Original subtitles

[theme song playing]

BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY

[suspenseful music playing]

[Yi Heon sighs]

YI HEON: THE KING OF JOSEON

I must apologize.

We will now officially commence the real competition.

The theme of the first dish is...

Mu, yuk.

A new era of meat. Good luck.

[in Chinese] The theme for this first round is to create a meat dish

the world has never seen before.

[in English] Now, you can start cooking.

[interpreter, in Chinese] You can now begin cooking.

[in English] Let's begin our first dish, braised short rib, sound good?

-[Man-su] Understood. -Okay.

[in Chinese] Let us begin making the Kung Pao gyejeong.

[both] Okay.

-[in English] Okay, Gil-geum. -Yes, Cook Sim.

What? It's two-against-one?

They have got two on one dish?

What are they doing?

So that's how it is, huh?

Hey, Cook Eom.

-Ya Feixiu. -[in Chinese] Yes.

[Ji-young, in English] Wait, what? The first cook was Ya Feixiu?

What are they up to?

She's brining it with salt, vinegar, and honey,

which means she plans on tenderizing the meat.

What could she be making? Stir-fried chicken?

Focus, focus.

Let's boil this now.

[in Chinese] A mere braised short ribs dish?

Did I expect too much out of her?

We'll start cooking once the seasoning has settled into the meat.

And the estimated time?

Half an hour.

Okay.

-[in English] Cook Maeng? -It's already finished.

-The griddle is hot and ready to go. -Okay.

-Where's the chili powder? -Cook Sim, where is the chili powder?

[stammers] About that, um,

Cook Min's looking for it at Saongwon.

Huh?

But it's about time he was back...

[Ji-young] What...

[door opens, closes]

[Mak-jin] Oh, here he is.

-We're in trouble. -[Man-su] Where is the powder?

It's gone. The chili powder has all gone missing.

-What? -Huh?

-What do you mean it's gone? -It was safely tucked away in Saongwon.

You're sure it's gone? Did you check thoroughly?

Yes. I looked for them in every nook and cranny,

but the chili powder and paste, all of its gone missing.

Ugh, what is happening? The competition hasn't even started yet!

Didn't you check the ingredients before we began?

I saw them both there last night. [sighs]

[Ji-young] This can't be happening. We're all screwed.

But you saw them? You're sure of it?

Y-Yes.

Every second counts.

If the chili powder's missing, we need to modify the dish.

What? How in the world will we modify the dish so late?

All right. Let's just go with soy-braised short ribs.

That's not new. The world has seen that dish already.

[sighs]

[Ji-young] I have to prepare a meat dish that's never been seen before.

Using short ribs.

A taste that didn't exist in this era and has no spice.

Yes, that's it.

Everyone, follow my instructions. Okay.

-Do we have rice wine in Saongwon? -Ye-yes, we do.

-Do you need it right now? -Yes. Would you get it?

-On it. -Okay.

We'll need more than rice wine

to bring out the true flavor of beef bourguignon.

It needs the flavor of bacon.

Cook Eom, could you separate the pork fat and grease the griddle?

Understood.

[Ji-young] We also need the aroma of mirepoix.

And then to replace onions, carrots, and celery, we'll need...

Would you slice the Pyogo mushrooms, radish, and those pumpkins over there?

Right away.

-Gil-geum, can you take those out? -Yeah, I got it.

-Gil-geum, pass me some water. -Okay.

-And please drain the cauldron. -Got it. I will now.

[Ji-young] Yeah, this is the best that we can do for now.

[Gae-deok] The alcohol. I brought the alcohol.

-[Ji-young] All right. -Check if this works.

[sniffs]

Mmm, it's great.

[Bong-sik] That's a lot of...

-You can pour that in. -All of it?

Yes, pour it all.

[in Chinese] Wait, this smell. Could it be?

-[Bong-sik, in English] Why are we... -Ah, what a waste.

[in Chinese] That's definitely the smell of alcohol.

To use wine with the scent of rice and wild grapes to cook meat,

what on earth could she be making?

How bizarre. Instead of pouring alcohol to remove the gamey smell of the meat,

they went one step further

and completely immersed the meat in alcohol instead.

-[in English] Do we have anymore left? -[Mak-jin] Yes.

[in Chinese] Perhaps they've given up on the competition?

Whatever it is, I bet it will definitely be

a dish the world has never seen before.

Regardless, it won't matter how much they struggle, since we will win.

I got my hands...

on this, after all.

-[Ji-young, in English] Here. -Um, what did you put in there?

It's a bouquet garni, which is a French herb bundle,

but I'm making it Joseon-style.

[Man-su] Oh, a "boukhe garri"?

It's done. Now it needs to simmer.

How long do you think that'll take?

Around an hour?

Um, about a half-shijin.

-We'll all watch the fire. -What do you mean we all will?

I'm in charge of the boiling, so I've got eyes on it to ensure we don't ruin it.

-[laughs] -[chuckles] Sure.

Hang on, what would be a good name for this dish?

It's a braised dish, but...

it's a Joseon-style braised rib

that we'll combine with Western methods to then...

get something like a rice wine-braised beef bourguignon short rib?

[Bong-sik] A what now?

She said it's a rice winny-braised beef bulging short rib.

COURSE N°8 RICE WINE BEEF BOURGUIGNON

[Yi Heon] What could you possibly be making over there, Cook Yeon?

Cooking in alcohol?

That will not work.

The Joseon cooks seem outclassed. The skills of the Ming cooks are superior.

It seems as though the ship has already sailed on our first-round, Jeseung.

-[laughs] -Hmm.

[in Chinese] How dare they question the skills of Joseon's cooks?

[laughs] I'm sorry to say this,

but Joseon's cooks were never a match to begin with.

Our hwabus are among the best,

-even in Ming, after all. -He says they were no match to begin with.

Although, the true value of a dish is not in how it smells,

but rather in the taste, am I right?

The exquisiteness of the taste is what will truly count in the end.

And our cooks possess the skills of a prestigious guksamussang in Joseon.

