[Episode 37]
You know why we've come here?
The Emperor wishes to extend his thanks.
He won't forget what you did for Her Grace.
I anticipated as much.
The chief physician and his staff are here.
Yes, indeed. He and his staff did their best.
Thank you.
Not at all. Our duty, no more.
And yet...
And yet our highest praise goes to another.
Her Grace was cured by another Joseon doctor.
Another doctor? How do you mean?
I understood our chief physic...
Not so, Sire. They did their best.
But unfortunately, after they left,
Her Grace had a relapse.
She hadn't been cured.
She hadn't?
And in her distress...
...another Joseon doctor saved her.
- Another...? - Another doctor...?
Sire, she was saved with surgery, much to our surprise.
No...
Surgery?
Another doctor.
Then...
Lord Yi, explain all this.
Listen, what is this?
I don't know.
It can't be...
The doctor in question is with us today.
I invited him here.
With your permission?
Yes, of course.
Bring him in.
Chancellor.
Kwanghyon.
Apprentice Baek.
Kwanghyon.
Kw-Kwanghyon?
How...
How could...?
Sire.
The savior of our Empress, Baek Kwanghyon.
Sire.
Y-you...
Apprentice Baek. He's alive.
Jinyong, did you..?
You're...
...alive?
Apprentice Baek...
How?
But how?
Your Highness.
Princess. Your Highness.
Her Highness? Where is she?
Ma'am.
Is something wrong?
It's happening. Right here.
What is?
Not what. Who.
Doctor Baek is back.
Huh? Oh, come on.
How can a dead guy...
He didn't die, that's why.
Doctor Baek is here now.
And he has a letter from the Qing emperor.
Huh?
Uh-huh.
Lady Kwak.
What was that?
Your Highness.
Doctor Baek is here?
Here? In the palace?
Yes.
How can this be, Chancellor?
He escaped from Joseon justice.
How could he...
Sire, I heard about that.
I know he left Joseon to escape the law.
But, Sire, if not for him...
...our Empress would be dead.
Not just her. Many of the people of our nation.
Please accept our earnest request, Sire.
Surely Your Majesty can find it in your heart to pardon Doctor Baek?
Chancellor.
Of course, it is entirely in Your Majesty's hands.
If you find you cannot grant him a pardon...
...he was ready to face any consequences...
...when he returned to Joseon.
But, Sire, before you decide...
...consider his gifts...
...and his commitment to healing.
Surely he is too precious to lose.
What's that again?
He's alive?
He saved the empress?
Lord Yi, say something.
It's out of the blue.
I don't know.
I don't know how this happened.
Worthless.
My lord.
Oh, my, what's going on?
Oh, my-my-my.
What just happened? He just shows up?
Exactly. So he's been alive all this time?
Alive and with the Qing?
I saw it but I don't believe it.
It's like seeing a ghost.
My point exactly.
How many years is it?
Since he disappeared.
Three? Give or take.
Right. A long time, so how...
Three years, three...
Maybe he is a ghost.
No...
Doctor.
Ma'am. Did you see?
He's alive.
Doctor, ma'am. Apprentice Baek, our Kwanghyon.
Yes, we know.
And he came back with a huge achievement.
Sir, the doctor that treated the hospital patients and Lord Oh.
It was him.
Yes. Inju?
Yes, probably so.
It was all Apprentice Baek.
The man Master Saam spoke of...
...was Apprentice Baek.
Jinyong.
Your Highness.
Doctor Baek is back.
Did you see him? Did you?
Yes, Your Highness, I did.
I wasn't close, but I saw him.
Jinyong.
Where is Doctor Baek?
What's he doing?
Waiting at the King's discretion.
It's up to the King now.
It's killing me.
Is it good or bad news?
Why don't we hear anything?
Master?
Enough already.
You're driving me insane.
But I can't stand it.
I can't sit down or nothin'.
Master, our King wouldn't decide against him, would he?
Qing letter or not, he wouldn't arrest him, would he?
Idiot.
Come again?
Pssh.
You're to come to the palace.
I never dreamed I'd see you again.
Or that you would bring a Qing letter with you.
But you must know...
Despite what you did for the Empress...
...I'm the king here and if I don't grant a pardon...
...this letter is of no use to you.
Yes, Sire, I know.
Just as I know the gravity of my offense.
And that it can never be forgiven in this life.
I know because I cannot forgive myself.
Then why did you come back?
When you know you might not be granted forgiveness.
Because...
Because I believe in Lord Ko's vision.
What? His vision?
Yes, just so, Sire.
I lost my mentor Ko Juman...
...through my own incompetence.
That failure can never be cleansed.
But he left me a final request.
