Episode 13
Where is he?
He's not well enough to go anywhere.
Are you...?
What are you doing here?
You weren't at the house. Were you waiting for me?
Yes.
Is something wrong? Your face...
Nurse.
I want...
to be a doctor.
What?
It is a great work, a fine work.
A work beyond the likes of me.
A doctor.
I'll try.
I want to try.
A doctor?
How?
The clinic is hosting merit exams.
I'm going to sit for them.
I know, it's hard.
Not just hard, it's unimaginable for someone like me.
But even so...
I'm going to try.
To prove myself.
Prove that a man like me, a horse doctor...
can do it.
That guy again...?
We can't leave this alone.
Same name or not...
She's spending far too much time on him.
Same name? How do you mean?
My lord...
Look here, Kang.
An old childhood friend.
But he and his father were killed as traitors.
His name was Baek Kwanghyon, too.
She asked me to look into his past.
Not him?
No.
You're sure?
Definitely. The boy died, there's no question.
I saw it myself.
Then why is she so concerned about him?
Is it just that he has the same name as her dead friend...
I thought she was over it. I was wrong.
She won't let the memory go.
Now she sees her dead friend in this horse doctor.
I know, it's hard.
Not just hard, it's unimaginable for someone like me.
But even so I'm going to try.
To prove myself.
Prove that a man like me, a horse doctor can do it.
What did he say? A doctor? Did I hear him right?
Kwanghyon.
Spit it out. Treat people? As in, not animals?
Exactly.
That's what I'll be, a doctor.
Sir, I'm going to try. This is what I want.
Hey.
The clinic has merit exams.
Basic Medicine and Acupuncture.
I pass those two and I'm qualified in Chinese medicine.
Have you lost it? The beating mess up your head?
You know who sits for those exams?
Rich kids, those from good families.
Not this time. This time everyone has a chance.
Anyone can sit the exams.
That's not the same thing as getting appointed.
Wake up.
It's his head. He got hit too hard.
Jabong.
Wait. You're sure?
Anyone? Even a horse doctor?
Yes, sir. It doesn't matter.
Lord Chief Physician Ko said so.
Why bother asking? It can't be done.
Hush up, you.
Let's do it.
Let's try it.
Sir.
Sir...
Anyone. Kwanghyon is anyone.
He's bright and gifted.
Why should his talent be wasted as a horse doctor?
Having no chance is one thing, but this is yours.
A chance to help others, earn your way.
This is it.
Your chance to hold your head up.
Yes, well done.
Take that test. Give it your all.
You can do it. I'm sure you can.
Sir.
Now you've both lost it.
- The Princess is here? - Yes, ma'am.
What's she doing in the royal kitchen?
Well, ma'am...
Move.
Your Highness.
- Your Highness. - Your Highness.
I swear. How many is that?
Who knew eggs were so tricky?
Your Highness, allow us...
I said I'd do it and I will.
Your Highness, just as you say.
Right, it's you and me, eggs.
I'll beat you yet.
Your Highness.
Oh, hello.
Your Highness, what are you up to?
You're not making this for him?
A man needs his food.
I'll make his Platter of Nine Delicacies myself.
He'll think I'm just the neatest thing.
After all, not everyone has a princess serving him.
Your Highness...
Please retire to your pavilion.
I'll have the staff make it...
Why? I've always wanted to do this.
Just like any other woman, cooking for her husband.
Husband?
Have you gone insane?
Kwak... hush...
Hush.
You're just in time.
Give this a try.
Princess.
What are you doing here?
Your Majesty...
Your Majesty.
Sukhwi, what are you...
What exactly are you up to?
Your Majesty, it's...
I wanted a word about your marriage.
You left your pavilion without permission?
It was for Jinyong.
Remember? I went to see Jinyong...
Silence.
I sent someone to check.
You were never there.
You had the storehouse prepare silk and herbs.
What's this about?
You, Lady Kwak. Explain.
Your Majesty, it's...
Maybe you need help loosening your tongue?
You, there. Take Lady Kwak away.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Your Majesty...
Spare me, spare me. Spare me, Your Majesty.
I'll tell you.
Please...
I'll tell you. Please don't torture her.
Your Majesty...
I slept in.
Yes, my lady.
From your coloring perhaps you didn't sleep well?
My lady.
Officer Mah, what is it?
