The Double Episode 5 Recap
> The Double Recap
After returning home, Xue Fangfei held the jade pendant and discussed the day’s events with Tong Er. Tong Er asked if Duke Su, Xiao Heng, had made things difficult for her. Xue Fangfei explained that Xiao Heng was testing her, likely suspicious of her true identity, and she emphasized her desire to avoid further involvement with him.
Tong Er insisted that Xue Fangfei never pawn the jade pendant again, to which Xue Fangfei replied that no one was worth sacrificing such a precious heirloom. Soon after, Jiang Yu'e, the only daughter of the third branch of the family, arrived. Tong Er whispered to Xue Fangfei that Jiang Yu'e was always bossy and had been Jiang Ruoyao's lackey since childhood, using her family's power to bully others.
Jiang Yu'e handed Xue Fangfei a music score from Jiang Ruoyao, inviting her to the courtyard, but deliberately dropped it. When Tong Er reacted, Jiang Yu'e haughtily reprimanded her, complaining about the lack of discipline in the Jiang Residence where a maid dared to scold her. Xue Fangfei picked up the score, wiped it on Jiang Yu'e's clothes, and then instructed Tong Er to burn the now-dirty score, mockingly telling Jiang Yu'e to take her "filth" with her.
Realizing Xue Fangfei was not to be trifled with, Jiang Yu'e, despite her lingering irritation, excused herself. Tong Er then scornfully called Jiang Yu'e a "dog relying on its master's power." Deciding it was time, Xue Fangfei declared she would now go and meet Jiang Ruoyao. Xue Fangfei found Jiang Ruoyao playing the qin in the courtyard. When Xue Fangfei praised the melody, Jiang Ruoyao abruptly stopped playing and cut the qin strings with scissors.
Jiang Ruoyao then made a veiled threat, saying that some things were hers, and even if she discarded them, no one else could have them, warning of "undignified consequences" for those who tried. She then extended an invitation to her upcoming coming-of-age ceremony, expecting Xue Fangfei to attend. Xue Fangfei, commenting that she had learned some music in Zhennyu Hall, accepted the invitation and promised a gift.
After Xue Fangfei left, Jiang Ruoyao instructed her maid Jinhua to prepare her finest clothes and jewelry, determined to outshine everyone and show who the true lady of the Jiang family was. Meanwhile, Ms. Sun reported to Ji Shuran that Jiang Ruoyao was excitedly trying on outfits, but Ji Shuran dismissed her daughter's youthful naivety, hinting at her own plans to manage the situation. Ji Shuran had already devised a scheme.
She instructed Xiangqiao to deliver a "beauty-keeping soup" to Xue Fangfei, which secretly contained a drug. Xiangqiao, eager to please, told Xue Fangfei the soup was sent by Madam Ji to nourish her and make her beautiful. Xue Fangfei, however, was cautious. She used a silver needle to test the soup, which instantly turned black, confirming it was poisoned. Tong Er was furious, wanting to report Ji Shuran to Master Jiang and the Old Madam for attempted murder.
Xue Fangfei, however, understood that the poison was not lethal but merely intended to incapacitate her and prevent her from attending the ceremony, as a murder would bring too much scrutiny upon Ji Shuran. She also knew that no one would dare testify against Ji Shuran. So, Xue Fangfei and Tong Er staged a ruse; they pretended to drink the soup, with Xue Fangfei discreetly pouring it away while Xiangqiao was momentarily distracted.
Xiangqiao, believing Xue Fangfei had consumed it all, happily collected the empty bowl, complimenting Xue Fangfei's supposed newfound beauty. Later, Ms. Sun reported to Ji Shuran that Xue Fangfei had only feigned drinking the soup and had poured it out. Ji Shuran was unfazed, acknowledging Xue Fangfei's resourcefulness from her time in Zhennyu Hall, confirming the soup was merely a "diversion" to lower Xue Fangfei's guard, and that her true intentions would be revealed later.
Meanwhile, Xiao Heng interrogated Mr. Qin, who adamantly refused to confess his involvement in contraband salt. However, when Wenji began burning large piles of illicit money, Mr. Qin, heartbroken at the sight of his wealth being destroyed, finally confessed. He revealed that he split the profits fifty-fifty with Yang Song from the Bureau of Salt and Iron. Xiao Heng immediately ordered his men to track Yang Song and arrest him upon his return.
Xiao Heng also learned that the opera performance he planned to attend, featuring the famous Taohong, had been canceled because Ji Yanlin, Ji Shuran's father, had hired Taohong's troupe for Jiang Ruoyao's coming-of-age ceremony. Upon discovering that Shen Yurong would also be among the guests, Xiao Heng decided attending the Jiang family ceremony would be far more interesting than the opera.
On the morning of Jiang Ruoyao's coming-of-age ceremony, Xue Fangfei and Tong Er overslept, realizing they had been drugged—the beauty-keeping soup had indeed been a diversion for a deeper plot. Xue Fangfei urged Tong Er to quickly get dressed. Jiang Yuanbai, passing by Xue Fangfei's room, saw her window still closed and instructed Ji Shuran to ensure Jiang Li prepared quickly, or not at all if she missed the start.
Xue Fangfei then discovered two strong men guarding her door, confirming Ji Shuran's scheme to keep her from attending. She hoped that her "big gift package" from the previous day (referring to her earlier interactions with Jiang Jingrui to secure help) would prove useful. The Jiang Residence buzzed with activity as distinguished guests arrived, including the Marquis of Ningyuan's family and Shen Yurong with his mother and sister Ruyun.
