A Dream within a Dream

MULTIPLE ENDINGS

This drama is very entertaining, you'll get comedy and suspense love the soundtracks and OST every single one of them, I love Li YiTong & Liu YuNing in their characters, Wang You Shuo is great too. The director and script writer do good job, flowing story-lines. One thing I am not fond of is over the top head-pieces on Song Yi Meng (Li YiTong) hairdo; dangling gold hairpins overwhelms her, just wondering with her active-moving-self, how those dangling jewelries not getting caught of something. Her costumes aren't pretty, red tiny flowers glued to her robes - it looks cheap So in female costumes dept it isn't flattering. It's a story about pre-destined fate base on a drama script between Nang Heng and Song Yi Meng that none of them can get away with, something pulling their strings to do what fate drive them to without consent, an accidental trap on scripted fates.

LIU YU NING (Nan Heng 7th Prince/Li Shi Liu/Nan Feng)
I think this guy has remarkable expressive face. He can be looking cynical, shy, weep, emotional, prying, cruel, tempted within seconds (I can guess he's very sensitive in real life). His tall figure gives great posture wearing costumes for period drama, sense of powerful and dignify persona. He is good looking, has the charisma that bring out strong character and accomplishment better than any other actors. From King of OST to a good actor, he has filmed various characters. I can see his hard work through his many dramas....I can see he's learning his skill and perfecting it. Nothing but praises for him in this drama.. Character: His life hasn't been easy, since childhood he's been a 'sore' in his father's (Emperor) eyes & heart. He's been accused with so many terrible things; the killer of Empress, God of death, responsible of killing 20 thousands Ching-Yu Army, ambitious to be a Crown Prince, rumor to abdicate his father for kingdom, & deflowering Song Ying Ting . His father the Emperor hates & despise him, his stupid little brother 18th Prince team-up with Jr Gen Chu Gui Hong to get rid of him, he got beat up (punish) alot just because of a girl Song Yi Meng. He endures it with grinding teeth and pain in his sad heart. No one understand his true-self, a loaner who deals with negativity.

Li Yi Tong (Song Yi Meng/Song Xiao Yu)
She's pretty in here. Too much jewelries on her, oversize gowns so she drag it up, so distracting. she's a hyper-active that analyze her new life transformation as a modern girl trap in a script, her demeanor is free and unconventional. Although some scenes she acted sweet full of falseness, I think she did it to contradicting situation. She believes her life is pre-scripted such as being engaged to Jr Gen Chu Gui Hong since childhood, little sister Song Yi Ting would destroy her marriage, the end of her family's life in Nan Heng's hand, rebellion to take over kingdom, one-sided love Yi Meng has toward Nan Heng which would end up dead in 3-ways-stabbing scene. Believes she need to change pre-scripted scenes to avoid dying. Yi Meng encounter Li Shi Liu, a mysterious wanderer who rescue her many times - a masked Moonshade leader as her confident. She said many hurtful things about Nan Heng when recruiting Shi Liu to kill Nan Heng. Ep 25 she figure out that Nan Heng is actually Li Shi Liu and she's up-set about it, unforgiving for deceitful bastard Nan Heng. The anticipate wedding 3 ways-stabbing scene is delivered with beautiful act from Li Yi Tong on ep 32.

Wang You Shuo (Chu Gui Hong/Jr General)
Engaged with Song Yi Meng since childhood, he loves her too much, he stays faithful and looking forward for the union of marriage - just too bad YiMeng is involved with Nan Heng. He hates Nan Heng, he believes Nan Heng killed his aunt the Empress accidentally with a bow. He accused Nan Heng's refusal for reinforcement that cause the lost of his 20K Army soldiers he commanded and his father died in front of him. So much grudges in his heart he determine to take Nan Heng down by every means. Wang You Shuo handsome face can be soften in front of Yi Meng, his acting spots on as an angry abandoned-fiance. His teary eyes shines with coldness, ready to defy his ending. I feel his frustration and stubbornness as he angrily asking "why do I need to die just because Iam the 2nd ML?" He feels that what Nan Heng has done to him, he don't deserve to end well. Where is the fairness of that? He wants to become an Emperor, determine to rewrite his own fate. Win or die trying. I can understand his feeling. My bet is Wang You Shuo will get more offers for future projects.

