(Episode 49)

So did you complete your work...

as the highest kitchen lady?

Yes, by your great grace
I was able to complete it

OK, that's good

By the way...

By the way...

Go ahead, Your Majesty

It was before I was enthroned...

when I was at my home...

a little girl came to me with drinks

What are you doing
in front of the Prince?!

I wish to be a lady
in the Royal Kitchen

Please take me

How reckless of you!

Show your manners before the Prince!

You know she's ignorant
I'm sorry about her bad manners

I'm sorry

It's alright

She must really
want to be a court lady

Did you bring these drinks?

Yes, sir

And these are from Sir Park?

Yes, sir

Did he say anything else?

He just said it's for...

your birthday and
each of the drinks has...

a congratulatory message
so you should drink it in order

In this order?

No, sir

Then in what order?

First is keum-youn,
next is chun-jun...

next is ki-dang,
and the last is sal-ji

Wasn't it you?

Yes, you're correct

So it was really you!

Yes

So you're the one who memorized
all the names of the drinks?

You're the one who said
you'd tell him...

I appreciated it but that
I looked deeply troubled

Yes... you accepted the request
of mine when I was a little girl

and I have become
a court lady like this

Is that so...

I have thought about that
from time to time

I was enthroned because of it...

and I've wondered about
that little girl

I've been curious

It's truly an interesting fate

It's truly a joyous fate

That little girl grew up like this
to save my life, treat the Queen...

and persuade my mother

And you've been beside me!

It's all because of your great grace

Anyway...

So what should I do for you now?

Don't hesitate to ask
for whatever you want

Then... Your Majesty...

I have one more request

Sure. What is it?

Please send me to
the public health center

Public health center? Why there?

With your grace, I have
enjoyed undeserved honor

As your servant, I'd like to realize
your desire to see the welfare...

of people improve by caring for
poor people's health...

thereby improving
my own medical skills

Public health center?

But why there of all places?

There are many other places
where you can practice medicine

I guess for a talented
physician lady like yourself...

the court could get stressful
since you have to...

put your life on the line
for checking every pulse

Your Majesty, that's not why...

I understand. Do what you want

If you were born a male...

You'd have the position of the head
Royal Physician to care for me

Your Majesty...

that's very generous of you

Now I'll go where people and...

diseases are and
go forward from there

Then go to the public health center
and work there for the time being

Remember it's only for the time being

Sure, Your Majesty

He's the new commissioner
of the pharmacy...

prime minister, Sir Lee Kwang-Hee

You've gone through a tough time
because of all the trouble that...

occurred in the pharmacy

Since everything has settled down...

the King has ordered
reshuffling of the positions

First of all, physician Shin will
be promoted to 4th class...

and he'll be caring for
the King's health

Physician Jung will be promoted to...

5th class and
he'll be helping Sir Shin

Though the King's illness was
treated after much trouble...

this is not proper and the pharmacy's
authority has been damaged

So Sir Shin should make sure
that all physicians and ladies...

are trained thoroughly

I know it's been difficult for you
because just as he said...

I've done many things
against the rules

So I'd like to ask
for your understanding

Oh, no, this isn't something
you should feel that way about

It actually stimulated us

We'll advance forward
with more diligence

Thank you for your understanding

Head physician lady, please tell us
the new rearrangement

Yes, sir

I have something to tell you

The King has ordered me to
go to the public health center

What? The public health center?

A talented physician lady
at the public health center?

Did you request it?

Why?

Though I owe it to Lady Han,
I've run to...

this point without looking back

That's why I was able to
achieve more than others

But it was limited to...

the illnesses I wanted
to find out about

I'd like to start from the beginning

I'll see many patients and
study to renew my heart

If that's what you want...

Sure. It'll be much better than only
receiving physicians' orders here

The Queen would be disappointed
Are you sure you're leaving?

Yes

You achieved a lot and...

you even won
the Royal Family's favor. Why?

I know...

There are many sick and poor people
so it'll be very hard for you

I'm sad to see you go...

Please forgive me
if I made things hard for you

No, not at all. You've shown us that
a physician lady could be...

better than the physicians,
so you've motivated us to do more

How could you go like this
without even telling me?

I'll be seeing you at
the physician lady's pharmacy

But still...

I'll work hard, so you work hard, too

That way we can ask
each other many questions

Sure. You said your mother and
Lady Han made persimmon vinegar...

to give it to the person who became
the best by working diligently?

