Season 1
A spirited queen tries to rein in her rowdy sons in order to make one of them the next king of Joseon, while her competitors vie to snatch the throne.
Episodes
Episode 1
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.
Episode 2
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.
Episode 3
At the selection exam, the king challenges the candidates by posing an unexpected question. The queen dowager closes in on Grand Prince Gye-seong.
Episode 4
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.
Episode 5
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.
Episode 6
Hwang Won-hyeong spearheads an official investigation of the disturbing rumors. The crown princess comes to Hwa-ryeong in distress.
Episode 7
Seong-nam seeks to take responsibility for the tragedy, hoping to shake his guilt. The royal physician makes a surprising confession before the king.
Episode 8
When other princes and concubines lie, cheat and scheme to get ahead in the competition, Hwa-ryeong finds a way to slow them down.
Episode 9
The queen dowager shifts her support to another prince, which makes her former allies nervous. Prince Sim-so returns home to a hostile welcome.
Episode 10
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.
Episode 11
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.
Episode 12
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.
Episode 13
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.
Episode 14
Hwa-ryeong investigates two similar deaths and takes action to put the humiliating rumors about the newlywed crown prince to rest.
Episode 15
Physician Kwon forms an alliance to protect himself. The queen dowager tries to obtain critical evidence. The crown princess’ health causes a stir.
Episode 16
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.