Chapter 2: The Crown's Dilemma

Prince Uiseong's bitterness looms large as he grapples with the unfulfilled expectation of being King Lee Ho's firstborn son. Consort Hwang, his mother, sternly reminds him that the coveted position of Crown Prince is earned through surpassing the current heir in both studies and character.

Meanwhile, Queen Im Hwa-ryeong delves into the unsettling news about the Crown Prince's ailment, "hyeolheogwol," a malady stemming from blood deficiency and fatigue. Discovery of the Crown Prince's concealment of his worsening condition adds another layer of concern. Royal Physician Kwon's mention of the hereditary nature of the disease, connecting it to the late former Crown Prince Taein, propels Queen Im Hwa-ryeong into an investigation of the physician who treated Taein.

Tensions escalate among the royal consorts when it's revealed that a prince will be selected as the Crown Prince's cohort in Sigangwon, defying tradition. Consort Hwang's warning of potential traps adds a sense of unease to the already agitated consorts.

Curiosity stirs among senior royal consorts regarding how the Queen Dowager orchestrated her son's ascent to the throne. Their attempts to curry favor through gifts are thwarted when they find Consort Tae already in conversation with the Queen Dowager.

Queen Im Hwa-ryeong's suspicions deepen upon learning that the royal physician who treated former Crown Prince Taein has been banished from the palace. More unsettling is the Queen Dowager's suggestion to choose the cohort from among the princes and her gift to Consort Tae – a book revealing secret methods to rear a king.

The grave news of the Crown Prince's illness, coupled with his unconscious state, prompts a warning from the Queen Dowager to Queen Im Hwa-ryeong. The Queen Dowager dismisses the significance of the Grand Princes and questions Queen Im Hwa-ryeong's worth beyond being the Crown Prince's mother, a mere political balance in King Lee Ho's court.

Intriguingly, Queen Im Hwa-ryeong's inquiry about the fate of deposed Queen Yoon leads to cryptic responses, with the attendant hinting at a mysterious connection between Queen Yoon and the Queen Dowager.

The Queen Dowager, harboring her own agenda, secretly disseminates a book on rearing a king to all the royal consorts, further fueling the intrigue within the palace.

Under the shroud of night and amidst the relentless rain, Queen Im Hwa-ryeong seeks out the deposed Queen Yoon, living in hiding. Begging on her knees, she implores Queen Yoon for guidance on protecting her children, setting the stage for a clandestine alliance that may shape the destiny of the royal heirs.

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To Consort Hwang's delight, the Queen Dowager extends the unexpected offer of the Crown Prince position to Prince Uiseong, introducing a new layer of complexity to the unfolding power play within the royal court.

Deposed Queen Yoon unveils a sinister plot orchestrated by the Queen Dowager and Chief State Councilor Hwang Won-hyeong against her and her children. She implores Queen Im Hwa-ryeong to prepare one of the Grand Princes to assume the role should the Crown Prince meet an untimely demise. In a stark revelation, Queen Yoon advises her to adopt a ruthless, cunning, and shameless approach to safeguard her children.

Guided by the secret book from the Queen Dowager, the royal consorts subject their sons to the rigorous methods outlined for grooming a future king.

Upon Queen Im Hwa-ryeong's order, Royal Physician Kwon delves into the records of the Royal Clinic for insights into the treatment administered to the late Crown Prince Taein. Miraculously, the Crown Prince regains consciousness, injecting a glimmer of hope into the unfolding drama.

Determined to influence the selection of the Crown Prince's cohort, Queen Im Hwa-ryeong rushes to meet her other sons. However, her attendant pleads for persuasion over coercion in dealing with the Grand Princes.

Post-meeting, Queen Im Hwa-ryeong seeks the counsel of Chief Royal Secretary Min Seung-yun, tasking him with evaluating which Grand Prince stands the best chance of being appointed as the cohort. Simultaneously, Grand Prince Seongnam inadvertently overhears Prince Uiseong disparaging Queen Im Hwa-ryeong once again.

In a candid assessment, Chief Royal Secretary Min Seung-yun provides Queen Im Hwa-ryeong with insights into the Grand Princes and their potential for the coveted position. The intricate web of palace dynamics takes an unexpected turn when Queen Im Hwa-ryeong and her attendant chance upon Grand Prince Gyeseong wandering in a desolate part of the palace grounds.

Curiosity leads Queen Im Hwa-ryeong and her attendant to follow Grand Prince Gyeseong into a dilapidated building. As she peers through a small opening into a room, a shocking revelation unfolds, causing Queen Im Hwa-ryeong to stagger out, her world shaken by the disturbing scene witnessed within the hidden confines of the palace.