Episode Summary
In this episode, Qin Wan reveals her true identity as Shen Wan to a loyal Yue Ning. A new series of ritualistic murders begins, with all victims linked to the Fengqi Lou. As Qin Wan moves into a new home arranged by Yan Chi, she gets closer to uncovering the truth about her father's case, suspecting Li Muyun of tampering with evidence. Meanwhile, a drunken confession complicates the relationship between Yue Ning and Yan Li, and the investigation into the new murders points towards a mysterious carving master.
Spoiler Alert
"Coroner's Diary" Episode 28: A Shocking Confession and a Chilling New Case
After a dangerously close call where Li Muyun nearly exposed her to the Emperor, Qin Wan has a moment of reflection. She feels a pang of guilt for putting her friend, Yue Ning, in jeopardy. She realizes that her single-minded quest for justice could have dragged her friend down with her. Yue Ning, however, is unwavering in her loyalty, seeing Qin Wan as her dearest friend and wishing only for her to be free to pursue her goals. Touched by this, Qin Wan makes a momentous decision. She reveals her deepest secret: she is not Qin Wan, but Shen Wan, the daughter of the late Shen Yi. Her entire mission is to clear her father's name. Though stunned, Yue Ning's loyalty doesn't falter; to her, Shen Wan is still Qin Wan, her best friend.
Meanwhile, a new and gruesome case unfolds. Yan Chi suspects a traitor within the Shuo Xi Army is responsible for a military grain issue, but knows Prince Rui, who views his soldiers as sons, will be impossible to convince. At the scene of a new murder in a restaurant's ice cellar, Qin Wan discovers a crucial clue—a footprint left by the killer, previously hidden by the victim's body. Initially, the killer's signature black "Wuyi flower" pattern is missing, but Qin Wan astutely has the ice cellar door closed, revealing the symbol painted on its inner surface. This "ice punishment" is reserved for those who disown their families. The investigation reveals the victim was a gambler who had sold his daughter to the Fengqi Lou (Phoenix Perch Pavilion). This connects all three recent victims to the same establishment. As Qin Wan processes this, a slight cough brings a frantic Yan Chi to her side, who sweeps her into his arms and carries her away.
In the safety of a carriage, Qin Wan admits to Yan Chi that she told Yue Ning her true identity, but his only concern is for her fragile health. He moves her into her second uncle's former residence, which he has had prepared and secured with guards. The house is conveniently located next to her old family home, connected by a small corner gate through a garden wall. Using this gate, Qin Wan steps into her former home, which Yan Chi has purchased for her. She confides in him that she has found many inconsistencies in her father's case files and is certain that Li Muyun tampered with them. Their conversation is interrupted by a scream from Fuling, but it turns out to be a harmless incident where Bai Feng accidentally dropped her while trying to build her a swing.
The tension rises as Zhang Dongxuan predicts a fourth punishment will occur that very night, this one corresponding to the "hell of scorching pillars." As Yan Chi orders city-wide patrols, Qin Wan awakens from a nightmare, relieved to find him watching over her. The fiery punishment does indeed take place. With Yan Chi occupied by the military grain investigation, Yan Li and Yue Ning are tasked with accompanying Qin Wan. However, the two end up getting drunk. In her intoxicated state, Yue Ning confesses to Yan Li that the happiest she's ever been is when she's with him. He seizes the moment to propose, but she has no memory of it the next morning. Their bickering is cut short when they realize they have no money to pay their bill and are embarrassingly dragged out by Yan Chi.
The investigation leads Qin Wan, Yan Li, and Yue Ning to the mother of another victim, Chang'er. Through her, they uncover a new lead, connecting the victims to a carving master named Wang Xin.
