Keum-Young secretly started practicing again
Then we'll lose again
Who can't win practicing ahead like that?
Not only that, we're always putting pine needles into nuts
when she started practicing using knives on the first day
I know. If it's putting pine needles into nuts, we'll win
The test is always on whatever Keum-Young's good at
This time we might have a chance
How?
We have our bean sprouts We can practice with those
Yes, if we practice as she does, we will surely win this time
Let's show her this time
They can win if they practice?
They said they can win if they practice the same way
They said that she hasn't practiced pine needles and nuts
so if they competed with this, they would win for sure
And someone else said that she's a food prodigy
learning how to cook before learning how to talk
I'm not sure what to believe, but I have to finish this
Don't try to see it with the moon light Huh?
Don't try to see it It's harder if you try to see it
Then?
Focus on the tip of your fingers
Does that work?
They make new brides do this
so they can sensitize the tips of their fingers
Because they don't know this, their cooking skills don't improve
Put the nut at the tip of your finger and roll it slowly
You can feel it, right?
Yes, it's amazing
But how did you know?
I heard the court ladies talking about it
Other new brides start with this kind of thing too
Is that so? Thank you
It went in!
(Episode 5)
That girl is Keum-Young
Are you ready now? Then let's...
Madam, may I request something?
Request what?
I'd like to change the competition
Be quiet!
Why?
I heard that many of the new brides resent me
What?
They've been saying that I win first place
because I'm favored by the Highest Kitchen Lady and Lady Choi
Who said such an absurd thing?!
I was angry too when I first heard it
but when I gave it more thought, I realized...
such a misunderstanding could be possible, since I skipped...
some of the training they normally go through
So in order to resolve this, I think we should...
compete on something I've never done before
What would that be?
Putting pine needles into pine nuts, Madam
Really? If that's what you think, then we can do that
But Madam, I think it'd be better to do it with the lights off
Excellent idea. That task is to sensitize the fingers
so we'll know how much practice...
you've done by turning off the lights
Bring the pine nuts and pine needles
Yes, Madam
OK. Start as soon as I turn off the lights
Stop
Stop!
Keum-Young did 20
Jang-Geum did 8
And Jo-Bang did 4
Foolish girls. This is the difference between you and Keum-Young
She learned to cook starting at 3, so she's even better than...
the court ladies and she's competing against you
in order to help you hone your skills
and yet you've been jealous of her with contempt for
the Highest Court Lady and myself I won't let this pass!
Madam, please let it go
But...!
They probably misunderstood because
they haven't seen it themselves But now they should know...
where they stand with their skills
Sure, I'll let it go this time, but don't do...
such a useless thing again and focus on honing your skills
And Keum-Young, you can go to your home for 3 days
No, Madam. My vacations were another cause for their discontent
so you should send the 2 nd place this time
No need to do that It wasn't your fault
No, please...
How generous of you
You did well with the sandstorm, and you did well again
Did you learn this from your mother too? No
Then how could you do this so well?
During the night...
Keum-Young taught me
I'm not surprised
I liked how she was willing to learn even during the night
I heard about it
Didn't I tell you not to cry again?
The girls are misunderstanding and they wouldn't even talk to me
so what should I do now?
It's not a misunderstanding
Huh?
It's true that you told Keum-Young of their complaints
But I didn't know she was Keum-Young
That's how the palace is That's why...
we taught you to be careful with your speech
My mouth gives me trouble all the time
Apologize to them tomorrow Though they'll hate you for now
they'll forget in time, so don't be so worried
Madam
What?
But the reward is valid, so I can go home, right?
Yes
Then please allow Yeun-Seng to go home instead of me
Why do you always think about breaking the rules?
But she always cries for her sick mother
Madam...
How is she sick?
She has a weak heart
I'll ask Lady Jung...
Let me join you
Let's go get the ingredients
Let me go with you
No
I'm sorry. I didn't know she was Keum-Young
So?
I won't do it again So please let me work together
No. Only people like us who lack skills do work around here
Please...
No!
Sister...
I said no!
Don't do that! Jang-Geum isn't a bad girl. She's nice
What are you going to do if they stop talking to you too?
I can just talk with you then
Thanks, Jang-Geum
Why?
I'm going home because Lady Han told my court lady
I came running here to thank you before I leave
That's great
Lady Han even packed some food and medicine. Thank you, Jang-Geum
That's really great
Why didn't you go home?
Why? Is something wrong?
