Series Opens: Fake Scandal
The present-day story begins with a fake scandal involving Seong Hui Ju that draws unwanted public attention. The fallout from this incident becomes the spark that leads directly to her proposal of a contract marriage to Grand Prince Yi An.
Hui Ju Proposes the Contract Marriage
Involved: Hui Ju — Initiator · Yi An — Participant
Seong Hui Ju turns the fake scandal into an opportunity by proposing a contract marriage to Grand Prince Yi An, offering herself the royal legitimacy she has always lacked. Yi An agrees, setting the entire series' central plot into motion.
Involved: Hui Ju — Initiator · Yi An — Participant
Choi Jin Suk Begins Royal Etiquette Training
Involved: Court Lady Choi — Instructor · Hui Ju — Participant
Court Lady Choi Jin Suk arrives to begin training Seong Hui Ju in royal etiquette and protocol ahead of her marriage. The training formally marks Hui Ju's entry into the scrutinized world of royal expectations.
Involved: Court Lady Choi — Instructor · Hui Ju — Participant
Royal Academy Years
Seong Hui Ju, Grand Prince Yi An, Min Jeong U, and Yun I Rang all attend the Royal Academy together as young people. During this time, Yun I Rang develops feelings for Yi An despite being engaged to his elder brother, and Min Jeong U forms a quiet, lasting attachment to Hui Ju. These formative years plant the seeds for the rivalries, alliances, and unresolved feelings that shape the present-day story.
Yun I Rang Marries King I Hwan
Despite her feelings for Yi An during their Royal Academy years, Yun I Rang ultimately marries his elder brother, then-Crown Prince I Hwan. The decision turns her relationship with Yi An into one of lasting tension and sets up her eventual role as Queen Dowager and mother to the future king.
Death of King I Hwan
King I Hwan dies, leaving his young son I Yun as the only heir to the throne. This unexpected death places Grand Prince Yi An into the position of regent, forcing him to choose between supporting his nephew's claim and his own long-hidden ambitions.
Yi An Becomes Regent
Three years after his brother's death, Grand Prince Yi An formally becomes regent for his young nephew, King I Yun. The role leaves him with the appearance of power but little real autonomy, setting up the frustrations that define his character at the start of the series.
Queen Dowager Moves to Neutralize Yi An
Involved: I Rang — Initiator · Hui Ju — Target · Yi An — Participant
Queen Dowager Yun I Rang pushes for a controlled marriage to manage Grand Prince Yi An's growing popularity, seeing him as a threat to her son's throne. When Hui Ju proves not to be the compliant match she expected, the two women's opposition intensifies.
Involved: I Rang — Initiator · Hui Ju — Target · Yi An — Participant