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RtE II — Side

Chapter 21: Beyond the Chains

Beyond the Chains centres on the political storm of a forced marriage proposal for the Prince of Wei. The protagonist must navigate palace intrigue, persuade Xu…

Survival Rate42%
Choices8
Death Branches8
Favor CheckLi Tai, Xu Minhui, Xu Xiaode
QTEYes

Synopsis

Beyond the Chains centres on the political storm of a forced marriage proposal for the Prince of Wei. The protagonist must navigate palace intrigue, persuade Xu Minhui to choose her own path, and craft a letter to Xu Xiaode that secures freedom without bloodshed.

Choice-by-Choice Walkthrough

Choice 1

Ominous Dream — Do you tell Li Tai about your nightmare?

Tell him about the dream
Show outcome
SAFE

Li Tai +1. Sharing your fears builds trust.

Say nothing
Show outcome
NEUTRAL

Keep your worries to yourself; no penalty.

Choice 2

A Proposal of Marriage — How do you react to the marriage offer?

Knock some sense into him
Show outcome
DEATH

Li Tai +9 but BE 42 + 3 voice messages. A dramatic but fatal outburst.

Ask Xu Minhui what she wants
Show outcome
NEUTRAL

Loops back to the same choice; she deflects.

Your Highness, maybe you should just accept it
Show outcome
SAFE

The pragmatic answer that keeps the route alive.

Choice 3

The Prince of Wei's Inquiry — How do you comfort him?

That sounds like a good thing
Show outcome
NEUTRAL

An optimistic take; no mechanical effect.

No matter how much it hurts
Show outcome
NEUTRAL

A realistic but supportive answer.

Your Highness, do you really care
Show outcome
NEUTRAL

A pointed question that challenges his feelings.

Choice 4

The Guard Approaches — How do you avoid detection?

Hide in a nearby crate
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 43 + 2 voice messages. The crate is a trap.

Keep working
Show outcome
SAFE

Blending in with the labour keeps you unnoticed.

Choice 5

Knock Them Out — QTE Check

Pass QTE
Show outcome
SAFE

Subdue the guard and continue.

Fail QTE
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 44 + 1 voice message. A failed takedown is fatal.

Choice 6

Persuade Xu Minhui — What argument do you use?

Your father misses you
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 45 + 1 voice message. Emotional appeal fails.

The Prince of Wei is more appealing
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 46 + 2 voice messages. Flattery backfires.

Don't you want your family's blessing?
Show outcome
SAFE

The only persuasion that works; Minhui listens.

His Majesty is more appealing
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 47 + 2 voice messages + Achievement: Raise Your Standards. A joke with consequences.

No response
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 45 + 1 voice message. Silence is just as fatal.

Choice 7

Minhui's Resolve — Do you push Minhui or let her decide?

Persuade Xu Minhui to return home
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 48 + 2 voice messages. Forcing her hand ends badly.

Let her go
Show outcome
SAFE

Respecting her autonomy keeps the route alive.

Choice 8

The Letter to Xu Xiaode — What do you write in the letter?

I am already with child
Show outcome
DEATH

BE 49 + 1 voice message. The desperate lie unravels.

I am already married to Danlichi
Show outcome
SAFE

Chapter End + Achievement: Beyond the Chains. The bold declaration ends the chapter successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get the Raise Your Standards achievement in Beyond the Chains?

Choose 'His Majesty is more appealing' when persuading Xu Minhui. This triggers BE 47 and awards the achievement, but it is a death branch so you will need to replay the chapter to continue.

What is the correct way to persuade Xu Minhui?

Choose 'Don't you want your family's blessing?' — this is the only safe option. All other persuasion attempts lead to bad endings (BE 45–47). After she listens, choose 'Let her go' to respect her decision and continue.

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Ch19: Dangerous Reunion
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Ch22: Another Life