[chuckles, in Chinese] I am sure it is as you say.

[in English] It would still not be enough to prepare the most gourmet dishes,

and yet they behave in such a wild and careless way. [tuts]

Look at the cooking station for Ming.

Their knife work almost feels supernatural, does it not?

Just wait and see what occurs. Who knows, meat in alcohol...

could make the food stand out and taste special enough?

Mmm. It's done.

Now, let's do the garnish. Cook Eom, can you please boil the old pumpkin?

Cook Maeng, please prepare the young leafy greens.

[Gil-geum] Okay, Miss.

[gasps] Oh, gosh.

I think it's done.

Okay.

There. We will be done in 30 minutes, or around a quarter shijin.

So, what now? Standby until it is done?

Yes, you got it.

Check the utensils and plates we're gonna use. Stain-free.

Right. Get the table set.

-All right. -Yeah.

Where's the milk? We're ready for it.

TARAK: ARCHAIC NAME FOR MILK

[Man-su] Oh, the tarak. Mmm, is that pumpkin paste?

[sighs] Pumpkin purée.

Ah, "hurée."

-"Hurée." -Purée.

-[sneezes, groans] -[Song-jae coughs]

[Bong-sik] What in the world is that smell? It's spicy.

What is that strong smell? It's a smell I know!

[coughs]

[sniffs]

There's no way.

Uh, it doesn't seem to be any of the usual Ming spices.

No. They can't be serious.

-[in Chinese] Uncle. -Hmm.

[in English] There's something familiar about that spicy smell.

Hang on.

There's no way.

[sighs] Well, I will get the table ready now.

-[coughs] -Yes, let's do that. [clears throat]

Their alcohol looks special, too. What could it be?

[stutters] Isn't that the legendary Qufu fine liquor?

You mean the liquor that's only passed down in the Qufu family?

Ming's cooks sure do have impressive cooking skills. They're great to watch.

However, they do not seem to be creating a new meat dish.

[in Chinese] There's no telling what kind of dish Ya Feixiu is making,

but I'm sure it's a dish the world has never seen before.

The liquor Kong Wenli prepared is also one-of-a-kind as well.

-[in English] Kong Wenli? -[chuckles]

[in Chinese] Yes, he is a descendant of Confucius.

Kong Wenli will offer something Your Majesty has never tasted before,

the Qufu fine liquor, to go with your meal.

[interpreter, in English] A liquor unlike any other in the world,

presented by the descendant of Confucius, the Qufu fine liquor.

[in Chinese] No matter what kind of dish Ya Feixiu makes,

his offering will be a perfect match for a dish unlike any other in the world,

for it is a drink unlike any other in the world.

-[in English] I look forward to it. -[speaking Chinese]

[Jo-young sighs]

-Ah, Cook Yeon, I will do it. -Oh, okay.

We're flambéing it. Move everything to the griddle.

I got it.

Cook Maeng,

-can you please put the sauce in here? -By "sauce," you mean... the seasoning.

Yes.

[gasps, chuckles]

Whoa.

[chuckles]

How fascinating.

[Ji-young] A dish becomes completed with the chef's final fingertips.

On top of the deep and rich-tasting bourguignon...

we can add some puffed rice to give it a crunchy texture.

[in Chinese] Cucumber slices arranged in a floral pattern.

[Ji-young, in English] Add a subtle sweetness with pumpkin purée.

[in Chinese] The chicken diced laid in the center.

Thus was created a meat dish unparalleled in this world.

[Ji-young, in English] Then finally, top it off with some fragrant baby greens.

That is all the time you have.

Cooks from both nations, put your utensils down.

[interpreter, in Chinese] Stop and remove your hands from your stations.

[Song-jae] Now, the tasting will begin.

[interpreter, in Chinese] Begin the tasting.

[in English] After the tasting of the food, we will present ink and paper

to Your Majesty and the chief envoy.

Rate the opponent's dish based on a ten-point scale, please.

[interpreter, in Chinese] Please rate the other team's meal on a ten-point scale.

[in English] First, the dish that is from Joseon.

[in Chinese] Taste the food prepared by Joseon first.

[sighs]

[moaning]

[chattering]

[laughing]

[in English] As soon as it touches the mouth, the meat vanishes,

like it faded away. The world has never seen this dish before...

-[interpreter speaking Chinese] -What is the name of this brilliant dish?

This dish is called rice wine-braised beef bourguignon short ribs.

It's a traditional French stew dish,

which involved immersing premium short ribs in rice wine to add a deep flavor,

and then letting it simmer to make a Joseon-style braised short rib dish.

"Prim yum" short ribs?

Rice wine-braised "beef burninon"?

[chuckles]

[Yu Kun] "Beifu bouginon"?

[in Chinese] Truly, the meat melts in the mouth like snow.

Moreover, this aroma,

it evokes the sensation of sitting in an orchard.

[in English] The meat not only melts in the mouth,

but also has a sweet, fruity aroma.

Very delicious.

The taste of alcohol is not noticeable,

but the flavor and deep aroma of the rice wine still lingers.

How did you make that?

Ah yes. So the rice wine alcohol mostly vanished due to how it was cooked.

We flambéed all of the meat.

"Plumbay"?

Ah, flambé, it's called.

You observed the flames go up, then die down, right?

-The remaining alcohol... -"Aocol"?

Uh...

All the liquor got cooked off the meat.

[in Chinese] Wonderful.

This delightful essence, both fresh and delicious,

and the tender texture of the meat that melts in the mouth.

Your skills are incredible.

[Jesan, Won-jun laugh]

I would say that there is not a lot of cooks,

even in Ming that would be able to make such a meal.

[laughs]

[in Chinese] That may be so.

[interpreter, in English] He says that may be the case.

[in English] The wild grape's subtle aroma

with the natural richness the meat presents...

-it's truly an incredible meal. -Thank you, Your Majesty.

[grunts, in Chinese] However,

this is a braised short ribs dish at the end of the day.

How could you claim this is a dish the world has never seen before?

[in English] He says that since it's just braised short ribs,

it's not a meat dish the world has never seen before.

