How long does that last? I saw it a little spoiler that CZ forces the emperor to marry He Yan to him
Not long after, He Yan opposes the marriage in front of the emperor. She tells him that if she cannot marry Xiao Jun, she will not marry Chu Zhao either, and that she would rather remain alone forever.
You are not that far off. The ML finds out the truth in 12-14 (can't remember the exact episode). A few episodes…
I am guessing they are both in a coma and dreaming due to the whole elevator thing. We will see them wake up probably in like the last 10 minutes and get some sort of hint that they end up together or that they remember their "dream"
I think the contrast between Chu Zhao and Xiao Jue really highlights their distinct ways of relating to her. Chu Zhao positions himself as the one who would blaze a trail, forging ahead to clear obstacles from her path. His role is active but also distant, placing her behind him. Xiao Jue, in contrast, does not seek to lead or to shield her; instead, he offers companionship, an unwavering presence at her side, whatever the future might hold. This difference reveals a deeper insight: Xiao Jue understands not only her strength but also her desires.