(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...
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?
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