Original subtitles

[A Dream Within A Dream]

[Episode 14]

Father.

How did you get this?

What happened to your face?

It's nothing, just a small scratch.

Where did you get this note from?

You recognize this?

There's a secret rumor going around

that this is

a formula for weapon forging.

This is actually a pun that means

your "beauty"

stole my "heart."

Father,

this is just a cheesy pickup line

that has nothing to do with weapon forging.

You still haven't answered me—

How did you

get this note?

Not important.

Didn't you just mention

pickup lines?

If you can recognize them,

it means you're of marriageable age.

Black tea or green tea?

Stop beating around the bush.

What exactly

do you want to discuss about marriage?

Recently in the capital,

rumors about you and the Seventh Prince

have been spreading wildly.

It hurts both you and the Song family.

That Chu Guihong

is almost 30.

And you, a young lady,

are already 24,

no longer a child.

As your father, I think

it's time to fulfill your marriage agreement.

I swear, everyone in this drama

has nothing better to do

than push romance plots.

Father.

Chu Guihong and I

have only known each other for days,

with zero connection.

You've to

nurture it gradually by experiencing things

together.

I'm just worried that

if the court ever becomes chaotic,

there will be no one to protect you.

My darling daughter—

Enough already.

Stop with the theatrics

and tell me straight.

Why are you suddenly

insisting on the marriage?

Yimeng, oh Yimeng.

Rumors are spreading about you and the Seventh Prince.

If it were someone else,

I might consider it.

But he's no ordinary man's son.

Someone who grew up

struggling in the cold palace,

he has developed such a heart of stone,

the nature of a wolf.

For him,

self-preservation always comes first.

All those sweet words and tender affection

that come with romance

are merely

manipulable pawns at his disposal.

Treasured when needed

and discarded like worn-out shoes.

He approaches you strategically,

plotting against you.

I don't trust anyone

because no one has ever trusted me,

not even you!

You should know

that things are

not what they appear to be on the surface.

What people say isn't necessarily the truth.

If

you truly want to understand me,

don't use your eyes.

Use this.

I'm just worried that the longer we wait,

the more likely he'll take advantage of you.

Of course I know Nan Heng isn't a good person,

but I can't sacrifice

Chu Guihong's happiness just to save myself.

Alright, alright.

I may be old

and don't understand you youngsters,

but I can't stand by and watch

you jump into the fire.

At the musical banquet,

try to build a connection with Chu Guihong.

In the coming days,

I'll personally go to the prince's residence

to discuss your marriage.

It's settled.

Father!

I didn't say yes!

It's not up to you.

She's getting married?

I'm sure!

I saw it with my own eyes.

After court, Mr. Song and Chu Guihong

were all smiles.

Today I give you gifts;

tomorrow you return the favor.

At one point, they even addressed each other

as father-in-law and son-in-law.

The wedding must be soon.

Song Yude must be hastening

that old marriage arrangement again

so he wouldn't have to

join under my command.

And that Song Yimeng,

does she think she can escape me

by relying on Chu Guihong?

Song Yude is my father.

Chu Guihong is my fiancé.

Isn't that enough?

Do you already have a plan?

The musical banquet is the perfect opportunity.

I'll humiliate Chu Guihong

in front of all the capital's elites.

By then, let's see if

Song Yimeng still has any desire to marry him.

[Musical Banquet]

Why did the Seventh Prince choose such a place?

The southern district has always been home to the lowest classes,

way beneath our status.

Waning River Crescent

is renowned in the capital.

Since we're here, let's make the best of it.

I think it's quite nice.

Today is a big day for the Seventh Prince

and our Xuanjia Army.

Today is a big day for Waning River Crescent

and us Nightwalkers too.

In the past, we dominated the battlefield,

guarding the borders against powerful enemies.

In the past, we stood united, commanding respect

throughout the martial world.

Today, for His Highness,

we must make this banquet a success

and connect with renowned figures from all over!

Today, we must

host this banquet well for our Chief, and establish our dominance

among the capital's guilds.

