Truth or Dare Episode 23 Recap
> Truth or Dare Recap
Xiao Bao carefully placed a hairpin in Pelletie's hair, their faces drawing close. He felt his heart race, and she, sensing his sudden withdrawal, snapped back to reality. Xiao Bao asked Xiao Wanziif she would play the Guqin he had just repaired for him that night, to which she agreed. He then offered her another gift. Later that evening, Xiao Wanziplayed the Guqin for Xiao Bao while he listened quietly.
After the song, Xiao Bao began to say his goodbyes, but Xiao Wanzistopped him and initiated a kiss. Stunned at first, Xiao Bao quickly embraced her, deepening the kiss. The next day, Xiao Bao was trying to come up with new names for himself, rejecting suggestions from Xu Ergou, who humorously retorted that his own name, Xu Ergou, was better than Xiao Bao's choices.
Xu Ergou then informed Xiao Bao that Nan Batian wanted to see him at Centre Hall for an important matter. Upon arrival, Nan Batian inquired about Xiao Bao's recovery from his injuries, which Xiao Bao confirmed was progressing well. Nan Batian then introduced Situ Lin, the Head of the Chamber of Commerce, as an old brother from his past. Situ Lin acknowledged Xiao Bao’s formidable reputation in martial arts and stated he was relying on both of them for assistance.
Nan Batian explained that Situ Lin had previously commissioned them to capture Lord Nocturnal-elf. Lao Wu, Nan Batian's subordinate, quickly interjected, blaming an unnamed "nagging girl" for the previous failure. Situ Lin then revealed he had uncovered Lord Nocturnal-elf's true identity: Mei Shiqing, the third son of the General's Palace. Xiao Bao, recognizing Mei Shiqing as a former adversary, confirmed he had often fought him to a stalemate.
Situ Lin explained that Mei Shiqing had actively opposed his Salter Cartel and had discovered his true identity, necessitating his capture. Nan Batian, citing the costs of maintaining his bandit force and the risks of antagonizing the powerful Mei family, demanded a higher price. Situ Lin reluctantly agreed to an additional seven hundred taels of gold. Nan Batian sealed the deal, promising Mei Shiqing’s head within three days.
After Situ Lin departed, Nan Batian praised Lao Wu for his cunning in negotiations and then informed Xiao Bao that he would entrust the mission to him. He promised to grant any request if Xiao Bao succeeded. Driven by his desire to be with Pelletie, Xiao Bao fiercely pledged to kill Mei Shiqing and deliver his head. Xiao Bao called out to Pelletie, and when she emerged from her room, she found it filled with flowers.
Holding a bouquet, Xiao Bao proposed marriage, earnestly promising to cherish her forever and fulfill all his vows. Pelletie, visibly pleased, accepted the flowers with a happy smile. Following this, Xiao Bao began rigorous sword practice before dawn each day. Pelletie, initially unaware of his true intentions, brought him meals on time, concerned about his health. When Xiao Bao finally revealed his plan to go to the General's Palace to kill Mei Shiqing, Pelletie's mood darkened.
Xiao Bao explained that Mei Shiqing was Lord Nocturnal-elf, a long-time adversary who had threatened their stockade. Despite their previous stalemates, Xiao Bao was determined to defeat him this time, promising Xiao Wanzithat once the mission was complete, he would ask Nan Batian for permission to retire from bandit life so they could leave the stockade and live the life she desired.
Later, Nan Xiang, Nan Batian's daughter, delivered a wedding dress to Pelletie, sternly warning her against any tricks from her father. Xiao Wanzioffered Xiao Bao ginseng soup, and he noticed the wedding dress and mistakenly believed she was preparing for their marriage, delightedly stating that he would also prepare. He then went to find a groom's outfit, deciding to borrow one from Nan Batian.
However, upon entering Nan Batian's room, Xiao Bao was shocked to find his adoptive father already clad in wedding attire. Nan Batian boldly announced his intention to marry Pelletie, claiming she had already promised herself to him. He then told a distraught Xiao Bao that only by killing Mei Shiqing would he relinquish Pelletie. Unable to believe this, Xiao Bao confronted Pelletie.
She confessed that she had agreed to marry Nan Batian to obtain an antidote to save Xiao Bao's life. In a flashback, Xiao Wanzihad desperately pleaded with Nan Batian to save Xiao Bao. Nan Batian, manipulating her, implied his daughter Nan Xiang would not provide the antidote if Xiao Wanzistood between them. He challenged Xiao Wanzito prove how much Xiao Bao meant to her, and she ultimately pledged to do anything, even marry him, for the antidote.
Back in the present, Xiao Bao was devastated by Pelletie's sacrifice, feeling his life was not worth such a cost. He clung to the hope that Nan Batian would uphold his promise to let them marry if Mei Shiqing was killed, but Xiao Wanzidesperately tried to convince him that Nan Batian was lying and would never honor his word. Still clinging to hope, Xiao Bao decided to confront Nan Batian.
As he approached Nan Batian's room, he overheard a conversation between Nan Batian and Lao Wu. Lao Wu questioned if Nan Batian truly intended to let Xiao Bao marry Pelletie. Nan Batian scoffed, stating that women were interchangeable and he was merely testing and using Xiao Bao.
Lao Wu then suggested that if Xiao Bao successfully killed Mei Shiqing, Nan Batian should proceed with marrying Xiao Wanziwhile Xiao Bao was away, ensuring Xiao Bao would have no choice but to give up once it was "a done deal." Nan Batian praised Lao Wu's cunning plan. Enraged by the deception, Xiao Bao burst into the room and began smashing Nan Batian's treasured wine collection, yelling about being deceived and used by liars.
Xiao Wanzirushed to stop him, but Xiao Bao, embracing her shoulders, vowed through gritted teeth that he would definitely kill Mei Shiqing, and she should trust him and wait for his return. Meanwhile, Lao Wu informed Nan Batian that Xiao Bao had gone down the mountain to kill Mei Shiqing, regretting the smashed wine.
Nan Batian, unfazed, stated that if Xiao Bao succeeded and brought back Mei Shiqing's head, the seven hundred taels of gold would compensate for any lost wine. Lao Wu expressed concern about Xiao Bao’s current resentment and the possibility of failure, but Nan Batian confidently asserted that he had his own plans to ensure Mei Shiqing's demise. Elsewhere, Xiao Wanziwas seen by a pavilion, recalling an agreement with Qiaoyun and appearing downcast.
Mei Shiqing approached her, offering to take her for a meal to lift her spirits. After some playful banter about eating rabbit meat versus her favorite sweet and sour spare ribs, they decided on the latter and headed out. Just as they were leaving, Xiao Bao appeared, armed with explosives. Xiao Bao clarified he wasn't there to kill him, but to ask for a favor.
