Episode Summary
The episode sees multiple royal marriages arranged, including Yan Chi to Qin Wan and Prince Cheng to Feng Chenbi. This joy is cut short by the sudden death of Yan Chi's father, Prince Rui, which devastates Yan Chi and sends shockwaves through the court. While Yan Chi travels to retrieve his father's body, Qin Wan begins a forensic investigation into a related case, uncovering a crucial link to a supposedly imprisoned guard. The episode ends with Yan Chi returning and surrendering his father's military authority to the relieved Emperor.
Spoiler Alert
"Coroner's Diary" Episode 31: A Sudden Death and Shifting Alliances
The episode opens with intense drama as Yan Chi, furious, aims an arrow at Prince Cheng for his audacious actions towards Qin Wan. He intentionally misses by an inch before leaving with Qin Wan. Overcome with guilt for failing to protect her, Yan Chi is deeply troubled. Meanwhile, Prince Cheng, who didn't return all night, finds Feng Chenbi paying him a visit. She intentionally puts on a display of affection for the Crown Prince to see, claiming her feelings for Prince Cheng are genuine. However, Prince Cheng sees through her act; Feng Chenbi, who despises Qin Zhaoyu, is merely seeking a partner of equal status to the Crown Prince. Soon after, Qin Xiang also tries to win Prince Cheng's favor. Intrigued by her surname, "Qin," he allows her into his tent, leading to an intimate encounter.
Seeking to formalize his relationship with Qin Wan, Yan Chi presents a "peach blossom fish" to the Empress Dowager as a sign of his sincere desire to marry. Recognizing their mutual affection, the Empress Dowager gives her blessing, but makes Yan Chi promise to cherish Qin Wan for life. The conflict between Yan Chi and Prince Cheng over a hunting prize escalates and is brought before the Emperor. Noble Consort Su tearfully pleads for justice for her nephew, Prince Cheng, but the Emperor dismisses the incident as an accident to prevent further trouble. In a series of swift decisions, the Emperor arranges the marriage between Prince Cheng and Feng Chenbi. At the same time, the Empress Dowager issues an edict approving the marriage between Yan Chi and Qin Wan. With multiple royal weddings announced, including Qin Zhaoyu's betrothal to the Crown Prince, the palace is filled with joy. However, Qin Xiang is deeply unhappy with these arrangements and lashes out at her sister, Qin Shuang, for advising her against her ambitions.
The political atmosphere remains tense as the Emperor expresses his desire to control the Shuo Xi Army, a point of friction with Prince Rui, whom the Emperor views as disobedient. Worried about Yan Chi's safety, Qin Wan urges him to stay away from the ongoing investigation into the Prince Jin case, but their betrothal means they will face the future together.
The joyous mood is shattered when news arrives from Shuo Xi: Prince Rui has passed away. Yan Chi is left stunned and heartbroken. The Empress Dowager faints from the shock, and the Emperor mourns his brother. As Yan Chi grieves the sudden loss of his father, haunted by their last argument over the Shuo Xi Army, Qin Wan rushes to comfort him. Determined to retrieve his father's coffin, Yan Chi leaves for the border, entrusting his guard, Bai Feng, with Qin Wan's safety. Resolved to support him, Qin Wan decides it is now her turn to protect Yan Chi and immediately begins a forensic investigation by steaming the bones to uncover the truth. Her examination suggests the death of the man found in Prince Jin's mansion was not accidental. Li Muyun reveals that a guard with Western Regions heritage, Song Xiwen, who was supposed to be imprisoned, matches the body's description. Qin Wan insists they must report their findings to the Emperor.
The episode concludes as Yan Chi returns to the capital with his father's coffin. He presents the Shuo Xi Army's tiger tally to the Emperor, whose relief is palpable.
