Original subtitles

(Episode 20)

Prepare turtle stew as your best dish for the King

My friend and I made persimmon vinegar and buried it

We decided to give it to one of us who would become the Highest Lady...

in many decades from now as a sign of faith

Pine tree... pine tree...

Could it be my mother's friend?

Who could be her friend?

Where have you been?

I had something to do

I chose the dish

Really? What is it?

I'm going to make turtle stew

Isn't that made with turtle and caterpillar mushroom?

Yes

Madam

What?

I have a dish I'd like to make for the King as well

I'd like to make it myself, not just assist you

Please, Madam?

Go ahead

So it became a little bothersome

Though it's bothersome we only have to win

Of course. Did you choose a dish?

Yes. I'm going to make one that's rarely made in the palace

Then you must be thinking of making that dish

Yes, so please get me a good one even if you have to go far

Sure. However...

I trust you, but no one knows what might happen

Are you sure you don't need an alternative plan?

Yes. This time, I'll make sure I don't lose face

I agree with you. That's a good idea

Yes, it's good to go up against them as if there's no other choice

Don't worry, Uncle

All I know is that work should be done without mistakes

Of course. That's why they say

"Don't leave any gaps in whatever you do"

I'm not going to tell it to Lady Choi or Keum-Young

They'll only feel uneasy about it and it's better for them...

to concentrate on their work

Then what are you asking me to do?

Tell your niece Young-Ro to keep watch over her

Just keep watch over her?

It's still too early

The recipe list is ready Yes

Once Mr. Gang brings the mushroom, we'll have all the ingredients

As there are many dishes, be sure to prepare everything well

Yes, Madam

This should be much better than any other dish

And no one will be able to beat you because you use two secret methods

Prepare the porridge and dessert...

like last time

Sure, Madam. Don't worry

Pan-Sul will bring the ingredients and it should be over in two days

Show the writing to each other on the count of three

You did write it, didn't you?

Of course

You're sure what it is, right?

I said, I am

I heard from Keum-Young, so it's for sure

Jang-Geum'll be so glad to find out what Keum-Young's preparing, too

You're sure, right?

If you don't want it, then forget it

No, no... Let's do it

OK, here we go

1, 2, 3!

What? How come there's nothing here?

Bean-paste soup? Who serves bean-paste soup on birthdays?

Hey, you didn't even write anything!

How about you?!

Your head's gotten so big, huh?!

She acts innocent and yet she's...

craftier than me!

Why? Did you argue with her again?

We agreed to tell each other what Lady Han and Lady Choi is making...

but Yeun-Seng didn't even write it!

And you wrote it down for her?

Of course, I did

The right one?

Nope

Then why are you complaining?

But I wrote something down at least

Why are you trying to find that out? You'll find out on the birthday

That's not...

Would you like to find that out?

Why should I?

You just wanna do trivial jobs?

Find out and tell it to Lady Choi

It'll return to you in a big reward later

Is that so?

Of course

Then let's try this

What?

When Yeun-Seng's asleep...

Madam, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

It's alright. I forgive you

Thank you, Madam!

By the way, what is Lady Han making for this competition?

Lady Han?

Yes, Lady Han

Madam's... Madam's making...

delicious honey rice cake...

Honey rice cake?

Yes. And my favorite mixed noodles...

ribs and pine honey water and roasted rice cake, egg wraps...

She's only telling me what she likes

It's so delicious

It's so delicious...

The best dishes?

Maggot porridge? A bit disgusting, then...

cicada skin dumpling? No, not in this winter time

Shark bean-paste stew? Yes...!

I asked you to dry the steamed rice You've been eating it all yourself

Huh? My mind has been occupied by something else and...

Something else? What?

Lady Han's in the competition If Lady Han succeeds, then...

Jang-Geum will succeed and ifJang-Geum succeeds, then...

I will be...

I prepared something, so come take a look

Hurry! Come quickly!

Isn't this liquor?

Yes, but it's not just plain liquor, it's something that'll make us succeed

What? Make us succeed?

Yes. This is red ant liquor When you deliver caterpillar mushroom

take this to her as well

Red ant liquor? It's that legendary...

Yes. I made this secretly Only I know how to make it

And the reason you're giving this to Lady Han without receiving money?

There are many reasons, of course

The first reason is...?

