Madam, I'm an inspector
What's the matter?
Madam, you've been infected
You must go out of the palace and recuperate first
Infected?! Only my knees hurt!
No, Madam... an infectious disease is spreading in the palace
so we're taking everyone outside Please follow us
We'll bring you out This is an order by His Majesty
OK
(Episode 18)
You're still talking like this?! You should be working!
Madam, something's strange
What is it?
Lady Jung did have a chronic disease but she had no symptoms of a cold
She didn't have any fever, and she didn't vomit like Lady Min
Then?
Only her legs hurt and...
she was taking some medicine for her kidneys
Then she must've caught it that night
But she was fine 'til the evening She'll be OK, right?
She'll be coming back, right?
Yes, so don't worry
Right, Madam? Right?
Madam, I'm sorry for lying down when you're sitting
You're the sick person here... don't worry about it
But you don't have a fever?
No
You don't feel nauseated or have jaundice?
No
Then why did you come out?
I know... I'm trying to figure that out myself
Huh?
Madam, we'll be going back to the palace once we recover, right?
Of course. Why? You want to leave the palace for good?
Oh, no... where else could you find a place like the palace?
I was so sad thinking that I may die from this
You were sad?
You may have no grudges since you're the Highest Lady, but I do
I'll give the position to you when we go back, so you try it
Madam...
Start the inspection!
Yes, sir!
Listen carefully to what I say
Yes, ma'am
Chang-Yee, you go and boil water in every pot
Yes, ma'am
Yeun-Seng and Young-Ro should boil...
all the kitchen utensils and dishes in the pot
Yes, ma'am
Jang-Geum, you go to the food storage and check food carefully
Throw away anything strange
Yes, ma'am
We won't prepare anything raw for the time being
You must either boil or cook it very well. Understand?
Yes, ma'am
Keum-Young, check all the side dishes again
Yes, ma'am
The rest of you, follow me
Yes, ma'am
Where did Lady Jung go?
She left the palace because of the disease
Are you saying Lady Jung has it too?
Yes
How come no one told me about this...
There's a lot to discuss with the Highest Kitchen Lady...
about this epidemic, so who should I talk to?
You can talk to me about the King's kitchen
and you'll have to talk to each lady of the other palaces
It's going to be hard for me to talk to each of them by myself
There's no other way You can go ahead and tell me
since the King's kitchen is important
What? Do you have something to say?
Invite the food inspector Jung Yoon-Su to the meeting later today
The food inspector?
Yes, since it's not a meeting to discuss the Highest Lady issue
it shouldn't look strange at all
But why?
No matter how many ladies and eunuchs you bring there
if the head of the eunuchs says that it's not a place...
to discuss such matters, you won't be able to bring it up there
But if Sir Oh Kyum-Ho and the Head Lady help out...
But he has no real authority over this matter...
The position of Highest Lady falls under the jurisdiction...
of the Head Lady and the head of the eunuchs
So what good is it to bring in a doctor?
At this point, he's someone who can bring down...
the words of the head of the eunuchs
If you allow him to join that meeting I'll take care of the rest
OK
What is it?
Lady Choi must come to the conclusion today
so please ask Park Bu-Kyum to introduce the food inspector...
Jung Yoon-Su to you and ask him
The food inspector? Ask him?
Yes
Let me see you for a moment
Tell me about the situation first
We sent out 26 court ladies and we've been checking each eunuch...
guard, worker and laborer at the gate before letting them in
How is the royal family?
One princess had a fever so she left to recuperate
and others are doing fine
That's a relief
The problem at hand is how we're going to stop this epidemic
I understand that doctors are everywhere to take care of that
Yes, I know that too, but the problem is the kitchen
It's the most important place... but because of this...
the Highest Kitchen Lady position is vacant
Really? That shouldn't be...
That's right. We've been very careful
since the King has already had a skin problem
So we're thinking about filling the position immediately
No way!
What do you mean, no way?
Lady Jung is a favorite lady of the King
and we've never replaced someone just because...
one is recuperating outside due to an illness
But...
And besides there are two excellent kitchen ladies
so there won't be any problem if we delegate the work to them
Even so, the safety of His Majesty depends on this...
We should get it organized immediately by putting Lady Choi there
I'm saying this isn't the time and place...
to talk about changing the Highest Lady
I think we ought to hear from the food inspector
Is the safety of His Majesty OK...
even without a head lady in the kitchen?
I think that would be a problem
It's going to be too hard for the doctors to manage...
over 10 kitchens in 4 palaces and I think...
this epidemic came to this point because of Lady Jung
How could this be her fault?
If she found about 10 kitchen ladies showing the same symptoms
she should've reported it to me as the head of the kitchen
No matter how trivial the illness
when cooking the King's food, it should always be monitored carefully
Lady Jung was either being irresponsible...
or intentionally negligent and that's why...
the doctors weren't able to diagnose this quickly
In other words, even if she comes back
she'll have to be responsible for her negligence of duty?
That's right. Now that I think about it, just the fact...
that 10 of the kitchen ladies had such an illness is a problem
What should we do now?
Sir...
If the King's Mother gives you the permission to do so
I'll follow her will
That's why we have to replace the Highest Lady immediately?
Yes, Madam Lady Jung had a chronic illness
That's why she was sent out
But we have never replaced someone...
while that person was recuperating outside the palace
According to the doctor, the reason why this problem grew this big...
was that Lady Jung did not report the symptoms of kitchen ladies sooner
Even if it was another lady, she wouldn't have reported...
the symptoms of a cold to the doctors
But the kitchen is closely related to the safety of His Majesty
and Chinese envoys will come in a few days...
concerning the investiture of the Crown Prince
I think it's a time to be extra careful
There must be a designated leader and Lady Choi is perfect for it
The King highly values Lady Jung You can't get rid of her
without allowing her a farewell visit to the King
OK. I understand both sides
Then...
The epidemic is a problem and we do need...
a supervisor to prepare for the Chinese envoys
but it isn't an urgent matter to fire the Highest Lady
Have Lady Choi work as the Highest Lady
but she'll act as a substitute until Lady Jung comes back
Once this is taken care of, we'll check on the condition
of Lady Jung and then decide later
Yes, Your Majesty
I know it's been hard for you without the Highest Kitchen Lady
So the King's Mother has chosen a Highest Lady substitute
Lady Choi
Yes, Madam
You're the Highest Lady of the kitchen from now on
I'll do my best
The Lady has called everyone to the dining room
What could it be?
I'm not sure...
And stop eating
They're perfectly fine but we're throwing them away
She's your new Highest Lady substitute Greet her properly
Be quiet! The new Highest Lady substitute will speak to you now
Because the Royal Kitchen has many important functions
I've been chosen as a substitute
while Lady Jung is recuperating
Since we're facing a difficult time
we ought to work thoroughly under my command
First of all, there is a lack of workers in the King's kitchen
so Lady Kim of King's Mother's palace, Lady Park of the Guesthouse
Lady Jo of the Prince's palace should join the King's kitchen
That's too many people
There's an important reason for it
Chinese envoys will be arriving in 3 days...
The court is paying special attention...
to wrap up the issue of designating the Crown Prince
so there ought to be no mistake at all in serving the envoys
So we must send the most talented from here. Understand, Lady Han?
You take Jang-Geum to the Guesthouse
and take good care of the everything
Since I will be busy taking care of this place
I'm asking you to take total care of things there
I'll leave it to you
I knew things would turn out this way
What do you mean?
Lady Choi becoming the Highest Lady
We just wasted time doing that meaningless competition
She hasn't become the Highest Lady yet
That's right. It'll be over once Lady Jung comes back
You two are so much alike in that you have no idea what's going on
What are you saying?
It's obvious. Once you get sick, you're out of the palace
She has a chronic illness and this disease...
There's no chance she can come back
Why not?! It's not like she has some terminal illness
I pity you... you're like a kite without a string now
But we still have Lady Han and Jang-Geum
I just don't understand what you do with your brains...
What?!
Can't you see it?! They've gone to the Guesthouse! Guesthouse!
It's because they are good cooks It's only temporary, isn't it?
Going to the Guesthouse...
means you're demoted
The envoys find all kinds of faults all the time there
Really? So that's why no one wants to go there...
You know what you're doing, huh?
Excuse me?
Don't you think I know why you...
sent Lady Han to the Guesthouse?
You don't get credit for doing well
and it's easy to get into trouble there
You could get rid of her for good Good job
But the fact is that I'm not the Highest Lady, but a substitute
The King's Mother has decided it in her mind...
She just said it out of formality
But if she comes back...
