[No animals were harmed in the making of this program]
[Episode 10]
What is it?
Nothing. Don't worry.
Nothing? As pale as you are?
Here, here, what were you looking at?
What are you..?
It's not that.
Don't worry.
I'm just tired.
Don't be a fool.
You have a fever.
All the same symptoms.
I was wrong. I must have been.
It is a plague.
You haven't eaten anything local.
You've only eaten food we brought from the capital.
No, I've had water.
Water.
It must be the local water.
Something is in the water.
Look at the water I carried over.
- Look-- - No.
I was wrong.
Like a fool I placed everyone in danger, even you...
It's smallpox and I've...
No. I don't believe it's smallpox.
Don't give up.
You have to keep looking.
Jinyong.
Nurse, nurse.
- Jinyong. - Nurse, nurse!
Jinyong.
What happened?
She fainted.
Jinyong, wake up.
Jinyong, Jinyong.
It's nice to see you.
Doing all right?
Jinyong.
You're a doctor?
No, a horse doctor.
I'll look after her. Get the doctor. Go!
Go on!
Jinyong... Jinyong...
Jinyong.
Her condition?
Unconscious. Erratic pulse.
It's dangerous to stay here. You should go.
No. I'll stay.
Jinyong?
Still unconscious.
My lord.
She gave us no indication.
None whatsoever.
Young master,my lord.
What brings you here?
I'm here for my sister.
You mean her ladyship?
Then you're saying...
she's here with us?
How?
Hurry and have this prepared.
Yes,sir.
My lord.
That nurse is my sister.
I'm sorry to spring this on you.
But how is she?
Can she be treated here?
Nurse, nurse! Nurse... nurse...!
Have this prescription filled.
Right away.
Pardon me. How is she?
The doctor revived her with acupuncture.
But it's still serious.
Are you awake?
Do you know me?
Songha.
What happened? How did you get here?
Little idiot, why didn't you tell me?
You should have said you were coming here.
Even if you told no one else.
Sorry. Were you worried?
Let's go. We're leaving this place.
They can treat you in the capital.
No. We can't.
We don't know what caused this.
I can't leave.
Jinyong...
I'm all right, Songha. I'll be fine.
Don't worry.
I need a favor.
Send for the young man I was with.
I need to tell him something.
This is my fault.
My stupidity endangered everyone.
You want to give up?
Run off to avoid the blame?
No. Never that.
I'm the reason. Bec--
No, you're the reason people will live.
You see? I don't think you were wrong.
My lord.
Let me handle the responsibility.
You find the cause.
I'll alleviate the patients' symptoms.
You double your efforts.
Get back to work.
You see? I don't think you were wrong.
No. I don't believe it's smallpox.
Don't give up.
You have to keep looking.
You're Baek Kwanghyon, the horse doctor?
Yes, I am.
What are you doing?
You shouldn't be up. Lie back.
It's all right, I just passed out.
I can at least sit up.
Remember what I said?
Water. The answer is in the water.
That's why, don't give up--
No. I won't.
You, too, should hang on. I'll find the answer.
I'll be back.
Until I am, hang on.
Don't worry. I hate losing.
I know you do.
I saw how you shoveled.
Bitter orange will do to alleviate the inflammation.
Sir.
Clay and charcoal alleviate toxicity.
It will help to halt the progress of their symptoms.
Hurry, quickly now.
Ma'am.
My lord.
The treatment going well?
Yes, your alternatives have been very effective.
Good. That's one fire out.
But we have another problem.
We can't treat their symptoms indefinitely.
What about that horse doctor?
He's looking at water sources now.
Water sources?
The water feeding into the ranch.
Jinyong came in contact with it.
That's where the problem lies.
Two streams feed the ranch, the northeast and the southwest.
This one flows into Chungchong as well.
Yes, correct, but Chungchong hasn't been infected.
So the problem lies to the northeast, right here.
This is where we'll search.
Have your men search for anything strange.
The source of the poison will be here.
Please, sir.
Right.