For His Highness to connect with renowned figures!

For our Chief to dominate the capital's guilds!

For His Highness to connect with renowned figures!

For our Chief to dominate the capital's guilds!

Isn't this Mr. Shangguan from Waning River Crescent?

What a unique way of managing your subordinates.

I'm just working for the Chief Master,

nothing worth mentioning.

But I must say,

Mr. Fugui, you're usually so subservient

by Seventh Prince's side, kneeling and kowtowing,

but you're actually quite commanding

in front of the Xuanjia Army.

It seems you've been paying close attention to me.

Have we met before?

Don't be mistaken.

Unattractive things don't leave an impression on me.

Well, well.

[Graceful and Composed]

Through changing seasons, His Highness maintains his grand spirit.

As empires rise and fall, only His Highness's vision remains constant.

-Yes. -Indeed.

Talents gather from all corners,

embracing the world's brilliant minds.

Throughout history, great generals and talents have emerged,

but none compare to His Highness's unmatched elegance.

-Bootlicker. -Bootlicker.

Cousin.

Cousin!

What's wrong with you?

Please don't call me Cousin.

I don't deserve it, truly don't.

I was confined for 20 days,

but you didn't come visit me once.

Am I still your family?

Your Highness.

I was busy renovating the south with Yimeng

during those days.

I understand. I get it.

Gals before pals.

I wonder who it was

who accompanied you to make trouble all his life,

who helped you fight battles,

and who...

You've got it wrong.

That's what General Chu did for you.

Is that so?

Chu Guihong!

Yimeng!

Your Highness, I was wrong about that.

I'm really sorry.

No need.

Listen,

principle matters the most as a prince.

We wouldn't need the capital prefect

if apologies were useful!

Also,

I'm a mature adult

who's had my coming-of-age ceremony.

I'll never get upset

because you care more about women

than me.

It'd be so childish.

Extremely, thoroughly, and utterly childish!

Like a three-year-old kid.

Watch your words.

Who are you calling a three-year-old?

How can you insult me like this?

Also, you and Father

both treat me

like a child who never grows up,

never consulting me on anything,

yet now suddenly expect me to mature overnight.

You get to make all the arguments,

while all the faults are mine.

Is that fair? Is it?

Your Highness,

if you're truly upset,

let's find a private place

to clear everything up.

This will only make us a laughingstock.

What are you doing?

Mind your behavior!

Don't pull at me like that!

What would others think if they saw us?

Wait, I'm stepping on my robe.

I never noticed before

that those two are quite interesting.

But weren't you

planning to

clear things up with General Chu today?

The Eighteenth Prince was right—

You're the one he cares about most.

If he finds out you like Mr. Li,

won't he be heartbroken?

What can I do about it?

Feelings

can't be faked.

Better to come clean soon

so I don't waste his time.

Is everything in place?

Don't worry.

Everything is under control.

Chu Guihong will definitely

make a fool of himself in front of Miss Song.

Come here.

Not you.

Come here!

Sorry,

but being popular with women

has nothing to do with rank.

Miss Song.

Come here!

Why are you hanging out with Nan Heng?

Don't you know how cunning

he is?

You'd better be careful.

Okay.

I don't see Mr. Li anywhere.

Where is he?

The Chief is on a mission.

If you have a message,

I'd be happy to pass it along.

Well, maybe this is better.

If Chu Guihong found out,

who knows what might happen.

I'll show you to your seat.

Yiting, here,

try these two dishes.

[Big Fortune]

If you want more, let me know.

I'll get you more.

The deer calls.

All tables are full.

Yimeng.

There's one there.

Sit here!

Sit there.

Come.

The food here's good.

Why are you everywhere I go?

Didn't you know that I'm the host

of this banquet?

What were you talking about

with Shangguan He?

Is that any of your business?

What,

do you have a cold?

I'm just concerned about you.

Is the food to your liking?

If there's anything you'd like to eat, just say so.

