Original subtitles

Madam, I'm an inspector

What's the matter?

Madam, you've been infected

You must go out of the palace and recuperate first

Infected?! Only my knees hurt!

No, Madam... an infectious disease is spreading in the palace

so we're taking everyone outside Please follow us

We'll bring you out This is an order by His Majesty

OK

(Episode 18)

You're still talking like this?! You should be working!

Madam, something's strange

What is it?

Lady Jung did have a chronic disease but she had no symptoms of a cold

She didn't have any fever, and she didn't vomit like Lady Min

Then?

Only her legs hurt and...

she was taking some medicine for her kidneys

Then she must've caught it that night

But she was fine 'til the evening She'll be OK, right?

She'll be coming back, right?

Yes, so don't worry

Right, Madam? Right?

Madam, I'm sorry for lying down when you're sitting

You're the sick person here... don't worry about it

But you don't have a fever?

No

You don't feel nauseated or have jaundice?

No

Then why did you come out?

I know... I'm trying to figure that out myself

Huh?

Madam, we'll be going back to the palace once we recover, right?

Of course. Why? You want to leave the palace for good?

Oh, no... where else could you find a place like the palace?

I was so sad thinking that I may die from this

You were sad?

You may have no grudges since you're the Highest Lady, but I do

I'll give the position to you when we go back, so you try it

Madam...

Start the inspection!

Yes, sir!

Listen carefully to what I say

Yes, ma'am

Chang-Yee, you go and boil water in every pot

Yes, ma'am

Yeun-Seng and Young-Ro should boil...

all the kitchen utensils and dishes in the pot

Yes, ma'am

Yes, ma'am

Jang-Geum, you go to the food storage and check food carefully

Throw away anything strange

Yes, ma'am

We won't prepare anything raw for the time being

You must either boil or cook it very well. Understand?

Yes, ma'am

Keum-Young, check all the side dishes again

Yes, ma'am

The rest of you, follow me

Yes, ma'am

Where did Lady Jung go?

She left the palace because of the disease

Are you saying Lady Jung has it too?

Yes

How come no one told me about this...

There's a lot to discuss with the Highest Kitchen Lady...

about this epidemic, so who should I talk to?

You can talk to me about the King's kitchen

and you'll have to talk to each lady of the other palaces

It's going to be hard for me to talk to each of them by myself

There's no other way You can go ahead and tell me

since the King's kitchen is important

What? Do you have something to say?

Invite the food inspector Jung Yoon-Su to the meeting later today

The food inspector?

Yes, since it's not a meeting to discuss the Highest Lady issue

it shouldn't look strange at all

But why?

No matter how many ladies and eunuchs you bring there

if the head of the eunuchs says that it's not a place...

to discuss such matters, you won't be able to bring it up there

But if Sir Oh Kyum-Ho and the Head Lady help out...

But he has no real authority over this matter...

The position of Highest Lady falls under the jurisdiction...

of the Head Lady and the head of the eunuchs

So what good is it to bring in a doctor?

At this point, he's someone who can bring down...

the words of the head of the eunuchs

If you allow him to join that meeting I'll take care of the rest

OK

What is it?

Lady Choi must come to the conclusion today

so please ask Park Bu-Kyum to introduce the food inspector...

Jung Yoon-Su to you and ask him

The food inspector? Ask him?

Yes

Let me see you for a moment

Tell me about the situation first

We sent out 26 court ladies and we've been checking each eunuch...

guard, worker and laborer at the gate before letting them in

How is the royal family?

One princess had a fever so she left to recuperate

and others are doing fine

That's a relief

The problem at hand is how we're going to stop this epidemic

I understand that doctors are everywhere to take care of that

Yes, I know that too, but the problem is the kitchen

It's the most important place... but because of this...

the Highest Kitchen Lady position is vacant

Really? That shouldn't be...

That's right. We've been very careful

since the King has already had a skin problem

So we're thinking about filling the position immediately

No way!

What do you mean, no way?

Lady Jung is a favorite lady of the King

and we've never replaced someone just because...

one is recuperating outside due to an illness

But...

And besides there are two excellent kitchen ladies

so there won't be any problem if we delegate the work to them

Even so, the safety of His Majesty depends on this...

We should get it organized immediately by putting Lady Choi there

I'm saying this isn't the time and place...

to talk about changing the Highest Lady

I think we ought to hear from the food inspector

Is the safety of His Majesty OK...

even without a head lady in the kitchen?

