[Episode 34]
Master, come on.
C'mon already.
Coming.
The old knees aren't what they used to be.
How I've missed that smell.
When all's said and done, home is best.
Since when have you loved Joseon?
Since when? I've missed it tons.
Qing dumplings are great, but Joseon bulgogi?
Now it's flame-broiled beef for me.
Sure it is.
With what money exactly?
Baek Kwanghyon's, of course.
By now he's got a house, land, you name it.
He can afford it.
Uh-huh... What?
Baek's beefy beef, Baek's beefy beef...
We'll see...
We shall see.
Your arm, eh? Come on in.
Hang on, now!
Form a line.
Where you think you are?
Everyone will get in. Relax.
Come in. Your eyes, eh?
Can't see, poor guy, come in.
Look at your hand.
Come in.
Your arm?
Songpa, you said?
Yes.
Let's see.
It looks broken. Ouch. Come in.
The jaw, huh?
Teeth all right?
Yes. I slipped on the ice.
This way.
Just a little more.
There won't be much of a scar.
I'll give you some rhubarb and angelica.
Keep wiping the area with soy milk.
Thank you, nurse. Thank you.
Still no improvement.
We'll need more wormwood.
Yes, nurse.
Sir, my lady. An urgent case.
Here.
Look him over, hurry.
Sir.
His throat is swollen. He can't breathe.
Ma'am, please.
I'll do it.
Is that better?
Yes.
Any longer would have been fatal.
We'll have to turn most of them away again.
There are so many and so few of us.
Doctor Yun, Doctor Pak, a few clinic nurses, they all help.
But it's not enough.
The clinic doesn't miss me.
It has bigger problems now.
And the hospital only takes in wealthy patients.
They keep their reputation by turning away those that can't be cured.
Here.
This way.
Where does it hurt?
My stomach has been cramping for days. It's killing me.
First we'll take a look at you.
Yes, yes.
Roundworms, I think.
We have to treat you right away.
But, sir...
...can't I get help at the hospital?
I heard they can cure anything.
The hospital?
Sure, if you like.
Right, I'll refer you and...
A word in your ear.
Sir...! Owie!
What is it?
Listen, piggy.
Look at him.
You think they'll take in the likes of him?
Huh?
Send him to the infirmary.
Or send him away.
But, sir, if his condition dictates...
Owie...
That's not for you to decide.
You just decide if they have the cash or not.
...ouch...
Whew, whew...
You're from the country?
Yes'm, I am.
Come in.
Yes'm.
It just stopped workin'.
Going on 3 months now.
Please help me.
I brought every penny I had to go to the hospital.
My lord.
My lord, welcome.
Thank you. I'll be seeing the King later.
He'll want the report on the hospital.
My lord. Go get it.
My lord.
And him?
His tumor has spread.
It's too late to do anything.
Oh?
If you can't help, you can't.
We can make a token effort to save face.
Then send him away.
Hm, yes, do that.
His Majesty has taken an interest in us lately.
We have to focus on cases we can cure.
Yes, just as you say.
Yes, my lord.
Please help me.
Ma'am, Lady Eunso.
Oh?
My lady.
Hello.
Please.
- Eunso. - Your Highness.
Well? Any news on Doctor Baek?
No? Not a word?
No.
It's been a month.
And nothing yet.
Eunso, do you think he's really alive?
Do you?
I really don't know.
Is he alive? Can we find him? I don't know.
If he is alive somewhere...
...he's just too cruel.
All of us waiting to hear...
...and he sends no word.
Your Highness.
Me, you, even Jinyong doesn't know anything.
If he were alive, why doesn't he tell Jinyong?
Or his family?
Take this.
I'm sorry about the hospital.
Not at all.
Us poor folks, death is our only cure.
Doctor Pak.
Is this him?
Yes.
Why don't you try the people's surgery?
You don't need a lot of money there.
I don't?
That's right.
They're excellent doctors, very gifted.
We'll be going there ourselves.
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you.
Am I a doctor or what?
We send so many away.
It's the clinic. It's how things are.
You all right?
Sorry.
Forget it, I'm fine.
Well, then.
No wonder he ran into me.
Look at that hat of his.
What did they say?
We were wrong.
They can't help me either.
What?
It's the same everywhere.
No one can help me.
No one.
Pardon me.
My lady.
Have you seen a Kim Hijun?
I'm afraid not.
I see. How about Kim Kyongdong?
Ah, the older gent?
Yes.
He just left.
Oh?
I see. Thank you.
Tsk-tsk-tsk.
Thanks.
Sorry about coming here so late.
What are you suffering for?
Does it feed you? Pay the bills?
No, it costs you.
