Resumo do episódio 1 de The Imperial Coroner 2
> Resumos de The Imperial Coroner 2
Three years have passed since Chu Chu, driven by her lifelong admiration for the legendary "Great Judge," traveled to the capital to participate in the coroner's examination at the Three Judicial Offices. During that exam, she famously mistook Prince Xiao Jinyu for a test subject, but her exceptional talent earned her a place on the team.
After solving major cases and receiving royal honors, Chu Chu and Xiao Jinyu have settled into life as both a married couple and professional partners. As the Emperor’s birthday, the Shouchang Festival, approaches, the capital prepares to lift its curfew. However, an unsettling atmosphere grips the palace following a frightening incident involving two guards on patrol and rumors of a haunting among the terrified palace maids.
While preparing for the palace banquet, Xiao Jinyu personally helps Chu Chu with her hair and makeup. Having studied palace etiquette under Leng Yue, Chu Chu is determined to represent the Three Judicial Offices with dignity, viewing this as her first formal appearance in years.
When Leng Yue arrives with their attire, Xiao Jinyu deduces from gold powder and moss on her clothing that her carriage was delayed at the West Market, a display of observation that leaves Leng Yue impressed. Meanwhile, at the palace, several officials grumble about Xiao Jinyu’s interference in their affairs, unaware that Jing Yi is eavesdropping nearby. Chu Chu initially questions why she cannot wear her coroner’s uniform—which she considers her true official dress—to the event.
Leng Yue encourages her, predicting that she will one day break through such prejudices, but for now, Chu Chu is resolute in showing the court that the Commandery Princess Consort is second to none. At the banquet, Xiao Jinyu maintains his professional distance from foreign envoys seeking favors.
When a Nanzhao envoy attempts a verbal provocation, Xiao Jinyu counters by demanding Nanzhao’s cooperation in returning border citizens who were lured away by promises of wealth, insisting the cases remain open until the individuals are returned, dead or alive. As the feast begins, the guests are divided by gender. Chu Chu pays her respects to Consort Hui, who currently manages palace affairs.
When Chu Chu rises, her coroner’s tools accidentally fall from her person, drawing sharp criticism from the wife of the Governor of Jingzhao. Chu Chu calmly defends her profession, and Consort Hui eventually silences the bickering. The festivities are soon interrupted when a human skull suddenly "leaps" out of a pond, terrifying a palace maid. Leng Yue catches the skull, and Chu Chu immediately performs a preliminary examination.
She identifies the victim as a male around thirty years old with a missing tooth and specific dental wear. She explains the skull's movement was caused by a frog hiding inside and estimates the man has been dead for approximately six months. A jurisdictional dispute ensues when Consort Hui insists on handling the matter privately under palace rules. Chu Chu argues that a murderer may still be hiding in the palace.
When Consort Hui’s senior maid, Shi Qing, attempts to seize the skull by force, she is rebuffed by Leng Yue. The commotion brings the Emperor and Xiao Jinyu to the scene. Xiao Jinyu expertly navigates the situation, convincing the Emperor to let Chu Chu—his personally appointed coroner—lead the investigation to ensure a quiet and efficient resolution during the festival. Consort Hui is forced to comply, though the Emperor later reprimands her for her poor judgment.
Chu Chu believes the rest of the remains are still in the pond and notes that the victim likely suffered from chronic toothaches and dietary restrictions, traits his associates would remember. Xiao Jinyu enlists his brother, Xiao Jinli, to dredge the pond while Jing Yi is tasked with questioning the guards and eunuchs. Chu Chu and Leng Yue plan to interview the palace maids the following day.
During the investigation, Chu Chu’s brother, Chu He, arrives with her belongings from home, nearly being mistaken for an assassin in the process. Xiao Jinyu reflects on the value of Chu Chu’s role, noting that her status as a female coroner provides them with essential access to the palace. The group remains suspicious of Consort Hui, with Leng Yue noting that the Consort appears strangely afraid of Chu Chu.
The next day, Xiao Jinli reports that no other bones were found in the pond. Xiao Jinyu suspects the remains were moved by the current or scavenged by fish. While scouting the grounds, he discovers a secluded area in the rockery outside the usual patrol routes. There, Chu Chu finds stunted pumpkin vines, suggesting seeds were accidentally brought to the shaded spot. Nearby, Leng Yue spots signs of wear on the stones, indicating the hidden location has been frequently visited.
