The King's Affection

Hwi spares Ji-un his life thinking they won't ever cross paths again. Later, she's startled to see him lurking inside the palace walls.

Ji-un proves to be a formidable opponent for Hwi, who's determined to make her newest royal tutor resign. Yi Hyun takes Hwi out on the town.

Ji-un's good-hearted attempt to make his pupil warm up to people in the palace goes awry. Prince Changun tests Hwi with an intoxicating surprise.

A familiar book on the crown prince's desk baffles Ji-un. Running out of time and the means to save his friends, he asks Hwi for help.

Hwi earns a chance to gain the king's trust during the Ming envoys' visit, but an ill-tempered guest tests the limits of her patience.

Ji-un comforts a tearful Hwi in his arms. Hyun and Ji-un team up to figure out the envoy's secret after a suspicious man visits his quarters.

The queen dowager tells the crown prince to wed. As Ji-un recalls previous night's events, he realizes the reason behind his rollercoaster of emotions.

After a joyous day together, Hwi gives Ji-un her answer. Shin So-eun and No Ha-gyeong visit the palace as candidates to become the next crown princess.

Hyun visits Ji-un at his new clinic. A furious Hwi holds Prince Changun accountable for his wrongdoing, and faces staggering backlash as a result.

The king is asked to answer to overwhelming appeals for the crown prince's removal. Reentering the palace, Ji-un promises to protect Hwi no matter what.

Hwi carefully reveals her secret to Ji-un. Lord Sangheon unleashes his royal ambitions and makes way for the future king.

Hwi and Ha-gyeong spend their first night together. Reinstated into a palace operating around Lord Sangheon, Ji-un lies low to serve the wounded king.

Moving in silence, Hwi strategizes retaliation against her grandfather. Kim Ga-on reappears in front of the king with a startling confession.

Yoon Hyeong-seol sets out to find the damning ledger and keep his promise to the king. Prince Wonsan puts two and two together about Hwi's identity.

Rumors about Hwi and Ji-un's close relationship circulate amongst the palace staff. To protect his son, Jung Seok-jo takes matters into his own hands.

Hyun and Lord Sangheon learn of Prince Wonsan's secret ploy to dethrone the king. Hwi prepares to take down her grandfather — alone.

Prince Wonsan ruthlessly proves his ambitions — and worthiness — for kingship to Lord Sangheon. Hwi prepares to abdicate the throne.

Returning to the palace with a vengeance and an army, Lord Sangheon and Prince Wonsan spare no one in their bloody path to the crown.