- Move out. - Sir.
Kwanghyon.
Sir. Well?
How did it go?
It's a small village, nothing much goes on.
But a trade mission came through a while back.
Trade mission?
Mm, from China.
They dealt with the local officials.
All their declared goods.
Thank you.
Tiger and otter fur, mats, salt, vinegar,
croaker, abalone, silk, brass.
Is this it?
Was anything left out by mistake?
Not hardly.
Everything is scrupulously checked.
I see.
Fine then.
It's not here.
Nothing dangerous there.
Sorry we couldn't help.
Not at all.
Let's go.
Songha.
Yes, I'm here.
You all right? Need more tonic?
You can't stay here.
It's a mistake. Go now.
Did you forget your nursing basics?
Once you come in, you can't leave, right?
So hush up and lie back.
It's my mistake, now or later.
I'm not ready, so that's that.
Don't lie. You can leave.
You're not infected yet.
You can go, even now.
Would you?
Remember? When I got sick as a boy?
My mother had passed,
so you stayed up all night holding my hand.
Don't tell me to go.
It's my turn.
Songha.
Now I wish I'd been a doctor like Father.
I regret it.
Halt.
This is useless.
We'll look again tomorrow.
Look, let's go.
It's dangerous in this rain.
No. We can't leave.
We can't go on.
We'll start at daybreak.
Listen, we can't.
We'll come back tomorrow.
The patients and the cattle don't have till tomorrow.
Daybreak?
Every time we stop, people and cattle die.
We can't stop.
Every hour brings us closer to saving another life.
Well? You going to let a little rain stop you?
Keep going. Move out.
Porridge to help his digestion.
This will help with the pain.
Thank you.
Some tonic.
Yes, doctor.
My lord.
Come quickly.
Why?
My lord.
Welcome.
I hope you don't mind my showing up like this.
Not at all. I expected you sooner.
The capital keeping you busy?
Yes.
What? The royal pharmacy proctor is here?
Yes. He brought many of the herbs we've been needing.
Clay and bitter oranges to replace the missing herbs.
You know your medicine.
All medicines come from the earth.
If you look hard enough.
But you don't need this any longer.
We can use the herbs I brought.
You've done well.
Now I'll take over.
But Lord Ko has authority?
I have been given full authority.
By His Majesty himself.
My lord, my lord.
Get rid of this.
We'll use what I brought.
We'll cure these people.
My lord, there's something you should know.
Your children are here.
What? Songha and Jinyong?
Songha.
Father.
How did this happen to her?
What have you all been doing?
Jinyong.
You guessed wrong.
We didn't find anything wrong anywhere.
Get ready to move out.
Sir.
What are you doing here?
I wanted to see my brother.
The men said no.
They said I can't go in.
Then you might get sick, too.
Be brave. You'll see your brother again.
Is my brother dying?
People in the village say everyone here dies.
Will he die?
No. Who told you that?
No? He'll get better?
You'll make him better like you did our chicken?
What's this?
For my brother.
We found it together but I kept it.
Make him better so I can give it to him.
An abalone shell?
I didn't know. Neither did my brother.
We were playing in the creek, it was so bright and shiny.
I wanted one, all the kids got one.
Except me.
What's that?
All the children found abalone shells?
How? This isn't a seaside village?
Where did you find them?
Huh?
C'mon, quick.
Here. Right here.
You're sure?
They threw out all the abalone shells here?
Yes.
Vinegar.
All their declared goods.
Thank you.
Tiger and otter fur, mats, salt, vinegar,
croaker, abalone, silk...
Mats, salt, vinegar, croaker, abalone...
Vinegar and abalone?
No...
So you and this Baek Kwanghyon dissected a cow?
Yes, Father.
There were clear signs of hemorrhage.
This is poison.
I agree with the horse doctor and Lord Ko.
My lord.
My lord
Come quickly. That horse quack is back.
Hm?
My lord! Lord Ko!
I found it.
I found the source of the poison.
Jinyong.
I have to see.
I have to see him, Songha.