I didn't tell you their complaints so you could do that
That's not why I did it Anyway everything turned out OK
I resolved misunderstandings, you will be...
going home and they know where they stand
No!
What do you mean, no?
This is strange Everything turned out good for you
I feel like an outcast, and they're feeling bad
Then you can ignore them and be good to me
No, that's even stranger
What do you mean? You can just do that
No, it's strange. I think you've done something wrong
What?
I'm not sure what it is... but...
You're cute when you act stubborn I'll watch your back
for you from now on, so just ask me whenever you need help
I said no!
Did you call for me?
It's a relief you're still here I thought you went home already
I was looking around if I could help with anything
Sir Han Young-Jook brought this bear foot from China
The Royal Kitchen doesn't have experience cooking it
That's why we called for you
The rare thing...
What's wrong?
This is the bear's left foot
Why? Is it bad?
No, but there's a great difference between the right and left
Why is that?
When the bear attacks a beehive it uses its front right foot
and all the bees come suddenly
making the right foot absorb all the honey
So the taste is different, and the medicinal effect is different too
So that's why Xia China's King Gul only ate front right feet
But last time didn't you say the left foot...
is used for attacking beehives?
Oh... that... the bear was left-footed
A left-footed bear?
That's enough Go ahead and start cooking
Yes, ma'am
It's very delicious
What happened?
He was satisfied
I shouldn't say this myself, but who am I?
Am I not Chosun's best chef, Gang Duk-Gu?
He did say it needed a little more salt
Less salt is better for the natural flavor to come out
He told us to make the next feast simple, so...
I think we'll only need about 50 male cooks
Sure
But please pay extra attention to His Majesty's medicinal food
Yes, of course. I'll have to hurry to get prepared now. Bye
It's today, right?
Yes
You didn't make any mistakes, right?
Yes
It's all over if we get caught Make no mistakes whatsoever
Yes, it's all under control
And you told Pan-Sul too, right?
Yes. Don't worry
You roasted the ginger and green onions first, right? Of course
You put rice wine and salt in the broth?
Of course, rice wine and salt...! I forgot the salt
That's why he said it needed more salt
Then the meat must've tasted flat!
I heard His Majesty was satisfied with it
You'll be kicked out if you keep working this way!
I'll add more salt
Mister! Jang-Geum!
What brings you here?
We had many drinks to deliver today
Really?
You're not causing any trouble, are you? No
Let me see you for a moment
What is it? Is there a problem with our drinks?
Would you happen to know a court lady who was here...
a long time ago named Park Myeong?
Park Myeong? No, I don't know
Did your husband ever mention her?
He probably started working young at the palace
with his father, so he might know
No, I haven't heard of that name
I heard your adopted child became a court lady here
Yes
What's her name?
Her name is Jang-Geum I was going to tell you about her
Please take good care of her
Jang-Geum? Your adopted child's name is Jang-Geum?
Yes
Chef Gang Duk-Gu's adopted child came as a new bride
and he thinks she's Lady Park's child
My mother told me that when there is yellow dust in the air
water becomes dirty, dust goes in the food and...
it makes food spoil faster so this is what she did
Yes, it was certainly a boy
How can a boy become a court lady?
That's what I thought too, but Pil-Du who's been watching...
closely told me that So I'm not sure what's going on
What's wrong?
Was she wearing boys' clothes about 2 years ago by any chance?
What?
When did you take her in? Could it be about 2 years ago?
No, that isn't so. We brought her from my parents' town
Really?
Jang-Geum's father was an artisan who made inkstones with my father
but her parents were killed by bandits
and that's why I brought her here
Is that so?
Yes
Jang-Geum...
Isn't it hard living here, Jang-Geum?
Yeah...
If it's hard, then let's run away together
It'll get better
Jang-Geum, have you ever talked to Lady Choi before?
No
Have you ever seen that man who you met on the day you came here?
Something's fishy What did your parents do?
You never say anything about your parents
Anyway, I told her I brought you from my parents' town
so just remember that. And your father was an inkstone maker, OK?
Sure
You too!
OK
Where's Father?
I don't know
He always disappears when I'm not around! Why...!
Help us when we go out too
OK, It's my turn to guard here tonight, so don't you worry
So you're here?
Over there...
Are you really leaving? If you get caught, you both will die
I still want to go. I can't live like this for the rest of my life
How about me who'll be staying here?
Mi-Keum...
Open the door!
Open up, everyone!
The Head Court Lady is here! Everyone, come out quickly!
Could she have found out?
