An event held each month for restaurants brings about a confrontation between Mr. Cho and Bul Bam. The Queen of Korea sends a representative to the Palace Restaurant on an undercover mission while Hu faces a group of unknown assailants.
The Queen moves Kang Hu into the palace and gives him a title but requires lessons to help him. Lee Gyeom's son, Lee Jun, tries to stop the Queen from giving an appointment in the government to Shin Jae Man.
Jun becomes increasingly upset about the status of Hu's position among royalty. Se Ryeong wants to call off her upcoming nuptials to see who will come out victorious between Jun and Hu.
The Queen must come to terms with Lee Gyeom after Hu's continuing blunders make the news. Sun Ui takes time to reflect on the trouble Hu causes her while the Disciplinary Committee meets about her job.
To make amends to the Queen, Hu tries a change by doing well at his training. Hu comes to a realization about secret information that concerns not only the royal family but relationships with people he used to know.
The Queen requests Se Ryeong help Hu while he continues his learning. Sun Ui makes an entrance at Se Reyong's event that causes both Hu and Jun to pay attention.
Hu continues his training but there are growing problems emerging with Court Lady Han and his relationship with Sun Ui. An upset Se Ryeong finds herself altering her attitude about Hu.
Anti-government forces cause problems at an event and people begin seeing Hu differently after his protection of the Queen. Hu aids Se Ryeong in seeing her life from a different perspective.
Sun Ui takes what Jun is telling her more seriously as she requests Hu leave after a visit. Sure of Sun Ui's innocence, Jun and Hu work to prove their beliefs.
After a talk with Hu, Jun considers the path he must take as Se Ryeong becomes upset. The Queen tells everyone that her decision on the heir to the throne will be revealed at the celebration.
The Queen devises a series of tests for Hu and Jun to chose who will be given the title of Crown Prince. A piece of art is the first test as Hu gets the artist to participate.
Hidden information concerning rings and Grand Princes Hyo Jang comes out during the first test. Sun Ui shows concern when Jun's mother will not give him Hu's rings and attempts to change her mind.
Hu finds Sun Ui as the test continues into the next day and offers help with her pursuits. The Queen faces dangers from an unknown group but Hu's assistance causes an injured arm.
Sun Ui comes back to attend the academy which upsets Se Ryeong. The Queen must take an unexpected trip but she requests that the tests continue without her.
Hu leaves the palace after learning some new information and goes to find his mother. Sun Ui searches for Hu but Se Ryeong is deeply heartbroken to see them embrace.
An investigation into the theft of the Queen's letters becomes the fifth test. Both Hu and Jun find information on the thief but they do not present the same person for the crime.
Hu is set up by the Queen to marry Se Ryeong even though he continues to have feelings for Sun Ui. Sang Gi learns where information is located and goes to talk to Jun in Seoul.
Jun wins the final test focusing on virtue but this causes intense problems with Lee Gyeom. Abdication surfaces as a suggestion for the Queen after details comes to light involving Alex.
Hu gets ready to start a new chapter of his life and gives Se Ryeong something he feels she needs most. An angry Jun seeks out Hu with the goal of exposing information that refers to his mother.