Episode Summary

In a major turn of events, Nan Heng discovers he is physically compelled to protect Song Yimeng, a vulnerability he desperately tries to overcome. Meanwhile, Song Yimeng leverages this "plot armor," growing bolder in her schemes. She successfully intervenes in court politics, ensuring her ally Chu Guihong is reappointed to a powerful military position over Nan Heng's objections. The episode culminates in a tense confrontation at the Song residence where Song Yimeng uses Nan Heng's secret, a crossbow trap, and an explosive vest to blackmail him. To prevent discovery by a suspicious Chu Guihong, she silences Nan Heng with a kiss, leaving him flustered but now determined to eliminate her for good.

Spoiler Alert

A Dream Within a Dream, Episode 5 Recap: A Deadly Game of Reversals

This week, the tangled web connecting Nan Heng and Song Yimeng grows more complex and dangerous. After inexplicably saving her from drowning, Nan Heng is left reeling. He realizes with dawning horror that his own body betrays him, acting on its own to protect Song Yimeng whenever she is in mortal danger. This bizarre connection is a vulnerability he cannot afford, and he becomes desperate to find a way to break it before she can use it against him—or worse, reveal it to his chief rival, Chu Guihong.

Meanwhile, Song Yimeng, back in the capital after her ordeal, has a chance encounter with the very man Nan Heng fears: Chu Guihong. Their meeting is warm, and he shows genuine concern for her well-being, believing Nan Heng has been mistreating her. As a token of his protection, he gives her a jade pendant, assuring her that Nan Heng will not dare to harm her when he sees it. The gesture solidifies Song Yimeng’s plan. Knowing from the "story's script" that she is the female lead, she has pieced together that Nan Heng, as the male lead, is bound by the plot to save her. This newfound knowledge emboldens her, freeing her from the fear that he might kill her.

The power plays extend to the imperial court. Nan Rui proposes that Chu Guihong be reinstated as the head of the formidable Qianyu Army. Nan Heng immediately objects, arguing it's a blatant abuse of power. He intends to summon the Supervising Censor, Yao Qian, who has prepared a formal impeachment against Chu Guihong. But Song Yimeng, aware of this critical plot point, acts swiftly. She has a message sent to ensure Yao Qian is intercepted on his way to the court. The plan succeeds; Yao Qian is ambushed and beaten, never arriving to present his case. The Emperor, impatient, grants Chu Guihong the command. Nan Heng is left seething, knowing exactly who was behind the attack.

Furious, Nan Heng storms over to the Song residence to confront Song Yimeng, only to find Chu Guihong is also a guest. Once they are alone, the confrontation ignites. Nan Heng questions her meeting with his rival, but Song Yimeng is more than prepared. She coolly draws a dagger and reveals his secret to his face: he is physically incapable of harming her.

As Nan Heng stands speechless, she escalates her counter-attack, revealing a hidden contraption designed to fire a volley of arrows at him. She demands he strip and call her "boss." Seeing the trap, Nan Heng feigns compliance to distract her, then uses the moment to pull her to safety just as the arrows are unleashed. But Song Yimeng has one more ace up her sleeve. Tearing off her outer robe, she reveals a vest rigged with explosives. She issues her final demand: ensure she and Chu Guihong can marry without interference.

Just then, Chu Guihong approaches the room. To prevent him from discovering the scene and misunderstanding, Song Yimeng tackles Nan Heng to the ground, silencing his protests with a kiss. Utterly flustered and now sporting a face full of lipstick, Nan Heng makes a hasty retreat. Before he leaves, he gives her an ultimatum: deliver the "satin sword technique" within two days. Shaken but resolute, Nan Heng decides that Song Yimeng has become too great a threat to live. He plans to use Can Jiang Yue, a shadowy organization, to eliminate her once and for all.

Spoilers & Key Moments from Episode 5

  • Nan Heng's Curse: Nan Heng discovers he is physically compelled to save Song Yimeng from harm and desperately seeks a way to break this bond.
  • Chu Guihong's Protection: He meets with Song Yimeng, showing deep concern and giving her a jade pendant to protect her from Nan Heng.
  • A Power Shift in Court: Thanks to Song Yimeng's interference, Nan Heng's attempt to block Chu Guihong's reinstatement as head of the Qianyu Army fails.
  • The Confrontation: Song Yimeng turns the tables on Nan Heng, revealing she knows his secret inability to harm her and backing it up with a hidden crossbow trap and a vest of explosives.
  • An Unexpected Kiss: To keep Chu Guihong from discovering her standoff with Nan Heng, Song Yimeng silences Nan Heng by kissing him, leaving him stunned and embarrassed.