Truth or Dare Episode 21 Recap
> Truth or Dare Recap
Xiao Wanzi approached Situ Lin, warning him that someone was following him and to be careful. Situ Lin thanked her, but his expression hardened as Wang Biao appeared behind Xiao Wanzi, and Situ Lin quickly used a drug to knock her unconscious. Xiao Wanzi awoke to find herself trapped in a dungeon, chained, with Situ Lin glaring at her. She realized his true, sinister nature and that he was allied with Wang Biao.
Situ Lin interrogated Xiao Wanzi, demanding to know the identity of Lord Nocturnal-elf. Defiantly, Xiao Wanzi refused to reveal any information, even as Situ Lin choked her. Just as she struggled for breath, Lord Nocturnal-elf burst in, kicking open the door and fending off guards. Situ Lin, seizing the opportunity, entangled Lord Nocturnal-elf in chains, linking him to Xiao Wanzi.
With both of them bound, Situ Lin brutally beat Lord Nocturnal-elf, causing Xiao Wanzi to be hoisted into the air by the connecting chain, inflicting pain on both. Situ Lin then ripped off Lord Nocturnal-elf’s mask, revealing him to be Mei Shiqing. Xiao Wanzi furiously shouted at Situ Lin, trying to protect Mei Shiqing. Situ Lin, angered by her defiance, offered Xiao Wanzi a choice: he would spare Mei Shiqing’s life if she agreed to become his woman.
Xiao Wanzi, however, refused to yield, declaring her willingness to die alongside Mei Shiqing. Enraged, Situ Lin began to strike Xiao Wanzi. Witnessing her suffering, Mei Shiqing unleashed his power, shattering his chains, and kicked Situ Lin away. Situ Lin fled, leaving Mei Shiqing to immediately attend to an unconscious Xiao Wanzi, his face filled with concern. Meanwhile, under Lu Yingyao’s devoted care and prayers, Bao finally regained consciousness, though he remained very weak.
Lu Yingyao went to brew the medicine Liu had prepared for him. While she was gone, Bao secretly pleaded with Liu to help Lu Yingyao leave the mountain, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. Liu expressed his concern that such an attempt would prove fatal for Bao, but Bao insisted he would endure until Lu Yingyao was safely down the mountain. Unbeknownst to them, Lu Yingyao overheard this entire conversation from outside the room.
As she brewed the medicine, thinking of Bao’s selfless desire to protect her, a wave of profound emotion washed over her. Later, Bao, still feeling weak, questioned Liu about the powerful specific medicine. Liu reluctantly confessed that Lu Yingyao had specifically instructed him not to use it, believing it was better to search for a proper antidote that could save them both.
Although understanding, Bao was resolute in his desire to use the strong medicine to quickly regain enough strength to escort Lu Yingyao off the mountain. At that moment, Wu arrived, feigning concern while making sarcastic remarks about Bao’s condition and claiming there was no cure. Lu Yingyao interjected, firmly defending Bao and urging Wu to leave. Outside, Wu exaggerated Bao’s dire state to Nan Xiang, claiming he was as good as dead.
Nan Xiang, disturbed by this news, began to reflect on her past actions, wondering if she had been too persistent in pursuing Bao. Wu, however, continued to speak ill of Bao, further fueling Nan Xiang’s regret before she eventually walked away in sadness. Back at Mei Mansion, Mei Shiqing, concerned about Situ Lin’s escape, dispatched his subordinates to track his movements.
Xiao Wanzi, having recovered from her ordeal in the dungeon, awoke disoriented and immediately rushed out of her room, without even putting on her shoes, frantically searching for Mei Shiqing. Upon finding him, she embraced him tightly, overwhelmed with relief and joy that he was safe. Observing their reunion, Qiaoyun stood by, her heart filled with resentment. News of the “princess’s” recovery quickly spread throughout Mei Mansion.
Her Ladyship, seizing the opportunity, subtly hinted to Mei Changyun about the suspicious circumstances surrounding the “princess” and Mei Shiqing’s injuries. Mei Changyun, though dismissing Her Ladyship, was left with lingering doubts. Mei Shiqing, sensing Xiao Wanzi’s deep affection for him, sought to confirm her true feelings. As he leaned in, Xiao Wanzi, shedding her emotional barriers, softly closed her eyes. Their intimate moment was interrupted by a servant announcing that General Mei wished to see them in his study.
In the study, General Mei questioned them about the cause of their injuries. Mei Shiqing fabricated a story, claiming it was an accident involving a skilled drunkard who had harassed the “princess,” and he intervened, leading to their injuries. However, Mei Changyun’s informants had already discovered the existing conflict between Mei Shiqing and the president of Qing’s Chamber of Commerce (Situ Lin). Despite this, Mei Changyun chose not to expose their lie publicly and allowed them to leave.
Outside, Xiao Wanzi expressed her fear about facing General Mei, asking Mei Shiqing why he didn't tell his father the truth. Mei Shiqing explained that revealing Situ Lin's identity could lead to leaks and involve his father in a dangerous conspiracy. He reassured her, promising to dedicate his time to her. He also offered her a cloak, urging her to take care of herself since she was still recovering.
Later, Qiaoyun confronted Xiao Wanzi privately, reminding her of their past agreement to return Mei Shiqing to the real princess and to suppress any romantic feelings for him. Xiao Wanzi, filled with guilt, admitted that she had broken her promise. She confessed that despite her efforts to resist, she couldn't control her emotions and found herself falling deeper in love with Mei Shiqing.
Qiaoyun pressed further, questioning what would happen when the real princess returned, especially given that Xiao Wanzi had impersonated her, which could bring disgrace to the royal family. Xiao Wanzi, acknowledging her deception, solemnly promised that she would provide the real princess with a proper explanation.
