This drama will forever be at the top of my most enjoyed traditional kdramas. This is what I call a masterpiece, a well-done drama by all standard. The plot is amazing and the acting is incredible. The order in which events unfold in the drama is unique and fascinating. It has a bit of everything; romance, comedy, palace life, palace politics, sorrow, etc.
The drama vividly and beautifully captures the life of royals as well the bond between a mother and her kids irrespective of her position in society. The bond Queen Hwa Ryeong has with her children is so great and she goes to any extent to protect and shield them from harm.
The drama also highlights the fact that evil is much more prevalent in the royal household than anywhere. Concubines plotting against the queen, grand queen dowager killing people off to make sure her favored ones take the throne, a prince plotting against another prince, a royal physician killing a prince, the royal kitchen used as a means to poison the grand heir, amongst others. So much evil exists in the palace. However, it doesn't always prevail if there are people who can rise against it.
The drama is really interesting, satisfying and worth the watch.
Oh, how I love the queen. The entire story was centered around her and her acting was perfect. As a queen, she was outstanding, bold, courageous, compassionate and would do anything to subdue evil and unfairness. It was rewarding to see her efforts yield results:
She was able to find out the root cause of the late crown prince's death.
She was able to protect her children.
She was able to protect the wife and children of the late crown prince
She was able to secure her position as queen
She was able to bring queen dowager's evil deeds to an end
She removed all obstacles that interfered with Prince Seongnam becoming the next crown prince and even found a situable princess for him.
Most importantly, she was the greatest support and confidant to the King. No one had his back like she did.

I loved the princes especially the grand princess. Each prince had their own charm, dynamic, way of composure and view of life that spiced up the drama. It was just beautiful to watch.
Hats off to those who did the cast selection for this drama. The actors delivered and nailed their roles. They certainly ate and left no crumbs.
I highly recommend this drama. I've watched it thrice already and I will re-watch it again. It is worth the watch.