In the regal chambers, King Lee Ho found himself at the epicenter of a tumultuous meeting. Ministers clashed over strategies to quell a relentless plague emanating from a blockaded village. The debate oscillated between those advocating a severe cutoff of supplies to contain the outbreak and others pleading for mercy towards the afflicted villagers.
Meanwhile, the focus shifted to the imminent lecture at Jonghak, the esteemed educational institution for royal progeny. The disquiet of Queen Im Hwa-ryeong over the tardiness of her sons, Grand Prince Ilyeong, still immersed in slumber, and the elusive Grand Prince Seongnam, echoed through the corridors.
Inside the lecture hall, Grand Prince Gyeseong took the lead, trailed by the diverse assembly of princes from various consorts. Grand Prince Muan's cheerful greeting added a touch of camaraderie. Amidst the commotion, an observant consort noticed Prince Uiseong delving into an advanced book, a noteworthy deviation as the eldest among the princes.
Simultaneously, at Sigangwon, the exclusive institution dedicated to the Crown Prince, royal tutors meticulously tested the heir. The narrative pivoted when King Lee Ho posed a whimsical question, injecting an air of intrigue into the proceedings.
Simmering conflicts took center stage as Queen Im Hwa-ryeong clashed with the Queen Dowager. The summoning of Consort Hwang, the most senior among consorts, by the Queen Dowager escalated tensions. The Grand Princes were labeled troublemakers, and a retort from Queen Im Hwa-ryeong downplayed the significance of their lessons at Jonghak, emphasizing the paramount importance of Sigangwon.
Tensions peaked when Grand Prince Seongnam, arriving late to the lecture, engaged in a heated confrontation with Prince Uiseong at the training ground. Consort Hwang and the Queen Dowager stood in stunned silence as the Grand Princes faced consequences, kneeling for hours in the pouring rain.
Meanwhile, Queen Im Hwa-ryeong, departing from Sigangwon with the Crown Prince, witnessed an unexpected twist—the Crown Prince collapsed, casting an ominous shadow over the kingdom's future.