The Double Episode 32 Recap
> The Double Recap
As Xiao Heng prepared to leave, he advised Xue Fangfei to live life to the fullest and never compromise herself for others, not even for him. Situ Jiuyue, who overheard their conversation, appeared saddened. Xue Huaiyuan had recovered well under Situ Jiuyue's care. Situ Jiuyue left a prescription and prepared to return to Dai Country. She expressed her gratitude to Xue Fangfei, but stated that Xiao Heng had already repaid any debt.
She then advised Xue Fangfei to cherish the person she had now. Later, Situ Jiuyue noticed Xiao Heng was not wearing the bell she had given him and expressed her disappointment. Xiao Heng dismissed it as a "lady's accessory" that he saw no reason to keep. Her brother, the Dai Prince, observed her affection for Xiao Heng and offered to arrange a marriage with the Yan Emperor.
Situ Jiuyue declined, explaining that if Xiao Heng truly cared for her, he would not wait for such an external arrangement. Shen Yurong, having successfully managed the alliance banquet, had earned the Emperor's favor. He decided to host a celebratory banquet at his residence, including Xue Fangfei on the guest list. His mother discovered Xue Fangfei's name and vehemently objected, fearing it would provoke Princess Wanning and bring trouble to the Shen family.
Shen Yurong calmly offered his mother a cup of tea, having secretly drugged it, which soon caused her to fall into a deep sleep. Later, Shen Ruyun inquired about their mother. Shen Yurong explained that their mother was resting due to a cold and should not be disturbed, instructing Ruyun to prepare to greet the guests. At the banquet, various scholars congratulated Shen Yurong on his achievements.
Xue Fangfei, as a guest, observed the familiar residence, which triggered a painful memory of her past imprisonment in the woodshed. Recalling Xiao Heng's earlier words about not fearing anyone, she found strength. She then quietly made her way to the courtyard. Shen Yurong followed Xue Fangfei into the courtyard, eventually dropping his pretense and acknowledging her true identity as Xue Fangfei.
Xue Fangfei, in turn, confronted him, admitting she knew his mother had orchestrated her framing and that he was complicit in her suffering. She expressed profound disappointment in his cowardly inaction, accusing him of always deflecting blame onto others. She recalled his supposed declaration of love when he saved her earlier, calling it repulsive, and questioned his inability to openly acknowledge his guilt.
She demanded that he confess his and Wanning's crimes to the Emperor as the only path to atonement. Shen Yurong refused, stating that he could not risk his mother and sister, Ruyun, despite his deep regret for Xue Fangfei's death. He offered his own life but insisted on protecting his family. Enraged, Xue Fangfei accused him of weakness and cowardice, threatening to expose his and Wanning's conspiracies.
Shen Yurong attempted to silence her, warning her not to provoke Wanning, and forcibly tried to restrain her. Ye Shijie, who had been discreetly following Xue Fangfei out of concern, intervened, knocking Shen Yurong unconscious with a stick. Worried for Ye Shijie's safety, Xue Fangfei urged him to leave, claiming she herself had struck Shen Yurong. She warned him that antagonizing Wanning would endanger the entire Ye family.
Ye Shijie revealed he had known her true identity as Xue Fangfei for some time and insisted on helping her, regardless of the consequences. He recounted her past sufferings—false accusations, a tarnished reputation, imprisonment in the woodshed, being buried alive, and the lives lost because of her—affirming his unwavering commitment to stand by her. Xue Fangfei, however, repeatedly implored him to leave, not wanting him to complicate her carefully laid plans.
Meanwhile, Shen Yurong's mother awoke from her drugged sleep, realizing she had been deceived. She frantically searched for her son, discovering him unconscious with Xue Fangfei standing over him holding the stick. Xue Fangfei, trembling, declared that Shen Yurong had attempted to defile her. When other guests arrived, alerted by the commotion, Ye Shijie stepped forward, corroborating Xue Fangfei's account, stating Shen Yurong had assaulted her. Overwhelmed by shock and grief, Shen Yurong's mother fainted.
Upon learning of the incident, Old Madam Jiang quickly sent word to Jiang Yunbai. Returning to the capital, Jiang Yunbai was determined to protect the Jiang family's reputation and seek justice for "Jiang Li," acknowledging his long-neglected duty as her father. Princess Wanning was released from confinement. Emperor Hong Xiao deliberately informed her about the recent assassin attack on the Dai princess and the subsequent dismantling of the Capital Security Office, subtly hinting at Wanning's past connections.
