The Double, starring Wu Jinyan and Wang Xingyue in the lead roles, released episode 24 on June 13, 2024. In episode 23, viewers saw Fang Fei restoring Xue Huaiyuan’s reputation at the trial, but the recent installment focuses on Princess Wanning accusing Fang Fei (Wu Jinyan) of being an imposter.
Episode 24 shows Princess Wanning entering the courtroom right after the trial ends. She cunningly reveals that the person posing as Jiang Li resembles Shen Yurong’s late wife, Fang Fei. She raises the question of how two people who are not blood-related can look so similar. Wanning worries that Jiang Li died at the Zhennyu hall, and Jiang Yuanbai is being kept in the dark about his daughter’s death.
Furthermore, a woman who grew up in seclusion will not be able to outperform the noble descendants of the capital. To add to the suspicion, Fang Fei had earlier been adamant about saving Xue Huaiyuan of all people.
Fang Fei argues that if Wanning’s claims were valid, the people of Huaixiang, who followed her to the capital, would easily recognize her. She challenges Wanning and the emperor to interrogate the people of Huaixiang. Moreover, she accuses the princess of intentionally stirring up controversy and trying to tarnish the reputation of a good official. The princess calls in Shouzhen, the head of the Zhennyu hall, as a witness. Wanning also hints at Xiao Heng (Wang Xingyue) for helping Fang Fei and keeping Shouzhen in a secluded prison.
Shouzhen reveals that Fang Fei is not the real Jiang Li. Furthermore, she accuses her of killing Jiang Li and disposing of the body somewhere. The protagonist calmly asks if she knows where Jiang Li’s body is, but Shouzhen fails to answer. Fang Fei reminds the emperor that Shouzhen is an adulterer who has been punished for committing severe sins. She urges the emperor not to listen to such a wicked person.
The Double episode 24 focuses on Wu Jinyan’s intense encounter with the princess
A flashback reveals that Xiao Heng had informed Fang Fei beforehand of Shouzhen’s bail. He also helped her convince another corrupt maiden of the Zhennyu hall to be her witness. Soon after, the maiden testifies for Fang Fei and clears her name. Shouzhen begs the emperor to believe her, but the majesty orders the guards to drag her out of the court.
When her plan fails, Wanning targets Shen Yurong as her last resort. However, she becomes dismayed when Yurong refuses to say that Fang Fei is his wife. He reveals that his wife is dead, and even if Jiang Li looks like her, she will never be Fang Fei. As a result, he gets into a heated argument with the princess.
Wanning subsequently attempts to convince Jiang Yuanbai that his daughter is dead and Fang Fei is buried in the Qingcheng mountains. She urges him to open the coffin and examine the bones. At this point, he also starts to get suspicious. Jiang Yuanbai recalls the first letter he received from his daughter. The handwriting was neat, unlike that of Jiang Li, who had never received a formal education.
To Fang Fei’s surprise, Yuanbai takes her side. He reveals that he can recognize his daughter well. The emperor has had enough and orders the imperial guards to take Wanning back to her residence. In a dramatic fashion, the princess snatches the sword from a guard and attempts to harm Fang Fei, but Jiang Yuanbai protects her. Just when the sword is about to hit him, Xiao Heng saves him. Following this, the emperor puts Wanning under house arrest.
After sending the people of Huaixuan to their homes, Xiao Heng interrogates Fang Fei. He asks about her identity and takes her to Fang Fei’s burial site. Previously, the protagonist had buried Jiang Li at the right burial site. Fang Fei reveals how the buried individual was an unfortunate woman who lost her entire family overnight and died soon after. Upon hearing her story, Xiao Heng decides to protect her.
The Double is available to stream on Youku throughout the week.
