Gye-seong tries to stop a criminal from entering the palace. Two princes investigate a suspicious blind man. Seong-nam’s royal roots are questioned.

When other princes and concubines lie, cheat and scheme to get ahead in the competition, Hwa-ryeong finds a way to slow them down.

Hwa-ryeong investigates two similar deaths and takes action to put the humiliating rumors about the newlywed crown prince to rest.

Seong-nam seeks to take responsibility for the tragedy, hoping to shake his guilt. The royal physician makes a surprising confession before the king.

Physician Kwon forms an alliance to protect himself. The queen dowager tries to obtain critical evidence. The crown princess’ health causes a stir.

The king faces a dilemma concerning a long-held secret, as revealing it could undo his life's work. The queen gently offers him words of wisdom.

The three finalists debate over a topic that’s plaguing the nation. Grand Prince Seong-nam risks his life to meet a doctor who could heal his brother.

Hwang Won-hyeong spearheads an official investigation of the disturbing rumors. The crown princess comes to Hwa-ryeong in distress.

The crown princess visits Hwa-ryeong with an inquiry. Grand Prince Mu-an takes on a new responsibility. A missing page in a medical record is found.

The queen dowager urges a prince to withdraw from the race. Hwa-ryeong puts an end to the foul play by giving the young scholars a chance to come clean.

The queen dowager shifts her support to another prince, which makes her former allies nervous. Prince Sim-so returns home to a hostile welcome.

As the new crown prince assumes his royal duties, Hwa-ryeong and the queen dowager now shift their attention to appointing a new crown princess.

When the news of the crown prince's ill-health spreads through the palace, members of the royal council pressure the king appoint a new successor.

At the selection exam, the king challenges the candidates by posing an unexpected question. The queen dowager closes in on Grand Prince Gye-seong.

Unlike the crown prince, who thrives in his studies, Im Hwa-ryeong’s other sons arrive late to class – stoking the queen dowager’s disapproval.

Hwa-ryeong urges her sons to join the race to become the cohort of the crown prince. She gets a volunteer, but soon learns of his scandalous secret.