Even though we can't
make persimmon vinegar...

let's work hard to become
the best physician ladies in Chosun

Sure. By the way, Shin-Bi...

would you do me a favor?

No! How about
the delivery of my baby?

I'll continue to hear
about you through Shin-Bi

And she'll be better
at taking care...

of you and the baby

It's not that I don't trust her...

You had such a hard time
coming into the palace, Jang-Geum

Actually, I want you to stay...

Yes, Jang-Geum...

Even though she has
a higher position...

it's always lonely in the palace

Jang-Geum...

Why did you ask him for
such a thing without telling me?

I can't even begin
to describe the grace...

you've offered me
by saving my life and trusting me

So why did you do it?

But Your Majesty,
I need to learn much more

Please understand

I do see that you should rest...

now that you've accomplished
such a great thing

But... you're my person

You must come back
at once if I call for you

Yes, Your Majesty

What?

She must go to
the public health center!

The King is so mean! You cured him
of an illness and he's sending you...

to the public health center?

Did you ask for gold and silver
for curing him or something?

Yes...

You're crazy!

You should've
acted humble and said...

"I wish for nothing"
You should've done that!

That's right!
Didn't I tell you before?

When you speak, you should...

try to win his favor and
beat around the bush

He won't give it to you
if you ask him directly!

No... no... she isn't someone
who would do that

You said you wanted
to go there, didn't you?

Oh, no, I clearly asked for
a lot of gold and silver

Just when I think I'd benefit
you get kicked out...

and when things get better...

you're going to some weird place

But everyone in the world
knows that you've cured the King...

Don't you deserve some reward?

Be quiet... she must remain
at her position for that

Good choice. You should continue
learning and as a physician lady...

in the Royal Pharmacy
you don't have...

any authority to prescribe medicine
so it's hard to learn in depth

Good choice

Man, oh man, they're both the same

They know nothing of the world

You're up early

You're leaving already?

Yes. See you later

Whatever...

what good is getting there...

at the crack of dawn?

See you later

What does it say?

This is bamboo "jook"
and this is kite "yun"

What is your name?

My name is Suk-Gu

What's your last name?

Ma

This is your name, Ma Suk-Gu

So this is your kite

Really?!

Yes. It's yours as you've
endured your illness well...

and you're the first one to recover

How about us?

If you overcome your illnesses
I'll give each of you a kite...

with your name on it as well

It is written that a great physician
isn't someone who only...

cures people but someone who
motivates the patients to overcome it

You're a better physician than I am

Is that so?

But what brings you
here at this time?

I visited on the way to the palace
I wanted to see what the place...

you'll be working at is like

Is that all?

Do I need some other reason?

Oh, no, not that...
Then I'll get going now

Are you just going to leave?

Is there anything else
you want to say?

No, it's not that...

Then... I'll get going

It's cold, so get inside!

I have to squeeze it out
Please be still for a moment

It hurts!

It will fester again
if I don't squeeze it all out

Oh, my... it's very filthy

It'll hurt less and I can take out
the root this way. Just be patient

Thank you

This is yellow mud water

Don't buy expensive medicine...

but make mud water like this
and clean the skin with it

Really? I can just use the mud water?

Yes, but you have to put the water
in high quality brassware

The brassware detoxifies it
to make it into good water

Sure...

What should we do?

He keeps on having
difficulty breathing...

He has asthma

Then is the medicine expensive?
Do we have to come everyday?

You can't bring him everyday?

It takes 3 days to come here...

and I have to work

Then can you get a beehive
near your place?

I can probably get it if I look
around mountains and streams

Then burn the beehive to ashes
and use it to make gruel

And give him a spoonful of
balloonflower root extract regularly

Turn your head...

1... 2... 3

What brings you here?

I...

I have another child
you could make a kite for...

Is that why you came?

And... I was wondering
if you could teach...

characters to the kids
in the infirmary...

I, too, wanted to learn
when I was young...

Is that the reason?

I just...

If that's the reason,
then, I will visit when I find time

I'm rather busy at the palace, too...

Sure...

Bye

Actually... I came to see you...

I taught them characters
because that's what you wanted

It's not that...

Then?

Are you going to come here everyday?

Why?

If they don't get...

their lessons continually...

by the way...

I'd like to see you everyday

For the children?

No... I want it...

You should've told me that
from the beginning!

Then have you been teasing me?

Teasing? You made me
worry all this time...

so you should feel
how it hurts, too!

Come out and stand before me now

What is it?

