[Episode 31]
Baek Kwanghyon, you said?
I won't forget.
Joseon may be a small country.
But it is a nation of gifted men.
Take Yi Myonghwan.
I'm told he's chief physician and is heading a medical mission here.
When I heard that I thought of asking him to see my wife...
Pardon me.
What was that?
Yi Myonghwan, you said?
He's coming here?
Here, to this country?
Yi Myonghwan, here?
Yi Myonghwan...
Sir.
What? You sick?
Your face is icky.
No, it's nothing.
Come on, we have to go.
The old coot is frantic.
C'mon, c'mon.
The Emperor's favorite is ill.
A murderer?
Murderer...
No, you're wrong.
It's not over for me.
It's over for you.
You...
are the murderer.
Sire, Her Royal Highness.
It's been too long.
Have you been well?
Yes, Sire.
Thanks to your generous concern.
We know this has been hard for you.
You've gotten thinner.
It must be difficult staying inside.
Not at all, now that the mourning period is over I'm...
Um...
It's made easier by your kindness to me.
I can't sleep for worrying about the dear child.
Your Majesty.
But now you can see her every day.
Pardon?
Every day? How do you mean?
I've made a decision on your behalf.
Your mourning is over. You can return to the palace.
Pardon? The p-palace?
But... why?
Her Majesty agrees, we don't like you living alone.
Alone? I have Lady Kwak and Officer Mah.
It's custom for a married royal to live outside the palace.
Is custom more important than you?
Don't you worry.
- It's all right. - Sukhwi.
But...
I'm fine.
I really really am.
Really.
Your Highness, what is it?
What went on in there?
I have to come back to the palace.
Pardon? The palace?
Right away, too.
They don't like me living alone.
Isn't that for the best?
You can see the others every day.
The same as ever, I see.
Lady Kwak, could he be any denser?
It's been three long years.
Coming back here will be like prison.
I might as well still be in mourning.
What can you do?
A command is a command.
I thought I'd have the sweet life.
It's custom, after all.
What about that?
Right. I'll ask someone with experience.
Come along.
Your Highness, where are you..?
Where are you going?
I said come on.
From the young lord?
Yes. He's looking for Baek Kwanghyon in the Qing territories.
Is it really him?
We'll have to see.
Eunso, Eunso, Eunso, Eunso.
It's just terrible, what should I do?
Your Highness.
I have to go back...
What's that?
Pardon? It's nothing.
Pretty jumpy for "nothing".
You hid it the second I came in.
Hid? I didn't.
Uh-huh. Did so.
You Highness.
Ah-hah, so that's...
...a love letter from a man.
Huh?
I knew it. That's why you hid it.
I would never. A love letter.
Never, she says? I can tell.
No one mourns better than Eunso.
Your Highness.
If only.
And I'm stuck wasting away in the palace.
It isn't fair.
Chef... Chef...
What are you up to? It's freezing.
Malbok.
Yes, sir.
- Take this. - Yes, sir.
We're here on business for Jinyong.
I'm freezing my nose off here.
Hang on.
I'll whip up a nice hot bowl of seafood soup.
Is something body her?
She's so listless.
No kidding. She usually shoots daggers when we come mooching.
Don't ask.
She's missing that boy of hers.
Hateful or not, she's still a mother.
Listen to me, I'll get you something.
Sit, sit, I'll be right back.
I can't wait. Hurry back.
It's not easy.
Taemang, I mean.
Ah, of course.
It's indescribable, waiting on a child.
Will he be back today? Tomorrow?
Always on your mind.
But you've never had a child...
Ah, right, Baek Kwanghyon.
Sit.
It's been three years and you're still mourning?
It's time to let go.
He'd be back by now if he survived.
No, he'll be back.
Kwanghyon isn't dead.
I'm sure of it.
Look, stay here. I'll get drinks and such.
Ma'am?
Oh, my, it breaks my heart just waiting a few months.
You poor man.
Let's have a drink.
It's just some soup, some cake, nothing special.
I'm sure it's great.
Can't argue with that.
Allow me.
Hot... hot...
Are you all right?
It's burning...
You all right?
Jabong.
Water, cold water, quick!
Water, water.
Chef, gooey rice, from the kitchen.
- Right. - Go, go.
Here, the water.
Oh, no...
Hold on. We'll fix you right up.
Wait, what about your hands?
I'm fine. Don't worry.
But for such lovely hands...
. . . uh-oh . . .
Just getting in?
Yes. You're not asleep?
I can't.
Let's talk.
How long have you been with me?
Three years, give or take.
Three years. Time flies.
Especially as you get older.
Don't laugh. Think you won't get old?
You're getting there.
Yes, sir. Heh.
