Queen Dowager Cheonchu wishes her own son to become the next crown prince; Mokjong is not happy with how Kim Chi-yang, the Right Senior Executive and Queen Dowager are trying to take over his place.

Court Lady Choi threatens Prince Daeryangwon to take the food Queen Dawager has prepared for him; Prince Daeryangwon quickly runs away from the temple and hides himself in Mount Samgak.

Kang-jo, Northwest Temporary Government Officer, sets off for Gaegyeong with a crucial mission; deep within his thoughts, he grapples with the realization that Goryeo's very existence is at stake if the current state of ruling persists.

Caught in the crossfire between those gearing up for war and those working to prevent it, Wang-sun and Kang Gam-chan form the front line of those seeking to avert conflict.

The ministers struggle to dissuade the Khitan envoys as Prince Daeryangwon expected; he believes that Khitan is using the Palace Head Secretary's treason to justify the war.

The battle between Goryeo and Khitan begins in the middle of the night; the people of Goryeo shiver with fear; with 400,000 soldiers, Khitan attacks Heunghwajin for seven days straight.