Original subtitles

[Coroner's Diary]

[Episode 16]

I should have known better.

I had it coming.

Master,

sorry.

I forgot you and Miss Qin just made things official.

You're all lovey-dovey now.

I swear,

from now on, as long as she's around,

I'll keep my distance.

No.

I won't barge in again.

Alright, alright.

You sure talk a lot.

So,

what's the urgent news?

The Marquis of Zhongyong got an invitation from Prince Yu.

He's sending Qin Yan and the others to Yuzhou

for Prince Yu's birthday.

I'm afraid

we can't stay with Miss Qin anymore.

He's actually trying to win over Prince Yu,

who only cares about drinking, gambling, and women.

The Marquis of Zhongyong is getting more and more desperate for power.

Prince Yu is the Emperor's only uncle.

He's got seniority, after all.

If it's really just a birthday banquet,

why bring women along?

There are three unmarried girls in that convoy.

You mean

the Marquis wants to offer his nieces

as concubines to Prince Yu?

That's just shameless!

Whether that's the case or not,

we should stay vigilant.

Who else in the capital is going to the banquet?

I was just getting to that.

To show how much he cares,

His Majesty put the charming

and dashing Heir of Prince Yi

in charge of the whole event.

Yan Li?

That's perfect.

Wan, you've suffered greatly.

Fortunately, I brought some old ginseng.

It's perfect for restoring strength.

Wan,

you definitely know about its benefits better than I do.

Here,

drink it while it's hot.

Thank you for your concern, Cousin Yan.

Don't mention it.

His Highness risked his life

to save you.

Compared to that,

what I did was nothing.

His Highness is as righteous as they come.

And you treat me like your own sister.

I'll never forget any of it.

You really are insightful, Wan.

No wonder His Highness trusts you so much.

He even entrusted you

with his Heir's Token.

You flatter me, Cousin Yan.

His Highness only gave me the token

because the Grand Princess asked him to look after me.

He was on official duty and couldn't come with us,

so he gave it to me for protection.

Protection?

So you don't know

how powerful that token is?

No, I don't.

That token

carries the authority of the Heir of Prince Rui.

You can use it to command local troops.

If it fell into the wrong hands,

they could raise an army

and start a rebellion with ease.

It's that powerful?

I have to return it to His Highness as soon as possible.

No need to rush, Wan.

If Lord Yan trusts you so much,

then I'd say your future holds great things.

If you have ambitions,

the Qin family

will do everything we can

to help you achieve them.

What do you mean, Cousin Yan?

I don't understand.

Don't play shy with me.

His Highness personally fed you ginger tea just now.

I saw it with my own eyes.

You've got it wrong, Cousin Yan.

After what happened to me, His Highness was worried

Ning would go complain to the Grand Princess,

so he fed me the tea as an apology.

Really?

Yes.

Since the Marquis of Anyang and his wife took me as their foster daughter,

His Highness has treated me like family.

But I'd never dare forget my place.

Wan, you're right.

I was just overthinking it.

Just now,

I received a letter from Father.

He's ordering us to go to Yuzhou.

If you're well enough to travel,

we'll set off tomorrow.

Why are we going to Yuzhou?

It's Prince Yu's 60th birthday,

and he's just had a son.

He specifically sent an invitation to us.

Father is serving as Minister of Personnel and can't leave the capital.

As it happens,

Yuzhou isn't far from here.

We'll just stop by and offer our congratulations.

I see.

Understood.

We've talked for quite a while. You must be tired.

Go get some rest.

I'll go make arrangements for our departure.

Alright.

Why bring the girls along?

Is it really just a stopover?

Master,

are we really going to Yuzhou?

Should we send a letter

to inform His Majesty first?

No need.

Isn't there a record about the southeastern salt transport

in the Qingyuan Pawnshop's ledger?

I've long wanted to look into

whether their backer is connected

to the southeastern salt transport.

I'm just doing it a bit earlier than planned.

I've already mentioned the reason

in the letter I just wrote to Yan Li.

He'll definitely report it to His Majesty.

