Long after the crown princess bore the forbidden twins, Yi Hwi encountered a court maid whose likeness was uncanny, a startling resemblance that filled him with astonishment and his mother with dread.

A heavy crown rested upon Dam-i’s head, a burden she bore with tear-filled eyes, impersonating her brother. Meanwhile, Jung Ji-un was in a desperate race against time, seeking a natural remedy for a patient consumed by discomfort.

Hwi spared Ji-un, believing their paths would never converge. Yet, a future encounter would soon surprise her; he was there, concealed within the very walls of the palace.

Ji-un presents a significant challenge to Hwi, who remains resolute in her goal of securing the dismissal of the latest royal tutor. Meanwhile, Yi Hyun accompanies Hwi on an outing into the city.

Ji-un, with the best of intentions, sought to encourage his student’s social ease within the palace walls; however, his efforts took an unexpected turn. Prince Changun tested Hwi with a captivating and disarming surprise.

A well-worn volume on the crown prince’s desk proved a perplexing mystery to Ji-un. With time dwindling and his options for rescuing his friends evaporating, he turned to Hwi for assistance.

During the visit of the Ming envoys, Hwi finds an opportunity to earn the king’s favor. However, a difficult guest pushes her patience to its breaking point.

Hwi wept, and Ji-un held him close, offering silent comfort. Later, Ji-un and Hyun joined forces, determined to unravel the mystery surrounding the envoy following a visit from a man whose intentions seemed far from benign.

The queen dowager urged her son, the crown prince, toward marriage. As Ji-un replayed the events of the previous night in his mind, a clarity dawned, revealing the source of his turbulent feelings.

Following a day filled with shared delight, Hwi offered Ji-un her reply. Meanwhile, Shin So-eun and No Ha-gyeong arrived at the palace, vying for the esteemed position of crown princess.

Hyun made a visit to Ji-un at his newly established clinic. Meanwhile, Hwi, consumed by fury, held Prince Changun responsible for his misdeeds, and the consequence was a wave of intense condemnation.

The monarch faces a torrent of pleas demanding the crown prince’s dismissal. Returning to the palace, Ji-un offers a resolute vow: to shield Hwi from any harm.

With careful deliberation, Hwi confided her secret to Ji-un. Meanwhile, Lord Sangheon began to openly pursue his ambitions, paving the way for the ascension of the next king.

Their first night together unfolds for Hwi and Ha-gyeong. Back within the palace walls, governed by Lord Sangheon’s influence, Ji-un keeps a quiet vigil, tending to the wounded king.

Hwi moved through the shadows, her mind already charting a course for revenge against her grandfather. Meanwhile, Kim Ga-on stood before the king, delivering a confession that sent ripples of astonishment through the court.

Driven by a solemn vow to the king, Yoon Hyeong-seol embarks on a quest for the incriminating ledger. Meanwhile, Prince Wonsan begins to unravel the truth surrounding Hwi’s identity, piecing together the clues with growing certainty.

Whispers of an intimate connection between Hwi and Ji-un drifted through the corridors of the palace. Concerned for his son’s welfare, Jung Seok-jo resolved to intervene.

News reached Hyun and Lord Sangheon of Prince Wonsan’s clandestine scheme to overthrow the monarch. Meanwhile, Hwi resolved to confront her grandfather, a solitary endeavor.

Prince Wonsan makes his claim to power—and demonstrates his fitness to rule—to Lord Sangheon with ruthless efficiency. Meanwhile, Hwi prepares to relinquish the throne.

Lord Sangheon and Prince Wonsan, fueled by a fierce determination and backed by a formidable army, marched back to the palace with ruthless intent, leaving no one untouched by their bloody advance toward the throne.