He immediately reports this to Nan Heng and Song Yimeng. The news triggers Song Yimeng's memory of the original plot, where Chu Guihong secretly mobilizes his forces to converge on the capital after Nan Heng's ascension, leading to the infamous "choice on the City Tower" scene. Fearing the script is back on track, Nan Heng decides on a preemptive strike. He plans to go to the palace and request an imperial edict to mobilize the elite Xuanjia Army. To ensure Song Yiting's safety, he also arranges for Song Yude's entire family to take refuge within the palace walls.
The Screenwriter, meanwhile, urges Chu Guihong to proceed with their plan. Following his instructions, Chu Guihong has Rong Hua poison a batch of oranges and strategically places them at a market stall. Nan Rui, wanting to buy the late Empress's favorite fruit for the Emperor, purchases the oranges. He personally peels and feeds one to the Emperor, who immediately vomits blood and collapses. As chaos erupts, a eunuch accuses Nan Rui of regicide. Jixiang helps Nan Rui escape, urging him to find Nan Heng, but they are intercepted by Chu Guihong's soldiers. Jixiang is killed while protecting Nan Rui. Just as Chu Guihong is about to finish the job, Fugui arrives with the Xuanjia Army and rescues Nan Rui.
With the Emperor's life hanging by a thread, the court ministers demand that Nan Heng hold Nan Rui accountable. While defending his brother, an emotional Nan Heng coughs up blood again. Overwhelmed with guilt, Nan Rui falls into despair, believing he should have died and regretting his trust in Chu Guihong. Song Yimeng, realizing the City Tower scene—set to occur at Nan Heng's ascension—is about to happen, decides she must find Chu Guihong first.