Wanning maintained a calm demeanor. Hong Xiao then casually mentioned Shen Yurong's alleged assault on "Jiang Li." Inwardly seething, Wanning immediately rushed to the Court of Judicial Review. At the Court of Judicial Review, Wanning confronted Shen Yurong, questioning his composure despite facing severe charges. Shen Yurong, weary of his life under her control, laughed and expressed a desire for death.
He confessed his past crimes—killing his wife for his family and corrupting his scholarly reputation for power—and reiterated his willingness to accept any punishment, provided his mother and Ruyun were spared. Wanning declared her possessive love for him, refusing to let him die so easily and asserting her sole authority over his fate. She intended to save him. Later that night, Xiao Heng returned from his escort duty and found Xue Fangfei still awake.
She revealed her strategy: to use Shen Yurong as a pawn to expose Wanning's corrupt influence and force her into a corner. Xue Fangfei anticipated Wanning would intervene to save Shen Yurong, thereby getting entangled in Xue Fangfei's scheme. Xiao Heng sarcastically questioned her methods, pointing out that she had broken her promise twice not to endanger herself.
Xue Fangfei explained that her actions were partly forced by Shen Yurong's advances and her need to protect Ye Shijie and the Ye family from Wanning's retaliation, so she had taken the blame for hitting Shen Yurong. She admitted Shen Yurong had indeed acted inappropriately towards her. Xiao Heng, visibly frustrated, expressed his deep concern for her.
Xue Fangfei apologized for breaking her promises and assured him that she was not a burden, but rather wanted to actively help him in their shared goals. An aide later informed Xue Fangfei that Xiao Heng had rushed back from the border after learning of her situation, leaving the Dai envoy group behind. Meanwhile, Lord Cheng sent a message via Li Zhongnan to Wanning, urging her to eliminate Shen Yurong, as his ruined reputation would only harm her.
Wanning dismissed this, considering Lord Cheng too impetuous, and asserted her authority over court affairs. Xiao Heng expressed his concern to Emperor Hong Xiao about Xue Fangfei's safety from Wanning's inevitable counterattack. Hong Xiao, however, warned Xiao Heng against personal attachments, reminding him of their grand ambitions. Xiao Heng recalled Hong Xiao's initial innocence and benevolent intentions as a young emperor and reaffirmed the Xiao clan's unwavering loyalty, provided Hong Xiao remained a just ruler.
Hong Xiao then dismissively told Xiao Heng to protect his "own pawn." Ye Shijie reiterated his steadfast support for Xue Fangfei, assuring her that her true identity, her past as Shen Yurong's wife, or her current tarnished reputation did not alter his commitment. He stated that the bond they had formed and the help she had given the Ye family were genuine. He pledged to always stand by her, no matter what she chose to do.
An invitation from Wanning arrived for Xue Fangfei. Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yunbai were apprehensive, suspecting Wanning's true intentions, especially given her previous hostility towards "Jiang Li" during the Xue Huaiyuan trial. Xue Fangfei, however, decided to accept, believing it was better to face Wanning directly. Jiang Yunbai attempted to accompany her but was stopped at the gate, as Wanning's invitation was for Xue Fangfei alone. Xue Fangfei reassured her father and entered the residence.
Inside Wanning's residence, Wanning was playing a qin piece called "Fragrance Fades, Pear Blossoms Turn White," feigning an interest in discussing musical talent. Xue Fangfei, however, cut to the chase, stating that Wanning's music was filled with "dominance, cruelty, heartlessness, and endless hatred." She dismissed Wanning's talk of personal "hatred" as hypocritical given her privileged status.
Wanning defended herself by revealing her resentment over being sent to Dai Country, which she perceived as a harsh fate, questioning why others should enjoy happiness she was denied. She confessed her long-held desire for Shen Yurong, dating back to his time as Zhuangyuan, noting how he treated her politely unlike others. She revealed her intent to drag him down with her into the "mire" so they could be together.
Xue Fangfei asserted that this defiled Shen Yurong was no longer the man Wanning once admired. Wanning then threatened to kill Xue Fangfei for knowing too much. Xue Fangfei confidently stated Wanning could not, as killing her would prevent Wanning from saving Shen Yurong. Wanning, undeterred, proposed that Xue Fangfei simply retract her accusation at the Court of Judicial Review, claiming the alleged assault was a misunderstanding and a false accusation. Xue Fangfei agreed to do so, but as she turned to leave, Wanning stopped her, stating she wished to introduce her to "an old acquaintance."
