I prefer the Five Seeds porridge What do you think?
You can make it taste like this with fish skin...
your skills are excellent
You overpraise...
I used chicken broth with bean juice
Bean juice? You made sauce out of bean juice?
Yes, the vinegar is persimmon vinegar...
that's been buried for a few decades
Both dishes are close to perfect
However, when I think about the time and devotion to...
making vinegar over a few decades...
How come I don't see Lady Han here?
Why is her assistant bringing the food?
Is Lady Han making the food inside?
No, that's not so. Lady Han has gone out of the palace...
and she hasn't come back yet
What?
(Episode 21)
She didn't come back? Lady Jung, what's going on?
The animals spoiled the ingredients last night...
so she went to get more, but she hasn't come back yet
How did she manage to have the ingredients spoiled?
And if they were, then she should've just used the ingredients available
to stay on time Aren't those the basics?
I thought so, too, and wanted to end the competition that way
but Lady Choi told me it's the duty of a competitor...
to wait for her and more so, because it's your birthday
Then who's been making these dishes?
This child, who is Lady Han's assistant, has been making them
There is no need to ask anymore It's already settled now
Your Majesty, please listen to me first
She's the one who risked her life for her teacher's will
She seems to be doing the same here so please have mercy on her
Yes, Your Majesty, more importantly, this is your birthday feast...
before it's a competition I'm afraid this may spoil the feast
I don't think it'll be too late if you consider this after the feast
Sure. I'm sorry for raising my voice at a time like this...
And since her food isn't that bad, we'll just continue
We'll just continue
Sure, Your Majesty
Isn't it over now?
Over? I think it's just continuing Jang-Geum won this one, right?
Of course!
Why's the King's Mother doing that when the outcome is obvious?
It looks like a rib dish That's prawn, and this is...?
It's mushroom ribs
Mushroom ribs?
Yes. A rib was wrapped around the mushroom, then roasted
It's easy to eat as well
Yes, ribs have always been a hassle to eat...
but this is easy to eat and tasty
The mushroom is very aromatic, too
Isn't this a prawn dish we often see?
The taste is clearly different from the normal dish. How did you do it?
It's drunken prawn
Drunken prawn? The prawns drank too much?
Yes
Three steps of devotion was put into it
Three steps of devotion?
First of all, live prawns had to be taken from sea water
Then washed with soil water to remove all the toxins...
and it was put in medicinal wine then cooked over heated pebbles
What a great effort...
Yes, I think that's where the taste comes from
Wow, so you can put shrimp in liquor
I know. Lady Choi is surely different
Of course, how can a mere assistant beat her?
Yes, but the fact that Jang-Geum won even once is amazing
What's going on?
Who's winning?
One more win and it's all over
Aren't you Lady Han of the Royal Kitchen?
Excuse me?
I'm Lt. General Min Jung-Ho of the Royal Guards
I'm here at the request of Mr. Gang
I see
Escort her to the palace quickly
Let's go
Search this place thoroughly!
I guess it'll be over after this
Yes, it's your best dish, so who can dare to come even close?
How come Lady Han isn't coming? It's only making it hard on you
What now, Jang-Geum? It's all over if you lose one more time
And she was going to prepare turtle stew for this round
It's much better than your dish What now... what now...?
Yeun-Seng. There's a time when you just have to go
What do you mean?
You just have to go along with the given circumstances
This is one of those times
We must just go along Without any fear or worries
Isn't that right, Mother? All I have now is what you gave me
Please help me... please...
Please go ahead and try
The meat is so soft, it melts in my mouth
It's the meat of a baby boar
Baby boar? I tried it during one of my hunting trips
It tasted very unique so I wanted my mother to try it sometime
I also put in ginseng, dates, gingko, medicinal angelica tree, garlic...
tofu, green onions and walnuts, too
I also put in zeolite to purify the water, increase the taste
That's why it melts on the tongue and in the throat as well
What did you put in?
I put in dates, chestnuts, pine nuts, ginseng, angelica roots, figs
black rice, black beans and others
That's not it... she wants to know where this aromatic...
and tangy taste is coming from
It comes from terra flava usta
Terra flava usta?
