Episode Summary
In this episode, Qin Wan confronts her fears about Li Muyun while growing closer to Yan Chi. The investigation into the old Guanyin Town case intensifies as Zhang Dongxuan reveals its connection to a sinister assassin-training group, the Tiandao Society. Politically, the Crown Prince is confined, delighting Prince Cheng. A new murder case begins, with the victim identified as Wu Qian, leading Qin Wan and Yan Chi on a new trail. The episode blends personal revelations, including the tragic story of Yan Chi's mother's death, with the ongoing investigation.
Spoiler Alert
Coroner's Diary Episode 26: Revelations and New Mysteries
The episode picks up with Qin Wan feeling deeply unsettled. She worries that Li Muyun has discovered her true identity, a fear that almost made her lose her composure. Thankfully, Yan Chi was by her side to support her. Qin Wan is troubled by Li Muyun's calm demeanor when Shen Yi's name is mentioned. She fears what she will do if Li Muyun feels no guilt and if Shen Yi truly sided with Prince Jin.
Meanwhile, a distraught Yue Ning finds Yan Li playfully surrounded by several young women. She bursts into tears, confessing she was terrified that he was the latest murder victim. Even if it wasn't him, she fears for his safety given his lifestyle, worrying he could be next. Touched by her genuine concern—something he has never experienced before—Yan Li listens as Yue Ning, through her tears, declares she will be his "sworn friend" for life.
Yan Chi takes Qin Wan to meet Zhang Dongxuan. Qin Wan, with her sharp instincts, quickly realizes he is not actually blind and uses a silver needle to startle him into revealing the truth. She questions him about his involvement in the Guanyin Town case from six years ago. Zhang Dongxuan explains that he was practically an invalid before the murders occurred, which is why Shen Yi concluded he couldn't be the real killer. The complexity of the murders, which involved skinning the victims, was beyond his physical capabilities. With Shen Yi's original case files missing, Zhang Dongxuan is now their only hope to find the true culprit.
In the palace, the political intrigue deepens. The Emperor summons the Crown Prince, harshly comparing him to Yan Chi and scolding him for his incompetence. Prince Cheng is delighted to hear about the Crown Prince's house arrest but remains cautious, aware that he cannot make a rash move while the Emperor is still vigorous. He also notes that he has underestimated Qin Wan. The confined Crown Prince throws a tantrum, but the Queen gives him a harsh reality check: as the Crown Prince, he has no choice. Historically, deposed crown princes have only one fate—death.
Zhang Dongxuan reveals more about the past. All three victims in the Guanyin Town case had sought him out for fortune-telling. He explains that the case is connected to a mysterious organization called the Tiandao Society. He had joined the society after his wealthy family was ruined, leaving him desperate. The Tiandao Society, he reveals, is a front for training assassins, with strict rules where no member sees another's true face. He desperately wanted to escape, and his mentor told him of the society's rule for leaving: a "flesh for blood" ritual. He only understood the horrific meaning of this when the time came—both he and his mentor had to carve out a piece of their own heart. His mentor was ultimately killed for helping him, his body dumped on Zhang's doorstep as a warning.
On a lighter note, Qin Wan and Yan Chi find Bai Feng and Fuling sharing a sweet moment outside. Since it's late, Qin Wan agrees to stay the night at Yan Chi's residence, even wearing his clothes. She decides it's time to move into her second uncle's vacant house, which is closer to her old family home, and Yan Chi readily agrees to help. Their tender moment is interrupted by the arrival of Yan Li and Yue Ning, who excitedly offers to bring them wontons.
The investigation calls again as Yan Li reports he has identified the latest victim: Wu Qian, the son from the Viscount Weiyuan's estate. Qin Wan and Yan Chi visit the third son of the Marquis Weiyuan and, together, they go to see a man named Ning Buyi, tracking down someone who had a financial dispute with the deceased.
Later, feeling hungry, Yan Chi takes Qin Wan to a special place to catch and grill fish. He confides in her that it was his mother's favorite spot and that his father, Prince Rui, also comes here when he misses her. Qin Wan asks about his mother's death, and Yan Chi explains she died from complications during childbirth, which occurred during an avalanche. By the time Prince Rui returned to the capital, she had already been buried. As he speaks, a clue about the current case suddenly clicks in Qin Wan's mind. Far from being annoyed at the interruption, Yan Chi immediately supports her, and they rush off together to investigate her new lead.