I think that would be a problem

It's going to be too hard for the doctors to manage...

over 10 kitchens in 4 palaces and I think...

this epidemic came to this point because of Lady Jung

How could this be her fault?

If she found about 10 kitchen ladies showing the same symptoms

she should've reported it to me as the head of the kitchen

No matter how trivial the illness

when cooking the King's food, it should always be monitored carefully

Lady Jung was either being irresponsible...

or intentionally negligent and that's why...

the doctors weren't able to diagnose this quickly

In other words, even if she comes back

she'll have to be responsible for her negligence of duty?

That's right. Now that I think about it, just the fact...

that 10 of the kitchen ladies had such an illness is a problem

What should we do now?

Sir...

If the King's Mother gives you the permission to do so

I'll follow her will

That's why we have to replace the Highest Lady immediately?

Yes, Madam Lady Jung had a chronic illness

That's why she was sent out

But we have never replaced someone...

while that person was recuperating outside the palace

According to the doctor, the reason why this problem grew this big...

was that Lady Jung did not report the symptoms of kitchen ladies sooner

Even if it was another lady, she wouldn't have reported...

the symptoms of a cold to the doctors

But the kitchen is closely related to the safety of His Majesty

and Chinese envoys will come in a few days...

concerning the investiture of the Crown Prince

I think it's a time to be extra careful

There must be a designated leader and Lady Choi is perfect for it

The King highly values Lady Jung You can't get rid of her

without allowing her a farewell visit to the King

OK. I understand both sides

Then...

The epidemic is a problem and we do need...

a supervisor to prepare for the Chinese envoys

but it isn't an urgent matter to fire the Highest Lady

Have Lady Choi work as the Highest Lady

but she'll act as a substitute until Lady Jung comes back

Once this is taken care of, we'll check on the condition

of Lady Jung and then decide later

Yes, Your Majesty

Yes, Your Majesty

I know it's been hard for you without the Highest Kitchen Lady

So the King's Mother has chosen a Highest Lady substitute

Lady Choi

Yes, Madam

You're the Highest Lady of the kitchen from now on

I'll do my best

The Lady has called everyone to the dining room

What could it be?

I'm not sure...

And stop eating

They're perfectly fine but we're throwing them away

She's your new Highest Lady substitute Greet her properly

Be quiet! The new Highest Lady substitute will speak to you now

Because the Royal Kitchen has many important functions

I've been chosen as a substitute

while Lady Jung is recuperating

Since we're facing a difficult time

we ought to work thoroughly under my command

First of all, there is a lack of workers in the King's kitchen

so Lady Kim of King's Mother's palace, Lady Park of the Guesthouse

Lady Jo of the Prince's palace should join the King's kitchen

That's too many people

There's an important reason for it

Chinese envoys will be arriving in 3 days...

The court is paying special attention...

to wrap up the issue of designating the Crown Prince

so there ought to be no mistake at all in serving the envoys

So we must send the most talented from here. Understand, Lady Han?

You take Jang-Geum to the Guesthouse

and take good care of the everything

Since I will be busy taking care of this place

I'm asking you to take total care of things there

I'll leave it to you

I knew things would turn out this way

What do you mean?

Lady Choi becoming the Highest Lady

We just wasted time doing that meaningless competition

She hasn't become the Highest Lady yet

That's right. It'll be over once Lady Jung comes back

You two are so much alike in that you have no idea what's going on

What are you saying?

It's obvious. Once you get sick, you're out of the palace

She has a chronic illness and this disease...

There's no chance she can come back

Why not?! It's not like she has some terminal illness

I pity you... you're like a kite without a string now

But we still have Lady Han and Jang-Geum

I just don't understand what you do with your brains...

What?!

Can't you see it?! They've gone to the Guesthouse! Guesthouse!

It's because they are good cooks It's only temporary, isn't it?

Going to the Guesthouse...

means you're demoted

The envoys find all kinds of faults all the time there

Really? So that's why no one wants to go there...

You know what you're doing, huh?

Excuse me?

Don't you think I know why you...

sent Lady Han to the Guesthouse?

You don't get credit for doing well

and it's easy to get into trouble there

You could get rid of her for good Good job

But the fact is that I'm not the Highest Lady, but a substitute

The King's Mother has decided it in her mind...

She just said it out of formality

But if she comes back...

