These are what we call the 'YMMV items.' Things that some people find in this work. We call them 'your mileage might vary' because not everyone sees these things in the same way. This starts discussions in the trope lists, a thing we don't want. Please use the discussion page if you'd like to discuss any of these items.
YMMV: Judge Dee
Tear Jerker: During The Chinese Maze Murders the military official whom Chiao Tai has sworn to take revenge on is murdered; after the case is wrapped up Chiao Tai comes in to the Judge's office and tells him the whole story of his desertion (precipitated by the actions of the aforementioned official). By the end of the story, Chiao Tai, who began in a flat and toneless voice "as if he were reading from a military report," is sobbing. So, perhaps, are you.
The scene where the judge's assistants learn of the sergeant's murder.
The ending of Murder in Canton, as Chiao Tai dies, struck by the judge's sword as he predicted.