First of all, if Lady Han becomes the Highest Lady...

then we must be good to her so you can keep your position

Right. And the second reason is...?

And even if Lady Han doesn't become the Highest Kitchen Lady...

just the fact that we served the King this drink will...

bring attention to us and we'll become filthy rich

Filthy rich?

Yes. All high court officials drink with the King

And I only know how to make this, so our drink will be famous

So when you bring this to her, ask her to write you a certificate...

saying that it was offered to His Majesty

A certificate?

Just do as I say! Then I'll make us succeed!

Once we hit the jackpot, I can play all day from then on

How can you play? You must catch red ants

Careful not to let the bottom fall out

Duk-Gu!

Jang-Geum! Madam...

Did you find it?

Yes, of course

I ordered my workers to find them as soon as you gave me the order

Your wish is my command

Must've been hard to find it Thank you very much

Don't mention it

Thank you! Jang-Geum

This is red ant liquor

Red ant liquor? Isn't this very rare?

You probably know the legendary benefits of red ant liquor

She gave it to me so you can offer it to the King...

during the competition

Your wife?

Thank you!

Jang-Geum! She asked me for a certificate or something...

A certificate?

Saying that His Majesty drank it for real...

some type of proof

What could that be?

You just write it yourself... like... "His Majesty the King...

drank it and found it very satisfying" or something

Bye

OK. Jang-Geum, write it on big paper

Why was I surprised?

Sir, then what should I do?

Just bring it in quietly after the Food Services closes tonight

Sure

It's one of the best

Is that so?

We had to go as far as Jeolla to get it

It's going to be tomorrow Are you prepared?

I didn't think you'd get tense

Oh, no...

You don't need to. Just relax

So the ingredients are all ready

Yes, Madam

The feast will be held around 2 p.m. Tomorrow, so we must start...

preparing at early dawn Go back early and rest

You should rest, too

Yes, I should

It's all ready now

Yes. Madam, since we have to start working early tomorrow you should...

go back early and rest

You should, too

Sure

Yes, that should work

You will find them there, so bring them in quietly

OK, don't worry

Jang-Geum! Jang-Geum!

There's big trouble!

What is it? What's wrong?

I thought Young-Ro was scheming things, so I went

to check the storage kitchen

Afraid Young-Ro might do something, I came here...

and found a cat running away and chickens were here, too

What should we do now, Madam? What now, Jang-Geum?

Madam, the caterpillar mushroom...

all the trepangs and abalones are...

They ate them all!

The competition is tomorrow What should we do?

The Food Services is closed and even if we can get it tomorrow...

we must still get the caterpillar mushroom

We'll have to go out What?

We can use the pass since we're still under competition

But if we go out during the night...

Mr. Gang said he got it from someone he knew and...

we must get the seafood again

And you start preparing as soon as the Food Services opens tomorrow

I should be back before 8 No, at the latest, I'll be back...

before 10, so don't worry and prepare well. Understand?

Yes

It must be the best items

Don't worry. I'll get yours ready as soon as it opens tomorrow

Will it be here when it's that rare?

I'll get it for sure so please come by tomorrow morning

Thank you very much

Is it refreshing?

Refreshing?! Why can't you do it right?!

It's not there, but lower... got it?

It's too low. You can reach here

Are you going to scratch me or go out and work?

I'll scratch... you said lower, huh?

Yes, there. So nice!

Is anyone home?

Who could it be at this time?

It's a woman

Madam, at such a late hour... You should've come with Jang-Geum...

Why are you alone?

It's about the caterpillar mushroom I requested a few days ago

What? Did you forget it or use it up again?!

No, it's not that. I need more of it

See?

Do you have some?

No, I don't

You really don't? Not even in your storage of stolen goods?

Stolen goods? I didn't steal anything

Madam, why would you need more when you only got it this afternoon?

A chicken ate it

A chicken?!

Open up! Open up! It's me, Duk-Gu!

How can you ignore my voice?!

Madam...

I'm Gang Duk-Gu from the brewery

I'll never talk with you again

Madam, let's go We can get it elsewhere

Remember...?

I don't have any!

I don't have it, I said

Come on...

I don't have it!

I said, I don't have it!

It's really strange

Madam, I think we'll have to go to Port Song-Pa

At this hour?

There's a pharmacist that I've secretly done business with for...

the last 20 years He'll open the door...

when he hears my footsteps

Would a boat be available?

