Original subtitles

BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY

[Ji-young] Life as a tyrant's chef isn't just about cooking.

You face many challenges, all with your life on the line.

[inhales deeply] I never could have imagined all this,

but I guess... here we are.

YI HEON: THE KING OF JOSEON

[exhales deeply]

Your Royal Highness, kindly give us the theme for today.

KIM BOK-SUN: HEAD SENIOR COURT LADY

GRAND ROYAL QUEEN DOWAGER INJU: YI HEON'S GRANDMOTHER

QUEEN DOWAGER JAHYEON: YI HEON'S STEPMOTHER

[clears throat]

KANG MOK-JU: FOURTH JUNIOR CONSORT, YI HEON'S CONCUBINE

[breathes shakily]

[grunts]

[gasps]

-[inhales sharply] -[sighs]

MAENG MAN-SU: SENIOR-LEVEL ASSISTANT COOK

EOM BONG-SIK: SENIOR-LEVEL COOK

[sighs] What?

Damn, of course they wrote it in cursive. I wonder what that is?

"Lee." Huh?

The theme of this competition is...

"Family."

Oh, of course. It couldn't have been "Lee."

[exhales sharply]

The meal you will be creating in this competition

must fully embody the spirit of family.

And as for the ingredients you'll use...

Tofu and doenjang, to the best of your ability.

Tofu and doenjang.

The time limit is only two hours.

Now, begin!

[sighs, sniffs]

[gong chimes]

THE COMPETITION BEGINS

It is currently half past the hour of the Horse.

HALF PAST THE HOUR OF THE HORSE: AROUND NOON

FILIAL PIETY

[Ji-young] There's no way I can beat those other cooks with royal cuisine anyway.

Focus, focus.

Tofu and doenjang, tofu and doenjang, tofu and doenjang...

[father] I've made a new dish for you to try.

[Ji-young] Oh, what's this?

[father] I don't know if you've ever heard of doenjang pasta.

Doenjang pasta? It's so delicious.

-Yeah? Then eat up. [laughs] -[laughs]

[Ji-young] That's it.

I'll win this thing with the doenjang pasta that Dad used to make all the time.

That should satisfy the Grand Royal Queen Dowager's taste.

[Yi Heon] Gwinyeo, do not make a mistake, for they will show you no mercy.

[Ji-young] Hey, what's with that smirk? [sighs] He's unbelievable. Seriously.

[giggles, sniffs]

[Ji-young] At the end of the day,

having good ingredients matters the most in cooking.

-[grunts] -There's no way I'll lose this.

[Jahyeon] Oh, goodness...

[chuckles]

[Inju] Oh.

Your Majesty, I understand you must be disappointed.

It does not take a fool to see that you have grown attached to this gwinyeo.

[chuckles]

Grandmother.

They say someone can only know another person

by spending time with them, correct?

There is simply no need to prematurely guess who will survive.

But you should know, Your Majesty, I have been feeling a bit, well,

not myself to tell you the truth.

And my appetite has gone.

You are famously known around here

for being a picky eater with a sensitive disposition. Are you too exhausted to eat?

I personally find that it adds to the enjoyment of the competition.

I look forward to seeing with great anticipation

whether our new Chief Royal Cook

can perform well enough to restore your lost appetite.

Trust me. I had intended to kill her but then I tasted her food.

We shall find out soon enough.

[chuckles]

[Inju] We shall see if things turn out as you say, Your Majesty.

[Mok-ju] Your Majesty, the thing I intend to sever is not the gwinyeo's arm...

but rather, Your Majesty's heart.

**** AND SPINACH DOENJANG SOUP

-[grunting] -[Ji-young gasps]

[breathing heavily]

[gasps]

Are you taking it all?

Whoa, give it to me. Give it here!

-[Ji-young] Tofu. -[grunts]

[Bong-sik coughing]

[Ji-young] It's crumbled.

[gasps]

Seriously, I can't deal with these people.

I have won. [chuckles]

[Man-su] When it comes to mullet,

ones with a white coat like this are usually best.

[Bong-sik] Oh, come on. You can't even catch a chicken?

[grunts] Got you!

-[chickens clucking] -[laughs]

[breathing heavily]

[sighs] Okay.

I've got enough tofu. Just not enough doenjang to make anything.

