An art history lecturer, unfairly disgraced for refusing to certify a suspicious painting, endeavors to set the record straight by exploring the mystery of a 16th-century artist using a diary that may lead her to the genuine painting.
With a full-time professorship in sight, Seo Ji-yoon, a lecturer in Korean art history, gets swept up in a scandal surrounding a monumental painting.
Ji-yoon shows what she brought back from Bologna to her friend Hye-jeong, a conservation scientist, who tells her that restoration will take a while.
Lee Gyeom visits Saimdang's parents to seek permission for marriage. King Jungjong sets out to see for himself the woman who won Gyeom's heart.
Back at the temple, Saimdang witnesses a scene she shouldn't have seen. On the run, she gets hurt, and her belongings land in the hands of another.
After sending back the presents from Gyeom, Saimdang sets out for her new home in Hanyang, but an unpleasant surprise awaits her.
The truth behind Saimdang's words hurts Lord Uiseong. However, inspired by watching Saimdang and her children interact, he picks up his brush again.
In Hanyang, paths cross for Saimdang, Lord Uiseong, Min Chi-hyeong and Hwieumdang. In the present, Professor Min's underlings are on Ji-yoon's tail.
Hwieumdang scolds Hyeon-ryong for being on the school grounds again. Lord Uiseong hears about Hyeon-ryong's situation and the Mothers Association.
To support her family, Saimdang decides to make paper, but it's easier said than done. Hwieumdang suggests a mother-son illustrated poetry contest.
Saimdang gets worried when Hyeon-ryong doesn't come home late into the night. Lord Uiseong tries to find out what happened at Temple Unpyeong.
Risking retaliation from the vagabonds, Saimdang goes back to her paper workshop. Later, she tells the head of the group why she decided to come back.
Lord Uiseong's Great Aunt warns him not to dig up the past lest he endanger his and Saimdang's lives. Saimdang needs a sample of true Goryeo paper.
Hwieumdang calls for an emergency meeting that Saimdang must attend. Meanwhile, Lord Uiseong suggests a hunting outing for the king and the council.
The king declares a contest to find the best papermaker in Joseon. Lord Uiseong gets authority to investigate the corruption behind the Goryeo paper.
Soon after they arrive at the site of Temple Unpyeong, Saimdang and Pal-bong are pursued by Hwieumdang's men.
King Jungjong decides on the proper punishment for Min Chi-hyeong. Meanwhile, the deadline to find the true Goryeo paper is fast approaching.
For King Jungjong, nothing else matters except finding the real Goryeo paper. Saimdang presses on to decipher the poem from the painting.
Ji-yoon tries to get Director Sun's help in ensuring the safety of "Mount Kumgang," but Director Sun wants to avoid getting more bad publicity.
In the present, Ji-yoon gets an alarming call about her husband. In the past, Lord Uiseong hears of the Yangryu Paper Mill from the villagers he helps.
Saimdang is becoming a prominent figure in the city for her wisdom, benevolence and artistic skills, but trouble brews at home.
The princess is reported missing. King Jungjong is furious that the crown prince is spending time outside the palace walls with Lord Uiseong.
The crown prince commissions Lord Uiseong to paint King Jungjong's portrait. Lord Uiseong wishes to recruit new painters for the important project.
The Confucian scholars protest against Saimdang, and the king plots to use this to his advantage. Min Chi-hyeong is hell-bent on reclaiming his power.
Lord Uiseong is shocked to learn what King Jungjong ordered Min Chi-hyeong to do. Meanwhile, Hwieumdang has a tearful request for Saimdang.
While visiting a museum to collect her thoughts, Ji-yoon discovers a note card with a curious portrait that's left behind by a mysterious man.
With the help of Rade, Ji-yoon and her friends are devising a plan to secure "Mount Kumgang" again when a surprise visitor drops by their hideout.
Despairing Saimdang asks Ji-yoon what happened to Lord Uiseong. Piecing the clues together, Ji-yoon provides Saimdang with a way to save Lord Uiseong.
Director Sun publicly reveals her intentions regarding "Mount Kumgang." Saimdang spends her time with those who matter to her the most.