Of course. I know many people so you don't have to worry

Follow me

Madam, I've never even walked with my wife under the moon...

Huh?

Please wait...

Hey, Jang-Duk! Duk-Gu's here!

Get up and open the door!

Hey, Jang-Duk! It's me, Duk-Gu! Open up!

Who is it?

Hi. I'm Gang Duk-Gu from the brewery Please wake Jang-Duk...

He went out to find herbs

Huh?

Then would you have any caterpillar mushroom?

I don't know... and since it's a rare item, I wouldn't even...

know where he puts it

When is he coming back?

He'll probably be back tomorrow morning

If it's tomorrow morning...

Isn't there any other place?

There's one, but it's too far It'll take a whole day

Let's just wait here until tomorrow morning

Can you at least shelter us from the morning dew?

We got all the ingredients, but what about

the caterpillar mushroom and seafood? The sun has risen, too

Don't worry. She'll be back soon

Jang-Duk!

You didn't pay up and you still dare to come back?! Give me my money!

You got the wrong person She's a court lady from the palace

Greet her

Hello, Madam

I'm in a hurry You have caterpillar mushrooms?

Caterpillar mushrooms? What will you use it for?

This will stop by Port Ma-Po and to Jae-Mul Market

So you can get on here

Aren't you going together?

You said you needed trepang and abalones, too

I asked a fish seller at Port Ma-Po

But there's no guarantee that it'll be here by tomorrow

I'll get them and go to the palace

Would you do that?

I'd do anything for you

Thank you so much. You're a lifesaver

Don't mention it. Please take me with you when this happens again

Please go ahead

Bye, Madam

You're the dried fish seller's daughter, eh?

Yes

Is your father home? Yes

I forgot to ask for money!

Madam! Madam!

Madam! I need money to shop!

What? Are they kidnapping her?

The boat is going backwards The boat is going backwards

The boat is going backwards! The boat is going backwards!

Don't be too scared

I mean, we won't harm you, so don't worry

Let's hurry!

Honey! Honey!

What? What?!

There's big trouble! Big trouble!

Why? What is it? Is there a war?

The boat... The boat...

What's wrong? Are you sick?

The boat is going backwards!

What do you mean? Did it go up the mountain?

No! The boat Lady Han got on didn't go to Ma-Po, but backwards!

What do you mean? Why would a boat go backwards?

Big trouble! Jang-Geum's waiting for her for the competition

Then... our drink... it won't go to the King, then!

Is that even an issue right now?! Lady Han has been kidnapped!

That's big trouble! What should we do now?

Do we tell Lady Jung about this? Or the Head Eunuch?

Or should I tell the whole town?

You're saying Lady Han has been kidnapped by strangers...

then you should tell the police!

That's right! Police!

Do you know any policemen?

I don't know any...

Yeah. You're scared of the police

Lt. General from the Royal Guards!

Lt. General?

He should know many people from the police

Why didn't I think of that?

Hurry...

Go to the palace first thing in the morning

Why?

What do you mean, why? You must tell Jang-Geum

Do you want her to wait forever?!

Why are you yelling?!

Because I was afraid you might not understand me

Sir! Sir! What brings you here now?

There's big trouble! I've never experienced such trouble before!

Is there anyone you know at the police?

I went to Port Song-Pa yesterday And the boat was going backwards

I said, "Stop!" but it was going to Port Yuh-Ju, when it was...

supposed to go to Port Ma-Po I went to Port Song-Pa...

and Lady Han asked me to buy some seafood

What are you talking about?

The seafood she was going to use for the competition...

that is being held by the King's Mother herself

But Lady Han was kidnapped by the gangs and Jang-Geum...

not knowing this, is waiting...

Slow down...

If you know anyone at the police, please let me know...

if you do that, then I will let you be with Hyang-Sun...

until next morning

Just what happened here?

That's what I've been telling you! You still don't get it?!

I'll slow down and tell you what happened last night

I was in the room and my wife asked me to scratch her back and...

especially the lower part so I asked her why...

then someone says, "Is anyone home?"

It's already 8... Jang-Geum She should be here...

What if she doesn't come?

She'll be here

She said she'd be here by 8, but she isn't here! What now?!

She'll be here soon for sure!

She'll be here, so we just need to be prepared well

OK

What now, Jang-Geum? It's 10 already

What if something happened to her? Like she couldn't get ingredients

Everyone has to gather soon, if she isn't here... if not...

