The Imperial Coroner (2021)

Both dramas are about ancient detectives, mysteries, deaths, crimes, investigation, forensic. Smart and quirky main leads. Fast pace stories.

They are obviously different, but the main actor is the same and with a similar vibe of an unsociable brainiac. Personally, I like his acting style.

Both have an intelligent bunch of main characters solving mysteries with a side of romance. Young Blood is also set in ancient China and is about a group of 6 teens who come together and build strong friendships alongside fighting evil.
Bonus cute daughter Su Xiao Tong is also in Young Blood

Both are about solving mysteries and finding killers/villains with a group of reliable and trustworthy people though in different periods.

Court Lady introduces Fu Rou, played by Li Yitong—a woman of rare wisdom, elegance, and emotional maturity. Unlike many female leads who simply follow the male lead’s path, Fu Rou has her own goals and vision. She’s a talented embroiderer, educated and observant, and rises in the palace not through manipulation but through grace, skill, and a strong sense of self-worth. Even when faced with jealousy, schemes, and the complex hierarchy of palace life, she remains grounded. Xu Kai’s character, Cheng Chu Mo, transforms from a careless young man to a noble, responsible figure—largely inspired and influenced by Fu Rou’s strength. She is not just a love interest; she is the reason he matures. Her presence doesn’t overshadow him, but it certainly challenges him to become better.

Both The Imperial Coroner and Court Lady celebrate women who are not loud rebels, but quiet revolutionaries. They use knowledge, virtue, and inner strength to stand out in a world dominated by male power. These female leads are trusted by the palace and the people around them—not because of their beauty, but because of their consistent actions and capable minds.

What truly sets these dramas apart is their message: women do not need to be saved—they need to be recognized. Whether it's solving crimes or navigating court life, Chu Chu and Fu Rou handle challenges with a clear mind and steady heart.

If you’re looking for historical dramas with romance, palace intrigue, and a refreshing portrayal of empowered women, The Imperial Coroner and Court Lady will leave a lasting impression. These aren’t just stories about love—they’re about respect, growth, and the strength of women who carve their own paths in history.

Similarities:
-Some supernatural aspects and secrets.
-Investigative team comprised of ML/FL and several others.
-Mystery, whodunnit, could former friend be involved?
-Palace politics and thirst for power.

Both are historical shows with complex plots, smart main characters, and a great attention to detail.

- FL has an unconventional job for a woman in a historical setting (Coroner in TIC, official in TLoZH)
- MLs notice FLs unique potential and sponsor them
- Genuinely smart and clever MCs
- Both have mystery (TIC is mostly mystery while TLoZH has some slight mystery)
- Both MLs are princes not in line for the throne (The emperor's nephew in TIC and the emperor's brother in TLoZH)
- Genuinely quirky FLs that behave outside the norm
- Interesting and unique dynamics between p much all characters
- Interesting antagonists
- Genuinely funny and quirky humour
- Lead couple have a profound understanding of one another despite being strangers
- Some political intrigue
- Travelling/Adventure
- Serious and slightly aloof MLs but not boring

The Legend of Zhuohua is more of a romantic historical while The Imperial Coroner is a youth investigation historical (with some romance).

These dramas are similar to each other in the autopsy and forensics side. If you want to see more similar you could watch all the series of Medical examiner Dr. Qin. There are more than ten and I am sure you will enjoy them.

Genre : Historical, Mystery, Romance, Investigation

Prince Xiao lacks reliable manpower to investigate case, while Chu Chu lacks people to step up, take charge and be a man.
Together, they manage to unravel a shocking case that has dragged on for 18 years. After solving the case, she won the Emperor's approval and is finally certified as the Imperial Coroner, fulfilling her life goal.

Similarities:
- Strong & Smart ML + FL has some medical skill (not annoying)
- ML is a prince
- The leads have good chemistry + help each other throughout the journey
- Good storyline
- Have some investigation…Finding out the truth about the past

both couples stay true to each other and always communicate with each other. they help each other solve problems & mysteries. really enjoyed both dramas :)

Has a group of people searching for the conspirators and reasons behind the deaths of people they care about. They aim discover if the main antagonist is trying to usurp the throne.

It's a whodunnit just the same though romance does take a backseat. Also about a woman entering a profession as the first of her gender in a male dominated industry. Has a lot to do with betrayal of close friends but of the male leads. It's quite interesting how similar the two are. Both female leads are intelligent and strong, charismatic characters that never give in or up on their mission to find the truth.

Both have ML and FL working on different cases and they fall in love with each other. Imperial Coroner is more fast paced i found the cases better, but golden age is more political and has better costumes. I enjoyed both and recommend both