(Episode 38)
The King's Mother has had problems with stomach and spleen
And her arthritic pain has increased because of the delay
She can't even take weak medicines & with brown spots on her fingernails
I think her kidneys have gone bad as well
And her arthritis is getting worse, too
She can't take the medicine and her illness is getting worse...
I know it's hard, but can't we use acupuncture for now?
It's dangerous
If we use acupuncture when she has lost her energy, it could backfire
So what do you say we do?
Her chronic illnesses have progressed and other organs have turned weak
so we're seeing all kinds of symptoms
We must not treat according to the symptoms we see right now
Then what should we do?
We'll wait and see. We should be able to find out a way...
to treat all the other illnesses as well
Until when? The King is very much worried and...
the King's Mother is in critical condition
so how long are you going to wait and see?
Illness doesn't get healed by hurrying
That's right And since Physician Shin...
started to care for her only short time ago...
he needs some time to examine her more carefully
It's not time for that right now...
How rash of you?!
Sorry, but the King's Mother started to speak irrationally...
and she seems to be confused
and she has even vomited the little porridge she took
They want a physician immediately
What?! When did she start doing that?
I'm not sure...
Tell us again calmly
I'm not sure I was just at her side and...
Yeul-Yee, Jang-Geum and Shin-Bi, follow me!
How is she?
She seems to be feeling numb at the stomach
It's hard to bend the knees or ankles
Her legs are weak and there's some swelling
She has a light fever and she's feeling chilled with cold sweat
Did you examine her carefully?
Yes, sir
Look at her again... Carefully examine her carefully again
Jang-Geum and Yeul-Yee you check the pulse! The pulse!
What?
Did you say beriberi?
Yes. Her lower stomach was numb and within two days she started to vomit
It was sure an indication of late stage of beriberi
Her illnesses have developed into beriberi
If she's in the late stage of beriberi
Yes, she seems to be confused and speaks unintelligible words
What? Isn't she in a critical state needing an immediate prescription?
We must prescribe a medicine quickly
How are you going to do this?
Her legs are swollen and they're weak and she can't bend them
She also speaks unintelligible words and vomits food
so I suggest Sam-Jeul medicine
I agree with him
Me, too
But the problem is she can't hold down the medicine
Then what should we do?
Send up the medicine that strengthens spleen and stomach
Hurry!
Yes, sir
Then how is it going to turn out?
I'm not sure yet
According to the head physician her age & the delay in treatment...
caused beriberi, so she's in a very critical condition
Then?
Since the King is concerned about the delay in medical care
so if something happens to the King's Mother it's hard to tell
what will happen to the trust that the King has for Left Prime Minister
And of course that physician and Jang-Geum will be discharged
Yes
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
Sir, she can't even take the medicine to help her stomach
Sir...
Just what medicine are you giving her that she's this way?!
I can't even stand looking at her, so how painful would she be?!
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
Bring her the medicine! Hurry!
As you've heard already the King's Mother has beriberi
Beriberi can't be detected in its early stages...
because it progresses suddenly...
and the person can't bend their limbs only then you find out it's beriberi
It progressed suddenly while she was refusing treatment
But the problem is that she can't take any medicine
because of her weak spleen and stomach
We can't even give her acupuncture...
What did you decide to do?
Right now, medicine doesn't work
Then what?
I'll have to find a way somehow
We can do treat her only if she takes the medicine
I'll start searching the books to find a way...
so please go to the Highest Kitchen Lady and help her with menu
Sure
Hello
I came to talk about the King's Mother's dishes
Yes, I heard that she has beriberi and I was going to visit you
First of all, she must avoid all types of meat
She likes meat, we can't even serve those in porridge?
No
And you shouldn't use green onion chives or sesame oil either
Use radish to make a light soup...
and you must not boil it with rice...
but you must use either with barley or Job's tears
What are you doing?
I'm sorry... I was just checking something
And prepare red beans and laver with a little sugar
She really doesn't like red beans
She has always preferred white rice over rice with beans
But there's no other choice
And prepare boiled dates and garlic as well
Why do you give me a list of things that she hates?
All those things are good for beriberi
Since you're prescribing those I will prepare them...
but she probably won't eat them since she hasn't been able to eat anything
Shin-Bi, let me go to the King's Mother's Kitchen for a moment
Why?
I just need to check something out
OK
What is it?
I'd like to see the dishes that have been served to the King's Mother
It belongs to the kitchen...
so how dare you ask for such thing as a lowly physician lady?!
I'm asking because it could help with the treatment of her illness
Please give it to me
Please
Give her the list
Yes, ma'am
I'm a physician lady. May I see the ingredients that have been
taken out of here for the Queen Mother's Kitchen?
This is to treat her illness
Sure, go ahead
Sir, I have something to tell you
What is it?
I'm wondering if her illness originated from her diet
Her diet?