Her Highness is in trouble.
At the Queen's palace.
The Queen?
So the herbs were for the patients at the clinic?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Our stores were low and I begged Her Highness for help.
Princess, surely you could have said something.
I didn't think she would believe me.
I know I can trust Jinyong.
But the kitchen.
Were the nine delicacies for the patients, too?
Huh?
The nine delicacies.
Ah, that...
She was practicing, Your Majesty.
Practicing?
Yes. She's worried about her upcoming marriage.
She's concerned she will fail in her duties as a wife.
Sukhwi?
Right? That's why you're learning to cook?
Of course. That's it.
Such a lovely thought.
Oh?
Like walking through the gates of hell.
Jinyong, you're a genius. You saved me.
Your Highness.
Sorry.
You should be careful.
Her Majesty let it slide, but I doubt she believed it.
I know. That "practicing" story of yours.
Even I didn't believe it.
You like Dr. Baek that much?
I sure do.
So, so much.
I know there's no chance for us.
But his smile, his warm eyes...
Even the way he says, "Your Highness."
Pretty pathetic, huh?
No, Your Highness, not at all.
You see him for the man he is.
Yeah? You think so, too?
I've always known he's a good man.
People or animals, he cherishes all living things.
He's a good vet. He'll be a fine doctor.
The finest in the land.
How's that again?
A doctor?
Look at this. All here to take the test.
Registering for Lord Kim Sonjung.
The House of Kim Mungyom.
The House of Kim Jonghwan.
The House Lord Kim Myonggwan.
I come from the House of Doctor Ku.
Which house?
The House of Pak in Kyangsang Province.
Oh, the famous Doctor Pak Sokdal.
Look here, Kwanghyon?
Signing up with Jabong.
Ah.
Now it begins.
Let's just go. It's five gold coins to register.
Jabong. You go if you want to.
Oh, look at Lord Uppity, and here I'm his elder, too.
Who you pushing?
I was only tryin'...!
Your house?
The House of Pak Sokju.
Your house?
Sir? I'm not from a house.
What?
None of the great medical houses. I'm registering myself.
Any dog or cow irregardless...
Name and occupation.
Sir. Baek Kwanghyon, horse doctor.
A horse quack?
Sir. An apprentice at the royal stables.
Come again? Horse doctor?
You want to sit for the medical exams?
Yes, sir.
I understood anyone could register.
Isn't that so?
Look at you.
You don't know the first thing about medicine.
Who do you think you are?
I know medicine. I've treated and saved many animals.
Silence!
Animals? You call that medicine?
Listen to you.
What's all this?
Oh, your lordship.
You...
Hold on. You're sitting the exam?
Yes, my lord.
How dare you..?
Your pardon, but I'm well aware that I'm a horse doctor.
W-what?
I don't know much, but I can read perfectly well.
Anyone may sit, regardless of background.
Those who pass may be doctors.
No mention is made of horse doctors.
There is nothing to prevent my participation.
You..!
My lord.
Lord Ko, is this your idea of reform?
Letting anyone sit the exam?
Not anyone. Everyone.
An opportunity to everyone with talent.
Yes. Including a horse quack.
You dare make a joke of our profession?
So, then, a horse doctor isn't a doctor?
Much of what they practice is useful for humans.
Or don't you think so?
My lord.
Don't underestimate him.
He won't be the first doctor that once treated animals.
What are you saying?
A doctor that treated animals?
Just you remember that. Now leave.
You'll never change my mind on this.
He'll say anything at this point.
A doctor that treated animals? The idea is absurd.
What's that?
You're that horse doctor, aren't you?
No, I never...
You did, too. We all know each other.
Except him.
Who have we here? Myonghwan?
Now you're an apprentice.
I trust Lord Yi is doing well?
Sir?
I saw you as a baby and now you'll be a doctor.
What's that?
How should I know?
My lord. My lord!
So you know?
What? Your father was a horse doctor?
If you knew, why...
What does it matter?
Ability is what matters, not where you came from.
I can see it bothers you.
Not to worry. My lips are sealed.
Well, then, Lord Ko.
Are you using that to threaten me?
Lord Ko, was there really a doctor that used to treat animals?
Not really.
Huh?
I just said it to shut them up.
You know I'm an old bluffer.
My lord.
Yes?
