Based on the book “Marriage of Di Daughter” by Qian Shan Cha Ke, “The Double” is a 2024 Chinese historical romance television series. Wang Xingyue plays Xiao Heng in the series, while Wu Jinyan plays Xue Li (also called Xue Fangfei and Jiang Li). With a total of 40 episodes, it debuted on Youku on June 2, 2024, and ended on June 22, 2024.
Table of Contents
Synopsis of The Double Chinese drama
Magistrate Xue’s beloved daughter, Xue Fangfei, feels she has a decent spouse. But when her in-laws betray her and accuse her for adultery, her life takes a catastrophic turn. Shen Yurong, her husband, laments that he was forced to obey orders after attempting to kill her and burying her alive in a lonely mountain. They also kill her brother and father. She is saved by fate and meets Jiang Li, the daughter of Jiang Yuanbo, the Chief Secretariat, who has spent the last ten years living in a local nunnery after suffering an unfair punishment.
It was falsely claimed that Jiang Li was responsible for her stepmother’s fall and miscarriage. Jiang Li gives Fangfei her final desire to pursue justice before her tragic death. Returning to the Jiang family under the guise of Jiang Li, Fangfei is resolved to exact revenge on Jiang Li as well as on herself. She encounters Duke Su, Xiao Heng, a close friend and advisor of Emperor Hong Xiao, who is looking into a salt smuggling case, along the way. Their partnership, which was founded on mutual gain at first, changes as they take on strong opponents and expose systemic corruption.
Cast of The Double Chinese drama
- Wu Jin Yan as Xue Fang Fei
- Wang Xing Yue as Xiao Heng
- Chen Xin Hai as Ye Shi Jie
- Liang Yong Qi as Shen Yu Rong
- Li Meng as Princess Wan Ning
- Joe Chen as Ji Shu Ran
As soon as it was released, “The Double Chinese drama” became well-known, and by June 5, 2024, it had a heat index of over 10,000 on Youku, which was the quickest time for a series to do so in 2024. Based on the opinions of more than 36,000 individuals, the series has a 6.9 rating on Douban.
The series features notable tracks, including the opening theme “Watching the Snow” by Cyndi Wang and the ending theme “Live and Love” by Zhong Chenle.
Review of The Double Chinese drama
I went into watching “The Double Chinese drama” with low expectations. I had seen plenty of revenge dramas before, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what would make this one any different. However, from the very first episode, I was hooked. This drama has a perfect mix of intrigue, romance, and action, making it a truly enjoyable watch. While it’s not without flaws, “The Double Chinese drama” has earned its place as one of my favorite historical Chinese dramas of recent times.
A Compelling Storyline
At its core, “The Double Chinese drama” is a revenge drama, but it never loses sight of what makes revenge stories truly compelling—justice, strategy, and emotional depth. The story follows Xue Fangfei, a woman who is brutally betrayed by her husband, Shen Yurong, and his family. Left for dead, she survives and takes on the identity of Jiang Li, a noblewoman who was also wronged by her own family. With a new identity, she embarks on a journey to bring justice to those who have harmed her and others.
What makes “The Double Chinese drama” stand out from other revenge dramas is how well it maintains its focus. Too often, revenge plots get diluted by romance or unnecessary side stories, but here, the revenge arc remains strong until the very end. There are twists and turns that keep the audience engaged, and while some moments may feel predictable, the execution is what keeps it exciting. Every move Xue Fangfei makes feels calculated, and watching her outmaneuver her enemies is deeply satisfying.
An Unforgettable Female Lead
Xue Fangfei is easily one of the best female leads I’ve seen in a long time. She is intelligent, resilient, and never loses sight of her goals. Despite enduring tremendous suffering, she doesn’t let hatred consume her. Instead, she remains strategic and controlled, ensuring that she doesn’t harm the innocent in her pursuit of justice.
One of my biggest frustrations with revenge dramas is when the heroine starts strong but becomes weak halfway through. That doesn’t happen here. Xue Fangfei stays sharp, calculating every step she takes. Even when faced with difficult choices, she doesn’t allow herself to be swayed by emotions. Her strength is inspiring, and her character development is one of the best aspects of the drama.
Wu Jinyan’s performance as Xue Fangfei is exceptional. She portrays the character’s pain, determination, and intelligence beautifully. Many had concerns about her age in comparison to Wang Xingyue (Duke Su), but honestly, it didn’t bother me at all. She embodied the role so well that I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing Xue Fangfei.
