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

: 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

The episode also deepens the internal rivalries among the princes. Prince Bogeom, seeking a path to the throne, returns a "book of secrets" to the Queen Dowager (Kim Hae-sook), essentially asking for her mentorship to become the most worthy candidate. Under the Queen's Umbrella Season 1, Episode 7 Recap "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. : The episode concludes with the candidates being

: 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. Prince Bogeom, seeking a path to the throne,