The 28-episode conclusion of The Imperial Coroner 2 (御赐小仵作2) delivers more than a satisfying wrap-up to its mysteries. Beneath the surface of forensic investigation and political intrigue lies a sharp examination of human nature. Where is the line between good and evil when absolute power is at stake? What choices remain for individuals caught in a vast, grinding machine of state interests?
The series expands its scope from the internal court conflicts of the Tang Dynasty to a full-blown cold war with the southern state of Nanzhao (南诏). This shift elevates the protagonist Chu Chu’s (楚楚) mission from solving individual wrongs to safeguarding national peace, adding significant weight to the narrative. While the second season faced some debate for softening its pace with more romantic moments between Xiao Jinyu (萧瑾瑜) and Chu Chu, it undeniably empowered her character. Her professional expertise and authority are magnified, placing her in a commanding position throughout the crisis and powerfully showcasing her capabilities.
You Chen'an's Web of Lies
The final act becomes a high-stakes chess match between Prince Xiao Jinyu and the Nanzhao envoy, You Chen'an (祐辰安). Portrayed as a meek, persecuted illegitimate prince, You Chen'an is, in truth, a ruthless Nanzhao spy master. His objective is to corrode the Tang Dynasty from within. Employing venomous insects to assassinate key Tang officials, he seeks to cripple the empire's leadership. Every move is calculated, from infiltrating the Three Judicial Offices to gaining Chu Chu’s trust. His most audacious scheme involves faking his own death to frame Xiao Jinyu, betting his life to eliminate the Tang's most brilliant mind.
Meanwhile, panic stirs within another layer of the conspiracy. Official Han, working with Madam Yulan (玉澜), the wife of the murdered Prefect Liu, fears their role is discovered. While Han trembles, Yulan remains calm, deciding to probe the investigators herself. She underestimates Chu Chu, assuming the "country girl" will be easily manipulated. This critical miscalculation sets the stage for her downfall. Chu Chu has already identified the murder weapon: a specially bred Nanzhao venomous insect, controllable only by a unique spice.
In a clever ploy, Chu Chu deliberately shares this information with Yulan, stating the insect source has been located. Alarmed, Yulan rushes to her secret base—a mountain temple dozens of li (里) away. Unaware she has been followed by Xiao Jinyu's men, she leads them straight to the heart of the operation. She returns, eager to hand the base over to You Chen'an, only to be met with his cold disdain. He instantly recognizes the trap, condemning her foolishness.
The Temple Showdown
The raid on the mountain temple erupts in chaos. Confronted by Chu Chu and the guards, You Chen'an reveals his twisted motives. His painful life as an illegitimate son forged a monstrous ambition; he will use any means to seize power and destroy any obstacle. Their fierce battle seems lost until Tang imperial troops arrive. Forced to retreat through a secret passage, You Chen'an’s first act in his safe room is to execute the loyal Yulan, blaming her incompetence for the exposure. Her unwavering devotion ends with betrayal by the man she served.
Despite this victory, the broader political landscape remains precarious for the Tang Dynasty. With threats in the north and internal strife, Nanzhao sees an opportunity. Its king is dissuaded from immediate war, advised instead to leverage the situation for massive trade concessions, particularly a crucial port in Jiaozhou (交州). Negotiations begin, with You Chen'an, now safely returned home, and the Nanzhao crown prince facing Xiao Jinyu and Jing Yi (景翊) across the table.
You Chen'an’s treachery knows no bounds. He orchestrates the assassination of the Nanzhao crown prince during the talks, framing Xiao Jinyu for the murder. This act gives the Nanzhao king a public casus belli. Yet, just as war seems inevitable, news shifts again. You Chen'an's plot deepens: having removed his brother, he now seizes control of the court and moves against his own father, the king. His thirst for the throne is absolute.
A Final Gambit Falls Apart
To legitimize his usurpation, You Chen'an makes a desperate offer to Xiao Jinyu: Tang support in exchange for future concessions. He even kidnaps Chu Chu to force compliance. Cornered, Xiao Jinyu appears to agree. On the day of the supposed investiture ceremony, however, Xiao Jinyu unveils his final move. He presents irrefutable evidence of You Chen'an’s most heinous crime: the murder of his own mother. Then, the Nanzhao king himself, alive and well, steps forth to denounce his son for patricide, fratricide, and matricide.
You Chen'an’s world collapses. His dream of a crown shatters, replaced by the horrific weight of his actions, especially against the mother who loved him. With every bridge burned and his monstrous nature exposed to all, he has no path forward but the final one. He takes his own life. The immediate threat dissolves.
The team from the Three Judicial Offices, through courage, intellect, and an unwavering moral compass, has once again preserved the peace of the Tang Dynasty. Their journey asked difficult questions about principle versus expediency and personal desire versus duty. In the end, they chose to protect their home, proving that even in the face of profound darkness, justice and responsibility can light the way.