I've got plenty. I can afford it.
I'm helping people.
And killing yourself.
Your health, your money, what's it all for?
Stop.
Now, now, stop nagging.
Not everyone is as obsessed with money as you.
What?
My lady, dig in while it's still hot.
No one cooks like you.
Thank you.
Here.
Still, you're wasting away.
Breaks my heart.
Makes me wish Kwanghyon were alive.
He'd give you a boost, that's for sure.
Chef.
Ah, that's right, I have something to do at the surgery.
I'll see you later.
Finish your meal at least.
No, another time.
Look at all this.
There's plenty left...
Tsk-tsk-tsk.
Did the boiling soup blind you?
Why did you mention him?
And her barely holding on.
I'm just worried about her is all.
Worry about yourself, how about that?
Some man you are.
Dense as a post and twice as fat.
No sense at all...
What's got into her? Well?
Is it that Kibae?
Ten years I slave and he trots in...
It's not fair.
Nice moon tonight.
Jabong.
Have you been putting out the light?
No. Like I want a beating?
That's odd. It won't stay lit.
It keeps going out.
Huh?
The wind, maybe?
Let's go inside.
Right.
You can't afford the candles.
You think I can't find this place without it?
Makes me wish Kwanghyon were alive.
Nurse...
I thought he'd be livin' the sweet life.
What is this dump?
Why is he living here?
It's as good as a palace, what's the problem?
It can't be.
After what he did for the Qing?
Is our king that cheap?
Is this the right place?
Did you get it wrong?
Master.
Kayong.
Baek.
Kwanghyon.
You made it.
Welcome, welcome.
Well, well...
Take it easy.
Don't gulp it down. Chew your food.
I'm starving, so I gulp.
Even if it isn't bulgogi.
Just wait. You'll get your bulgogi.
When exactly?
Listen.
You got the Qing Emperor's letter.
So what's this about? Why you livin' like this?
Ah, well...
I have something to do.
Something?
You've been treating patients.
Yes, sir.
And you haven't told your people yet?
You must have wanted to see them.
It can't be easy.
It's because telling them I'm safe, that I'm alive...
...is so important.
Master, Yi Myonghwan has taken over everything.
The clinic, Lord Ko's dreams of a people's hospital...
...he's ruined it all.
That comes first, master.
I have to prove him wrong.
Show what kind of place his hospital really is.
And in that...
...I have already started.
No more.
Darling, there's another herbalist down the way.
At least let's go...
It's no use.
Who can help if the hospital can't?
But you can't give up.
How will you live?
I said no more.
Listen to your wife.
Don't give up without a fight.
Who are you?
May I look at your leg?
This was from a bull's horn?
I thought he was gentle. Guess I was wrong.
That's a bull for you.
They lose it and off they go.
They're all the same.
How did you come to know that?
Hm? Oh, I've had experience with animals.
Shall we get started?
But, doctor...
What will you do?
Hm?
First I'll use this to drain the sore.
Then I'll drain the swelling in the knee itself.
What? Is that it?
Yes. That's it.
And my leg will be better?
Yes. You'll be back on both feet again.
Now...
There.
Doctor.
All done.
We've lessened the swelling and scraped away the pus.
I need more cheesecloth.
Could you bring in all that I have?
Yes, of course, doctor.
Doctor, is that really it?
I'll have the use of both my legs?
Yes, you will.
You can trust me on this.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, doctor.
My lord.
Who is it exactly?
The Lord High Minister Oh Kutae himself, my lord.
Please, my lord.
Minister Oh Kutae, Sire?
A man of considerable standing.
Quite so.
A great supporter of the late King.
You know him, I believe?
I have that honor.
I had hoped to make him prime minister.
But his health prevented it.
Sire, his condition must be serious.
Yes.
Which is why I want the hospital to see him.
From the contents of this memorial, the hospital has been...
...showing great improvement. I'm sure he can help Lord Oh.
My lord.
Well?
Gangrene, I'm afraid.
Gangrene?
Yes, the worst of all necrotic conditions for the limbs.
It must have started in the toes.
Now it has infected the entire leg.
But it hasn't hurt at all.
It wouldn't.
It's small at first,
like a simple inflammation.
It's hard to catch it in time.
What then?
Can you treat it?
Lord Yi, answer me.
My lord, Lord Oh...
It's hopeless.
The necrosis is too deep in the bone marrow.
It can't be stopped.
If you can't do it, then he...
...doesn't have much time left.
It will spread throughout his body and kill him.
Of all the luck.
Why Lord Oh of all people?
This will hurt US.
Exactly.
His Majesty is directly involved.
What will he think of you?
- Hush! - Oops.