Oh, what do I do?

[sighs]

These guys are seriously the worst.

Huh?

It's spinach. And it's really fresh.

Well, spinach did come in between the late-Goryeo and early-Joseon periods,

so I guess it's not that odd that they have it.

Oh, perfect.

Spinach is packed with vitamins. It's great for strengthening your bones

and for anemia, so it'll be perfect for her health.

I'll add spinach pesto into the dish. Okay... spinach.

-What are you still doing over here? -[gasps] Eunuch Yoon!

The other cooks all have their ingredients

and are at the Grand Royal Queen Dowager's quarters.

-Is there any way I can get some doenjang? -Doenjang?

Is there none left in any of the jars at the Saongwon?

The jars have all been completely cleaned out by the other cooks.

Hmm...

Oh, no. That was the last of the jeolmi doenjang.

Ah... It was jeolmi doenjang.

So that's why the taste was so deep and flavorful when I tasted it.

[gasps] What am I gonna do?

The flavor of the paste is the most important thing, honestly.

Though it is not jeolmi doenjang,

there are some three-year-aged doenjang in the backyard. Follow me.

-Oh, really? Thank you. -[clears throat]

Thank you, Eunuch Yoon.

[Mun-jeong] What do you mean "a cooking competition?"

Given this disgraceful affair

involving the petitions and insolent words circulating in the palace,

Her Royal Highness has decided to handle the issue herself.

I understand Her Royal Highness's intent, but do we really have the luxury

to wait for the competition's outcome?

[Won-jun] Even if that lowly wretch does manage to win the competition,

a gwinyeo should never be allowed, ever, to accept the role of Chief Royal Cook.

You are all missing the point.

His Majesty will never back down from this decision.

-Instead, why don't we- -[Jesan] Goodness!

I... Uh... [chuckles]

I do apologize.

I have lost all strength in my hands. [chuckles]

That is all right.

-That's quite all right, Your Highness. -[grunting]

Your Highness.

Share your thoughts about the matter, Your Highness.

[chuckles]

Poop!

I need to go to the toilet. Uh...

-Goodness, where is the toilet? -[stammering] Can you not endure?

No, I need the restroom.

-[stammering] Follow me. -The toilet.

-[Mun-jeong] Oh, goodness, slowly now. -[stomach bubbling]

-It's come out. Oh, good lord. -[farts]

-Ew. -[Mun-jeong] Slowly, slowly.

[Jesan] Hey, don't touch me!

-Ooh... -Ah...

Oh...

[Bong-sik coughs]

Maeng Man-su.

Are you making eomandu?

It's clear that you learned how to cook in a Japanese village.

But if the thickness of the fish meat is not consistent throughout,

then while you steam your dumplings, the fillings will all just fall out on you.

Focus on yourself and don't worry about me.

It looks like you are making yeonpotang,

so you should be keeping an eye on how well the tofu is cooked.

[inhales] I'm using this chance to show off

the exquisite soup dish that I once learned over in Sichuan.

-[coughs] -[gate opens]

[coughs]

[clears throat]

[exhales] Relax, Yeon Ji-young, you've got this.

[coughs, clears throat]

[grunting]

[gasps]

[Yang] The gwinyeo cook seems to have kneaded some kind of dough.

There's no way. Noodles?

Uh, that would be too simple for a competition.

[Sung] But, she seems to be blanching a strange vegetable.

I have never seen that kind of vegetable before.

Oh, come on now. Don't you know about jeokgeunchae?

[scoffs] Of course you wouldn't. You've never gotten your hands wet, ever.

Ah, so that's jeokgeunchae, huh?

But that is a muknamul. It's meant to be dried first.

That's not all. She's adding something and grinding it down. See?

-Hmm... -I am not sure whether she is

ignorant or brave.

The gwinyeo's arm will not last long if she continues doing things like that.

Yes. She will soon cry out in agony!

Quiet down, you two.

[both] Yes, Your Royal Highness.

[Jahyeon sighs] What on earth is she trying to do?

That wench, it seems, simply does not measure up to the other two cooks.

Cook Maeng looks like he's making the eomandu

that Her Royal Highness complimented at the most recent banquet.