There're 3 different version of endings. Watching 1st ending I was moved, shed tears, so sad! But then there's 2nd ending and 3rd ending, I was like.....'no way! Don't trick me to shed tears again.' The guy who plays Chu Qing Yu (Gui Hong's dad) is pretty good, matured evil in youthful energy - he has God syndrome for the screen-writer incarnation. I have invested my emotion into this drama but then....Nan Heng, Song Yi Meng, Chu Gui Hong are just characters within characters. Dang!!!

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Fun Romp

This is a classic Chinese costume / palace intrigue romance, where the main character is an actress playing a noble woman living in the "Jing Dynasty" and somehow the actress becomes that noble woman. The setup allows for the character (and the show) to parody many of the tropes of palace intrigue cdramas. I mean, literally at multiple points the main character tells other characters "hey, it will be OK, because I have plot armor' and the male lead literally lives in "Male Lead Mansion." The first episode gets off to a quick start to establish the premise, and the results are hilarious. The show does settle down after that, although the premise of a real person living in a fictional world is maintained throughout.

Some interesting questions emerge from these circumstances, such as the role of fate in our lives, and how we should deal with it. The philosophical side doesn't get treated clinically, but the show takes some explicit stands on some points. That said, the show does not take itself too seriously, and the result is a fun romp through some unspecified Chinese dynasty.

The production side is solid. The acting is top-notch. As is typical for costume cdramas, some of the battle scenes are gory and, well, tedious. The OST is fine. Otherwise, I don't have anything noteworthy to add.

The writing does get a bit weak in the later episodes, as the good guys seem to forget the bad guys have a whole army at their disposal. More generally, in spite of all the scheming going on, the good guys just seem to be awfully casual at times. The two lead characters also have a tendency to "protect" the other by not communicating some issues, which has predictable results. So, yeah, tropes, although the show is self-aware enough that the tropes aren't too distracting. The resolution of the main conflict is distinctive, relying on the premise, so I give bonus points there.

In summary, this isn't a masterpiece, but again the premise leads to a fun romp, and the show remains faithful to that vibe, even past the final credits (that's a hint to watch past the final credits). I really enjoyed it, as period cdramas are ripe for parody.

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Amazing Drama - A Must Watch for Drama Fans

There will be no spoilers in this review. Just needed to make sure it's on everyone's watch list. You just need to be aware of what you're getting into. This drama makes fun of the usual drama tropes and it's hilarious (but also has a great story. Acting is top notch, and if it seems over the top sometimes...that's the point. Go with it. So much to take in, you may find yourself going back to previous episodes for an "Aha!" moment. By the end, all the details make sense, which is rare. I loved it and it is firmly in my top 5 best Chinese historical dramas ever. Some dramas have been stale lately, but this show reminds me why I love Asian dramas. Kudos to all involved!

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Brilliant

Loved every minute of this series. The ‘script’ concept was conveyed brilliantly and developed well. The actors portrayed their roles exceptionally well and the ending was very satisfying-always love knowing how all the characters ended up. The characterisations were very clever and references to roles such as Passerby A etc made me chuckle in amusement. Themes of controlling your own fate and never giving up added meaning to what I would classify as a parody of historical dramas. Despite the brutal clashes, the comedic element was most entertaining especially in the choreography of the final battle scenes. Beautiful cinematography, costumes and OST. Love the soundtrack and particularly liked what reminded me of the almost ‘western’ Quentin Tarantino style music for the military and dramatic moments. All the songs were well placed and of course those sung by Liu Luning are fabulous. I also felt the last few episodes were so well edited, maintaining the tension of the unexpected twists to the development of the story. The screenwriters for this series did a splendid job.

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This work mocks, but at the same time it makes you cry and sympathize.

The first drama of the year that I give a 10/10.

