Hwajung

Prince Gwanghae has been Crown Prince for 16 years without being confirmed. As the son of a concubine, he doesn't have the safety that his new-born brother, Grand Prince Yeongchang has. As King Seojo contemplates rescinding Prince Gwanghae's title, the nation is divided on who they support.

Crown Prince Gwanghae must convince Queen Mother to pass the throne to him rather than to her baby, Grand Prince Yeongchang. Squabbles over power immediately threaten to harm the royal court.

Princess Jungmyung and Grand Prince Yeongchang secretly venture outside the palace on First Full Moon Day and learn of the city gossip that King Gwanghae plans to murder them.

Prince Imhae's plot to frame Yeongchang and the Western faction comes to fruition, as King Gwanghae must choose between being the ruler he promised to be, and solidifying his power.

When the people around King Gwanghae begin to eliminate potential threats to Gwanghae's throne on his behalf, the citizens of Hansung can only look on in dismay as their King turns into a tyrant.

With the sacrifice of Court Lady Choi, Princess Jungmyung manages to escape. Haneum has launched his own investigation into the death of the late king, and isn't shy about sharing his findings.

Princess Jungmyung arrives in Japan and becomes Hwa Yi in order to protect her identity. King Gwanghae learns the truth about his father's death.

Hwa Yi goes to Edo to assist in a sulfur-related business deal. Hong Joo Won is on the same mission, for his post as head of the weaponry bureau.

Hwa Yi helps Joo Won set up a business deal to acquire sulfur, in the hope that he will repay her with passage to Joseon.

Joo Won must choose between retrieving the sulfur that is his mission, or rescuing the stranger that saved his life.

Princess Jungmyung continues to pose as Hwa Yi so she can work for the weapons bureau and attempt to get closer to King Gwanghae.

Hwa Yi proves her worth at the weaponry bureau by demonstrating the Japanese method of sulfur smelting.

When an accident occurs at the weaponry bureau, poisonous smoke threatens to halt all production. Hwa Yi must flee or risk being condemned as a Japanese spy.

After the poisonous gas incident, Joo Won must take responsibility for bringing an outsider into the weaponry bureau.

The Queen Dowager discovers the beads she left her deceased daughter on her own doorstep.

Hwa Yi attempts to contact her mother through Gyosan, but Gyosan has his own plans.

Hwa Yi must evade the king's men as they look for her in response to Gyosan's attempted treasonous trap.

Hwa Yi reveals her identity to King Gwanghae as Queen Dowager Inmok faces punishment for allegedly plotting treason.

Hwa Yi decides to help King Gwanghae root out Gyosan's treasonous plot by acting as a double-agent.

After his plan is foiled, Gyosan is on the run and Gwanghae closes in on his conspirators.

King Gwanghae plans to unveil to the country that Princess Jungmyung has returned, despite the power it would give his detractors.

Prince Neungyang has returned to face Gwanghae and attempt to force his hand on the topic of sending Joseon troops to Ming.

King Gwanghae can only watch as Prince Neungyang whips Joseon into a fury over Gwanghae refusing to become involved in the upcoming battle between Ming and Later Jin.

Joseon soldiers are set to go to battle alongside Ming, while King Gwanghae puts contingency plans in place.

Joo Won tries to balance his loyalty to Gwanghae's orders with trying to protect him from the danger that waits back home.