We'll think about it later You go and find that book first
She probably didn't have time to take the book with her
The sick ladies and nurses are in Ohng-Jin
Lady Jung is there too
Yes, ma'am... and?
Lady Jung has weak kidneys
And?
If you tell my uncle that, he'll know what I'm saying
Lady Jung is in Ohng-Jin... and she has weak kidneys
and there are nurses who give her medicine... is that all?
Yes, then my uncle will make Lady Choi become the Highest Lady
Lady Jung took the book She must've knew this was coming
Don't worry
Her illness will worsen
What? Her illness will worsen?
Yes
Uncle will make it happen
You did this on your own?
You taught me to completely finish what I start...
Yes, that's right
So this is how I'm going to live...
I'm going to console myself like this...
Madam, I'm coming in
I'm on my way now...
OK... I trust that you'll take good care of the work there
I hope that's the only reason why you're sending me there
Of course
Jang-Geum, you do your best to help Lady Han as usual
Yes, ma'am
Wait for me, Jang-Geum!
Madam, take me with you too
Do you think we're going on a picnic?
I know... but I'm like an orphan without you and Jang-Geum
Yeun-Seng, we'll be back later so stay here
This isn't temporary! No one knows...
when you'll be back once you go to the Guesthouse!
Even Lady Jung isn't here... if no one's here...
who am I going to depend on?
Stop that! Lady Jung, Jang-Geum and I will all return
You just need to fulfill your duties here. Go back inside
You're coming back, right?
Yes. We'll be back soon, so don't worry and go back inside
OK, Jang-Geum
Let's go
What are all these people doing here?
Hey, anyway...
Get in line!
Are they handing out something? What's this line for?
They're handing out something?
If it's free, I'm sure these people will line up all the way to Jeju
Anyhow, I can't see so I can't tell what's going on
I know...
Why don't you do the thing you're second best at?
Second best? The first is running away with money
and second is cutting in line
Of course...
But this is the palace
But wait, if we go back we might not be able to receive it
That's right, so do it
You go first... No, you first...
What are you doing?
Eureka!
Huh?
Find out if they have fever or if they're nauseated or have jaundice
Yes, sir!
Sir
So many people are here... we're busy and we need to get inside, so...
It's Jang-Geum You're right!
Jang-Geum!
Madam...
I was thinking about meeting you
Just tell me what you need
One moment, please
What brings you here?
I was worried when I heard that there were many kitchen ladies...
who caught the disease. Are you OK?
Yes, I'm fine
That's good. Are you going somewhere?
Yes. I'm being sent to the Guesthouse
Guesthouse? Is it because of the Chinese envoys?
Yes
That's a difficult job
What?!
It's because I'm worried about Lady Jung's health
But even so... how could you tell me to go to a place...
infected with that disease? My body is weak as it is...
Isn't there anyone else?
It's because there's no one else we can ask
We need to find out whether or not...
she really has the disease and how she's doing
Then pay up... please pay up, Madam
The money isn't the problem here! I might die going there!
That's why I should be prepared with some money
I'll pay for the service
You should've told me that first Then that will do
Do what?!
It's OK, Madam
Please save me...
Um...
does your uncle deal with large quantities of ginseng by any chance?
An epidemic is in the palace...
I think it's only proper for you to ask me how I'm doing
I'm sorry... are you OK?
I didn't know it would be this easy Though the King's Mother...
hasn't appointed Lady Choi, she'll be the Highest Lady soon
Yes... We owe it all to you
And they've written up a final report about the college field
so that has been wrapped up as well
We owe that to your subordinate
And Han Dong-Ik will go to Jeju as governor
Is that so? Then I'll go visit Jeju sometime
Why?
I was thinking of visiting there
Why?
The only place that we haven't reached is Jeju Island in Korea
The ocean, mountains, many horses, cattle and pigs are there
so we can make a fortune there
Is that so?
And if Sir Han Dong-Ik is there as the governor
then it's a big opportunity for you and me
You're such a good businessman
I'm ashamed...
Nah... I'll tell Han Dong-Ik about you, so check out the place
Yes, sir
Come quickly!
It's this way!
Let me go get a drink of water...
Just go in!
Honey
Let me go and change my hat!
Go! Bye now
I was scared to death...
What brings you here?
Lady Jung is here, huh?
I'm chef Gang and I've been sent here from the palace
If you tell Lady Jung, she'll know
Sure. Please wait here
Have you turned into a turtle all of sudden?
