Episode 6 unfolds with an intriguing revelation: Choi Hwan emerges as the purported author of "The Tale of Chun-hwa," casting a shadow of mystery over his identity. Elsewhere, Jang Won, unable to contain his conscience, unburdens Hwa-ing's story to his father, who, in a turn of events, exposes Jang Won's own misdeeds to the king. Despite the monarch's fury at the book's contents, he privately acknowledges its widespread appeal as a silent rebellion against injustice.
Simultaneously, soldiers descend upon the bookshop owner who dared to disseminate these forbidden tomes among the masses. It transpires that Hwa-ing's uncle orchestrates the arrests, resorting to brutal interrogation techniques to coerce the booksellers into revealing the author's identity. Yet, they steadfastly maintain their ignorance.
The following day, Jang Won seeks out Hwa-ri, only to be formally rejected by her. Far from being disheartened, this rejection fuels his determination to sit for the state examinations, inspired by a renewed commitment to combat injustice.
Elsewhere, Hwa-ri bids an emotional farewell to Hwa-jin, who has come to terms with her impending future. Concurrently, the crown prince's concubine is formally welcomed into the palace, while Crown Prince Lee Seung ventures out to spend precious moments with Hee-Ryeon.
At a gathering of women, Hwa-ri overhears whispers that the king is on a relentless hunt for Lee Mong-heon, the enigmatic author of "The Tale of Chun-hwa." Realizing that the Gisaeng house is involved in the sale of these banned books, she pays a visit to Choi Hwan. He confesses to her that he is merely the publisher, absolving himself of authorship. Promptly, he springs into action to secure the freedom of his imprisoned staff, who have been wrongfully detained by Hwa-ing's uncle.
Later, Choi Hwan is summoned to the king's grand court, where he firmly repeats his ignorance of the author's identity. He elucidates that the manuscripts have always arrived anonymously, with the mysterious author steadfastly declining any portion of the proceeds. Invoking a solemn vow once made by the king, Choi Hwan cleverly negotiates his liberty in return for the destruction of all remaining copies and the surrender of the book's earnings to the crown.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Lee Seung pays another visit to Hee-Ryeon, and she pours out her heart, confessing her deep love for him. He, in turn, echoes her sentiments, and they share an intimate night together.
The following day, the employees of the Gisaeng house are freed, and Hwa-ri hastens to visit them. Elsewhere, Hwa-ing's uncle, determined to uncover the author's identity, instructs his men to trail Choi Hwan discreetly.
While accepting illicit bribes, Hwa-ing observes striking similarities between the artwork in "The Tale of Chun-hwa" and the creations of the royal artist. Fuelled by suspicion, he promptly arrests the artist. Hwa-ri attempts to step in and intervene, but the royal artist, caught red-handed, does not refute the accusation.
Later, under the cloak of darkness, Choi Hwan receives a cryptic message from the elusive author, summoning him to a clandestine meeting. The episode culminates with Choi Hwan arriving at the designated spot, only to be astonished to discover that the true author is none other than Hwa-ri, cleverly disguised as a man.