-[grunts] -[Mok-ju] And Cook Eom

seems to be making yeonpotang, his specialty,

-so I am definitely feeling peckish. -[chuckles]

[chuckles] Eomandu and yeonpotang?

[chuckles]

I also cannot wait. Right, Your Majesty?

I don't know.

They can try, but it will be a taste we all know.

It seems that Your Majesty is still looking forward

to the gwinyeo's dish the most out of the three.

Yes. The Chief Royal Cook's food has amazed and astonished me with every dish.

[Inju laughs]

I do wonder if I will also be amazed by the taste that Your Majesty experienced.

I am truly curious of her.

You must try it for yourself.

Though a person's mouth may lie, it is true that the senses cannot.

[sighs]

[sighs]

[Chun-sik] Doenjang stew is a dish with deep meaning for Her Royal Highness,

so she often asks for it.

[Ji-young] A refreshing umami flavor?

[Chun-sik] She has always been a picky eater since she was young,

and I heard she could not eat a single thing the day she entered the palace,

sobbing over leaving her caretakers.

Always been a picky eater.

The final meal her mother ever made for her, I heard,

was soup cooked with doenjang from the Seomjin River.

She ate it with rice soaked in the broth,

and she always missed the taste of that soup.

I remember her saying that broth was exquisite.

[inhales]

She described the soup as having a refreshing umami, if I recall correctly.

[gasps] Is that all?

The cooks did what they could to recreate the taste

whenever she asked for doenjang soup,

but she always said that it wasn't the same taste.

[Ji-young sighs] What do I do?

This refreshing taste that Her Royal Highness is looking for...

What kind of umami flavor could it have been?

Did she really feel that way about the food

because it was the last meal her mother made for her?

[sigh]

Then I don't think a plain doenjang pasta is going to cut it.

Oh! Oh, gosh! What are you doing spacing out like that?

Focus. Focus!

[sniffs]

[chuckles]

That smells amazing.

Well, on to chopping some green onions.

[chuckles]

Huh? Did I use all the green onions?

Man-su, hey, can I borrow some onions?

[laughs]

I used most of mine in the broth. [chuckles]

Why aren't you answering me? Can you not hear me?

Oh, really? I said let me borrow some green onions.

[grunts]

Not being able to properly prepare the ingredients

in this official competition is a good enough reason for elimination.

There can only be one Chief Royal Cook.

I didn't know you were like that, but you are heartless.

[Ji-young sighs]

A refreshing umami taste.

[sighs] How did she create it? What needs to go in for it to...

-[Bong-sik grunting] -What are you doing? Ugh, let go!

[both grunting]

-Oh! -[chuckles]

Hmm. [chuckles]

-The green onions... -You...

-Ah! -[scoffs]

What idiots.

[sighs]

[gasps] Refreshing umami...

Got it!

That should be enough for broth.

-What are you doing? -Just one moment.

Let me through. Let me, please!

Where are you running off to during the competition?

I will be right back!

-[straining] -[court person grunts]

I'm going out quickly because I'm short on ingredients! Just for a second!

-Bring her over here! -I... [gasps]

Ugh, seriously?

[breathing heavily]

[gasps]

What is this about?

I would like to use one more ingredient. Will you please let me?

[chuckles] What sort of nonsense is this? Get back to your station!

-I... I'm really sorry, I just wanted... -What ingredient do you want?

Well, see, here's the thing...

I must humbly interject to say that is not permissible, Your Majesty.

Currently, there is no telling what kind of dish the cooks will present.

However, now that the other cooks' dishes are finally starting to come together,

this woman wants to add an ingredient midway?

She knows that she is no match for the other cooks,

so she is just trying to change up her dish now.

[Ji-young] The rule was to complete the dish within the time limit.

No one mentioned that we couldn't use any more ingredients.

Even if you are right about that,

since you have by now seen what everyone is cooking in the competition today,

I believe that letting her add more ingredients

to her dish at this late stage would be unfair.

[sighs]

[Inju] Hmm.

[Ji-young] It's true that I have changed my mind about my dish,

but it is not for the reason that you have just said. Truly.

Making a change to the dish you were going to create is actually insanely difficult.

[gasps] My time is running out!

[chuckles]

Isn't that for you to solve?

My grandmother.

While it goes against fairness as Consort Kang said,

there was no rule against the cooks using more ingredients in their dish either.