Ji Yanlin, Ji Shuran's father, presented a lavish gift from Consort Li, emphasizing the Consort's affection for their family and subtly suggesting Jiang Yuanbai help his cousin secure an official position. Ji Shuran, uncomfortable with open nepotism, quickly interjected, but Ji Yanlin later privately admonished her for not doing more for the Ji family, reminding her of her obligations. Mrs. Liu arrived and specifically inquired about Jiang Li, bearing a gift.
Ji Shuran explained that Jiang Li was timid and fearful of large crowds due to her difficult time in Zhennyu Hall, adding that her initial unruly behavior had caused her to be sent there. Mrs. Liu pressed the matter, highlighting Jiang Li's suffering for over a decade, but Ji Shuran swiftly cut her off, stating it was not the time to bring up old matters.
Xiao Heng and Lu Ji made an unexpected entrance, drawing curious glances and hushed whispers due to Xiao Heng’s presence and armed guards. Xiao Heng asked for Second Lady Jiang, but Ji Shuran quickly claimed Jiang Li was unwell and resting. Xiao Heng insisted that Jiang Li should come out to thank him, as he had "lent" her half his imperial procession (a symbolic gesture of his earlier support).
Jiang Yuanbai offered to send someone to summon her, but Xiao Heng quietly instructed Lu Ji to investigate the backyard. Lu Ji returned, confirming that two men were indeed guarding Jiang Li's door, effectively holding her captive. Xiao Heng decided not to intervene, curious to witness how Xue Fangfei, whom he believed was not one to avoid attention, would manage to escape. The coming-of-age ceremony for Jiang Ruoyao then commenced.
Jiang Ruoyao, elegant in her ceremonial attire, was praised by guests, who called her and Zhou Yanbang a "match made in heaven." Jiang Yu'e, however, looked sullen. Ji Shuran, with a forced smile, personally performed the ritual, placing the ceremonial hairpin in Ruoyao's hair, reciting traditional blessings for adulthood and good fortune. Just as the celebration was supposed to culminate with fireworks, they failed to ignite, plunging the courtyard into an awkward silence.
Suddenly, amidst a shower of pear blossoms, Xue Fangfei made a grand and elegant appearance. Jiang Yuanbai, visibly flustered but quickly regaining composure, formally introduced her as his second daughter, Jiang Li. Gasps rippled through the crowd as some recognized her as the infamous daughter accused of matricide, while others were struck by her breathtaking beauty and poise. Shen Yurong stood up abruptly, his face etched with shock.
Shen Ruyun and the Shen Old Madam were terrified, screaming that it was Xue Fangfei, returned from the dead to claim vengeance. Shen Ruyun cried that Xue Fangfei was back to "claim her life," but Shen Yurong quickly silenced her, firmly stating that this was Jiang Li, the Grand Chancellor's daughter, and any resemblance was merely a coincidence.
Mrs. Liu approached Xue Fangfei, praising her grace and recalling how Jiang Li had never had a proper coming-of-age ceremony during her ten years in Zhennyu Hall, pointedly highlighting the neglect she suffered. Mrs. Liu then offered her own valuable hairpin as a belated gift. Xue Fangfei, maintaining her composure as Jiang Li, politely declined, stating that with her mother, Ji Shuran, present, she dared not accept such a gift from another.
Cornered by public opinion and Mrs. Liu’s insistence, Ji Shuran was compelled to remove her own hairpin and place it on Xue Fangfei’s hair, completing the ritual herself. Internally, Xue Fangfei dedicated this moment to the original Jiang Li, hoping that, with this belated ceremony, Jiang Li could finally rest in peace. She recalled Jiang Li's dying words, filled with hatred for the Jiang family, cursing them to meet a grim end, and asserting her innocence.
Overwhelmed by her thunder being stolen, Jiang Ruoyao collapsed. Later, Ji Yanlin noted Xiao Heng’s continued scrutiny of Xue Fangfei, expressing concern to Ji Shuran that Jiang Li might be "climbing the social ladder" by associating with Duke Su, citing the previous "imperial procession" incident. Ji Shuran concurred that Jiang Li could not be allowed to remain in the household. Zhou Yanbang, clearly enchanted by Xue Fangfei's stunning appearance, approached her.
He offered her a jade bracelet as a personal token and reminded her of their childhood engagement, remarking on her exquisite beauty. Xue Fangfei, however, politely refused the gift, reminding him that his engagement had been transferred to her younger sister, Jiang Ruoyao, and he should offer the gift to the "right person." Meanwhile, the Shen Old Madam continued to voice her unsettling thoughts about Xue Fangfei’s striking resemblance to the deceased Xue Fangfei.
Shen Yurong sternly silenced her and Ruyun, emphasizing that the Jiang family had officially recognized her as Jiang Li and any likeness was purely coincidental. Xue Fangfei overheard their anxious whispers, her emotions stirred but controlled. Xiao Heng, observing the entire spectacle, acknowledged Xue Fangfei’s remarkable ability to manipulate situations and force people into difficult choices. He also noted Jiang Jingrui's role in her escape, recognizing his skill in creating diversions.
Confronting Xue Fangfei, Xiao Heng acknowledged her contribution to resolving the Qingcheng Mountain case and his assistance in her return, declaring them "even." He provocatively reminded her of her previous insult, calling him "brainless." Xue Fangfei calmly retorted that since he wouldn't scold her back, the matter was closed, and she departed.
