Episode 9 of "Dear Hongrang" kicks off with Yeol-guk harboring the misconception that Hong-rang has taken Jae-yi captive. Mu-jin, seizing the moment, claims possession of evidence that exposes Hong-rang's assumed identity. However, he barters this crucial information with a condition: his reinstatement as the guild's master, alongside Yeol-guk's disownment of him, paving the way for his marriage to Jae-yi. Reluctantly consenting, Yeol-guk tasks Mu-jin with capturing Hong-rang.
Suspecting her son's framing by Yeol-guk, Yeon-ui issues a directive to Yuk-son, ordering him to mobilize all her guards for a daring rescue mission—to liberate Hong-rang and eliminate Jae-yi and Mu-jin. Parallel to this, Kkot-nim orchestrates a plot, commanding Gyu-ha to exploit the ensuing chaos to track down Yeol-guk's key supporter. Furthermore, she connives with the Deputy Leader, instructing him to hinder Yeol-guk and Yeon-ui's forces, locate Hong-rang, and terminate Jae-yi. Upon hearing the final instruction, In-hoe's face betrays a flicker of anxiety.
As night descends, Hong-rang and Jae-yi find solace in a temporary camp. Hong-rang ponders if Jae-yi regrets their flight, but she assures him otherwise. He has illuminated the path of love for her, and she is convinced that she can weather any storm with him by her side. Their tranquil moment is abruptly shattered as Mu-jin, Yeon-ui's warriors, and Kkot-nim's assassins draw nearer. Fortunately, Jae-yi and Hong-rang narrowly escape, amid the confusion created as the three factions vie against each other.
Mu-jin revisits Jae-yi's farewell letter, where she expresses her newfound purpose with Hong-rang, hoping Mu-jin can discover his own path beyond the guild. He silently wishes he had told her that his heart desires not the guild but her. Secretly, he instructs his assistant to mislead Yeon-ui's men and the assassins, aiming to reach Jae-yi before they do.
The couple's fortunes took a dramatic downturn when Jae-yi, on a mission to procure supplies in a nearby town, was unexpectedly identified. Narrowly escaping capture, she was nonetheless poisoned, prompting Hong-rang to hide her in a secluded cave and nurture her back to health. Once she regained her strength, he cleverly distracted the pursuing troops and confronted his assassins, vowing to return and fulfill their mission once Jae-yi was safe. They acquiesced, and Hong-rang rushed back to her side.
However, upon his return, Jae-yi was missing, causing him to panic. Fortunately, she had gone searching for him and soon found him, bringing a sigh of relief to both. They then shared an intimate night together in the cave, though Hong-rang remained vigilant, keeping his back tattoo concealed at all times.
Meanwhile, Yeol-guk's frustration grew with each passing day of the fruitless search, prompting him to request military reinforcements from the Grand Prince. The prince, intent on punishing Yeol-guk for his audacity, found himself at a disadvantage due to a surprising revelation: Hong-rang's back tattoo was the Grand Prince's own yin-yang masterpiece.
In the tranquil woods, benevolent travelers guided Hong-rang and Jae-yi to an abandoned mountain house, where they settled into a serene and peaceful life. Jae-yi's playful nature was indulged by Hong-rang, and their bond deepened as they shared tender moments. One evening, Jae-yi wept for her lost brother, and Hong-rang reassured her that he would never leave her side. Their domestic bliss was captured in a heartwarming montage, including a scene where Hong-rang bought Jae-yi a hairpin from a passing peddler.
Yet, their peace was shattered when Mu-jin's aide discovered their hiding place. He forced the travelers to drug Jae-yi and attempted to abduct her, while Hong-rang struggled to fend off Mu-jin's men. Yeon-ui's forces soon joined the fray, turning the scene into a bloodbath as they sought to eliminate Jae-yi. Fortunately, the Grand Prince's royal guards arrived in full force and rescued the couple, taking them to the Sims.
At the climactic end of Dear Hongrang Episode 9, Yeol-guk demanded a confession from Hong-rang, but the latter only responded with a smirk. In retaliation, Yeol-guk tore Hong-rang's shirt, revealing his tattooed back to the horrified gaze of Yeon-ui and Jae-yi. Hong-rang, ashamed and humiliated, tried to cover himself up, believing that his torturous past had reduced him to something inhuman.