Yes, of course, it is written that beriberi comes from...
the cold air through one of the spots on the foot...
but didn't you teach that you can't be so conclusive about illnesses?
Did she have an uncommon diet?
She doesn't like the food...
that is good for beriberi according to the medical texts
She dislikes red beans, Job's tears laver, garlic, carp, snail and dates
Especially the things that are really good for spleen and stomach
Your Majesty...
You must eat...
I feel nauseous so I can't eat it
But you have to try...
Even though they're good she normally doesn't eat these!
I told that to the physician but he insisted...
Even so, how could you bring up everything she hates?!
So she can't even take her meals now
Call the physician!
Are you sure you can make her eat it?
Yes
Then make a medicine with it first
It can remove the nausea and it's good for stomach and digestion
and it's very good for beriberi
so it could be the medicine that can restore her health
But, since she hates it you don't need to tell her what it is
Make it quietly Sure
Yeun-Seng
Aren't you busy with the King's Mother? What brings you here?
I came to borrow a steamer
Steamer?
Yes, I must make a medicine
It feels like the old days in the kitchen
Isn't this worse? She dislikes carp and you even put garlic in here
How can she eat this?!
Your Majesty, this was the order of physicians
Isn't the physician here?
No...
He's here now
No matter how good it may be
you should've ordered something she could take
Are you thoughtless or what?!
Bring it up to her
Since you couldn't take the medicine in liquid form...
Please try them in pill form
She can't take liquid medicine or porridge
so how is she going to take these?
Your Majesty, they are medicines
even if you feel nauseated please take them
The pill tastes good
It tastes like a sweet chestnut snack
We've made it tasty so it will be easier to eat
OK, I'll take these
Please eat five a day OK
Good job
Sir, it's my job to prepare her the medicine
Why didn't you tell me to make it?
Jang-Geum is still an assistant lady
I know it's your job, but Jang-Geum was better fit for this occasion
Your Majesty, you must eat...
Yes... I should...
Please eat little more...
I can't
I know she doesn't like these, but do you think she'll eat them?
I'm sorry, Your Majesty
How could it be Lady Choi's fault? It's because I'm difficult to please
It's good that you're taking the pills at least
Yes... please give me those
I prepared a meal for you so eat first
It's alright
What do you mean? You don't seem to be eating much at all these days
Come on
Sir...
What is it?
The pills that Sir Shin has been making are...
What about the pills?
You can rest. I'll bring these up
I'll come back and do them
Don't worry, I'll take care of it
OK
Just what are you doing?
Open it up!
How dare you deceive her by bringing up garlics...
that she hates?!
You and Sir Shin have held the King's Mother, myself and the King in contempt
Oh, no, that's not it...
No?! No?! You deserve severe punishment!
Even though he's the one in charge how dare he do such things?!
I've favored you twice already Why did you do this?
Your Majesty, this is the prescription of Dr. Shin
A prescription?! Do you know how serious her illness is?
So what kind of prescription is this?!
Head physician, you replace the physician in charge immediately!
Yes, Your Majesty
What is a physician supposed to do?
What are you going to do with garlics that she doesn't even eat?!
Are you truly a physician or a cook?
I do acknowledge my failure in reporting this to you...
but it's common knowledge that...
food should be used before medicine
Of course, I know that
But you should've been more aware of the situation
It's garlic that she hates!
That's why I did that
It's something that she must eat
If you're making medicine following an assistant lady, quit right now
The Queen has already told me to replace you already
I'm going to talk to my superior first so wait for the order
Bring up a liquid medicine to the King's Mother
Sure
But she can't take liquid medicine...
So, do you expect to sit idly by then?
Your Majesty, is it OK now?
Can you hold it down?
Yes, I'm fine
Whenever they brought a table...
it was hard for me because I didn't like any of the dishes
But after taking those pills my insides felt better
And now even taking the liquid medicine is fine
Sir Shin has prescribed rightly
What's wrong?
Your Majesty, I'm sorry to report this, but those pills
Your Majesty, those pills were made with garlics
What?! Garlic?
Yes, Your Majesty Sir Shin and Jang-Geum prepared...
the most beneficial food for you
They did it since your health was too bad to take liquid or acupuncture
Your Majesty, I've almost done you great harm with my knowledge
Call those two in
The King's Mother is asking for you
You, too
Let's go
Did you really make pills out of garlic and rice bran?
Yes, Your Majesty. Garlic fortifies the stomach and helps with digestion
And it's perfect for your beriberi
And rice bran helps you to keep food in the stomach
That's why I prescribed it, thinking that it's the best medicine for you
Why didn't you say there was garlic in the first place?
You might not take them if you knew what they were
A person normally feels nauseous if he knows he's eating what he dislikes
Even if I'm not told, I can normally smell even a small amount of garlic
But I clearly didn't smell any garlic How did you do it?