This dish is

one that does not exist in current times yet.

[in Chinese] What do you mean?

[in English] It's a home-prepared dish

that will be cooked by the French hundreds of years in the future.

And although I'm now speaking on a more personal level,

it's a dish that exists nowhere else in the world for me.

This dish is

one that is often cooked by mothers in French households,

which is why every time I've made this,

I always wonder what this dish would taste like if my late mother

ever had the chance to make it for me.

So, I'm aware

that this isn't a recipe you'd both know,

cause there's no where this meal exists for me either.

[interpreter, in Chinese] The Chief Royal Cook says this is a dish

that doesn't exist in the world.

[scoffs]

[in English] Next up, bring forth your dish, Ming.

[interpreter, in Chinese] Next, you will taste the dish prepared by Ming.

[Yu Kun laughs]

[in Chinese] What kind of dish is this?

Yes, sir. It's a dish I've made for the first time.

Since I made it using chicken and nuts as the main ingredients, I named it gyejeong,

and I've prepared Qufu fine liquor to accompany it.

[interpreter, in English] The dish is called gyejeong,

as chicken and nuts are the main ingredients,

-paired it with Qufu fine liquor. -[Ji-young] Gyejeong?

This dish belongs to the Qing Dynasty.

So what is a Sichuan Kung Pao gyejeong doing here?

SICHUAN CHICKEN WITH PEANUTS, CHILI PEPPERS, VEGETABLES

Could Ya Feixiu be the creator of gyejeong?

[laughs]

The flavor is intensely spicy, sweet, and even a little nutty.

[laughs]

[in Chinese] The taste is very strong.

What is this?

[coughs]

[Yu Kun laughing]

[Yi Heon, in English] The texture is unusually tender.

-[interpreter speaking Chinese] -How come it is like that?

[in Chinese] I stir-fried the chicken thoroughly

until it was cooked through without overdoing it

to maintain a moist texture,

and added peanuts to enhance the nuttiness.

[interpreter, in English] After stir-frying the chicken,

she added peanuts to enhance the nuttiness.

[laughs, in Chinese] How did you create this intense and spicy flavor?

I mixed it with a secret sauce

and coated the chicken evenly to let the flavors soak in.

Mmm... A secret sauce, you say...

I'm curious as to what it is that creates such an intensely enticing spicy flavor?

[laughs]

[in English] Also, the Qufu fine liquor subtly balances the spicy flavor

with a rich, but clean taste.

That's expected of a drink passed down for generations in a family.

[interpreter, in Chinese] His Majesty praised the wine,

calling it a fine wine passed down through generations.

[in English] But how is this gyejeong you've created

a dish that the world has never seen before?

We already have a similar dish here.

We call it gangjeong, and it is also cooked with chicken.

[interpreter, in Chinese] His Majesty wonders if this is a new dish,

since Joseon has a similar one called gangjeong.

I have also tried Joseon's gangjeong.

However, this is different from that,

since the gyejeong I've made incorporates la-yu,

a never-before-seen red oil.

[in English] Red oil? La-yu?

[Yu Kun laughs]

[in Chinese] As expected of Ming's pride and joy, Ya Feixiu, the culinary fairy.

Even for a skilled cook, creating a new sauce like this is impossible

without extensive research, after all.

[in English] He says the new condiment, la-yu, made by Ya Feixiu,

is Ming's pride and joy.

[Yu Kun, in Chinese] Moreover, I can confidently say

that this silky red and fine-colored oil, la-yu,

presents a new taste the world has never seen.

[interpreter, in English] He says it is, without a doubt, a new flavor

-that the world has never seen before. -[scoffs]

[Ji-young] Ya Feixiu definitely put chili peppers in there.

No matter how much of a genius she is,

she couldn't have made la-yu without chili peppers.

We're in trouble. Our chili powder, all of it's gone missing.

Hmm, I wonder...

[in Chinese] Your Majesty, why don't we make a decision now?

[in English] He is suggesting you make a decision now.

Let us do that.

Which dish left a stronger impression and captured you?

Hmm... I must regretfully say that the dish made by Ya Feixiu

was better than the Joseon-style braised short ribs.

The braised short ribs made by Joseon's Chief Royal Cook was also excellent,

but it's hard to believe that the dish doesn't exist in this era.

And the story behind her dish was too personal.

So I don't think I can give a high score to the Joseon-style short ribs.

[interpreter] He cannot give a high score

-to the Joseon-style braised short ribs. -[Yu Kun chuckles]

However, I can tell the rice wine-braised beef dish

is a meat dish made using a method the world has never seen yet.

So I do not think I can give an overly high score either

-to the Ming-style chicken gangjeong. -Hmm.

[interpreter, in Chinese] His Majesty said

he can't give the chicken a high score either.

SEVEN

FOUR

[chuckles]

I'll present the first-round results of the competition.

[interpreter, in Chinese] The results of the first round of the competition...

[in English] Wait a moment, Your Majesty! [pants]

[court murmuring]

What is it?

Can I try what Ming made today

before you present the first-round winner?

[interpreter, in Chinese] Before announcing the results,

let me taste the food of Ming.

You ask to taste the opposing nation's dish before we make a judgment.

What is your motive?

[interpreter] He is asking what your motive is to taste

the opposing nation's dish.

Ya Feixiu is certainly a great cook.

But I need to check one thing ahead of the judgment.

Cook Yeon. Judgment is solely in the hands of the officials.

Stop there.

Sorry, Director.

[scoffs]

So, what is it that you wish to check?

-Your Majesty, the ingredients. -How come?

I won't know for certain before I taste Ya Feixiu's gyejeong meal.

[in Chinese] Are you suggesting that Ya Feixiu used illicit ingredients?

[in English] Is it possible to try it just once? Please let me.

[in Chinese] I forbid it!

[interpreter, in English] He says he forbids it.

[Won-jun] I...

[in Chinese] Uncle, why are you handing that over?

Tang Bailong, what are you doing?

Sir, I am also curious about the taste of the Joseon dish.

Let us use this opportunity to let both nations' cooks taste each other's dishes.

