The Imperial Coroner Episode 13 Recap
> The Imperial Coroner Recap
Shen Yu, the new Capital Liaison Representative of Qianzhou, arrived in the capital to investigate an illegal coining case. He felt agitated by the assignment, noting that Commandery Prince An, who had requested his assistance, was known for not playing by the rules despite his thoroughness in criminal cases. Meanwhile, Qin Luan instructed a subordinate to closely monitor Shen Yu, paying special attention to his contacts.
He also ordered Sun Mingde to re-examine records from Rugui Tavern, specifically for anything related to the Southwest and Qianzhou, as he sensed something was amiss. Qin Luan further commanded close surveillance of Princess Xiping's Mansion, Xue's Mansion, Jing's Mansion, and the Three Judicial Offices, vehemently declaring that Duke Chang was unequivocally dead. At her mansion, Princess Xiping expressed profound concern for Xiao Jinyu and Xiao Jinli in distant Qianzhou.
Wishing for their safety above all else, she lamented that being outside court circles made it difficult to protect them. She earnestly asked Xue Rucheng, the newly appointed Minister of War, to look after them and to listen for any unusual news from the Southwest Army, specifically mentioning General Leng in Qianzhongdao. Xue Rucheng admitted he had not yet heard anything of note but promised to gather information for her.
Following his collapse, Xiao Jinyu remained unconscious, causing Chu Chu immense distress. Tearfully, she confessed to her grandfather and father that Xiao Jinyu was Commandery Prince An, who oversaw the Three Judicial Offices. Recognizing the gravity of offending such a high-ranking official, her grandfather offered to take any punishment himself. However, Chu Chu, having been protected by her family all her life, insisted on taking full responsibility to safeguard them.
When a servant announced that Xiao Jinyu wished to see her alone, her brother Chu He attempted to accompany her, but Chu Chu assured him she would handle it. Upon entering Xiao Jinyu's room, Chu Chu formally greeted him. Xiao Jinyu instructed her to raise her head and then announced that, having clarified her family background and reviewed her test performance, he was approving her coroner's certificate.
He admitted to misleading her previously but confirmed her exceptional skills, stating he had wanted to hire her since their first meeting. Xiao Jinyu then explained his cautious approach, emphasizing that as an official, every decision he made affected the safety of those around him, so he had to investigate her background thoroughly for everyone's safety, including her own.
Later, Xiao Jinli worriedly discussed Xiao Jinyu’s condition with Leng Yue, who assured him that the prince was merely exhausted and annoyed, needing only rest. Still anxious, Xiao Jinli wondered what nutritious food to prepare. Meanwhile, Xiao Jinyu continued his conversation with Chu Chu, explaining that he always sought maximum information before acting to ensure his plans were perfect.
He confessed his worry that her undisclosed secrets could lead to irreparable trouble, and that he chose to make her dislike him rather than risk her safety. Chu Chu, however, denied hating him, expressing her admiration for his intelligence and integrity, especially how he "shines like the sun" when solving cases. She admitted she was scared by his kindness, fearing it was an illusion. Xiao Jinyu gently reassured her she was "worth it."
Deeply moved, Chu Chu pledged her loyalty, vowing to become the world's best coroner for him. He dismissed her offer to retake the test, stating her agreement to work for him was all that mattered. As a first task, he requested chicken soup with specific instructions, which she eagerly agreed to make. Afterward, Chu Chu reassured her brother, Chu He, of her decision.
However, Chu He remained worried that she would leave to find her biological relatives or not return from Chang'an. He later confided this fear to his father and proposed a solution: he wished to marry Chu Chu. He earnestly declared his deep affection for her, explaining that he had liked her since childhood and realized he wanted to marry her while she was away for the coroner's test. His father reminded him that Chu Chu's consent was essential.
Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Jinli overheard their conversation. Xiao Jinyu informed Chu Chu that his investigation revealed no record of a natural disaster in Jiannan that could have wiped out a clan at the time of her birth, suggesting her family's demise was a "man-made disaster." He proposed they examine the Xu family's household register to identify her father and investigate his death. Chu Chu then excitedly inquired about Six Gates and the Handsome Judge.
Xiao Jinyu clarified that the "Handsome Judge" was not a real person but an ideal figure from his deceased father's notes. His father, a censor, had solved the cases that inspired the stories, and the Ten Commandment Hall was established based on his records. Chu Chu understood, reaffirming that Xiao Jinyu was the best judge she knew. In Chang'an, several officials discussed the assassination of Yan Ming.
They noted Commandery Prince An had gone to Qianzhou, ostensibly to find his father's remains. Minister Xue recalled hearing Yan Ming drunkenly claim to have found evidence that Emperor Wuzong's son, Duke Chang, was still alive. The officials subtly connected the dots, noting that Qianzhou was Duke Chang's former fief, hinting at a deeper motive for Xiao Jinyu's journey. Sun Mingde reported these conversations to Qin Luan, including the rampant rumor that Duke Chang was alive.
Qin Luan was initially dismissive. Sun Mingde added that Xiao Jinyu's Chief Guardsman, Wu Jiang, had been acting surreptitiously in Chang'an. Pondering if the rumors were connected to Yan Ming's unsolved case, Qin Luan ordered Sun Mingde to immediately investigate the source of the palace rumors, now suspecting Xiao Jinyu's true reason for going to Qianzhou. Chu Chu told Xiao Jinyu about Sir Witch Doctor, sharing a letter he left five years prior before disappearing.
Later, Chu Grandfather gave Chu Chu a precious bejeweled hairpin that belonged to her mother. He described her mother as a beautiful woman from a wealthy family who had clearly endured great suffering. Xiao Jinyu examined the expensive-looking hairpin and decided to sketch it and send the drawing to the capital for investigation, hoping to uncover clues about Chu Chu's parents. That night, Emperor Xuanzong awoke from a nightmare.
Sun Mingde speculated to Qin Luan that the Emperor's fear stemmed from the rumors of Duke Chang's return. Sun Mingde recounted how Emperor Xuanzong had feigned insanity to survive the late emperor, who had tried to kill him before he ultimately took the throne. He suggested the Emperor’s nightmare was of Duke Chang returning to reclaim his birthright, a realization that struck Qin Luan with newfound understanding.