Madam...
Come inside
I'll just stay here...
I said, come in
Wait... can I have one, too?
Sure
Come closer
What brings you here?
Lady Han and Jang-Geum are worried about your condition...
I'm doing fine Is Lady Han doing well?
She's doing fine and Lady Han and Jang-Geum...
...have been sent to the Guesthouse
What?
And Lady Choi has become the Highest Lady substitute
They've been sent to serve the Chinese envoys
Madam, the important thing is...
I need to find out about your condition
I don't know... I don't know what disease it is
and I'm just taking the medicine the nurse is giving me everyday
The pain in my knees is worsening and my body is swelling
so I think I'll die soon
Madam, does that mean if I get it, I'll...
Come closer and sit here...
How?
Now
Madam... I'm married and...
Now
Give this to Lady Han...
Your will?
You could say that
Madam!
If you don't want to go cross the Styx with me, leave immediately
Huh?
Or I will take you with me
I'll... do it
What's this?
Liquor
Liquor?
Why'd you throw this precious liquor?
You returned from the hotbed of disease You should be detoxified
Sure... thanks... then give me another one
so I can clean my insides too
What?! Why you...
I'm on my way now...
OK... I trust that you'll take good care of the work there
I hope that's the only reason why you're sending me there
This isn't temporary! No one knows...
when you'll be back once you go to the Guesthouse!
Guesthouse? Is it because of the Chinese envoys?
Yes
That's a difficult job
Madam... don't you feel distressed?
I do
Aren't you worried?
I'm worried
Then how can you look so unconcerned?
I'm not
Madam, Mr. Gang told me to give you this letter
Duk-Gu...
Is she doing fine?
She writes that she doesn't have a disease
Then why was she sent...
Madam, could it be...
Those unforgivable people...
She has told us to stay calm
and continue to work quietly, so let's do that
Yes, ma'am
Madam! The envoy group has arrived
OK
We must finish designating the Crown Prince this time
Your Majesty, the Prince is your only legitimate line of descent
There's no problem
But they've always found faults
and put off the decision day after day
Your Majesty, don't worry I'll lay down my life...
to have them make a decision before they go back this time
Really? I'll trust you, so wrap it up this time...
no matter what happens
Yes, Your Majesty
Make sure there's no problem with serving and food
Yes, Your Majesty
We can't allow even a hint of fault in formalities and food
Yes, sir
And this senior envoy is a well-known epicure in China
If it's not the best of delicacies he won't even touch it
so you show your best talent
I'll do my best
Madam
What is it?
I've been told to tell you to prepare this medicine for the envoy
Medicine?
Yes
What medicine is it?
The envoy suffers from diabetes
and his condition has worsened from his long trip
He's a diabetic?
Yes
Alright
When did you learn to speak Korean like this?
Is my speaking OK?
Yes. You speak very well
Actually, my nanny from my childhood
was a lady from Chosun
Is that so?
What's this?! Take the tables away immediately!
I'm sorry, sir. I think we have the wrong tables here
Bring different tables! Right now!
How dare you put such lowly food on the table?!
Are you in your right mind?!
I'm sorry, but the senior envoy has a chronic illness...
What?
I dare say the greasy food of Ming is very detrimental to his health...
Guards! Take this court lady away immediately!
But, sir...
What are you doing?! Drag her out right now!
Yes, sir!
I think she was thinking of your health
so please forgive us, sir
Madam! Madam!
Bring a table with the best delicacies
so that he may be satisfied
No!
How dare a mere kitchen lady come here?!
Drag that court lady away too!
Sir! Though I'm a mere kitchen lady I'm someone who prepares dishes
Even though we are lowly, we can't possibly...
bring food that is harmful for the person
His Honor has diabetes and because of the long trip
his condition has worsened
And that's why he's taking medicine!
With diabetes, medicine isn't important
If you aren't careful with food, medicine is useless
That's why Lady Han has given up showing off her talents...
to prepare good food for you Plus you have to travel back as well
If you aren't careful with your body, your condition will worsen
Right now, I don't recommend tasty food
Please be understanding!
Please try this food for 10... or just 5 days...
you'll clearly feel the difference...
How dare you come here and give a lecture?!
Get that thing out of here too!
Yes, sir
Wait!
Just a moment
Did you say 5 days?
