Original subtitles

Keum-Young secretly started practicing again

Then we'll lose again

Who can't win practicing ahead like that?

Not only that, we're always putting pine needles into nuts

when she started practicing using knives on the first day

I know. If it's putting pine needles into nuts, we'll win

The test is always on whatever Keum-Young's good at

This time we might have a chance

How?

We have our bean sprouts We can practice with those

Yes, if we practice as she does, we will surely win this time

Let's show her this time

They can win if they practice?

They said they can win if they practice the same way

They said that she hasn't practiced pine needles and nuts

so if they competed with this, they would win for sure

And someone else said that she's a food prodigy

learning how to cook before learning how to talk

I'm not sure what to believe, but I have to finish this

Don't try to see it with the moon light Huh?

Don't try to see it It's harder if you try to see it

Then?

Focus on the tip of your fingers

Does that work?

They make new brides do this

so they can sensitize the tips of their fingers

Because they don't know this, their cooking skills don't improve

Put the nut at the tip of your finger and roll it slowly

You can feel it, right?

Yes, it's amazing

But how did you know?

I heard the court ladies talking about it

Other new brides start with this kind of thing too

Is that so? Thank you

It went in!

(Episode 5)

That girl is Keum-Young

Are you ready now? Then let's...

Madam, may I request something?

Request what?

I'd like to change the competition

Be quiet!

Why?

I heard that many of the new brides resent me

What?

They've been saying that I win first place

because I'm favored by the Highest Kitchen Lady and Lady Choi

Who said such an absurd thing?!

I was angry too when I first heard it

but when I gave it more thought, I realized...

such a misunderstanding could be possible, since I skipped...

some of the training they normally go through

So in order to resolve this, I think we should...

compete on something I've never done before

What would that be?

Putting pine needles into pine nuts, Madam

Really? If that's what you think, then we can do that

But Madam, I think it'd be better to do it with the lights off

Excellent idea. That task is to sensitize the fingers

so we'll know how much practice...

you've done by turning off the lights

Bring the pine nuts and pine needles

Yes, Madam

OK. Start as soon as I turn off the lights

Stop

Stop!

Keum-Young did 20

Jang-Geum did 8

And Jo-Bang did 4

Foolish girls. This is the difference between you and Keum-Young

She learned to cook starting at 3, so she's even better than...

the court ladies and she's competing against you

in order to help you hone your skills

and yet you've been jealous of her with contempt for

the Highest Court Lady and myself I won't let this pass!

Madam, please let it go

But...!

They probably misunderstood because

they haven't seen it themselves But now they should know...

where they stand with their skills

Sure, I'll let it go this time, but don't do...

such a useless thing again and focus on honing your skills

And Keum-Young, you can go to your home for 3 days

No, Madam. My vacations were another cause for their discontent

so you should send the 2 nd place this time

No need to do that It wasn't your fault

No, please...

How generous of you

You did well with the sandstorm, and you did well again

Did you learn this from your mother too? No

Then how could you do this so well?

During the night...

Keum-Young taught me

I'm not surprised

I liked how she was willing to learn even during the night

I heard about it

Didn't I tell you not to cry again?

The girls are misunderstanding and they wouldn't even talk to me

so what should I do now?

It's not a misunderstanding

Huh?

It's true that you told Keum-Young of their complaints

But I didn't know she was Keum-Young

That's how the palace is That's why...

we taught you to be careful with your speech

My mouth gives me trouble all the time

Apologize to them tomorrow Though they'll hate you for now

they'll forget in time, so don't be so worried

Madam

What?

But the reward is valid, so I can go home, right?

Yes

Then please allow Yeun-Seng to go home instead of me

Why do you always think about breaking the rules?

But she always cries for her sick mother

Madam...

How is she sick?

She has a weak heart

I'll ask Lady Jung...

Let me join you

Let's go get the ingredients

Let me go with you

No

I'm sorry. I didn't know she was Keum-Young

So?

I won't do it again So please let me work together

No. Only people like us who lack skills do work around here

Please...

No!

Sister...

I said no!

Don't do that! Jang-Geum isn't a bad girl. She's nice

What are you going to do if they stop talking to you too?

I can just talk with you then

Thanks, Jang-Geum

Why?

I'm going home because Lady Han told my court lady

I came running here to thank you before I leave

That's great

Lady Han even packed some food and medicine. Thank you, Jang-Geum

That's really great

Why didn't you go home?

Why? Is something wrong?

