"the Queen's Umbrella" Episode #1.7(2022) -

The central political conflict of the episode revolves around taekhyeon , a process of selecting the most worthy successor rather than simply the firstborn.

: While initially wary, the Queen eventually supports the King's decision to hold an open contest. She challenges her own sons, the Grand Princes, to take their brother's place and prove their worth. "The Queen's Umbrella" Episode #1.7(2022)

In the high-stakes historical drama Under the Queen's Umbrella (2022), Episode 7 marks a critical turning point where the mourning for the late Crown Prince shifts into a fierce, open battle for succession. This episode masterfully balances the intense political maneuvering of the Joseon court with the protective maternal instincts of Queen Im Hwa-ryeong (played by Kim Hye-soo). Protecting the Vulnerable The central political conflict of the episode revolves

: King Lee Ho (Choi Won-young) declares that he will have the final say in the matter, ensuring the process is about merit rather than the influence of court officials like the Chief Councilor. In the high-stakes historical drama Under the Queen's

: The episode concludes with the candidates being spirited away to a forest for their first test—a physical race to a finish line. This "competitive dash" sets the stage for the high-octane episodes to follow. Shifting Alliances and Guest Appearances

Following the tragic death of the Crown Prince, the safety of his widow, the Crown Princess, and her children becomes the Queen’s primary concern. The episode begins with the Queen discovering a terrifying assassination attempt: a nursemaid had been pricking the young Grand Heir’s thighs with a needle, part of a larger poisoning plot. When the maid chooses death over revealing her masters, Hwa-ryeong realizes the palace is no longer safe for her grandchildren. In a clever strategic move, she fakes their exile while actually smuggling them to a secure, hidden location, promising their eventual return to power. The Taekhyeon Contest