Don't hold back like last time

in my mansion.

When was I ever in your mansion?

Song Yimeng.

So it's true that you dined at Seventh Prince's

mansion?

Enough, don't pry.

She's quite shy.

Don't embarrass her.

What are you on about?

This must be from Chapter 16,

when the Seventh Prince pours his heart out over wine

[Exceptional Love]

after the beautiful maiden sneaks into his mansion.

[Exceptional Love]

Are you sure?

It sounds more like the part where

the young general forces marriage

and breaks up the true lovers.

W-What's going on?

Everyone has a copy?

So you've all read it?

[Exceptional Love]

Who's read it? Don't slander me!

I know nothing about any "Illusory Dream."

Yimeng,

the Songs' reputation is at stake.

Don't you have anything to say?

Of course I do—

Rumors end with the wise.

No need for explanations.

Of course you don't need to explain.

You're clearly scheming against me.

Fine, whatever you say.

Seventh Prince, I disagree.

A rumor must be clarified.

Yimeng is my fiancée.

Regarding this novel,

I've been wanting to explain.

Since everyone is here,

I request Your Highness to clarify this in person.

Neither of the involved parties has spoken.

You're just an outsider. Why so anxious?

General Chu, aren't you a bit too insecure?

Your Highness.

Yimeng and I've been engaged since childhood.

You've repeatedly harassed her.

What exactly do you want?

What do I want?

Isn't it clear?

You—

Enough!

Will you two ever stop?

Fine, I'll take this opportunity

to make things clear today.

You and you!

I'm not interested in either of you.

What "Illusory Dream" and "Exceptional Love"?

Utter nonsense!

From now on,

if anyone gossips behind my back again,

I won't be so polite.

Alright, stop staring.

Just eat your food!

Your Majesty.

I've learned that

[Exceptional Love]

this woman knows the Seventh Prince and General Chu

have always been at odds,

yet she continues to get involved with the Seventh Prince.

She's calculating and cannot be tolerated.

Your Majesty, I suggest issuing

an imperial decree right now

to severely punish her.

[Exceptional Love]

♪ Who drinks in the wind as snow turns to ash? ♪

How moving!

Ladies and gentlemen,

this is the first year Waning River Crescent

has hosted this banquet.

[Big Fortune]

I've been instructed to spice things up

for all our distinguished guests.

Legend has it that the ancient kingdom of Rulan,

standing in the desert,

nurtured a Seven-Jewel Snow Lotus within a mirage.

Later, skilled craftsmen adorned it with fine gold.

Another iconic scene from period dramas:

people fighting over some treasure,

trying to trip each other up.

This hairpin shall be given to a person of talent.

Bravo! Bravo!

Bravo! Bravo!

I've heard that

whenever the Qianyu Army returns victorious,

they play their military anthem

to showcase their might to the world.

Unfortunately,

General Chu has suffered consecutive defeats in recent years,

and we haven't heard that anthem for a while.

I wonder if General Chu is in the mood

to bless us with the magnificent tune?

Heng.

Don't go too far!

As a prince of Great Jing,

is the defeat of Qianyu Army

something to be proud of?

At the Battle of Pingrong,

General Chu was defeated

and fled in panic.

If not for the Seventh Prince's clever strategy

to rescue General Chu

from the Heyuan prisoner's cage,

the so-called war god of Great Jing

would now be nothing but bones on the northern frontier.

Shut up!

Y-You're just a demoted official.

What do you know?

If you're so capable, go fight them in Heyuan yourself!

Go on!

Eighteenth Prince,

you must be joking.

I am but a civil official.

Officials advise with words, soldiers fight with weapons.

Don't you know this principle, Your Highness?

What nonsense are you talking about?

After General Chu's defeat,

not only did he escape punishment,

but His Majesty favored him even more,

promoting him twice.

Naturally, many in court and beyond are displeased.

Therefore,

I'm hosting this musical gathering

to help restore General Chu's morale.

Rui, I mean well.

You just...

