The Double Episode 11 Recap
> The Double Recap
Jiang Ruoyao confined herself to her room, practicing the qin relentlessly all day and refusing meals. She couldn't shake off the image of Zhou Yanbang looking at Xue Fangfei, and secretly vowed that Xue Fangfei would not take him from her, not now and not tomorrow. Meanwhile, Situ Jiuyue explained a dangerous treatment involving silver needles coated with scorpion venom, warning that while effective, it would cause intense pain and hallucinations, potentially leading to madness.
Despite the grave risks, Xue Fangfei accepted the treatment, stating her trust in Situ Jiuyue, who in turn urged Xue Fangfei to trust herself, as even she might not be able to save her if the pain became unbearable. As the acupuncture began, Xue Fangfei’s heart raced, and a sharp pain plunged her into a hallucinatory state where she felt pulled into water and seized by Shen Yurong.
In her vision, she confronted him, asking why he betrayed her, and vowed that Heaven would ensure retribution for his evil deeds. She recalled him taunting her about her crippled hand and her inability to play the qin. Situ Jiuyue, observing her distress and realizing she was hallucinating, quickly prepared an antidote and asked Xiao Heng to help hold her down.
Xiao Heng, seeing Xue Fangfei's suffering, insisted she not give up halfway, stating that she could endure even the greatest challenges because her inner feelings had been suppressed for too long. When Xiao Heng called out "A-Li," Xue Fangfei tried to regain consciousness by biting her lip, but the pain was too severe. Xiao Heng offered his hand for her to bite instead.
The next morning, Jiang Jingrui was seen talking to his pet turtle, earnestly wishing for Jiang Li to win against Jiang Ruoyao. Liu Xu, despite having an injured hand, insisted on attending Jiang Li's music exam. Ji Shuran helped Jiang Ruoyao with her makeup, informing her that everything had been arranged and urging her not to disappoint her today. At the gambling den, many placed bets on Li Lian, certain that Jiang Li could not possibly win.
Jiang Jingrui expressed concern about potential sabotage during the qin competition, but Xue Fangfei believed it was unlikely with so many eyes watching. The examiner announced the order for the qin assessment: Jiang Ruoyao would perform eleventh, and Jiang Li twelfth. She then introduced the five judges: herself, Fairy Jinghong (once the famous top performer of Wangxian Pavilion), court musician Mianju (a renowned master), and Shen Yurong.
The fifth judge, known for his unpredictable actions, arrived late in a striking red outfit, surprising everyone; it was Xiao Heng. When it was Jiang Ruoyao’s turn, she began playing. Xue Fangfei recognized the tune from the first note as "Settling on a Distant Sandbank," a piece known as the most challenging in the world and Fairy Jinghong's famous work. Liu Xu realized that Fairy Jinghong must have tutored Jiang Ruoyao privately.
Mianju praised Jiang Ruoyao’s performance, noting how she, though young, captured the piece's intricate beauty and the serene spirit of a scholar. He concluded that from now on, she, not Fairy Jinghong, would be remembered for this piece. Jiang Li (Xue Fangfei) then stepped onto the stage. Li Lian believed she was at a clear disadvantage following such a strong performance. She paused for a moment, lost in thought.
The crowd murmured, some wondering if she knew how to play, others assuming she couldn't, given her background in Zhennyu Hall. Xue Fangfei recalled her father, who had once bought her an expensive qin, saying he chose it over buying wine because her old qin was worn out. He encouraged her to master her skills, as they might bring her opportunities one day. With renewed resolve, she began to play. Her music started as a simple, unfamiliar folk tune.
Mianju recognized it as "Spring Fading into White Pear Blossoms," dismissing it as an "unpopular folk tune" and incomparable to "Settling on a Distant Sandbank." However, as the melody deepened and the finger techniques and skills changed, he became completely captivated, commenting that it was as if the music was alive. Xue Fangfei's performance deeply moved the entire audience. Shen Yurong listened with tears in his eyes, remembering his late wife. Xiao Heng, observing Shen Yurong, noted his distressed expression.
Xue Fangfei played with such passion that her fingers bled, yet she remained immersed in the music. Li Lian was seen crying, which startled Meng Hongjin. After the performance, Mianju, deeply touched, admitted he was at a loss for words, saying no compliments could do her justice. He praised her for recomposing the folk tune and for her exceptional talent at such a young age, casting his vote for her.
Mianju expressed confidence that all the judges would agree with him. However, Fairy Jinghong and the examiner both voted for Jiang Ruoyao. Mianju became furious, openly accusing the examiner of being bribed and stating that the School of Integrity produced only mediocre talents, not masters. The examiner defended her decision, explaining that while Jiang Li's music was emotionally rich, her technique was inferior, whereas Jiang Ruoyao's technique was stable and mature, a result of diligent practice, which the school valued.
Xiao Heng then cast his vote for Jiang Li, explaining that as a listener, he valued the "qin fanatic" and "love fanatic" aspects in her music. He expressed pity for the woman depicted in the song—a betrayed lover who suffered a tragic fate—but admired her strength, wishing her vengeance and a bright future. The final, deciding vote fell to Shen Yurong. He hesitated, remembering his wife selling her beloved qin to support his career and his father-in-law's trust.
Xiao Heng subtly invoked the desolate Zhennyu Hall and the "death" of Xue Fangfei. Haunting memories of burying Xue Fangfei with his own hands flooded Shen Yurong's mind. Ultimately, he cast his vote for Jiang Li. Overwhelmed, Li Lian fainted. After the competition, Zhou Yanbang approached Jiang Li (Xue Fangfei), congratulating her and suggesting he could persuade his mother to change the engagement from Jiang Ruoyao back to her.
Xue Fangfei firmly rejected him, stating she was unwilling, and turned to leave. Soon after, the public ranking list was released, confirming Jiang Li's team as the winner. Her name quickly spread throughout the capital. In the imperial court, officials congratulated Jiang Yuanbai on his excellent daughter. Jiang Yuanbai graciously told Li Zhongnan not to worry about Li Lian fulfilling their bet to become a monk.
However, Li Zhongnan, unwilling to let his son be seen as untrustworthy, insisted on honoring the bet. Jiang Yuanbai then sarcastically asked for the temple details, mentioning his wife's intention to offer incense. Li Zhongnan retorted, warning Jiang Yuanbai to look after his own two daughters, lest they start fighting, remarking that "two women fighting is quite a sight." Back home, Jiang Ruoyao was in a rage, smashing objects in her room, inconsolable by Ms. Sun.
Rumors were circulating that Zhou Yanbang intended to break off their engagement. Ji Shuran admonished Jiang Ruoyao for her lack of composure, but the incident sparked a growing suspicion in her. She mused that the real Jiang Li couldn't have mastered the qin in Zhennyu Hall. Ji Shuran instructed Ms. Sun to discreetly locate the former chief of Zhennyu Hall to uncover the truth, suspecting that Jiang Li might not be who she claimed to be.
