In the sixth episode of "The Tale of Lady Ok," the narrative unfolds with Tae-young waking up to find Dol-seok, amidst a group of runaway slaves who would become instrumental in her quest for justice. This encounter sets the stage for a dramatic turn of events as they unite to locate the mining cave, only to be met with an ambush by Slaver Ji and his men. Fortunately, Seung's right-hand man, secretly released by the provincial governor, arrives with his officers to capture the slavers and liberate the children, a pivotal moment that underscores the theme of liberation and the power of alliances.
On a cliff nearby, Tae-young's keen eyes spot Madam Kim, on the brink of despair, and she wastes no time in coming to her aid. Tae-young presents the enslaved children to Madam Kim, vowing that her husband will be held accountable for his actions. This revelation sends Madam Kim into a spiral of shock and confrontation with Madam Hong and Lee, who in turn, desperately seeks Minister Bak's intervention. However, Bak's feigned ignorance and his threat to Lee to keep silent about his involvement only serve to deepen the web of deceit and corruption.
Tae-young, though relieved by the initial outcome, is warned by Seung-hwi against using the law as a weapon for revenge. Instead, he urges her to seek justice, a reminder of her true purpose and the moral compass that guides her actions. Lee, in an attempt to mitigate his crimes, returns the gold to the palace and compensates the enslaved children. However, his silence on framing Seung enrages Tae-young, who swears to make him pay.
Hae-gang's awakening and his testimony at the public hearing add another layer to the story, as he tells the truth about the Devoted Hearts Association but feigns memory loss about his attacker, following Tae-young's advice. Lee's confession to illegal mining and enslavement of children leads to a proposed severe punishment, but Tae-young defends him, arguing for mercy based on the law's allowance for those who confess and repent. Her reasoning extends beyond the individual case, suggesting that without mercy, other citizens might be deterred from confessing to their crimes for fear of capital punishment.
The episode sees the slavers imprisoned, Hae-gang freed, Lee stripped of his title, and Seung's honor restored. However, the Seungs' assets remain with the Lees, setting the stage for further conflict. Lee, smarting from Tae-young's help, returns all of Seung's assets, a decision influenced by Magistrate Seung's philosophy that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law, including one's enemies.
The Seungs finally hold a proper funeral for Magistrate Seung, with Do-gyeom expressing his gratitude to Tae-young. As Tae-young and Seung-hwi part ways, the expectation of Yun-gyeom's return looms large. Seung-hwi's departure is bittersweet, marked by Tae-young's confession of love, a moment that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful.
Seven years later, Tae-young has expanded her law firm, yet Yun-gyeom has not returned. Do-gyeom's success in the state exam and his public display of affection towards Tae-young cause a stir, with proposals pouring in when Tae-young declares his readiness for marriage.
The introduction of Cha Mi-ryung brings a new dynamic to the story, as she crosses paths with Do-gyeom and becomes embroiled in a case of wrongful dismissal due to a supposed contagious illness. Tae-young's admiration for Mi-ryung's evidence collection and their joint visit to the sick villagers reveal a non-contagious rash, adding a layer of mystery to the case.
As Mi-ryung and Do-gyeom's paths continue to cross, Tae-young and Mak-sim, noticing the chemistry between them, send a proposal to the Chas. Meanwhile, Tae-young is consumed by thoughts of Seung-hwi and the enigmatic Yun-gyeom. Mi-ryung's independent resolution of the unlawful employer case and her offer to assist Tae-young's short-staffed firm lead to further entanglements, including a near-accident with a wagon, from which Do-gyeom saves her once again.
The episode concludes with a dramatic twist, as Seung-hwi, now seemingly married with a child and having not performed for two years, finds himself in Incheon prison after a violent outburst. Tae-young, accompanied by Do-gyeom, sets off to help Seung-hwi, only to encounter a man who appears to be Yun-gyeom. Her excitement turns to shock as he avoids her and boards a departing boat, leaving Tae-young and Man-seok stunned by his cold reaction, a cliffhanger that leaves viewers eager for the next chapter in this tale of justice, love, and the complexities of the human heart.