Episode 10 of "The Tale of Lady Ok" unfolds with an unexpected revelation: Man-seok lets slip that Do-gyeom and Dokki are privy to a hidden scheme, which Mak-sim inadvertently catches, spilling the beans. With the secret now out, everyone converges indoors, where Tae-young insists on hearing the entire saga, recounted through vivid flashbacks.
It transpires that the genuine Yun-gyeom is indeed present at the construction site. Stunned by the revelations concerning his father and wife, he asserts that he has traversed too far a path to halt his course now. He entrusts his ID tag to Do-gyeom, declaring himself deceased.
As they make their way back, a disheartened Do-gyeom encounters Seung-hwi once more. Dokki suddenly dawns on the possibility that Seung-hwi could pose as Yun-gyeom. Man-seok warns that both he and Seung-hwi face execution if they defy the royal Qing performance order. However, Seung-hwi resolutely decides to take his own life, confessing that his motivation stems from his love for Tae-young. Despite Man-seok and Do-gyeom's attempts to halt him, Seung-hwi acquires Yun-gyeom's tattoo, thereby sealing his fate.
Presently, Tae-young concludes that this deception will destroy the Seung family's reputation and resolves to depart. Do-gyeom steadfastly maintains that Seung-hwi is his brother due to his kindness and selflessness. He also apologizes for deceiving her and implores her not to leave.
Subsequently, Seung-hwi endeavors to sway her decision, reminding her that her life as Tae-young is her cherished dream. Yet, she is reluctant to see him ensnared as Yun-gyeom and forced to abandon his aspiration of becoming an artist. Her expression darkens as she still believes that being a lawyer was the authentic Tae-young's dream, not hers. Meanwhile, outdoors, Man-seok and Mak-sim forge an unlikely bond, deciding to accompany Seung-hwi and Tae-young wherever their journey leads, much to Dokki's annoyance.
In the meantime, Mi-ryeong confronts her mother with unyielding resolve, shattering the jar of poison into shards. Kkeutdong, in a rush of panic, dashes back home to disclose her arrest for the murder of Madam Song. The revelation of Mi-ryeong's initial deceit to Do-gyeom and Seung-hwi stirs a storm of emotions, particularly distressing Do-gyeom who is convinced that Mi-ryeong's affections for him were never genuine.
Tae-young seeks audience with the Provincial Governor, who unveils a bombshell - an anonymous tip revealing Madam Song's hand in Dol-seok's murder and her subsequent charade to frame Yun-gyeom, thereby compelling Tae-young into a life of widowhood. Upon the Inspector's arrival to apprehend her, Madam Song was found dead, her neck tightly constricted, with Mi-ryeong standing beside her in shock.
Tae-young visits Mi-ryeong, prompting a heart-wrenching confession. A vivid flashback unfolds, depicting Madam Song's confession, fueled by envy towards Tae-young and Do-gyeom's unbreakable bond, while her own son lay dead, indirectly due to Tae-young. She further admits to orchestrating Magistrate Oh's massacre of Dol-seok and his mountain community. Mi-ryeong, pleading for redemption, earns Madam Song's reluctant concession. However, by the time Mi-ryeong returns with water, Madam Song's life has ebbed away.
A grief-stricken Tae-young publicly exposes Madam Song and Magistrate Oh, his threats sufficient to warrant his own arrest. Alongside Seung-hwi, he visits Song's abode, uncovering footprints at the backdoor and Madam Hong's ring, leading them straight to Hong. Tae-young confronts her, and Hong agrees to testify only if she is elevated to the position of chief lady at Mother's Sanctuary.
That fateful night, Seung-hwi offers solace to Do-gyeom, who berates himself for falling prey to Madam Song's machinations. Seung-hwi dismisses his self-blame as absurd, emphasizing that despite Mi-ryeong's motives, her heart undeniably beats for Do-gyeom.
The Provincial Governor presides over Mi-ryeong's trial, with Tae-young standing as her stalwart defender. As the proceedings unfold, they gain momentum in their favor, thanks to Hong's testimony. She reveals her visit to return the ring to Song, where she witnessed Slaver Ji. The footprints align with his shoes, and the scratches on his arms match the flesh found under Song's nails. Ji claims Magistrate Oh orchestrated the plot, leading to their arrest. Oh's handwriting also tallies with the anonymous tip meant to ensnare Song.
Mi-ryeong is liberated, and Do-gwang arrives to escort her home, offering heartfelt apologies for his tardiness. Their next strategy unfolds with the aim of uncovering the identity of Magistrate Oh's mysterious benefactor. Slaver Ji, however, serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences—the slaughter of his family—that await if he betrays Minister Bak. Despite this, Bak orchestrates Ji's release through his influential connections.
Ji dashes to Minister Bak, revealing that he is shielded by the formidable Chief Minister. The duo finds Tae-young's persistent interference in their schemes increasingly irritating, prompting Bak to execute Ji for his inability to eliminate her. Subsequently, Bak welcomes his new guests, Kim So-hye and her father, into his fold.
Tae-young is commended for her unwavering commitment to exposing corruption and upholding justice, yet this accolade is tinged with bittersweetness as she realizes her aspiration of becoming a lawyer has finally come to fruition. Unexpectedly, Seung-hwi whisks her away to the law firm, where she is overwhelmed by a sight that warms her heart: all her former clients have contributed to its rejuvenation as a token of their gratitude. Their profound thanks leave her in a state of emotional bliss.
As The Tale of Lady Ok Episode 10 draws to a close, Tae-young ponders whether she is permitted a moment of selfishness. Seung-hwi gently chastises her for being too harsh on herself, reminding her that he, too, is living his dream—portraying a character who marries his beloved. They concur to embrace their roles as Tae-young and Yun-gyeom, their smiles reflecting a shared sense of contentment and joy.