If I, as a surveillance commissioner, can expose the corruption

behind the southeastern salt transport in Yuzhou,

His Majesty will only be more pleased.

That's a brilliant plan, Master.

Is everything for the Yuzhou trip ready?

Young Master Yan,

everything is ready.

Now

you'll get to reunite with Miss Qin,

catch up with Lord Li,

and on top of that,

catch a few corrupt officials.

Three birds with one stone.

I'm impressed.

Young Master Yan.

Your Highness.

Young Master Yan,

I just received word.

I'll be heading to Yuzhou tomorrow.

As for Ning,

I'll have to entrust her

to your care.

What a coincidence.

We're changing course to Yuzhou as well

to celebrate Prince Yu's birthday.

So we'll be traveling together again.

I was just about to arrange the carriages.

If Your Highness needs anything,

just say the word.

Will you be sending a convoy tomorrow?

Your Highness,

all the carriages have been fully repaired

and are ready to go anytime.

Good.

Then we leave tomorrow

at 8 AM.

Your Highness, wait.

What is it?

Steward Zhou, go make the arrangements.

What's it?

Your Highness,

Wan said you gave her your Heir's Token

to protect her along the way.

While I'm grateful,

I can't help but worry for Your Highness.

With that token, someone could mobilize troops all over the country.

If something that valuable

fell into the wrong hands,

have you considered the consequences?

If a token alone could cause that much chaos,

then what am I here for?

That was shortsighted of me.

I've long admired Your Highness.

I have a lot to learn from you.

I hope you'll be generous

with your guidance.

Though I serve in the capital,

I still hold my post in the Shuoxi Army.

If I get too close to the noble families in the capital,

His Majesty may not take it well.

That wouldn't be good

for the Qin family either.

Indeed.

I was reckless.

I advise you

to keep your mouth shut.

If word gets out about the elopement,

you'll be as good as dead.

I didn't know he was an impostor.

-If I had known… -That's because you're stupid.

If you stay in line from now on,

the Qin family will keep you fed.

But if you dare mess around again,

you'll be done for.

Got it?

Got it.

Good.

No wonder they want us to come along.

The Marquis of Zhongyong

is actually plotting something so despicable.

The Marquis earned his title through military merit,

but Qin Yan is just riding his coattails.

To earn merit by backing the future emperor

and pass down the title to future generations,

the father and son

would even risk their lives.

Prince Yu is such a dirty old man,

still so lecherous at his advanced age.

How else do you think

he got a newborn at sixty?

Who knows if that child's really his?

Anyway,

whatever tricks they try,

we're not letting them succeed.

Take it back.

If I'd known how powerful this token was,

I never would've shown it.

Whatever Qin Yan's plan is,

he's right that I can't get you into trouble.

If I dared to give it to you,

I'm not afraid of trouble.

Besides, from now on, I'll protect you.

I'm way more powerful than a token.

My Lady, we've got a long road ahead tomorrow.

Don't stay up late.

Bai Feng and Fuling

really are made for each other.

I've made it up to you.

Go back now.

I'm off.

Senior,

are you really staying at the Herbal Garden?

The people of the Sanyuan Village have suffered so much.

Things won't be easy for you either.

Senior lost his sanity due to obsession

and committed unforgivable sins.

But medicine itself

isn't good or evil.

Since he passed everything he knew

on to me,

I'll make up

for the mistakes he made.

Take care, Senior.

Your Highness,

I'm entrusting

my junior sister to you.

I'll respect

and protect her.

[Herbal Garden]

[Yuzhou]

Those on the city wall, listen!

Open the gates!

Is anyone there?

Open the gates now!

Is anybody there?

Young Master Yan.

Young Master Yan,

I've been shouting forever,

but no one's answering at the gate.

My Lady,

why are the gates shut tight in broad daylight?

Has something happened again?

The Heir of Prince Rui is here!

All guards,

open the gates now!

[Yan Li, the Heir of Prince Yi]

It's Lord Li.

Why is he here too?

Who is he?

His Majesty's godson.

Chi's tag-along.

A notorious rake in the capital.

The dream guy of every girl.

