The Double Episode 38 Recap, Plot

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Shen Yurong asked Shen Mu and Shen Ruyun to pack their belongings and return to their hometown to avoid trouble, reminding them not to contact outsiders. Shen Mu was unwilling, not wanting to return to the impoverished countryside and feeling that Shen Yurong was driving her away. Shen Yurong hinted that there were changes in the capital, making Shen Mu fall silent.

Prince Cheng prepared to return to the capital for the ancestral rites, sending a memorial to Emperor Hongxiao, stating that he wanted to present prisoners, thus increasing the escort troops. Jiang Yuanbai, upon seeing the memorial, believed that Prince Cheng was planning a rebellion. He was furious and suggested taking preemptive action. Xiao Heng disagreed, recognizing Prince Cheng's clear intentions.

He reasoned that the matter was legitimate, and if the Emperor acted against them, it would only confirm that Emperor Hongxiao was persecuting loyal ministers. The troops stationed outside the city could then use the chaos to attack. Xiao Heng believed that such a plan was beyond Prince Cheng's capabilities. Ye Shijie, in charge of the sacrificial ceremony, was extremely cautious as he believed the ceremony was crucial to the nation's fate. Fortunately, he had the assistance of his colleagues.

Prince Cheng's troops were on their way to the capital, and Shen Yurong went to meet them alone at night. Prince Cheng praised Shen Yurong for his courage and wisdom, understanding why Princess Wanning admired him. Shen Yurong said that all they needed now was a just cause to go to war, and he had a plan ready for Prince Cheng, depending on whether Prince Cheng would take the risk. Prince Cheng allowed him to speak freely.

Shen Yurong proposed killing Princess Wanning and presenting a fake corpse to Emperor Hongxiao, which would give Prince Cheng a legitimate reason to deploy troops. Prince Cheng immediately drew his sword, accusing Shen Yurong of being presumptuous. Shen Yurong remained calm, arguing that Prince Cheng was not a soft-hearted person and that achieving great things required sacrifice.

Prince Cheng, moved by Shen Yurong's words, stated that although he had a sibling relationship with Princess Wanning, he could not bear to use her life to gain the throne but was willing to stage a realistic deception. Shen Yurong had prepared a fake death drug for Princess Wanning, but he was worried about her retaliation afterward. He hoped Prince Cheng would speak on his behalf, and Prince Cheng agreed.

Shen Yurong also requested Xiao Heng's fish talisman as a condition. Upon Prince Cheng's return to the capital, Emperor Hongxiao publicly issued a decree, rewarding them for stopping the northern invaders and safeguarding the state of Yan. He intentionally mentioned wanting to keep them in the capital after the sacrificial ceremony. Prince Cheng feigned interest in the gold and jewels, stating that he would return to the north after the ceremony.

Prince Cheng visited Princess Wanning, criticizing her for turning against Li Zhongnan and acknowledging that her fake pregnancy had clouded her judgment. They went to pay respects to their mother, Consort Liu, recalling how she had been bedridden due to scheming and how she lamented on her deathbed about her lack of powerful family background and the Emperor's favor. She had instructed the siblings to support each other and strive for power.

Li Zhongnan, disregarding past misunderstandings, proactively offered a plan for Prince Cheng, suggesting their troops divide into four groups. On the other side, Xiao Heng and Wen Ji were making their own arrangements, with Xue Fangfei vowing not to abandon Xiao Heng no matter what happened. Jiang Ruoyao sent a letter home, stating that she was doing well in Yongzhou and hoped the Jiang Old Madam would take care of her health.

Jiang Yuanbai recalled the late Emperor's dying wish, appointing him as Chancellor to help Emperor Hongxiao secure the throne. To keep the Jiang family safe, Jiang Yuanbai had deliberately stepped back since Emperor Hongxiao took personal charge of state affairs. He felt guilty and powerless over the family's past troubles. Now, with the court in danger, he believed it was his duty to step up. The Jiang Old Madam was pleased, praising him for finally embodying the Jiang family spirit.

Madam Yang overheard their conversation and informed Jiang Yuanxing. Jiang Yuanxing, fearing retribution if Prince Cheng succeeded, planned to escape. Concubine Li had been sent away by Emperor Hongxiao but insisted on returning, threatening to stay to avoid arousing Prince Cheng's suspicion. During the sacrificial ceremony, Emperor Hongxiao was determined not to lose the throne, while Prince Cheng plotted to seize it.

Princess Wanning remembered smothering the late Emperor with a pillow out of resentment for being sent as a hostage to Dai Kingdom. Xue Fangfei had Zhao Ke make preparations, but Jiang Yuanxing colluded with Prince Cheng's men to drug and kill Zhao Ke. Xue Fangfei received a letter from Xiao Heng, asking Zhao Ke to accompany her. On the way, Xue Fangfei realized that this Zhao Ke was an imposter.

Attempting to escape, she was knocked unconscious and taken to Princess Wanning's private prison. Princess Wanning intended for both Xiao Heng and Xue Fangfei to suffer together, hating them for their scheme involving her fake pregnancy.

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