The Double Episode 7 Recap
> The Double Recap
Princess Wanning, who enjoyed seeing Shen Yurong in distress, attempted to involve herself in new policies. When Shen Yurong resisted her proposal, she forced him to kneel, enjoying his discomfort, and then mockingly told him to rise and eat. Later, Shen Yurong reported on the upcoming Entry Exam to Emperor Hong Xiao, who expressed his trust in Shen Yurong's handling of the matter.
Princess Wanning, however, abruptly arrived and suggested an unprecedented change: co-ed teams for the exam, combining students from the Imperial Academy and the National Academy. Emperor Hong Xiao initially dismissed it as nonsense, arguing that the two schools had different teachings. Yet, Wanning reminded him of her past as a hostage who secured peace for Great Yan, asserting that women were not to be underestimated. Unable to refute her, the Emperor reluctantly agreed to her proposal.
Wanning then warned Shen Yurong to be more compliant in the future, lest she teach him obedience personally. At the Jiang residence, Xue Fangfei was teaching Tong Er calligraphy when Jiang Jingrui burst in with exciting news about the co-ed Entry Exam, which Shen Yurong was overseeing. Hearing that Shen Yurong was involved, Xue Fangfei immediately decided to participate. Jiang Jingrui was pondering who to team up with when Xue Fangfei offered herself.
He laughed heartily, advising her against such a "bizarre idea," as the School of Integrity only admitted talented and beautiful women. He jokingly bet he would walk upside down if she managed to get in, prompting laughter from Xue Fangfei and Tong Er. Determined to enter, Xue Fangfei approached Old Madam Jiang, expressing her desire to study at the School of Integrity to improve her tarnished reputation from Zhennyu Hall.
She presented her calligraphy, which the Old Madam praised, noting how hard Xue Fangfei must have practiced in Zhennyu Hall, a place not meant for learning. The Old Madam agreed to speak with Jiang Yuanbai on Xue Fangfei's behalf. Jiang Yuanbai found Xue Fangfei's calligraphy impressive, noting its strong and sharp character. However, when informed of her wish to join the School of Integrity, he hesitated, seeking Ji Shuran's opinion.
Ji Shuran, feigning concern about Xue Fangfei dropping out, suggested they find a tutor to assess her capabilities. She tactfully dismissed Jiang Yuanbai’s idea of using Jiang Jingrui’s former tutor, instead proposing Shen Yurong, knowing that as an impoverished scholar, he harbored disdain for arrogant, privileged youths. Jiang Yuanbai entrusted Shen Yurong with the task. Shen Yurong agreed to do his best, but the mention of Xue Fangfei unsettled him.
Ji Shuran then met with Shen Yurong privately, offering him a substantial sum of silver. While outwardly asking him to ensure Xue Fangfei passed, her true intention was for him to develop an aversion to Xue Fangfei, leveraging his background to ensure he would be unswayed by her status. When Xue Fangfei faced Shen Yurong, her hands trembled, but she maintained a composed smile.
Shen Yurong found himself staring, as she bore a striking resemblance to his former wife, and apologized for his lapse in etiquette. Xue Fangfei didn't let the opportunity pass. She asked if he had ever been to Qingcheng Mountain, a question that visibly rattled him, bringing back memories of burying his first wife. She spoke of the mountain's "piercing cold nights" that allowed one to "see through everything."
She recounted how her "beloved family" had ruthlessly sent her to Zhennyu Hall for ten years, subtly hinting at his betrayal, and asked him not to let personal feelings sway his judgment. After reviewing her work, Shen Yurong initially recommended that Xue Fangfei delay her entry by a year or two. Xue Fangfei confronted him directly, questioning why he wouldn't look at her and why he would treat her this way when she was clearly capable.
