Under the Queen's Umbrella

As Prince Seongnam is shown horse riding, Grand Prince Gyeseong arrives calmly at the back of the line for his lessons at Jonghak (described as an educational ...

Forced to face Dowager Cho at the bedside of the ailing Crown Prince, she talks with the elder about hyeolheogwol, the death it could cause, and the lack of competency any of the Grand Princes possess should a new heir to the throne be needed. “From one desperate mother to another, do you not have any words of advice for me?” is the question posed that finally opens the gate for Yoon to consider sharing the secret of what happened between her and Cho. Wanting an urgent answer to her questions, the Queen is desperate, even when told she can face a treason charge just for being seen with the former royal. Meanwhile, the Queen Dowager sits comfortably in reflection, wanting Consort Hwang to be interested in putting her son up for the role of cohort. Once the Grand Princes are spared of enduring their full punishment, Hwa-ryeong goes back to the Crown Prince, holding his hand as he remains in her house. For now though, the Crown Prince’s health status is to remain a secret. In the midst of tending to the ailing Crown Prince, the Queen receives a request to meet with Cho in her quarters. As Prince Seongnam is shown horse riding, Grand Prince Gyeseong arrives calmly at the back of the line for his lessons at Jonghak (described as an educational institute for princes and those of royal descent), and Prince Uiseong is carried to the school alongside First Junior Consort Hwang. Later on, the Queen Dowager asks Consort Hwang to have tea with her, before warning Hwa-ryeong about the Grand Princes, who she “detests” due to the worry they bring to the King, and because they are failing to set the right example. Meanwhile, an infuriated Queen Dowager scolds the Grand Princes over what they did to Uiseong, going as far as to force them all to kneel for an extended period of time despite the harsh weather conditions. [Kim Hye-soo)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Hye-soo) interrupt some romance, we witness Queen Dowager Cho (played by [Chaerin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_Bullet#Current_members)) receive a visit from the Crown Prince and Princess. Seemingly centred around the drama of those who may or may not be able to ascend to the throne in the event of the Crown Prince dying, it’s a show with plenty of stakes, and this character-driven first instalment did a good job of raising them while introducing us to the various personalities of the palace.