Prince Yi's heir, Yan Li.

Chi.

No wonder Chi is smiling so brightly at him.

Lord Yan Li

is so good-looking.

Is he aiming for third place in the imperial exams?

Wan, you be the judge—

isn't Lord Li

way better looking than Huo Ning?

There's no man in this world

better looking than him.

What does a real man need good looks for?

Besides, to Little Wan'er,

Chi is the most handsome of all.

I do think he's the most handsome.

I didn't expect you to admit it.

Great.

That kind of honesty

is what makes a true heroine.

I'm really impressed.

Lord Yan's stare is scary.

Chi, you're finally here.

I missed you terribly.

So you're the one who shut the city gates

and wouldn't let anyone in or out?

How else was I supposed to clear a space for you?

I knew you were coming,

so I cleared enough space

to welcome you properly.

Ridiculous.

If I'm not ridiculous,

then I'm not me.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Young Master Qin,

it's only been a few days,

and you've become so frail

that you travel by carriage like women do.

How could I ever compare to Your Highness?

Greetings to both Your Highnesses.

Young Master Yan,

the steward from the Pang family has been waiting at the gate for a while.

The Pang family?

No wonder the Qin family is never short on money.

So you've got ties with Pang Fuliang,

the richest merchant in the northwest.

You're overstating it, Your Highness.

Mr. Pang and my father

go way back.

Back then,

Mr. Pang hadn't built his fortune yet.

I...

It's getting late.

There are ladies in the carriage.

If you're staying at the Pang Mansion,

you'd best get going.

Then excuse me. I'll take my leave.

Goodbye.

After all these years,

you still haven't changed a bit.

He's always been so pretentious.

It's annoying to just look at him.

Then what's the point of all your barbs?

There's a point.

I love watching those self-righteous people

get all riled up and still lose the argument.

Where are you going?

You just arrived.

I...

I'm going to let Ning know.

She's here too?

If she finds out I'm with you,

she'll definitely tag along.

It was not easy for me to get you

out of Prince Yu's welcome banquet.

Tonight,

I'm taking you out for some real fun.

Let's go.

This is the Pang family's Shifang Inn?

It's so luxurious.

I heard in every major city across the northwest,

you'll find a Shifang Inn owned by the Pang family.

How do they have so much money?

[Shifang Inn]

If I could marry into such a family,

I'd be fine being a merchant's wife.

Miss Qin, are you looking for His Highness?

I'm just taking in the view.

Lord Li has urgent business with Master.

Master said

if you need anything,

you can tell me.

I'm fine.

[Qinghui Manor]

Eldest Young Master.

[Pang Yiwen, the eldest son of the Pang family]

Young Master Qin is here.

Young Master Pang.

Let's stop here.

Steward Zhou, come here.

I'll help you unload the luggage.

Young Marquis Qin,

your reputation doesn't do you justice.

I'm Pang Yiwen.

I've been busy preparing for Prince Yu's birthday banquet,

so I didn't welcome you at the gate.

If I've been rude in any way,

please forgive me.

So you're Young Master Yiwen.

I've heard much about you.

You're too kind.

My father has been looking forward to your arrival, Young Marquis.

He's been waiting for you

in the study for a while.

I'm not the Young Marquis.

Please mind your words.

Why not?

You'll be named heir sooner or later.

This is Princess Yongning.

And these are my cousins, Qin Wan

and Qin Shuang.

I'm a princess after all,

yet this rich merchant Pang Fuliang

didn't come to welcome me in person.

Instead, he sent

this disgusting lecher.

This is unbelievable.

This is my cousin, Xiang.

Greetings, Young Master Pang.

Young Master Pang.

Please, everyone, come in.

What kind of reception is this?

If they were regular merchants,

they wouldn't dare be so insolent.

Looks like Cousin Yan is used to it.

So I guess this is just how the Pang family rolls.

Let's figure out who's behind them

before making a scene.

Master.

I've done all I can.

Don't let it slip.

Be careful.

Ladies,

we've arrived at the women's quarters.

That is the main room.

Since I'm the oldest among us,

I'll take the main room.

Xiang.

Stop!

We haven't picked yet.

I outrank you as a princess.

Why should you get the main room?

You…

Let her have it.

How about this?

You take the east wing,

and I'll take the small room next to yours.

Shuang takes the west wing,

and Wanhe and Fuling can share the smaller room next to hers.

What am I gonna do with you?

You're so sharp when it comes to cases and medicine,

but completely clueless about everyday things.

She's walking all over you,

and you're not even mad.

Getting upset over such a trivial matter is pointless.

Besides, you'll be right next door to me.

Knock on the wall, and I'll come over.

Isn't that better?

Sounds good.

Let's go.

Xiang doesn't even care to pretend now.

Has she forgotten we're sisters?

The Shuangqing Troupe's here!

Isn't that the Shuangqing Troupe?

Yes, it is.

The troupe leader is here too.

Yang Ying,

don't waste time here.

Let them know who we are.

Yes, Chief.

Everyone, please excuse us!

I'm Yang Ying,

deputy

to Leader Qing Li.

The Shuangqing Troupe is here

to perform in honor of Prince Yu's birthday.

We kindly ask everyone to make way.

Thank you.

-Thank you. -I've heard Leader Qing Li

is the real deal.

Her "Mulian Rescues His Mother" is

one of the best in Zhou.

Folks, make some room!

Let them through!

Thank you, everyone!

The Pang family has no taste and no manners,

but their guest rooms are quite nice.

Little Wan'er.

You're not thinking about Chi, are you?

You've been ignoring me.

I'm listening.

I was just wondering

what was so urgent that Lord Yi

had to meet him in such a rush.

Yan Li acts all devil-may-care.

What urgent business can he have?

He must have taken Chi to some brothel.

Wh…

What?

He's the most infamous rake in the capital.

When men hang out,

pleasure-seeking and casual affairs are inevitable.

Don't take it too seriously.

How can I not take it seriously?

Why is it inevitable?

Well,

we need to attend the birthday banquet tomorrow.

You should rest early.

I'll go now.

Don't tell Chi I told you that.

[Tianxiang House]

Sir, slow down.

Watch the steps.

Sir, please have a drink.

Come on,

bring Chi a drink.

Keep him entertained,

and I'll reward you handsomely!

Sir, please have a drink.

Is this how you welcome me?

Go, go, get out.

You too, get out.

Go!

Chi, don't be angry.

Since you're not into it, I've sent them away.

If you want to welcome me with singing and dancing,

why don't you dance yourself?

You're not going home until I'm entertained.

I won't do it again.

Chi, it's been years since we last met,

and you've only gotten more uptight.

Don't tell me you're still saving yourself.

That's none of your business.

I'm just concerned about you, Chi.

So what if I am?

No way.

Are you seriously planning to get married?

That smile...

so gentle and affectionate.

You're in love, aren't you?

When did it happen?

Who is she?

No, no, no.

Don't tell me. Let me guess.

You're not interested

in any of the noble ladies in the capital.

Someone from Jingzhou?

Yue Ning?

No, no, no.

Even I can't stand that crazy girl,

and there's no way you could.

Who could it be?

Don't tell me it's that plain-dressed girl

from the Qin family.

It's really her?

You actually like the plain type.

If you bad-mouth her again,

don't blame me for getting rough.

Chi, you can't put a woman before your own cousin!

I treat you like a brother

and won't let anyone insult you or mess with you.

I see her as my wife for life,

so no one gets to disrespect her.

That includes you.

Chi,

don't be angry.

You know me, my mouth runs faster

than my brain.

From now on,

I'll be on my best behavior around her.

I'd let her ride me like a horse if she wanted.

Get lost.

She doesn't need you for that.

Fair point.

She won't need to ride me

with you around.

Get lost.

I'm leaving.

Chi,

I have something important to tell you.

Here's the guest list for the birthday banquet.

Prince Yu knows you're coming

and wants me to make sure

no one you dislike will be seated near you.

That's a little too thoughtful.

I'm afraid he has something to hide.

I heard you're looking into the corruption in salt transport.