The story is well-structured, logical, and multi-layered. It's full of jokes that only native Chinese people understand, so it's worth checking the comments on the internet.)
The only problem is that Prisoner of Beauty was released during its promotion and before its distribution.
Unfortunately, LJ N's ships collided. Many people can't differentiate between the two drama genres (satire or romantic drama) and are quite petty. (This is a fairly common human trait here on MDL, the site itself is extremely biased.)
The main characters did a great job in this drama. It's worth watching several times, the message is deep and relevant, and multi-layered.
I don't recommend it to those who are still sailing on TPOB or those who quickly skim through it to know what's going to happen.
The journey is the essence of this drama, The characters develop slowly and you can only love them 100% after episode 26.

Anyone who has seen a lot of C-dramas will recognize many of the plots (that are made fun of) in this drama. It is accompanied by a lot of giggles.

This work mocks, but at the same time makes you cry and sympathize with it.

If you don't like it, just move on... as LJN asked.

I really liked it.

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Script outplayed all of us

This was such a fun to watch drama, beginning to end it was so good and hilarious. I have watched many dramas where transmigration is the theme but their endings remains lukewarm. However this drama ending didn't let down. I can say that beginning was good but ending was outstanding.
Yep plot holes was their like what's the purpose for weapon forging but why put a logic in a drama which already having too much drama where we are watching a script within a script😂😂. The ending was also open like for me NH and NF was 2 different people cause I saw that NH in end came from a portal and not from behind the SYM, even that portal has the historical background. However some people have assumptions that NH and NF are both same. So in all we are left brainstorming about the characters within a script in script. That is a good writing which is hard to find these days. I really enjoyed this drama cause even in serious scenes there were comic element which make us realize that its not real and it's only a drama within a drama🤣🤣🤣 director and scriptwriter outplayed us for 40 episodes. All the actors were so good even supporting casts and the chorography of the fight scenes between NH and CGH was awesome. Ep 40 was the best episodes and any ending being best in a drama is rare. All the ost placement within the scenes were nicely done so editors did a great job. Overall, it's a must watch drama and have a good rewatch value👍🏻

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Started with 10, ended with 10.

This drama is one of my fave this 2025! It set the standard high. But, TBH whatever script LYN takes I will take it and watch it! He is such an amazing actor. We have to thank him for getting this job because no one will portray the NAN HENG the best way he delivers it. Those small details he adds to make this character shine is remarkable! I love him so much!

Yi Tong- this is the first drama i watch from her and she also delivers the character. Some people say she looks and acts like Bai Lu but she is a person of her own. I hope she becomes more popular.

and to ADWAD --- it has been a ride! Waiting for a new episode to watching the very last one has been an enjoyable thing this past weeks. This gives me something to look forward for the day. The never ending theories are what makes it more fun! I'm always mind blown.

To the cast and crew, Thank you so much ADWAD!!! 😍😍😍

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Didn’t Expect a Transmigration Drama to Make Sense… But This One Did

Finally wrapped up this drama, and to be honest, I was hesitant to even start. Not because I dislike the transmigration genre, but because most dramas never handle it properly. They either lose logic halfway or waste the premise. The only reason I pressed play here was LYN, and I figured even if the story didn’t hold up, at least his acting would.

The first 10 to 15 episodes completely pulled me in. They were witty, hilarious, and surprisingly cohesive for a transmigration setup. Everything made sense, and the pacing felt right. Then came the inevitable slowdown. Episodes 16 through 27 dragged and almost lost me.

But here’s the thing: everything after episode 28 was so wild, creative, and well executed that it redeemed the weaker middle. The latter stretch balanced the whole experience and made the ending feel truly satisfying. Honestly, this is one of the rare transmigration dramas that actually makes sense of its own plot, with reasoning that didn’t feel forced.

Some viewers call the female lead “too dumb,” but I completely disagree. Imagine being thrown into the world of a script: how rational would you be? Personally, I know I’d mess up worse than she did. Her reactions felt natural and grounded, which made her more believable than the overly “perfect” female leads we usually see.

Another detail I really enjoyed was the music. While the setting was historical, the soundtrack leaned modern, which created a clever contrast. It felt like a subtle reminder that although the characters were moving through a historical world, the truth was they were still in the present, simply living out a script.

