The ongoing costume C-drama The Double, starring Wu Jinyan in the lead role, released episode two on June 2, 2024. The episode focuses on the events that follow Jiang Li’s death.
After Jiang Li passes away on her bed, the mistress of the Zhennv Hall freaks out, fearing retribution. Fang Fei (Wu Jinyan) proposes a plan that will help her evade punishment. She proposes that the mistress let Fang Fei stay in the cloister under Jiang Li’s name. As Jiang Li joined the cloister over ten years ago, no one from her family will be able to recognize her. The mistress adheres to the plan. Furthermore, to avoid suspicion, she instructs other residents to leave Jiang Li alone.
Meanwhile, Jiang Li’s trusted maid, Tong, doesn’t seem to be fond of Fang Fei. Fang Fei and Tong bury Jiang Li in the nearby forest. Tong attacks Fang Fei for causing her master’s death and trying to steal her identity. Fang Fei tries to make her understand that if she dies, Jiang Li’s death will go in vain, as her father and stepmother do not care about the daughter they didn’t contact for over ten years.
Fang Fei resonates with Jiang Li, as she has also suffered from trauma and pain inflicted by a loved one. After Tong calms down, she asks her for help so she can avenge Jiang Li. Fang Fei wishes to agonize those who make innocent women suffer. After returning to the hall, Fang Fei steps into her new life as Jiang Li. Tong helps her grasp a better idea about the hall. The mistress holds the supreme post in the cloister. She tortures her disciples, but no one ever dares to go against her. Fang Fei learns that no one but the mistress is allowed to use the lantern.
The Double ep 2: Wu Jinyan decides to avenge her benefactress
Fang Fei decides to stay in the good books of the mistress. She impresses her with her amazing needlework. The mistress reveals that she will soon introduce Fang Fei as Jiang Li. But she is also clever and doesn’t engage in much conversation.
Fang Fei wants to go out at night but is stopped by Tong, as wandering about at night is considered a sin. Furthermore, there’s a legend that the ghost of the nun, who died in an accident after sneaking out at night to meet her lover, still haunts the hall at night. But Fang Fei ignores the warning. To her surprise, she catches a glimpse of a ghostly figure lurking in the hallway.
Fang Fei notices the smell of the perfume of seduction on the mistress’ body. Furthermore, she also notices that whenever the lanterns go down, the mistress wears that perfume. Then, she sends a signal to the ritual practitioners in the nearby Helin temple. Thus, the mistress has made up the legend to restrict the disciples while she goes about her business.
In episode two of The Double, Fang Fei encounters a bandit breaking into the hall. With her help, Duke Su (Wang Xingyue) is able to catch him. When he catches a glimpse of Fang Fei, he recognizes her right away. He starts to ask her about her identity. He decides to take her back to the capital to put her on trial for her connection with the bandit.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Liu, the wife of a minister and an important guest in the hall, catches the mistress engaging in sexual intercourse. She throws her and her lover in prison. Fang Fei, disguised as Jiang Li, reveals the pain she has endured in the hall. Mrs. Liu instructs the duke to free her from the charges. Meanwhile, Fang Fei reveals her secret in front of the whole cloister.
The Double is available to stream throughout the week on Youku.