We'll think about it later You go and find that book first

She probably didn't have time to take the book with her

The sick ladies and nurses are in Ohng-Jin

Lady Jung is there too

Yes, ma'am... and?

Lady Jung has weak kidneys

And?

If you tell my uncle that, he'll know what I'm saying

Lady Jung is in Ohng-Jin... and she has weak kidneys

and there are nurses who give her medicine... is that all?

Yes, then my uncle will make Lady Choi become the Highest Lady

Lady Jung took the book She must've knew this was coming

Don't worry

Her illness will worsen

What? Her illness will worsen?

Yes

Uncle will make it happen

You did this on your own?

You taught me to completely finish what I start...

Yes, that's right

So this is how I'm going to live...

I'm going to console myself like this...

Madam, I'm coming in

I'm on my way now...

OK... I trust that you'll take good care of the work there

I hope that's the only reason why you're sending me there

Of course

Jang-Geum, you do your best to help Lady Han as usual

Yes, ma'am

Wait for me, Jang-Geum!

Madam, take me with you too

Do you think we're going on a picnic?

I know... but I'm like an orphan without you and Jang-Geum

Yeun-Seng, we'll be back later so stay here

This isn't temporary! No one knows...

when you'll be back once you go to the Guesthouse!

Even Lady Jung isn't here... if no one's here...

who am I going to depend on?

Stop that! Lady Jung, Jang-Geum and I will all return

You just need to fulfill your duties here. Go back inside

You're coming back, right?

Yes. We'll be back soon, so don't worry and go back inside

OK, Jang-Geum

Let's go

What are all these people doing here?

Hey, anyway...

Get in line!

Are they handing out something? What's this line for?

They're handing out something?

If it's free, I'm sure these people will line up all the way to Jeju

Anyhow, I can't see so I can't tell what's going on

I know...

Why don't you do the thing you're second best at?

Second best? The first is running away with money

and second is cutting in line

Of course...

But this is the palace

But wait, if we go back we might not be able to receive it

That's right, so do it

You go first... No, you first...

What are you doing?

Eureka!

Huh?

Find out if they have fever or if they're nauseated or have jaundice

Yes, sir!

Sir

So many people are here... we're busy and we need to get inside, so...

It's Jang-Geum You're right!

Jang-Geum!

Madam...

I was thinking about meeting you

Just tell me what you need

One moment, please

What brings you here?

I was worried when I heard that there were many kitchen ladies...

who caught the disease. Are you OK?

Yes, I'm fine

That's good. Are you going somewhere?

Yes. I'm being sent to the Guesthouse

Guesthouse? Is it because of the Chinese envoys?

Yes

That's a difficult job

What?!

It's because I'm worried about Lady Jung's health

But even so... how could you tell me to go to a place...

infected with that disease? My body is weak as it is...

Isn't there anyone else?

It's because there's no one else we can ask

We need to find out whether or not...

she really has the disease and how she's doing

Then pay up... please pay up, Madam

The money isn't the problem here! I might die going there!

That's why I should be prepared with some money

I'll pay for the service

You should've told me that first Then that will do

Do what?!

It's OK, Madam

Please save me...

Um...

does your uncle deal with large quantities of ginseng by any chance?

An epidemic is in the palace...

I think it's only proper for you to ask me how I'm doing

I'm sorry... are you OK?

I didn't know it would be this easy Though the King's Mother...

hasn't appointed Lady Choi, she'll be the Highest Lady soon

Yes... We owe it all to you

And they've written up a final report about the college field

so that has been wrapped up as well

We owe that to your subordinate

And Han Dong-Ik will go to Jeju as governor

Is that so? Then I'll go visit Jeju sometime

Why?

I was thinking of visiting there

Why?

The only place that we haven't reached is Jeju Island in Korea

The ocean, mountains, many horses, cattle and pigs are there

so we can make a fortune there

Is that so?

And if Sir Han Dong-Ik is there as the governor

then it's a big opportunity for you and me

You're such a good businessman

I'm ashamed...

Nah... I'll tell Han Dong-Ik about you, so check out the place

Yes, sir

Come quickly!

It's this way!

Let me go get a drink of water...

Just go in!

Honey

Let me go and change my hat!

Go! Bye now

I was scared to death...

What brings you here?

Lady Jung is here, huh?