For this musical banquet,

the Seventh Prince is the host, and I'm merely a guest.

A guest shouldn't

steal the host's thunder.

Guihong is right.

Heng, as the host,

you should perform the opening piece.

Very well.

Look at that sinister look on his face.

I bet he is up to no good.

Everyone,

the opening piece for today's banquet

is really significant.

It's called

"Pingrong Battle:

Guihong Scouts the Camp."

Fu...

Guihong,

isn't that Fugui?

Look at his crazy getup. Who is he supposed to be?

Eighteenth Prince,

Fugui is portraying the person beside you,

the brave and mighty General Chu.

Guihong,

why is Fugui dressed up like you?

Why did you make Fugui dress up

like Chu Guihong?

Aren't you deliberately mocking Jing's war god?

I know nothing about this.

As if!

What's going on?

Attack!

[Big Fortune]

This depicts General Chu scouting the enemy camp at night.

Now the Heyuan forces are surrounding the Qianyu Army.

He's been captured.

What a failure.

Pingrong Battle: Guihong Scouts the Camp.

It's Nan Heng at the banquet who's the real troublemaker, isn't it?

Are you really a prince of Great Jing?

A noble prince of Great Jing

actually let his subordinates

humiliate the Qianyu Army.

Have you no shame?

Where are you going?

To beat the drum.

You know how to?

Sorry, just about two years' practice.

Seventh Prince.

What's going on with Fugui?

Fugui volunteered

to perform this scene.

I couldn't stop him.

I only want Chu Guihong humiliated,

not the Qianyu Army.

As the war drum sounds,

thousands of troops follow my command!

This...

Yimeng is helping me.

The drumbeat is all wrong.

How can we perform like this?

Enemies approach, war drums thunder!

You're all Great Jing's finest men.

Fight back!

What the hell is she doing?

Ridiculous.

Come down!

Yeah!

Stop embarrassing yourself.

Boo!

Come down!

Stop making a fool of yourself!

So unladylike!

Just go home and do some needlework instead!

-Exactly! -Yeah!

Go home!

Are you deaf?

-So embarrassing! -Boo!

Just go back.

Boo!

Someone's getting impatient.

Nan Heng?

Don't talk.

It's the Xuanjia Army's rallying drums.

Attack!

♪ Where are the enemies at the gate? Let the wind howl ♪

Attack!

♪ We once battled with fate ♪

♪ Unruly and arrogant ♪

♪ Trampled yet laughs it off ♪

♪ As a lone wolf, forget who I'm proud of ♪

I've seen all the people's hearts

♪ In this world full of challenges, I wield my blade ♪

♪ Take care of tomorrow ♪

♪ A lamp as bright as the stars ♪

A drop of rain gives birth to roots

♪ Experiencing the ups and downs of life beats reading thousands of books ♪

♪ I'm willing to go with the wind ♪

♪ Pure of heart, roaming free across the lands ♪

♪ No waiting, no hate, I write my own story ♪

♪ I give my all for what I believe in ♪

♪ I'm willing to go with the wind ♪

♪ And run into the fog with no regrets ♪

♪ Even if rain pours on the path ahead ♪

♪ For this life, for all beings ♪

♪ Sweeping through a thousand years of dust ♪

Bravo!

Bravo! Bravo!

Bravo! Bravo!

That was amazing!

Wonderful!

So inspiring!

Truly spectacular!

Bravo! Bravo!

Bravo! Bravo!

Bravo! Bravo!

Wasn't I supposed to humiliate Chu Guihong?

How did he end up winning?

I was practically possessed

by His Highness's drumming.

Guihong,

why do I feel like

Heng was actually helping you?

He wasn't helping me

but Yimeng.

Don't think I don't know

why you helped me.

Let me tell you,

no matter how many rumors you create,

you and I

will never happen.

You're overthinking it.

I was only helping you

because of those rules you mentioned.

Rules?

Like saving the damsel in distress?

Why did

His Highness help Chu Guihong

and Song Yimeng?

