In the fifth installment of the gripping historical drama "The Tale of Lady Ok," the story unfolds against the somber backdrop of Magistrate Seung's death, his chronic illness claiming him at a time when his wisdom and justice were most needed. Yuhyangso, or Mother's Sanctuary, celebrates his demise, reveling in the transfer of his assets to the treacherous Lee and Kim, including the slaves, while Tae-young, our resilient protagonist, returns to the Oks' home, her resolve unbroken.
The episode begins with Seung-hwi, who learns of the recent developments and visits Tae-young, offering comfort and a reminder of her strength. In a moment of introspection, Tae-young blames herself for the deaths of those who tried to protect her, but Seung-hwi corrects her, asserting that she is no longer Gu-deok but Tae-young, a woman who seeks justice. This conversation sets the tone for the episode, as Tae-young agrees to continue her quest for justice.
Seung-hwi also reveals that Man-seok sent him to kidnap Tae-young, not to harm her, but to protect her. This revelation amuses Tae-young, who sees the irony in her situation, but she is touched by Seung-hwi's offer to support her if she chooses to run away. However, she is called away by Do-gyeom, who plans to leave to avoid being a burden. Tae-young convinces him to stay, proposing that they work together to restore the family's honor, a plan that moves Seung-hwi.
Emboldened by her new alliance, Tae-young takes her fight to the provincial governor, informing him of the enslaved children in Mt. Unbong. She questions how Minister Bak knew of the Devoted Hearts Association's supposed treason, but the governor is unable to help without concrete evidence. This interaction piques the governor's interest, leading him to question Lee, who evades the inquiry and informs Minister Bak of the situation.
Meanwhile, Madam Hong, with her bitter nature, advises Madam Kim to sell Mak-sim to prevent her from seeking revenge. Tae-young, alerted by the slaves, pleads with Scholar Lee to sell Mak-sim to her, enduring humiliation as she kneels all night in front of his house. Madam Kim, troubled by the situation, eventually relents and sends Mak-sim to the Oks.
In a dramatic turn of events, Madam Kim discovers the truth about the gold mining operation and confronts Lee and Hong. They persuade her to turn a blind eye for the sake of her son's future, but she cannot bear the guilt and leaves a suicide note, taking responsibility for her family's crimes. While Lee searches for her, Hong spreads a rumor that Madam Kim has eloped with another man.
Seung-hwi continues to be a constant presence around the Oks, and one day, Do-gyeom mistakes him for Yun-gyeom and berates him. Seung-hwi convinces Do-gyeom of his identity and learns of Do-gyeom's anger towards his brother for abandoning them. At the school, Do-gyeom befriends Woong, a younger son of Mother's Sanctuary, who overhears Hong and Lee's scheme to distract Magistrate Seung with the Devoted Hearts Association, despite the lack of evidence.
Armed with this information, Tae-young visits Magistrate Seung's imprisoned right-hand man, who reveals Lee's role in killing Hae-gang to silence him. Tae-young decides to take matters into her own hands and head to the mountain, with Seung-hwi insistent on accompanying her.
Their journey is fraught with danger and discovery. They first visit Hae-gang, who is alive but in a coma, cared for by a monk who knew Magistrate Seung. As they enter the mountain, they bicker and bond, with Tae-young teaching Seung-hwi sword fighting, while he struggles with the idea of harming others.
Their pursuit leads them to the bottle-brush plant, known to store gold, and they deduce that Minister Bak, heading the mining department, is likely using the enslaved children to mine gold. However, their descent is cut short by the slavers, who chase them to the edge of a hill. Seung-hwi and Tae-young leap into the river below, with Tae-young nearly drowning before Seung-hwi rescues her.
In the episode's climax, Tae-young reveals her inability to swim and, in a moment of vulnerability, admits her greed before passing out. Seung-hwi, believing she is dying, promises to join her, only to find themselves surrounded by a group of men. He prepares for a fight, the future hanging in the balance.
"The Tale of Lady Ok" continues to captivate audiences with its intricate plot and powerful performances, as Tae-young's journey for justice leads her through treacherous mountains and deeper into the heart of corruption. Episode 5, "Finding the Traces," is a testament to the show's ability to blend historical drama with a compelling narrative of resilience and the pursuit of truth.