Set during the reign of King Sukjong in the Joseon dynasty, the story focuses on Dong Yi, a water maid who gains the trust of Queen Inhyeon and later the favour of the king when he is moved by her prayers for the health of the Queen during the court disputes caused by Jang Hee Bin. Dong Yi becomes a concubine with the rank of sook-bin and bears a son who will later become the 21st king of Joseon, Yeongjo.
The peaks and the valleys. Find the essential episodes — and the ones to skip.
Tensions are high after Jang Hee Jae gives Quing China the phony military log. Jang Hee and Queen Jang are relieved when the Quing Chinese Emissary issues the Imperial Endorsement for the Crown Prince Investiture.
Oh Tae-seok, the Namin political leader, frames the murder of Minister Jang Ik-hun on a secret swordsmen society. The society is led by Choi Hyo-won, a commoner. His daughter, Dong Yi works with other poor childen unloading boats. She was one of the last people to see the Minister alive.
The Society is accused of murdering more political leaders. Choi Hyo-won discovers Oh Tae-seok is behind the crimes. He takes Dong Yi to a safe house but she runs away. Choi Hyo-won is framed for the murder of the police chief's father.
Queen Inhyeon tells a surprised Choi Dong Yi how Prince Yeoning should take the throne instead of Choi Dong Yi's son. Jang Hee Jae searches for Prince Yun's doctor.
Each point is an episode, plotted in order. Colored bands mark season boundaries. Look for the rise, the plateau, or the decline.
High votes + high rating = beloved classic. High votes + low rating = notorious stinker. Low votes + high rating = hidden gem.
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