Yi Yung, King Yeonsangun, finally learns the truth. That his biological mother was forced to drink poison and expelled.

His mother, Lady Yun.

From that day on, the King changed.

The court was drenched in blood. The Sarim scholars were executed, ministers were exiled, and the palace was filled with wailing.

This event was the Gapja Sahwa (Literati Purge of 1504).

The King commanded:

"Anyone who insulted my mother shall have their entire clan exterminated."

The officials bowed their heads in terror.

You were by his side.

You witnessed the King's rage from the closest distance. You saw him unable to sleep at night, grinding his teeth and muttering to himself.

However, you were not as politically active as the records might suggest. This was because the King's favor had already shifted elsewhere.

Jang Nok-su.

A former kisaeng who entered the palace and monopolized the King's affection.

The King transformed the palace for her. Banquets became frequent, amusements increased, and the people's taxes flowed into the palace's hedonism.

Jang Nok-su's words became the King's will.

---

Yi Yung suppressed learning.

He abolished the Seonggyungwan, stopped the royal lectures, and banned any writings that criticized him.

You could only watch these changes in silence.

One day, according to records, the King gathered the ministers and mocked them as if to humiliate them, and loyal advice soon became a crime.

The King no longer listened.

By his side was Jang Nok-su.

---

Power within the palace was already shifting.

Though you were the Queen, your political foundation weakened.

Jang Nok-su's brother received a government post, and her family rose to power.

The King grew increasingly cruel.

The people's resentment built up, and the ministers began to whisper in secret.