[Episode 33]
His Imperial Majesty.
Sire, the doctor from Joseon.
The Emperor?
Then this...
You there, kneel before His August Majesty.
Imperial Majesty.
You're Doctor Baek from Joseon?
Who treated sequestra in the outer infirmary?
Answer him.
Yes, Sire.
The disease...
...my doctors and your chief physician failed to treat?
You're so young.
And a scruffy itinerant at that.
What does he mean? Lord Yi failed?
How...?
Young and scruffy, yes.
But I saw this man's sequestrum treatment with my own eyes.
We confirmed that he is treating others as well.
All right. Speak.
You, Joseon doctor, can you save my empress?
Can you do...
...what your country's chief physician failed to do?
Sire.
What? A failure?
Yes. The initial treatment put it in remission.
But it returned.
So they sent for Kwanghyon.
But why?
You said yourself that treatment was effective.
There must be another reason.
What?
Something deeper than the sequestra.
Something they didn't see.
Ah-hah.
Sit.
I'm glad we found you.
I feared you had left the capital.
What happened?
The treatment failed?
Her Grace is in danger again?
Yes. The improvement only lasted a few days.
Then it runs deeper.
The five viscera and six entrails perhaps?
The necrosis didn't start in the bones, quite the opposite.
It spread from the viscera.
How did you..? You haven't seen her.
Chancellor, may I see Her Grace now?
Of course.
Kidneys.
Poison from the kidneys has infected the bone marrow.
Quite so.
We and the Joseon doctor only saw the sequestrum.
We missed the kidneys completely.
A dicrotic pulse usually indicates sepsis. It's understandable.
Exactly.
She seems quite cold.
That would be the medicines.
Now I will examine her.
The important thing now is to find the source of her kidney trouble.
Then we can treat the sequestrum.
Well? Do you know what it is?
Yes, I believe so.
What?
I believe I know why her kidneys are malfunctioning.
What? He knows?
Yes, just so.
Well? What is it?
Well? Spit it out?
I dare not say it.
What?
The doctor can treat it, but I dare not utter it.
Dare not? Why not?
Pardon me.
All of you leave until the treatment is complete.
No medicines without my expressed permission.
How dare he?
Who's the hair-boy?
You, there, halt.
And you are?
What?
My lord.
Her Grace's grandfather and the highest chamberlain in the land.
You kick out the staff without so much as a by your leave?
Filthy Joseon scum.
How dare you?
Tell me, what exactly is wrong with her?
I cannot tell you.
Wha..?
Ask me again, I'll tell you the same.
But if you value her life,
the staff must go.
Wh-what?
I know what it is. I know how to cure her.
Give me five days.
Five days from now she will recover.
Trust me on this.
And if she doesn't?
Then...you...
Yes, I know.
My life will be forfeit.
Yes, I understand.
Perfectly.
Scruffy hair-boy!
Uppity little scum!
My lord.
Can we trust him?
A Joseon, an itinerant?
But he is a gifted surgeon.
He's our only hope at this point.
Sir.
Kayong. What is it?
Our master sent me. To help.
And him?
Pssh, the old coot.
Like he couldn't come?
He has patients, he says.
Rotten old coot, it's the Empress, it's life or death.
And he sends his students.
You're wrong.
Huh?
He trusts me.
He knows I can do it. He believes in me.
No water on the wound.
Lie still. Let's get started.
What about Doctor Baek?
What? I'm his master.
It's the same difference.
Really?
So lie still already.
I can't stand it... I can't...
Your Majesty...
Medicine... medicine...!
Sir.
Hurry, Her Grace...
I have prepared something.
It will help.
But you must take it.
The pain will pass.
But you can't give into it.
You must fight the pain.
The medicine.
Yes, sir.
That's not what I need.
Bring me what I need!
Sir.
We'll make some more.
But she's suffering so...
If we're to treat her kidneys and operate on the sequestrum...
...she must first regain her strength.
She won't survive the anesthesia otherwise.
She must endure the pain. It's the only way.
Your Grace.
Have you forgotten?
No one is allowed in.
Please, Chamberlain.
Your presence will weaken her.
Your life, you said?
If you don't save her after all this pain...
...both you and your country will pay.
Sire.
Talcum, akebia, superb pink...
What could he be making?
Why's he so secretive anyway?
He's worse than the old coot.
I could die here and I won't even know why.
I swear.
I study and study...
I'm still so stupid.
Almost done.
That should help.
My lord.
Well done. Very well done.
You honor me.
I owe it to your faith in me.
I'm grateful to you.
You've shown our greatness to the world.
Your time with the Qing has helped us all.
