Episode 7 of "The Tale of Lady Ok" kicks off with Man-seok and Tae-young delving into the enigmatic chill of Yun-gyeom as they embark on their journey to Incheon. Seung-hwi greets them warmly yet maintains a formal demeanor, mindful of her status as a married noblewoman. Man-seok confesses to have fabricated a tale about Seung-hwi having a family to alleviate any undue pressure on her. Despite her marital bonds, Seung-hwi's heart remains steadfastly attached to him, evident in her inspiration for the novel "The Officer and The Assistant."
Turning to the matter at hand, the victim, Seol-rang, an aspiring actor, had stolen a book and transformed it into an obscenity-laden spectacle. It was during one such performance that Seung-hwi, driven by passion, lashed out. Tae-young, enraged, confronts the Magistrate for denying Seung-hwi a fair trial, despite his status as Lord Song's heir. The Magistrate, quivering in fear, hastily summons Seol-rang for a hearing. Both artists are tasked with recounting the original story from memory. Seol-rang falters under scrutiny and faces punishment, while Seung-hwi is cleared of all charges.
Post the ordeal, Man-seok tries to persuade Tae-young to abandon the Seung family and live with them. Their conversation is abruptly halted by Seung-hwi, who is astounded to discover that Tae-young had brought Lord Song to authenticate his identity.
Back in Cheongsu County, Mak-sim eagerly awaits at the port each day, accompanied by Dokki. His curiosity piques when she expresses a hope that Tae-young never returns. Meanwhile, at the law firm, Kkeutdong witnesses the affectionate exchanges between Mi-ryeong and Do-gyeom. Unfortunately for all involved, Mi-ryeong conjures up another scheme – she enlists two neighbors to fabricate a case. As they unravel the mystery, she showcases her charming and astute side to the clueless Do-gyeom.
In Incheon, Seung-hwi maintains his formal demeanor while assisting Tae-young in selecting gifts. She persuades him to indulge her by treating her like Gu-deok for a day. He obligations and reveals that he once considered the name Yun-jo for her, symbolizing ascending heights and freedom.
The lantern festival in Cheongsu is in full bloom, with Do-gyeom and Mi-ryeong visiting together amidst the festive ambiance. Their mutual attraction is evident to all, yet Mi-ryeong plays the role of the elusive maiden with delicate finesse. She engineers another dramatic rescue, where she pretends to "save" Do-gyeom from a wagon's path, only to be hit herself in the process. His instant rush to her side speaks volumes of his concern.
That very night, Lord Song, attending Seung-hwi's colorful and emotionally charged performance on Tae-young's behalf, is captivated by the artistry. The after-party takes on a wild turn as news breaks of their selection for the Qing cultural delegation. Man-seok extends an invitation to Tae-young, inadvertently letting slip that Yun-gyeom might have deserted her. Seung-hwi, caught off guard, spots his father amidst the revelry. Lord Song, filled with regret, publicly acknowledges Seung-hwi once again as his heir.
Seung-hwi strives to maintain composure, yet Tae-young sees right through his efforts. He expresses his desire to marry her as Yun-jo, but she gently reminds him of the impossibility due to his neighbors' past as her enslavers. While he is willing to abandon everything for her, she refuses to accept such sacrifice. He shuns the thought of separate futures and drifts into slumber on her comforting lap. When he awakens in the morning, she's gone, her presence lingering in the pages of his book as she reads on her way back.
Mak-sim and Do-gyeom, thrilled by her departure yet hopeful for a union with Seung-hwi, laugh off her lightheartedness. She, however, finds greater amusement in the budding romance between Mi-ryeong and Do-gyeom. With their blessing, she sets a date for their wedding. Madam Kim's curiosity about Mi-ryeong's adoption peaks, but Madam Hong finds such inquiry tasteless for once.
Unbeknownst to them, this curiosity aligns with the Baeks' devious plan, as Mi-ryeong is none other than their estranged daughter. Madam Song harbors a vendetta against Tae-young, yet Mi-ryeong's genuine affection for Do-gyeom seems undeniable. On their wedding day, Mi-ryeong remains distant as Tae-young crafts matching bracelets for the couple. Madam Kim spots Madam Song among the guests, but the other ladies dismiss her claims as unfounded.
After the nuptials, Do-gyeom earnestly implores Tae-young to enlighten him about Yun-gyeom's whereabouts. Meanwhile, Mi-ryeong, eavesdropping discreetly, overhears Do-gyeom's vehement lamentations about Yun-gyeom's desertion. Her clandestine actions are abruptly interrupted by Mak-sim, who finds her presence peculiar.
Elsewhere, within the sacred confines of Mother's Sanctuary, whispers swirl around the Memorial Gate, bestowed upon a neighboring county following their callous coercion of a widow into taking her own life. This prestigious gate carries myriad perks, among them extra credit points that Madam Hong covets desperately for her academically uninclined son. Furthermore, she harbors aspirations of leading Mother's Sanctuary, amidst the disdainful glances cast upon her by the other women.
That fateful night, Madam Song, a woman whose world crumbled with the loss of her son and husband, now lives solely for revenge, seeks Madam Hong out. She pleads for assistance, promising in return the acquisition of the Memorial Gate for Madam Hong.
As The Tale of Lady Ok Episode 7 draws to a close, an ominous curse of childlessness is "uncovered" beneath Mi-ryeong's bedsheets, casting an even darker shadow over the proceedings. To compound the melancholy, news strikes like a bolt from the blue—Yun-gyeom is deceased. Tae-young, upon unveiling the corpse's face, is left utterly astonished, his eyes wide with disbelief and sorrow.
