The ongoing costume C-drama The Double, starring Wu Jinyan in the lead role, released episode nine on June 4, 2024. The episode focuses on how Xiao Heng (Wang Xingyue) lost his parents.
In this episode, Shen Yu Rong comes to know from his sister, Shen Ruyun, about the bet made by Jiang Li. Although Shen Ruyun was initially suspicious that Jiang Li was Xue Fang Fei in disguise, Jiang Li’s cunning nature cleared all her doubts. Seeing Yu Rong’s nonchalant expression, Ruyun can not help but think that he is worried for Jiang Li, as she bears resemblance to his late wife, Fang Fei.
In reality, even hearing Fang Fei’s name is torturous for Yu Rong. He is unable to stay in his old room as memories of his loving wife haunt him. He feels dyspneic thinking about the happy moments he spent with her and how she cared for him. But in return, he betrayed her when she needed him the most.
Meanwhile, Xiao Heng reaches a brothel to investigate the shortfall of the bureau of salt and iron. He reunites with a courtesan, who has been planted there by him as his spy. The escort is an old friend of his mother, who has been investigating the cause behind Xiao Heng’s parents’ mysterious deaths.
Although, on the surface, his father died in a battle and his mother died from a sickness, the circumstances surrounding their deaths were rather suspicious. Xiao Heng’s father was a general in Nanjiang’s Great Yan Military Camp. He died at war despite receiving help from a combative army. Xiao Heng kept begging his grandfather to seek justice for his father, but he never listened to his plea. His mother became depressed and developed an incurable disease. She passed away shortly after.
The Double ep 9: Wang Xingyue’s tragic past is revealed
The episode then shows Tong being worried for Fang Fei ever since her bet with the Li brothers. Fang Fei asks him to have some faith in her. She is determined to win the bet, as she needs to get close to the emperor to establish herself and eventually ask for his help to seek justice for Jiang Li. Furthermore, she wants to know who the powerful person is who instructed Yu Rong to kill her.
Furthermore, Fang Fei hurt her wrist while practicing. After she visits Xiao Heng’s residence, he calls Jiu Yue, the poison expert, to treat her.
Jin Yue invites her to gamble with her. She presents her with containers, one of which holds a venomous spider. Fang Fei is quick to notice that Jiu Yue cares for Xiao Heng. Thus, she gets him to help her pick up the container. Following Jiu Yue’s reaction, she successfully chooses the non-toxic insect and wins the bet.
After treating Fang Fei’s injury as promised, Jiu Yue confronts Xiao Heng to know if he has developed feelings for Fang Fei. He even stays awake all night to make sure Jiu Yue doesn’t harm her. Initially, Xiao Heng refutes the claims and calls Fang Fei a pawn in his game, but it is evident from his expression how he truly feels about her.
The Double is available to stream throughout the week on Youku.
