The episode picks up with a dramatic encounter where Wang So (the 4th Prince) saves Hae Soo from falling off a ridge while riding his horse. Instead of a romantic moment, he unceremoniously dumps her on the ground, leading to a fiery confrontation where Hae Soo demands an apology.
The episode opens with the aftermath of the ritual prayer for rain. In a desperate bid to end the drought and secure his position, the 8th Prince, Wang Wook (Kang Ha-neul), allows his ailing wife to be used as a vessel for the ritual—a move that results in her tragic death. This act casts a long shadow over the episode, highlighting the ruthlessness required to survive in the palace. It also creates a deep emotional rift, as rumors spread that the 4th Prince, Wang So (Lee Joon-gi), was responsible for the misfortune due to his "cursed" nature.
For Hae-soo, the innocence of her initial fascination with the handsome princes evaporates. Having overheard the truth about the 8th Prince’s sacrifice, she realizes that the people she is surrounded by are not just characters in a romance, but dangerous political players. Her panic attack following this realization is a standout moment for IU’s acting, showcasing the sheer terror of a modern woman realizing she is trapped in a timeline where human life is a bargaining chip.
In the second episode of , the high-stakes world of Goryeo begins to close in on our modern-day protagonist. This episode effectively shifts from the shock of time travel to the complex political and romantic webs of the imperial palace. Summary of Key Plot Points
A major narrative driver is the preparation for the Narye (a year-end ritual to drive out evil spirits). Crown Prince Wang Mu asks Wang So to take his place during the ceremony to draw out potential assassins, promising So that he can stay in the capital permanently if he succeeds.
Hae Soo’s new life in the Goryeo era begins not with a dream, but with a desperate, soaking wet scramble for survival. After emerging from the princes' royal bath, she is thrust into the home of Lady Hae, her cousin and the wife of the 8th Prince, Wang Wook. While the world around her is ancient and beautiful, Hae Soo is terrified. She is a woman from the 21st century trapped in the body of a girl who, by all accounts, has lost her memory.
