Coroner's Diary Episode 23 Recap
> Coroner's Diary Recap
Princess Yuanwu announced to the Emperor that if she won the upcoming contest, she would ask for Yan Chi to be her imperial son-in-law. Yan Chi, taken aback, immediately countered that they were strangers, making such a proposal inappropriate. Princess Yuanwu reminded him that he had saved her when she, disguised as a Beidai soldier, was captured by nomadic enemies during his patrol in Shuoxi, and he personally led troops to escort her back to the Beidai border.
Yan Chi, however, claimed to have saved countless lives and only remembered escorting someone he believed to be a young soldier; had he known she was a princess, he would not have acted so casually. Undeterred, Princess Yuanwu declared she would secure the engagement regardless of his consent. Yan Chi firmly refused, stating he would only marry the woman he truly loved, and she was not that person.
He further added that with him present, she could not win the archery contest. Angered, Princess Yuanwu was about to retort when the Crown Prince intervened, suggesting an outing to the Southern Court in three days for the princes and princesses of Beidai and Xihan to practice mounted archery, celebrating the New Year and strengthening diplomatic ties. The Emperor approved, cautioning the Crown Prince to ensure everyone's safety.
Later, Yue Ning worried that the Emperor might force Yan Chi to marry Princess Yuanwu, but Qin Wan remained unconcerned, stating she would simply watch how Yan Chi handled it, as the affairs of others did not involve her. Outside the city gate, Qin Wan boarded a carriage. Yan Chi attempted to follow but was stopped by Yan Li, who pointed out that the Marquis of Zhongyong's wife and Qin Zhaoyu were inside.
Yan Li suggested Qin Wan was likely upset by Princess Yuanwu's antics and questioned what Yan Chi could achieve by chasing after her. He also noted that if the Emperor, for the sake of international harmony, decided to grant Princess Yuanwu's wish, Yan Chi would have to defy an imperial edict. Yan Chi declared he would defy the Emperor if necessary.
Yan Li then offered to find a way for Yan Chi to attend the outing if Yan Chi promised to take him along, a proposal Yan Chi scoffed at. Meanwhile, inside the carriage, the Marquis of Zhongyong's wife told Qin Wan that the envoys from both Xihan and Beidai were seeking a marriage alliance with Princess Yan Zhen. Only one would become her husband, and the other would likely be married into a noble family.
The Marquis of Zhongyong's wife hinted that Qin Wan should consider marrying one of them for the country's benefit. Qin Wan, however, declined, explaining that such political marriages often appear glorious but hide deep personal misery, and that she did not seek fame or wealth. Qin Zhaoyu, while feigning praise for Qin Wan's "unconventional" pursuits, gritted her teeth in frustration. Later, Fuling advised Qin Wan to formalize her relationship with Yan Chi soon, worried about other potential suitors.
Qin Wan explained that an early marriage would lead to accusations that her access to the Ministry of Justice for her father's case was due to Yan Chi's influence, undermining her efforts to clear his name. She also noted Yan Chi's own uncertain path in the capital and did not wish to distract him. She believed in letting things take their course naturally.
Late that night, Yan Chi surprised Qin Wan by taking her on a boat trip to a secluded small island he had discovered. He revealed she was the first person he had ever brought there. Qin Wan teasingly reminded him of escorting Princess Yuanwu. Yan Chi playfully wished Yuanwu had appeared sooner so he could have seen Qin Wan’s jealous reaction. Qin Wan denied any jealousy and questioned if he truly hadn't recognized Princess Yuanwu as a woman.
Yan Chi responded that he only found Qin Wan "exceptionally beautiful" when she calmly held a blood-dripping human heart. He then showed her the beautifully decorated island, explaining he had prepared it specifically for her. Yan Chi reaffirmed his deep feelings, declaring he would only marry the woman he loved, and that woman could only be Qin Wan. Later that night, Princess Yuanwu arrived at Prince Rui's Mansion, only to see Yan Chi returning with Qin Wan.
Enraged, she vowed to personally kill Qin Wan. Inside, Yan Chi confided in Qin Wan about his father, Prince Rui, explaining that Prince Rui had been even more diligent in martial arts than himself. The late Emperor had once intended to name Prince Rui as Crown Prince, but his father, having no desire for the throne and fearing sibling conflict that would distress the Empress Dowager, voluntarily chose to move to Shuoxi, allowing the current Emperor to ascend.
After his mother’s death, Prince Rui became even more unwilling to return to the capital, causing Prince Rui's Mansion to fall into disrepair. Yan Chi clarified that his father viewed his current stay in the capital as merely being a "hostage" to appease the Emperor. However, Yan Chi emphasized that the unpredictable court was a "bloodless battlefield," and remaining isolated would lead to the destruction of the Shuoxi Army and Prince Rui's Mansion.
