Episode 8 of "Scandal of Chun-hwa" kicks off with the Crown Princess gracefully entreating Hwa-ri to unravel the tapestry of her stories. We delve into Hwa-ri's past, where she disclosed her heartfelt love letter—her maiden literary endeavor—to her beloved, her aunt, and eventually, to the Crown Princess herself. This candid revelation was the key that unlocked the Crown Princess's awareness of Hwa-ri's authorship behind the Chun-hwa narratives.
The following dawn, Hwa-ri crosses paths with Choi Hwan and leads him to the wooden abode bestowed by her father, a sanctuary once filled with painting sessions alongside Painter Kim. She confides in Choi Hwan, revealing that her initial story was a love letter, the second a tribute to her late aunt, the third a cautionary tale aimed at Hwa-ing, and the fourth, an intimate chronicle of the Crown Princess. With a declarative spirit, Hwa-ri announces her intention to publish another tome, this time under her own name. In a tender moment, she bares her heart to Choi Hwan, proposing marriage, which he joyfully embraces, leading to a night intertwined in love.
Meanwhile, the King stumbles upon the narrative detailing the Crown Prince's affairs within "The Tale of Chun-hwa." He pays a visit to the Crown Prince, delivering a soft yet resolute message: to disprove the story's allegations.
Elsewhere, amidst a plea for assistance from Ji-won, the Crown Princess receives heart-wrenching news of her mother's critical condition. With her brother also deceased, she implores the Queen for permission to depart the palace and nurture her ailing mother. However, royal decrees tie the Queen's hands, rendering her helpless.
The narrative of Chun-hwa transcends boundaries, reaching Hee-ryeon's neighborhood, where she captivates her students with its recitation.
Within the confines of the tale, we witness the erosion of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess's love, victims of relentless public scrutiny. This relentless gaze eventually steering the Crown Prince towards Hee-ryeon. Upon reading the book, the Crown Prince hastily seeks out Hee-ryeon, who feigns obliviousness to its contents. Yet, he persists, extending an invitation for her to consider the palace as her new domain.
Within the grandeur of the palace, the Crown Princess summoned Hwa-ri and Ji-won to her private chambers, where she revealed her heartfelt desire to part ways with the Crown Prince. Ji-won, who had earlier enumerated reasons for the princess to consider divorce, including her inability to bear an heir, now conveyed this gravity-laden news to her husband. This revelation stirred discord between them, as he was deeply perturbed by Ji-won's involvement in his brother's marital split, fearing the repercussions on his own reputation.
Elsewhere, the King summoned the father of Jang-won and entrusted him with the task of investigating the mysterious author of Chun-hwa's love story, along with scrutinizing Choi Hwan's background. Jang-won eagerly embarked on this mission, and as he delved deeper, suspicion began to form in his mind, pointing towards Hwa-ri as the pen behind the tales. When he confronted Choi Hwan with his suspicions, the latter pretended blissful ignorance.
Meanwhile, Hee-ryeon, driven by a noble heart that could not tolerate her happiness being built upon another woman's misfortune, resolved to abandon the bustling capital. The Crown Prince, who learned of her departure only after it was too late, could only grieve over his lost love, helpless to prevent her exit.
Further down the palace corridors, the Crown Princess reached a poignant decision to bid farewell to the regal life that had never truly brought her joy.
