Coroner's Diary

Interesting and very engaging cases with a sweet romance

Well, to start off, the drama honestly hooked me right from the beginning. The storyline is super engaging and stays very true to the novel. The cases are twisted enough to keep you guessing, but still easy to follow, and the chemistry between the leads? Absolutely sweet and swoon-worthy.

The drama had in fact followed the novel very closely in terms of script but had slightly changed the beginning because of China's contents and regulatory standards regarding plots like rebirth, transmigration and so on, but the plot flowed seamlessly if you don't think too much into the identity swap of Shen Wan.

Now, about the ending—they did tweak it a little bit to cater to the majority of the audiences, who liked Shen Wan to remain as herself, the coroner who fights for justice. But personally? I kind of felt that with Li Landi’s portrayal, Shen Wan would’ve made a fantastic queen. Most readers felt that Shen Wan should remain free, and not be confined in the palace but I beg to differ. Let’s be honest—Shen Wan wasn’t all noble and selfless after all. She did do amazing with empathizing for the wrong souls out there, and investigating every cases until the truth comes out and justice prevails, but one got to admit that from the very beginning, her sole motivation was her father's innocence. Not that it shouldn't matter but I think if she became the queen, she could have taken her own brand of justice to a whole new level. She wasn't a normal noble lady, and Yan Chi wasn't the typical man of that times either.

Speaking of Yan Chi, Ao Ruipeng's acting was impeccable. He nailed it! Seriously, his acting keeps leveling up with every drama he does. His Yan Chi was everything I expected from the novel and maybe even better. From the very start, his fascination with Shen Wan is so obvious and the romance, while a little slow paced at first, it wasn't dragged on. Their relationship made perfect sense, and I loved how natural it was. All along the novel, Yan Chi had been nothing short of excellent, be it investigating the cases, or fighting for the justice, to pampering Shen Wan, and to the conflicts within the Royal family. Although, a major part of the novel had not been filmed, the part where he and Shen Wan were exiled, and Yan Chi rejoined the army and rebelled, it didn't cause any major plot hole. Though I kind of do wish that if that arc was actually filmed, it would've showed more of Yan Chi's military merits, which would’ve been epic to watch.

The side characters were honestly gems too. Especially, Bai Feng. I have noticed him in Moonlight Mystique, but here, he shined even more. Honestly, I do hope that he gets a main role because he does seem to have more potential in him. And Yue Ning, and Yan Li were equally amazing. These three supporting characters was the reason the show was engaging, having a slightly funny and light hearted romance. Again, I hope the side characters get to be the main leads in a very good script, because they honestly deserve it. The other side characters were equally very good. And let’s not forget the Emperor—if someone can make you hate him to your core, grit your teeth, curse him out, and then still shed a tear for him, then that someone is amazing. He is that someone. Overall, all of the cast were wonderful.

Now, onto the OST. Chef’s kiss. Every single song was beautiful, heartfelt, and addictive. The lyrics hit deep, the vocals were powerful, and the melodies stayed stuck in my head for days. Huang Xiaoyun’s “Don’t Sigh” and Zhou Shen’s “If by Dust” are masterpieces, you don’t even need to understand Mandarin to feel the emotions. And can I just say, I didn’t know Ao Ruipeng and Li Landi could sing this well! Their songs were surprisingly good (though I had heard Ao Ruipeng in Moonlight Mystique’s OST before). Curley Gao’s track was another sweet highlight, romantic and hopeful. Honestly, no skips here—I loved the entire soundtrack.

So yeah, this drama is definitely worth your time. It’ll make you laugh, it’ll make you cry, and it might even make you hum Mandarin songs you don’t fully understand (been there, done that). My advice? Grab some popcorn, keep a box of tissues nearby, and settle in. Who knows—you might just love it!

