One thing im sure that will [probably ] come into play later is the body guard, has an entire clan backing him. I don’t remember exactly but they lives were spared and they were stationed near the border. That is typical a way to try and kill people with out laying a finger, since the border can erupt in battles from neighboring countries at any time. If Baek han, is just a little greedy and ask for some of his men to be in the placae, it will be trouble for the Yang clan. Dowan doesn’t want people interfering with his connection to the Empress but the more he tries to control her the more she pushes away. If the body guard really wants to ‘protect’ Yeong he will have to cash in on the ‘wishes’ and ‘favors’ her Majesty has bestowed on him and make some power moves.She also went to a neighboring country by herself and did well establishing herself their,surely she must have some allies beside the maid she brought back.
It would be nice to know what sort of polices and practices Dowan/Lyong/etc had. Their was some hint of that with the old crown prince did but now that he is gone I have no idea. – the assumption in most of these stories on how the ruler is really just placed on their personality and not their governing practices.
also-also: In a way Dowan, is a stand up guy for not lying to Lyon about his affections. I image it would not be that hard for him to pretend to like her, buy her a gift, write her a poem- something ! she is so starved for positive affection but he sticks to his morals.