It's the clay from the bottom of the stove
You can get reddish dirt and when you use the dirt...
to spread over the chicken before cooking it, you can get such a taste
Really? Dirt can give a spicy flavor?
Yes, I tasted it myself and it tasted a little spicy and salty
It's amazing how you could get such a taste from dirt
There's no smell of chicken and the meat is very soft, too
Madam, what happened to you?! We thought we'd die worrying
Something came up. So what's going on with the competition?
Jang-Geum already lost three times
And if she loses again, it's all over
Jang-Geum did what?
Madam?! What happened to you?!
It's really hard to decide
But looking at the ingredients...
I'll have to go with this one
It's surely extraordinary that she has made a taste
that is better than the baby boar, using only terra flava usta
I think so, too
Thank you, Mother
Madam, Jang-Geum did it!
Yes, she did it with what we thought was impossible!
Jang-Geum is my daughter
Madam, but you shouldn't lose Go to the kitchen right now
Yes, Madam
Go now, Madam
No, this is already Jang-Geum's competition
What happened?
So you won!
You're really amazing! You're so great!
And if you lose the next one, it'll be all over...
so should we still serve that?
I'll try Lady Choi's dish first this time
The taste is first-class since you made mixed rice with eggs of pickled crab
Yes, Mother
You overpraise
How dare you put a pot here?
Is there a reason for this?
Yes, ma'am
It's different from regular mixed rice
It's perfect for cold weather like this
Yes, I was worried that some of us might suffer from indigestion...
because of the cold, but eating warm rice like this relaxes my insides
Did you consider such things when making this?
Even though she's only an assistant, she is very considerate
And she managed to change the regular mixed rice taste...
by only making minor changes to the preparation method
She's very smart
Now, it's 3 to 3
How frustrating!
The only thing that's remaining is mixed fruit punch now...
Madam, I have given my best to prepare the dessert...
Please trust me
It all depends on this dessert, and I think it's too plain
No. This is my best food for the King
Your dessert, fried root of bonnet bellflower, is excellent
I'll ask since the last dessert is here
The last assignment was to prepare your best dish for the King
What was the best dish you prepared?
It was the steamed baby boar
And was it the chicken for you?
No, it wasn't
Then?
Actually, Lady Han was going to prepare turtle stew related to...
her pal but she couldn't prepare it
Then you two didn't prepare your best dish?
Your Majesty, but I did prepare my best food
You?
What is it?
It's wild berry snack
What?
You mean this wild berry snack?
Yes, Your Majesty
Why is this your best dish?
Wild berry is the last food I fed my mother before she died
I was very worried for my mother who couldn't eat because...
she was hurt so I picked some wild berries and
chewed them up myself to put into her mouth
My mother ate them and replied with a smile and then passed away
Your Majesty is the father of all people
Please take care of all people just as my mother had replied with a smile
even after eating humble food
I prepared it as if I was preparing it for my mother
It's delicious
I won't forget how your mother felt when she had to leave you
I won't forget your mother who would've worried...
how you were going to live by yourself
And in the same manner, I will manage the nation's affairs
The wild berries are the best food for me
And you're Chosun's best Lady of the Royal Kitchen!
I have nothing more to say since you say that
Oh, no, Mother, it was only my opinion of her
You should decide as you're supervising the competition
I know, but if that's your will...
Oh, no, Mother, don't follow my opinion, follow yours
Well...
Your Majesty, I'd like to meet her teacher regardless of the results
Me, too, but...
I'm sorry to interrupt, but Lady Han has returned
Really? Then call her in! I'd like to meet her now!
When I heard that you were late and you didn't even have...
the ingredients, my heart had already leaned towards Lady Choi
But the Highest Lady should be able to train people this way...
and it's your virtue to have such a child
Looking at you, I see that my thoughts aren't wrong
And if your assistant's skills are this good
what more do we need to say of your skills?
The King is unhesitant to praise you and that child
So I think the King's will is firmer than mine...
therefore, to respect the King's will...
I designate Lady Han as the Highest Lady of the Royal Kitchen
This is great!
Unbelievable...
You should've done it, Madam
But what happened? I heard the ship went backwards
Were you kidnapped?
I think they were trying to make me miss the competition
Oh, my! They even thought of such schemes?