So, let her use extra ingredients.

If she happens to lose the competition,

how about you cut off both of her arms?

[Ji-young] That crazy psycho bastard. You keep your mouth shut!

Ugh, this guy's really pissing me off.

That's truly an amazing idea, Your Majesty.

-[laughs] -[Yi Heon sighs, chuckles]

[Inju chuckles] Very well. I agree.

However, if your motivation was to insult His Majesty and me, as Consort Kang said,

you are to have no objections to losing your head.

[stammers] Y-Yes. Yes, makes sense.

[Ji-young] Grandma, honestly, whether you chop off my arms or my head,

it would be the end for me anyway.

[gasps] Look at the time.

If I go out now, I won't finish.

Gil-geum! [breathing heavily]

SEO GIL-GEUM: GIRL WITH HEIGHTENED SENSE OF SMELL

I have got you. [grunts]

[breathing heavily]

CHU-WOL: INSPECTOR COURT LADY

[Ji-young] This is the only way I can beat the taste of jeolmi doenjang.

I need to give it a smoky flavor.

Wow. What obnoxious theatrics.

That just seems unnecessary.

Whoa...

What did she just do to the tofu? I think maybe she just put it into the oil?

-[gasps] -[panting]

Nearly there. Just wait a little longer.

[screams]

[grunting]

Miss...

[Ji-young] Wait, but what's taking Gil-geum so long?

I would expect no less of Cook Maeng. I cannot wait to taste the eomandu.

Cook Eon's yeonpotang looks wonderful as well.

It's as if there's a small banquet surrounding the soup bowl.

[chuckling] Yes.

[Sung] Did she just

dunk the jeokgeunchae into the soup raw?

Who would put that in a soup?

What's that?

She is putting jeokgeunchae into a doenjang soup?

[Yi Heon] Is it a new dish, or have you made a mistake, Cook Yeon?

You must showcase the exquisite taste of your dishes to Her Royal Highness.

[Ji-young gasps] Gil-geum, please.

You can't keep me waiting any longer.

-[sighs] -[gate doors open]

[grunts] Hey!

[Gil-geum breathing heavily]

[Ji-young] Gil-geum!

Gil-geum!

-I... [grunts] ...I'm late. Sorry. -What is it? What happened?

-Do you have blood on your head? -I can tell you what that is

later on today, okay? Hurry up and take this.

Thank you so much.

That's all right.

Oh, and miss, do not act recklessly, okay?

[Ji-young] This is it. I should be able to use it right away.

What was that the gwinyeo cook added into her dish just now?

Uh...

I am afraid I do not know, Your Royal Highness.

She does not know...

I mean, did she not put jeokgeunchae into the doenjang soup earlier on?

Has this method ever been used in cooking?

[Gyeong-ok] It is indeed doenjang soup,

but it is being made in a way I have never seen before.

How truly... [inhales] ...interesting.

What if all of us end up getting sick as a result of eating that?

Is it safe? Could eating jeokgeunchae actually cause us all to get sick?

Unfortunately, I have never seen it blanched and seasoned

quite like that before, so it is hard for me to give you an accurate answer to that.

What's that? I should not be consuming something like that.

Shall I stop her from cooking, Your Royal Highness?

Are you mocking me right now?

I clearly ordered that this competition for Chief Royal Cook be held!

Your Majesty, I apologize. Please, forgive me!

I've committed a sin worthy of death, Your Majesty.

[Inju] Your Majesty, the senior court lady was merely following protocol.

I am sure she wouldn't dare mock Your Majesty. Will you please calm yourself.

Protocol?

[laughing]

Did you really just say protocol to me? [scoffs]

Everyone, listen up. This competition is to find the next Chief Royal Cook.

This could be construed as a violation of my rights as a king.

For I was the one who ordered the gwinyeo to be the Chief Royal Cook.

-Your Majesty. -But since this was a first,

people's concerns were considered, which is why I allowed this competition.

But if you demand that we stop before even trying the food,

just because Cook Yeon is making dish that is unknown to us,

what would that make of me, who issued a royal decree

that they compete again for the Chief Royal Cook position?

Your Majesty, will you please calm down.

As Your Majesty said, no law forbids that gwinyeo

from becoming the Chief Royal Cook.