Read More

This Drama Hooked Me—And It’s Not Just Another Revenge Plot

I absolutely loved this drama from start to finish. Aside from *The Double*, this is one of the rare dramas I watched entirely for the compelling plot and the brilliant female lead. While it begins with the familiar "family betrayed by politics and the emperor, must seek vengeance" storyline, it quickly evolves into something much deeper and more engaging.
Landy Li delivers a stunning performance as the lead—her character remains remarkably level-headed throughout, which was refreshing. What stood out most was the beautifully paced development of the main couple’s relationship. Their mutual understanding grows gradually, naturally, and meaningfully. I’m not usually a fan of the “love at first sight” trope, but here, it felt genuinely right and perfectly placed.
Ao Rui Peng, the male lead, is equally captivating—supportive, never disrespectful (even during moments of suspicion), and fully invested in his partner. Together, they form a power couple who lift each other up in every way.
The side plots and cases are intelligently crafted, too. I’ve always been curious about how forensics worked before fingerprinting and modern technology, and this show does a brilliant job of exploring that—without ever feeling dragged out.
The ending felt just right. Without a doubt, this drama ranks in my top 10 C-Dramas of all time.

Read More

A well-written drama with intelligent leads, minimal clichés, and engaging character dynamics.

A series with strong leads & secondary leads, no love triangle, no green tea, no unnecessary misunderstandings, no stupid side plots. A story that justifies the title, it sticks to the plot. After a long time, watch a drama where 2nd leads aren't in love with the leads or trying to break them apart.

Yan Chi is smart, calculative, sometimes cunning, a good general. He constantly found himself trapped between politics and his father’s principles, torn between making a choice and protecting his father and his army from political schemes. I liked Ao Rui Peng here more. He played Yan Chi really well.

Qin Wan is smart, mature and judges everything according to law. I loved Landy Li here. Her character was the totally opposite of "The Starry Love"(the only drama that I have watched of hers) character. There she played a carefree, childish, fun-loving but smart FL here she played the opposite of it: mature, patient, smart. 

Yue Ning & Yan Li were fresh of breath air in the series. Loved their banter and carefree nature.  

A reunion of Fan Yue & Mu Jiu. Loved Yan Chi & Mu Jiu relationship. There consent teasing each other about their love lives.

Another best thing about the series is the limited story or zero involvement of annoying supporting characters. Liked that Qin Xiang had zero involvement in Qin Wan, all she could do was to get jealous of Qin Wan. Otherwise, in maximum C-Dramas, her character would be doing a lot of scheming to make the FL life living hell. She deserved that ending of hers.

Yue Ning & Yan Li as well as Mu Jiu & Fu Ling love to disturb our Yan Chi & Qin Wan romantic time, which they rarely get.

One of the best things is that Yue Ning brought the maid to recognize the person who saved her grandmother. Otherwise, in maximum series, it always ends up recognizing the wrong person.

Loved how Yue Ning shut down those Qin bitches by saying my grandma doesn’t even know why you need to visit her. A nice slap to her face.

Loved how Yan Chi secretly observed Qin Wan examining the death body in the carriage as well as arraigning her to examine without her knowledge.

The way Yan Chi prevented Yue Ning from asking to marry Qin Wan by proposing that them be siblings was funny.

Overall, loved watching it.

Read More

Mystery and romance, what more could you want?

Mystery dramas are one of my favorite genres of all time. I love watching these crimes being solved. The coroner job is also so interesting. As someone who wanted to work in that kind of department made this show all the more enjoyable and interesting. Landi Li did an amazing job portraying her role. Plot twists every episode. really keeps you entertained.

Story :
The story was really well done. The plot of the story was very well written. This drama covers about a girl who witnessed the murder of her parents and decide to take revenge. As the show moves along, more plot twists are introduced. Slowly she starts realizing that there is a deeper and bigger plot behind everything. One thing I really liked about this drama is the mystery portion. Like in a lot of mystery dramas, the mystery and crime solving part gets covered with other things, but in this drama they stayed consistent with it and I appreciate it. I love the way the producers did this drama, the way the main female lead solves the crimes and the male lead helps with it. I also really like that there was no misunderstandings between the main couple. They had trust in each other throughout the whole drama which is so rare and it's what makes this drama so much more adorable. I love how the male lead is so confident and proud of his girlfriend and not trying to belittle her. He appreciates her talents and wants her to shine, he helps her in the shadows to still allow her to do things on her own. I also love the side characters, each character was very well designed. I love how the female lead is not only smart but also confident, she is not afraid to say what is on her mind, and if someone is in the wrong she corrects them without hesitation.

