Episode Summary
The group is diverted to Yuzhou for the Prince of Yu's birthday, a political maneuver by the Marquis of Zhongyong. This leads to a reunion between Yan Chi and his roguish brother, Yan Li, and a misunderstanding involving a brothel visit. A deeper conspiracy begins to surface, connecting the powerful Pang family to a corrupt official, Liu Renli. The tension escalates with the arrival of Li Muyun, the man who betrayed Qin Wan's family, leading to a tense face-off at the banquet.
Spoiler Alert
Coroner's Diary: Episode 16 Spoilers
The plot takes a sharp turn as the party is unexpectedly rerouted. On orders from the Marquis of Zhongyong, Qin Yan is to lead the group to Yuzhou to celebrate the birthday of the Prince of Yu. This sudden change of plans means they can no longer escort Qin Wan. Yan Chi is immediately suspicious; bringing the female family members along for a mere birthday celebration suggests the Marquis has ulterior motives, likely seeking to forge an alliance with the powerful Prince of Yu. Qin Yan, aware of the budding romance between Yan Chi and Qin Wan, assures Qin Wan that the Marquis's household will support her heart's desires. Qin Wan, however, plays dumb, attributing Yan Chi’s affection to the fact that she was adopted by the Yue family.
Before departing, Qin Wan tries to return a token to Yan Chi, not realizing its significance. He insists she keep it, explaining it could save her life in a critical moment. Meanwhile, Sun Muqing decides to remain behind, entrusting Qin Wan's safety entirely to Yan Chi.
Upon arriving at Yuzhou, the group finds the city gates sealed. It is only after Yan Chi sends up a signal that his brother, Yan Li, opens them. The reunion between the two brothers is joyful, though Yue Ning is unimpressed by Yan Li, who is known as the capital's "number one dandy." Yan Li quickly notices the way his brother looks at Qin Wan and a mischievous idea sparks. The group is met by the butler of the wealthy Pang family, revealing a connection with the Marquis of Zhongyong. They are escorted to the luxurious Shifang Inn.
At the inn, the lecherous stares of Pang Yuwen disgust Yue Ning, while Qin Xiang seems eager for the attention. Later, Qin Wan grows anxious when Yue Ning suggests that Yan Chi and Yan Li have likely gone to a brothel. Her fears are confirmed when Yan Chi later seeks her out, smelling of perfume. He stammers an explanation, swearing he would not have gone had he known the nature of the place. Their intimate moment is cut short when Yue Ning arrives, forcing Yan Chi to flee.
The plot thickens as Yan Li reveals the guest list for the Prince of Yu's banquet to his brother. It includes two alarming names: Li Muyun, the man who betrayed Shen Yi, and Liu Renli, a corrupt official with ties to the Pang family. In a secret meeting, Liu Renli warns his mistress, Madam Tan, to be cautious. With both Yan Chi and Li Muyun in Yuzhou, he fears their true motives and insists that a person named Qing Li must be eliminated.
The episode culminates at the Prince of Yu's banquet. As Yue Ning is swarmed by potential matchmakers, Qin Wan watches in amusement, only for her smile to freeze when her eyes lock with none other than Li Muyun, the man responsible for her family's suffering.