May I buy 'Demonstrations' and 'Methodologies' here?
Also, 'Folk Remedies' and 'Song Medicines'?
One moment, please.
I need a lot more than four texts.
Where will I find the time?
That's him.
Him?
Yeah, he was registering earlier.
Uppity little cuss.
Look at that hair.
The texts you asked for.
'Demonstrations" and...
You're a horse quack?
I swear, stay with the horse dung where you belong.
Stay away from real medicine.
Mommy...
Pardon me, sir.
Take your filthy hands off...
Can't do that. Too much horse dung caked on.
Apologize.
Mommy...!
Jangdol. Taebok!
Better hurry. You deaf?
Apologize.
Suppose I don't...?
- My lord! - My lord!
Filthy little... You know who I am?
The medical exams?
You think you can pass?
I may not.
So why get excited?
If you're so sure I'll fail, that is.
You scared I'll score higher? Scared I'll show you up?
W-what?
It could happen.
Be a shame for your lordship to be shown up by a horse doctor.
If that worries you, go home.
Try studying.
How dare you talk to me that way?
Stop right there.
Or is 4 against 1 your idea of fair?
- What? - Who--?
My lady.
Show respect. You know who she is?
You all right? Can you stand?
I'm fine.
Don't be a baby, I'm working here.
Good work. Picking fights always works.
I didn't start it.
He was hitting me. I should just take it?
If you have to.
You'll get a lot of that once you're a doctor.
You going to fight them all?
Learn to endure.
It's part of being a doctor.
Um...
You really think I can do it?
Not, "Oh, listen to Dr. Delusional," nothing like that?
No, I definitely think you can do it.
What about you? Already losing confidence?
Nope, not me, never.
Then no more loafing.
Time to hit the books.
Yeah, it's time.
You have any basic texts?
Sure I do. Why?
Why? You ask your teacher why?
Huh? Teacher?
We'll do it together. I'll help you.
Nurse.
Being a nurse may not be as respected, but it's not easy.
We'll study together.
We'll show those losers. They'll see what a horse doctor can do.
Here.
Spiritual Pivot covers acupuncture.
The Internal Classic and Basic Questions cover diagnostics.
These are the important texts.
Yes, very. But they won't be on the test.
I was top of my class at the Qing Royal Institute.
Trust me.
You studied with the Qing?
Now he gets it.
Whoa, hang on.
What was it like?
Less chatter. Concentrate.
I am, sort of...
The 'Treasure of Eastern Medicine'...
...covers acupuncture and herbal remedies.
This is vital medical information.
Also, 'Native Prescriptions' and 'Treatments' are relatively simple.
'Essential Techniques' is better.
Where to start?
'Treasure.'
Next, cervical strain.
Indicated by rigidity in the neck and throat.
Similar to mane tension?
Mane tension?
Yes, but it's not the mane, it's the neck.
What do you prescribe?
Well, forsythia, lovage, balloon flower, angelica, licorice.
Balloon flower, angelica, licorice. Very similar.
Oh?
Let's do this.
We'll compare treatments between people and animals.
And focus on the differences.
I'll memorize it faster.
Use your experience with animals.
Perfect.
Listen, about this angel-i-ca.
Can I use 'angel-white-paper'?
I slay me.
What do you add to treat intestinal convulsions?
Aconite, ginger, licorice.
And?
Ah, right. Ginseng.
And ginseng.
Well done.
And to reinforce internal energy?
Ginseng again.
Atractylodes, foxglove, lovage, angelica.
And something else, hang on...
Bai Zhu.
Lung meridian...
Kidney meridian...
- And the tummy... - Heh...
What now... Oh, no!
Hold still.
And another kidney meridian.
Internal energy, lovage, angelica...
Use atractylodes to...
No peeking.
It's dusty.
Again.
Lovage, angelica...
Louder.
Lovage, angelica...
Your Highness. How may I help you?
I've been doing a lot of reading. I want to clear my head.
Bring me the best medicine.
Your Highness.
Get it to Dr. Baek as soon as you can.
Your Highness.
Pardon me.
Nurse?
Pardon me.
I'm sorry. Did I doze off?
You can take a break.
I'm fine. I'll stay.
She's been funny lately.
And talk about persnickety.
Nobles get tired, too. It's only natural.
True, and our work is hard.
