Original subtitles

I've finally brought the herbs to cure your sickness.

Please open your eyes.

Your Majesty...

Please open your eyes.

The pain starts when we have the desire to cling to something.

When I release my greed, I feel much better.

I finally realize that, as I face death that is very near.

Episode 55

Planned by/ Lee, Byung Hoon

Original by/ Lee, Eun Sung

Written by/ Choi, Wan Gyu

Directed by/ Lee, Byung Hoon

March 1591 (Sun Jo Dynasty year 24)

Dr Hur, Dr Hur!

Where is Dr Hur?

I don't know.

Dr Hur, where are you?

Dr Hur, Dr Hur!

Sir, sir!

What's going on?

Prince Kwang Hae is suddenly sick.

Let's go.

Sir.

Dr. Hur

Sir.

Did I surprise you?

What is going on?

He is fine, so don't worry.

It's hard to see you these days, so I made an excuse.

Sorry.

You're the only one who comes, at once, when we say

the Prince is ill.

So, how have you been?

Are you still wrestling with medical books in the library?

I'm studying about the effect of herbs.

Are you compiling books on the plague, as you were going to do?

Yes, sir.

I was upset that you were stuck in the library and decoction room.

But it's good to see that you do your share wherever you go.

Thank you, sir.

I'm the only one who is useless.

Please don't say that.

Father forgot about me ...

Just like he forgot about my mother.

The Court ministers are the same, too.

Although I am alive, I'm no better than a dead person.

That's not right, sir.

I am sure the King cares about your well-being.

Today is the anniversary day that mother passed away.

Gong Bin Kim: First royal concubine of Sun Jo; died in the 10th year

but I heard father is at In Bin's residence today, as well.

In Bin Kim: Second royal concubine

I heard he is very worried that

Shin Sung is not getting better.

Dr Hur, I don't like the Palace.

I don't like the 'me', who is jealous of my younger brother.

And I don't like father who has forgotten about my mother and me.

When mother was alive,

she used to say you can cure even the sickness in one's inner mind.

Dr Hur, please cure my inner mind.

Sir.

When mother was alive,

she used to say you can cure even the sickness in one's inner mind.

Dr Hur, please cure my inner mind.

Dr Hur,

Please look after the Princes.

Not only take care of their health,

but take care of their well-being with your sincere nature.

Sir.

Come in.

I will have it after finishing it.

Sir...

I'd like to tell you something.

It seems that Gyum is more focused on literature than medicine.

Although he knows he can't apply for it with his social status,

I think it's hard for him to give it up.

I'm worried the more he studies,

the more disappointed he will be.

Gyum, may I come in?

Yes, Father.

It's the book about 'The Great Learning'.

Yes.

I heard there will be examination for medicine soon.

Since you've studied medicine until now,

how about preparing for it?

It doesn't matter if it is not medicine.

If you're interested in administration, then, you should prepare for that.

I would like to sit for the literature exam.

I know it's impossible with my social status.

But I've decided to stay with literature.

The more you study literature, the more disappointment you will have.

I know it's hard, but give it up.

Father ...

I know what you're worried about.

But I will not regret it even if I won't have a chance to

sit for the literature examination.

Please understand me.

I was like that, too.

I thought I would be satisfied with just reading books.

But a person changes over time.

I was filled with desire wanting to sit for the literature exam.

And every time I realized that I couldn't achieve it, I was discouraged.

As I saw the students from noble families, with whom I studied,

go to Seoul to sit for the exam,

I had to shed bitter tears.

Finally, I hated my parents

and lived a shameful life, cursing my lowly status.

Don't place your will on things that are not possible.

You should change your will while it is still early and you can.

I can't do that.

Gyum ...

If I have to decide and make a choice,

I won't give up on this route.

Instead, I will try to persevere through any pain my choice will bring me.

- Give me the herbs. - Yes.

His symptoms are not as serious as it seems.

So you'd better watch what you say.

Yes, sir.

Chief Nurse.

The Prince's tumor is getting worse every day, isn't it?

But not serious?

Didn't you hear his words to watch out what we say?

If you want to be a nurse in the Palace, there are many

things which you must pretend not to see or hear.

Don't forget.

Yes.

How is he? Is there progress?

I think he is much better with medication.

But when I looked at him today, the tumor had spread as far as his neck.

It's been 1 month already.

You keep saying he is getting better, but how much longer do I have to wait?

It's true the tumor is spreading, but

the puss has stopped and the wound is healing,

so you shouldn't worry.

Dr. Yoo's contribution for Shin Sung to grow healthy was major.

I will trust you.

Do your best to cure his illness.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Dried dandelion and Portulaca oleracea should be boiled, but

Pinellia ternata, Aconiti Tuber, foxgloves should be pounded. Prepare them.

Yes, Doctor.

They are herbs to cure suppuration, aren't they?

Then, did the suppration on Prince Shin Sung's tumor worsened?

If the tumor didn't get better

and the suppuration went deeper...

his skin may be rotting and...

Shut up!

Such disrespectful words to say about the Prince!

I was just worried...

It's not serious enough for you to worry. So, mind your own business.

Prince Shin Sung is the prince most beloved by the King.

If I do something wrong,

I will lose everything I gained in one moment.

It took me 10 hard years

to surpass Hur Joon and stand here in this position.

I can't fail now, with the Royal Physician position just in front of me.

I won't be pushed down again.

Sir.

What is it?

The Royal Physician is looking for you.

Come in.

Did you want to see me?

I've been to the King's Palace.

With Prince Shin Sung being sick, the King is very concerned.

I didn't tell him, but it's something that you can cure

within several days. So, why is there no progress?

The penetration of the disease is quite deep. So it's taking longer.

Don't mind too much that I ask.

You are, now, in charge of medical department; replacing me.

Don't make any mistakes.

Yes, sir.

You may go.

I would like to tell you something.

I was thinking of letting Dr Hur take charge of Prince Shin Sung.

Dr Hur?

I'm going to let Dr Hur take charge of Prince Shin Sung's health.

Is there a reason?

He has excellent skills regarding tumors.

You decide.

There is no one else who knows more than you about medicine.

You may do so.

He is a special Prince, beloved by the King.

Tell him to take extra care.

Yes, sir.

Doctor Yoo.

Prince Shin Sung may be the next on the throne.

How can we send him to Dr Hur?

As you know, Dr Hur is a very excellent Doctor.

Since such a man has been stuck in the decoction room and library

for many years, with his skills just rotting,

I'm going to give him an opportunity to show his skills and

become a Court Doctor.

Since Dr Hur is under me,

isn't it my duty to open future paths for him,

so he can develop?

If there isn't any more to say, please excuse me.

What is he thinking inside?

How could I know all his inner thoughts?

Dr Hur, the training session is ready.

OK.

Let's take a break.

Please begin.

Herbs are divided into high, middle and low class, depending on its effect.

Ock Jung, tell us about high class.

There are 120 kinds and are considered primary herbs.

And?

It is the best quality herbs used to extend one's life.

And, because it is related to the energy of heaven,

it's non-toxic and doesn't harm people, even if used for a long period.

Chae Ryung, tell us about middle class.

Middle class: Prevents illness and strengthens the weak parts.

There are also 120 kinds and are used as main herbs.

Let's stop there.

Doctor is here.

Thank you for coming.

It's been a long time.

I'm sorry to make you come here. You must be busy.

No, congratulations for becoming Court Chief Nurse.

I don't know if I should be congratulated...

I feel an even greater sense of responsibility now that I'm in charge.

As Ye Jin mentioned, there are high, middle and low class of herbs.

The ones you must be most careful in using are the low class ones.

Low class: Medicine to cure illnesses

They have toxic side effects and their strength is very strong.

They can damage the patient's energy if not used properly.

Since they are toxic, they caannot be used for a long period.

Among doctors and nurses, there are people who misuse the low

class herbs for fast healing and immediate results.

This is no different than giving something toxic to the patients.

Sir.

What is it?

Dr. Yoo is looking for you.

Tell him I'm in training.

I told him, but he would like to see you right away.

Did you want to see me?

You and Dr Jang are to tend to Prince Shin Sung's sickness.

I was upset to see you being stuck in the decoction room and library

with your excellent skills wasted and rotting away.

So I requested the Royal Physician to assign you. He finally approved.

I am content in putting all my efforts in compiling

the medical books for the library.

You should take care of Prince Shin Sung,

since the King is very fond of him.

Since I am, now, in charge of the medical department and the

trust of the Royal Physician, there's nothing more I want.

Do your best and look after the Prince's health.

Make it an opportunity for youself to become Royal Physician.

What is this?!

He was dying to bring you misfortune before.

Why is he favoring you now?

Do you think it could be a plot?

Why do you mistrust someone's intentions?

Prepare for treatment and call the nurses.

Yes, sir.

There is suppuration in the tumor that has spread to the Prince's neck.

He also has bedsores on his back.

I've never seen such a serious tumor.

If you're not alert, his life may be threaten.

What did I say?!

I told you the reason Dr. Yoo recommended you is not because

of his kind intentions towards you, but a ill-intented plot.

He pushed you to the cliff just so he can live.

You're exaggerating.

I'd better go and see the Royal Physician.

You can't be fooled like this.

The responsibility has been placed on me now.

I can't say I can't do it, even before I try anything.

Stop being so dense.

Do you want to walk into a trap that is set to catch you?

Sir, please endure it a while. Just a bit more...

Give me a towel.

What are you doing?! Give me a towel.

It's too late.

The suppuration is too deep to squeeze it out by hand.

In Bin queen is here.

Mother, mother...

- Dr Hur. - Yes, Your Majesty.

What on earth are you doing?

I've heard about Dr Hur.

I heard your skills are excellent. But aren't you treating him too

harshly? After all, he is sick and only a child.

I'm sorry that I have to say this. But,

if I give a mild treatment just to temporarily ease the pain,

his life may be in danger.

What do you mean his life may be in danger?!

She is asking you. Answer her.

By my observation, his tumor is not a common tumor.

Suppuration has spread to the affected parts.

And, in vital areas, the skin is rotten.

The reason he is in pain is also because of this.

What do you mean?

The Doctor who was previously in charge said it's only a minor tumor.

But you're saying he may die.

How can the words of two doctors be so different?

Are you certain? Or, are you just making an excuse

because you're not confident in curing him?

I'm reported what I have observed.

The Chief Doctor is here.

Let him in.

Sir, did you want to see me?

Sit down.

I heard some ridiculous thing so I asked you here for confirmation.

Dr Hur said Prince Shin Sung's illness is quite serious.

A few days ago, you told me not to worry about his illness.

Overnight, his illness has been deemed very serious.

Whose words are correct?

I'm sorry. But,

my words are correct and so are Dr Hur's.

What are you talking about?!

Are you disrepecting the queen?

How could I dare?

At the time I was tending to the Prince's illness, it

was only a minor illness. But,

his condition must have worsened while Dr Hur was in charge.

Do you mean Dr Hur's treatment was wrong?

Why did you recommend such a doctor?

Your Majesty, Dr Hur's medical skills are outstanding.

Since he has excellent skills regarding tumors,

please just give him more time.

How can you be so inconsiderate?

Court Doctor's role is not just curing the sicknesses.

Watching out for the Royals' mental state and relieving

their anxieties are also part of the duties of a Court Doctor.

Why did you report the Prince's sickness as being serious

and make them worry?

I was just...

Although the Prince's tumor is not common,

it's not so serious that the Prince may die.

Please be careful with what you say, in the future.

Are you out of your mind or what?!

What are you doing these days?!

The house is so out of order!

Sam Wol!

Yes, ma'am.

- Are you having an affair? - No, ma'am.

Then!

Then why are you out all the time?

People have seen you

walking around in the market, you know?

I didn't, ma'am.

If I hear about it again, I will take action, you hear?

What are you looking at? Go!

You bastard!

Wow! She yells at people as if she's the owner from a wealthy house.

Right? It is indeed, right?

She knows what she is talking about.

They say a frog cannot remember the time when it was a tadpole.

Please think of your old times and don't be so severe with the servants.

Listen to you talk.

Ma'am.

Unyun!

Unyun!

Where are you going?

I'm going out for a while.

What is that?

It's nothing.

I said what is it?

I asked the kitchen worker to cook

spring chicken, with ginseng, to give to Gyum.

How many times have I told you?!

I will pick a good man to be your husband. So,

forget about Gyum.

No! I'm going to marry Gyum!

Unyun!

Look at that silly girl! Unyun!

What is it?

Unyun is being so stubborn about marrying Gyum.

That can't happen.

Joon's family is special.

How can you even dream about it?!

Excuse me? What's wrong with you?

What?

I don't like what you just said. What's wrong with us?!

Joon married Dahee, who is

from a noble family, even though his social status was low.

We're rich now. There is no reason why we can't.

You're right. You're right, indeed.

Unyun.

Have you been well?

Look at you talk.

You're a fine lady now.

What are you here for?

Is Gyum...

Go to his room.

Isn't it Unyun?

She came to see Gyum.

Why?

When they were young, it was acceptable for them to be close.

Now, she's grown up, she should avoid socializing with boys.

It's fine.

Gyum, I'm here.

Gyum...

It must be tough studying. Please have some of this.

I cooked a spring chicken with ginseng.

I'm fine.

I'm fine, so give it to grandmother.

But I brought it for you...

I have a lot of books to read, so please leave.

Gyum...

Do you really not know how I feel?

I hate you.

Hey.

Hello.

Bring all medicine keepers and medicine managers.

What is going on?

Do as I say! Don't talk back!

Yes, ma'am.

I said you should keep high and medium quality herbs separate.

What if they get mixed up? Put them in their appropriate place right away.

Oh, dear!

Hey, hey!

If you see Doctor Yoo, you will die.

Sir, the chief nurse called everyone to gather outside.

The chief nurse? Did she say I have to go too?

What is going on?

I heard there is one, among you, who has harassed our nurses.

Who is it?!

Oh, my god!

It's not just one person!

If it's not one, then 3 of 4?!

Who is it?! Is it you?!

- No. - Is it you?!

No!

Mr. Ko. It's you, right?!

No, no.

Whoever it was, if he tries to do it again,

I will tie your hands and place it on the chopper.

Then I will lift the knife and let it drop.

It will never happen.

So, let's end it here. Go back inside!

Jang Duk, come out.

Who is it that harassed you?

Why are you looking at me? I don't know you.

Chief Nurse.

Can I see you?

What a humiliation!

I never tried to lay hands

on her or harassed her!

How can I look at another girl when I have you?

She feels like a daughter to me, so...

If I hear that you even stared at one of nurses again,

I won't stay quiet.

See you at home.

I have to be on night duty again.

Is the Prince showing any progress?

Sorry, but no.

No?

How many days have it been since you took charge? And still nothing?

I heard you visit Prince Kwang Hae

often and have close relationship. Is that true?

Could it be that you are caring more about Kwang Hae then Shin Sung?

No, I am doing my best to look after the Prince.

If there is no progress, you'd better prepare for punishment!

Let's go.

You must be tired. Go and get some rest.

No, I'm fine.

I found it.

I found a way to cure the Prince.

What are you doing at this time?

Where is Ohgun?

Over there.

Hello, sir.

Uh... I have something to tell you.

You and I have a strange relationship.

Do you know what dream I just had?

You and I went fishing

and we caught so many fishes that are the size of my arm.

What dream could it be?

Could it be a dream of conception?

I have a request for you.

What is it?

- Is there still no news? - No.

- Sir. - How did it go?

Here, I brought it.

Thank you.

Take it inside and give treatment.

What is he taking about?

It's a secret method to cure Prince Shin Sung.

Secret method?

You mean the secret method is in the pot he took inside?

Yes.

What is it?

What is it?

I said what is it?

What?

What... what is that?

You must bare it, although it may be painful.

I asked what it is!

What? Leech?

Dr Hur is sticking leech on the Prince's diseased parts.

What are you doing?

Are you mad?

How can you do such a thing unless you're crazy?

It's to cure his disease...

Remove them right away!

Your Majesty.

I said remove such disgusting things!

No, Your Majesty.

What?

This is the only way to

cure his disease.

What about acupuncture and decoction?

His disease is too deep to be treated with acupuncture and decoction.

So is that all you could come up with?

How dare you put disgusting snakes on the Prince's back?!

This is nothing, but disrespecting the Prince.

I can't accept it. Stop your treatment!

I must continue it, Your Majesty.

What?

Don't even think about disobeying her words!

If I stop the treatment now, the Prince's life is in danger.

The person curing the illness is a doctor, Your Majesty.

Since you placed me in charge,

please have faith and wait until I finish the treatment.

- Wipe the patient's blood. - Yes.

If you have eyes, look at what he is doing.

What on earth are you doing?!

I'm using leech to suck out the bloody pus.

Shut up! Using leech to cure tumor?

Are you out of your mind?

Leeches can suck enough blood to even floor a cow or horse.

This is the only way to deal with the suppuration that has

penetrated into his sickly parts.

He is disrespecting the Prince and tricking everyone.

Order him to stop the treatment.

I'm not disrespecting the Prince. It's to save the Prince.

We must stop the treatment.

You must make an order!

No! This is the only way.

- Shut up! - No.

Why are you yelling, in front of the patient?

Please look at Prince Shin Sung.

Imagine how painful it must have been for the Prince to faint?

I can't forgive him, Your Majesty.

How can a doctor do such a ridiculous thing?

My apologies, Your Majesty.

But he was just trying to cure the patient's sickness...

I don't want to hear it!

I considered his skills very special

and thought differently about his integrity.

But this time, it's hard for me to accept his treatment.

You're trying to cure the Prince's illness with leeches.

What's the difference between your treatment and the folk remedies

practiced among the uneducated people?!

I've increased your anxiety

and I deserve to die.

But Your Majesty,

I have a firm belief that only this treatment

can save the Prince.

If you hold me guilty for being disloyal, I will take the punishment.

But please allow me to finish the treatment before that.

If I don't treat him now, the suppuration will deepen in his body.

Then, we may not be able to return him to normal.

Stop it!

Don't try to confuse the King.

If you can't believe me,

place your hand on the Prince's forehead.

It should be very hot; like fire.

The reason he fainted

is not because of the pain, but because of the high fever.

If we leave him like this, the suppuration will penetrate deeply

into his bone and put his life in danger.

Please reconsider, Your Majesty.

Please trust him and let him continue.

I've also seen a record that King Joong Jong also used

leeches to take out bloody pus, when he was suffering from a tumor.

And, it cured his illness.

Are you confident?

- Your Majesty! - In Bin, don't interrupt.

Are you confident to cure the Prince?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Continue as you believe.

I will trust your assurance.

Prince Shin Sung's pain is my pain,

so you will have to cure him, whatever it takes.

I will do my best to cure him.