Almost all local officials will be shaking in their boots at the sight of you.

[Li Muyun, Minister of the Supreme Court]

Li Muyun?

He is the new Minister of the Supreme Court.

Ever since Prince Jin...

Anyway,

after that happened,

Li became one of His Majesty's favorites.

I told His Majesty about the corruption in salt transport,

and he sent Li as well.

Maybe it's to put pressure

on Prince Yu

or the local officials in Yuzhou.

Prince Jin died unjustly in prison.

It was largely because Li accused Minister Shen Yi

of conspiring with Prince Jin and covering up his crimes.

Without Minister Shen Yi's support,

Li would still be a fifth-rank official

in some prefecture.

Yet to climb the ladder,

he betrayed his mentor.

I don't deal with people who bite the hand that fed them.

Fine.

I'll let him sit in the corner.

No need for that.

Seat him according to his rank.

Just keep him far from me.

Liu Renli, the transport commissioner of Jianghuai, is coming too.

I can send him away too.

Keep him.

Chi,

this man's hands are anything but clean.

Even I can see that.

Why are you still tolerating him?

It took Liu Renli

only 10 years to climb from

a low-ranking, pay-to-play vice magistrate

[Liu Renli]

to Jianghuai's transport commissioner,

and he also holds the lucrative position of tea-and-salt commissioner.

He must have pulled strings.

He and Pang Fuliang are from the same hometown.

Every New Year, he stays at the Pang Mansion for a few days.

Coming so early this year,

he's probably heard about His Majesty's probe

into the southeastern salt transport

and rushed over to scope things out.

They say when he reported back to the capital,

his gifts arrived

at the doors of the ministers

before he even reached Tongzhou.

It's almost the end of the year now.

Why is he coming to Yuzhou

instead of rushing back to the capital?

That wench Qing Li…

Is the Shuangqing Troupe not earning enough for her?

Now she's trying to blackmail us!

[Madam Qin]

If you give in to her this time,

she'll just hold it over your head again.

Are you planning to provide for her for life?

If I can take this opportunity

to get my hands on the Shifang Inns,

those few taels of silver she wants

would be nothing.

You're dreaming.

The Shifang Inns are Pang Fuliang's bread and butter.

He'd never let anyone lay a finger on them.

How would you know if you don't try?

By rights,

we should have a share in it.

If back then...

You...

Watch your mouth.

The Shuangqing Troupe is right next door.

Walls have ears.

Qinghui Manor is huge.

The backyard is far away from here.

Besides,

I've got nothing to do with the Shuangqing Troupe anymore.

It's been ages.

Why are you so cautious?

You don't understand how politics works.

Times have changed.

We absolutely cannot anger Pang Fuliang.

What about our share?

Don't bring that up again!

Yan Chi and Li Muyun, the new Minister of the Supreme Court,

have suddenly come to Yuzhou.

They're not just here

to celebrate some idle prince's birthday.

For the time being, Pang Fuliang and I

have to avoid associating publicly.

I'll come to see you in a few days.

Be careful.

I'm leaving.

That wretched Qing Li…

She has to die.

Let me think.

She has to die.

I'm off.

Mr. Pang, your place truly is magnificent.

It might even outshine

the Crown Prince's study.

I'm nothing more than a merchant.

[Pang Fuliang]

I wouldn't dare compare myself to His Highness.

The Crown Prince may have noble status,

but the higher the perch,

the stronger the wind.

If he wants stability,

he'll need to plan carefully.

Please.

We merchants

succeed by reading the winds.

If I ever have the honor

of helping His Highness,

I'll do so without hesitation.

You're truly straightforward.

No wonder my father

has trusted you all these years.

Without the Marquis of Zhongyong's help,

the Shifang Inns wouldn't have reached such success.

Unfortunately,

the inn business is drawing too much attention.

If we want to take it to the next level,

we'll need a different approach.

That's exactly why I came here.

Mr. Pang, you can speak your mind.

[Salt Transport]

Salt transport?

It's a serious matter.

Once I've discussed it with my father,

I'll come back to you.

As it should be.