I didn't tell you their complaints so you could do that

That's not why I did it Anyway everything turned out OK

I resolved misunderstandings, you will be...

going home and they know where they stand

No!

What do you mean, no?

This is strange Everything turned out good for you

I feel like an outcast, and they're feeling bad

Then you can ignore them and be good to me

No, that's even stranger

What do you mean? You can just do that

No, it's strange. I think you've done something wrong

What?

I'm not sure what it is... but...

You're cute when you act stubborn I'll watch your back

for you from now on, so just ask me whenever you need help

I said no!

Did you call for me?

It's a relief you're still here I thought you went home already

I was looking around if I could help with anything

Sir Han Young-Jook brought this bear foot from China

The Royal Kitchen doesn't have experience cooking it

That's why we called for you

The rare thing...

What's wrong?

This is the bear's left foot

Why? Is it bad?

No, but there's a great difference between the right and left

Why is that?

When the bear attacks a beehive it uses its front right foot

and all the bees come suddenly

making the right foot absorb all the honey

So the taste is different, and the medicinal effect is different too

So that's why Xia China's King Gul only ate front right feet

But last time didn't you say the left foot...

is used for attacking beehives?

Oh... that... the bear was left-footed

A left-footed bear?

That's enough Go ahead and start cooking

Yes, ma'am

It's very delicious

What happened?

He was satisfied

I shouldn't say this myself, but who am I?

Am I not Chosun's best chef, Gang Duk-Gu?

He did say it needed a little more salt

Less salt is better for the natural flavor to come out

He told us to make the next feast simple, so...

I think we'll only need about 50 male cooks

Sure

But please pay extra attention to His Majesty's medicinal food

Yes, of course. I'll have to hurry to get prepared now. Bye

It's today, right?

Yes

You didn't make any mistakes, right?

Yes

It's all over if we get caught Make no mistakes whatsoever

Yes, it's all under control

And you told Pan-Sul too, right?

Yes. Don't worry

You roasted the ginger and green onions first, right? Of course

You put rice wine and salt in the broth?

Of course, rice wine and salt...! I forgot the salt

That's why he said it needed more salt

Then the meat must've tasted flat!

I heard His Majesty was satisfied with it

You'll be kicked out if you keep working this way!

I'll add more salt

Mister! Jang-Geum!

What brings you here?

We had many drinks to deliver today

Really?

You're not causing any trouble, are you? No

Let me see you for a moment

What is it? Is there a problem with our drinks?

Would you happen to know a court lady who was here...

a long time ago named Park Myeong?

Park Myeong? No, I don't know

Did your husband ever mention her?

He probably started working young at the palace

with his father, so he might know

No, I haven't heard of that name

I heard your adopted child became a court lady here

Yes

What's her name?

Her name is Jang-Geum I was going to tell you about her

Please take good care of her

Jang-Geum? Your adopted child's name is Jang-Geum?

Yes

Chef Gang Duk-Gu's adopted child came as a new bride

and he thinks she's Lady Park's child

My mother told me that when there is yellow dust in the air

water becomes dirty, dust goes in the food and...

it makes food spoil faster so this is what she did

Yes, it was certainly a boy

How can a boy become a court lady?

That's what I thought too, but Pil-Du who's been watching...

closely told me that So I'm not sure what's going on

What's wrong?

Was she wearing boys' clothes about 2 years ago by any chance?

What?

When did you take her in? Could it be about 2 years ago?

No, that isn't so. We brought her from my parents' town

Really?

Jang-Geum's father was an artisan who made inkstones with my father

but her parents were killed by bandits

and that's why I brought her here

Is that so?

Yes

Jang-Geum...

Isn't it hard living here, Jang-Geum?

Yeah...

If it's hard, then let's run away together

It'll get better

Jang-Geum, have you ever talked to Lady Choi before?

No

Have you ever seen that man who you met on the day you came here?

Something's fishy What did your parents do?

You never say anything about your parents

Anyway, I told her I brought you from my parents' town

so just remember that. And your father was an inkstone maker, OK?

Sure

You too!

OK

Where's Father?

I don't know

He always disappears when I'm not around! Why...!

Help us when we go out too

OK, It's my turn to guard here tonight, so don't you worry

So you're here?

Over there...

Are you really leaving? If you get caught, you both will die

I still want to go. I can't live like this for the rest of my life

How about me who'll be staying here?

Mi-Keum...

Open the door!

Open up, everyone!

The Head Court Lady is here! Everyone, come out quickly!

Could she have found out?