After all, the true test of culinary skill lies in the aftertaste.

[interpreter] He's curious about Joseon's dish and wants to taste theirs too.

[in Chinese] Tang Bailong, you've stepped out of line. Back down!

But sir, would you be okay with our great nation's hwabus

being subjected to mockery behind closed doors by the cooks of this small nation?

[Yi Heon, in English] Director. Sit down now.

[in Chinese] The pride of Ming rests on this. Please allow it, sir.

[scoffing]

[Yi Heon, in English] Since both nations' cooks

are asking to sample both of the dishes,

you have my consent.

You can taste it.

[in Chinese] I will allow it as the chief envoy of the Great Ming Empire.

[interpreter, in English] He says he will allow it

as the chief envoy of the Great Ming Empire.

[sniffs]

[in Chinese] What? This taste...

Aroma, color, taste,

it lacks not in any of those elements.

A perfectly harmonious dish spoken of in legends.

The aroma of the meat fills my mouth.

[Ji-young in English] I knew it. This is definitely la-yu made with chili peppers.

Where did you get this red oil from?

Did you bring this ingredient with you?

[interpreter, in Chinese] The Chief Royal Cook is asking

whether this oil is from the Ming.

Ya Feixiu.

-Yes? -Where did you get this red powder?

I got it in Joseon. However, I obtained it through legitimate means.

[interpreter, in English] She says she got the ingredients through legitimate means.

This is chili powder, I know it for sure.

My cooks and I picked them ourselves, dried them in the sun,

and we prepared all of it.

Your Majesty, please,

it truly was important for our first round.

So, how'd you get ahold of it?

[interpreter, in Chinese] Where did you get this from?

The chili and gochujang are going to be our secret ingredients,

giving us an advantage.

[Yi Heon] A secret sauce?

So then is she saying that that red oil was made using chili peppers?

Where could they have possibly gotten that from?

[coughs]

[in Chinese] Your Majesty,

let us hear what the cooks have to say after we determine the winner.

Let us make a judgment now.

[chuckles, in English] Director.

For those that cook professionally,

ingredients are a bit like a scholar's brush or a warrior's sword.

If you have gone through such deception, would you have just let it go?

[scoffs]

Ya Feixiu.

[in Chinese] How did this happen?

Could it be that you stole someone else's ingredients?

Uncle, I did not steal it.

I obtained it fairly by trading it for huajiao.

[in English] She gave away huajiao and received it in return.

[Bailong, in Chinese] Then were you aware that the Chief Royal Cook

meant to use this ingredient in this competition?

-Well... -Ya Feixiu!

You did something that you should have never done as a hwabu.

You stole your opponent's ingredient and didn't tell me about it.

To tarnish the name of Ming with such a despicable act

and make a mockery of this sacred competition.

As a hwabu, I cannot forgive this.

Uncle...

Ya Feixiu made a mistake

that she should have never made as a hwabu.

We will admit defeat in the first round of the competition.

[interpreter] He says he will admit to Ming's defeat

in the first round of the competition.

[court murmuring]

Tang Bailong!

Try to retain your dignity, Director.

The first match has concluded.

[grunts]

[scoffs]

To me it is clear that the cooks you brought along with you

have very rare and unmatched skills.

However,

no matter how competent a cook is at their craft,

without any exception,

human decency always comes first.

Don't you not think so?

I'm grateful, truly,

but I need to know who offered all of our chilis to you?

[interpreter, in Chinese] The Chief Royal Cook asks where the chili came from.

The outcome of the first round has already been decided.

You have won.

-That's not... -[Ya Feixiu, in Chinese] Wait!

I have not lost.

Uncle.

Let me prove that I obtained the red powder through legitimate means.

Admit defeat and accept it with grace, Ya Feixiu.

You stole your opponent's ingredients.

I did not!

I got it legitimately

at Saongwon,

which oversees all the ingredients in the palace.

[in English] She claims to have gotten the chili powder from Saongwon...

[Ji-young] Saongwon?

There's no way.

[in Chinese] The person who gave me the red powder...

[Bong-sik, in English] The person who gave it to her was...

[in Chinese] ...was that person.

[in English] Wh... Wh-What?

[Ji-young] Grand Prince Jesan?

[court gasping, murmuring]

[Min-seong clears throat]

Excuse me.

What is she talking about right now?

You gave the Chief Royal Cook's ingredients

to the Ming cooks without my permission.

Did that really happen?

[laughing]

With all due respect, Your Majesty,

I actually do not require your permission.

Before any ingredients are allowed into the royal kitchen,

I, as the manager of Saongwon, am in charge of inspecting it all,

ensuring that I approve before bringing it in.

What are you saying?

However, a while ago,

I learned that red powder and paste were being smuggled into the royal kitchen

by the Chief Royal Cook without approval.

[scoffs] That is why...

I gave orders to have them thrown out of the palace. [laughing]

You well know how truly essential the health of the royal family is.

[laughing]

So the Ming cooks did not get it from you?

Ah, yes, yes, yes. That was me. I did tell her to take it.

Yes, yes, yes.

She told me she wanted to exchange it for precious huajiao from Ming.

So, assuming that the deal aligned with our interests,

of course I told her to take anything she wanted. Yes, yes, yes.

[sighs]

If only she had given me notice,

I would not have thrown it all out like that.

[grunts, clicking tongue]

[laughing]

[Yu Kun, in Chinese] Your Majesty, it seems that His Highness Jesan,

the Grand Prince of Joseon, has made a mistake.

Since it has been revealed that Ya Feixiu was not to blame,

please reveal the score sheet as it was originally intended.

[interpreter] Since Ya Feixiu is not at fault,

he requests the score be revealed as planned.

Ya Feixiu.

[in Chinese] Do you still not see the error of your ways?

Uncle.

This is so unfair!

Even if you obtained those ingredients through legitimate means,

you knew that the red powder was the Chief Royal Cook's secret ingredient,

and you still accepted it.

And the Chief Royal Cook had her ingredient stolen without knowing it.

You do not deserve to be a master cook.