He asserted that he must stay in the capital to secure a future for them. Qin Wan asked why he didn’t explain his true intentions to Prince Rui. Yan Chi replied that if his father had listened, there wouldn't have been repeated assassination attempts on them. He concluded by telling Qin Wan that his own life had become as broken as the dilapidated mansion.
Qin Wan reassured him, calling him an "upstanding and dignified" man and "the finest of men," telling him that her return to the capital gained more meaning because of him. At the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion, the Marquis's wife, Feng shi, learned that the Crown Prince had arrived and specifically asked to see Qin Wan.
Feng shi cunningly sent her son, Qin Yan, away on a fabricated errand and instructed her maid to accompany Qin Wan to deliver wine to the Crown Prince, hoping the Crown Prince would misunderstand her intentions. However, the maid feigned a stomach ache, and Qin Wan, sensing the scheme, volunteered to deliver the wine herself. The Crown Prince, surprised to see her alone, accused her of being "insatiable" and "coveting what doesn't belong to you."
Qin Wan retorted that people "reap what they sow." The Crown Prince, enraged, called her "shameless." At that moment, the Marquis of Zhongyong arrived and clarified the misunderstanding: Qin Wan was the "excellent coroner" he had recommended to the Crown Prince, and she sometimes disguised herself as a man, a fact known to the capital prefect. Upon returning to her room, Qin Wan discovered Qin Xiang disparaging her recent imperial rewards. Qin Wan firmly told Qin Xiang to "get out."
Qin Shuang apologized for her sister's behavior. Acknowledging Qin Shuang had "never caused any real harm," Qin Wan instructed Fuling to give some of the palace jewelry to her. Qin Shuang expressed regret for past wrongs and promised to change, and the sisters embraced. Later, the Marquis confronted his wife. Qin Zhaoyu took responsibility, admitting the scheme was her idea to "test" Qin Wan.
The Marquis was furious, lambasting both his wife and daughter as "foolish," stating their actions nearly "ruined his grand plan" for Qin Zhaoyu to become Crown Princess. Subsequently, Yan Chi and Yan Li visited Prince Yi's Mansion. Prince Yi's wife declined to see them, sending two Buddhist bracelets with a message wishing them to be "bosom friends forever" and enjoy a "lifetime of wellness." Yan Li was unsuspecting, but Yan Chi sensed an ominous meaning in her words.
Qin Wan performed a medical consultation for the Empress Dowager, who was recovering well. The Emperor praised Qin Wan's skills and offered her any gift she desired. Qin Wan requested only that Yue Ning be allowed to attend the outing the following day. The Emperor granted this, mentioning that someone else had made the same request. Yan Chi, Yan Li, and Yue Ning then entered with Yan Sui, the quiet ninth prince.
The Emperor instructed Yan Li to accompany and ensure Yue Ning's safety during the outing but explicitly told Yan Chi to skip it to avoid potential problems with Princess Yuanwu. The Empress Dowager later revealed to Yan Chi that Yan Sui was the late Consort Jin's son and had been present when his mother was killed, which caused his silence. She asked Yan Chi to guide the boy, as the Emperor paid him little attention.
She also asked Yan Chi not to inform Prince Rui about her illness. As the Empress Dowager observed the clear affection between Qin Wan and Yan Chi, she smiled and playfully teased Qin Wan. The Emperor then summoned Yan Chi for a private conversation. At the plum forest in the Southern Court, the Crown Prince invited everyone to enjoy the scenery and participate in mounted archery.
A Beidai prince remarked on the pleasant scenery, a rarity compared to Beidai's harsh winters. One of the royal princes remarked that the Crown Prince had "finally said something sensible," arguing that mounted archery would be more spirited. Another royal brother, "Fourth Brother," subtly complained about his lesser status compared to the Crown Prince. Everyone then proceeded to the plum forest. Shortly after, a Beidai attendant approached Qin Wan, claiming Princess Yuanwu was injured and required her medical attention.
The attendant explained that Princess Yuanwu, upset by Yan Chi's absence, decided to return to the capital, but her horse was startled, throwing her and rendering her unconscious. He claimed a female physician was preferred for a royal princess and warned that if anything happened to her, it would become a diplomatic incident for which the Crown Prince and Yan Chi would be held responsible. Though skeptical, Qin Wan agreed to go. When she asked for Princess Yuanwu's whereabouts, the princess herself emerged from hiding, stating, "Here I am."
