Truth or Dare Episode 20 Recap
> Truth or Dare Recap
Nan Xiang, having overheard Lu Yingyao's escape plans with Uncle He, burst into the room, furious that she had been manipulated. She confronted Lu Yingyao, accusing her of using her, deceiving Bao into marrying her, and trying to steal Nan Batian's map. Bao intervened, telling Nan Xiang to stop her accusations and stating that he knew what was going on. Nan Xiang was deeply hurt and angry that Bao believed an outsider over her.
After a heated argument, Nan Xiang left, vowing to get Lu Yingyao. Bao then gently asked Lu Yingyao if she was hurt, promising he would not let anyone harm her. Later, Bao questioned Lu Yingyao about why she had taken Nan Batian's crutch. Lu Yingyao confessed that she was looking for a map because she desperately wanted to leave the stockade. Bao revealed that there was no map.
Instead, the only way to leave was to break the formation outside the stockade, a secret known only to five people: himself, Nan Xiang, Wu, Nan Batian, and the guide. Lu Yingyao was saddened by this revelation, feeling trapped. Bao expressed that he had thought she might have grown accustomed to her life there and to him.
Lu Yingyao apologized, explaining her true desire was to free Bao from Nan Batian's control and prevent him from continuing to hunt Lord Nocturnal-elf, hoping he could return to the right path. She sincerely wished they could meet in another time and place. Bao, in turn, told her he only believed what he saw and knew her true character, assuring her she was the person he liked most in the world.
Meanwhile, Mei Shiqing discovered a peculiar, ugly wooden carving on his desk. Si Heng, his aide, quickly identified it as a carving of Mei Shiqing himself, made by Xiao Wanzi. Mei Shiqing, who initially found it displeasing, reconsidered after Si Heng pointed out the resemblance. Elsewhere, Xiao Wanzi stealthily broke into Situ Lin's shop and took several ledgers from his study. Unbeknownst to her, Situ Lin observed her actions from a hidden vantage point.
Xiao Wanzi brought the stolen ledgers to Mei Shiqing, hoping they would prove Situ Lin's innocence regarding the illicit salt trade, as she still believed him to be a good person. Mei Shiqing teased her about her trust in Situ Lin. Xiao Wanzi admitted she did it to stop Mei Shiqing from "nagging" her and recounted seeing the head of an illicit salt merchant team talking to Situ Lin.
Mei Shiqing warned her that such actions could alarm their target, but Xiao Wanzi assured him that Situ Lin would be away from the shop for a few days. Mei Shiqing made her promise not to take such risks again, jokingly threatening to withhold treats. Xiao Wanzi insisted on returning the books herself to avoid suspicion, a task Mei Shiqing agreed to.
Shortly after, Mei Shiqing instructed Si Heng to invite Rou from Felicity Tavern to the Mei Mansion under the pretense of appreciating a new zither and paintings. Qiaoyun and Qiuhua noticed Rou's arrival and immediately suspected Mei Shiqing was taking advantage of Xiao Wanzi's absence for a rendezvous. They rushed to inform Xiao Wanzi, who was resting. Despite their agitated warnings, Xiao Wanzi, feigning indifference, correctly surmised that Mei Shiqing and Rou were likely discussing Salter Cartel business.
She decided to bring them some late-night snacks as an excuse to enter the study. Upon arrival, she found Mei Shiqing and Rou diligently examining the ledgers. Feeling a bit sheepish, Xiao Wanzi offered to help, but soon drifted off to sleep. Xiao Wanzi awoke in her bed to find Mei Shiqing sitting nearby, Rou having already left.
Mei Shiqing confirmed that while there was no direct evidence, Situ Lin's sales records for salt were unusually low, which he found highly suspicious for a merchant guild president. This revelation disheartened Xiao Wanzi. To lift her spirits, Mei Shiqing attempted to cook for her, but their joint efforts nearly set the kitchen ablaze. They reconciled, promising each other not to engage in dangerous activities anymore