You are unqualified to be one.

This is your last chance. If you still have any pride left as a cook,

admit your defeat.

Uncle...

[interpreter, in English] He says she must admit her defeat.

Look...

I was also at fault.

[interpreter, in Chinese] The Chief Royal Cook admits that she also made mistakes.

We don't need your pity.

[interpreter, in English] They don't need your pity.

It's not.

I too made an error.

I felt wronged, I thought the chili powder we worked so hard on had been taken.

And it turns out it's partly my fault,

for failing to understand the rules and protect my ingredients.

So please stop now.

[in Chinese] Thank you for your considerate words.

But regardless of what anyone says,

we have lost,

for she doesn't deserve to win.

[interpreter, in English] He thanks you for your considerate words,

but says that regardless Ming has lost.

[Yi Heon] Having heard both sides,

do you agree both nation's cooks make valid points?

The cook from Ming, bought her ingredients from the superintendent of Saongwon.

So she did nothing wrong.

And since the cook from Joseon had her prepared ingredients stolen,

-she has every right to feel wronged. -[Won-jun] Yes.

Furthermore, the Chief Royal Cook Tang of Ming,

has declared to the court that his cooks have lost this round,

regardless of the outcome, right?

Yes.

So even if the score were to rule in favor of Ming,

it appears that the Ming cooks would not accept that ruling.

What's more, if Joseon is declared to a loser,

it would not rectify the injustice suffered by the Joseon cooks.

Nonetheless, the competition's first round cannot be nullified,

it sets a bad precedent.

[councilor] We must set aside the pride of the cooks

and reveal the scores as they have been written.

[Yang-son] I agree, he is right.

[Jesan clears throat, chuckles]

There is nothing I can do that would excuse my mistake.

[chuckles, clears throat]

Your Majesty, I'm afraid the final judgment is yours.

[sighs]

All right.

The scoring of this first match shall be annulled.

We will consider it a draw.

[in Chinese] We practically won this match! How could you call it a draw?

[laughing]

[in English] How do you know you won? The score sheets were not revealed to us.

[in Chinese] We clearly won this match.

[interpreter, in English] He says Ming definitely won this match.

[clears throat, grumbles]

Well then,

in exchange for annulling today's score sheets...

I shall offer Ming an advantage in this competition.

[interpreter, in Chinese] I will give favorable conditions to Ming.

Fine.

[Yi Heon, in English] We have decided, this match was too close to call.

So it is a draw.

[interpreter, in Chinese] Your Highness has ruled

that this match is too close to call and is a draw.

However,

it's true that in the case of the first round of this competition, Ming,

which developed a new sauce called la-yu, came slightly ahead.

However, in due consideration of how the dish was made with Joseon's ingredients,

this match has been declared a draw, thanks to the generosity of Joseon's king.

[clears throat, in English] Next time,

make sure there are no disgraceful incidents due to ingredients.

And if every match ends similarly in a draw...

Ming will be declared the winner.

[interpreter, in Chinese] If all three matches are tied, Ming wins...

[Ji-young, in English] Ming is getting an advantage?

Does that mean I actually lost?

No way...

Tomorrow the second match, shall take place here at the same hour.

Be sure you are all prepared.

-Yes, Your Majesty. -[in Chinese] Yes, Your Majesty.

-[Bailong] Wait. -[Bong-sik, in English] Ah! Oh, my gosh.

-What more do you want from us? -What is it?

[interpreter, in Chinese] What's the matter?

I'm sorry. I was shortsighted.

[interpreter, in English] She apologizes to the Chief Royal Cook.

Why? Apologize for what?

Wow, it's rare to admit your mistakes so freely like this.

[chuckles] Now you're acting like a cook of the great Ming nation.

[in Chinese] Through this competition, I didn't have the right attitude

towards food.

Thank you for the lesson.

I am deeply grateful.

[interpreter, in English] She thanks you for the lesson.

And I've learned to keep a closer eye on all of our ingredients...

...because of you, Ya Feixiu, thanks.

[in Chinese] Tomorrow, there will be much to learn,

for you will have to face off against my uncle.

[in English] She says tomorrow you will have more to learn

as you'll face off against her uncle.

We'll be winning tomorrow.

There's nothing to learn.

[interpreter, in Chinese] The Chief Royal Cook says, "We will win tomorrow."

I'll see you tomorrow, Chief Royal Cook.

[Ji-young groans] It's driving me crazy!

After all my big talk, I don't know what to do.

[sighs] So the Grand Prince took our whole supply?

What'd he do with all the chili pepper?

We picked those seeds until there were blisters on our hands

and our eyes were stinging. And he just gave them all away?

They should pay for this.

The King called it a draw. But if were being honest, we lost.

Cut it out.

What matters is that in the end, we did not actually lose today, right?

Everyone, stop.

Round two of the competition is crucial.

And we don't have any chili pepper powder.

-Oh, gosh... -[sighing]

So,

first,

I'll explain tomorrow's dish.

-Gil-geum. -Oh, yes.

Um... Everyone, this Laziji dish, you all remember it right?

Of course. Spicy stir-fried duck.

So, um... without chili powder, c-can we win?

We want to knock them off their high horse,

-so how about we do dongpo pork instead? -How about lily and lotus root soup?

That is one of Ming's three most famous dishes.

No. We're moving forward as planned.

Only, we won't be making a spicy duck Laziji.

We'll cook Peking duck instead.

Peking duck.

During the diplomatic talks between the U.S. and China in the 1970s,

it's said that this iconic dish instantly quelled the awkward tension

between the nations.

-Huh? -Peking duck?

-Peking... -Is that also a dish from Ming?

I have never heard of it...

Peking duck is a royal dish the Ming Dynasty has served

in it's imperial court for quite a while.

It's simply a roasted duck dish, is it not?

Yes, it's roasted. But it's not just a simple roast duck dish.

In order to do it right, you inject air inside, between the skin and the meat.

But the hard part is to get the crispy texture.

Does that mean that this one meal can enchant the palate of a chief envoy?

