The Double Episode 20 Recap
> The Double Recap
Xue Fangfei, contemplating the gold mine, realized the interconnectedness of all events, understanding that her father, Xue Huaiyuan, was persecuted because of it. She felt a pang of pain but resolved to face the dangers ahead. Xiao Heng stayed by her side to help. They observed the harsh conditions at the mine, where exhausted laborers were brutally whipped by guards. During a break, Xue Fangfei approached two men, Elder Gu and Younger Gu, as they were treating their wounds.
They recognized her as Xue Fangfei. She confirmed her identity but explained she was now known as Jiang Li and instructed them not to use her old name. She revealed her intention to rescue them, but the Gu brothers expressed doubt, citing the heavy security and the ruthlessness of Magistrate Feng Yutang, who they believed would not let them go even if they escaped. Xue Fangfei assured them that Feng's tyrannical days were numbered and vowed to free them.
As a patrol approached, Xiao Heng quickly pulled Xue Fangfei into a latrine to hide. When Xue Fangfei inadvertently made a noise, Xiao Heng had to lift her to stifle her cries and prevent discovery. Later, Xiao Heng expressed concern, telling her the operation was too risky. He suggested she could have waited for him to handle everything, but Xue Fangfei countered that by the time he gathered enough evidence and troops, her father would have already been beheaded.
Taking advantage of a guard change after dinner, the Gu brothers, along with He Jun and Peng Xiao, prepared to escape. However, a patrol discovered two unconscious guards, raising the alarm. The guards pursued the escapees, and during the ensuing skirmish, Lu Ji arrived to eliminate an assailant targeting Xiao Heng. Lu Ji and Wen Ji covered their escape. Meanwhile, Magistrate Feng, furious that Ye Mingyu had escaped, brutally beat his informant, who confessed that Dumb Granny was a spy.
Feng confronted Dumb Granny, accusing her of betrayal. She retorted that he was an evil official, unworthy of comparison to Magistrate Xue. Enraged, Feng tortured her, demanding to know if Jiang Li was Xue Fangfei. Dumb Granny feigned cooperation, leaning in as if to whisper but instead attempting to kill him. Feng, however, was quicker and stabbed her multiple times.
He then sadistically ordered his guards to bring his dog, Guai, which hadn't eaten meat for days, to be fed on the still-living Dumb Granny, telling them to "let her scream." Xue Fangfei and her group successfully escaped. Magistrate Feng received news that the miners had been rescued and that the target was the gold mine. He then received a pigeon post from Li Jin instructing him to eliminate everyone, which removed any remaining hesitation.
Feng declared he would ensure his adversaries would "never come out alive" and dispatched assassins to ambush their carriage. During the attack, Xue Huaiyuan's old subordinates were injured, and Xiao Heng shielded Xue Fangfei from a fatal blow, sustaining an injury to his arm. After a fierce battle, the assassins were vanquished. While Wen Ji bandaged Xiao Heng's wound, Xue Fangfei reiterated her commitment, stating her life was his to command.
Disbelieving her, Xiao Heng accepted her offer by asking her to mend his torn handkerchief. Xiao Heng decided to proceed to the yamen for arrests, and Xue Fangfei insisted on accompanying him. Recognizing she would confront her father, Xiao Heng arranged for her to wear suitable women's attire for their reunion. At the yamen, Feng Yutang, realizing his attack had failed, grimly prepared a feast, declaring he would not flee like a dog.
When Xiao Heng's group entered, Feng mockingly offered them roasted lamb, but Xiao Heng refused, demanding to discuss the gold mine. Feng tried to bargain, but Xiao Heng ordered his men to arrest everyone. In a desperate move, Feng revealed Xue Huaiyuan, who was tied up and disoriented, constantly mumbling "A-Li" and not recognizing his daughter. Feng used him as a hostage, demanding a carriage full of gold for safe passage. Xue Fangfei, heartbroken, was restrained by Xiao Heng.
She confronted Feng for using a demented old man as a shield, but Feng sneered, goading her by saying Xue Huaiyuan’s real daughter would not stand by and do nothing. After confirming Xue Fangfei's trust in him, Xiao Heng agreed to Feng's demands. As Feng Yutang's carriage attempted to leave, he collapsed, foaming at the mouth—the result of poison Xiao Heng had arranged to be put in the roasted lamb via bribed subordinates.
Recognizing Xue Fangfei's true identity, Feng taunted her by revealing that Dumb Granny had been fed to his dog. He defiantly stated that he didn't believe she would dare kill him, reminding her that the Ministry of Justice would behead her father the next day. Enraged, Xue Fangfei grabbed a blade and repeatedly stabbed Feng, each blow avenging a victim: Xue Huaiyuan and Xue Zhao, Dumb Granny, the persecuted officers, the oppressed people of Huaixiang, and finally, Qiongzhi.
Xiao Heng intervened, ordering his men to stop the bleeding and keep Feng alive for interrogation. However, amidst the chaos, a volley of arrows from hidden assailants struck and killed Feng instantly. Xue Fangfei rushed to her father, who was still disoriented, clinging to her and repeatedly calling out "A-Li," unable to recognize her. Overwhelmed with sorrow, she apologized for being late and vowed to seek justice.
Outside, Xue Huaiyuan's newly rescued subordinates attempted to gather villagers to testify for him. However, the villagers, including Butcher Zhang, were too afraid, recounting how they had suffered injuries like lost eyes and beaten mothers for attempting to help in the past. Disheartened, Xue Fangfei sent the subordinates away and went to Aunt Chunfang, revealing her identity. She knelt, begging Aunt Chunfang to testify for her father, who faced execution the next day.
Aunt Chunfang was shocked to see Xue Fangfei alive but hesitated. Her husband, Uncle Liu, revealed his own crippled leg, another injury sustained from past attempts to help. Witnessing their suffering, Xue Fangfei was left wondering if good deeds are ever truly rewarded.