CGI:
The CGI was okay, i didn't see much CGI being used which is good, but the scenes where they were under water wasn't the best but I can look past that because the drama was just soo good. I love the costumes too, they were all styled for each character, with their own unique style. I love how the clothes was styled to fit Yongning princess, cuz she's more of a martial/fighting character, so having outfits that allows her to do that easier is really considerate.

Music :
The music was decent! The songs were pretty good but not as appealing as other dramas.

Acting:
The acting was really good by the cast. Landi Li is such an amazing actor, she really portrayed her role well, being tough but also sweet at the same time. Ao Rei Peng also did a good job, he played his role really well. Everyone played their role well. The emotions felt really natural, the sad parts and funny parts were all well done. I really like the grand princess and the empress dowager, their relationship with each other being sisters and all was so wholesome but also their relationship with the main female lead. It wasn't toxic and they were really supportive and sweet. The main couple was also soo cute. Like i said before, NO MISUNDERSTANDINGS!!! that is literally so rare to find in dramas. The couple's relationship felt really genuine and the chemistry was there. Overall I'd say the acting was really good, no really cringe scenes with bad acting. You can tell the difference between the scenes where they were supposed to be serious and when they were goofing around. Very satisfying to watch.

Ending:
I liked the ending, everyone had their own ending and most was happy. though towards the end, again like the biggest problem i find with dramas and that bothers me a lot is being rushed. I feel as the ending was kind of rushed, where they revealed the biggest mystery and everything moved a little to quick where I kind of got lost. I feel if the drama had two more episodes, the drama would finish a lot better and feel less rushed. There isn't that big of a difference from 38 episodes to 40. But forgetting about that, the ending was really sweet> i love how all the couples got a happy ending and everyone who was like important survived.

Amazing drama!! Loved it, will definitely rewatch in the future!!

Read More

The art of uncovering the truth through autopsy | Upholding justice in the world | Lovely CPs! <3

"What parents should give their children isn't just blood ties, but love and education." - Shen/Qin Wan

Something I am truly grateful about this drama is how they kept the death toll at the lowest and never really killed any of the main cast. I appreciate it so much since unnecessary deaths are often used by some writers as a plot device to make the story more heavy and dark, thus creating areas to insert their crazy plot twists—to me that's simply a nasty and outdated way of writing which plays on the viewers feelings and emotions—so I wanna sincerely thank the director, producer and writers for making this story this way—full of compassion, rationality and magnanimity. That's one hell of a fascinating and awe-striking story right there. <3

The investigation scenes were all impressive! I expected a lot and they delivered. I love how they carefully walk us through the investigation and problem solving process till we reach the mind-blowing resolutions. Just wanna mention that the 1st case "Headless Bride" is my most favorite. It was truly unsettling and an insanely diabolical case. And when Qin Wan patched the charred and broken/dismantled skull up, I lost it...she was spectacular, no doubt about that, but that scene is just heartbreaking for me to watch. A job well done! ~ Also, the puking scenes were overly dramatized yet I find them really funny. Haha!

I also want to talk about some issues/plot holes I find frustrating about Qin Wan. First, on Ep.19 instead of calling for help since someone was stabbed and is dying, she resorted to asking the dying victim who's at fault/murderer...It was accurate but why does she didn't ask for help or to at least get people's attention first? I know that she is the "doctor" but her responding that way is one of the reason why the arson even proceeded—since it's an opportunity. Second is the safety measure tools (whistle & fire signal) that Yan Chi gave her but she never use. I was palpably pissed at every opportunity she could have used it but never did. Grr!