Then could the spoiling of ingredients have been planned, too?
See? I told you about seeing Jang-Geum in my dream last night...
and told you that I thought Lady Han would win
I know... if it wasn't for you, I'd still be at a loss right now
But wouldn't it be weird to prepare food for Jang-Geum right after she won?
When did we worry about such things?
You're right...
That's why people like us don't even imagine being the Highest Lady
So we can live comfortably
Actually, even if someone gave me the position for free...
I wouldn't take it. You saw it, too That suffocating tension...
and whenever the King's Mother says this and that
Right. I prefer working under them and eating delicious food
Yes! That's right! So we can just stick to the winning side...
show minimum effort and live comfortably, quietly for a long time
Now I see you're the wisest person
From now on, I'll just do whatever you do
Jang-Geum likes persimmon wraps, right?
Yes
What are you eating right now?
Mother, thank you. I was able to do it, because of you
Thank you, Mother
Aren't you Lady Suh?
Yes. It's my shift tonight
Oh, I heard that you helped out Lady Han
Thank you very much
Actually, I couldn't be of any help to her
But I caught all of the kidnappers and turned them in to the police
By tomorrow, we should be able to find out who was behind it all
You did?
Yes
What you did today was very beautiful
You being persistent to the end, and what you said serving dessert...
Those words will remain in my heart
You're making me blush
What are you doing here?
I was wondering how the investigation of...
the gang who kidnapped the court lady was coming along
Kidnapped the court lady?
I turned them in yesterday
Well, they found them to be merchants who were on their way...
so we're releasing them today
What? They clearly kidnapped a court lady
They said she wanted to get off the boat as
she realized she was mistaken
but they couldn't let her off as they were in a hurry
That's what the head of the police ordered...
so why don't you go and talk to him about it?
I'm sorry for the trouble
Don't let this happen again
Yes, sir
Did you come to see me?
Yes, sir. It's about the gang that my team brought...
Who are you talking about?
The guys who took the court lady...
I released them
But, they had clearly kidnapped a court lady
I looked into it already The court lady wasn't careful...
and took the wrong merchant boat, and insisted on getting off...
so they just let her go...
And I heard you arrested them without...
telling them the reason, so there were many complaints
This is the paper that certifies the liquor was given to the King, eh?
Of course, that's right
Yeah, right! You think I'd be fooled by your writing?!
How did you know the characters?
I don't know it, of course I was just pretending
Anyway, whether it was written by Lady Han or yourself...
this says the King drank our red ant liquor, right?
Yes, he liked it very much Look here, He liked it very much
That's enough, then. All that matters is that the King drank it
It's still not clear whether the King has drunk it or not...
That's OK. Regardless of that
he called Jang-Geum the best lady of the court
Yes! That's right!
Then we'll take advantage of that Many know we're her parents
Other families of court ladies live like that, too
Would that be OK with Jang-Geum?
Of course! We aren't selling anything illegal here...
Red ant liquor is valuable We'll just use her name
and sell it at a little higher price
But...
What do you mean, but? You don't need to worry...
so, just go and catch some red ants
No, I don't want to
What? No?!
Red ants bite! I can't catch red ants
Why you...! You always need a good beating, huh?!
I can catch everything except red ants
Sir! What brings you here?
I came to ask about yesterday's incident
Sure, why don't we go to Hyang-Keum and talk over some drinks?
I've trained her well while you were gone. Let's go
Did she know she was getting on a merchant boat?
Of course! They told me it was headed to Ma-Po Market
and that's why I told her to take it
Did they really say they were headed there?
Of course, why else would I let her get on that boat...
when she was in such a hurry?
Then should I bring Hyang-Keum to Ma-Po?
What? Ma-Po?
He's Lt. General of the Royal Guards and your life could change...
depending on how well you talk
Sir
So what would you like to know?
Last time, I saw Choi Pan-Sul and Park Bu-Kyum of the Food Services here
Do they meet regularly?
Choi Pan-Sul comes here all the time and Park Bu-Kyum visits here often
and from time to time, Sir Oh Kyum-Ho comes here, too
You mean Sir Oh Kyum-Ho of the Food Services?
Yes, those three come here often for drinks
You were so confident of it, but what's this now?
