Synopsis
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
Season 11
Episode 1Unlike the crown prince, who thrives in his studies, Im Hwa-ryeong’s other sons arrive late to class – stoking the queen dowager’s disapproval.74m2
Episode 2Hwa-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.68m3
Episode 3At the selection exam, the king challenges the candidates by posing an unexpected question. The queen dowager closes in on Grand Prince Gye-seong.65m4
Episode 4The 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.74m5
Episode 5When 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.65m6
Episode 6Hwang Won-hyeong spearheads an official investigation of the disturbing rumors. The crown princess comes to Hwa-ryeong in distress.69m7
Episode 7Seong-nam seeks to take responsibility for the tragedy, hoping to shake his guilt. The royal physician makes a surprising confession before the king.65m8
Episode 8When other princes and concubines lie, cheat and scheme to get ahead in the competition, Hwa-ryeong finds a way to slow them down.67m9
Episode 9The queen dowager shifts her support to another prince, which makes her former allies nervous. Prince Sim-so returns home to a hostile welcome.72m10
Episode 10Gye-seong tries to stop a criminal from entering the palace. Two princes investigate a suspicious blind man. Seong-nam’s royal roots are questioned.64m11
Episode 11The 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.70m12
Episode 12As the new crown prince assumes his royal duties, Hwa-ryeong and the queen dowager now shift their attention to appointing a new crown princess.63m13
Episode 13The 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.62m14
Episode 14Hwa-ryeong investigates two similar deaths and takes action to put the humiliating rumors about the newlywed crown prince to rest.64m15
Episode 15Physician Kwon forms an alliance to protect himself. The queen dowager tries to obtain critical evidence. The crown princess’ health causes a stir.66m16
Episode 16The 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.70m
Episode 1Unlike the crown prince, who thrives in his studies, Im Hwa-ryeong’s other sons arrive late to class – stoking the queen dowager’s disapproval.74m2Episode 2Hwa-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.68m3Episode 3At the selection exam, the king challenges the candidates by posing an unexpected question. The queen dowager closes in on Grand Prince Gye-seong.65m4Episode 4The 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.74m5Episode 5When 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.65m6Episode 6Hwang Won-hyeong spearheads an official investigation of the disturbing rumors. The crown princess comes to Hwa-ryeong in distress.69m7Episode 7Seong-nam seeks to take responsibility for the tragedy, hoping to shake his guilt. The royal physician makes a surprising confession before the king.65m8Episode 8When other princes and concubines lie, cheat and scheme to get ahead in the competition, Hwa-ryeong finds a way to slow them down.67m9Episode 9The queen dowager shifts her support to another prince, which makes her former allies nervous. Prince Sim-so returns home to a hostile welcome.72m10Episode 10Gye-seong tries to stop a criminal from entering the palace. Two princes investigate a suspicious blind man. Seong-nam’s royal roots are questioned.64m11Episode 11The 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.70m12Episode 12As the new crown prince assumes his royal duties, Hwa-ryeong and the queen dowager now shift their attention to appointing a new crown princess.63m13Episode 13The 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.62m14Episode 14Hwa-ryeong investigates two similar deaths and takes action to put the humiliating rumors about the newlywed crown prince to rest.64m15Episode 15Physician Kwon forms an alliance to protect himself. The queen dowager tries to obtain critical evidence. The crown princess’ health causes a stir.66m16Episode 16The 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.70mCast