To be frank with you,

Liu Renli, the transport commissioner and tea-and-salt commissioner

of Jianghuai, is an old friend of mine.

He's generous with his money

and loyal to his friends.

He's here in Yuzhou for Prince Yu's birthday.

You might want to meet him

to learn more about him.

I'd appreciate it

if you could introduce us.

Have some tea.

Please.

If I had pushed the dagger one inch further,

you'd be bleeding.

Then...

I suppose I should thank you for showing mercy, Master Wan.

Don't do that again.

Why do you smell of rouge and powder?

I...

I... I...

I got it at the...

at the…

Tianxiang House.

What is that place?

The Tianxiang House is...

a brothel.

But it was my first time there.

The decor looked really classy.

I thought it was just a restaurant at first.

If you had never been there,

how would you know what the decor was like?

I heard it from someone else.

Someone else?

Who would dare talk about that kind of thing in front of you?

Well, you know, soldiers joke around

to pass the time after a battle.

If you had never tried it,

how would you know it helps pass the time?

Because I don't need to try.

And the soldiers aren't the type to indulge in that kind of thing.

Every time we returned from battle,

we'd be missing a few men—

guys who fought by my side

for years through life and death.

I'd rather the survivors joke around

than drown in grief.

I only asked

because I wanted to know the truth.

It's not that I don't trust you or your soldiers.

Once I realized what kind of place it was,

I sent those women away right away.

Believe me,

if I'd known from the start,

I wouldn't have gone.

I'm sorry.

But when I think about

you flirting with those women,

I feel annoyed,

even if I know it was just for show.

Call me possessive.

Call me jealous.

This is who I am—not gentle, not virtuous,

and I get to the bottom of things.

Do you regret choosing me?

Not at all.

I like that you get jealous.

And you're fierce, too.

Good that you know.

I forgive you.

Don't worry.

It won't happen again.

Why is someone singing opera so late?

Pang Fuliang hired

the Shuangqing Troupe to perform for Prince Yu's birthday.

They're in the backyard of Qinghui Manor.

What are they performing?

Their signature play—

"Mulian Rescues His Mother."

It's about a man, Mulian, who went to hell to rescue his mother

because he couldn't bear to see her suffering there.

If one could save their parents,

going through hell is worth it.

Wan,

we will definitely clear your parents' names.

Tomorrow…

Li Muyun will be there too.

His Majesty values him greatly now.

We can't act recklessly.

Don't worry.

I won't do anything reckless.

I know this is difficult for you.

After returning to the capital,

I'll find a way to reopen Prince Jin's case.

I won't make you wait too long.

Really?

Whatever you wish for,

I'll do everything I can to make it happen.

Little Wan'er,

can I sleep with you?

Someone's singing opera in the middle of the night.

I'm scared.

Little Wan'er, open the door.

I'm freezing.

Fine.

Prince Yu's Mansion is just on the other side of the wall.

No way she sleeps with you every night.

Little Wan'er, Little Wan'er,

open the door.

I'm freezing.

Coming.

[Prince Yu's Mansion]

[Longevity]

Come on.

Thank you.

Here, congratulations.

Congratulations, Prince Yu.

Fill it.

Yongning, you're so beautiful.

I have a nephew.

He's 18 and still unmarried.

You two would be a perfect match.

Princess Yu…

Your Highness, my nephew

is handsome

and debonair.

You must come by

our house sometime.

I must introduce him to you.

Your Highness,

you're so pretty.

When choosing a husband,

you've got to find someone who matches your status.

Your Highness,

-since you're free today, -What should I do?

let's settle it now.

She's my guest.

Very good.

This performance

was specially prepared for you by the Shuangqing Troupe.

Qing Li knew it was for your birthday,

so she stayed up several nights

working on this show.

Minister Li, my father often says

you're a man of both talent and virtue.

Allow me to finish this cup of wine

to show my admiration.

It's so kind of your father.

I can't hold my liquor.

[Li Muyun, Minister of the Supreme Court]

Please forgive me, Young Master Yan.

Not at all.

No pressure, no pressure.

Chi.

No, thanks.

Li Muyun?