However, I simply do not want to set too extreme a precedent for the future.

Your sentiments regarding the matter are duly noted.

So now, we should taste all the dishes and then make a decision.

[Yi Heon] I knew from the very beginning that this competition

was held with the intention of bringing down the Chief Royal Cook.

Please gwinyeo... please finish on time.

[Bok-sun] Time is officially up.

[Yi Heon] Cook Yeon,

everything rests on the taste of your dish now. Will you become my rightful cook?

Or will you meet your demise here?

EOMANDU: A JOSEON ROYAL COURT DISH OF STEAMED DUMPLINGS

WITH THIN SLICES OF FISH USED AS THE DUMPLING SKIN

[Inju] Mmm.

Mmm.

[sniffs]

It is very tender and quite moist.

Tell me, what makes this so soft, unlike other types of dumplings?

Yes.

That moisture comes from the dumpling skin made from mullet meat,

which was finely filleted into translucent slices.

It is a truly tender eomandu, Your Royal Highness.

-[Inju chuckles] -[Yi Heon] Mmm.

Mullet dumpling skin that is coated in starch and finely minced beef.

The stir-fried cucumber, bean sprouts and tofu

come together in bursts, filling your mouth to the edge.

[Sung] Your Majesty's palate is just so impressive.

This is so delicious. I am speechless.

It is delicious, however...

I cannot really taste much of the doenjang.

For the doenjang, I mixed it together with vinegar and honey for the sauce.

In the sauce, you say?

Hmm...

The taste of doenjang is in there...

but it's a pity that you only put it into the sauce.

The texture of the dumpling skin that melts

the moment it touches the tongue is exquisite,

and the dumpling filling bursts with a rich flavor.

Each one is cooked to absolute perfection.

That is true, indeed.

It is such a perfect dish, even for an old woman like me, to eat.

You honor me, Your Royal Highness.

So tell me, how did you incorporate the theme of family into this dish?

Your Royal Highness is the parent of the people.

The people offered the ingredients to Your Majesty as a sign of respect,

so I prepared a dish

to offer to Her Royal Majesty, using said ingredients.

I think this fits the theme and is the ultimate expression of family.

[Inju chuckles]

A very credible answer.

-A wise answer, Your Royal Highness. -[Yi Heon scoffs]

If it is as you say, does that not then apply to all dishes in the palace

that are made with ingredients received as gifts?

[crow cawing]

[sucks teeth]

YEONPOTANG: A JOSEON ROYAL COURT DISH

OF CLEAR SOUP WITH TOFU COOKED IN THE BROTH

Tofu yeonpotang, is that right?

Yes, it is, Your Royal Highness.

I saw you enjoy it very much at the last banquet,

-so I decided to showcase my skills. -[chuckles]

It has a very clean taste.

And how did you accomplish this tofu pancake's texture and taste?

It is because I filled the inside of the pancake

with chicken instead of beef to make it less greasy.

All while bringing out its tenderness.

How did you make this tofu pancake today?

After searing the tofu pancakes over a pan,

I tied them up with water celery to add fragrance.

Then, I added depth to the flavor by dunking it into chicken broth

mixed with jeolmi doenjang.

So that explains why the tofu pancake went so well with the broth.

The aroma of the various rare mushrooms is also excellent.

You honor me infinitely, Your Majesty.

I did enhance the flavor by using Pyogo mushrooms from Jinan,

and Cordyceps, which are good for vitality.

[laugh]

In this yeonpotang that you have made, how does family manifest itself?

According to the Mingxin Baojian,

when a household is harmonious, everything is accomplished.

And when children are pious, it brings the parents joy.

I prepared the tofu yeonpotang with the hope that

all the royal descendants would gather and enjoy a warm royal meal together.

My feeling is that this is a nice, hearty dish

that a family can sit down and enjoy together.

[Jahyeon] Yes, you are right.

This reminds me of your banquet, Your Royal Highness.

[Yang] The tofu pancakes turned out a lot better this time, though.

-They seem to have a deeper flavor. -Mmm.

[sighs] Hmm.

So what you are meaning to say is...

you've managed to capture the heart of a child who's serving their elders?

-[bird caws] -[stammers]

Yes, that's right, Your Majesty.

[scoffs]

-Just a soup? -[sighs]

[Ji-young] Wait, what? Are you on my side or not?