You don't want to go back?
It's been so long. You don't want to go?
Or are you waiting till you're so old no one will know you?
No, I want to. Very much so.
But as things are...
Would it kill you to say, "But I'm so happy with you"?
Would it?
It's not that, sir, it's just...
Suppose there was a way?
A way for you to get back to Joseon.
Master, what are you saying?
A way for me to get back?
This...
The Emperor's favorite is ill.
People are coming from all over to treat her.
Qing's finest are at a lost.
They've sent all over, including our own country.
Well?
What do you say?
If you cure her, you'll have the Emperor's blessing.
Joseon will have to take you back.
The Emperor's blessing?
Yes. If you save his favorite...
...Joseon wouldn't dare condemn you.
It's up to you.
Make up your mind to try...
...and next stop, the Forbidden City.
A way back?
A way back to Joseon?
My lord, the imperial physicians.
The head of Joseon's medical mission.
Hello, Joseon Chief Physician, Yi Myonghwan.
Welcome. We appreciate your making the journey.
He knows our language?
So it seems.
Long time, Jinyong.
Yes, too long, Professor.
Yes, Jinyong was my student before I became chancellor.
I picked up your language from her.
Is that so?
Jinyong was my finest student.
I saw from her just how far Joseon medicine had advanced.
Chancellor.
Has Her Grace's condition deteriorated?
For your lordship to request assistance...
Let's take a look, shall we?
Leave us.
Open up.
She's so far gone...
She must be under a large amount of pain medication.
Just so.
She's in great pain.
What's wrong with her?
So much pain...?
It...
...not...
...a sequestrum?
Yes. Her bones are rotting away.
The necrosis started in her back and is working towards her heart.
What? Sequestrum?
Yes, ma'am.
Of all the diseases...
Wasn't this the disease that killed Lord Ko Juman?
It's working its way to her heart?
Yes. It's incurable.
The imperial physicians are stymied.
That's why they were so hush-hush.
How are we going to treat her?
In light of her position, we'll start with surrogates.
Surrogates?
Yes. We'll treat others with the same complaint.
If successful, we'll then use the same method on her.
Experimenting on surrogates.
Exactly.
We will work with doctors from across the land to find a cure.
Wow. They're all doctors?
They got a lot more than we do.
Am I right?
Master, there are so many.
Will they let us treat any patients?
We're not from here.
It's me, Saam.
Trust me.
Old coot... What an old poser.
Like he's so famous with the Qing?
Wait up.
Next.
Let's see here...
You're from Joseon?
Yes, sir.
I'll stamp your pass.
But I doubt you'll get to treat anyone.
Why is that?
As you can see, we have lots of experience treating patients...
How do we know that?
You're clearly not affiliated with an institution.
True, but...
But nothing. Next.
Don't worry, you said. It's you, you said.
Mm-hm.
Hold on a minute.
Look at this.
I beg your pardon.
A doctor of your distinction...
Your pardon, sir.
Not at all, not at all.
What? A reference from his lordship?
Of course. It's the least he could do.
When did you get it?
Just before we left.
Just in case.
Wow.
Wow is right. I had no idea.
What, so this is your step up?
Why not? If you have a ladder, use it.
But you said you tore up this kind of stuff.
You didn't need it.
Are you insane? Throw away a reference?
That's not how the world works.
You take what's given.
Gratefully.
I'm still pouting.
You make up your own rules, that's what.
Hey, service here, service.
That reference gives you influence.
You'll get to treat the surrogates.
Master.
It's up to you now.
Use what you've learned to treat Her Grace.
You're going to be busy.
Get some sleep.
I can't.
Yeah, an empress and all, I can't blame you.
Even the old coot who went to play "this" is worried.
What's wrong with her?
What can't the imperials fix that they call for help?
It's serious, that's all I know.
We've got to cure her.
I heard there's a medical mission from Joseon.
They may know.
They're in the Forbidden City itself.
You were an apprentice. You may know some of them.
No, I doubt it. I really do.
Oh?
A sequestrum? You're sure?
It's untreatable?
Lord Ko can't be saved?
No, that can't be, it can't...
It can't be.
I'll find a way.
Somehow, some way,
I'll save him.
Here you are.
Songha.
It's cold out here.
I needed to go somewhere.
Now?
Mm. I want to do some reading.
Then check with the local herbalists.
I'll go with you. I've finished for the day.
I'll be fine on my own.
On your own at night?
I'll be worried.
Let's go, before the gates are closed.
Wow, this place is huge.
There are so many of them.
I know. It will take forever.
Hold on, you're being helpful.
How unlike you.
Like I enjoy being in the gutter?
There must be something here.
We'll cure Her Worshipfulness and then?
Buckets of gold, that's what.
How like you.
Cures don't come cheap.
Two birds with one stone.
I'll look this way and you...
That way.
We'll meet back here.
Don't get distracted.
And no dumpling joints, all right?
Not me, never, nuh-uh.
Relax.
See you.
What is it with her?
Nothing.
There's no treatment for sequestra.
Same here.
Just the lotions and notions we know about.
And some mention of surgery.
Let's go. It's late.
Just a little longer.
Oh, the herbs.
What you bought earlier?
Uh-huh. I got to talking and forgot them.
You stay. I'll get it.
No. It's across the way.
You keep looking.
- Hello. - Evening.
I have a question.
What's your bestselling text?
The one doctors use the most.
Who knows? Look for yourself.
Ugh, thanks, Lord Helpful.
Owie.
Your pardon.
You blind or what?
I mean... pardon me... sir...
I apologize. Here you are.
Nothing to be sorry for... sir...
Goodnight.
He's with the medical mission?
Joseon is sending its hottest hotties?
There's some kind of pus and stupor?
Stupor? Who knows?
Limbs and cramps, that's all we know.
Ah. Thank you.
Kwanghyon?
Kwanghyon.
Well?
Sorry.
Jinyong.
What is it?
Jinyong.
I saw him.
What?
Him. I saw Kwanghyon.
It was him, Songha.
He's here somewhere.
Here... or there...
Stop. Just stop.
You still hanging on?
Hanging on to him like a little fool?
Songha.
Wake up, Jinyong.
He's dead. Kwanghyon is dead.
You're waiting for a dead man.
No. It's not true.
Please.
Please stop, Jinyong.
Watching you do this to yourself...
...is a living hell.
I can't stand seeing you like this every day.
Kwanghyon is dead.
Forget him, Jinyong.
You, me, we both have to forget him.
Wake up, Jinyong.
He's dead. Kwanghyon is dead.
Forget him, Jinyong.
You, me, we both have to forget him.
So, you get anything?
I wasted my time. You?
I got something.
Oh? What?
A guy.
A guy?
I saw a guy from Joseon.
He's so my type.
He gave me the vapors. I even called him sir.
What?
What's his name?
What's he do? Why is he here?
You said you wouldn't get distracted.
That's what I get, you.
Nuh-uh, I was looking extra hard.
Sure you were.
Let's go.
Seriously, it wasn't my fault.
I was lookin' and he ran right into me.
Then he was all...
Hey! I'm talkin' here.
You doctors here...
...brought together with the finest recommendations...
...will begin treating surrogates today.
You have three days.
If you cure someone in that time...
...you may attempt your treatment on the Empress.
Come with me.
Everything is ready.
Let's go.
My lord.
Next, Baek Kwanghyon.
Sir.
This way.
This is your patient.
We've assigned you a countryman.
Good luck.
Hello.
I'm your doctor, Baek Kwanghyon.
Yes, doctor.
First I would like to take a look at you?
Where are you hurt?
My back.
This...
This is...
So now you know what you're treating.
Master.
You knew?
She has a sequestrum?
Yes, I knew.
Or I guessed, from the use of atractylodes, ephedra and angelica.
And you brought me here?
To treat this disease?
Yes, exactly.
It's a mountain you must climb.
Master.
You want to go back?
You need more than an emperor's blessing.
You need to face this disease...
...a disease you see as your failure.
This is all I can do for you.
Your mountain lies before you.
Yes, very similar to the Empress.
The imperial physicians tried variations of essence of ephedra?
Yes. But the pus remains and continues to spread.
I'll use my own mixture.
Prepare apium leaves and an anti-syphilitic tincture.
My lord?
But isn't that used to treat syphilis?
Yes, and it's excellent for extracting pus from bones.
By treating her skin and bones with this tincture...
...she'll have strength to fight the necrosis.
Well? You heard him.
My lord.
Do you have the prescriptions ready?
Yes, sir.
We'll need lots of rehmannia.
Get it from the imperial storehouse.
Yes, sir. Eunbi, Malguem, come with me.
Yes, ma'am.
Will it do any good, you think?
Enough of that. Get to work.
There's no time.
Yes, ma'am.
Taeju... Taeju.
Anteater scales.
The best available.
Well done.
Only I can do this.
My lord.
How is it going?
I'm trying my best.
That's not good enough.
She must be cured.
You'll never get another chance like this.
With the Emperor behind you,
your future is assured.
Well?
Acupuncture? Medicine?
Or surgery maybe?
You have three days.
You can't stand around pouting.
Move it along.
Hurry it up.
Easy with that. Don't break it.
Ma'am.
This, too?
Move it along now.
Back to prison I go.
Hurry it up.