It was going fine until now!
Until now!
My lord.
Father.
Never mind.
No one is to blame for this.
I'll keep looking.
There must be someone that can help you.
Don't.
If Lord Yi can't...
...who can?
Father.
My lord, my lord.
My lord.
What is it?
I found him.
Found whom?
A doctor.
One that may be able to help his lordship.
What?
This noble doctor, he cured me.
And wouldn't take a penny.
Look, look, look.
See that?
How 'bout that?
Completely cured.
Not just cured.
I feel like I can fly, fly away.
He's a great doctor, whoever he is.
He cures what the other doctors can't.
Not just any doctors.
The hospital couldn't do nothin'.
And look at me now.
Amazing. Incredible.
You're really all right?
That's him. He was lame.
And now he can walk.
You there.
What? You don't know his name?
No, my lord.
I asked him, of course.
But he wouldn't say.
How did he treat your leg?
What did he do?
How long did it take?
Half a day, if that.
What?
It was just one simple procedure.
What? Just one?
Yes, my lord.
Everyone said it couldn't be done.
And he fixed me up right away.
He took one look.
First I'll use this to drain the sore.
Then I'll drain the swelling in the knee itself.
What? Is that it?
Yes. That's it.
And my leg will be better?
Yes. You'll be back on both feet again.
And what happened then?
Then he took a lance and started scraping away the pus.
It's unbelievable.
Curing a lame man with a lance?
He called it "surgery," my lord.
Surgery?
Yes. He said surgery can save countless lives.
He's sure of it.
Yes, Lord Yi.
The same surgery you used to kill...
...I will use to save lives.
And choke the life out of you.
Little girl.
Is someone sick here?
Huh?
The woman the hospital couldn't help.
Your mother, I think?
Me, nines.
You...
Eights.
I won.
He'll be back. Be patient.
My disciple can take over now.
If only I had someone to play with.
More verbena.
Right. Be right back.
What? An itinerant doctor?
Exactly.
I can't be sure. But rumor has it he's helped a lot of people.
Who is it?
Who can treat those the hospital can't help?
I'm not sure,
but I'm told he's a young man.
It's just rumor, take it for what it's worth.
What are you two talking about?
Someone is curing patients the hospital can't?
Yes. He treated painful swelling and helped the man walk again.
How is that possible?
An itinerant doesn't have the training.
Perhaps.
But don't take it to heart.
Rumors are rumors, after all.
- My lady. - My lady.
Hello. It's that time again.
Shall we?
Wait a minute.
I'll get changed.
Going somewhere?
Yes. Qing herbs come in today, so...
But the guards are watching.
It's risky.
Maybe so, but we're running low.
We can't wait any longer.
There's no time to waste. Move out.
Sir. Move out.
Sir.
Move out.
Sir.
We act for the King.
- Off you go. - Sir.
Wait.
Oh, hello.
What brings you to the inquisitor's office?
I thought we might get a drink.
Is something going on?
We got word the rogue herbalists are about.
What?
So those men are going to arrest them?
Exactly. The King himself ordered they be rounded up.
Oh, I just remembered something...
What about our drink?
Slurp, slurp?
Here.
You wait for me here.
You keep an eye out for inquisitors. Move.
Sir.
What the..?
Is something wrong with Jinyong?
What? The inquisitors?
Yes, so I have to find Jinyong.
Where is she?
At the Kongam Ford.
She's been gone an hour now.
Hurry. The guards may be here any minute.
Right.
- Right, let's go. - Sir.
All done, Yongdal.
Then let's go.
Jinyong... Jinyong.
Songha.
Get out of here.
They found you.
What?
The inquisitors.
You have to get away.
My lady.
Get out of here.
Just like we planned. Go.
They know something.
No, we won't lose them.
Get ready.
Yes, sir.
Fire!
- Get them! - Sir!
Soldiers.
Jinyong.
Sir.
There. That's their leader.
Get them!
Well? Help her ladyship.
Sir.
Songha!
No, Songha!
Attack.
My lord.
Are you all right?
Ji... Jinyong...
My lord, wake up...
My lord...
My lord... my lord...
What now?
It's deep.
He'll be dead in 15 minutes.
That's it.
Arrowroot will stop the bleeding.
No. It's been too long.
I'll go back.
No, I'll go with you.
Come on.
There. Now to sew him up.
Songha, Songha!
Sir!
Songha!
Songha..!
Wait.
This is...
Songha!
Songha, Songha...
Nurse?
Here, my lady.
The trail leads this way.
Songha.
How did..?
Are you all right?
Wake up.
Stay with us.
Wait...
Who did this?
My lady.
We have to move him. Hurry.
