Episode Summary
In this episode, the leader of an opera troupe is murdered mid-performance, launching an investigation led by Yan Chi and Qin Wan. They must contend with a corrupt official intent on framing an innocent man. In the midst of the drama, Yue Ning and Yan Li drunkenly agree to marry each other to escape their respective troubles. The episode concludes with a new, eerie mystery presenting itself to Qin Wan.
Spoiler Alert
Coroner's Diary: Episode 17 Spoilers
The episode opens at a banquet where Qin Wan is startled by the appearance of Li Muyun. Having imagined him countless times, she is surprised to find he has the demeanor of a gentleman and quickly makes her exit. She is joined by Yue Ning, who managed to slip away from the Princess of Yu, who has been persistently trying to arrange her marriage. Meanwhile, Yan Chi instructs his men to keep a close watch on Liu Renli, who is too afraid to approach for a toast.
Later, as Qin Wan, Yue Ning, and their friends settle in to watch a play, Qin Xiang finds herself smitten with Yan Li's looks, only to receive a sharp warning from Qin Yan. Li Muyun approaches Yan Chi, attempting to start a conversation, but Yan Chi coldly dismisses him, stating that people with such different principles cannot walk the same path.
As the Shuangqing Troupe's performance begins, tragedy strikes. The troupe leader, Qing Li, is killed live on stage. The shock is too much for the Prince of Yu, who faints on the spot. Yan Chi immediately orders the entire area to be sealed off while Qin Wan attends to the prince. Eager to examine the body, Qin Wan is escorted by Bai Feng, with a curious Yue Ning and Yan Li tagging along. The sight of the autopsy is too much for Yan Li, who becomes sick. When Yan Chi arrives, Yan Li begs Yue Ning to help him save face. As her price, she demands he join her for a night of drinking.
Qin Wan officially offers to take on the case, worried she might be a burden to Yan Chi, but he reassures her that her help is always welcome. Their initial investigation reveals that the murder weapon was a pair of pure iron scissors. They deduce the killer must be intimately familiar with the play's choreography, as the timing was perfect. Yang Ying, Qing Li's on-stage partner, had a look of genuine shock during the incident, making him an unlikely suspect. However, Prefect Wang is quick to torture a confession out of Yang Ying to close the case quickly. Yan Chi and Qin Wan arrive just in time to intervene. Yan Chi threatens the prefect, reminding him that with the Prince of Yu involved, a sloppy investigation will have severe consequences.
Elsewhere, Yan Li and Yue Ning get thoroughly drunk together. Yue Ning laments her looming arranged marriage, while Yan Li worries about fending off potential suitors. In their drunken state, they come to a brilliant conclusion: they should just marry each other to solve both their problems.
When Qin Wan returns home late, Fuling scolds Yan Chi for overworking her. The tender moment between the couple is interrupted by Fuling, who pulls Qin Wan inside after Yan Chi gives her a set of items for sending messages. Yan Chi muses that only Bai Feng seems capable of handling Fuling.
In another part of the city, Pang Fuliang and Liu Renli are still waiting for Qin Yan, who never shows up. Pang Fuliang is growing increasingly agitated, especially over Madam Tan's demand for his Shifang Inn. The episode ends on a chilling note as Qin Wan and Fuling hear mysterious opera singing coming from their courtyard, sending shivers down their spines.