Lady Kwak.
I'll be right back.
You're going somewhere?
To see Eunso.
Your Highness...
That's all she ever does these days.
Uh-huh.
Who know what they get up to, huh?
Back to work.
Oh, dear.
My lady, look at these.
How lovely.
Yes, my lady.
Eunso?
She's gone out.
Oh?
Yes, Your Highness.
She should be right back.
Ah, I see. I'll wait inside.
What does she use on her lips? They're so pretty.
What's this? A new novel?
Hm?
This...
Eunso, Eunso, it's just terrible, what should I do?
Your Highness.
What's that?
Pardon? It's nothing.
This is it.
No, I shouldn't...
It's not mine.
No, no, no.
W-w-what is this?
Doctor Baek may be alive?
A man fitting his description was in Ningbo.
Search everywhere.
Sir.
My lady, Her Highness is here.
Oh?
Eunso.
Your Highness.
Is it true?
Doctor Baek is in the Qing territories?
Eunso.
What?
It's been a whole day. He hasn't even started?
Er, um...
He's moving slow.
He's trying to be careful since he's an important patient.
You want to go back?
You need more than an emperor's blessing.
You need to face this disease...
...a disease you see as your failure.
Doctor, it's all right.
Hm?
It's too deep, I know.
It's too late to help me.
I saw it in your eyes yesterday.
And in the way you haven't done anything all day.
N-no, it's not that...
It's all right.
I know how difficult it is to treat me.
I'm not sorry.
I'm lucky to have such a fine doctor...
...take time to look at me.
I'm not sorry, even if I end up dying.
No, no... dying? None of that now.
You won't die.
I'll find a way to cure you.
Doctor.
Just trust me, sir.
I won't fail again.
I won't lose another patient to this disease.
Sir.
Medicine won't do.
The necrosis is too deep.
If we don't get it out...
...he'll die.
Then...?
Mm. I have to operate.
It's dangerous.
But it's the only way to save him.
I see.
I'll get ready.
Believe in yourself, Kwanghyon.
You're already a finer surgeon than I am.
You have to see that for yourself.
What? Take it out?
With a knife?
Yes. We must remove the rotted bone.
I know how frightening it is.
But it's the only cure for sequestra right now.
Will I make it?
Did your other patient survive?
No.
He died.
The surgery was successful.
But tetanus set in and we lost him.
Then that might happen to me.
I might...
But there's only a chance of tetanus.
You have a much better chance of a full recovery.
And we have medicine to treat tetanus now.
I see. I'll do it.
S-save me.
Save me if you can, Doctor.
Lance.
Watch the spinal column.
Or he'll be paralyzed for life.
There. Now for the second stage.
You there.
Is the tonic ready?
Yes, it is.
Then hurry.
You get yourselves ready.
Yes, ma'am.
Hurry it up.
You all right?
There.
Now to scrape the necrotic bone.
Keep the patient under.
Count on me.
Never suture a sequestrum operation.
Infection may set in if you do.
You have to disinfect and wait.
That's it. The patient?
He's fine. His pulse is rough but steady.
Now there's the aftereffects.
We can't allow tetanus to set in.
Try not to worry.
You prevented tetanus after operating on the lady in Ningbo.
He'll be fine.
My lord?
Is he recovering?
Nurse Jang, check his pulse.
Doctor.
Well?
His pulse is erratic.
The same as yesterday.
So no improvement?
In that case...
What will he do now?
So the anti-syphilitic didn't help.
As deep as it is, acupuncture and herbs aren't enough.
Then surgery is the only option?
My lord, try not to worry.
You have one more day.
He'll improve by then.
You think that helps?
Just pray extra hard, is that it?
I need realistic answers.
Realistic.
Your pardon, sir.
My lord, pardon my saying this.
But what if we fail and someone else finds a cure?
What?
Have you lost your senses?
His lordship fails and those quacks find a cure?
The idea is absurd.
He wanted realistic answers...
Hush.
Your pardon.
My lord.
I want you to take a look around.
See if anyone is trying something different.
Or if any of the patients are recovering.
Yes, sir.
I need herbs to prevent tetanus.
And disinfectant as well.
A word in your ear.
Yes.
What is it?
Nothing. Never mind.
What's he doing here?
Does he know I'm here?
Time for your medicine.
Tetanus-Be-Gone. It's good for you.
Oh, no.
Sir! Sir!
What?
A Joseon doctor has performed surgery?
Yes. Number Twelve? Thirteen? One of those.
Sir, sir!
It's bad. Come quick.
Why? What is it?
It's just... I was...
I took his pulse wrong.
He's...
Sir.
This can't be happening.
Sir.
Tetanus.
Tetanus again.