What on earth were you thinking when you made this dish?

[sighs]

It's a special doenjang soup made for Your Royal Highness.

Please, try it.

[slurps]

Hmm.

[slurps]

[slurps]

[slurping]

[Ji-young] Huh? What's up with their reactions?

I honestly can't tell if they like it or not.

[sighs]

[Yi Heon] It has a really refreshing umami taste.

I cannot believe that she thought to add this to the dish.

[Ji-young] No way. Did he actually figure it out?

Wow, he really does have an amazing palate.

All right then, and how did you incorporate family into this dish?

This dish really embodies lots of different aspects of family.

The doenjang soup incorporates roasted doenjang,

and has a deep flavor reminiscent of a mother's cooking.

Secondly, the tofu is fried,

emphasizing its flavor. Inside...

Stop your chattering and get to the point!

Or I will have your arms chopped off right now!

[Inju] Enough.

This meal...

contains family.

[Ji-young sighs] She's eating, she's eating. [gasps]

[sighs] What a relief.

[young Inju sobbing] Mother, no, I don't want to eat it.

Just let me go.

It will be difficult for you to go to the palace without eating anything.

I really don't want to eat it, though.

[mother] This dish is called doenjang

and I sent someone to fetch it all the way from the Seomjin River.

Once you enter the palace, it will be difficult for us to meet.

Please just have one spoonful.

[breathes shakily]

[cries softly]

[Inju] It's a miracle. How could she have known about this taste?

I intended to teach her a lesson about family.

But she has given me my family through this dish.

The, uh... [sniffles]

...final ingredient that you added in...

What was it?

SMALL FRESHWATER CLAM

Jaecheop, Your Royal Highness.

[Ji-young] Nothing beats jaecheop when making a refreshing broth.

In the Joseon Dynasty, only people near the Seomjin River

or Nakdong River would have gotten to try it.

The spicy and refreshing flavor of the jaecheop,

which the Chief Royal Cook risked both her arms to add,

has given a crunchiness to the doenjang soup.

[Ji-young] Ooh.

There's a good tyrant.

[sighs]

[Mok-ju] That wench. So that's how she has been flirting with His Majesty.

[Inju] By jaecheop...

Are you referring to those clams that go into the broth in the dish?

Yes, that's right.

That is the umami, the secret to the refreshing flavor.

The very flavor you've been in search of.

I believe that the last doenjang soup that your mother made for you

also had the taste of clams from the Seomjin River in it.

I have captured that crispiness in this doenjang soup.

[swallows]

[chuckles]

However, this is my first time trying it like this.

So, how did you get the idea to add this jeokgeunchae into the dish?

It tastes very delicately smooth and sweet.

[Ji-young] Oh, no, she's asking about something so obvious?

Did I just become the creator of jaecheop spinach doenjang soup?

Hmm. The jeokgeunchae becomes smooth and sweet

when you add it into soup, so it goes great with doenjang.

They also taste great blanched and seasoned,

I served them as a side too. Also...

Also?

I noticed earlier, you were trembling and struggling to keep your balance,

so I was concerned.

Jeokgeunchae is good for anemia and your bones,

so eating it often will definitely help you.

Your Royal Highness.

[both sigh]

Sikyakdongwon. That phrase we all know.

It means that food and medicine share the same roots.

If you had to choose, I'd much rather that you stay healthy

with delicious food rather than bitter medicine.

Your wisdom runs deep, doesn't it?

[chuckles softly]

I will no longer

question who you are.

But...

Can you make me this kind of food again, many times over?

Yeah?

Y-Yes, I will try.

[sighs]

So, uh...

I guess the winner has been decided.

[sighs]

[Inju sighs]

The winner of today's competition is...

Cook Yeon Ji-young.

-[gasps] -[exclaims]

[gasps]

[Ji-young] I made it. [gasps]

Thank you, thank you.

Dad, I made it out alive!

The jeokgeunchae doenjang soup

that Cook Yeon made truly captured the enduring spirit of family.

Using a method we've never seen before, she used jaecheop and jeokgeunchae

to create a dish that captures a refreshing umami taste,

and even restorative properties...

to stir something deep in me.

From now on, the Chief Royal Cook of the royal kitchen is...

Ji-young of the Yeon clan.

