Episode Summary

In a chaotic convergence of mistaken identities, Episode 7 sees multiple characters attempting to manipulate or unmask the mysterious hero, Li Shiliu. Song Yimeng, believing him to be an oppressed enemy of the tyrant Nan Heng, proposes an alliance, unaware she is speaking to Nan Heng himself in disguise. Meanwhile, Chu Guihong's attempt to impersonate Li Shiliu to test Nan Heng backfires spectacularly. The situation escalates at the Canjiang Guild Hall, where all parties, including the starstruck admirer Song Xiaoyu, collide. The episode culminates in a tense meeting where Chu Guihong, hiding in a wardrobe, overhears Song Yimeng reveal a supposed plot by Nan Heng to commit arson, a dangerous secret that leaves the real Nan Heng, posing as Li Shiliu, caught in a web of his own making.

Spoiler Alert

A Dream Within a Dream Episode 7 Recap & Spoilers: A Dangerous Game of Deception

In an episode defined by mistaken identities and high-stakes gambles, the intricate web around the enigmatic "Li Shiliu" tightens, pulling every major player into a vortex of suspicion and chaos. Alliances are tested, elaborate schemes are set, and at the center of it all is Nan Heng, juggling his dual personas while fending off threats from every direction.

Song Yimeng's Misguided Alliance

Convinced that the famed hero Li Shiliu is a victim of the tyrannical Nan Heng, Song Yimeng makes a bold move. She directly approaches Li Shiliu (unaware he is Nan Heng in disguise), expressing her sympathy for his suffering under Nan Heng's cruelty. Barely concealing his fury at being painted as a villain in his own story, Nan Heng sarcastically praises her "remarkable perception." Undeterred, Song Yimeng proposes they join forces to take down their common enemy. The proposition leaves Nan Heng seething, and he departs abruptly, frustrated that his carefully crafted persona is being used against him.

Chu Guihong's Failed Ploy

Meanwhile, Chu Guihong's suspicion about the connection between Li Shiliu and Nan Heng grows. He devises a plan: his ally, Nan Rui, will invite Nan Heng to the Canjiang Guild Hall. Chu Guihong, in turn, will disguise himself as Li Shiliu to confront Nan Heng and gauge his reaction. Despite Nan Rui's concerns that the unpredictable Nan Heng won't fall for the trap, Chu Guihong is confident in his scheme.

The Fangirl and the Fabricated Hero

Elsewhere, Song Xiaoyu becomes fascinated with Li Shiliu, who she learns is the dream man of countless women in the kingdom. Regretting that she never paid attention to the supporting characters in the original script, she now sees Li Shiliu as a key variable who could change everything. She orders his storybooks, which are filled with heroic (but vague) tales fabricated by Nan Heng's own men, like Duan Shanhu. Armed with this "research," she hatches a plan to befriend the hero at the Canjiang Guild Hall, using their shared "opposition to Nan Heng" as a pretext.

Chaos at the Canjiang Guild Hall

The episode's climax unfolds as all parties converge at the guild hall, leading to a tense and chaotic series of confrontations:

  • A Test of Nerves: Nan Rui nervously awaits Nan Heng, while the fake Li Shiliu (Chu Guihong) makes a dramatic entrance, falling from the roof. As Nan Rui shouts for his mask to be removed, the real Nan Heng remains unnervingly calm. He coolly urges them to hurry before he calls in the Qianyu Army. Seeing Nan Heng approach unfazed, Chu Guihong realizes his bluff has been called and makes a hasty escape.

  • Unexpected Arrivals: Just as the confrontation ends, Song Xiaoyu arrives seeking Li Shiliu. Duan Shanhu quickly intercepts her, giving her a tour of the property to buy time. Moments later, Nan Heng's subordinate, Shangguan He, rushes in to announce that Song Yimeng has also arrived for her meeting. Nan Heng is forced to make a quick exit to change back into his Li Shiliu disguise.

  • An Eavesdropper in the Wardrobe: While fleeing, Chu Guihong ducks into Song Yimeng's designated room. She momentarily mistakes him for Li Shiliu before he vanishes. As the real Li Shiliu (Nan Heng) enters, the flustered Song Yimeng is left confused. Seizing the opportunity, Chu Guihong hides inside a wardrobe to secretly listen in on their meeting.

A Deadly Secret Revealed

Feigning preoccupation, Li Shiliu (Nan Heng) tries to cut the meeting short, but Song Yimeng insists they discuss their plan against Nan Heng. She then reveals a critical piece of intelligence: Nan Heng is plotting to set a catastrophic fire across the city during the upcoming Lantern Festival. She implores Li Shiliu to help her stop the tragedy. From inside the wardrobe, Chu Guihong hears every word. On the surface, Li Shiliu agrees to help, but internally, Nan Heng is consumed by a murderous rage, realizing the dangerous game he is now trapped in.

The episode leaves us with several burning questions: How will Nan Heng react to Song Yimeng's accusation of a plot he knows nothing about? What will Chu Guihong do with the explosive secret he has overheard? And will Song Xiaoyu's fangirl antics accidentally expose the entire charade?