[chuckles]

The chief envoy is from the imperial court.

He's going to judge us on how our cooking methods align with tradition,

and the harmony of our flavors.

And that is why Peking duck is the perfect dish for this occasion.

The only way we can salvage this duck dish without chili pepper powder

is Peking duck.

Okay, first, who knows about gualu?

[Bailong, in Chinese] The cooks of Joseon were a lot more impressive

than I expected, especially the Chief Royal Cook.

A warrior's sword serves to take lives, and a cook's knife serves to save them.

She is no ordinary master.

We underestimated the cooks of Joseon too much.

We will win tomorrow, no matter what.

Are you done preparing the ingredients?

Yes, Tang Bailong.

[Mun-jeong, in English] I'll admit the cooks of Ming were excellent.

But those braised "borgondy" short ribs were truly astonishing.

Indeed, that is true.

The chief royal cook's talents are enticing.

[chuckles]

Ah... Today we had good food and good entertainment.

And look...

[chuckles]

...the moon is especially bright tonight.

-[chuckles] -It is indeed a brilliant moon.

-Where did you...? -Oh.

Your Highness,

please come with me for a moment.

His Majesty is waiting.

What? For me?

[Yi Heon] Uncle!

What were you thinking giving away that powder?

Knowing full well about the contest with Ming,

you disposed the Chief Royal Cook's ingredients.

[sighs] Your Majesty,

I offer sincere apologies for once again being incompetent.

It's no excuse. But as I said before,

I only had the health and well-being of the royal family in mind.

I truly never imagined that it would ever harm

the competitions final outcome [sobbing]

So,

have you truly gotten rid of all the chili powder?

I...

I gave some to the cook from Ming.

And the rest... the rest is in storage.

Song-Jae!

Go to the Grand Prince's residence, get the chili powder

and return it to the Chief Royal Cook.

[Song-jae] Yes, Your Majesty. I'll do it right away.

[sobbing continues]

[Inju] A draw?

Yes, Your Royal Highness.

And the King decreed if the rest of the competition is a draw,

it will be considered a victory for Ming.

[Inju] One moment,

then are we not at a disadvantage?

Considering that His Majesty is the one who proposed such unfavorable conditions...

It's safe to assume that

the chief royal cook lost the first round.

Perhaps not. I heard the fault may lie with something Grand Prince Jesan did.

He accidentally gave the ingredients meant for the Chief Royal Cook to Ming's hwabu.

[Inju] Excuse me?

Grand Prince Jesan gave Joseon's ingredients away?

How exactly does he consider that just a mistake?

If Grand Prince Jesan is the superintendent of Saongwon,

maybe he was involved in some other way.

But why? What could he possibly have to gain by discarding her ingredients?

[sighs]

So today's competition ended in a draw.

Yes, Your Grace.

I requested your presence to ensure you recalled our past arrangement.

You have not forgotten, have you? Joseon must lose this contest.

CHU-WOL: INSPECTOR COURT LADY

But Your Grace, I have heard that the stakes for Joseon are incredibly high.

Since when were you concerned with the state's affairs?

Si... Sincerest apologies, Your Grace.

Is your mother still living over in Jecheon?

How did you know that?

SECOND ROUND OF THE COMPETITION HUIJEONGDANG

Round two of the competition between Joseon and Ming shall now commence.

Today's dish is:

Knowledge and Change.

KNOW, CHANGE

You'll cook the cuisine of the opposing nation.

[in Chinese] Today's theme is "to know" and "to change."

In other words, the cuisine of the opposing nation.

Begin cooking now.

[interpreter, in Chinese] Please begin.

Time for the second dish.

-Peking duck, let's go. -Yeah.

-Right. -Understood.

[in Chinese] Use this and this. Ready to start.

[cooks] Yes, sir.

[Bong-sik clears throat]

[Ji-young] Oh...

[sniffs]

[sniffing]

That smell? What is that?

[gasping, murmuring]

-Whoa. -Oh, goodness. What an incredible smell.

Is this the time for such frivolous things?

Where on earth did they get their hands on such a giant lotus though?

It's an imposing size, that's for sure.

Judging by the lotus flower's size, I would guess that is the...

[in Chinese] This is called a golden lotus.

[in English] Golden lotus?

[in Chinese] Yes. Is this your first time seeing it?

[in English] He asks if you have seen one?

Astounding that a flower of such size and vibrancy exists.

[in Chinese] It's also known as the Emperor's Lotus because of its golden hue.

[chuckles]

All right. Let's start with the gualu.

GUALU: METHOD OF HANGING ON A SKEWER OVER A FIRE

-Cook Maeng. Please help them as well. -Yes, Cook.

[court murmuring]

Roast duck?

[Yu Kun chuckles]

[in Chinese] Could that be Peking duck?

[interpreter] He asked if that was Peking duck?

Oh, so that is Peking style?

[interpreter] Is this dish a Peking-style dish?

A dish that not even the hwabus of Ming would dare attempt,

save for the best in our nation.

[chuckles]

I have serious doubts as to whether they will get the flavor right.

He is expressing concerns regarding the Chief Royal Cook's abilities.

If the Chief Royal Cook prepared it, I am sure that the roast duck is not ordinary.

[interpreter, in Chinese] This roast duck must be special,

-prepared by the Chief Royal Cook. -[chuckles]

[in English] Are you sure about this?

It's not like we're roasting a whole pig. Isn't this too much?

What if that thing ends up overcooking all of the duck

and the meat gets too tough?

Slowly cooking it in intense heat will completely drain the fat,

which will leave us with a perfectly balanced Peking Duck, crispy yet tender.

-Ah... -That's reassuring to hear...

Please start chopping the vegetables, Cook Maeng.

And as for you, Cook Eom,

-please prepare the glutinous rice. -Understood.

Understood.

[rings]

-[sighs] -[Bong-sik] Cook Sim,

-glutinous rice, please. -Cook Min.

-Yes. -[Ji-young] Gil-geum.

-Yes. -Here you go.

Thank you.

Okay. Very good.

Wow, look at that perfect skin shining with that golden color.