Could he be infatuated

and lost his mind?

I think you're the confused one.

What was the point of this performance?

To humiliate Chu Guihong.

And who is Song Yimeng to Chu Guihong?

His bride-to-be.

And who is the Seventh Prince to Chu Guihong?

A bitter romantic rival.

Isn't it clear now?

What's clear? Don't leave me hanging.

The performance we put on

had two acts:

"Pingrong Battle: Guihong Scouts the Camp"

and

"Musical Banquet: Nan Heng Seizes His Love."

I get it now.

His Highness not only turned defeat into victory

but also won Miss Song's favor.

What a brilliant move!

I need to go

add fuel to this fire.

Those two had so much chemistry.

They must be more than friends.

[Natural Talent]

And they call it rumors? Who are they fooling?

Creating beautiful music together,

"Illusory Dream"

must be entering a new chapter.

The Seventh Prince and Miss Song drummed together,

[Big Fortune]

the lingering sound truly deserved first place.

It's just a pity there's only one hairpin,

difficult for the two of you to share.

Just give it to her.

To be honest,

I have also read "Exceptional Love."

Your deep bond moves everyone to tears.

This chance doesn't come easy.

Seventh Prince,

why don't you personally pin it on Miss Song

to satisfy

everyone's wishes?

Nice!

Sounds good!

Totally!

Sounds good!

I doubt it's necessary.

Why don't you...

Song Yimeng.

I just helped you out.

So what?

So don't spoil everyone's fun.

The music competition isn't over yet.

Isn't this prize

awarded a bit prematurely?

Chu Guihong,

if I remember correctly,

Miss Song just helped you out of a difficult situation.

It's one thing if others object,

but you?

Or have you changed your mind

and want to play the Qianyu Army's victory song?

The Qianyu Army's anthem is not to be disrespected.

However, I do have a piece

that I can perform.

It's also called

"Pingrong Battle:

Guihong Scouts the Camp."

Fight in Pingrong.

Countless enemy troops surround the city!

General!

[Thunderous Sonic Boom]

Please save us, General!

Please, save us!

-Please help us! -Have mercy!

Seeking aid,

carrier pigeons are sent beyond the Northern Pass.

Heartless betrayal,

the scoundrels of Youcheng refused to send troops.

Nothing but sorrow,

soldiers perished, their heroic spirits extinguished!

[Heyuan's enemy camp]

Bravo!

Excellent!

Wonderful!

Amazing!

Brilliant!

Impressive moves!

Guihong!

Guihong, what a surprise.

Your Highness.

From what Chu Guihong implied,

during Pingrong Battle when Heyuan forces surrounded the city,

the Qianyu Army sent carrier pigeons asking for our help.

But we never received

any of their pigeons.

Should I go explain it to him?

Would he believe you?

You're right.

Your reputation outside is terrible.

No, no, no, what I meant was...

um...

The "Pingrong Battle: Guihong Scouts the Camp" novel.

[Pingrong Battle: Guihong Scouts the Camp]

Here you go.

Before long,

this story will spread throughout Great Jing.

By then, he'll be completely disgraced

and have no place in the capital.

Tear it up.

Your Highness,

not going after Chu Guihong anymore?

I told you to tear it up!

Sure, sure.

Right away.

It's torn.

Also...

Look into the matter of those carrier pigeons.

Chu Guihong's performance

was truly beyond impressive.

Totally!

Yeah!

-Exactly! -I agree!

The best!

So, Nan Heng,

you should

give up your first place.

Why should I give it up?

Seventh Prince,

the musical banquet

is filled with decadent music.

Being immersed in it for too long

makes one forget the hardships of people at the border

and the difficulties soldiers face defending our land.

Today's performances of singing and sword dancing

fully display Great Jing's might,

upholding our national prestige.

Truly admirable.

Yes,

indeed.

I didn't expect Yiting to be so eloquent.

Your Highness,

I concede.

Yimeng.

I was at the border before,

which delayed us for years.

