Episode Summary
The final episode sees the resolution of the rebellion, with Nan Heng, aided by Song Yimeng and the awakened citizens, defeating Chu Guihong's forces.
Spoiler Alert
A Dream Within a Dream, Episode 40: The Final Confrontation and a Modern Awakening
The final battle erupts as Po Yunlong ambushes the Qianyu Army, leading to a chaotic scene where a panicked Song Yude sets off a bomb. As Minister Yan arrives to support the Emperor, the conflict spreads. In the south, Duan Shanhu and the Ye You Shen, with help from the Axe Gang, intercept more of the rebel forces. Meanwhile, Song Yiting and her husband cleverly lure a contingent of the Qianyu Army into Nansheng Street, where a trap awaits. Song Yimeng, having prepared for this, unleashes the women of the Song family who use a giant net and clubs to subdue the soldiers, with Jia Ruru adding to the mayhem by throwing itching powder.
The conflict reaches the palace as Rong Hua, realizing an imperial edict is fake, draws his sword on the Emperor himself. Jixiang bravely steps in to block the attack. Down at the docks, Chu Guihong rallies his troops against Nan Heng, confident that reinforcements will soon arrive.
In the midst of the chaos, Nan Rui and Fugui attempt to rescue the Emperor. Jixiang is gravely injured while protecting Nan Rui, triggering a painful memory for him. With Rong Hua holding the Emperor hostage, Nan Rui, encouraged by Jixiang, decisively kills Rong Hua, earning the Emperor's respect.
As Nan Heng and Chu Guihong prepare for their final duel, Song Yimeng arrives with the city's citizens, who all pledge their support to Nan Heng.
With the battle over, the Screenwriter admits his folly, realizing the characters have "awakened" and are no longer bound by his script. He says his goodbyes, suspecting he will soon return to his own world, and shares a hug with Song Yimeng, much to Nan Heng's chagrin.
In the aftermath, everyone begins to forge a new destiny. A letter from the Screenwriter confirms he has returned to the modern world. Yingqiu boldly pursues a relationship with Nan Rui, who has found his calling as a master rice farmer. Zhixia takes charge of the Can Jiang Yue organization. Song Yiting and Shangguan He are a happy couple, while the Imperial Concubine and Zhou Xueyi leave their husbands to start new lives. Fugui, joined by Yao Qian's forces, becomes the guardian of the Dajing kingdom. The Emperor abdicates, and Nan Heng finally ascends the throne with Song Yimeng as his Empress.
After some months of peaceful rule, the story takes its final twist. Song Xiaoyu wakes up and finds she is back in the modern world, an actress on a film set. She sees a famous actor, Nan Feng, who looks identical to Nan Heng. She approaches him, but he doesn't seem to recognize her. Just as she walks away in disappointment, he calls out "Song Yimeng" and speaks their secret English code phrase.