-It's glowing. -Next, we shower it with oil like this

to make the skin nice and firm. And achieve what again?

-Perfect texture. -That's right.

[laughs]

-[groans] -[Bong-sik] Oh.

Uh... Here let me try that. Give it to me.

[Ji-young] Thank you.

Knife work is extremely important.

It's a stir-fry dish. But before we add it all together,

the skin and meat need to be sliced thinly

to enhance the mixing of different flavors.

Cook Eom, give it a go.

Oh, dear. This is... [groans]

Oh, I've cut through the bone as well.

Gently! You're pulverizing the whole bird.

I... I don't think I understand what to do here.

[Ji-young] Maeng.

Can I ask,

wouldn't it be better if you did this?

I just...

What about mine? Is this good enough?

[Ji-young gasps] Gil-geum, you have a real knack for this.

Joseon must lose tomorrow, at all costs.

If you dare to defy my orders once more,

your mother will be the one who pays the price.

Am I making myself perfectly clear? I will not be disobeyed again.

-[groaning] -Oh, my!

[Bong-sik] Oh, he's bleeding.

[Ji-young] We need to stop the bleeding first.

-Gil-geum! -Yes, miss!

What were you thinking? You should have been careful.

This isn't like you at all.

[Sim] I've never seen you cut yourself before. How did this happen?

[Bong-sik] You must have been too nervous.

Oh, goodness. Ah... It's still bleeding! Are you all right?

We're out of time. I'll slice it.

[Yu Kun laughs]

[in Chinese] How disappointing

that they can't even handle a single knife properly. [laughs]

It seems the cooks of Joseon lack the fundamentals.

[in English] The fundamentals.

When learning the art of calligraphy, one is bound to get stained.

And when one cooks, one is bound to cut oneself.

Since blood has been spilled, this dish will indeed turn out very well.

[in Chinese] Oh! Whatever Your Majesty says.

[laughs]

[Bong-sik, in English] Here. Le... Let me try.

[grunts] Ah...

-[Sim] Stop! Give it to me. I'll do it. -Here, let me.

-Ha... hand it over, I can do it. -Stand down!

Do you really think you can manage this if I can't?

We have no choice, I'll do it. Hand it over.

[Bong-sik] But we're running out of time. Please be careful.

Are you sure you can-you can manage with your injury?

[Sim] Oh, come on!

[Gil-geum] Good heavens, miss.

How on earth are you expecting to use a knife with those hands?

I know what to do.

Give it to me. I'll try.

You can't manage something this advanced.

-Even we couldn't... -Wait a moment.

Oh.

Are you sure you can do this, Gil-geum?

Please just trust me this once. And if I can't do it,

then, uh-uh, then you can take over, miss.

Okay. I'll leave it to you.

Yes.

[in Chinese] It seems they've given up on this round.

[sighs]

[chuckles]

[Maeng] Gil-geum, in the upcoming round, you will need to take up the knife.

What do you mean, take up the knife?

You've got talent.

Today we start training your knife skills. I will teach you myself.

We are going to peel the skin off the meat.

Gently hold the end, like this.

You mustn't apply too much force,

just the skin.

You only want to remove the skin.

That's it.

In a way that it won't tear.

Next, we clean it off.

Stay calm.

You're almost there.

That's it. Yes, perfect. Just like that.

You must remain vigilant until the end.

-[sighs] -[Ji-young gasps]

Well done. Great job, Gil-geum.

Goodness, I don't know how I sliced anything at all.

My hands were steady even though my legs were shaking so badly.

No, it's okay. You really nailed it.

Oh. [laughs]

[Maeng] Well done, Gil-geum.

And

thank you.

[sighs]

[Bong-sik] If you could do that all along, why didn't you step up sooner?

[Min] Yeah, absolutely. My goodness.

[Ji-young] Cook Maeng.

FIVE DAYS AGO

Gil-geum's hands were an absolute mess. What on earth happened yesterday?

It's my fault.

-What is? -The competition...

I will be the reason we lose.

What?

I don't understand. I need you to elaborate. Okay?

I need withdraw from the upcoming round.

But I am not at liberty to do so.

Has someone perhaps been threatening you? Was it the Ming?

[clears throat]

I'm right then.

It's that greasy-looking envoy, isn't it?

I'm not saying. Don't try to inquire any further.

Kang Mok-ju?

No, that's not it!

Peking duck is best when it is sliced to perfection.

And every competition is best when it has a twist.

On the widely cut Peking duck skin, place the chewy glutinous rice.

[Bailong, in Chinese] Wrap the mixed grain rice, gingko, and pumpkin

in the lotus leaf.

[Ji-young, in English] After placing cucumber and green onion

for a refreshing taste...

[Bailong, in Chinese] Bind tightly with a string to preserve the fragrance.

[Ji-young, in English] Cut it into bite-sized pieces.

[Bailong, in Chinese] The golden lotus scent seeps deep into the lotus leaf rice.

[Ji-young, in English] Garnish with taro mousse,

and serve with a savory majiang sauce.

[Bailong, in Chinese] Garnish with translucent lotus root slices

and crisp radish. This is enough.

[Ji-young, in English] Peking duck roll, done.

[Song-jae] Time is up. Both sides' dishes are now complete.

Cooks from both nations, back away form your stations.

[interpreter, in Chinese] Everyone, step back.

[in English] Today's round shall begin with Tang Bailong, the Ming cook's dish.

[interpreter, in Chinese] His Majesty orders that Tang Bailong's meal

be tasted first.

[Yu Kun clears throat]

[sighs]

[Yi Heon, in English] For one dish to capture the deep flavors of Joseon

in this way...

Such a subtle, yet elegant aroma...

[chanting in Chinese]

A deep and noble flavor that subtly, yet persistently draws you in!

Is this truly a dish from Joseon?

[Yi Heon, in English] With just one bite,

I feel as though my body is being covered in lotus flowers.

[court moaning, sighing]

[speaking Chinese]

[Yi Heon, in English] I must know.

How did you create the five different colors in the braised lotus root?

