Episode 7 of "The Scandal of Chun-hwa" kicks off with a nostalgic flashback, depicting the moment when the enigmatic first book was mysteriously left at the doorstep of the Gisaeng house. In the unfolding present, Choi Hwan crosses paths with Hwa-ri, who courageously unveils herself as the authentic pen behind "Chun-hwa’s Love Story." Intriguingly, Choi Hwan remains unperturbed; he had already discerned Hwa-ri's distinctive attire during his initial glimpse of her peering into her brother's chamber outside the Gisaeng residence.
Through this revelation, we uncover that Hwa-ri had honed her painting skills under the tutelage of Painter Kim, thus accounting for the uncanny similarity in their artistic styles. Meanwhile, Hwa-ing's uncle storms into Painter Kim's studio, wielding threats and demanding a public declaration to clear Hwa-ing's tarnished name—warning of dire consequences for Kim and his kin if he fails to comply.
On the fateful day of the royal consummation, while the crown princess waits patiently, the prince stealthily absconds to spend a clandestine night with Hee-ryeon. His absence is not overlooked; whispers of his escapade swiftly travel to his mother, who subsequently reprimands the prince's concubine for her failure to restrain him from seeking pleasures beyond the palace walls. However, the crown princess intervenes, assertively declaring that their worth transcends the fleeting affection and attentions of the crown prince.
Elsewhere, Choi Hwan resorts to bribery to secure a meeting with Painter Kim. Sensing the looming peril, Kim implores Choi Hwan to safeguard his family in case of any untoward incident.
Concurrently, Hwa-ri, determined and persistent, repeatedly attempts to convince Hwa-ing of Painter Kim's innocence, yet her efforts fall on deaf ears. The queen, informed of the prince's nocturnal escapades, confronts him, forcing him to confront the suffocating pressures of his royal status. Overwhelmed, the prince confides in her his frustration with the expectation to share his nights solely with the crown princess. The queen proposes a solution—officially bringing Hee-ryeong into the palace fold, thereby averting any disrespect towards the princess.
Finding herself at a dead-end, Hwa-ri turns to her brother, Hwa-seong, pleading with him to intervene and reason with Hwa-ing. Sadly, Hwa-ing remains inflexibly closed to any outside persuasion.
Meanwhile, the crown prince encounters Hee-ryeon and delicately broaches the possibility of her relocating to the palace. She, however, voices her hesitation, unenthusiastic about embracing a life shrouded in constraints. As the atmosphere grows increasingly tense, Hwa-ing and his uncle renew their threats against Painter Kim. Simultaneously, Hwa-ri seeks out Jang Won to elucidate the unfolding scenario. Through his father's connections, Jang Won alerts the king to the fact that Hwa-ing and his uncle are holding Painter Kim captive. In response, the king issues a command for Painter Kim to be escorted to the palace for interrogation. When pressed about the rationale behind publishing the books, the painter remains silent, unable to provide an answer. At this crucial juncture, word arrives of another installment of "Chun-hwa’s Love Story," undeniably proving Painter Kim's innocence.
A flashback unveils Choi Hwan as the mastermind behind the suggestion to publish another volume, aiming to clear Painter Kim's tarnished name. Choi Hwan's distributor proceeds to release the new book, this time weaving a narrative centered around the crown prince, Hee-ryeon, and the crown princess. The king summons Choi Hwan, insistently demanding to uncover the author's true identity, but Choi Hwan skillfully feigns ignorance. The episode concludes with Hwa-ri being summoned by the crown princess, who appears to be privy to Hwa-ri's authentic identity and desires her to narrate her own tale as well.