I'm chef Gang and I've been sent here from the palace

If you tell Lady Jung, she'll know

Sure. Please wait here

Have you turned into a turtle all of sudden?

Madam...

Come inside

I'll just stay here...

I said, come in

Wait... can I have one, too?

Sure

Come closer

What brings you here?

Lady Han and Jang-Geum are worried about your condition...

I'm doing fine Is Lady Han doing well?

She's doing fine and Lady Han and Jang-Geum...

...have been sent to the Guesthouse

What?

And Lady Choi has become the Highest Lady substitute

They've been sent to serve the Chinese envoys

Madam, the important thing is...

I need to find out about your condition

I don't know... I don't know what disease it is

and I'm just taking the medicine the nurse is giving me everyday

The pain in my knees is worsening and my body is swelling

so I think I'll die soon

Madam, does that mean if I get it, I'll...

Come closer and sit here...

How?

Now

Madam... I'm married and...

Now

Give this to Lady Han...

Your will?

You could say that

Madam!

If you don't want to go cross the Styx with me, leave immediately

Huh?

Or I will take you with me

I'll... do it

What's this?

Liquor

Liquor?

Why'd you throw this precious liquor?

You returned from the hotbed of disease You should be detoxified

Sure... thanks... then give me another one

so I can clean my insides too

What?! Why you...

I'm on my way now...

OK... I trust that you'll take good care of the work there

I hope that's the only reason why you're sending me there

This isn't temporary! No one knows...

when you'll be back once you go to the Guesthouse!

Guesthouse? Is it because of the Chinese envoys?

Yes

That's a difficult job

Madam... don't you feel distressed?

I do

Aren't you worried?

I'm worried

Then how can you look so unconcerned?

I'm not

Madam, Mr. Gang told me to give you this letter

Duk-Gu...

Is she doing fine?

She writes that she doesn't have a disease

Then why was she sent...

Madam, could it be...

Those unforgivable people...

She has told us to stay calm

and continue to work quietly, so let's do that

Yes, ma'am

Madam! The envoy group has arrived

OK

We must finish designating the Crown Prince this time

Your Majesty, the Prince is your only legitimate line of descent

There's no problem

But they've always found faults

and put off the decision day after day

Your Majesty, don't worry I'll lay down my life...

to have them make a decision before they go back this time

Really? I'll trust you, so wrap it up this time...

no matter what happens

Yes, Your Majesty

Make sure there's no problem with serving and food

Yes, Your Majesty

We can't allow even a hint of fault in formalities and food

Yes, sir

And this senior envoy is a well-known epicure in China

If it's not the best of delicacies he won't even touch it

so you show your best talent

I'll do my best

Madam

What is it?

I've been told to tell you to prepare this medicine for the envoy

Medicine?

Yes

What medicine is it?

The envoy suffers from diabetes

and his condition has worsened from his long trip

He's a diabetic?

Yes

Alright

When did you learn to speak Korean like this?

Is my speaking OK?

Yes. You speak very well

Actually, my nanny from my childhood

was a lady from Chosun

Is that so?

What's this?! Take the tables away immediately!

I'm sorry, sir. I think we have the wrong tables here

Bring different tables! Right now!

How dare you put such lowly food on the table?!

Are you in your right mind?!

I'm sorry, but the senior envoy has a chronic illness...

What?

I dare say the greasy food of Ming is very detrimental to his health...

Guards! Take this court lady away immediately!

But, sir...

What are you doing?! Drag her out right now!

Yes, sir!

I think she was thinking of your health

so please forgive us, sir

Madam! Madam!

Bring a table with the best delicacies

so that he may be satisfied

No!

How dare a mere kitchen lady come here?!

Drag that court lady away too!

Sir! Though I'm a mere kitchen lady I'm someone who prepares dishes

Even though we are lowly, we can't possibly...

bring food that is harmful for the person

His Honor has diabetes and because of the long trip

his condition has worsened

And that's why he's taking medicine!

With diabetes, medicine isn't important

If you aren't careful with food, medicine is useless

That's why Lady Han has given up showing off her talents...

to prepare good food for you Plus you have to travel back as well

If you aren't careful with your body, your condition will worsen

Right now, I don't recommend tasty food

Please be understanding!

Please try this food for 10... or just 5 days...

you'll clearly feel the difference...

How dare you come here and give a lecture?!

Get that thing out of here too!

Yes, sir

Wait!

Just a moment

Did you say 5 days?

