After a confrontation with Yi Seon, Yi In ascends to the throne — but not without opposition. In the process, he cruelly turns a blind eye to Hee-soo.

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.