Chapter 39 (40): Iseul – Summary and Analysis
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
After the coup, Iseul, Yul, and dozens of women flee through Mount Bugak in heavy rain. Yul carries an exhausted Suyeon on her back. They wait out the weather under a copse, and Yul gathers omija berries to revive the group. While resting, Iseul reads the transcription of Investigator Gu's report that Daehyun gave her, focusing on the circled words "Yongjam binyeo." She remembers a similar dragon‑engraved hairpin that Yul once tried to hide from her. Iseul confronts Yul, who reveals the hairpin was given to her by a jester who died the next day; Yul's father had also been a jester. Iseul mentally links the hairpin to Deposed Queen Yun and the Dead Garden case, suspecting that the jester Yeongho might be the son from that case.
The next morning, thick fog covers the landscape as they exit the forest. They learn that Grand Prince Jinseong has been declared the new king. On the road to Changui Gate, they pass dozens of fallen soldiers. Many women have scattered to their homes; only a few dozen remain with Yul. The women express despair over being seen as ruined; Yul gives them a rousing speech, declaring they are not tarnished but strong and worthy of a future.
Royal Guard Crow appears on horseback, revealing he has been following them since they left the palace. He explains that he overheard Yeongho boasting about the coup and came to help. Iseul questions Crow about his father, Wonsik. Crow confesses that on the night of the first murder, he read a bloody message on the victim's robe: "The king still smells of his mother's milk." He also hid a gold pouch belonging to Yeongho at the scene. Iseul realizes Yeongho is Nameless Flower and fears that Daehyun, who is searching for the king, will cross paths with the killer. She decides to warn the prince, leaving Suyeon in Yul's care. Crow (Gunwu) takes her on his horse, and they ride to Yongsan port. There, boatsmen say the king and the rebels have already gone, heading toward a forested cliff overlooking the Han River.
Key Events
- Iseul and the women travel through Mount Bugak in rain and shelter under trees.
- Yul gives omija berries to the group and comforts Suyeon.
- Iseul reads Daehyun's report and notices the Yongjam binyeo.
- Iseul confronts Yul about the hidden dragon hairpin; Yul explains its origin.
- Iseul mentally connects the hairpin to the Dead Garden case and suspects Yeongho.
- Next morning, they hear Grand Prince Jinseong is the new king.
- They pass through Changui Gate with many dead soldiers.
- Yul gives a speech empowering the women to see themselves as untainted.
- Crow appears and reveals he followed them; explains his shame and choice to help.
- Crow confesses about the original bloody message and the gold pouch he hid.
- Iseul realizes Yeongho is Nameless Flower.
- Iseul decides to leave Suyeon and ride with Crow to warn Daehyun.
- At Yongsan port, boatsmen indicate the king and rebels went toward a cliff.
Character Development
- Iseul: Shows relentless determination to uncover the truth even while fleeing for her life. She chooses to prioritize Daehyun's safety over staying with her sister, demonstrating her growing courage and sense of responsibility.
- Yul: Reveals her hidden past and the painful secret of the hairpin. Her leadership and her speech to the women highlight her strength and compassion.
- Crow (Gunwu): Provides crucial evidence that cracks the case. By confessing his earlier complicity and his shame, he begins a path toward redemption.
- Yeongho (off‑stage): Is definitively identified as Nameless Flower, connecting the Dead Garden case, the coup, and the murders.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- The power of truth: Iseul pieces together clues despite exhaustion, refusing to ignore coincidences as Wonsik taught her.
- Shame and redemption: The women struggle against societal condemnation; Crow seeks to atone for betraying his sister.
- Female solidarity: Yul's speech and the group's mutual support underscore the theme of women finding strength together.
- The hairpin as a symbol: The yongjam binyeo acts as a physical link between generations, the palace, and the killer.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a major turning point. Yeongho is exposed as Nameless Flower, bringing together the Dead Garden case and the coup. The hairpin provides the crucial connection, and Crow's confession supplies the missing evidence. Iseul's decision to race to Yongsan sets up the climactic confrontation between Daehyun and the killer.
Study Questions and Answers
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What does the yongjam binyeo reveal about the connections between characters?
It links Yul to the jester who gave it, that jester to the Dead Garden case, and ultimately to the hairpin's origin from Deposed Queen Yun and Lady Shin. Iseul uses this to suspect that Yeongho is the son from that case. -
Why does Crow confess his secrets now?
He wants to make amends for betraying his sister to keep the king's favor and for hiding evidence. By telling Iseul about the bloody message and the pouch, he hopes to help solve the case and begin to redeem himself. -
What motivates Iseul to leave Suyeon and go to Yongsan?
She realizes Yeongho is Nameless Flower and that Daehyun will soon cross paths with him while searching for the king. Fearing for the prince's life, she chooses to warn him despite the personal cost.