[giggling] Thank you.

Now, you all should be very proud of yourselves.

Now...

It looks like it's time for punishment.

Have the two losing cooks from the competition

kneel at the chopping blocks.

[soldiers] Yes, Your Majesty!

-Your Grace, please... -No... [grunts]

[grunting, panting]

-F-For real? Really? -[Bong-sik grunting]

Set their arms on the chopping blocks.

[soldiers] Yes, Your Majesty!

[Bong-sik] Please spare us!

No.

No!

-[Man-su whimpers] -[Bong-sik] No! [whimpers]

No.

[panting]

Wait, Your Majesty! [panting]

You have the audacity to interfere?

[breathes heavily]

I'm sorry.

If you cut these two cooks' arms off, you would be ruining the competition,

Your Majesty.

Is that truly what you want?

What is this nonsense that I am hearing?

A vow is a vow!

[Bong-sik] No, no!

[gasps] Your Majesty!

Today's theme for the competition was family.

-You step back while I ask nicely. -Your Majesty.

Her Royal Highness has been enjoying these two cooks all this time,

and it's kept her in good health.

Wouldn't cutting off their arms be a great breach of respect

and loyalty towards Her Royal Highness?

Bastard.

The only reason I kept you alive is because you were a decent cook,

and now you're here trying to instruct me?

Do you truly have a death wish?

I wanna be alive.

And I'm sure they want to live as well.

Cutting off a cook's arms is no different from killing them.

We only competed to create better dishes,

so how does this constitute a crime worthy of death?

You shut your mouth!

[sighs]

Your Majesty!

Cook Yeon is right.

Please forgive the two courageous cooks.

From the very beginning, this all happened

because I failed to properly understand Your Majesty's intentions, did it not?

I...

I will be honest with you.

I really thought it was a shame that you held such contempt for deer

and that you enjoyed hunting them as much as you did.

The late king was so attached to them.

Recently, I heard that Cook Yeon had

unknowingly served you a plate of deer meat,

which is the reason I chose family as the theme today.

[Ji-young] Oh, so that was the story behind this?

[sighs]

This guy's really something else.

Regardless of how much you hate your father...

[Inju] But now,

Cook Yeon stands before me,

as the appointed and thoughtful Chief Royal Cook.

Who has shown us the essence of family through her cooking.

I truly understand why you favor her like you do.

Your Majesty, today...

it's up to you to end things here.

[sighs]

However...

A competition is a competition.

Must we not make a clear distinction between the reward and punishment?

Then, how about...

We have the two cooks,

so they may act in loyalty and with respect to the royal family...

Learn from the wonderful Cook Yeon, even if it's just for a short while?

-Please spare me! Your Majesty! -Please spare me, Your Majesty!

[cooks crying]

Your Majesty, Can you please? Please?

[servants] Please! Please spare them, Your Majesty. Please, please don't do it.

[cooks, servants pleading]

[Ji-young] Please, Your Majesty!

[Bong-sik pleads, echoing]

[grunts]

[breathes shakily]

[groans]

[breathes deeply]

Two cooks, listen well.

The promise made for the competition must be rightfully fulfilled.

However, since the Chief Royal Cook and Her Royal Highness pleads with me so,

I will make a special exception.

Just this one time I will spare you your lives.

As Her Royal Highness has said,

the two cooks who lost the competition are, for the time being,

to learn to cook from Cook Yeon.

With this, we will conclude this competition.

Chopping blocks away.

[soldiers] Yes, Your Majesty!

-[gasping] -[panting]

[sighs]

Your Majesty.

Shall we head inside and enjoy a cup of tea?

-Today, I... -Maybe it's that Cook Yeon's cooking

reminded you of a face that you long for, but you seem to be...

In an unusually generous mood today.

[chuckles]

Please come inside.

[sighs]

[Jahyeon] With today's events,

it seems there will be no more disputes regarding the gwinyeo cook.

Did you see Consort Kang get up to leave first in rage?

She got upset when it didn't go in her favor.

That's enough.

Now, I won't have to keep listening to her empty promises about paying me visits.

[Sung] However...

Once the competition ended,

did you see how abruptly his Majesty's temper flared at her Royal Highness?

[Yang] Yes, I agree.

I am concerned that he could actually know of that whole incident.