Yes, sir. 5 days

If I can't feel any improvement after 5 days

will you receive any punishment I order?

Yes, sir

Even if it means your life?

Sure, I don't need your life. But if there isn't any improvement in 5 days

I'm going to severely punish you in my country's way

But I'm very fussy, as you know I'm not someone...

who eats tasteless things just because they're good for the body

I can tolerate vegetables but I won't tolerate it...

if I find them tasteless Will you be able to do that?

You don't have to worry Lady Han can...

You do it!

Excuse me?

You're the one who has brought it to this point, so you do it!

Jang-Geum...

Huh?

Father is no longer here

How will you live?

Father has always said that I must listen to you

I will listen to you from now on

Yes, when I'm with you, you listen to me well

But if I'm not here, how will you live?

Will you starve to death?

Will you die of illness?

No! I'll eat medicinal roots and I'll eat wild berries

Yes, Jang-Geum...

You must live anyhow

That is the reason why your father was happy though he was dragged away

How could such a thing happen?!

I'm sorry, Your Majesty

The King is already worried over the designation of the Crown Prince

so what's up with this rash behavior?!

I'm sorry, Your Majesty I trusted Lady Han's talent

because I was busy and this is what happened

Though she has said she did it because of the envoy's illness...

that's the doctor's jurisdiction and not ours

Don't worry, I'll go there and prepare the food myself

Yes, go ahead and do that

Madam, she's making things so easy for us

Yes, I know

But I'm sure the envoy's pretty upset Will you be alright there?

Yes, I have prepared something

Why did you do it?

You know the situation well enough Even though he has an illness...

how could you prepare such a meal?

Then are you telling me to do the same thing

to the King as well?

Lady Jung would've done the same

Jang-Geum is in charge now

What? Jang-Geum?

Yes, she tried to save you and now...

she's been given a big responsibility

What are you saying?

He wants to feel the improvement in 5 days

and the food must be tasty as well

Or else he's going to severely punish Jang-Geum in a Chinese way

You're thick-headed exactly like Lady Han

Get out. I'm going to prepare the food from now

I'm telling you to get out!

I can't

What?

You go out, please, Madam

What did you just say?! What did you say?!

I said you go out, please, Madam

How dare you?!

He has promised to eat my food for 5 days

So I will be in charge of this kitchen for 5 days

During those 5 days, I'm going to fulfill my duty wholeheartedly

So please go out

Please comply, Madam

Her life depends on it so I don't think we should interfere

Sure...

Where are you going?

Sir, there is nothing for me to do here

Nothing to do? What are you saying?

I hear that the official has promised to eat her food for 5 days

That's right, but actually, he didn't mean it

But sir... is it diabetes?

Yes

What's his condition?

It's not severe, but due to his long trip

he did need some dietary adjustment

So if he eats that way for 5 days and then eats the delicacies

there won't be any big problems, right?

That's good

Let's see in 5 days I'll ask my uncle...

to get the ingredients normally served to the emperor

to prepare feasts for the Chinese Imperial House

For the Chinese Imperial House?

Yes. It's a feast of 3 days reserved only for the emperor

They say ministers show tears just for being invited there

If he receives such a feast after eating only vegetables for 5 days

he should certainly be moved So don't worry about it

I've done all I can according to Lady Han's will

How about the fork-tailed petrel nest?

They finally found one and they'll bring it tonight

Is the meat ready?

Yes, Madam

You must not miss anything

Yes. 9 kg of pork, 8 geese, 12 kg of lamb, 4 turtles...

12 kg of deer meat, 8 chickens and a deer tail are prepared

How about mushrooms, black trepang and abalone?

They're all prepared too, but we don't have shark fins

It's alright We'll make shark fin soup

using the Great Crabs from Ul-Jin

Great Crabs?

Yes, Ul-Jin Great Crabs are something...

that even His Majesty complimented on his first try

The envoy'll be very satisfied with it too

Sure, Madam, he will

That's all We just have to prepare...

the feast dishes starting tomorrow

We'd been so rude to you because of the court lady's shameful act

So starting today, we'll give you...

the feast dishes of the Chinese Imperial House

Feast dishes of the Chinese Imperial House?

Yes, sir

Sir! Today is the day to take care of that ill-mannered girl

so punish her as you'd like and eat all you'd like

That was really good

Sir. She's the lady who has insulted you

What shall we do with her?