I am ashamed of this
It's big trouble because we didn't secure the Royal Kitchen...
but more so because I'm head of the Food Services
Stay outside for a moment
The Royal Kitchen inspects most of the products that come to the palace
so you might have a hard time monopolizing...
as the sole supplier of the products any longer
I can't do anything about it if the administrators of each part...
receiving the products oppose it
That's why I'm asking you, sir We must turn this around somehow
The King's Mother has declared it when everyone was present
How can we turn it around?!
Lady Choi said the King's Mother has changed her mind about it
And Lady Han would never stand on your side
Please understand
It's not much, but...
What's this?
Why... you...
Please inform me
Your Majesty, Lady Jung is here
Let her come in
Have a seat
You don't seem to be doing well What happened to you?
Yes, Your Majesty I came to ask you for something
Ask me?
I don't think I can carry out work as the Highest Lady anymore
And since the next Highest Lady has been decided...
I want to leave things to Lady Han and leave as soon as possible
So, please permit this
The King would be sad to hear this Is it really hard for you to stay?
Yes, Your Majesty
That's what life is like... Sure, go ahead and do that
Yes, Your Majesty. I'll do so after three days of preparation
It's time for Lady Han's promotion and time for Lady Jung's leave
so be sure to take good care of her
An order was given to change the Highest Lady in three days
What are you going to do?
I can't just let her have it
How? You lost to an assistant!
I have nothing to say, but Madam, Lady Han didn't even compete
The King's Mother had pointed out the unfairness of the competition, too
She just didn't want to go against the King's will
And as you know what'll happen...
after Lady Han gets promoted, you have to help me
Countless court ladies have received help from myself and my brother
The court ladies of various kitchens have been trusting and depending on me
Do you think they'd be able to serve Lady Han as the Highest Lady?
Then what are you going to do?
I'm going to gather them as one
and the King's Mother is going to support my actions as well
I'm going to transfer it to you after three days
Madam, I still need you here
Be quiet. You've bossed me around enough
I'll transfer it to you myself before my health worsens
Listen up!
After three days, we're going to have a ceremony of appointing...
Lady Han as the Highest Court Lady
So Lady Min, make sure to delegate all the work to the ladies...
so everything can be ready without any mistakes and...
also tell the other ladies to prepare for the day
Yes, Madam
Quiet down and come gather here!
You'll give me an excuse after taking all the rice paddies with my help?
No, but I'm in a position to directly uphold the King's Mother's orders
That's what I'm trying to do If you really have a firm will...
then you should let all kitchen court ladies...
know of the will of the King's Mother
You also know that the King's Mother doesn't approve of it
She's the one who knows about the unfairness and
the ranks of the court ladies better than anyone else
I'll be counting on you
I know your family is going through hardships
If you help me out, I'll make sure your family
can stand on its own like other families
Other court ladies have come to my side already...
so you don't have to worry about that
Madam, court ladies of the royal harem are waiting
Really?
We just came and waited for you because we felt anxious
We can never serve someone like Lady Han
And I heard the King's Mother opposed it
We've been serving you at heart for a long time now
I'm grateful to hear that
So, be firm and don't worry about ladies under us as well
Thank you
That's what we wanted to tell you
We'll leave now
So they decided to do it after three days
Let them go ahead...
Didn't you learn how to bow? Put your left hand on top!
Not put the right hand on top of the left?
You taught us that way last time
When did I? Put the left hand on top of the right hand!
Understand?
That's not right. Yeun-Seng told us...
to put the right hand on top of the left
Be quiet! Are you going to listen to me or not?!
Is this how it's going to end?
Lady Choi can't possibly let this happen
What do you mean?
What are you trying to find out, kid?!
I know. You don't like Lady Han becoming the Highest Kitchen Lady
What?! You want to be spanked, don't you?! Come here!
Madam, it's Chang-Yee
What brings you here?
They're my friends from the sewing house
And?
We've collected money to prepare silk for you
Silk?
So we can make a dress for you
I'm just a court lady I can just wear what I have
Oh, no, Madam... Please stand
I'm not sure if we'll have everything done by tomorrow morning
I know. I think we'll have many things missing...
because this happened so quickly
I think it's because Lady Jung wants to hand it over herself...
since her health is deteriorating
I know
I liked Lady Jung. Even though she could be scary at times...
she could be very humorous and open-minded about things...
