Even the King wonders if Prince Ui Seong would be a more suitable candidate. Meanwhile, Hyo Rin discusses her career path with Shin. Yul confesses his feelings for Chae Gyeong, who is feeling miserable upon hearing that Hyo Rin and Shin had once promised to go abroad and study together. Shin's jealousy flares when he sees Chae Gyeong and Yul in an intimate position.

Watching her, Shin feels sorry and apologizes but she refuses to accept his apology. The two of them grow further apart. Meanwhile, Chae Gyeong hears rumors about her parents that claim that they are eliciting favors from the Palace. This makes Chae Gyeong want to leave the Palace for good, more and more. Seeing this, Shin allows her to spend a night with her parents. But the Queen finds out and reprimands Chae Gyeong yet again for not following Palace protocol and doing whatever she likes. Chae Gyeong is upset and runs back out of the Palace...

She meets her greatest crisis after becoming Crown Princess and wants to figure out a way to stop the rumors on her own. She refuses help from Shin and Yul. Shin becomes upset seeing Chae Gyeong worrying about how to fix her mistakes and orders the Myeongseong-dang to be repaired which only incurs the wrath of the King, Hwa Yeong and Yul. After seeing Shin isolate himself from the others, the Queen becomes concerned and calls him for a deep conversation. She speaks of her hopes for him. After seeing Hyo Rin working towards her dream of becoming a ballerina, he ponders over his dreams again and what he really wants. He realizes that Chae Gyeong is included in his future, as well as the Queen's wishes and resolutely steps out for a formal interview.

The Royal Family is enraged with Chae Gyeong's actions, which are not in line with the Palace laws. Seeing this, Shin is sad and angry at the same time. Because of the incident, the scandal of the Crown Princess blows up again and Hwa Yeong becomes anxious. She decides to use Chae Gyeong as the scapegoat to protect her son. Chae Gyeong begs the King to forgive her and Shin just ignores her tears and suffering. Shin's right to be Crown Prince is further brought under scrutiny as the King's trust in Prince Ui Seong grows. In an attempt to stand by Chae Gyeong in her suffering, Yul speaks up at a family meeting, revealing his feelings in front of everyone...

Shin insists that rules and regulations are the strengths that hold the Palace together. Even though their methods are different, the person they both want to protect is the same. Chae Gyeong feels bad watching the people she loves and cares for getting hurt, while truth and logic abandon her. Meanwhile, the King is worried about the behavior of Yul and the other Royal Family members. Shin confronts Hwa Yeong and warns her that if she does any more harm to Chae Gyeong, she is going to pay the price but she does not heed his warning as her ambitions continue to reach their climax.

He maintains his innocence but all the evidence point back at him. Only Chae Gyeong believes that he is innocent and she is saddened by his troubles. Shin, knowing that someone actually cares and loves him, does not feel lonely anymore and is able to face the challenge with composure. Yul senses that it was all part of his mother's plan and he tells her to stop whatever she is doing, but her greed knows no bounds. As more incidents happen one after another, the existence of the Palace is being questioned by the people. In order to quieten the media, the King suggests that the Crown Princess be sent away. Chae Gyeong decides it was her role as Crown Princess to act in the best interest of the Royal Family and agrees. Chae Gyeong wants to show Shin the world that she once lived in and takes him out. They enjoy a day way from the Palace like a normal, everyday couple and make fond memories together.

In the midst of all this turmoil, Chae Gyeong and Shin's feelings for each other grow even stronger and they support each other to get through the storm. Chae Gyeong studies and tries hard to become someone who is a good match for Shin but the two are more alike than they realize. The King says that, "Apart from the truth of the incident, the person worthy of the imperial throne is the one who receives the love and honor of the people." Hwa Yeong smiles in satisfaction and throws in her last card. The Queen sees that Chae Gyeong has slowly started to show the qualities of a Crown Princess and for the first time, they actually sit down for a talk. The Queen showers her with encouragement and kind words. With the warm concerns of her mother-in-law and token of love from her husband, Chae Gyeong feels a strong responsibility to protect her new family and once again, rises with a firm determination...