What now, Jang-Geum? Everyone has gathered

The Head Lady is there, too

Madam!

Madam, I have something to tell you

So Sir Choi Pan-Sul said you can relax

That she won't be here until the competition ends

We could've won anyway That was unnecessary of him

Come, follow me. Let's go

Though this is unprecedented, the King is deeply involved in this

And even the King's Mother declined a big birthday feast...

in order to follow the will of His Majesty and...

she'll have the competition's dishes So the person who wins...

and the person who loses from this competition must do her best...

and completely accept the results

Wait a second... Where's Lady Han? Why isn't she here?

What's going on? Why isn't one of the competitors here?

What's going on?

I'm asking you a question

I'm not sure

She must have given up

Regardless of that, it's the King's Mother's birthday

How could a cook be this irresponsible?!

That's not so, Madam

Lady Han has only gone out of the palace to get the ingredients...

for the competition

Didn't you get all the ingredients yesterday?

Yes, but... animals came into the storage kitchen...

and they damaged the ingredients

The competition is today and the ingredients are damaged?

Isn't managing the ingredients a basic requirement of a cook?

What kind of a Highest Kitchen Lady

would she make with that kind of mentality?!

It was my fault! I didn't protect the ingredients, so...

That's enough. It's already over then

Is there an examination that waits for a late scholar?

The winner is decided already I'll tell this to the King's Mother

Madam... I'll do it

We still have time. I'll prepare so she won't have problems...

putting the food on the table when she comes back

You think this is a game? Who do you think you are?

But Madam, Lady Han only wants to please them with good ingredients

Wasn't preparing the best dishes for them the assignment?

She'll come back for sure

What if she doesn't?

She'll come back soon

This isn't the place for you to step in like this

How dare you do this?!

Lady Choi, you don't want to compete against Jang-Geum?

Madam...

Or are you afraid that Lady Han might come back soon?

Madam, you should go ahead and do that

Today is the competition day and the King's Mother's birthday

We don't need to ruin the atmosphere with such news

I know this isn't the place for me to speak, but I think she's right

There might not be enough food unless we all prepare for it...

and I don't think it's a good idea to ruin the joyous atmosphere...

After all, the King's Mother will decide on the results...

after everything is over

Sure. Then Jang-Geum, will you compete in place of Lady Han...

and completely accept the result no matter what it is?

Yes, I will, Madam

I supported you because it's better than just losing like this...

but you shouldn't do this If she doesn't come back...

you'll be guilty of insulting the royal family

She'll be back She'll be back for sure

Why'd you complicate things?

What if she does come back?

She's not coming back

Even so, you shouldn't have stepped in like that

Actually... regardless of when the King's Mother finds out...

you'll be recognized...

as having integrity for waiting for your competitor until the end

Was that what you were thinking?

That wasn't all. I wanted to see Jang-Geum get hurt...

just as much as she has hurt me

Ouch! Are you blind or something?!

I'm so sorry

It's alright

Are you headed to the palace by any chance?

How did you know?

Then let me ask you a favor

What is it?

Please deliver this to Lady Han of the Royal Kitchen

Do you know Lady Han?

She's a regular at my shop, so how can I not?

Lady Han asked me for these but she never came...

so please deliver this to her

OK, sure. I was going to meet Jang-Geum anyway, so I'll do that

Give it to me Thank you... thank you

Why did you do it? It's Lady Choi you're up against

And this is all we got from the Food Services

Someone asked me to deliver this to you

What is it?

They're trepangs and abalones! And they're big ones, too!

Who gave these to you?

She said she was Mr. Gang's wife

What? Didn't she say anything else?

She said Lady Han was kidnapped by strangers...

after she got on the boat

What?!

She said Mr. Gang went to rescue her

but she doesn't know what will happen

Bye

What now?! Then she might not come back before the end!

What now? What are we going to do? Jang-Geum, tell them we can't do it

Tell them we can't!

Is everything ready?

Yes

Let's get started

Madam, what now?

What do you mean, what now? We'll just have to carry on

Here

I got it from my pal in the Prince's kitchen. There aren't...

many of them so you must be careful

Here, Jang-Geum Intercostal parts of beef

Where did you get them?

When you were talking in the Prince's kitchen...

What? You stole them?!

No!

Then what?

