After facing Yi In in a game of baduk, Kang Hee-soo develops feelings for him. Meanwhile, Yi Seon grows increasingly ill, creating a succession crisis.
Kim Myung-ha urges Hee-soo to stop her ruse. When a royal crisis arises, Kang Hang-soon performs a selfless act - but Kim Jong-bae schemes against Yi In.
Yi In summons Myung-ha to the palace and appoints him to a special role. To get the attention of the king, Hee-soo takes part in the baduk examination.
Hee-soo receives a stern warning from Yi In upon becoming his official baduk companion, later becoming entangled in a political ploy by the queen dowager.
After a night of intimacy, Yi In and Hee-soo navigate their complicated feelings. In an attempt to oust Hee-soo, Park Jong-hwan wages a bet with Yi In.
In a vulnerable moment, Yi-In shares the secret of his ascension with Hee-soo. Jong-hwan plans a counterattack for Yi-In's investigation of past events.