As the ninth episode of Moon River unfolds, Yi Kang confesses his heartfelt emotions for Dal-i, setting the stage for a tender kiss between them. The next morning, Dal-i awakens from a harrowing nightmare, where the Crown Princess shares tea with the Queen who suddenly coughs up blood and collapses. Yet, her heart warms with joy upon seeing that Yi Kang had thoughtfully placed a small umbrella to shield her from the sun's rays.
During a gathering with the ministers, Han-chul proposes a Haegoe Rite as a cleansing ritual, citing the appearance of the Zhen bird in the previous episode as an ominous sign. Yi Kang endorses this suggestion, using it as a strategic means to postpone his wedding to Woo-hee.
Yi Kang and Je-woon delve into their next course of action, deciding to trace the origins of the liquor shop that led to the Zhen bird's presence. According to historical records, the shop once belonged to a person named Sun Gye-sim, but they must establish a connection between Gye-sim and Han-chul to solidify their case.
Je-woon presents Yi Kang with a thoughtful gift for Woo-hee, only to be met with rejection. Woo-hee is more eager to know Je-woon's plans for her father's downfall. Inspired by Je-woon's actions, Yi Kang decides to bestow a gift upon Dal-i as well, ordering 100 pairs of flower shoes and commissioning Cha Eun-woo to craft a ring.
Meanwhile, thrilled with her new umbrella, Dal-i sets out to create something for the prince in return. She prepares pumpkin porridge, resulting in minor cuts on her fingers. Despite the poor taste, Yi Kang devours it all and falls ill afterward. Dal-i pricks his finger to help him burp, and their blood mingles in the water, triggering another soul swap.
As the left minister unexpectedly summons Dal-i, Yi Kang (now in Dal-i's body) visits Han-chul, who attempts to frame Dal-i as the mastermind behind the Zhen bird incident. However, Yi Kang outwits him with ease and returns home, leaving Han-chul stunned by his unexpected deftness.
After contemplation, Dal-i uncovers the intricate connection between blood and water, enabling them to reclaim their original forms. Their understanding of the process has been illuminated. Meanwhile, Han-chul employs cruel tactics to coerce Jo Mi-geum into compliance, while also enlisting the assistance of Dal-i's neighbors from Boryeong. During a meeting with the prince, Han-chul declares that Mi-geum is at the root of the Zhen bird incident and vows to delve deeper into the matter.
That evening, Yi Kang leads Dal-i to a residence where he has arranged 100 pairs of flower shoes along a path adorned with petals, fulfilling a promise he had made to her. The path leads to a particularly exquisite pair of flower shoes, within which Dal-i discovers a ring. He proposes to her not as a prince but as a mortal man, and she accepts. They conduct a modest ceremony as he slides the ring onto her finger, and later, they spend the night entwined.
Elsewhere, the elderly Wolha observes the red flower of their destiny blooming with just a small white spot still present. He asserts that the flower will remain incomplete if they do not find each other. In the morning, Dal-i pays a visit to her parents and aunt. She speaks privately with her aunt, revealing her intention to marry the prince. She requests Hong-nan to escort her parents and flee to Qing, evading the left minister's clutches. However, Hong-non cannot abandon Dal-i to her fate. She sends a message to Eunwolgak, informing him that she is in Hanyang with Kang Yeon-wol.