The Imperial Palace sends their thanks, Sire.
Well done, indeed.
It is a great relief to have such a fine physician minding the royal family.
Not just the royal house.
His wisdom helps all our people.
Your Highness.
Please, a little slower.
Where does she get the energy?
I know, she's stronger than me.
Your Highness.
Jinyong.
Your Highness. What brings you here?
I heard you're back and I'm eat up with curiosity.
You're alone?
Pardon?
Of course, you couldn't travel together.
Tell me everything.
About what?
What, you don't know?
Eunso's brother didn't tell you?
Huh?
No luck, then.
He couldn't find...
How do you mean?
Find? Find what?
Jinyong... you see...
. . . it's just . . .
You couldn't find him?
No. He was gone when I got there.
I just missed him.
Is there no way to find him now?
I could try,
but I doubt it.
It's harder than finding a Lord Kim in our own capital.
Why did Her Highness say that?
Jinyong.
Hello.
There you are.
And Taemang?
He had to report to the clinic.
Is he the only doctor in the world?
What do they need him there for?
Uh-huh, that's a mother for you.
What about me?
Listen to you. Of course I'm pleased.
Come inside.
Qing herbs?
Yes.
I found an herbalist that will deal with us.
It will be easier than ever to import rare herbs.
Driving the prices even lower.
And making you both busier.
Not at all, we're fine. It's our job.
What about you?
Talk about busy, our Yongdal...
Shhh.
Oopsies, that "Yongdal" just slipped out.
It's all right. I'm not THAT petty.
If it isn't Lady Jinyong.
Doing all right, Chef?
I'll whip up some soup.
Malbok.
Our best soup. Just one bowl, mind.
Yes, sir.
There are three of us.
If you'll excuse us.
Won't you stay and eat?
Who knows what he'll put in it?
Watch yourself.
I heard the chef here spits in the soup.
Huh?
Wh-wh-what? You done?
Hmmph.
Sure, sure, sure, Lord Grudge-a-Lot.
Petty old... Petty-man...!
Argh.
Whew. Still at it, huh?
Still at what? Are they fighting?
Don't ask.
It's all over me.
You?
It's unbelievable.
The heart wants what it wants.
But they're so pushy.
The nerve...
Ah-hah.
It's wearing me out.
It doesn't look like it.
Oh, no-no-no, I hate it.
Cart them both away, see if I care.
I'm jealous. That's marriage number two for you.
Oh, you.
Never. I'm more worried about you.
Not that again.
You brought it up.
How about Songha?
You going to keep holding him off?
Tsk-tsk-tsk, you're so harsh.
He doesn't ask for your heart.
Just that you be with him. Can't you do that much?
He's loved you all his life.
While you pine over some dead guy.
Now wait.
Harsh, harsh.
A real piece of work.
Wait, what is this?
Our office gave the pharmacy case to the inquisitors?
What happened?
The decision was made in your absence.
Why?
On whose orders?
The viceroy ordered...
The viceroy?
But why?
I couldn't say.
I just know we were ordered to turn over the case.
In refusing to work through official channels...
...this rogue pharmacy is upsetting the price structure.
We need a housecleaning, top to bottom.
Yes, Sire.
Work in secret.
No one can know of my involvement until it's all over.
Understood?
As you command, Sire.
Ma'am.
Hello.
Is everything ready?
Yes. And Doctor Shin is with us.
Doctor Shin?
You must be freezing.
We're all right.
Mind if I take care of this?
Oh, no, not for you, my lady.
You haven't heard.
I make use of things.
I never throw anything away.
Still...
How about over there?
Sir. This is the third day.
Maybe you don't know subtraction, but I do.
Five minus three.
That leaves us two days.
Like talkin' to a wall. What's wrong with her?
How long will you...
This is the last of it.
I remove the sequestrum at six o'clock tomorrow.
Get ready. I'll need you.
I swear.
Your Grace, the doctor.
Your Grace, time for your medicine.
This is the last dose.
This will help heal your liver.
Then we will operate on...
Operate?
Who says?
Oh, no, if I die, I die.
But you won't cut into me.
Give us a moment.
Now.
You speak my language?
The chancellor told me.
Your father is an important man.
There are few languages you and he don't know.
Yes, that's so.
Joseon, India, Russia, I've been everywhere.
So I know.
I know what surgery is.
It leaves the ugliest, most horrific scars.
You expect me to do that?
No, never.
I'd rather die.
You're afraid.
You're afraid of losing the emperor's love.
Which is why you started using rhino horns.
How did you...?
I've been around, not as much as you, of course.
In some places rhino horns are used as an aphrodisiac.
