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.
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.
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.
Choi Hyo-won and his men are arrested and escorted to prison. On the way, the men are attacked and killed. Cheon-soo was tasked with protecting Dong Yi. She flees from the police officers.
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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