He told me to never give up.
To follow it through to the end.
He asked me to safeguard his Peoples Surgery.
To show that surgery is not wrong.
To show the world that surgery...
...can save countless lives.
I have dedicated my life to this cause, Sire.
He died because of me.
But I will fulfill his vision.
I won't let his vision disappear, Sire.
So that's why?
You saved the hospital's cast-offs...
...and Minister Oh?
Yes, no one said anything.
But seeing you earlier, I thought it might be you.
Saving lives with surgery.
I thought it was you.
Sire.
You honor me.
But that was Lord Ko's vision, as well.
Lord Ko's vision...
Ko Juman's vision?
I had forgotten it long since.
But not you.
While I was blind and deaf...
...you nurtured his vision.
Sire.
You there, come here.
You called, Sire?
Send for my privy counsel.
Yes, Sire.
What? His Majesty?
Yes, my lord.
He has ordered that Baek Kwanghyon be cleared of all charges.
Not only that.
In light of his saving countless lives and helping High Minister Oh...
...he has been appointed to the seventh rank.
Well now.
So it comes to this?
My lord.
You have got to be kidding.
What, Baek Kwanghyon saves the empress and ruins the hospital?
Is Lord Yi next?
Oh, I chose the wrong lord.
I've been wasting my time.
Huh? Who's alive?
Kwanghyon, I said.
With a letter for saving the Qing Empress.
Oh my goodness!
Some little bunny is suddenly living high in the Dragon King's palace?
Forget mythical palaces.
The real-life King has granted him a pardon.
I never.
Chef, what are you doing?
Let's go see Kwanghyon.
Hm? Oh, right, let's go.
What are you..? Where...?
It's my day off.
Don't look for me.
But today I...
Give him a break.
Me and Jabong here will pitch in later.
That's not what I meant...
Off we go.
Wait...
I swear, who do they think they are?
Did they forget our date to see the folk festival?
Wait...
Did they both stand me up?
They stood ME up?
Hmph.
Oh, no, we'll see about that.
My lady... my lady...
His lordship is here.
Is it true?
His Majesty pardon Apprentice Baek?
Yes. Now he can live in Joseon.
Without a worry.
I'm glad. So very glad.
Eunso. Shouldn't we go see him?
I'm dying to know what he's been up to.
No, it's best if we wait.
Hm?
He has other people he needs to see now.
Isn't it best if we wait our turn?
I suppose, but I'm pouting.
I worried about him.
Truth be told, a little more than my wife.
Oh, you.
- Master. - Inju.
Oh.
Oh. The dorks. We meet again.
So you're here.
He's your master?
Yes. And Apprentice Baek's.
Really?
An honor, sir.
Your Kwanghyon's colleagues.
Yes, sir.
And her?
Ask me yourself, why ask sideways?
I'm his disciple and Baek's senior.
Huh? His senior?
A maid?
What maid? I'm his senior.
You're his colleagues.
Guess that makes me your senior too.
So you'll call us Sir Pak and Sir Yun?
No way.
Baek's got talent, so he gets special treatment.
You two got nothin'.
Kwanghyon isn't here yet?
Yes, not yet.
Look around for once.
Who do you think he wants to see?
Not me?
You nuts? He sees you every day.
Where's the one place he wants to go?
Any idea?
Ah, since you put it that way.
Now I've seen everything.
One moment.
Hm?
Is Kang Jinyong in?
What? He left the palace?
Yes.
Jinyong.
Your Highness.
He left 15 minutes ago.
He's probably looking for you.
Well? Off you go.
Yes.
Your Highness, will you be all right?
Don't you want to see him?
Once, perhaps.
But now I see I'm not what he wants.
Your Highness.
I guess I'm not a little girl anymore.
Your Highness.
Let me ask you something.
Are you...
...looking for me?
It's not too late?
I thought you might forget me.
Might get over me.
No.
I didn't forget.
You did before.
You came back.
I knew you would.
I knew it.
I knew...
...you would find me.
Officer Kang is in exile.
After his defeat by the Qing.
Yes, my lord, I heard.
My lord.
Leave me.
But...
I said go.
You sent Kang away?
Yes, I did.
Because I know what you're capable of.
I've come back.
You're bound to try your old tricks.
You've grown up.
All thanks to you.
Ah, so you're smirking?
I'm a joke to you now?
Oh, no. Make no mistake.
I'm not about to fall.
Especially to the likes of you.
Yes, you wouldn't.
Whoever you have to hurt or flatter,
whatever it takes, you'll keep your position.
That's how men like you survive.
You just keep hanging on.
But remember this.
You won't have it your way, not this time.
You..!
I won't let this pass. I'll get you!