I didn't steal them... I just took them

What?! I knew this would happen!

Anyway, do well so you don't lose face

Yeun-Seng

Huh?

You're the only one who can help me now

We can't wait for Lady Han anymore so let's prepare the food ourselves

And we don't have many ingredients, so we must not make any mistakes

Jang-Geum, I'm shaking

Me, too

OK, let's get started First, prepare the chicken...

and chop up the intercostal meat, wash the rice, but don't throw out...

the water, and get some dirt water...

Prepare chicken, chop meat, wash rice, and dirt water... and?

Prepare those first for now Let's go to the kitchen now

OK, let's go

Even so, it's too plain for your birthday party

No, though we didn't invite many, I'll be trying out the dishes...

that have been prepared according to your will

I'm very much looking forward to it

Madam, it has started!

OK. Is it ready now?

Yes

As you made the first dish, you serve it

Sure

You must serve the food now

OK

Start when you're ready

Bring them in

Please try them

I've never had this before What is it?

It's a porridge made only with the insides of abalones

Only the insides?

Yes, the abalones eat only...

fresh sea plants so the taste of the sea and nutrients remain in them

It's the first for me, too What is it?

It's called Five Seeds porridge

Five Seeds porridge?

Yes, it's a porridge made only with seeds of five fruits

Only with seeds of fruits?

Yes, it's made with pits of peaches, walnuts, pine nuts, sesame, apricots

It increases the appetite, and helps digestion...

so it's good to eat before eating festive foods

Is that so? If it tastes good and it's good for the health...

it must be a very good dish

I think it'd be good as your night snack

I think you'd need it more than I do

I prefer the Five Seeds porridge What do you think?

Everyone, please go ahead and eat

Aren't these buckwheat cakes?

Yes, in it there are radish, shiitake mushroom

green bean sprouts and parsley The roll is made with...

buckwheat and glutinous rice

Buckwheat has a savory taste and it helps digestion

And even royal guards and military officials eat buckwheat...

with radish for extra strength It's very good food for strength

It tastes very good

The soy sauce tastes unique How did you make it?

Yes, I've used some spice to make it spicier

You rolled it with fish skin

Yes, Your Majesty The roll is pollack skin

There's no fish smell at all It tastes refreshing

Yes, every time your teeth sinks into it, the sweet taste of...

parsley comes out

You can make it taste like this with fish skin...

your skills are excellent

You overpraise...

You see? Lady Choi's was better twice in a row

But she hasn't been chosen yet

What would you know besides eating?

Of course, who does she think she is to go up against Lady Choi?

How could hers be tastier than yours?

Maybe the King's Mother is being unfair

No, Lady Choi's food was clearly better

Then what now?! It's been twice already

It becomes more difficult I'm so scared

And cold vegetable dishes are Lady Choi's specialty

Mother, please help me

Please try them It's vegetable with chicken

You try it, too. I've never tasted anything so savory before

Sure, Mother

Isn't that right?

Yes

I've never tasted this before What did you use?

I used chicken broth with bean juice

Bean juice? You made sauce out of bean juice?

That's why it's so savory

I prepared it because His Majesty likes beans

Is that so?

Mother, I serve your dish now Please help me, Mother

Amazing, I've never tasted anything so refreshing before

Me, too. It's as if the seafood is moving in my mouth

It looks like a common dish but I've never tasted it before

What is it?

It's garlic sauce

What? Garlic sauce?

Yes, Your Majesty Though we normally use pine nuts...

to make such sauce, it didn't seem to bring out the fresh flavor...

in seafood dishes so I tried garlic extract

It tasted extraordinarily better

It even got rid of the fishy smell, too

Yes, you're right It's not strong as mustard...

but it's very savory and spicy enough to freshen up the mouth

But it's not just the garlic

Where's this sweet and refreshing taste coming from?

It's special vinegar

Vinegar?

Yes, the vinegar used here is persimmon vinegar that's been...

buried for a few decades

Both dishes are close to perfect

Yes, you're right. It's hard for me to determine which is better

I think we need your wisdom for this

Both dishes are excellent

However, when I think about the time and devotion that was put into...

making vinegar over decades...

You see? Here...

How come I don't see the competitor Lady Han here?

Why is her assistant bringing the food?

Is Lady Han making the food inside?

No, that's not so. Lady Han has gone out of the palace...

and she hasn't come back yet

What?