The second one, only depicted by short flash-backs, is about the unjust situation of the rank and file people[d], and the brutal suppression of anyone who dares to object.

Isolated inside the Huwon Garden[e], he has to stay away from the royal Court and finds comfort by writing hangul romance novels.

All the beard bearing red robes at court are infuriated that "so many noble ladies ran away to find the love of their life after reading Maehwa's books" [f].

In their frenzy to search and destroy every single copy of this book, the king and councilor Min Ik-pyeong go so far as ask for the recruitment of female historians, with the intent of planting spies in each chamber of the Royal Palace.

They write the conversations between the royals and their subjects in the everyday collection of sachaek 사책 which will be compiled into the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty.

The twelve historians become embroiled in disputes with the Court, asserting their right under law to record all conversations between the royal family and courtiers, and even go on strike against the king.

On the one hand, members of the court speculate on traditional remedies, and even attempt to kill the Prince by sending him to the infested provinces.

On the other hand, Dowon organizes the state answer, seizing and distributing food while applying the 牛痘種書, 瑛眼 (vaccination treaty, by Yeongan) that was provided by the mysterious Moh-wa.

Hae-ryung remembers being vaccinated by her father in the past and convinces the Prince to prove the method by being the first patient to be inocculated.

A forged letter of the King, allegedly saying "send more priests, and turn Joseon into a Catholic country" [i] served as "just cause" for a massacre.