A Slow-Burn Romance Worth the Wait
If you’re expecting a romance-heavy drama, “The Double Chinese drama” might not be for you. The romance is a slow burn, but in my opinion, it’s worth the wait. The relationship between Xue Fangfei and Duke Su (Xiao Heng) develops naturally over time. What makes their dynamic special is the mutual trust and respect they have for each other.
Xiao Heng starts off as a distant and mysterious figure, but as the story progresses, we see his interest in Xue Fangfei grow. Initially, he views her as an intriguing pawn in his own political game, but soon, he realizes that she is much more than that. Their chemistry is undeniable, and while their interactions are often subtle, they carry an emotional weight that makes them even more meaningful.
Some might argue that the romance is too slow, but I appreciate that it wasn’t rushed. In many dramas, characters fall in love too quickly, often at the expense of the plot. Here, the romance builds alongside the revenge arc, never overshadowing the main story. And let’s be honest—Duke Su’s longing gazes and subtle acts of care made the slow burn even more delicious.
A Strong Supporting Cast
The supporting characters in “The Double Chinese drama” add depth to the story. Xue Fangfei’s friendships, particularly with Ye Shijie and Jiang Jingrui, bring warmth to the drama. Their interactions are filled with loyalty and camaraderie, making them a joy to watch. The bromance between Xiao Heng and the emperor is another highlight, showcasing a rare dynamic of mutual respect and trust between a ruler and his subordinate.
The villains are also well-developed. Shen Yurong is particularly fascinating. He is not just a one-dimensional evil character; rather, he is a man who made terrible choices and is unable to face the consequences of his actions. His downfall is satisfying because it feels earned. On the other hand, Princess Wan Ning is a tragic villain. Her backstory makes her somewhat sympathetic, even though her actions are unforgivable. Her descent into madness is portrayed brilliantly, making her one of the most memorable antagonists in recent dramas.
Stunning Costumes and Pearl Makeup
One of the most visually striking aspects of “The Double Chinese drama” is the exquisite costume design. Every outfit is meticulously crafted, with intricate embroidery, flowing fabrics, and regal colors that enhance the characters’ personalities. The women’s hairstyles are adorned with delicate pearl hairpins, a beautiful touch inspired by the Song Dynasty. The pearl makeup, a distinctive beauty style from that era, adds to the elegance of the female characters, making them appear ethereal and refined.
Duke Su’s wardrobe, in particular, is breathtaking. His deep red and black robes exude power, mystery, and authority. The way his outfit flows when he walks, paired with his signature fan, makes every scene he is in visually captivating. His eyeliner and overall styling add to his commanding presence, making him one of the most stylish and unforgettable male leads in recent historical dramas.
Beautiful Production and Cinematography
Visually, “The Double Chinese drama” is stunning. The costumes, set designs, and cinematography all contribute to the immersive experience. The details in the clothing, especially Xue Fangfei’s and Duke Su’s outfits, are breathtaking. The camera work enhances the emotional weight of the scenes, particularly during the more dramatic moments.
One thing I loved was the use of visual symbolism. The changing seasons, the falling petals, and the contrast between light and shadow all play a role in setting the tone. There’s something poetic about how certain scenes are framed, making the drama feel almost like a moving painting.
Some Weak Points
While “The Double Chinese drama” is an excellent drama, it’s not perfect. One of my biggest complaints is that the final episodes feel rushed. After such a well-paced buildup, the ending needed more time to fully develop. Some plot points felt abruptly resolved, and certain characters didn’t get the closure they deserved.
Additionally, while I loved Duke Su, I do wish he had been given more depth. His character is intriguing, but there were moments where I wanted to see more of his personal struggles and growth. He remains somewhat mysterious throughout the drama, which works in some ways, but I would have liked to see more layers to his character.
Another issue is the sometimes over-the-top dramatization. While I enjoy a bit of theatrical flair, there were moments where the exaggerated expressions and spinning camera angles became distracting. That said, it didn’t take away too much from my overall enjoyment.
Final Verdict
“The Double Chinese drama” is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas, particularly those who enjoy strong female leads and well-executed revenge plots. The story is engaging, the performances are outstanding, and the production quality is top-notch. While it has some minor flaws, the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses.
What I appreciate most about The Double is that it never forgets its core message—justice, resilience, and the power of determination. Xue Fangfei’s journey is inspiring, and her character will stay with me for a long time. If you’re looking for a drama that balances intrigue, romance, and well-developed characters, The Double is definitely worth watching.
Rating: 8.5/10
What’s your view about this drama? Let me know in the comment section.