Even the way some of the minor characters were named felt realistic from our perspective. Labels like “NPC 1,” “NPC 2,” “Anonymous,” or “Outlooker” made perfect sense, because to us, that’s exactly what they are: background fillers with no real identity. It immediately reminded me of the K-drama Extraordinary You. That small touch gave the story another layer of self-awareness I really appreciated.

It’s not a perfect drama, and the pacing drop keeps me from giving it the highest overall rating. But within this genre, it easily earns the top recognition from me. By the finale, the highs outweighed the lows, and I walked away genuinely satisfied.

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MUCH FUN AND THE TWIST IS TWISTED

Mainly, first, I thought that the drama was serious because of the past trailers HAHAHAJAJA, but it turns out to be hysterically laughable and super super unpredictable twists. I was cackling every episode, and of course, the romance is good good 💯. I AM ENJOYING THE SHOW!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT SO MUCHHH 🫀 YITONG AND YUNING WERE SUCH A COMEDIC CP.I AM AMAZED HOW THE STORY FLOWS. SOMEHOW I CANNOT PREDICT IT, AND TO GUESS? WHAT WILL BE MORE TWISTS? HAHAHAHAHA. FOR NOW, LET'S ENJOY LAUGHING, THEN SADNESS LATER LMAO. CAN'T WAIT FOR FURTHER EPISODES. I HOPE IT'S A H.E. 🥲

*****(SPOILER? AND RANT!!!

NOTE:DO NOT COMPARE THEIR PREVIOUS WORKS TO ADWTD BECAUSE IT IS REALLY DIFFERENT CUZ IT IS A TRANSMIGRATION FANTASY COMEDIC ROMANCE. IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE SHOW BECAUSE YOU SHIP THEM IN R**L LIFE OR YOU WILL EXCUSE SOMEWHAT THAT THE FL CHARACTER IS BLAH BLAH CHURVA…THEN PROCEED TO PRAISE THE ML CHARACTER CUZ HE IS BLAH BLAH URGHH…THE DOUBLE STANDARDS AT ITS FINEST! STOP, WILL YOU ALL? JUST SHUSH YOUR MOUTH!PLEASE, LET'S JUST ENJOY EACH OTHER'S PREFERENCES AND OPINIONS. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT…SIMPLE! CONTINUE TO WATCH YOUR FAVORITE SHOW OR WHATEVER...JUST DO NOT LURK ABOUT THE SHOW, BASH OR HATE THEM. I SAW A FEW COMMENTS THAT THE PREVIOUS DRAMA DROPPED OFF YUNING IS THE ONE THAT SUITS HIM, NOT SOME COMEDIC SCRIPT, AND THEN MORE ASK WHY HE IS ACCEPTING THOSE KINDS OF ROLES THAT ARE TRASH…LIKE HELLO?! HOW CAN YOU BE A CERTAIN VERSATILE ACTOR IF YOU DON'T EXPLORE SOME KIND OF GENRES TO ENHANCE MORE YOUR ACTING SKILLS LOL?AND ALSO, MOST PROBABLY YITONG, WHO RECEIVED A LOT OF HATEFUL COMMENTS AND SAYS THAT SHE IS JUST EXAGGERATING, A BAD ACTRESS, OR NOT HAVING CHEMISTRY WITH YUNING. THAT IS ABSURD!! THEY'RE ACTRESSES AND ACTORS FOR A REASON. DO NOT FANTASIZE AND OVERSTEP YOUR DELUSIONS JUST TO BRING DOWN A PERSON. YOU'LL ALL LOOK LIKE PATHETIC SLY FOXES (JUST JK). YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE IT BECAUSE THEY'RE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE PARTNERS, OF COURSE. DUH. HAVE SOME MANNERS AND GIVE THEM CREDIT. RESPECT THE ARTISTS WORKS. LOVE LOVE YUNING AND YITONG. 🥹🫶🏼 LET'S JUST STOP TOXICITY AND HAVE SOME MINDSET NOH AND SPREAD LOVE

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Drama with no logic - Tragedy into Comedy

Finally finished it! 🤯

I had so much anxiety and impatience trough other half of this drama. I thinked I would be disappointed but drama actually came to be better from half.