[in Chinese] His Majesty inquires about the five colors in the lotus root.

This dish is wrapped in golden lotus leaves

and made from various crops of Joseon.

This is a temple dish. As for the five colors in the lotus root,

I used schisandra berries, which symbolize benevolence, for the red,

gardenia, which symbolizes righteousness, for the yellow,

mulberry leaves, which symbolize manners, and for the green,

and soy sauce, which symbolizes wisdom, for the black.

As for the white, it is the natural color of the lotus root, pickled in vinegar,

and symbolizes faithfulness.

[interpreter, in English] Lastly the white, represents faithfulness

and is the natural color of the lotus root.

-I see. -[Yu Kun chuckles]

[in Chinese] Tang Bailong, this temple dish,

when did you learn to make it?

[in English] I searched...

for many years. Roaming in search of the ultimate flavor.

-[murmuring] -During that time,

I was consumed with grief,

for I never found what I considered a worthy flavor.

10 YEARS AGO

[monk] This cannot truly be the pulse of a living man...

Namo Avalokitesvara.

[Bailong gasping]

[Monk] Please, you must eat.

Try some of this, it's called mallow soup. Come. You need only drink it.

[blows]

[in Chinese] This is the most delicious soup I have ever tasted.

What kind of ingredients went into this soup?

You aren't from Joseon after all.

Please bestow a lesson upon me! [sobbing]

And so it went, I kept searching for the ultimate flavor,

traveling across Joseon to visit many temples.

The meal that I am serving you today,

is a combination of the dishes that the head monk taught to me

after saving my life that day.

Are you saying, you learned your craft by living here in Joseon?

Yes.

Overall, I spent about five years in Joseon.

[interpreter, in Chinese] I once stayed in Joseon for five years.

[scoffs]

But the fact that you knew how to speak the Joseon tongue,

why did you hide it all this time?

I never deliberately concealed it.

You simply never asked, sir.

[scoffs, clears throat]

[in English] This lotus leaf wrap contains the most wisdom and depth

I have ever tasted.

[interpreter] His Majesty praises the taste,

saying it holds profound wisdom and depth.

[clears throat]

The glutinous rice is sticky and the lotus roots are crunchy,

yet chewy and tender.

[sighs]

Moreover, the harmony of the flavor and scent sealed

into each and every lotus root is exquisite.

Elegant and harmonious.

[interpreter] He says the harmony of flavors and scents

in each lotus root is exquisite.

You can really taste the reverence and appreciation for our food.

The outcome of this match is obvious.

-[chuckles] -Yes.

[Bailong grunts]

[Ji-young] Wow. Talk about an inspiring backstory.

Looks like this round won't be as easy as I thought.

He may have shown excellent character in the last round

standing up against the injustice shown to me.

But that doesn't mean I want to lose to him.

[Song-jae] And lastly, we have the dish from the Joseon cooks.

Cooks of the royal kitchen, please step forward.

[interpreter, in Chinese] Next, please come forward, Joseon cook.

All right. Show us the skills of the Joseon cooks.

[sighs]

Can you explain this dish?

This dish is

Peking duck.

An ancient dish from the central plains,

that's enjoyed by the Ming Dynasty's royal family.

The skin can be eaten with sugar sprinkled on it, as you see here.

While the Peking duck rolls, can be dipped in the majiang sauce.

[in Chinese] Peking duck?

[laughs]

It may be easy to make, but unless you're the top hwabu of Ming's imperial court,

getting the crispy skin and the moist meat to harmonize is difficult to accomplish.

So why would you...

[in English] He says that it's an easy dish.

But it takes great skill to get exactly right.

[inhales deeply]

[exhales deeply]

[sniffs]

Mmm...

[in Korean] Here we go!

[gasping]

[laughing]

[laughing continues]

[Yi Heon, in English] The taste is so crispy and clean,

even the greasiness doesn't overstay its welcome.

And what is this sweet flavor that comes through?

[court moaning]

[muttering]

What is that? It is not simply sugar is it?

[sighs]

It has been augmented with some other flavor.

[in Chinese] This is not the roast duck that I had in Ming's imperial court.

It's an entirely new flavor.

Moreover, this duck is free of any gamey or earthy smell, shockingly so!

[sighs]

[chuckles]

[in English] And when dipped into the majiang sauce, it adds a savory sweetness,

blending each of the flavor in harmony with the others

and still allowing each to explode on my palette in it's own time.

[in Chinese] The skin is crispy, the meat is moist,

and mixed with the shredded green onions and cucumbers,

it creates an incredible harmony.

[in English] This dish is...

[in Chinese] ...truly...

-[in English] ...unrivaled through the land. -[in Chinese] ...unrivaled through the land.

[both clear throat]

[clears throat]

[in English] You were able to infuse so much sweetness in the Peking duck skin.

What is the secret behind that?

Pumpkin, Your Majesty.

[interpreter, in Chinese] This is pumpkin.

It's a cooking method I've never seen before.

To think that you managed to infuse even the taste of pumpkin into the skin,

as expected, you're no ordinary cook.

[in English] Moreover, you were able to get such rich juices to burst forth

from the duck meat...

Truly,

you cook as one possessed.

[Ji-young chuckles]

[Song-jae] And with that, we conclude the tastings for the second round

of the competition. Evaluations will soon begin.

[interpreter, in Chinese] Today's cooking competition has come to an end.

Scoring will be conducted later.

[Yi Heon] I shall now announce the scores for the second round

of the competition.

[interpreter] The results of the second round of the competition

will be announced soon.

BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY

[Yi Heon] The mistake was mine.

I should not have risked state affairs on a cooking competition.

No. We can't give up. We have to keep trying to the very end.

[Bong-sik] But what if the pot doesn't arrive in time?

[Ji-young] Then we'll have to go with plan B.

Now is our chance.

[Mok-ju] If we can eliminate the Chief Royal Cook,

then I have no doubt we'll trigger His Majesty's wrath.

[Yi Heon] What I am about to say is top secret.

Treachery.

Could it be?

Do you want the Chief Royal Cook as a tribute woman?