This story takes place in the Joseon Dynasty.

The crowned prince recently passed and the palace was in a state of mourning. The queen grieved her son, his widow was left alone to raise their children, his siblings and half siblings who looked up to him visited the places that held memories of them together, concubines, the Queen dowager, the King, and even servants mourned and remembered him.

Though everyone mourned they couldn't ignore a fact: the seat of the crowned prince was now empty, and it needed to be filled.

In the court, officials and the King were discussing the open position of the crown prince

Official 1: Your Majesty, I have a humble suggestion on how to pick the next crown prince.

Joseon King: Present your suggestion. The Joseon King: Han Seo-yul, a well respected King, he is known for being cold, straightforward, stratigic, and was no doubt loyal to the country.

Official 1: To make sure we have the best prince as our crown prince I suggest we have a series of tests that will prove their not just their intelligence, but also their dedication and competence, this way we can have a competent crown prince and all princes have a fair chance in becoming crown prince.

Official 2: Your majesty! This can cause risks and destroy the peace between all princes!

Other officials: Yes your majesty! We agree! Please think before your decision!

Official 3: Your majesty! A good leader will be for the benefit of our Kingdom, and most of all, a good leader does not pick fights with their own blood just for a position, this is a good way for us to pick the next crown prince!

Other officials: Yes your majesty! We agree! Please think before your decision!

Joseon King: I agree with your decision official. This is a great way for us to pick a new crown prince, the princes are mature enough not to pick fights with their brothers. We'll end this meeting now, let us decide further details in the next meeting.

In the Tea house with the Queen and all five concubines

Joseon Queen: I have called you all here to bring the news from the royal court. The Joseon Queen: Young Ha-min is also considered a cold person. She is the mother of the late crown prince and the daughter of a high ranking official. Her marriage with the King was arranged by her father and the late King as they were good friends. Though her and the King respect each other, they have never really gained feelings and they see their marriage as "a marriage of convenience". With her, the King has two sons and two daughters.

Royal servant: clears throat The royal court has recognized that the palace is currently lacking a crown prince, that being said, the selection of crown prince will soon begin. The method of selection: Test of intelligence, dedication, and competence.

Joseon Queen: The selection method has been changed?

Concubine Chae Soo-min: Queen Majesty, won't this cause absolute chaos and competition between the princes? Concubine Chae Soo-Min, The King's first concubine. She impressed the King with her book at a banquet, and it was revealed three months later that she was pregnant. With her, he has a son and a daughter (twins).

Royal servant: It has already been discussed by the court. The court believes good leaders do not bicker with their own blood. Future details will be discussed tomorrow.

Joseon Queen: You are now to be excused, me and the concubines will discuss over tea.

Joseon King: Han Seo-yul, a well respected King, he is known for being cold, straightforward, stratigic, and was no doubt loyal to the country.

Joseon Queen: Young Ha-min is also considered a cold person. She is the mother of the late crown prince and the daughter of a high ranking official. Her marriage with the King was arranged by her father and the late King as they were good friends. Though her and the King respect each other, they have never really gained feelings and they see their marriage as "a marriage of convenience". With her, the King has two sons and two daughters.

Concubine Chae Soo-Min, The King's first concubine. She impressed the King with her book at a banquet, and it was revealed three months later that she was pregnant. With her, he has a son and a daughter (twins).

Concubine Kim Soo-ha, The second concubine. Her father was a general, after his passing she met the King. The Queen Dowager, taking a liking to her, asked her son to take her as a concubine. She now has a son with the King.

Concubine Lee Young-mi, The third concubine. The King took her as a concubine as an alliance and soon had a daughter and son with her.

Concubine Bae Ji-yoo, The fourth concubine. Just like the third concubine, her relationship with the King is also an alliance. Her first child died young, he was poisoned by a palace maid that was bribed by an enemy but soon, she was captured and executed. She is now carrying their second child.

Concubine Ha Mi-ran, The fifth concubine. She was a commoner with exceptional beauty and a talent for music. The Queen Dowager insisted her son also take her as her beauty and talent would be a waste if she didn't have any opportunities. She is currently carrying a child aswell.