I don't think so Hide them quickly! Hurry!

What should I do?

Don't worry. It's probably only a room check

Could it be?

What were you doing?

We're sorry

Where is Lady Choi?

They say she's not here What should I do?

Start searching! Sure

Don't move an inch!

Start searching everywhere! Over here, too

Why these...!

What is it?

It's a type of headache

Not a headache and toothache caused by cold air?

You can get that when cold air enters your body making...

your head and teeth ache That is treatable, but...

What do you mean, but? Are you saying this isn't treatable?

Nothing "entered" the brain The brain itself is damaged

You already said your hands and feet are very cold

and you fainted many times...

So what does it mean?

It isn't something she can be healed of easily

There's no known treatment for it

That means...!

Search this room!

There, too!

Madam!

Take a look at this

Which residence are you from?

We're from the Royal Kit, Kitchen

My... Have they been disciplined at all?

And where is Lady Choi who's supposed to be their supervisor?

Let's go to the residence of the Highest Kitchen Lady

Lady Choi! Lady Choi, are you in here?

Hello, Madam. What brings you here at this time of night?

Just how have you been disciplining the girls?

Excuse me?

We checked their rooms today and we found these erotic picturebooks

and their rooms are messy!

I am deeply ashamed

Why don't you go inside first?

I told you to be very strict with them since more men go in

and out of the kitchen than other places. Just what is this?

I'm sorry

I'm sorry. It's my fault Please forgive us

Are you sick?

N... no

I was taking care of her because she has an indigestion

Is that so?

What are you doing here in the middle of the night?

I have brought a criminal here

The Highest Kitchen Lady, come out!

The Highest Kitchen Lady, come out right now!

Why did you bring a man to the ladies' residence

in the middle of the night like this?

He's a physician

A physician?

According to his account, he was returning home

after checking the Highest Kitchen Lady's health

What?! He was caught?!

Yes, Lady Choi said you should meet...

Sir Oh Kyum-Ho as soon as possible

Sir, what should we do now?

You should've discussed it with me first

How could you send a physician into the palace?!

I'm sorry. I was afraid that if a lady physician checked her

the Queen would find out about it

And I chose the next best thing

How foolish of you!

Once the news of her sickness spreads she has to step down

Lady Choi isn't old enough yet

That's not the problem right now! Since you brought in a man

the Highest Kitchen Lady and even Lady Choi could get kicked out!

Sir, please save us If you save us, I'll make sure

you'll never regret it

Guard Gang grabbed this lady with a head covering

trying to kiss her and found it to be a man

Oh, my! During the night? How embarrassing...

Who tried to kiss whom?! He caught him knowing it was a man

Don't ever speak ill of him like that! Understand?!

Yes, ma'am

Anyhow, Jang-Geum, you're in trouble now

Why?

Soon the Highest Kitchen Lady will be stepping down

and Lady Choi will have less power Then Keum-Young...

as well as Jang-Geum will be like kites with their strings cut

Why would the Highest Kitchen Lady step down?

If a court lady gets sick she has to leave the palace

That's the law. I wonder who will replace her once she steps down

I think... Lady Choi will

No way...

Five generations of that family have secured that position

I don't think it'd change that easily

But she became a court lady less than 3 years ago

Plus she's probably getting scolded

for bringing a physician into the palace

Right. So Lady Han should take the post

She cooks much better too

You wait and see then. The Head Lady is on Lady Choi's side and...

And what?

Be quiet!

Did it go well?

Yes. Did you wish it wouldn't have?

How could you say such thing?

We managed the doctor OK, but I can't do anything...

about the Highest Kitchen Lady having to leave the palace

Yes. I was thinking that too

Is there someone qualified to replace her?

I don't have anyone in mind right now Lady Choi is too young...

Even if it's not someone related to Choi Pan-Sul...

I've thought of that too, but Lady Choi's family

has been in the Royal Kitchen for such a long time...

that other families never had any chances at all

No surprise. Anyhow, the Main Kitchen must be filled...

with people from our side So find a puppet if you have to

A puppet?

Shouldn't you have told me about this before?

I'm sorry

It's too late to do anything about it

We need to find a replacement for you

I know it will be difficult, but can we put Lady Choi...?

No matter what I say to her, Her Majesty the Queen...

would never allow it. Why don't you make some recommendations?

How about Lady Park in the King's Mother's palace?