I don't think so Hide them quickly! Hurry!
What should I do?
Don't worry. It's probably only a room check
Could it be?
What were you doing?
We're sorry
Where is Lady Choi?
They say she's not here What should I do?
Start searching! Sure
Don't move an inch!
Start searching everywhere! Over here, too
Why these...!
What is it?
It's a type of headache
Not a headache and toothache caused by cold air?
You can get that when cold air enters your body making...
your head and teeth ache That is treatable, but...
What do you mean, but? Are you saying this isn't treatable?
Nothing "entered" the brain The brain itself is damaged
You already said your hands and feet are very cold
and you fainted many times...
So what does it mean?
It isn't something she can be healed of easily
There's no known treatment for it
That means...!
Search this room!
There, too!
Madam!
Take a look at this
Which residence are you from?
We're from the Royal Kit, Kitchen
My... Have they been disciplined at all?
And where is Lady Choi who's supposed to be their supervisor?
Let's go to the residence of the Highest Kitchen Lady
Lady Choi! Lady Choi, are you in here?
Hello, Madam. What brings you here at this time of night?
Just how have you been disciplining the girls?
Excuse me?
We checked their rooms today and we found these erotic picturebooks
and their rooms are messy!
I am deeply ashamed
Why don't you go inside first?
I told you to be very strict with them since more men go in
and out of the kitchen than other places. Just what is this?
I'm sorry
I'm sorry. It's my fault Please forgive us
Are you sick?
N... no
I was taking care of her because she has an indigestion
Is that so?
What are you doing here in the middle of the night?
I have brought a criminal here
The Highest Kitchen Lady, come out!
The Highest Kitchen Lady, come out right now!
Why did you bring a man to the ladies' residence
in the middle of the night like this?
He's a physician
A physician?
According to his account, he was returning home
after checking the Highest Kitchen Lady's health
What?! He was caught?!
Yes, Lady Choi said you should meet...
Sir Oh Kyum-Ho as soon as possible
Sir, what should we do now?
You should've discussed it with me first
How could you send a physician into the palace?!
I'm sorry. I was afraid that if a lady physician checked her
the Queen would find out about it
And I chose the next best thing
How foolish of you!
Once the news of her sickness spreads she has to step down
Lady Choi isn't old enough yet
That's not the problem right now! Since you brought in a man
the Highest Kitchen Lady and even Lady Choi could get kicked out!
Sir, please save us If you save us, I'll make sure
you'll never regret it
Guard Gang grabbed this lady with a head covering
trying to kiss her and found it to be a man
Oh, my! During the night? How embarrassing...
Who tried to kiss whom?! He caught him knowing it was a man
Don't ever speak ill of him like that! Understand?!
Yes, ma'am
Anyhow, Jang-Geum, you're in trouble now
Why?
Soon the Highest Kitchen Lady will be stepping down
and Lady Choi will have less power Then Keum-Young...
as well as Jang-Geum will be like kites with their strings cut
Why would the Highest Kitchen Lady step down?
If a court lady gets sick she has to leave the palace
That's the law. I wonder who will replace her once she steps down
I think... Lady Choi will
No way...
Five generations of that family have secured that position
I don't think it'd change that easily
But she became a court lady less than 3 years ago
Plus she's probably getting scolded
for bringing a physician into the palace
Right. So Lady Han should take the post
She cooks much better too
You wait and see then. The Head Lady is on Lady Choi's side and...
And what?
Be quiet!
Did it go well?
Yes. Did you wish it wouldn't have?
How could you say such thing?
We managed the doctor OK, but I can't do anything...
about the Highest Kitchen Lady having to leave the palace
Yes. I was thinking that too
Is there someone qualified to replace her?
I don't have anyone in mind right now Lady Choi is too young...
Even if it's not someone related to Choi Pan-Sul...
I've thought of that too, but Lady Choi's family
has been in the Royal Kitchen for such a long time...
that other families never had any chances at all
No surprise. Anyhow, the Main Kitchen must be filled...
with people from our side So find a puppet if you have to
A puppet?
Shouldn't you have told me about this before?
I'm sorry
It's too late to do anything about it
We need to find a replacement for you
I know it will be difficult, but can we put Lady Choi...?
No matter what I say to her, Her Majesty the Queen...
would never allow it. Why don't you make some recommendations?
How about Lady Park in the King's Mother's palace?
There's a rumor that she's with Sir Nam Kon
Lady Kim in the fruit room seems to be in the right age range
Though she doesn't seem greedy, she's a far relative
of Sir Sim Jung and it's hard to tell what'll happen tomorrow
Then... who do you have in mind?
