Gwanghae, the illegitimate prince of Joseon, endures conflicts, threats and coup attempts for 16 years. He clashes with King Seonjo over power and love, using a physiognomist to aid his quest for the throne.
Episode 1King Seonjo, who as a youth was told by a face reader that he will be an unfit king, faces plague and starvation in his kingdom. Thieves break into the palace library searching for the book that will prove Seonjo does not have a 'King's Face.'
Episode 2
E2
Episode 2Gwanghae learns more about Yoon Hae's true identity. Seonjo unsettles the city by investigating his most loyal followers and accusing them of treason
Episode 3
E3
Episode 3When Ga Hee's father is arrested for treason, she turns her back to Gwanghae and decides to save her parents' life by becoming a concubine. King Seonjo's reliance on face reading overpowers his ability to judge objectively.
Episode 4
E4
Episode 4Kim Do Chi takes the lead over Daedong Society and changes Ga Hee's fate. Gwanghae leaves the palace and leads a low-profile life as a face reader in town.
Episode 5
E5
Episode 5Do Chi does not pass the exam as expected, and finds another powerful ally within the palace to help land him a government position. Gwanghae falls victim to Gwiin Kim's machinations in ensuring her son is named crown prince.
Episode 6
E6
Episode 6Gwanghae's investigations lead him right to Daedong Society and Ga Hee, but will he betray the woman he loves to secure his position in the palace?
Episode 7
E7
Episode 7King Seonjo will not give up on searching for Daedong Society, and puts a tail on Gwanghae to get more clues. Do Chi lands a position in court just as Kim Gong Ryang becomes more suspicious of him and Ga Hee.
Episode 8
E8
Episode 8Gwanghae makes a bet with Gong Ryang that could potentially turn the court upside down, and make Gwiin Kim's position even more precarious in court.
Episode 9
E9
Episode 9Gwanghae presents a plan for tax reform that has unexpected results, including putting the Queen Majesty in danger and threatening his romance with Ga Hee.
Episode 10
E10
Episode 10Gwanghae is restored to his status as prince, and it hardens his resolve to become the crown prince. But he must sacrifice his love and marry another woman who will help him politically.
Episode 11
E11
Episode 11Gwanghae survives his brother's attack with the help of Ga Hee, but it forever creates a divide between the two brothers. The Japanese who live in Seoul begin to act suspiciously, worrying Gwanghae and the king that war may be imminent.
Episode 12
E12
Episode 12The Japanese invasion has begun, and King Seonjo's actions at this time of crisis forces Daedong Society and Gwanghae to take action on the matter of succession.
Episode 13
E13
Episode 13Seonjo names Gwanghae the Crown Prince in time to leave him with the troubles of the advancing Japanese troops.
