The ongoing costume C-drama The Double, starring Wu Jinyan and Wang Xingyue in the lead roles, released episode 21 on June 10, 2024. This episode focuses on Fang Fei’s (Wu Jinyan) encounter with the Vice Minister of Justice. In episode 20, viewers saw Fang Fei and Xiao Heng (Wang Xingyue) rescuing Fang Fei’s father from Magistrate Feng’s clutches.
In this episode, Fang Fei, Mingyu, and their subordinates help Xue Huaiyuan safely flee from Huaixiang. Later, their carriage is blocked by the Vice Minister of Justice, Wei Qian. The minister accuses them of freeing a death row prisoner and threatens to punish them. Fang Fei introduces herself as the daughter of the secretariat director and grand preceptor. She asks for his permission to take Xue Huaiyuan back to the capital to look into the elements of corruption in his case. Furthermore, she assures him that her family will take full responsibility for the case.
But Wei Qian is not ready to listen to her. He orders his men to arrest Xue Huaiyuan and execute him. Fang Fei accuses him of being arrogant and not listening to the concerns of common people. She admits to freeing a prisoner and urges the minister to hold a joint trial for both cases. The minister is amazed at Fang Fei for risking her own life to delay the execution. Even Xue Huaiyuan’s ex-subordinates vouch for him being a good person. But in the end, Fang Fei fails to convince him, and Wei Qian takes Xue Huaiyuan into his custody.
Meanwhile, something strange occurs. The villagers of Huaixiang, belonging to all age groups, step forward one by one and start to narrate the many ways Magistrate Xue has helped them. They protest against the unfair imprisonment of Xue Huaiyuan. The minister and his subordinates are forced to leave Xue Huaiyuan alone and turn back empty-handed.
The Double episode 21 focuses on Wu Jinyan attempting to help the disaster victims
Furthermore, in this episode, when Xiao Heng hears about Fang Fei’s endeavors, he is amazed by her bravery and sincere nature. But at the same time, he also worries that she will encounter further troubles. Since the matter is out of his jurisdiction, he decides to send secret letters to ask for backup.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yuanbai gets to know about the situation from Ye Shijie. He is furious at Jiang Li for being unreasonable and making hurried decisions. He thinks that the situation will not end well for his family. Although Ye Shijie tries to assure him, Shuran, Jiang Li’s stepmother, adds to his worries. Then, Yuanbai sends Ye Shijie to get Fang Fei back to the capital. Jiang Jingrui also tags along with Ye Shijie.
While returning to the capital, Fang Fei takes a detour through the city of Dingzhou. They face severe water and food crises in the famine-stricken city. Fang Fei stumbles upon Li Xiu, who is there with her father to escort relief supplies. Fang Fei gets into an argument with Li Xiu when she refuses to help the helpless survivors of Dingzhou.
Furthermore, while escorting her father, Fang Fei’s carriage is attacked by the hungry villagers. But Ye Shijie and Jiang Jingrui arrive at the spot on time and help her out by distributing food to the protestors. Xue Huiayuan gets out of the cart and intuitively tries to help the disaster victims who are fighting over food. Fang Fei is surprised to see her father care for people in need, even when he is not in his right mind.
Meanwhile, Jingrui suggests that Fang Fei ask for Jiang Yuanbai’s help to feed so many mouths. But Fang Fei knows that her father can not bypass Li Zhongnan to get the funds.
Towards the end of the episode, viewers see Li Zhongnan following Princess Wanning’s tactic to spread false rumors about Fang Fei to tarnish her reputation. The princess plans to take her down when she least expects it.
The Double is available to stream on Youku throughout the week.