You know her...
She's a daughter of nobility and she withdrew without a fight
when she was competing against you
But how can we give her such an important position
when she's been in charge of...
only the sauce and pickle storage for 10 years?
Isn't that why she's the best? Lady Choi can take care of...
the important tasks and she can just be there as a puppet
Yes, she's someone who enjoys poems and songs
so she does prefer to stay away from complicated matters
Yes. That's it. I press from above, and Lady Choi, from the bottom
If she can act as a puppet, then...
it would be the same as you being here
And if something goes wrong, we can blame it on her
So it'll be her
Madam! Madam!
The Head Lady is looking for you
The Head Lady? For what?
I have no business with such a high person
I think she's going to give you the position
of Highest Lady at the Royal Kitchen
Head of Royal Kitchen? Yeah, right! Why don't you do it yourself?
Madam...
Madam!
Did you call for me?
Have a seat
I think you'll have to be the head of the Royal Kitchen
I have only been in charge of sauces and pickles
Do you think that's a good idea?
Lady Choi will help you with the Main Kitchen
and you can discuss with me the other kitchen work
Am I the only one for the job?
Yes. I know you take after your father who liked to be free
from worldly issues but we had no choice this time
OK, then I'll have to do it I hope you & Lady Choi will help me
Yes, that's the spirit
I heard you became the head of the Royal Kitchen
Yes
Why? Have you gone tired of playing and decided to be a puppet now?
Yes, I've grown tired of playing alone and...
decided to play along to other people's rhythm
It'll surely be fun The world's only Lady Jung...
will be playing to others' rhythm? It'll surely be fun
Come often and watch
Lady Jung, you win
Madam! Madam!
How dare you run in this place!
I'm sorry... but I just heard that Lady Jung of the sauce pantry
became the head of the Royal Kitchen
The Highest Lady had recommended her and she became head, huh?
It's Lady Jung, I heard
Then what's going to happen?
She's just holding the position until she can give it...
to Lady Choi. That's why the Highest Lady stepped down
What? Does that mean we'll keep losing to Keum-Young?
That doesn't have to be the case
Some girls said Lady Jung doesn't yield easily and...
Lady Jung highly values Lady Han's skills. That could mean...
You mean those little gals will act like our boss?
You have taken up a very important position
I'm not sure I'll be able to manage it well
Because you've been in the storage for a long time
you probably don't know much Help Lady Jung
Yes, ma'am
Yes, I wouldn't have accepted it if it wasn't for you
Please help me
Madam...
What is it?
Is it better for you or for Lady Choi if Lady Jung becomes the head?
What are you saying?
The girls are very curious
Are you curious too?
No. I don't know what's going on I'm just afraid...
that they might be scolded by the ladies because...
they haven't been doing their work If they get scolded
they would feel bad and they would treat me...
Yes, I guess that's possible
So you just keep doing their work too That's the easiest way
Yes, Madam
Is Lady Han inside?
You don't want me to be the Highest Lady?
Of course, I do
Then how come you aren't coming to congratulate me like others?
I'm sorry. It was intentional
Why?
Please allow me to tell you that I don't think...
you should take over that position
What a girl! You speak rude words in such a courteous manner
It'll be difficult because of people
I know you better than anyone else so I'm worried
Well... should I live with difficulties or should I not?
What do you think?
You should live without difficulties
How about you?
Madam, can you really live as you wish like that?
I always try to live without difficulties
but it's always difficult
What?
What's this?
You'll be doing great things, so use it
Why you... I only took care of a small matter
and you gave me so much I can't receive it
Please! I'm basically saying that I'll trust you
with the future of our family Choi
The future of your family?
Yes
To me?
Yes
Why?
I trust you, sir
You trust me?
Yes. I trust you with my family, relatives
and businesses in and outside of the palace
Here... have a cup
Just keep working
What brings you here at this early hour?
It's my first meal to His Majesty I should do it with my own hands
Huh?
Was it your shift yesterday?
Yes, ma'am
Do it whole-heartedly
Next!
Your Majesty, she's Lady Jung, the new Highest Kitchen Lady
Then where have you been up to now?
I've been in the sauce pantry
Really? Did you cook these yourself?
Yes, Your Majesty
Is that so?
Go ahead and check the food
Did you cook this yourself?
Yes, Your Majesty
It's the same grilled pork, but it tastes different. What is it?