No. My father and Lord Ko were enough.
I won't lose to you.
This time everything that's yours...
...everything you took...
...will be mine.
That's why I'm back.
So you're back.
Sorry it's a little late, but thank you for saving me.
And for making it back.
I mean it, believe it or not.
More than anyone, I wanted you to live.
But it's even clearer to me now.
You can Jinyong can never work.
My lord.
If you two get close...
...your pasts are bound to come out.
If your rightful place is known...
...Jinyong will suffer.
And that I will not allow.
- So... - No.
That won't happen.
I have no thought, no ambition, for status.
You need not worry about that.
Nurse Kang...
Nurse Kang is in good hands now.
Fine. Let's see how far you're willing to go.
Just how far...
Life's trials and tribulations are the same.
Fate can be cruel.
But along the way, never forget to set your sail.
Never forget that your heart is your main mast.
I'm back, Lord Ko.
I won't forget my vow.
I will make the clinic a place for the weak and the helpless.
I will never forget where my heart lies.
Well? Feeling better?
Yes. All better.
Stay on a diet of cool foods.
I'll give you something to take before meals.
Thank you, nurse.
My lady, there are no more patients.
All right.
May I help?
Mm, no thanks. I'm nearly done.
No more patients?
Yes. I was always worried about turning them away.
But those days are gone now.
True.
Things are looking up.
I should hurry.
Yes'm.
Sire, are you sure about the clinic?
Yes, I am.
I've already issued the orders.
But, Sire...
Your Majesty.
This is court business.
Please leave it to us.
Your Majesty.
There's nothing for it.
Not in view of Lord Yi's failure.
Pride comes before a fall...
I ran the clinic. Look at me now.
Your lordly.
What now?
The new head of the clinic is arriving today.
Aren't you going?
Must I?
You sure ought to.
The old head attends, bells and whistles on...
What?
I'm just saying, you never know what will happen.
What will it hurt to attend?
Fine, great, off you go.
Yes, your lordly.
Always the "Your lordly, your lordly."
So I'm a mid-level official, does he have to rub it in?
My lord.
Your lordship.
Everything ready?
Of course, everyone is ready for your lordship.
- Let's go. - Yessir.
Come on.
Today is a new day for the clinic and our patients.
I'm pleased to see all of you here.
The clinic has become a shambles.
We will revive our original vision.
We will restore the surgical college.
And work with the people's surgery to focus on our patients.
I believe now we have two clinics.
Ah, one more thing.
We have a new doctor with us today.
A doctor appointed specifically to assist us with his surgical skill.
Doctor Baek Kwanghyon.
You are hereby appointed a physician of the seventh rank.
We trust that you will continue to place your patients first.
I will, my lord.
Your resignation?
What brought this on?
The man that assisted the herb smugglers in their escape.
It was me.
Not too bright, are you?
Didn't you notice I was looking the other way?
Sire.
We made a token investigation.
But they were a necessary evil.
Yes, I knew.
Just as I knew they kept a rein on the hospital's monopoly.
Then they will be permitted to keep operating?
Definitely.
Take this away.
Of course, you lied to me.
So you'll take a step down in rank.
Sire.
Step right up, step right up.
Free soup for everyone, free soup.
Really?
Really. My boy's a doctor today.
Free soup is the least I can do.
Malbok, see to our guests.
Yes, Chef.
It's free, just like he said.
Jabong, some warm soup here.
Coming right up. Today's a perfect day for hot soup.
Enjoy.
So he's a doctor, must the food be free?
Mother, he's alive.
Aren't you happy?
Ugh. Sure, delighted, ecstatic.
But not so happy I want to give money away.
Listen to you.
Look at it this way.
Kwanghyon and I are like brothers.
Think of it as me eating the lot.
Yes, yes, well, you certainly could.
Ahem.
Hmph. What?
I came to beg your pardon.
I forgot all about the folk festival.
Forgot? Pssh.
So I was wondering, tomorrow...
What-what-what?
You at it again?
At what?
Sniffing around her ladyship?
I got first dips, so there.
First dibs goes to the first to speak.
Pardon ME.
Are you two done?
Talk about counting chickens before they're hatched.
Hmph.
- No, wait... my lady... - Mother, Mother...
Why you got to butt in, tell me that?
Who's butting in on who, huh?
Who's sitting down at my table?
Who's sitting down at whose table?
C'mere and say that.
This again?
I thought it was over with Kwanghyon coming back.
I never thought...
What's going on?
What's with my mom?
Ugh, why you asking me?
What? Is it me?
Here you are.
Ma'am.
It's different from when Lord Ko was here.
Yes. But I still remember.
