The Imperial Coroner Episode 19 Recap
> The Imperial Coroner Recap
Commandery Prince An's sudden display of anger surprised everyone, though Vice Minister Jing, observing Xiao Jinli leading Chu Chu away, meaningfully teased Commandery Prince An for his contradictory behavior. On their way home, Chu Chu was puzzled by the prince's reaction. Xiao Jinli was about to explain when Deputy Magistrate Tan Gui unexpectedly interrupted them. Deputy Magistrate Tan Gui approached Chu Chu, seeking to understand the details of his father's demise.
Chu Chu was initially hesitant, as the case involved sensitive matters. However, moved by Tan Gui’s filial distress as he was about to kneel, she relented. She recounted that Xu Zongfang had killed Butler Tan, claiming it was revenge for her mother, an act Chu Chu never wanted. After hearing the account, a saddened Tan Gui pleaded with Chu Chu to keep their conversation a secret from Commandery Prince An, citing his career and the need to avoid suspicion.
As Tan Gui departed, Vice Minister Jing blocked his path in an alley, questioning why there was no reply to the message sent to Chang'an. Tan Gui urged him not to get involved, but Jing Yi astutely deduced that Tan Gui had received a response meant only for him and had successfully verified Chu Chu's identity. Meanwhile, Senior Jing visited Princess Xiping, subtly trying to secure her support for a marriage between Leng Yue and Xiao Jinli.
The princess, understanding his underlying motives, cleverly parried by inquiring about a pair of lily hairpins her mother had once gifted his wife. Feigning agreement with the marriage proposal to Senior Jing, she later confessed her true worries to an aide: she believes Leng Yue has feelings for Xiao Jinyu and is concerned about the military implications of a marriage to Xiao Jinli. She hoped that Mr. Xue, who was traveling with the Emperor, could dissuade him from the match.
The aide then informed her that Xiao Jinyu was at Chu Chu's house, prompting the princess to inquire about the female coroner's appearance. Back in Guanling County, Chu Ping noticed his daughter's sadness and correctly deduced she knew Xu Rugui's true identity. Chu Chu confirmed she knew he was her uncle. At the County Office, Chu He awoke and frantically searched for Chu Chu. Xiao Jinyu confronted him, questioning if he truly saw Chu Chu only as a sister.
Believing Chu Chu was dead, Chu He threatened to fight for his life, but he grew remorseful when Xiao Jinyu produced the filing blade Xu Rugui used to escape. Xiao Jinyu explained the severe consequences of Chu He’s actions, which had endangered Chu Chu and the entire Chu family. Chu He confessed that he helped Xu Rugui after being told that Chu Chu’s father was the rebel who killed Xiao Jinyu’s father and that he feared for Chu Chu's safety.
He also revealed that before he fell into the river, he had followed Xu Rugui and two others as they fled northeast toward Phoenix Mountain. Xiao Jinyu was left in deep thought after learning from Chu He that the local Witch Doctor had vanished before the bridge connecting the county to the outside world was completed five years ago. After much thought, Leng Yue informed Xiao Jinyu about Jing Yi's secret meetings with Tan Gui.
Later, she disguised herself as Chu Chu to lure out the person she believed was targeting her. Jing Yi, deducing from their earlier conversation that Tan Gui intended to harm Chu Chu, had been following him. He witnessed Tan Gui attempt to stab the disguised Leng Yue. At the critical moment, Xiao Jinli intervened and subdued Tan Gui. Xiao Jinyu then emerged, and Jing Yi, realizing he was exposed, revealed that Tan Gui was an undercover operative for Senior Jing.
Under questioning, Tan Gui insisted Jing Yi was not involved in the assassination attempt, claiming he was acting on orders to eliminate Chu Chu, the daughter of the man who allegedly killed Xiao Jinyu’s father. Tan Gui’s goal was to resolve the "rebel survivor" issue to protect everyone from implication. However, Xiao Jinyu staunchly defended Chu Chu, revealing that she was under the protection of his own father, Prince Consort Xiao Heng.
The revelation stunned Tan Gui, who concluded that the Prince Consort must still be alive. Unbeknownst to them, news of the rebel's daughter had already spread in Chang'an. Officials mocked Xiao Jinyu for hiring her. Minister Han Ji, acting on behalf of Eunuch Qin's faction, officially reported Chu Chu's identity to the Emperor. Eunuch Qin and his master conspired to ensure Chu Chu's death upon her inevitable return to the capital, gloating that not even Commandery Prince An could save her then.
