Resumo do episódio 2 de The Imperial Coroner 2
> Resumos de The Imperial Coroner 2
Xiao Jinyu investigated the palace rockery, asking his brother, Xiao Jinli, to help measure a worn patch on the stone. He concluded the markings matched the height of a man’s belt, indicating a struggle. Nearby, Chu Chu discovered a bead that Leng Yue identified as a common ornament for palace maids, suggesting a maid was involved in the fight. Soon, the rest of the victim's skeleton was recovered from the pond.
During the autopsy, Chu Chu noted bloodstains on the fontanelle and tooth roots, which pointed to a massive blow to the lower body. She explained that such trauma causes a person to gasp and hold their breath, forcing blood upward. The fracture of the pubic arch confirmed this. Xiao Jinyu theorized the killer was a woman with martial training who used this tactic to overcome a stronger man.
The victim was identified as Wu Liang, a guard known for his frequent toothaches. Although it was believed he had resigned after coming into money six months prior, the discovery of his saber, numbered "Bing Twenty-Three," in the pond proved otherwise. Records showed he was last seen guarding the secluded rockery on the night of the palace garden banquet. As the investigation unsettled the palace, Consort Hui voiced her concerns to the Emperor.
Chu Chu appeared, claiming she could identify the culprit if she could borrow several of the Consort’s maids. During a surprise test, Jing Yi launched an attack on the group. While most of the maids were terrified, Shi Qing instinctively defended herself with skilled martial arts, exposing her hidden abilities. Shi Qing confessed to killing Wu Liang after he insulted her, insisting she acted alone.
However, Xiao Jinyu found it unlikely that she could hide such a secret for six months without suspicion. At Jinyu’s request, Chu Chu examined Shi Qing and confirmed there was no sign of sexual assault. Instead, she discovered a scar on Shi Qing's arm consistent with a defensive wound from a guard’s saber.
Chu Chu concluded that Wu Liang had actually attempted to kill Shi Qing with a throat strike, and she had merely fought back to save her own life. Shi Qing eventually admitted that Wu Liang fell into the pond after she struck his vitals in self-defense. Despite Consort Hui’s pleas for mercy, the Emperor ordered Shi Qing’s execution for the violation of palace rules and the loss of life.
To maintain decorum during the ongoing festival, Xiao Jinyu suggested delaying the sentence until after the celebrations. Afterward, Jinyu comforted a guilt-ridden Chu Chu, reminding her that their duty is to reveal the impartial truth. That evening, Jinyu invited Chu Chu’s brother, Chu He, to dinner. Despite boasting about his tolerance, Chu He passed out after a single cup of Willow Leaf Wine. While drunk, he spoke of Chu Chu’s stubborn loyalty to those she loves.
The next day, Jing Yi and Leng Yue searched Wu Liang’s home. Leng Yue found footprints from two different seasons—peach blossom and mulberry—indicating the house had been searched at least twice. Jing Yi discovered a secret room behind a Go board filled with stolen palace treasures. Jinyu realized Wu Liang was likely a middleman for palace staff stealing valuables due to the state's strained treasury.
While searching, Leng Yue found letters from various maids to Wu Liang, though none were from Shi Qing. Jinyu suspected that Wu Liang might have tried to blackmail Shi Qing, leading to the fatal encounter. Despite the palace’s desire to settle the matter quietly, Jinyu insisted that the Three Judicial Offices must pursue total justice. Later, as Jing Yi nearly leaked a surprise Jinyu was planning for Chu Chu, Jinyu punished him by ordering him to patrol the streets of Chang'an for the night.
