King Injo (Kim Jae Won) has a nightmare where Princess Jeongmyeong (Lee Yeon Hee) denounces him severely as a wicked king. He woke up from the bad dream breaking out in a cold sweat order to arrest someone who criticized him at the unofficial occasion. Injo is looking over his shoulder because of his vulnerable position.
Jeongmyeong goes to see Injo with no regard for his feeling and asks him to administer relief to the poor who are suffering from natural disasters. She strongly condemns the political opponent's exploitation. The Princess's comment only invites the animosity of Injo and Jo Yeo Jung (Kim Min Seo).
Hawgidogam is abolished and its name is changed to Byuljocheong under Hullyeondogam (a military camp that defended the capital city during the Joseon dynasty). Hong Joo Won (Seo Kang Joon) warns Kang In Woo (Han Joo Wan) that he and his people won't bend their necks to the tyrant.
Kim Ja Jeom (Jo Min Ki) seizes the power of Seungjeongwon (the Royal Secretariat during the Joseon Dynasty in charge of receiving and delivering the king's order) and he keeps watch on the movement of the opposition. In Woo asks Kang Joo Sun (Jo Sung Ha) to take the big shot by the hand for a rainy day.
Kim Ja Jeom lures Jeongmyeong to be on the same side with him saying that she needs to have more strength for her political career. She thinks deeply about his proposition all night long recalling conversations with Gwanghae (Cha Seung Won) and decides to accept some royal property which is given by Injo. Jeongmyeong begins to gather forces to fight against him and announces that the land will be exempted from paying taxes. Yi Ja Kyung (Gong Myeong) worries about her safety.
Injo, a tool of Kim Ja Jeom, has face-to-face time with the people. The subjects are full of praise for the relief of the poor, as arranged, and he is greatly pleased. As one of the poor people unexpectedly talks about the tax exemption and asks the king to show them mercy like Princess, Injo is incensed at the person's remarks.
Jo Yeo Jung slaps court lady Jeong hard across the face when she blocks her way and warns the Princess not to intrude on matters that don't concern her mentioning royal customs. Jeongmyeong gets upset and orders to drag her out of the house.