Jang-Geum removed all the smell
How?
I steam them with green tea leaves which removes the smell...
then I grind them. To get the color, I use dried corded dates
with rice bran and make them into pills without garlic smell
Splendid! The physician who found the garlic to be the medicine
and the physician lady who removed the smell that I dislike it...
Both of you are great!
It was Jang-Geum who found out that the garlic could be the answer
Really?
Yes. She even knew your regular diets so we were able to analogize it
She even knew to use the knowledge of diet with the medicine
How resourceful of her!
Then can we start treating her illness now?
Since she's able to hold down the medicine...
we can adjust her diet and liquid medicines
Then once your body is stronger we can start acupuncture
That's such a relief
Thank you. From now on...
I won't be so picky with my food and eat whatever Sir Shin tells me to eat
Then she drank the medicine?!
Yes, Your Majesty It's reported that she has taken it without a problem
I think you can stop worrying as she no longer feels queasy after taking it
That's good! That's really good!
Then they can start the medical treatment now?
Yes, Your Majesty. They said they're even starting acupuncture today
How is she?
She's fine. Seeing there is no side effects, she's doing fine
His Majesty the King is here
Is she really doing fine?
Yes, Your Majesty
Her strength has been restored enough to take acupuncture
I'm fine now. I'm feeling much better
That's good, Mother
Did the acupuncture go well?
Yes
After she started on the medicines she's been improving rapidly
That's a relief! Good job!
Since she's not completely healed and she's senile...
don't keep your eyes off of her for a moment
Yes, sir
Let's go
We can relax now
Good job, Jang-Geum
Anyway, how did you know that the King's Mother didn't eat garlic?
Jang-Geum was different from the beginning
Yes, that's right...
Yes, you're right...
Are you standing there because you want to be complimented?
Yes
Remember, we'll be serving different medicine starting tomorrow
Sure... then...
Good job
You're all here
What brings you here...?
Wear your formal dress when you come to palace tomorrow
The King is going to reward you and the physician ladies for what you did
I only did my duty...
Such humble words
Aren't you... Jang-Geum from the kitchen??
Yes, Head Eunuch. I'm Jang-Geum Can you recognize me?
Of course! Jang-Geum!
I still can't forget what happened to Lady Jung or Lady Han
They weren't supposed to end up that way
If they saw you like this they wouldn't be at ease
Not for me either. Physician ladies are different from court ladies
so there are many difficult things to face
I may not be able to help you in great ways
but I should be able to help you in small ways
If you need any help, look for me. OK?
I do have a request...
Did I start this for myself?!
You should've acted much sooner!
She's been recognized as a physician lady who treated...
the King's Mother, so it will be difficult for me to kick her out
That's why it's a problem
Instead of kicking her out we've given her wings...
and they aren't just wings they're hard to tear out
Do you think she came back for no reason?
If we don't take her out, we will only grow more anxious. Only us!
What are we going to do with Jang-Geum?
We can't seal her mouth or tie her hands or feet
Just what do we have to do to keep her from doing anything?
What now?! The King has ordered to reduce the lands of officials
It's a great loss to you, sir
Reduction of land isn't a problem right now!
I've become a thorn to 3 royal family members
So we've gained nothing from this
That's why it's a problem
How am I going to restore their trust?
The Queen has shown the head lady great trust, but now...
We shouldn't have revealed our motives
Our fault was going too extreme...
fearing that the King's Mother would change her mind
The Queen will start to observe me more carefully from now on for sure
We can only hope to change their hearts
Make sure to keep a low profile...
The King's Mother is recovering...
so the King has ordered to pursue that again
Really?
Sir Oh only lost the King's trust by using his useless strategy
That's good
Aren't you a physician lady?
My name is Yeul-Yee
Were you waiting for me?
Yes, ma'am
For what?
I heard that if one commits to you one can own wealth and power
Please allow me to do so
What are you going to commit to me with?
I'll offer you Jang-Geum
Jang-Geum?
Though I don't know the story and the reason behind it
you want Jang-Geum to be kicked out of the palace, don't you?
I'll make it happen for you
Jang-Geum!!
Come with us
Where?
Just follow us. We can't sit still while things are turning good for you
That's right. You'll find out
Are you just going to watch?
Why? This was your idea
It's because I want to remember my old days in the kitchen!
You only did chores at the kitchen
What?!
It was good... even back then...
we used to cook for each other on each other's birthdays
What are you making?
Of course, my favorite spicy rice cakes
Is that an omelette?
It used to be Lady Jung's favorite...
Isn't this Lady Han's dish mixed noodles?
You're all remembering your teachers... Lady Jung... Lady Han
Hey, what's this all of sudden?
Hurry... I'm hungry!
I remember your kebab Lady Han said you're best at it
That's right... I want to eat it again
Really... then should I show off my skills then?