He was going to hit me for not
being able to write one character

He has tuberculosis. Why would
you want to hit such a kid?

He promised to memorize it...

and to be hit if he doesn't

But he's sick

Don't spoil him
just because he's sick

He should overcome this
to overcome his illness

You shouldn't hit a kid
who came here for his illness

They don't learn any better
by being hit like this

Lady Suh No

No... You come over here...

You come over here...

No. Just go ahead
and continue in there

Lady Suh, we're acting
like a married couple

Ma'am, you should leave
the pancakes before you go!

No pancakes for you. Come here!

It's only been 3 months since I took
the highest kitchen lady position

Though I got this position
through a competition...

after such a thing happened to
Lady Choi suddenly...

I don't think I can
keep this position...

because of my age
and lack of energy

That's why I called all of you here

I'm going to designate
the Prince's birthday party...

as a competition, so prepare for it

Then you should prepare a dish, too

I'd get the position
if I just serve it...

but I prefer to stay here like this

Why? You've been in the kitchen
for a long time and you know...

a lot about
the King's preference, too

That's true

Yes. Even Lady Han praised you for it

But in order to
live a long, quiet life...

it's better not to take
such a high position

If that's your opinion
then stay with me

I'd like that of course

What should I do?
What do you mean?

At the competition...

Should I demonstrate
all of my skills or not?

You said you don't
really want to do it

But that was before
the Suk-Won lady...

Then you do want to try it?

I'm just saying...

Many of the ladies who were
there longer than me left...

and I'm the one who can
continue the legacy...

of Lady Jung and Lady Han

And it's not a bad idea
to command others...

How about living
a long and quiet life?

Can't I change it
to long and loud?

Ha! Hey, should I try it?

If you do, you think you'll win?

Of course, if I try... I will win

The Queen has made a decision

The next highest kitchen lady is...

Lady Min

Lady Min? Who's Lady Min?

Me? Me, Lady Min?

Yes

Why?

How?

What for?

Since the highest kitchen lady
has bad health...

Lady Min should prepare for
the position quickly

No way!

What do you mean?

No... I mean... the preparation...

What extra preparation do you need?

Prepare a meal for the King
and step up to the position

If you give me a year's time...

What are you talking about?

How about 6 months?
No, just 3 months...

1 month... Just give me 10 days

What's wrong?

I have to say bye to Suk-Won lady...

That takes 10 days?

Gosh, you've become the highest lady?

Yes

You really became
the highest kitchen lady?

Yes

The highest lady position
that Lady Jung had occupied?

Yes

The highest lady position
that Lady Han held?

Yes

So, the highest lady position
that Lady Choi held has been...?!

I said, yes!

It is indeed
something to celebrate...

but I wonder how long...

she'll be able to hold it

When will Jang-Geum be back?

She's normally home very late

But will you be able to do well?

Madam!

Jang-Geum!

She'll get in trouble...

Here...

What is this?

It's my cooking notebook containing
what I learned from Lady Han...

and everything else I've learned

Why would you give it to me?

I felt bad about storing it away...

but now it has found the right owner

It'll be help to you, since I have
a habit of writing down many details

Thank you. But Jang-Geum, I'm scared

It's a position that someone
like Lady Jung deserves...

and the best Lady Han
and Lady Choi competed for it...

It's a position for
a talented person like you...

so how can a person like me take it?

What do you mean?

Don't try to comfort me...

Don't say that

You're the person who's been cooking
without any other motive

And Lady Han praised you often, too

Really?

Yes, she said, though you're light...

with words, your dishes taste deep

And she can tell your character...

by tasting your dishes

And you're the right person to...

continue in the legacy of
Lady Jung and Lady Han

So you will do well
You will certainly do well

Thank you, Jang-Geum!

Even I can't trust myself...

Trust yourself... Thanks

Jang-Geum

This is Shin-Bi's voice

What are you doing here, madam?

And what are you doing here?

I came with an order of the Queen

Is something wrong?

I'm not sure, but a messenger from
the Queen's quarters told me...

to tell you to report
to the Queen tomorrow

Your Majesty!
My cooking skills are still poor

I have taken a position
that I shouldn't have

So if you give me some time...

I will be diligent in preparing...

It's delicious

Excuse me?

Didn't you prepare bean paste stew...

when Lady Jung was here?

Yes, I did

Though I preferred Lady Han's stew...

the Queen preferred your stew

Really?

I'm starting to find this very tasty

So that's how you've become
the highest kitchen lady

Yes...