Songha, you'll be fine.
Don't pass out on me.
Please.
Nurse.
What? Lord Yi's son was stabbed?
Yes, Your Highness.
He was attacked last night outside the city.
How could this happen?
He's Jinyong's brother.
I should see how he's doing.
Yes, do that.
I hope it's not too serious.
Here, my lord.
Songha.
Father.
Who did this?
Who hurt my boy?
Songha...
Jingyong, how is he?
He was treated right away.
It's not fatal.
Thank goodness.
The heavens smiled on him.
But who was it?
I saw the wound.
He was at death's door.
Who could treat a stab wound so perfectly?
Yes, I think and think but can't understand it.
To sew him up in that dark, dank place.
A ghost, that's who. It's the only answer.
What? A ghost?
Sure. A cave, at night, swooping in and sewing him up?
A ghost, I'm telling you.
Listen to you.
What kind of nurse believes in ghosts?
Well, what then?
Ugh, enough of this ghost talk.
This was no ghost.
It was him.
Him?
Him. You've heard the rumors.
The guy that cures the cases the hospital can't.
The master.
Right, I heard about him.
But is it true? If it is, Lord Yi...
What?
What are you chattering about?
My lord.
Listen to the lot of you.
Ghosts, master, what kind of talk is that?
- It was her. - Her.
- Her, her.
What kind of talk is that?
No patients today?
Guess I'll just have to loaf then.
Huh?
Is this blood?
Baek, are you hurt? What's this?
Songha, you'll be fine.
Don't pass out on me.
Baek?
Huh?
You losing it or what?
No, it's nothing.
Nothing, he says.
You look like your wife caught you with some floozy.
I said it's nothing.
I'll do this.
Oh, Kayong, I need a favor.
A favor?
That guy you saw in the Qing capital.
The one you called a "hottie".
Oh, what about him?
He's been hurt.
I had to treat him in a hurry.
Can you see how he's doing?
What? My baby got hurt?
Where? How?
Not his yummy face?
Oh, no...
Right here.
May I help you?
I need the doctor.
Are you the one that fixed the butcher's leg?
Strangers?
The men that attacked my boy were strangers?
I'll look into it further, my lord.
Good, you do that, whatever it takes...
Sir.
My lord, my lord.
Pull yourself together.
My lord, it's bad.
The ghost... no, I mean a master...
A master physician is curing all our patients.
It looks bad for you.
What?
Have you lost your senses?
You're insane.
Am not. I'm not insane.
You're killing me.
Our patients, the ones we turn away 'cause there's no cure.
Someone's finding them and treating them.
Word is he's already cured a lot of them.
What are you..?
My lord.
Now spit it out.
Step-by-step, slowly and clearly.
Yes, sir, slow...
Isn't a High Minister a big deal?
What's he want with you?
My lord.
Come in.
Father, the doctor.
So I see.
My lord.
Sit.
You're younger than I thought.
I'm surprised you have such skill.
I don't know if he told you...
...but I'm dying.
We've seen all the doctors.
The clinic, even the hospital.
They all say I can't be cured.
The hospital, my lord?
Yes
But even our nation's chief physician couldn't help him.
That's why I took the trouble to find you.
May I examine his lordship?
Lord Yi said it's...
Gangrene.
It's caused by injury, infection, malnutrition.
It starts in the digits, spreads and ultimately kills.
Yes, that's it.
But they say it's infected his bone marrow and can't be treated.
What do you think?
Is it...
...really hopeless?
If you think so...
No, I do not.
If you're asking me if you will live or die...
You may live.
It's not too late.
We can treat this.
R-really?
You can treat me?
Tell me this.
How can you do what all the other doctors couldn't?
Because all the other doctors at the hospital...
...have not yet learned surgery.
Surgery?
Exactly.
The process of using incisions to explore and treat inside the body.
With surgery we can amputate your leg.
And save your life.
What?
What did you say?
My leg? Cut off my leg?
Yes.
Lord Oh can't be treated?
If you can't do it, no so-called "master" can.
It's Songha.
If he's involved, so is Jinyong.
Songha won't talk. So he'll have to pay.
It's me. I'm to blame for what happened to Songha.
He healed them all.
All healed, every one.
Who is he?
Cut off my leg?
Silence! Who do you think you are?
It's sad but true. People fear death.
What? Guards?
Our master was arrested.
But your patient?
Your patient needs you.
I'll look after our master.
Dazzling people with your black magic.
Magic? How dare you?
The doctor in question is a young man.
Is my age showing?
Listen, Lord Yi. Wake up. It's over.
From the Qing territory.
What does it say?
It can't be...
Baek?
How is he?
Baek? The patient?