Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
The pregnancy announcement delights Cheoljong and So-yong's father, but Bong-hwan reacts with horror. Court Lady Choi begins supervising the queen's habits, and the senior royal women place responsibility for the unborn child firmly on her. Cheoljong tries to understand her distress and takes her riding to the royal villa. Their time together gives Bong-hwan room to imagine a future for the child, even as palace gossip turns the pregnancy into a political weapon.
Rumours first question whether the royal couple ever slept together, prompting Cheoljong and the queen to stage an affectionate display. A more dangerous version then names Byeong-in as the father. Hwa-jin refuses to remain under the Queen Dowager's control and asks to leave her position as concubine. Her departure also forces Prince Yeongpyeong to face how his feelings for her have complicated his loyalty and his judgement of the queen.
The Grand Queen Dowager orders Byeong-in to kill So-yong, leaving him seeking another way to protect her. He uses the queen's secret notes and the threat against her to pressure Cheoljong into leaving the palace to deal with the Donghak uprising. The king departs without explaining his choice to his wife. Once outside, the escort becomes a trap, and Byeong-in confronts Cheoljong in the woods. Their fight ends the episode with the king cut off from the queen and his trusted supporters.