It's called Mac-Juk
Mac-Juk?
Yes, Your Majesty. It's a secret recipe that has been passed down
in China originating from the "Mac" clan
Secret recipe? What is it?
Instead of seasoning with soy sauce
it's seasoned with bean paste water
With bean paste?
Yes, Sire
That's why it's less greasy It tastes perfect!
So we're eating here today?
Yes, when there is a big event
all the kitchen ladies come here to eat
Today's the new Highest Kitchen Lady's first day
That's why we're eating here today
Really? Then there must be lots of good food
Sit down, everyone
Does Keum-Young still sit there even though the Highest Lady has changed?
I know. Shouldn't Yeun-Seng sit there?
Who is this girl?
Her name is Keum-Young
She seems to be a new bride, so why is she sitting here?
She sat there with the previous lady
and evaluated dishes with her
She's a kid with the perfect palate
Perfect palate?
Try this
What's used for the seasoning?
Soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame seeds and water
That's right
But I can also taste minced green onion and garlic
so I think meat and mushrooms were cooked separately
What seasonings were used in the meat?
Soy sauce, minced onion and garlic, sesame oil
black pepper, sugar and sesame seeds
Really? Everyone, taste them
Is it just as she said?
Is it?
Yes, it is as Keum-Young said
You think so, too?
Do you all agree?
Really? I think it's...
It's ripe persimmon
What did you just say?
Ripe persimmon was used, not sugar
Why do you think ripe persimmon?
When I was chewing on the beef I tasted ripe persimmon, but if
you ask why I think it's persimmon, I can only say I tasted it
So you're the real perfect palate!
Of course! Ripe persimmon is tasted and not thought
so it was foolish of me to ask such a question
That's right! It's ripe persimmon Its sweetness is softer than sugar
so I thought it would go along well with vegetables
and ripe persimmon is good for preventing...
colds and hangovers so I added it because...
His Majesty had some drinks yesterday That kid knew it!
Though there may be a difference in cooking, there is none in tasting
Taste is equal, so talk openly about food to each other
without regards to ranks and offices
so you can stimulate each other for improvement. So you go back
to your place and be diligent in learning like the rest
I'll give you opportunities regardless of your age
if you work hard and hone your skills. Do you understand?
Yes, Madam
And I'll pass this position of the Highest Lady
to the most skilled person, so work hard
Too much time has passed Let's go ahead and eat
Yes, Madam
Why do you think it's ripe persimmon?
When I was chewing on the beef I tasted ripe persimmon
but if you ask why I think it's persimmon, I can only say I tasted it
So you're the real perfect palate!
Of course! Ripe persimmon is tasted and not thought
so it was foolish of me to ask such a question
And I'll pass this position of the Highest Lady
to the most skilled person, so work hard
How dare she mock our family which
produced 5 generations of Highest Ladies!
It's impossible
Stop crying. You and I have to protect our family now that
the Highest Lady has stepped down. Understand?
Yes
Whatever it is, competence, power...
we must beat her through it Do you understand?
Yes
Jang-Geum
Starting tomorrow, for the next 100 days
get me different plants everyday from the east mountain
Different plants for 100 days?
Yes. Why? You don't want to do it?
I do...
Then start tomorrow
Dropwort has a special scent that increases one's appetite
and strengthens the stomach It's used in food...
made with swellfish because it has a detoxifying effect
This is mitsuba (wild parsley) It has a unique scent, so it's good
even without much salt It's very good for diabetic patients
This is cedaline You should never eat it
so watch out for it when you gather herbs in the mountains
Next, gather everything that can make food salty
Food is decided by the balance of seasoning
So you must practice how to add a perfect amount
There is saltiness in beans, chestnuts, pork, seaweed
and even in watermelon So you must be careful when seasoning
Saltiness is easily sensed when it's cold
And tastes are either contrasted, enhanced or suppressed
You neutralize sour and bitter tastes by adding sweet things
and you make sweet tastes stronger by adding salty things
Next, bring everything that you can add to make food sweet
This is our family secret If you add this ingredient
you can get rid of all other tastes. And finally...
you can add milk to improve the taste
Next, find out about water used for cooking
How can there be only one kind of water?
There's rice water glutinous rice water
hot water, cold water, mineral water. It's countless
Next, find out about fire
Madam! Lady Han!
What's wrong?
Where is Lady Han?
She went to the Highest Kitchen Lady's place
But look at you... She should know better...
Madam! Madam! I finally found it!
I finally...!