Episode 4 of "The Scandal of Chun-hwa" seamlessly continues from its preceding chapter, as Hwa-ri earnestly implores her father, the king, to mete out justice upon her aunt's husband for his treacherous deeds. Burdened by a tide of regret, the king confesses that, though long aware of his sister's plight, he had compelled her to endure her unfortunate marriage—a decision that now weighs heavily on his heart with sorrow. Through Choi Hwan, who delivers her aunt's possessions, Hwa-ri gains deeper insights into her aunt's struggles.
Elsewhere, the discord between the crown prince and the crown princess persists, leaving the air thick with tension. Seeking refuge from his turmoil, the crown prince visits his uncle, baring his soul and confessing his burgeoning self-doubt about his destiny as the heir to the throne.
Later that night, the specter of Hwa-ri's aunt's husband is glimpsed indulging in decadence at Choi Hwan's gisaeng house, where he coldly attempts to procure the virginity of a young girl. Sensing an opportunity for justice, Choi Hwan devises a wager: if the man loses, he must relinquish all his possessions. When Choi Hwan detects his opponent's deceit, he personally steps into the fray, ultimately vanquishing him and reducing him to poverty. He then escorts Hwa-ri to witness her aunt's husband's ruin, a sight that brings her a measure of cathartic satisfaction.
In a surprising twist, Choi Hwan takes Hwa-ri paragliding, the wind whooshing through their hair and the landscape stretching out below them. Following their exhilarating flight, he broaches the subject of a marriage of convenience, proposing that she wed him to secure her status while granting them both the liberty to pursue other lovers—as he himself does. However, Hwa-ri is deeply insulted by the proposition and storms away in a huff.
Meanwhile, Ji-won and her husband remain the sole beacon of genuine happiness within the palace walls. Hoping to aid Hwa-jin, Hwa-ri orchestrates a meeting between Jang-won and Hwa-jin during a dress fitting, secretly observing whether sparks fly between them. Choi Hwan's unexpected presence at the gathering only heightens the tension in the air.
The episode culminates in a dramatic moment, as a cascade of books teeters precariously on a high shelf, threatening to plummet onto Hwa-ri. Without hesitation, both Choi Hwan and Jang-won spring into action to rescue her, their instincts to protect her overshadowing their differences in that fleeting instant.