Next topic I wanna talk about is the most significant yet tragic message of this story—There's no "family" within the Imperial family. Watching this drama reminded me how wealth and power feeds on one's greed and how it can completely consume anyone who gets overly exposed to it. It is the source of all evil capable of influencing even the kindest soul to be scheming, cold-hearted and cruel.

"Trusted yet doubted, loyal yet slandered." - Prince Rui/Yan Lin

On a side note, I just wanna say how much I hate Prince Rui (Yan Chi's father) for being stoic and unaffectionate. He made his son suffer till the end just because he's adamant of his views and promises. Men who are proud is fine but men who are unyielding is plain stupid to me. And no, his little diary plot device just doesn't work out very well for me. Outright lame and cowardly.

The other CPs on this drama are great! Although they gave us the bare minimum of their stories yet everything still feels satisfying enough. Yan Li and Yue Ning gave us this love-hate relationship that gradually develops into companionship to lovers. Then Bai Feng and Fu Ling gave us this cute slow-paced progress that fills up my heart whenever they're on screen. P.S. Thank you for not killing any of them. <3

Lastly, thank you for giving us a worthy and satisfying ending. All issues has been addressed (although mostly off-screened) + they provides us updates of the main characters and how their life unfolded after all the chaos.

P.S. I love the main leads kissing scenes—shallow and feather but exudes intensity of their feelings for each other.

"When once virtue doesn't match the position, disaster will surely follow." - Yan Chi

Story - 10, I initially thought of giving this a 9.5 because of the little issues I mentioned above, however, looking back on how I enjoyed it so much, I just don't think it deserves it. I love this drama for its excellent investigation scenes but above more for its beautiful and compact storytelling.

Acting/Cast - 10, I love everyone on this drama and I enjoyed their individual executions as well. Acting is great and so is their synergy as a whole team.

Music - 10, All songs used are wonderful and sounds great. Specially the song used on Ep.15 (Headless Bride case).

Rewatch Value - 10, A drama I won't mind watching again. Will surely recommend.

Overall - 10, Despite the issues I mentioned above, I have decided that it wasn't really that big of a deal to affect my rating of this drama. After all, the story was splendidly narrated and acted; and I am satisfied on how they resolved the conflicts of the story. Wonderful ending as well.

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

Read More

Don't Forget Your Notepad ;)

The drama truly deserves the highest rating. The plot is incredibly gripping and the pacing is quick. I didn't feel bored for even a second. You do have to pay close attention to the characters' names though. If I watch it a second time, I'll take a piece of paper and write them down. That’ll make it much easier to follow the story later.

What about the actors and their performances? They fit their roles perfectly. The emotions between the three main couples develop slowly but intimately. There's great chemistry between Yan Chi (played by Ruipeng) and Shen Wan (played by Lindy). They trust each other and their love grows deeper and deeper.

And funny enough — Ao Ruipeng’s face conveys such deep emotion that when he’s worried, I feel like an older sister who just wants to hug him right away. He’s a tall guy (1.88m), but sometimes he looks like a cute child. I’m appreciating his acting more and more.

Read More

Forensic mystery and romance is surprisingly addictive.

The mix of forensic investigation and romance works way better than I thought it would. The FL is such a strong and clever lead, and watching her skillfully solve cases while navigating the tricky palace politics is honestly so satisfying, she’s smart, determined and never lets anyone underestimate her.
And the ML, I’m completely obsessed with his calm demeanor, intelligence and the moments when his genuine emotions peek through, especially in how he supports and trusts the FL in her investigations.
Their relationship is incredibly well-developed, filled with subtle glances, mutual respect, playful banter and emotional moments that make their connection feel natural and really engaging.
The story slows down a bit when they move to the capital but the romance and character development keep things interesting. I do get why some people have issues with pacing or the predictability later on but for me the first half alone was enough to make me binge. Honestly, it’s refreshing to see a drama that balances mystery, emotional depth, and just a little bit of palace drama without going overboard. It’s the kind of drama that sticks with you long after the last episode ends.