Ending didnt disappointed its kind clear, but make me bit confused also. Basically can be OE, SE, HE. All is for your perspective. Production and script was so well done.

Music nailed in this one. LYN again show what he can do...LYT has her best role so far I am sure of it. I wish her all the best in future. He actually look even more beautiful in modern world so why not modern drama again together.

Third best costume drama for me this year. I think directors, scriptwriters and also music composers should see this and implement and boost quality of sound in future works because for me it gives half meaning to drama.

LYN voice acting and eyes acting is his best touch with all other expressions and quality. I can bet he can do even more better. There is no limits for him!

I want him in xianxia with Bai Lu. Their chemistry would be bombastic and kisses you can imagine...BTS would be so hilarious I dont doubt! Lets manifest together! 🙏

They really twisted our mind and go in all ways they could. I wish to see more drmas with comedy like this...I call it tragedy into comedy... And also drama with no logic...

But love and fate dont have logic on the end... ♥️

Thanks all the crew for wonderful drama and hard work! This drama definitely wont be forgotten because it was unique! 🌟

White head same heart! - Everlasting love! ♥️

It really was A Dream Within A Dream... ✨✨✨



What I loved in last 6 eps...


35 - Fugui speaking to NH. Bad scene and talking about hairpin was so hilarious and on point for any costume cdrama. NR making SG jealous and wanted him to take action. Scriptwriter is actually scared of NH lol. His villainous aura makes him scared lol. He is scared even of his own character. SYT and SG that slap was personal.

NR - I am sorry I doubt this character. I am glad he wasn't evil.

36 - NH cant die!!! He is fighting for his SYM. SGH bastard, second lead, lunatic and psychopath character. Pfff... Good acting Wang! Wind is rising. I believe this will be reference like in MM was. SY, NH and SG working together yeah yeah yeah. Flash on the tape meaning bad things will happen...

37 - The second NH led his arm on emperors arm he forgive him. Sight and he let go... SG didn't let SYT had till battle... Whoever you choose he cant be worst than me... Oh SG... LYN again died as hero same pose as in AJTL. - Only by dying I can prove I am not fictional character! Heartbreaking! SYM uses his sword. Covering him with cloak make me cry so bad.

38 - All back in time. Loop! I knew it! She telling truth even NH cant believe he actually believe her. Again sad things happen. NH always wants to die first because don't want to see her die...

39 - NR also can see dejavu! Scriptwriter scream NH. NH is like bro shut up lmao! SYT want to cut SG hair was nice touch he loves his hair she knows it obviously... SYM preparing NH and put his cloak on. Sadness...

40 - Chaos! SYT and SG play music together. I wanted that actually. Song Hurry up hurry up is great for this scene. NR and Fugui cowboy music - HELL YEAH!

CGH didn't listen because original scriptwriter actually make him to be whole villain There was no turning back. Finally that screenwriter helped finally saw power of community and their souls seemed real....

I cant believe we waited and now is already over! Ohhh... I thanked I will be sadder but actually I am satisfied. I will miss them but will be okay. Go back when I want.

They never got formula for weapon forging...

To satisfy us they put all in this drama for sure, it was twisted, chaotic, chaos, etc. This drama was supposed to be like that... Fight choreography was amazing! Main villain died by his own hands as many died like that in cdramas... His destiny in his own hands. So let me be dead if I can have what I want...

NR scene with maid was so beautiful. About SG being pregnant was so cringe and funny. Looks like all know about script world by now and no one bothers. Even Song baba and emperor are lovely dovely with their wives because of script good behavior lmao! No one died except CGH... Ah what an tragedy lol!

Ending give a lot of answers, but post credit scene gives us much more questions. That portal tho!?

On the end my opinion is that NH is actually NF who also transmigrated with SYM to script world, but he forgot all, but when he was back he remember his experience. On the end it was also part of the script so doesn't matte because its HE but I want to know still...

Amazing and unique drama indeed which we will remember! 😍

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