This is it.
This is what poisoned the people and the cattle.
Abalone shells?
Yes, just so.
A trade mission came through here.
A huge mission, including some 200 bushels of abalone shells.
But they spoiled on the way, so they were useless as trade goods.
They were tossed into a ditch.
This is it.
This caused the cattle and the people to fall ill.
What is this nonsense?
Abalone shells?
Spoiled or not, that can't kill.
And if it did, there would be signs of colic.
Yes, that's usually true.
But not when combined with vinegar.
What?
Abalone and vinegar.
Inland people don't know it, but abalone has traces of poison.
This time of year, abalone that has lain in the sun can cause rashes.
That's not a problem in itself.
But when mixed with vinegar,
it becomes a fatal poison.
When they got mixed,
they got rid of them.
They had no idea it would cause this.
Ridiculous.
Vinegar neutralizes poison. Suddenly it's fatal with abalone?
No, it's true.
I grew up by the sea.
All the elders said so.
Even my father said to never mix abalone with vinegar.
My lord, don't listen.
It's absurd.
Vinegar and abalone are fatal?
I never heard such a thing.
My lord.
He's an ignorant horse doctor.
This is a waste of time.
If you'll excuse me.
Oh? What now? Treat for smallpox?
You saw for yourself this isn't smallpox.
You'll ignore the possibility just because you never heard of it?
Because he's a horse doctor?
My lord.
And it's not impossible.
Clove, turmeric, ginseng and squirrel dung aren't harmful alone.
But mixed together, they are fatal.
But we can't prescribe to our patients on a guess.
Then test it on me.
Jinyong.
We have to know if the cure will work.
Test it on me.
Nurse.
Jinyong, what are you doing?
Please, father, let me do this.
Jinyong.
Father.
I'm no expert, but if there's the slightest chance,
shouldn't we try?
If it is the abalone,
seafood poisoning is treated with reed and verbena.
We have the ingredients?
Yes, my lord.
We're making it now.
Kwanghyon.
Don't worry, it will be fine.
He's right, you did it. It will be fine.
Now we wait.
If it is abalone poisoning,
this should clear it up.
I can't stand waiting.
Kwanghyon.
This is driving me crazy.
I have to see how she's doing.
Kwanghyon, her doctors are scrambling.
Something happened.
What?
The pustules have subsided.
Pulse?
Stable.
Returning to normal, my lord.
Good. At last.
Nurse.
Well? Shall we prescribe the cure?
Administer reed and verbena tonic to all the patients.
And to the cattle, as well.
Understood?
My lord.
I swear, abalone and vinegar.
Whoever heard of such a thing?
Thanks. You saved me.
Not at all.
I should thank you.
Thanks for hanging in there.
As expected, you're a strong one.
Being a cow in your past life.
Fair enough, I'll take back what I said about you being a crab.
You're not all talk.
You've got talent.
You think?
Talent?
Me?
Oh, you.
Nice diet you're on.
. . . oh you . . .
That's it, that's it.
I know, I know, you're all better.
Thanks. You saved me.
Hey, less staring, more working.
Yes, sir. Next cow.
Sire.
Come in.
You've done a fine thing.
- Well done, indeed. - It is our honor.
You staved off disaster in Icheon.
Truly, you are the finest physician in the land.
Your honor me.
I merely led others.
We have the stewards, the doctors and nurses to thank.
You have a gift for leading others.
I value the health of our people above that of the royal house.
You know that better than anyone.
How right you are, Sire.
Thank goodness Lord Yi Myonghwan arrived when he did.
Quite so, Sire.
Who else could care for your people so well?
Yes, that's true.
They are both men of great talent.
It's not easy choosing which would be the best chief physician.
Your Highness, just have a bite.
You'll make yourself sick.
No. Take it way.
I'm not hungry right now.
Your Highness.
I've come to hate that I was born a princess.
If I were a normal girl,
I could put on my walking shoes,
and run to help him.
Like any girl.
What good is being a princess?
I can't protect the one I love.