There's a rumor that she's with Sir Nam Kon

Lady Kim in the fruit room seems to be in the right age range

Though she doesn't seem greedy, she's a far relative

of Sir Sim Jung and it's hard to tell what'll happen tomorrow

Then... who do you have in mind?

You know her...

She's a daughter of nobility and she withdrew without a fight

when she was competing against you

But how can we give her such an important position

when she's been in charge of...

only the sauce and pickle storage for 10 years?

Isn't that why she's the best? Lady Choi can take care of...

the important tasks and she can just be there as a puppet

Yes, she's someone who enjoys poems and songs

so she does prefer to stay away from complicated matters

Yes. That's it. I press from above, and Lady Choi, from the bottom

If she can act as a puppet, then...

it would be the same as you being here

And if something goes wrong, we can blame it on her

So it'll be her

Madam! Madam!

The Head Lady is looking for you

The Head Lady? For what?

I have no business with such a high person

I think she's going to give you the position

of Highest Lady at the Royal Kitchen

Head of Royal Kitchen? Yeah, right! Why don't you do it yourself?

Madam...

Madam!

Did you call for me?

Have a seat

I think you'll have to be the head of the Royal Kitchen

I have only been in charge of sauces and pickles

Do you think that's a good idea?

Lady Choi will help you with the Main Kitchen

and you can discuss with me the other kitchen work

Am I the only one for the job?

Yes. I know you take after your father who liked to be free

from worldly issues but we had no choice this time

OK, then I'll have to do it I hope you & Lady Choi will help me

Yes, that's the spirit

I heard you became the head of the Royal Kitchen

Yes

Why? Have you gone tired of playing and decided to be a puppet now?

Yes, I've grown tired of playing alone and...

decided to play along to other people's rhythm

It'll surely be fun The world's only Lady Jung...

will be playing to others' rhythm? It'll surely be fun

Come often and watch

Lady Jung, you win

Madam! Madam!

How dare you run in this place!

I'm sorry... but I just heard that Lady Jung of the sauce pantry

became the head of the Royal Kitchen

The Highest Lady had recommended her and she became head, huh?

It's Lady Jung, I heard

Then what's going to happen?

She's just holding the position until she can give it...

to Lady Choi. That's why the Highest Lady stepped down

What? Does that mean we'll keep losing to Keum-Young?

That doesn't have to be the case

Some girls said Lady Jung doesn't yield easily and...

Lady Jung highly values Lady Han's skills. That could mean...

You mean those little gals will act like our boss?

You have taken up a very important position

I'm not sure I'll be able to manage it well

Because you've been in the storage for a long time

you probably don't know much Help Lady Jung

Yes, ma'am

Yes, I wouldn't have accepted it if it wasn't for you

Please help me

Madam...

What is it?

Is it better for you or for Lady Choi if Lady Jung becomes the head?

What are you saying?

The girls are very curious

Are you curious too?

No. I don't know what's going on I'm just afraid...

that they might be scolded by the ladies because...

they haven't been doing their work If they get scolded

they would feel bad and they would treat me...

Yes, I guess that's possible

So you just keep doing their work too That's the easiest way

Yes, Madam

Is Lady Han inside?

You don't want me to be the Highest Lady?

Of course, I do

Then how come you aren't coming to congratulate me like others?

I'm sorry. It was intentional

Why?

Please allow me to tell you that I don't think...

you should take over that position

What a girl! You speak rude words in such a courteous manner

It'll be difficult because of people

I know you better than anyone else so I'm worried

Well... should I live with difficulties or should I not?

What do you think?

You should live without difficulties

How about you?

Madam, can you really live as you wish like that?

I always try to live without difficulties

but it's always difficult

What?

What's this?

You'll be doing great things, so use it

Why you... I only took care of a small matter

and you gave me so much I can't receive it

Please! I'm basically saying that I'll trust you

with the future of our family Choi

The future of your family?

Yes

To me?

Yes

Why?

I trust you, sir

You trust me?

Yes. I trust you with my family, relatives

and businesses in and outside of the palace

Here... have a cup

Just keep working

What brings you here at this early hour?

It's my first meal to His Majesty I should do it with my own hands

Huh?

Was it your shift yesterday?

Yes, ma'am

Do it whole-heartedly

Next!

Your Majesty, she's Lady Jung, the new Highest Kitchen Lady

Then where have you been up to now?

I've been in the sauce pantry

Really? Did you cook these yourself?

Yes, Your Majesty

Is that so?

Go ahead and check the food

Did you cook this yourself?

Yes, Your Majesty

It's the same grilled pork, but it tastes different. What is it?

