The ongoing costume C-drama The Double, starring Wu Jinyan and Wang Xingyue in the lead roles, released episode 23 on June 12, 2024. This episode focuses on Fang Fei (Wu Jinyan) reinstating her father’s reputation at the trial. In episode 22, viewers saw Fang Fei’s return to the capital along with her father.
The recent episode shows Fang Fei seeking justice for Xue Huaiyuan, who is awaiting execution. Meanwhile, the court delivers the emperor’s edict regarding the case. The Majesty orders that Xue Huaiyuan’s corruption case and Fang Fei’s case of freeing a death-row prisoner will be trialed jointly at the court of judicial review. Furthermore, he appoints Duke Su (Xiao Heng) as the imperial commissioner, who will judge the case on his behalf.
Xiao Heng pays a visit to Fang Fei, who is held in the court of judicial review. Fang Fei apologizes for being pitiful when Xiao Heng repeatedly reminds her to be strong. She is afraid his closeness with Fang Fei will tarnish his reputation as he is now the supervisor of the case. Fang Fei’s sincerity reminds Xiao Heng of the time he sought justice for his dead father. He wanted to punish those who wronged him but failed. Before leaving, he leaves his cloak behind so Fang Fei can warm herself. The next day, Shuran goes to the court of judicial review to get Fang Fei home. Jiang Yuanbai refuses to see her.
The Double episode 23 focuses on Wu Jinyan’s courageous execution at the court
Fang Fei tells Jiang Li’s grandmother why she is hell-bent on saving Xue Huaiyuan. She reveals that Xue Fangfei saved her when the mistress of the Zhennyu hall tortured her. Jiang Li’s grandmother convinces Jiang Yuanbai to help Fang Fei so she can put an end to Li Zhongnan’s abuse of power.
In The Double episode 23, Li Zhongnan confronts Fang Fei outside the court. He threatens her to stay out of his way, or she will receive a cruel death. Xiao Heng arrives on time and rescues Fang Fei from the cruel confrontation. The latter had done her research on Xiao Heng’s background. She praises Duke Su for having such an esteemed background. Accompanied by Jiang Yuanbai and Xiao Heng, Fang Fei enters the court.
Magistrate Feng Yutang accused Xue Huaiyuan of embezzling money and the court found silver in his possession. Fang Fei asks the emperor to review the case once again and redress Huayuan’s grievance. Unfortunately, she fails to present any new evidence regarding the case.
In the next scene, Fang Fei completely overturns the case. She accuses Huaiyuan of being too honest and sensitive. The protagonist asks the emperor to slash Xue Huaiyuan with knives as execution would not bring justice to the ordinary people. The emperor summons the people of Huaixiang, who praise Xue Huaiyuan for his integrity and kindness. Even Huaiyuan’s ex-subordinates vouch for his honesty.
They narrate the many ways he has helped them over the years. When Fang Fei asks the emperor to review Huaiyuan’s assets, the emperor finds little to no asset to his name. Lastly, Fang Fei presents Huaiyuan to the court to show his mental condition.
Considering all the aspects of the case, the emperor frees both Fang Fei and Xue Huaiyuan. Meanwhile, Huaiyuan acts defensively when he spots Shen Yurong in the court. When the trial seems to end well for Fang Fei, Princess Wanning enters the court. In a dramatic fashion, she reveals that the person posing as Jiang Li looks the same as Yurong’s late wife and Huaiyuan’s daughter, Xue Fang Fei.
The Double is available to stream on Youku throughout the week.