He's just a common horse doctor.
Hardly suitable for you.
Your Highness.
That why I hate my life.
I can't even feel what I want for worrying about the palace.
Your Highness.
Good news. The stewards are back.
The plague is ended.
What?
And him?
Is Doctor Baek back?
He's all right?
Your Highness.
Please. Your Highness.
Please. Dignity.
No.
I have to see if he's all right.
I don't care if the palace finds out or not.
Your Highness.
Please, I'll send for him.
Don't bother.
Your Highness, Your Highness.
Doctor Baek.
Y-Y-Your Highness.
Y-Y-Your Highness . . .
You're all right. You came back.
I thought I'd turn to stone, like that wife that waited in the stories.
Um, Your Highness, this isn't...
Doctor Baek.
It's not fitting.
But go on if you want to see me dead.
Then what CAN I do?
Your Highness.
Doctor Baek.
What brings Your Highness here?
I was just passing.
You're all right?
I heard it was bad.
You're not sick or hurt?
Yes, not at all.
I'm glad. Very very glad.
Taking time to ask after one such as me,
You are gracious indeed, Your Highness.
What is it?
Tears...?
Nothing.
I'm just pleased that our people are all right.
A heart as soft as silk, Your Highness.
Doctor Baek.
You felt the mood in there?
Yes.
This could come back to bite us.
I've got to meet with Lord Ko.
Sound him out.
Welcome.
Lord Ko?
Inside waiting.
This way. I reserved a quiet table.
Psst-psst-psst.
Who's the highfalutin? She's falling all over herself.
Don't yo know?
That's Viceroy Jung Songjo.
Huh? The viceroy?
Yes. The most powerful man at court.
His Majesty's viceroy?
Here to eat my soup?
Woohoo!
Here, a drink.
Perfect with the soup here.
- Allow me. - Thank you.
Here you are.
Excellent.
And better for having been poured by you.
I meant to meet somewhere finer.
You're something of a hero.
Not at all.
Good wine, good food, what more could I ask for?
That's why I like you.
Informal, guileless, not like the court sycophants.
Your passion for medicine has kept you at the clinic.
If you had wanted, you could have been chief physician by now.
Is that so?
Me?
Is there any doubt?
All the doctors respect you as their role model.
The head office is nothing for a man of your talent.
Not really.
Oh?
The chief physician's role is hardly "nothing."
No, it's something to me.
Very much so.
Now what are you saying?
I'm human. Why shouldn't I covet that office?
Of course I do.
But I lack the talent. It's out of my reach.
Actually, I met with the king before I came here.
He said much the same thing.
That I should be chief physician.
What's that?
His Majesty?
Yes.
I really felt it was just too much for me.
But what you say gives me courage.
Now I'm delighted to tell His Majesty I'll do it.
My lord.
Ko Juman.
That old snake.
Congratulations.
Thank you all.
Congratulations.
Thank you, thank you.
Fortunately, His Majesty will still let me run the clinic.
I'll find my way back here often.
Will you be all right?
Hm? With what?
Ah, I had the same thought.
I'm not really suited for it.
You've spent your life healing the sick.
Why do this all of a sudden?
Haven't you guessed by now...
...why we didn't get the herbs we needed in Icheon?
That's the type of men at court.
The type of men that treat the royal family and our people.
This isn't sudden.
I decided I have to be chief physician.
Try not to worry.
No one is forcing me.
Who knows?
I might even be good at it.
My lord.
Now I have the power to get things done.
Where should I start?
Hey, is she here?
Ugh, she's not coming again.
Of course not.
It was a close thing.
She needs rest.
She should hurry.
It's no fun without her, no fun.
Will she be all right?
Of course.
Is she still sick?
I should've asked where she lives.
Someone should look in on her.
What did this lowlife say to me?
Jinyong.
She knows lots of nobles.
The Princess no less.
Are all nurses like that?
Well? Any ideas?
Nothing?
So this is where you are.
My lord.
How may I help you?
How? Have you forgotten?