Actually, I have a secret recipe
that I only use to prepare it

Really?

And you're humble enough to
promise more diligence...

so I'm glad to hear it

Yes, Your Majesty...

I'm quite humble...

Have you been doing fine?

Yes, Your Majesty

Then come back to me again

Excuse me?

I'm not doing well

Where are you hurting?

Since my heart isn't fine
my body is aching as well

Your heart isn't fine?

What is the reason?

When I think about the situation...

that my son and I are in
I feel distressed

I shouldn't have
given birth to the Prince

Your Majesty,
the Prince is beside you

How could you say such a thing?

That's what my position is like

The palace is a scary place

Doesn't history tell that?

Here, if you can't survive,
you must die

And after you saved the King's life
the people around here are looking...

at me with suspicion

They're like that even when
the King is on the throne

So when the Crown Prince
is enthroned...

This is a written amulet
invoking a curse on my Prince

So how could I relax for a moment?

How could I not be ill at heart?

So, Jang-Geum, please...

cure me of this illness of heart

Be the physician lady in charge again

And be the physician lady
for the weak Crown Prince

If you accept my will and become...

the physician lady
of the Crown Prince...

I trust you

I trust that you won't let me down

Wait... follow me for a moment

Did you understand
what the Queen told you?

Actually, I didn't quite understand
what she was trying to say

I've called you like this because
I know the Queen cannot speak...

to you directly about it

The Crown Prince has
an incurable heart disease...

that he has suffered
since he was little

There's no medicine
that can help him...

so he's going to die eventually

Everyone in the Prince's quarters...

and the pharmacy know this fact

If the Crown Prince,
son of late Queen Jang-Kyung...

is enthroned even for a short time...

then it'd be hard for the Queen
to maintain her position

And it'd be the same for
Prince Kyung-Won, her son, as well

This is also known by all the older
court ladies and other superiors

So you can become the physician lady
for the Crown Prince and...

protect the Queen

Using your medical skills, you can
prevent physicians from finding out

So no one else can find out about it

He has an incurable disease
Send him away comfortably in peace

As long as
the Crown Prince is alive...

the Queen has the world against her

Don't forget that
you've been offered...

limitless grace by the Queen

Then the physician lady
Jang-Geum returned...

to the pharmacy by
the order of the Queen?

Yes

I've received the order
from the Queen

She wants her to be
at the Crown Prince's palace

Why the Crown Prince's palace?

I'm not sure... but since his health
isn't better, she probably wants...

trustworthy Jang-Geum to
take care of his health

So did you meet the Queen?

Yes

The Crown Prince's illness is
an intermittent heart attack...

due to toxins attacking the heart

Even though the whole body is cold...

he sweats, and he's weak

The problem is, we know his illness
but there is no good medicine for it

And even though he improves for
a while, the root is still there

I've done much research
after I started to...

take care of him
but I haven't found any good way

You can study in depth...

Jang-Geum...

Yes...

What's wrong? Even though
I'm speaking about...

the Crown Prince,
you don't seem interested

Is it because you didn't
want to come back to the palace?

No...

I'm concerned about him
because of his illness

Do your best

Yes, Your Majesty

Crown Prince,
you should get well soon

Why should you receive
a visitation from your old grandma?

I'm sorry, grandma

The Queen called Jang-Geum...

because she's concerned
about his health...

Take good care of him

Sure

I came because of the promise
I made to the kids...

but why are you here?

I missed being here

You missed the public health center
where you had to work non-stop...

seek out herbs yourself...

even do the patients' laundry?

Yes

Actually, I like it here
better than the palace

I truly enjoy teaching...

and being with the children here

Then, Lady Suh...

I'll retire and
open a small school...

and you can open a small pharmacy

In one building, that is

Why? You don't like it?

You really don't like it?

I don't like it
I don't want a small pharmacy

Make it a big one
so many sick people can come

OK, I'll make it
bigger than my school

Physician Jung has told me
he has improved much more...

than other times. Is that right?

Yes

Even though it was the Queen's idea,
it's much more relaxing having...

you attend to his health

We'd have you right beside us
if you were born a male

It's too bad

Isn't that right?

Yes

Is it hard for you?

It was hard for me...

to decide to tell you that, too

You must accept it. I told you that
because it was a hard decision

You're indebted to me, you yourself
have spoken of it. You must repay

That is the right principle
of the world

You have to save me this time

If not...

I don't want to lose you

If you accept my will and become...

the physician lady
of the Crown Prince...