She challenged his conscience, reminding him of his reputation as a righteous scholar who championed opportunities for the poor, and accused him of trying to "eradicate" her despite her worthiness. Afterward, Shen Yurong informed Jiang Yuanbai that while Xue Fangfei possessed remarkable talent for a student from Zhennyu Hall, delaying her studies would "undermine her determination." He praised her thirst for knowledge, asserting that it was "hard to come by," prompting Jiang Yuanbai to allow her immediate entry.
News of Xue Fangfei's admission infuriated Jiang Ruoyao, who angrily confronted Ji Shuran, lamenting that she would now have to be "sisters" with Xue Fangfei at school. Ji Shuran calmly dismissed her, reminding Ruoyao of her "privileged background" and "musical talent," assuring her that she would not be outshone by a "girl from the mountain." Meanwhile, Duke Su, Xiao Heng, continued his investigation into Li Zhongnan.
His scout, Wen Ji, reported that Li Zhongnan's finances, cut off from the Bureau of Salt and Iron, were in disarray, evidenced by a "Lonely Gentleman" from Qiantang, likely an associate of Li Zhongnan, suddenly unable to afford his usual splurges at the Red Pavilion. Xiao Heng learned about Princess Wanning's new exam system and Shen Yurong's role in helping Xue Fangfei gain entry to the School of Integrity, noting it was an "interesting" and "good play, worth watching."
He instructed Wen Ji to keep a close watch on Li Zhongnan, anticipating a move now that his financial channels were disrupted. Haunted by Xue Fangfei's words and the memory of their past, Shen Yurong raced to Qingcheng Mountain in a raging storm. He unearthed the grave only to find it disturbed, with the bamboo flute still there, confirming to him that his first wife was indeed dead.
Unknown to him, this was a carefully orchestrated move by Xue Fangfei, anticipating his suspicion. The next morning, as Xue Fangfei prepared for school, Tong Er expressed concern about her attending alone. Xue Fangfei reassured her, reminding Tong Er that she always managed and instructing her to be cautious at home. Outside, Jiang Ruoyao and Jiang Yu'e deliberately monopolized the family carriage, forcing Xue Fangfei to walk.
Fortunately, Jiang Jingrui, who happened to be passing by, offered her a ride in his own carriage, remarking that it was a blessing in disguise to avoid their company. During the ride, Jiang Jingrui wrongly assumed Xue Fangfei was going to school to see Zhou Yanbang, reminding her that he was engaged.
He then explained the social hierarchy of the School of Integrity: the top tier included Grand Chancellor Li's sons, Li Jin and Li Lian, who were exceptionally talented and influential. The second tier consisted of aristocratic families like Jiang Ruoyao and her fiancé Zhou Yanbang, who were inseparable. The third tier comprised individuals like Shen Ruyun, whose families had recently gained status, forming their own groups.
The fourth tier, where he placed himself and Xue Fangfei, was essentially a transient one. He pointed out Ye Shijie, her maternal cousin, who was highly intelligent but solitary, and mentioned that he had not yet formed a team. Upon arrival at the School of Integrity, students whispered about Xue Fangfei's past at Zhennyu Hall and speculated about her intentions with Zhou Yanbang.
Jiang Ruoyao feigned friendliness but conspicuously failed to save a seat for Xue Fangfei, leaving her to find a spot at the back. As Ms. Xiao Deyin began class, Liu Xu fell asleep, only to be woken by Xue Fangfei. After class, Zhou Yanbang, who was bringing pastries for Jiang Ruoyao, was visibly captivated by Xue Fangfei's presence. Moments later, some male students from the Imperial Academy openly mocked Xue Fangfei, suggesting one of them take her as a concubine.
Liu Xu intervened, chastising them for their lack of decorum. However, she also turned her disdain towards Xue Fangfei, accusing her of using her mother to gain favor at Zhennyu Hall and calling her "scheming." Meanwhile, Xiao Heng's usual private room at a tea house had been occupied by Li Jin and Li Lian. When Xiao Heng approached them, Li Jin defiantly drew a dagger, asserting their claim to the space. Xiao Heng, unfazed, simply stated he was in a good mood and would join them for tea.