Now I've returned to the capital

and rejoined the court.

Our engagement's been postponed for too long.

I've let you down.

Today,

in front of everyone present...

Chu Guihong, please.

Stop, please stop.

Would you marry me

and fulfill our engagement?

I, Chu Guihong, swear by the name of the Qianyu Army

to protect you for the rest of your life.

I...

Chu Guihong, I...

I object!

My marriage is not for others to object to.

Chu Guihong, we—

What if I object?

The latest update on "Exceptional Love"!

An emotional crisis in "Illusory Dream,"

with Chu Guihong's marriage proposal creating imminent conflict!

New love or old flame?

Accept or reject?

How will she choose?

All in today's update!

Give me one!

Latest edition or not?

I want to see

how incompetent Nan Heng is,

letting Chu Guihong take the lead.

Great, great.

Give me ten copies!

I support Chu Guihong!

I'll pay to support him, okay?

Nice!

One at a time!

Ten copies, here you go!

Mother, why'd you

come unannounced?

If I hadn't come, what would you have done?

Just wait patiently.

Today, I won't disappoint you.

The Noble Consort has a decree:

The eldest daughter of the Songs, descendant of a noble house in the capital,

is intelligent and accomplished in music, calligraphy, and painting.

The Seventh Prince Nan Heng,

young and unmarried,

is of gentle nature and well accomplished.

The two families shall unite in matrimonial bliss.

So all these betrothal gifts

are for me.

This is too much!

Fine, Heng.

I finally understand.

Everything today

was all planned by you in advance, wasn't it?

Creating buzz with "Exceptional Love,"

then the seduction at the musical banquet.

And now just as Guihong proposes marriage,

you pull something like this!

You sly fox.

Rui,

how can you slander your brother like this?

Am I wrong?

Since childhood,

he's always been the most calculating.

Back then,

who knows what methods he used

to harm my mother, the Empress.

Now you're even occupying her position!

You're all thieves,

nothing but robbers—

Nan Rui!

I'll say this one last time.

The former Empress's death had

nothing to do with me nor my mother.

If you dare disrespect my mother again,

I won't hold back.

And what if I do?

Your family only knows how to use

disgraceful, dirty tactics!

Your uncle is like that,

and so is your mother!

You!

Heng!

Your Majesty!

Seventh Prince...

Wait, the plot has changed.

Nan Heng shouldn't be here

having a falling out with Chu Guihong.

What's going on?

-Your Highness! -Stop!

His Majesty orders

the Seventh Prince and Miss Song to enter the palace.

I...

Eunuch Liu,

the princes were fighting.

Why am I arrested?

Miss Song,

His Majesty has given his royal word

that he must see you in person.

Please come with me.

My Lady! My Lady!

Gently, gently.

Be gentle.

Oh no.

What should we do now?

Why are you panicking?

Greetings, Second Miss.

My father should be hosting guests at Juxian Tower.

Come find him with me

to ask him to go to the palace now.

Yiting,

is this matter really that serious?

The two princes just drew weapons against each other.

Such actions

will surely provoke His Majesty's wrath,

and someone must bear the Emperor's anger.

Song Yimeng,

the situation looks grim.

[Imperial Study]

How long do we have to kneel here?

Pad your knees.

Drop the act.

Stop scheming against me already.

Who schemed against you?

The arranged marriage was my mother's idea.

What does it have to do with me?

Yes, yes, yes,

You're the kindest person in the world.

How could you possibly be involved?

Can you stop being so

sarcastic?

This was clearly a fight between the three of you.

Why do the Eighteenth Prince

and Chu Guihong get away with it?

I didn't do anything,

yet I have to keep kneeling here.

Who did I offend?

Can the royals just do whatever they want?

His Majesty didn't even get the facts straight.

Miss Song.

[Imperial Study]

His Majesty summons you to the Imperial Study.

Sure, sure.

As long...

As long as I don't have to kneel anymore,

I'll do anything.

My legs are numb!

I...

Watch your words inside.

I know!