The death of Hong In-bang and Gil Tae-mi may have reduced the corruption in the kingdom. However, the situation only got more complicated as something worse is brewing.
The long-exiled Jung Do-jeon plans to start a revolution instead of reestablishing the kingdom, as posted on dramabeans. In the new Joseon Cave, Jung Do-jeon says about how minister Hong was right about the sadaebu, who constantly doubt and try to win over each other out of their fear of being stripped of power.
He thought of making a system out of the sadaebu's way of thinking: doubting and being jealous of each other so that there shall be no corruption in the government.
Meanwhile, the motion to punish Lee In-gyeom for his crimes failed in the dodang although Lee Seong-gye wants to punishment to happen swiftly. However, General Choi said there is another matter to be considered greatly: their relationship with Ming. Jung Mong-joo and his sons agreed to swiftly execute Lee In-gyeom but Jung Do-jeon disagreed with the method.
Jung wanted Lee Seong-gye to ease up on pressuring General Choi and just let Lee In-gyeom to be exiled. Lee Seong-gye disagrees with Jung's suggestion of absorbing party members which deeply offends him.
Jung proposed that if Lee Seong-gye would absorb them then they can aim for General Choi. Jung said the country they plan to create is one where General Choi does not exist. Furthermore, he said that the core of Joseon will be the land reform because nothing will change if the citizens do not own their lands of which General Choi owns a lot. Lee Seong-gye dismissed him, but he listened to his plans on the later part when he was convinced by his son, Lee Bang-won, to talk to Jong.
While in prison, Jukryong received another order with the red seal and demanded to see General Choi to tell him some important information in exchange for his freedom. However, what General Choi found in Jukryong's ledger made him furious and he then called for Lee Seong-gye.
Choi offered Lee Seong-gye a deal to abandon Jong and he, too, shall abandon Lee In-gyeom. Lee Seong-gye told Choi to observe Jong and maybe then he can have a better opinion and Choi took it as a no.
It would cause a great trouble but not if Jung acts swiftly.