It's like he's still sitting here...
...waiting for me.
Seeing you here.
It's still like a dream.
Thank you. For surviving.
For staying safe.
Ma'am.
Here.
It belongs to you now.
Lord Ko's vision, your father's...
...and yours...
...it's all inside.
I know you can do it.
Your Highness, aren't these a doctor's robes?
Oh, for Doctor Baek...
Your Highness.
No, don't get the wrong idea.
It's just to commemorate his safe return.
You mind giving them to him?
Well...
Yes, I do.
Hm?
You should do it.
You should see him.
And he'll want to see you.
Jinyong.
Your Highness.
Her Highness is growing up.
It was bound to happen.
Yes.
I was worried I would have to trap more neighborhood mutts.
Still, it's nice to see.
Uh-huh...
Here.
Your Highness.
Don't get the wrong idea.
I'm just pleased you're back. And a doctor now.
You're always too good to me.
No. We're friends, after all.
Don't worry about it.
It's not even that expensive.
Just some stuff I threw together.
Be that as it may.
It's precious because it's from you.
Really?
Tell me if you like it.
Then I can...
No, I'll speak with Jinyong.
Your Highness.
You saw the Princess?
Yes.
What?
Oh, nothing.
What are you hiding?
I know what it is.
No, it's not... I just...
Ah-hah. You're squirming.
'Cause she likes you.
Huh? You knew?
Of course. Before anyone.
Oh, ah-hah. And you still sent me over there?
To take this and shut up?
What's wrong with that?
Doesn't it bother you?
Aren't you jealous?
What kind of girl are you?
Her Highness and I are old friends.
What's there to be jealous of?
Sheesh.
How long are you going to call me nurse?
We're alone. "Jinyong," go ahead.
Huh?
Sure, nurse and Yongdal are fine.
But my name is Jinyong.
I want to hear you say it.
Go on. "Jinyong."
How can I?
Why not?
I'm saying "Kwanghyon, Kwanghyon" aren't I?
Well, go on. Before anyone comes in.
Ji...
Jinyong...
I like hearing you say it.
And now your reward.
Um...
I've... got to go...
...over there...
Are you kidding?
Huh?
Well, I mean... we're not children.
You loafin' in here?
I won't have it in front of my master.
We-we're not. Who's she anyway?
No idea. She's from the surgery.
She must be important, the way she carries on.
Hey, you, back to work.
Will you answer for it if our patients get worse?
Huh? N-no.
Ahem. Hey.
What?
Move it. I gotta move this... Miss...
Scoot. I'll handle the heavy stuff.
Where's the medicine we asked for?
Another dork.
Wha..?
You...
What are you doing here?
I'm a nurse for Doctor Baek, starting today.
You're the new nurse we heard about?
Mm-hm.
Ah, good timing. You wanted this?
Here you go.
Get your own stuff from now on.
These ladies are too busy to cater to you.
You... you're so...
Who do you think you are?
Are you all right?
It's not over yet.
What's that girl's name?
EEP. I'm bleeding, look...
The Samnam drought has reached the capital.
Yes, Sire.
It's getting harder to treat all the cases of malnutrition.
What is the situation in the clinic right now?
Sire.
I've used an anti-infection salve.
It should be cleared up in ten days or so.
Yes, thank you, doctor.
And don't exert yourself.
Give your body time to heal.
I wish I could.
But with the famine and all...
I understand.
We're all struggling.
Doctor.
Come quickly.
What's his condition?
A hard abscess.
We lanced it. The blood and pus turned toxic.
You used flowing aucklandia restorative?
No use.
We tried a blood tonic, but no luck.
The abscess is toxic? How is he?
His pulse is weak.
The poison is blocking the meridians.
What do we do?
If it spreads he'll suffer from toxemia.
All cases of tetanus and toxemia from surgery.
Yes. With the famine, their bodies can't fight off the infection.
The anesthetics aren't working either.
I see. It's a danger to even the best surgery.
It's our last mountain to climb.
We have to find an answer to anesthesia, tetanus and toxemia.
We could use the Guide to Sores about now.
Guide to Sores?
You may have heard of it.
Written by Im Onguk during Myong Jong's reign.
It has a plethora of information.
But wasn't it lost in the Imjin War?
Yes, I'm afraid so.
There were rumors of copies in Japan.
But none were ever found.
If only we had it.
We would have treatments far beyond what we know now.
Pardon me.
Huh? This...
Is he a doctor?
His medicine?
We've tried rhino horn and foxglove.
Nothing yet.
We could use the Guide to Sores about now.
Im Onguk's Guide to Sores, lost in the Imjin War.
Is it truly lost?
Has no one ever seen it?