Extracts in 'Treasures'... see 'Stone' and 'Metal'...
Got it.
Could you check...?
She's working so hard.
It's late, perhaps if you..?
Nurse... Nurse...
Pillow... pillow, pillow...
What now?
Thank you.
I don't deserve it.
Thank you, truly.
Awfully hot for early winter.
I should get some air.
I'll be outside.
Now...
Phaseolus seed produced equilibrium.
Toxicity is countered by...
Dispelling point, dispelling point...
To treat diabetes and abdominal dropsy.
Phaseolus seed treats diabetes and abdominal...
Let me know if you need anything.
All on the house?
Sorry about this.
I prefer treating doctors.
Please enjoy yourself.
They're all in town.
So where's the trade?
- What is it? - The doctors.
They're in town for the exams but I don't see them.
What do they care?
That's for the higher-ups.
Would it kill them to spread the word?
I've got to make a living.
And here it's tomorrow.
Still, thank you.
For what?
For all your understanding about Kwanghyon.
My what?
I know.
You're treating the doctors for Kwanghyon's benefit.
And for... me...
The weather getting to you?
Of all the...
Moron.
What? Then why is she treating them?
If heat arises in the chest... remember the absolving powder...
When heat decreases, treat for Kera...
Kera... kera...?
Bacterial keratitis.
Kwanghyon.
I'm stuck.
It's tomorrow and I can't remember a thing.
You've studied for a month, so...
It doesn't matter.
Memorize yesterday, forget today. Memorize today, forget tomorrow.
It's a bottomless pit, all of it.
I've been a pain.
For all of you.
Enough of that.
Your best is all you can do. That's enough.
Oh, my lady.
Hello.
I didn't expect you.
You've had it worse than me all month.
Quit whining. Just half.
That's all you need to make the first cut.
Half? I'll be lucky to answer one question.
Just wait.
Here's a worksheet.
A test prep sheet, so to speak.
You made this yourself?
All of it?
Yes but I'm not sure if it will be any help.
Don't be nervous. Calmly, all right?
You'll do fine.
Relax, pass or fail, we're with you.
It's pass or nothin'.
You know it, you don't, write it in anyway.
Don't make him nervous.
That's how you make a splash.
Good luck.
Begin.
My lord.
The medical exam will now begin.
My lady.
I'm going out.
Symptoms and treatment of liver disease.
Acupuncture points of the 14 channels.
Compare and contrast the 5 viscera...
See for yourself. He can't even start.
The nerve of the fool.
Well?
Most everyone is done but Kwanghyon.
Halt.
Kwanghyon.
How did it go?
Ah, well...
Spit it out. You finish all the questions?
No, it...
Ran the gamut.
Huh?
Your test prep. It ran the gamut of the questions.
Really? You're sure?
Yes.
Good for you.
Excellent.
Symptoms and treatment of liver disease, the 5 viscera.
I studied it last night, all of it.
You got them all?
I don't know. I just wrote what was in my head.
That means you got them.
So that's that then?
Gamut is more than half?
My lady.
We'll see soon enough. All that's left is to wait.
Well? The results?
They haven't been posted yet.
Then get someone at the clinic to tell us.
Your Highness, that's not...
I'm a princess, aren't I?
I can do anything.
Go find out.
Of course, Your Highness.
Ugh, bada-boom-bada-boom.
Where is it already?
I shouldn't have sent Jabong.
Ugh.
Kwanghyon. Kwanghyon, Kwanghyon.
They posted the results, they're out.
Well? Kwanghyon's name?
You see it?
No, I didn't.
No? So he failed?
No idea.
You saw them post it, didn't you?
Well...
Oh, he's illiterate, of course.
You can't read?
Not yet...
Why would an illiterate go to read a sign?
To see when it was posted.
I'm gonna learn.
I can't wait.
Kwanghyon. Kwanghyon.
Excuse us.
Oh, there. Kwanghyon's name.
Where, where? What's it look like?
Look, not at the end, in the middle.
Baek. Kwang. Hyon.
Kwanghyon.
You did it, you did it.
You finally did it.
Sir.
That's my boy. You passed.
Master.
Kwanghyon, Kwanghyon.
Nurse.
Thank you. I owe it all to you.
No. It was all your hard work.
Look, everyone.
That's his name. Baek Kwanghyon.
My brother.