Read More

Love The Female Lead

Amazing female lead. Very good male lead. Amazing writing. Overall, an amazing drama with well written characters, plot, and a smart female lead. Loved it! I love a smart female lead , who isn’t boy obsessed more than anything and this drama delivered on that.

90% of cdramas for some odd reason (sexism) write pathetic female leads or they like to torture the female lead with never ending trauma. Or the worst, is when they write a grown adult female lead that acts like a child and speaks like a toddler. I personally think it’s fetish of sexist writers and it needs to stop.

This drama was so well written. I loved the plot and every character, even the bad ones. Just really mature writing. Pair the writing with the amazing acting and this is one of my top shows of the year. Loved it.

Read More

Agents of the Justice

Coroner’s Diary tells the gripping tale of Shen Wan, the daughter of Shen Yi, a high-ranking official of the Supreme Court. After her entire family is tragically massacred due to their alleged involvement in a case tied to Prince Jin and the royal power struggle, Shen Wan escapes to Jingzhou under the guise of Qin Wan, the Ninth Lady of the Qin family.
Gifted in medicine and skilled in forensic autopsies, Shen Wan is determined to root out injustice and clear her father's name. In Jingzhou, she crosses paths with Yan Chi, the crown prince of King Rui, who is himself entangled in the political turmoil surrounding the case of Prince Jin. Impressed by Shen Wan’s intelligence, skills and integrity, the two join forces—bound by a shared sense of justice—to uncover the truth buried deep within palace conspiracies, solving one crime after another along the way.
The drama consistently emphasizes the primacy of law: no matter one’s status, every crime must be judged fairly and legally. Autopsies are shown as a vital means of giving voice to the victims—allowing truth to be heard beyond death. The forensic and investigative aspects of the show are handled with both respect and realism. Each case is well constructed and resolved (though there is still room for improvement), keeping viewers thoroughly engaged, particularly during the earlier investigations set outside the capital.
The true highlight of the series for me, however, lies in the relationship between the leads—Shen Wan (Qin Wan) and Yan Chi. Their partnership is built on mutual respect, trust, commitment and unwavering support. From start to finish, their bond remains strong and drama-free—no petty misunderstandings or unnecessary conflicts. They stand side by side as equals, communicating openly and facing every challenge together. Yan Chi, as portrayed by Ao Ruipeng, is almost too good to be true—a man of unwavering respect and love, the kind every woman would dream of having by her side. Ao Ruipeng delivers a standout performance, especially in the action scenes, which are both polished and intense.
Li Landi also impresses as Shen Wan, bringing to life a smart, capable, and composed woman who never wavers in the face of adversity. The supporting characters—Yue Ning, Yan Li, Bai Feng, Fuling, and others—each add their own charm and dimension to the story.
The series concludes on a high note: not only do Shen Wan and Yan Chi end up together, but they continue working side by side, solving cases and upholding justice. It’s a more meaningful resolution than just a romantic union—it’s a lasting promise of order and righteousness. As long as they’re around, justice will prevail.

Read More

FRESH STORYLINE, NEEDED BETTER EXECUTION

This drama has every component to make it great;
1) The plot is fresh, having the FL be a Coroner is not something I've seen done in Chinese dramas.
2) Love and Romance, very sweet and the leads had me squealing
3) Side plots, very interesting and engaging
4) Conflicts for our main leads
5) Likeable Characters
It had everything to make it great but these things were not executed well enough.
Where this drama "failed" the most was the acting, it was not that good. Acceptable? Yes, but it could have been so much better.
The pacing was also off, too much time was spent getting to the unravelling of the conspiracy and not enough time on the unravelling itself.

Everything that happened was just convenient.

For a drama that is heavily focused on romance, I thought the boundaries of the conflict the leads faced in their relationship could have been pushed further.

The second leads' relationship also happened so fast and wasn't built steadily to make it easy to believe their love.

And it fell off in the last few episodes.

I just found myself wanting more.
In conclusion, it's a good drama, it did enough but it could have done so much more.
I rated it this high in part because of how much I enjoyed it in the beginning and middle parts

Read More