Yes, sir. 5 days
If I can't feel any improvement after 5 days
will you receive any punishment I order?
Yes, sir
Even if it means your life?
Sure, I don't need your life. But if there isn't any improvement in 5 days
I'm going to severely punish you in my country's way
But I'm very fussy, as you know I'm not someone...
who eats tasteless things just because they're good for the body
I can tolerate vegetables but I won't tolerate it...
if I find them tasteless Will you be able to do that?
You don't have to worry Lady Han can...
You do it!
Excuse me?
You're the one who has brought it to this point, so you do it!
Jang-Geum...
Huh?
Father is no longer here
How will you live?
Father has always said that I must listen to you
I will listen to you from now on
Yes, when I'm with you, you listen to me well
But if I'm not here, how will you live?
Will you starve to death?
Will you die of illness?
No! I'll eat medicinal roots and I'll eat wild berries
Yes, Jang-Geum...
You must live anyhow
That is the reason why your father was happy though he was dragged away
How could such a thing happen?!
I'm sorry, Your Majesty
The King is already worried over the designation of the Crown Prince
so what's up with this rash behavior?!
I'm sorry, Your Majesty I trusted Lady Han's talent
because I was busy and this is what happened
Though she has said she did it because of the envoy's illness...
that's the doctor's jurisdiction and not ours
Don't worry, I'll go there and prepare the food myself
Yes, go ahead and do that
Madam, she's making things so easy for us
Yes, I know
But I'm sure the envoy's pretty upset Will you be alright there?
Yes, I have prepared something
Why did you do it?
You know the situation well enough Even though he has an illness...
how could you prepare such a meal?
Then are you telling me to do the same thing
to the King as well?
Lady Jung would've done the same
Jang-Geum is in charge now
What? Jang-Geum?
Yes, she tried to save you and now...
she's been given a big responsibility
What are you saying?
He wants to feel the improvement in 5 days
and the food must be tasty as well
Or else he's going to severely punish Jang-Geum in a Chinese way
You're thick-headed exactly like Lady Han
Get out. I'm going to prepare the food from now
I'm telling you to get out!
I can't
What?
You go out, please, Madam
What did you just say?! What did you say?!
I said you go out, please, Madam
How dare you?!
He has promised to eat my food for 5 days
So I will be in charge of this kitchen for 5 days
During those 5 days, I'm going to fulfill my duty wholeheartedly
So please go out
Please comply, Madam
Her life depends on it so I don't think we should interfere
Sure...
Where are you going?
Sir, there is nothing for me to do here
Nothing to do? What are you saying?
I hear that the official has promised to eat her food for 5 days
That's right, but actually, he didn't mean it
But sir... is it diabetes?
Yes
What's his condition?
It's not severe, but due to his long trip
he did need some dietary adjustment
So if he eats that way for 5 days and then eats the delicacies
there won't be any big problems, right?
That's good
Let's see in 5 days I'll ask my uncle...
to get the ingredients normally served to the emperor
to prepare feasts for the Chinese Imperial House
For the Chinese Imperial House?
Yes. It's a feast of 3 days reserved only for the emperor
They say ministers show tears just for being invited there
If he receives such a feast after eating only vegetables for 5 days
he should certainly be moved So don't worry about it
I've done all I can according to Lady Han's will
How about the fork-tailed petrel nest?
They finally found one and they'll bring it tonight
Is the meat ready?
Yes, Madam
You must not miss anything
Yes. 9 kg of pork, 8 geese, 12 kg of lamb, 4 turtles...
12 kg of deer meat, 8 chickens and a deer tail are prepared
How about mushrooms, black trepang and abalone?
They're all prepared too, but we don't have shark fins
It's alright We'll make shark fin soup
using the Great Crabs from Ul-Jin
Great Crabs?
Yes, Ul-Jin Great Crabs are something...
that even His Majesty complimented on his first try
The envoy'll be very satisfied with it too
Sure, Madam, he will
That's all We just have to prepare...
the feast dishes starting tomorrow
We'd been so rude to you because of the court lady's shameful act
So starting today, we'll give you...
the feast dishes of the Chinese Imperial House
Feast dishes of the Chinese Imperial House?
Yes, sir
Sir! Today is the day to take care of that ill-mannered girl
so punish her as you'd like and eat all you'd like
That was really good
Sir. She's the lady who has insulted you
What shall we do with her?