I asked you to teach me.
Sir?
These are the instruments we use for horses.
This is for bone and blood loss.
And this for the nose and face.
And this is for dissection?
Yes. Our instruments are quite different from those of regular doctors.
Hm, I see.
Can you show me where you place the needles?
Sir?
Of course, easily.
Good. Show me.
His illness lies in the forehead.
So we'll apply the needle here.
The placement must be exact. We have to be careful.
What? Done already?
I have someone waiting.
See you soon.
Songha.
How did it go? That was fast.
What are you doing out here?
You should be at home.
You finished your exam?
No, I skimmed.
After I fail I'll take up medicine.
What? Are you insane?
Kidding, kidding, little idiot.
I did great, don't worry.
You scared me.
Leaving already? Shouldn't you rest?
Already? It's been three days.
I'm fine. I need to go.
You always were stubborn.
Going back to the stables?
Mm, I have to.
After I pay my respects at the clinic.
I should've failed and picked up medicine.
Then, I can go with you.
Huh?
I'm jealous.
I see how close you are with the doctors.
Especially that horse boy.
What are you talking about? Close?
That Baek Kwanghyon character?
Don't make me laugh.
All he does is tease me.
What? Tease you?
Well, now I'm really jealous.
Only I get to tease you.
What?
And he's in trouble.
Once you start teasing someone, there's no stopping it.
Poor guy.
Is that any way to talk to your sister?
You're better, all right.
You got your punch back.
Listen to you. Let go. C'mon.
Your Majesty, Her Royal Highness to see you.
Oh? Jinyong was ill at Icheon?
Yes, Your Majesty.
She's still recovering.
I thought I should call on her.
You wish to leave the palace?
Not at all. But I'm so worried.
Your Majesty, if you please.
The two of them have been friends for years.
It's natural for her to be worried.
Your Majesty.
You used your friend over some man?
You plan on seeing him when you're out?
That's not it. I really am worried about Jinyong.
I was shocked when I heard she was ill.
Not that I won't take advantage of this.
Your Highness.
Shhh.
Oh dear.
So Her Highness really sent for me?
Yes. She's at a private residence.
Her and her sick dog.
Oh?
I'm worn out thanks to you.
I'm a warrior. Not a dog-catcher.
Huh?
Never mind. Come on.
Right.
You should rest. It's too soon to leave.
I'm all better.
It must be difficult without an assistant.
Not at all, please rest.
It's on my head if you're hurt.
No. I'm fine, really.
I've missed this.
A lot.
But where is he? I don't see him.
My lady.
What are you doing here?
Her Royal Highness called at the house.
To see your ladyship.
What?
Your Highness, Doctor Baek.
Your Highness.
Hello.
Your dog is ill?
Is this him?
Yes. I found him on the road.
Yes, I'll look him over.
Don't you need to go sit down?
Your Highness, that?
Your Highness, he's really quite ill.
Oh?
Yes. He has chest discomfort.
Someone will need to hold him.
I will.
Pardon?
Will this do, like this?
You, Your Highness?
Me. Anything you say. Just tell me.
But Your High--
It's fine.
This is fun.
Here.
My lady.
Her Highness is here?
Yes. Inside.
That's right. Chest pain.
Trouble breathing is a clear indication.
Oh?
Yes. He would have died if you hadn't found him.
Then I did good?
Definitely.
Then I'll find more like him.
And you'll save them. All right?
Need you ask?
At your service, you need only ask.
If you'll pardon me, you might hold him like this.
Wha...? Like...?
Yes, like this.
No, not that way. This way. That's it.
I beg your pardon.
No, I don't mind.
Now for his treatment.
Your Highness, I'm, um...
Your Highness...
I kissed him.
I threw myself at him.
Don't speak of it. Never again.
It wasn't his fault. He can't be blamed.
Songha. Top honors?
I wanted to say something, but not anymore.
It hurts here,and here, and here...
And my heart. Heh.
How do you cure a broken heart?
A horse doctor treating people?
A quack?