Give me that
Jang-Geum's skill hasn't changed a bit
That's right. It tastes just like Lady Han's
Same? It's better!
Let's do this more often
Yes, I agree
My appetite is increasing because you're all here
Anyway, didn't you meet the King recently?
But I heard you didn't even lift your face to him
Are you going to live like this for the rest of your life?!
Let's go, Lady Lee
Where?
Just come out
I think I have to get going now
Sure, you can go
Hurry!
Where...?
That's not it
Moonlight, while looking at it as if you're going to swallow it...
take a deep breath and fill your body with it, try it
Do this...
Not like that, you should breathe in more
Hey! Why are you doing this?
Don't do it
She has to receive all the energy
Once more...
No, not like that. It's because you lack ying energy
Do I have to continue?
Of course, once you're filled with Ying energy...
Tell her
Lady Lee, come out and greet the King!
Tell her again
Lady Lee, come out and greet the King!
Your Majesty, I don't think she's here
Open the door
Find Lady Lee quickly
I don't think she's far from here Hurry
What about the eyes? The eyes?
You lift it up...
And?
When the eyes meet, you lower it as a puppy lowers its tail
How come you can describe it but can't perform it?
Look at me carefully
Chang-Yee, do it again!
Madam, stop it... It feels like as if my eyes are going to pop out
Shut up! Do as I say
Do it again! Again!
With head lifted up!
Madam! Madam!
Is Lady Lee here?
It's me... what is it?
I've been looking for you all over! What are you doing here at night?!
Go back to your place quickly! The King is waiting for you!!
The King?!
Yes, hurry!! Hurry!!
Hurry up, hurry!
Oh my god! Oh my god!
Now I remember you, seeing you cry
You were crying when I first met you, weren't you?
What are you doing?
Greet the King!
Your Majesty, welcome!
Nothing works out because of you!
Who knew he would come at such time?
But are you sure those things were right?
Of course...
You have no experience how would you know?
At one time I dreamed of being blessed by a King
and I taught myself various things
What the...
Listen to me carefully!
When the King is drinking...
you hold a side dish and say "My Lord, say ah..." OK?
Try it
My lord...
Ahhh...
Are you trying to give it to me?
Yes..."my Lord... ahh... hh"
Are you going to give it to me or not?
My glass is empty
I'm sorry, Your Majesty...
It's alright
Did you say your name is Yeun-Seng?
Yes, Your Majesty!
Did someone make you do this?
Your Majesty... I deserve to die!
It's not that horrendous a crime
You're very cute
You were crying at the time, too
Come closer
It's all because of what you did
Oh, no...
They've been cornered... who knows how they'll react...
you must be more careful
I think what you're doing is more dangerous than what I'm doing
Be careful
Bye
A court lady of the Queen's Palace is looking for you
Me? For what?
No idea
Come here and have a seat
I was going to meet you when I heard that...
you have correctly diagnosed me with a twin
But you've helped us again
I'm only grateful...
Even though what you did is great
I couldn't forget what you did... gambling with King's Mother
You could've risked your own life so why did you do it?
Sir Shin who was about to be punished is my teacher
And I got him in trouble for not going out as a dancer
I wanted to help my teacher
All he did was to teach us properly in accordance to the King's will
I see...
but you seem familiar Have I seen you before?
Actually...
Weren't you a lady in the kitchen?
Yes
Then how...?
I became a slave after I was charged with treason for the brimstone ducks
and I came back as a physician lady
Really?
So it wasn't just the Highest Lady of the Kitchen
I did hear that many were hurt because of it
So you were the one who was expelled?
Yes
And you came back from being a slave after medical training?
Yes
Wasn't it Lady Han the court lady who died at the time?
Yes, Your Majesty
What a pity it was...
Yes, Your Majesty
She is not a person who would serve anything harmful to the Royal Family
I know
I knew something was fishy back then
Sir Oh was trying to do everything in his power to get rid of Sir Jo
I'm sorry for Lady Han
She was very orderly when she was at the Guesthouse
or during the competition
It must've been very hard for you
Such things will be resolved after awhile...
but I don't think it's that time yet
I'm not sure what fate this is... but
I've coincidentally watched all of your talent and your iron will
Because it's treason, I can't restore your status right now...
but I'll surely be able to help you in some ways in the future
Your Majesty...
And will you be a help to me as well?
Your Majesty, what help could this feeble thing offer you?
Feeble thing? How could someone who has saved me...
and my mother be a feeble thing?
From now on, be in charge of me and the court ladies
I'm only moved by your generosity...
I have a request for you
Please give your order
I remember the food you prepared during competition
Will you be able to prepare that buckwheat cake again?
Though I couldn't dare to tell you I've always wanted to
I will do it gladly!
Is the night snack ready?
What are you doing here?