I trust you

I trust that you won't let me down

Using your medical skills, you can
prevent physicians from finding out

So no one else can find out about it

He has an incurable disease
Send him away comfortably in peace

I don't like it
I don't want a small pharmacy

Make it a big one
so many sick people can come

OK, I'll make it
bigger than my school

Did you really wait for me
to come and buy you ornaments?

Yes

Really?

Yes

Don't follow me
I'll choose one for you

Do you like it?

Yes... I like it very much

And I have something to give you, too

What...?

Isn't this from your father?

I wanted to give you
the most precious thing I had

In it, are my childhood memories...

and memories of meeting
you for the first time

Please accept it

Your Majesty, Jang-Geum is here

Let her in Yes, Your Majesty

Your Majesty...

The life you've saved...

I return it back to you

I cannot do such a thing

I acted rashly to restore
the status of Lady Han and my mother

Even though I knew they couldn't
come back to life, I risked my life

It was only to continue
the legacy they left behind

They thought food that goes into...

people's mouths should not
be used to gain power

I'm... I'm going to
continue their legacy

I'm currently practicing medicine
and the only right use...

of medicine is to
heal and save people

No other reason can go beyond that

That is my limitation

Even if it is myself?

Yes

Even if it is myself who saved you?

Yes

Even if it is myself who has
your life in my hands?

Yes. You can take away my life...

but you can't take away my will

So, please take away my life

Didn't I tell you that
I don't want to lose you?

Didn't I plead with you?

OK

Then you'll be my attendant lady

You can be a court lady now that
your status has been restored

But Your Majesty...

Stay beside me...
I'm sure you'll do that much!

Your Majesty, His Majesty
the King is here

What important conversation
are you having with her?

Your Majesty... Jang-Geum
used to be a court lady...

so I asked her to
become my attendant lady

Your attendant lady?

Yes, Your Majesty

Yes, Jang-Geum owes
her life to the Queen

You must not be able to say no

No other reason can go beyond that

That is my limitation

Even if it is myself?

Yes

Even if it is myself who saved you?

Yes

Even if it is myself who has
your life in my hands?

Yes. You can take away my life...

but you can't take away my will

Secretly call Jang-Geum
to Suk-Won's residence

Yes, Your Majesty

Jang-Geum...

What's wrong? Jang-Geum...

Did someone hit you?

Is it you?

Is it you?

What's wrong, Jang-Geum?

Jang-Geum...

Follow me

I didn't know the head eunuch
would do such a thing...

Why is he making her cry?

Isn't that right?

I'm going to go tell
my father, so stay here

You said,
"You can take away my life...

but you can't take away my will"

What is your will that
the Queen was trying to take away?

What is it that you aren't willing
to do even if it means your life?

What is it?

It's the command of the King. Tell me

You'd be guilty of a crime
if you don't tell me

Because I know of
your relationship with the Queen...

I have an idea

Tell me

Should I call the Queen over?

Your Majesty...

I cannot tell you

Kill me instead

Your Majesty... kill this one instead

Where is Sir Min?

He went home already

What's wrong with her?
I don't know...

Did Sir Min come here?

No, he didn't come today

When you see him,
tell him that I must see him

Really? Lady Suh was looking for me?

Yes, she seemed to be in a hurry

She didn't come home yet?

Why?

I heard that she was
urgently looking for me

Why would she?

Jang-Geum, he was looking for you

He just left

Are they playing hide-and-seek?

Just ignore them

They'll have to hide well

You said you'll always be with me
Where have you been?

You said you'll always be with me

Where have you been?
Where did you go?

What's wrong?

You said you wanted to kidnap me...

and run away, right? Right?

Help me run away

Help me run away! Please! Please!

Don't ask me anything

Please help me run away! Please

Don't ask me anything

Please help me run away! Please...

I'll submit my
resignation letter tomorrow

I'll do it tomorrow

You can wait one day, right?

But...

I don't need to hear it

And I don't need to know it,
or think about it

Where is the prime minister?

He has gone into the King's chamber
The minister is there, too...

so please deliver this appeal for me

OK

Your Majesty, that's
utterly unreasonable

Please take your words back

Your Majesty...

This concerns only myself!

I trust this person,
and the skill and talents...

have been proven. I'm making
this person my personal physician...

so why would you argue about this?!

Your Majesty!

Minister, listen
I'm appointing physician lady...

Jang-Geum as my personal physician
so go ahead and do that