It's called Mac-Juk

Mac-Juk?

Yes, Your Majesty. It's a secret recipe that has been passed down

in China originating from the "Mac" clan

Secret recipe? What is it?

Instead of seasoning with soy sauce

it's seasoned with bean paste water

With bean paste?

Yes, Sire

That's why it's less greasy It tastes perfect!

So we're eating here today?

Yes, when there is a big event

all the kitchen ladies come here to eat

Today's the new Highest Kitchen Lady's first day

That's why we're eating here today

Really? Then there must be lots of good food

Sit down, everyone

Does Keum-Young still sit there even though the Highest Lady has changed?

I know. Shouldn't Yeun-Seng sit there?

Who is this girl?

Her name is Keum-Young

She seems to be a new bride, so why is she sitting here?

She sat there with the previous lady

and evaluated dishes with her

She's a kid with the perfect palate

Perfect palate?

Try this

What's used for the seasoning?

Soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame seeds and water

That's right

But I can also taste minced green onion and garlic

so I think meat and mushrooms were cooked separately

What seasonings were used in the meat?

Soy sauce, minced onion and garlic, sesame oil

black pepper, sugar and sesame seeds

Really? Everyone, taste them

Is it just as she said?

Is it?

Yes, it is as Keum-Young said

You think so, too?

Do you all agree?

Really? I think it's...

It's ripe persimmon

What did you just say?

Ripe persimmon was used, not sugar

Why do you think ripe persimmon?

When I was chewing on the beef I tasted ripe persimmon, but if

you ask why I think it's persimmon, I can only say I tasted it

So you're the real perfect palate!

Of course! Ripe persimmon is tasted and not thought

so it was foolish of me to ask such a question

That's right! It's ripe persimmon Its sweetness is softer than sugar

so I thought it would go along well with vegetables

and ripe persimmon is good for preventing...

colds and hangovers so I added it because...

His Majesty had some drinks yesterday That kid knew it!

Though there may be a difference in cooking, there is none in tasting

Taste is equal, so talk openly about food to each other

without regards to ranks and offices

so you can stimulate each other for improvement. So you go back

to your place and be diligent in learning like the rest

I'll give you opportunities regardless of your age

if you work hard and hone your skills. Do you understand?

Yes, Madam

And I'll pass this position of the Highest Lady

to the most skilled person, so work hard

Too much time has passed Let's go ahead and eat

Yes, Madam

Why do you think it's ripe persimmon?

When I was chewing on the beef I tasted ripe persimmon

but if you ask why I think it's persimmon, I can only say I tasted it

So you're the real perfect palate!

Of course! Ripe persimmon is tasted and not thought

so it was foolish of me to ask such a question

And I'll pass this position of the Highest Lady

to the most skilled person, so work hard

How dare she mock our family which

produced 5 generations of Highest Ladies!

It's impossible

Stop crying. You and I have to protect our family now that

the Highest Lady has stepped down. Understand?

Yes

Whatever it is, competence, power...

we must beat her through it Do you understand?

Yes

Jang-Geum

Starting tomorrow, for the next 100 days

get me different plants everyday from the east mountain

Different plants for 100 days?

Yes. Why? You don't want to do it?

I do...

Then start tomorrow

Dropwort has a special scent that increases one's appetite

and strengthens the stomach It's used in food...

made with swellfish because it has a detoxifying effect

This is mitsuba (wild parsley) It has a unique scent, so it's good

even without much salt It's very good for diabetic patients

This is cedaline You should never eat it

so watch out for it when you gather herbs in the mountains

Next, gather everything that can make food salty

Food is decided by the balance of seasoning

So you must practice how to add a perfect amount

There is saltiness in beans, chestnuts, pork, seaweed

and even in watermelon So you must be careful when seasoning

Saltiness is easily sensed when it's cold

And tastes are either contrasted, enhanced or suppressed

You neutralize sour and bitter tastes by adding sweet things

and you make sweet tastes stronger by adding salty things

Next, bring everything that you can add to make food sweet

This is our family secret If you add this ingredient

you can get rid of all other tastes. And finally...

you can add milk to improve the taste

Next, find out about water used for cooking

How can there be only one kind of water?

There's rice water glutinous rice water

hot water, cold water, mineral water. It's countless

Next, find out about fire

Madam! Lady Han!

What's wrong?

Where is Lady Han?

She went to the Highest Kitchen Lady's place

But look at you... She should know better...

Madam! Madam! I finally found it!

I finally...!