But it can lead to kidney infection.
Which can spread to the bones...
...and cause sequestra.
How did you know?
Even our imperial physicians didn't...
How did you... how...?
Your poor circulation was a sign.
As was the black coloration in your pus.
Both are indicators of rhino horn infection in the kidneys.
And so you didn't tell anyone the cause?
You kept this knowledge to yourself?
With all due respect,
I think I may understand you.
I'm afraid, too.
There is a woman in Joseon. Has she forgotten me, has she moved on?
After all this time, she must think I'm dead.
Surely she's forgotten.
I understand perfectly.
But I want to believe.
I want to think she knows I'm alive.
That someday I'll return.
That thought...
...has kept me alive.
Perhaps you can do the same?
People can change, it's true.
But for now, no one cares more for you than the Emperor.
Can't you endure this for him?
But if I lose him...
...if I lose...his love...
Prepare the anesthetic per my instructions.
And a disinfectant.
Right away. Make yourselves useful.
Master, master.
I'm working. Out of the way.
I wanted to see you before I die.
Buy me a final meal, will ya?
You're dying and you want to eat?
Master, aren't you worried about us?
Enough chatter.
Here, bone marrow antiseptic.
Take it and go.
You just won't listen.
Chamberlain.
The operation on Her Grace is starting.
Good.
The instruments have been boiled?
Of course. For a full hour.
Use disinfectant and flame as well.
Warm salt water.
Lance.
So I know. I know what surgery is.
It leaves the ugliest, most horrific scars.
But if I lose him...
...if I lose...his love...
What is it?
Sir?
What is it? Is there a problem?
I won't make an incision.
What?
Sir.
Instead, I'll use a drill.
A drill?
Drill?
As in, bore a hole?
Yes. Right into the infected area.
There I will insert antiseptic.
But what about the incision.
I thought I had to at first.
But we have stopped the infection at the kidneys.
I believe that drilling will be better at this point.
I want to leave as few scars as possible on her august person.
I believe we can treat her without an incision now.
Prepare the drill.
Huh?
Oh, yes, sir.
I'll cure you. I'll save you.
So hang on, Your Grace, hang on.
You're done for the day?
No, not yet.
All the patients are gone.
There's one last thing to do.
One last life-saving step...
Today is the day, as you said.
You know what will happen...
...if you don't succeed?
Yes, I know.
- Guards. - Sir.
Keep a close guard on him.
Sir.
Sir, sir.
What is it?
Kayong.
It's bad.
Her Grace... she's...
What? Is something wrong?
With me.
Your Grace.
She's gone.
She's disappeared.
Your Grace. Your Grace!
What is this?
Where is she?
I'll find her, she's...
Stop. Don't move.
This is some trick.
- Take him away. - Sir.
Sir.
Your Grace! Your Grace!
Now then. Where is she?
It wasn't me. I don't know.
So she just disappeared?
Well?
His Imperial Majesty.
What's this?
She's disappeared?
Sire, she should be here but she's gone.
What?
He's up to something.
No, Sire. She was definitely improving.
I saw it myself.
Silence.
Enough of your lies.
Sire, take this scum...
My lord.
- My lady. - Your Grace.
Your Grace.
My lady, what is going on?
The doctor is right. I'm much better now.
I'm sorry for worrying you.
But a lady wants to dress for her lord.
Despite everything...
...I still want look my best for you.
No, you shouldn't have.
You are always lovely to me.
Is it true?
Her Grace is cured?
Yes, she is.
There is no cramping or lockjaw.
The danger of tetanus is passed.
Just so. The imperial physicians have confirmed it.
Now it's just a matter of time.
Thank you.
Truly, thank you.
Master, master.
Kwanghyon.
Did you hear?
She made it.
Her Grace is up and about.
Yes, I had no doubts.
I knew you could do it.
This is all thanks to your teachings.
Yes, that's true.
Everyone will say it was you, but we know better.
It was all me.
Huh?
I can't argue with that.
- More, more. - Enjoy!
We're friends now, friends forever.
They're all here cause of us?
They're so generous.
Hey, hands off my dumplings.
There's plenty here.
Hush, there's enough for everyone.
No, not my dumplings.
You'll explode eating all those.
Who are you to talk?
The way you stuff yourself with oranges.
I'm his teacher. Me, Saam.
So all of this is for me.
Talk about shameless.
So much for the humble teacher.
Wait for it. Nature calls.
Ah, Saam.
I want to introduce you.
Come on, share your dumplings with our master.
He'll eat all mine.
Eat, eat.
It's not enough.
That's why you'll never get married.
Doctor Baek's teacher, Saam.
