In episode 13, viewers witnessed the return of Lee Kang (played by Kang Tae-oh) to his own body. The episode revealed that Kim Han-cheol (played by Jin Goo), the Left State Councilor, had secretly saved Queen Jang Jeong (played by Jang Hee-jin) from a death sentence orchestrated by the Grand Queen Dowager Han (played by Nam Gi-ae). Hidden away in the mountains, Queen Jang Jeong survived but lived in a delusional state, mistaking a pillow for her son.
As Lee Kang, inhabited by Park Dal-i (played by Kim Se-jeong), pursued the truth, he pleaded with King Lee Hee (played by Kim Nam-hee), saying, "The royal marriage cannot proceed. If Prince Lee Woon (played by Lee Shin-young) does not return, I will go myself. Please grant me the royal guards." King Lee Hee encouraged him, saying, "Let's trust Lee Woon. If he doesn't return by the time of the royal procession, I will take responsibility."
Lee Kang, still in Park Dal-i's body, set out with Prince Lee Woon to the secret hideout in the mountains. There, Lee Kang secured cooperation by delivering a letter from Kim Woo-hee to Cho Raeng-i Tal, a subordinate of Kim Han-cheol. Guided by Cho Raeng-i Tal, Prince Lee Woon entered Queen Jang Jeong's quarters, where he found his mother clutching a pillow, unable to recognize him. Overcome with emotion, Prince Lee Woon cried out, "These hands, eyes, and lips are all given by you, Mother," prompting Queen Jang Jeong to regain her senses and respond, "Is it really you, Lee Woon?" This touching reunion moved viewers to tears.
Lee Kang discovered a secret pact detailing Kim Han-cheol's treason hidden in Queen Jang Jeong's room. However, their joy was short-lived as they had to evade Kim Han-cheol's men who surrounded the hideout. Lee Kang and Prince Lee Woon decided to distract the pursuers by becoming decoys, allowing Queen Jang Jeong to escape first.
On the day of the fateful royal marriage, Park Dal-i, still in the palace, dipped her injured hand into a basin of water. Miraculously, Lee Kang, far away, also felt the water and blood on his hand, signaling the return of their souls to their rightful bodies. During the royal marriage, Lee Kang collapsed but awoke with a meaningful smile, declaring to King Lee Hee, "Your Majesty, capture the traitor Kim Han-cheol, who murdered the former king and queen consort in the year of Gyesa." This revelation shocked everyone present.
Meanwhile, Park Dal-i, back in her own body, found herself in immediate danger, kidnapped by Kim Han-cheol's men in an unfamiliar place. With Lee Kang's bold accusation and Park Dal-i's perilous situation, the tension in the drama reached its peak as it headed towards its final chapter.
Reporter: Lim Chae-ryeong, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr