Truth or Dare Episode 10 Recap
> Truth or Dare Recap
Qiaoyun intervened to protect He Yizhi from Siheng, accusing Siheng of being aggressive towards Princess Xiao Wanzi. Siheng, taken aback, reluctantly put down his sword and begged for mercy. Inside, He Yizhi explained that the situation was urgent, which is why he entered the mansion. He informed them that Qiuhua had already briefed him on their plan, which he believed was good.
However, he insisted on personally rescuing Master Bao, arguing that his current disguise as a waiter and his acquaintance with Master Bao made him the most suitable person to persuade Master Bao to leave. Xiao Wanzi initially expressed concern for her father's safety, but Qiaoyun also agreed that He Yizhi was the best candidate. He Yizhi reassured his daughter, emphasizing the importance of the larger mission.
Xiao Wanzi then outlined the escape plan: the Mei Mansion's master was away, leaving only one guard at the prison during lunchtime, who held the key. She proposed that she would feign delivering a meal to Mei Shiqing, thus allowing He Yizhi to enter the dungeon. Once inside, He Yizhi would knock out the guard, and she would then pretend to be knocked unconscious, allowing He Yizhi to take Master Bao. He Yizhi inquired about their exit strategy.
Xiao Wanzi clarified that after leaving the cell, they should turn right, where a gate led outside. Qiaoyun and Qiuhua would be waiting there to facilitate their exit, while Xiao Wanzi would act as a lookout. He Yizhi expressed deep concern for Xiao Wanzi's safety, stating he wouldn't live if anything happened to her. He then reminded her, "Your father, what great winds and waves hasn't he seen?" Xiao Wanzi, with He Yizhi hidden, approached Mei Shiqing's cell.
She first confronted a guard and then Mei Shiyuan, asserting her authority as a princess when he attempted to block her path. While she created a diversion, He Yizhi quickly incapacitated Mei Shiyuan, taking his keys. Xiao Wanzi then dropped to the floor and feigned unconsciousness on top of Mei Shiyuan. He Yizhi proceeded to Master Bao's cell and freed him.
Master Bao, overjoyed, insisted on first confronting Mei Shiqing to boast about his escape, claiming he could easily navigate the Mei Mansion. Mei Shiqing, calling Master Bao a "mountain monkey," was angered and suspected there was an inside spy assisting the escape. He Yizhi hurried Master Bao away. Once outside the cell, He Yizhi became disoriented, unable to recall the correct escape route.
Master Bao impatiently banged on a nearby door, prompting He Yizhi to attempt using a prearranged code word. To their surprise, a masked figure opened the door. Believing this person to be Qiuhua, their designated contact, they seized the opportunity and made their escape from the Mei Mansion. Shortly after, Xiao Wanzi "regained consciousness" and immediately began shouting for help.
Mei Shiqing, hearing her cries, quickly came to her aid, expressing concern for her well-being while playfully teasing her about not being very smart to begin with. Xiao Wanzi, feigning distress, reported that a bandit was rescued and that she and Mei Shiyuan had been knocked unconscious, and she didn't know what had happened. Mei Shiqing instructed her to find Siheng immediately. Meanwhile, Qiaoyun and Qiuhua, waiting at the designated exit for He Yizhi, noticed his absence.
As Xiao Wanzi continued her cries, she spotted a masked figure checking on the unconscious Mei Shiyuan. Mistaking the person for Qiuhua, she called out, causing the mysterious individual to flee. Unsuspecting, Xiao Wanzi continued to call for help, which drew Qiaoyun and Qiuhua to her. Xiao Wanzi, still pretending to be shaken, reported the incident. Siheng, alarmed by Master Bao's escape, immediately ordered a lockdown of the Mei Mansion and a city-wide search.
Xiao Wanzi vaguely attributed the incident to the delivery person, claiming she was knocked unconscious. Qiaoyun quickly intervened, stating that Xiao Wanzi needed rest due to shock, effectively cutting short Siheng's interrogation. Later, Mei Changyun and Second Madam visited Xiao Wanzi. Xiao Wanzi inquired about the capture of the jailbreakers and was relieved when Mei Changyun reported that they hadn't been found, speculating they might have already left the city.
She then tried to advocate for Mei Shiqing, suggesting he be allowed to help with the investigation. However, Second Madam interjected, mentioning Xiao Wanzi's frequent food deliveries to Mei Shiqing and implying Mei Shiqing's ingratitude, effectively swaying Mei Changyun. Mei Changyun then decided to keep Mei Shiqing imprisoned and even suggested starving him for three days to make him reflect on his actions, despite Xiao Wanzi's attempts to object.
After Mei Changyun and Second Madam departed, alone with Qiaoyun, Xiao Wanzi asked if her father, He Yizhi, was seen escaping. Qiaoyun revealed that neither she nor Qiuhua saw He Yizhi or Master Bao at their designated exit. This led Xiao Wanzi to a chilling realization: the masked person she had seen earlier, whom she initially mistook for Qiuhua, could not have been Qiuhua since Qiuhua was with Qiaoyun.
