The Imperial Coroner Episode 22 Recap
> The Imperial Coroner Recap
Prefect of Qianzhou, Li Zhang, arrived to greet Xue Rucheng, addressing him as Duke Chang. Operating under his true identity as Prince Chang, Xue Rucheng acknowledged Li Zhang's long journey and inquired if Commandery Prince An, Xiao Jinyu, had discovered anything in Qianzhou. Li Zhang assured him that Xiao Jinyu had only stumbled upon the illegal coin case, which Li Zhang had since taken over, promising to handle everything meticulously.
Prince Chang cautioned Li Zhang to be extremely careful and not expose their activities. Shortly after, an official document from Chang'an arrived, containing an imperial order to arrest Chu Chu. Prince Chang was surprised that Li Zhang also knew of Chu Chu, whom Li Zhang identified as the rebel Yun Yi’s daughter.
Li Zhang confirmed he was tasked with arresting her and expressed concern that a direct confrontation with Xiao Jinyu, who kept Chu Chu by his side, could hinder their grand plan. Prince Chang dismissed Li Zhang, privately reflecting that Li Zhang was unlikely to outwit Xiao Jinyu and that a backup plan was necessary. Chu Chu discovered a secret imperial decree from Emperor Wenzong among Xiao Heng's belongings.
The decree had summoned Military Commissioner Chen Ying and his troops to Chang'an, proving his actions were not rebellious but in support of the Emperor. Chu Chu believed this evidence could overturn Chen Ying’s case. Xiao Jinyu affirmed that this was his father's last wish and was also crucial for Chu Chu's own survival. He stressed that revealing the truth would ignite a massive political firestorm, necessitating meticulous preparation to avoid implicating more innocent people.
He solemnly promised Chu Chu he would vindicate her parents and prove her innocence, and she placed her complete trust in him. Jing Yi gave a letter to Vice Minister Jing, Tan Gui, for delivery to his father, Senior Jing, urging caution against a "real enemy" within the court. Overcome with remorse, Tan Gui confessed to having executed nine of Chen Ying's subordinates, all of whom proclaimed their innocence before death. He deeply regretted never questioning them about the truth.
Jing Yi explained that only a few generals knew the full story; the well-trained soldiers were merely following orders and were truly innocent. Tan Gui lamented his own failings as an official, declaring his readiness to accept any punishment for his role in the deaths of loyal men. Pained by his father's fate, Xiao Jinyu pressed Chu Chu for details about his injuries. Chu Chu hesitated, but at his insistence, she revealed the truth.
Xiao Heng's chronic leg injury was not from a fall but from a severe gash. He had hidden the nature of the wound to avoid being tracked, allowing no one to treat it. Chu Chu explained that an open gash, unlike a fracture, was susceptible to infection, which led to an incurable bone disease that spread throughout his body. The recurring, excruciating pain eventually became unmanageable, leading to his death.
Xiao Jinyu was devastated to learn of his father’s prolonged, silent suffering. Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Jinli stood outside, listening to the entire conversation with a heavy heart. Later, Grandfather Chu found Chu Chu staring at her hairpin and gently asked if she missed her mother. He assured her that her parents had a loving relationship, recounting how her eight-month-pregnant mother endured an arduous mountain journey to Qianzhou to protect her unborn child.
Chu Chu, recalling her examination of her mother’s remains, agreed that her mother must have deeply loved her father to preserve his last surviving family member. Grandfather Chu then subtly asked about her feelings for Xiao Jinyu, but Chu Chu admitted she had not yet made a decision. Xiao Jinyu visited his father's desolate room, reaffirming his vow to complete his father's mission.
He then received an urgent message from Chang'an: Xue Rucheng was coming to Qianzhou with an imperial order to arrest Chu Chu. Xiao Jinyu immediately instructed Xiao Jinli to take his soldiers and guard the Chu family residence, forbidding anyone from being taken without his explicit permission. Xue Rucheng arrived at the Guanling Yamen and met privately with Xiao Jinyu.
After congratulating him on his appointment as Minister of War, Xue Rucheng addressed the Emperor's decree for Xiao Jinli to marry Leng Yue. He revealed that Senior Jing had suggested the marriage to the Emperor as a way for Xiao Jinli to take control of the Leng family's military power.
He then shifted the topic, inquiring about Feng Jie’s missing case summary from his southwest patrol and subtly questioned if Xiao Jinyu suspected his own brother, Xiao Jinli, might be unknowingly manipulated. He advised Xiao Jinyu to return to Chang'an soon. Meanwhile, in Jiangshan Hall, Senior Jing advised Emperor Xuanzong to entrust the investigation of the illegal coin case to Xiao Jinyu, who was already in Qianzhou. The Emperor agreed and ordered a decree to be drafted.
At the Chu residence, Xiao Jinli and Leng Yue's playful bickering over a chicken drumstick was interrupted by Jing Yi. Their squabble was cut short when Li Zhang arrived with his men, declaring his intent to arrest the "rebel's daughter" under imperial command. Xiao Jinli and his guards blocked their path. A clash ensued as Li Zhang’s men tried to force their way in.
In the chaos, Li Zhang seized Chu Chu, but Leng Yue swiftly drew her sword and wounded his arm. Just then, Xiao Jinyu and Xue Rucheng arrived. As Li Zhang held her, Chu Chu noticed numerous tiny scars on his palm. Asserting his authority, Xue Rucheng ordered Li Zhang to stand down, stating that Xiao Jinyu would handle the matter. Li Zhang retreated.
Inside, Xiao Jinyu showed Xue Rucheng his father’s preserved corpse and the petition decoded from his casket, which revealed the truth about Chen Ying’s supposed rebellion. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Xue Rucheng advised an immediate return to Chang'an to report to the Emperor. However, Xiao Jinyu stated that he could not yet return. He explained that a crucial witness, the wanted criminal Xu Rugui, was hiding in Qianzhou.
Xiao Jinyu had already sealed the county and sent men to search Phoenix Mountain, where traces of Xu Rugui had been found. He informed Xue Rucheng of his plan to personally lead a search on the mountain the next morning. Xue Rucheng cautioned him to be careful.