What's wrong with a horse doctor, huh? I ask you that.
He did it. I'm a horse doctor, too.
I'm learning to read.
C'mon, you...
What?
The horse doctor passed?
I just said so.
How could this happen?
He must have cheated.
How else could a horse quack pass?
Hey, hey.
You hear?
Baek Kwanghyon passed the first round.
- To be a doctor? - Absurd.
- Amazing. - Truly amazing.
Oh, very nice indeed.
He thought it would be hard.
But he made it look easy.
Next is acupuncture.
Pass that and I'm a doctor.
Something isn't quite right.
My lord, Lord Yi to see you.
Enter.
My lord.
Nice for Lord Ko, huh?
Your pardon. I'm to blame.
No. It's not you.
Lord Ko has His Majesty behind him.
The king is tightening his hold on us.
Reform or not, Lord Ko says it's for the clinic.
But it's actually against the court itself.
Best to keep our enemies close.
Especially with the king showing his claws.
What are your plans?
Big fish always eat the little fish.
We need someone bigger than the king.
You mean the Queen Mother?
Announce me.
Your Majesty.
Does she have that kind of influence?
Don't worry.
There's no doubt about it.
She's the late King Hyojong's queen.
After the Manchu invasion, when Injo was killed...
King Hyojong assumed the throne.
Queen Inseon has held sway ever since.
The entire court fears her.
Everyone knows opposing her is tantamount to treason.
If we want to influence the king, we need her.
Your Majesty, I'm surprised to see you here.
Why, do I make you uncomfortable?
Not at all. Never, Your Majesty.
It's been too long since I've been there.
I called often when you first assumed the throne.
Perhaps you no longer need your mother?
Never, Your Majesty. How could you say that?
You worked on this all night?
Yeah. I've only got four days.
Well? Can you do it?
Acupuncture, yes.
But it's the differences between people and animals...
With luck and the nurse I passed the first exam.
But this is different.
I'm on my own this time.
It worries me.
No...
The practice dummy you asked for.
Thank you, ma'am.
Is this for the horse doctor to practice on?
Yes.
Can he really pass?
I've heard he's quite gifted with a needle.
But this is quite different.
As you know, even experienced doctors have difficulty with this.
Even with this to practice on, do you think he can do it?
Jinyong.
What a sigh. What's bothering you?
Songha, what brings you here?
Jinyong left her needles. Did you see her?
No, ma'am.
Oh?
So you're taking this to the horse doctor's house?
They use it for the second exam.
But he's never seen one.
I'm worried. I can't help him this time.
Jinyong.
Something on your mind?
Is this because of his name?
Hm?
Your concern for Baek Kwanghyon.
He has the same name as your late friend.
Songha, how did you know that? Did Kang tell you?
Baek Kwanghyon.
That was your friend's name.
The same name as the horse doctor.
Is that it?
You hang around him because he reminds you of your dead friend?
No.
I'm not trying to bring Kwanghyon back, that's silly.
I really should go.
We'll talk at home.
What's he talking about?
I don't hang around anyone.
Baek Kwanghyon.
That was your friend's name.
The same name as the horse doctor.
Kwanghyon?
The horse doctor's name is Baek Kwanghyon?
So this is the dummy?
Doctor's practice on this?
Exactly.
I see.
So you can use this to hit all the exact points?
A perfect insertion draws out the quicksilver.
Really? How odd.
This is the second exam.
You have to master it.
Relax. I'm pretty good with a needle.
Where are your acupuncture texts?
Those?
Outside.
Stay here. I'll get them.
Even with this to practice on, do you think he can do it?
Well...
Shall we give it a try?
Where are they?
Here they are.
Why were they in the kitchen...
Pardon me, please. I thought I'd give it a try.
How did...?
How did you do it?
Huh?
How did you do this?
Huh?
Pardon me.
Translated by D. Bannon Subtitles provided by MBC
How did you do this?
Unbelievable. Every insertion perfect.
Welcome, all of you.
All of this? What do you think?
No, Your Highness!
Kwak!
His child was... His baby's name was Baek Kwanghyon.
I believe something is wrong.
Where are you going?
Baek Kwanghyon will be a fine doctor.
How dare you say that to me?
Deal with him.
Do it once and for all.
No. Not my hand.
The acupuncture test is coming.
It's almost here.
No!