The fact that the person fled upon hearing her voice further confirmed their suspicion. Both women were then struck by the alarming thought that there might be another spy from the Dragon Stockade operating within the Mei Mansion. Meanwhile, He Yizhi drove a carriage with a drugged Master Bao inside.
Earlier, Master Bao had joked about Princess Xiao Wanzi's appearance, contrasting her with the beauty of Lu Yingyao, but He Yizhi affectionately defended Xiao Wanzi, describing her as "white, chubby, cute, and joyous." He Yizhi had given Master Bao a drugged wine to quiet him down and prepare for a hostage exchange.
Unbeknownst to them, Wu and his faction, who were supposed to be rescuing Master Bao, were resting on the mountain, plotting to kill Master Bao to seize control of Dragon Stockade. When He Yizhi's carriage approached, Wu, noticing He Yizhi's nervousness, ordered a search. They discovered the unconscious Master Bao and captured He Yizhi. Wu intended to murder both of them, planning to frame He Yizhi for Master Bao's death, attributing it to jealousy over Lu Yingyao.
However, Nan Xiang dramatically intervened, stopping Wu and demanding an explanation. She quickly uncovered Wu's nefarious plot to kill Master Bao. Nan Xiang scolded Wu for his betrayal and declared that Nan Batian would personally judge his actions. She then took Master Bao under her protection. Later, at the Dragon Stockade, Lu Yingyao saw Nan Xiang's group and rushed to He Yizhi, questioning him.
He Yizhi explained their initial plan to use Master Bao as a hostage exchange for the Princess to rescue Lu Yingyao, which was thwarted when they encountered Wu. He also reassured her that they acted to protect her reputation and would find another way to help. Lu Yingyao was touched by his kindness. Nan Batian hosted a grand banquet to celebrate Master Bao's safe return.
Master Bao toasted his Godfather Nan Batian and Nan Xiang, acknowledging He Yizhi's crucial role in his rescue. Nan Xiang, however, asserted that he should thank her, as she saved him from certain death at Wu's hands. Master Bao dismissed her, believing Mei Shiqing was incapable of killing him. He then subtly left the main table to bring a plate of plain vegetables to Lu Yingyao.
Master Bao revealed he knew she discreetly sought Nan Xiang's help, which saved his life. Lu Yingyao, though, maintained that she only acted out of fear of being left alone, not out of direct concern for him. Master Bao, seeing through her pretense, smiled secretly. He then confided in her that his original intention in going down the mountain was to kidnap Princess Xiao Wanzi, hoping it would deter Nan Batian's interest in Lu Yingyao.
Lu Yingyao was visibly moved, realizing his selfless motivation, and Master Bao assured her he would handle Nan Batian to prevent her from suffering. In the prison, Mei Shiqing had been on a hunger strike for three days, stubbornly refusing to beg his father for release. Xiao Wanzi attempted to persuade him, even offering him a bun she smuggled in, but Mei Shiqing remained unyielding, declaring he would rather starve than yield to Mei Changyun.
Discussing the recent escape, Xiao Wanzi deduced that He Yizhi, disguised as a waiter, must be from Dragon Stockade, and the masked figure who facilitated the escape must be an internal spy within the Mei Mansion. She expressed frustration that Mei Changyun refused to release Mei Shiqing to investigate, suspecting her father-in-law wanted to prevent Mei Shiqing from gaining credit.
Despite Mei Shiqing's insistence that she not do so, Xiao Wanzi resolved to kneel before Mei Changyun's door until he agreed to release Mei Shiqing. Xiao Wanzi carried out her vow, kneeling steadfastly. Mei Changyun, initially believing her to be too pampered to endure such hardship, was surprised when she continued to kneel for a day and a night. Second Madam attempted to dissuade Mei Changyun from caving in, fearing it would undermine their authority.
However, concerned for Xiao Wanzi's health and the implications for her relationship with the Ninth Lord, Mei Changyun eventually relented. He ordered Mei Shiqing's release, though he issued a stern warning not to repeat such actions. Despite Second Madam's protests about spoiling Xiao Wanzi, Mei Changyun privately admitted to feeling a touch of happiness at Xiao Wanzi's obvious devotion to his son. Upon his release, Mei Shiqing's first reaction was to scold Xiao Wanzi for ignoring his wishes and kneeling.
Offended by his ingratitude, Xiao Wanzi retorted, reminding him that she rescued him from the bandits, and now from prison, making them "square." Mei Shiqing then tenderly carried her back to her room. He carefully applied medicine to her sore knees. As Xiao Wanzi watched his focused expression, she reached out to gently touch his face. Mei Shiqing looked up, their eyes met, and he gently caught her hand.