Truly, sir?
Truly.
I heard he learned it all from you. Is that true?
I don't know where you heard it, but yes, it's true.
Could you teach me?
And me, sir?
No. No more.
Sir, a drink.
Are you all right?
Ugh, talk about embarrassing.
Uh-huh, and you never embarrass us?
Me? When? When did I ever?
Every day. Every minute.
What? Really?
No. Sometimes we're proud of you.
Listen. What was really wrong with her?
Can't you tell me?
I'm dyin' here.
Oh? Since you ask...
Study and you'll find out.
C'mon!
Mm. Yummy.
Remarkable.
Curing the incurable. Amazing.
You flatter me.
Not at all. I saw it myself.
A joy to behold.
You've shown me how great Joseon medicine can be.
Listen.
How about staying with the imperial academy?
Sir?
His Imperial Majesty approves.
You can be a physician of the fourth rank.
Well? Think it over...
No. I cannot.
I appreciate it.
But there's somewhere I must go.
Your Grace, Doctor Baek.
Send him in.
Your Grace.
Welcome.
Please.
How are you? All right?
No, not really.
I can still see some scars.
Not unlike Ursa Major.
Still, it's not as bad as all that.
Like a bit of heaven.
Pardon?
Ursa Major is the sign of a prince.
Like my lord...
Yes, Your Grace.
Quite correct.
Thank you.
I won't forget all that you've done for me.
Your Grace.
Now then, you healed me.
Now it's my turn.
Your beloved.
It's time you went to her.
Your Grace.
This is all thanks to Kwanghyon.
The ministers got nothin' on us.
Pssh, you think ministers eat this good?
Oolala, oh-la-la, isn't this fine.
Our Kwanghyon... did it again.
And if you and I, together...
could make up for lost time...
could find Father...
What then?
You and I...
together?
I can go.
I can finally go home.
- Sir. - Sir.
Is this true?
Sir.
What? Jinyong?
She thought it was a simple refurbishing job.
But in fact we found evidence of a private pharmacy.
Private?
Yes.
Operating without official license?
Without license?
W-w-what's this? You're leaving?
What is this?
Sorry, but that's that.
You kept it to yourselves.
It's an ill wind indeed...
Are you both insane?
How will you earn a living?
Thanks for your concern, but I'm saner than ever.
Uh-huh.
I should thank you for everything.
But I don't have it in me.
Goodbye.
- What? - You!
Shall we?
Hm.
Well, goodbye, then.
That's... I can't...
Goodbye, he says. I swear.
Listen.
Listen, listen.
We heard.
Nurse Jang and Doctor Shin have left.
Ma'am, you think it's all talk?
No idea.
They're going to Jinyong's new surgical college.
Fair enough, but it's free for everyone, they say.
But if it's free, how can they get by?
Good point. To leave so suddenly...
Aren't you going with them?
You've always admired Nurse Jang.
Ah, well...
What now? What now?
Should I go?
Or not?
What about my mom?
She'd have a fit.
Settle down.
You're just working yourself up.
Taeju, what about you?
You joining them?
I'd like to, but there's my family to think of, so...
True. An old and illustrious clan.
But not you. You come from a restaurant.
Hold on, Taeju.
You insulting my mom's place?
It's not just any restaurant.
How can you say that?
You, of all people?
My mistake, my mistake.
It would break my mom's heart.
How could you...
My mistake.
You eat there enough.
We'll set it up right there.
The infirmary there.
And the herb storage behind it...
And here?
The infirmary.
Exactly.
Jinyong.
Jinyong, you...
I understand your intent.
But it goes against official policy.
Yes, it would.
That's exactly why I'm doing this.
Jinyong.
It is not illegal.
But the suppliers, the herbalists.
Have you thought how this will affect them?
Pardon me if I think it will do them good.
What?
They've made enough as it is.
What?
This was my late father's dream.
I trust you won't stand in my way.
What's that?
Who are you doing this for?
Is this your way of staking your claim as Dojun's heir?
My lord.
Find a way.
I want this place shut down.
Jinyong.
The inquisitors?
But why?
Why was the case taken from the inspector general?
I can't say for sure.
I'm looking into it,
but I think the King was involved.
What?
You have to be careful.
Things have changed.
You're being watched.
This won't do.
We need more men.
Yes, sir.
Be careful.
Watch out for them.
Take this. Be careful.
Here. Time's short. Be careful.
They'll be tightening security.
Be careful.
If you don't see this seal...
...do nothing.
Here you go. Check the seal.
Be careful.
They made it.
Let's go.
- I'm freezing. C'mon. - Right.
Yongdal, come on.
Coming.