Lady Han is less like that
You're right
I'll tell on you! You're saying things behind her back!
You started it, though
Is that so?
By the way, where is Yeun-Seng when we're so busy like this?
Leave her alone. She's probably feeling very sad right now
OK
Madam, do you really have to leave tomorrow?
This will only relieve your pain for a short time
OK
Is it that bad?
Please come back tomorrow morning
Sure
Madam...
Stop crying and help me sit up
Madam...
I'm going to clean up the room, so you help me, too
Madam, why do you want to pack already?
It's better for the person leaving not to leave any trace of herself
You should forget me as soon as I leave
No way, Madam I will never forget you
Come here
How can I leave a baby like you here?
You can't even run when things get hard
How can I leave you?
What are you doing here? Please stay outside
You can stay out Just sit down and eat tomorrow
She wants to cook the food for Lady Jung herself
Madam, Lady Jung wants to see you now
Sit down
I'll be leaving the wearisome palace tomorrow
I liked the palace so much when I visited with my dad during childhood
I came to the palace even though my father tried to hold me back
But the fancy palace I saw in my childhood was just an illusion
Though always crowded with people, the palace has been lonely
Envy and jealousy probably existed because they were tired of loneliness
Tired from loneliness, they probably fought to be recognized by the King
Tired of loneliness, they probably flattered others to gain wealth
Tired from loneliness, they probably had to use trickery to gain power
Have some sympathy. Have pity on them
Treat others with sympathy as much as you want to follow the principles
If you don't, others will be intimidated by your determination
and they'll be scared of it
It's not easy, of course... to be determined and...
yet be open-minded towards others
But you can do it Just be more open-minded
Those are the last words I wanted to leave with you
Human affairs are difficult Since you're better at kitchen work
I have no worries about that
No, you shouldn't make obeisance to a sick person
That's for a dying person
What are you doing here when your body is aching?
I know I've been disrespectful to you
Please pour all the hatred on me
Please be merciful towards Lady Han
Please let her go this time
It's my last wish as an old lady who's been at the palace for 60 years
Please step down quietly
Don't we have the Highest Lady appointing ceremony here?
Lady Han wasn't the one who participated in the competition
And it wasn't fair from the start because of Lady Jung's protection
Even the King's Mother is opposing it
Then we can't accept her
And we can't accept Lady Han's social standing as well
Yes, though they say those who become a court lady become a middle person
there are laws of the court ladies
Though peasants or laborers come sometimes
high positions have been occupied by those of noble birth for generations
And we're talking about the Royal Kitchen
We can't have a court lady who is a slave's daughter as the Highest Lady
We can't allow such a thing
That's right. The line between the nobles and commons is strict and...
she should be grateful that she could enter the palace
How dare she take the position of the Highest Lady?
I remind you again that it's the King's kitchen
How could such a person of low birth think of coming here?
So we can't accept her by any means We can't serve her as our superior
So please tell the King's Mother
The King's Mother will surely approve of our wish as well
She has been disapproving of Lady Han all along
Yes, even the King acknowledges and withdraws decisions...
when the other officials oppose
Surely, the King's Mother won't be indifferent about chaos in hierarchy
Madam, what are we going to do now? None of the ladies are going there
Even the worker ladies?
No... it feels like you'll become a rebel by going there. What now?
I know, what should we do? It's past the time for the ceremony
Madam, if I want to live quietly for a long time, what should I do?
I don't know. I've never experienced this before
Madam!
Let's just pretend we're sick in bed I think that's the best way for now
What are you saying is the best way now?
What's going on? How come no one's showing up?
That's...
Speak up
I didn't want to go, but they threatened me to join the meeting...
Who? Who did such a thing?
All the court ladies of the kitchen and royal families gathered...
You have to make a quick decision now Please tell the King's Mother
What do you think you're doing here?!
I'm still the Highest Court Lady of the Royal Kitchen
The court ladies of the kitchen, you follow me right now!
Head Lady, I've asked you already
Lady Choi, I told you already and you had to do this terrible thing!
You'll surely be punished...!
Madam! Madam!