If not, there is truly no other reason

for His Majesty to be treating Her Royal Highness as coldly as he is.

What are you both talking about right now?

Do you truly not know these are things that should not be spoken aloud?

Maybe it's that Cook Yeon's cooking reminded you of a face that you long for.

But you seem to be in an unusually generous mood today.

[Sung] How could we be solely to blame for what happened?

If the deposed queen had not behaved so disgracefully,

it could have ended differently.

The mere thought of His Highness knowing of this sends chills down my spine.

Maybe we need to cover our tracks.

Please stop. His Highness doesn't...

He thinks that his birth mother died from an illness when he was young,

not that she was deposed and poisoned.

You never know.

Do you think it's possible he's got someone inves...

[Inju] That is enough.

Even if His Highness found out about the deposed queen's fate,

it cannot be helped, can it?

If we had the opportunity to go back in time...

I would do just as I had done.

I understand, Your Majesty, that also present was Her Grace.

IM SONG-JAE: CHIEF ROYAL SECRETARY

The false rumor about Your Majesty exiling Hong Gyeong-dal

because of Cook Yeon started in Jahongwon.

[Yi Heon] Consort Kang set all of this up.

Stop.

Chang-seon.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Where is Consort Kang now?

CHIEF EUNUCH OF ROYAL FOOD

I heard that she returned to Jahongwon.

Head to Jahongwon.

[staff grunting]

[groans]

Oh, God, my legs. Oh, God, my legs.

Honestly, why can't anything ever be easy?

-You know what I mean, Gil-geum? -Yes. Gosh.

We were all worried sick that we would lose an arm today. It was intense.

[clears throat]

[Ji-young] What's this?

[clears throat] I...

Thank you for earlier today.

I also learned a thing or two about cooking.

[clears throat] Oh, don't mention it.

[Bong-sik grunts]

We are all struggling.

I sure do appreciate it, though.

But gosh, why am I so thirsty?

Sure would be great if someone got me a glass of water.

[Bong-sik groans]

If they...

could get me a glass of water, that would be great.

[sighs, grunts]

[Ji-young clears throat]

Well, I will admit that you've got luck on your side,

and we did all make it out alive thanks to dumb luck.

Ugh, well, by luck, I mean...

[gasps]

You really took the long way to say thank you.

[clears throat]

Ooh.

[chuckles]

[exhales sharply]

I might actually be a bit hungry, too.

Have we got any eomandu from earlier?

Eo-Eomandu?

Mm-hmm.

[inhales sharply]

Do we not have any eomandu...

For me?

Damn it to hell!

[all laugh]

[sighs]

Oh, uh, Man-su!

[Bong-sik clears throat]

[Gil-geum giggles]

Oh, my goodness, I guess you've truly become the Chief Royal Cook now.

Such a relief, isn't it?

With that, the order of the royal kitchen is officially decided.

By the way, Gil-geum, how's your head injury doing from earlier on?

-Are you okay? -Ah... [sigh]

Well, see...

I was on the way from the Saongwon with the things for you,

when someone just knocked me over with their arm, and... [exclaims]

I hit the ground.

Really, Gil-geum?

How come you didn't mention it earlier on? Let me see.

[Gil-geum whimpers]

I mean, you were in the middle of the competition. How could I tell you?

I really am honestly all good.

Do you know who did it? Did you see their face?

I, um, missed it.

I fell while clutching onto the basket full of clams...

-Who are you? -But then a man appeared

and shouted at the culprit, making them run for their lives.

YI HEON'S JESTER WITH MANY SECRETS

The guy was Gong-gil, he's that handsome jester. [giggle]

Gong-gil?

[giggle]

[Mok-ju] She is definitely no ordinary wench.

If left alone, she will become a problem.

She's a woman with a motive.

She has got to be an informant or spy sent by someone.

She has proven, though, that she has a talent for cooking.

I know His Majesty doesn't have her around for no reason.

Do you think we should kidnap her secretly and sell her off?

She has luck on her side, so do not act recklessly.

I will lay a trap for her.

What kind of trap?

[Chang-seon] His Majesty the King has arrived.

What happened to you?

Were you concerned, Your Majesty?

I simply was the first one to get up

because my head was aching from the competition.

I heard that you organized today's competition.

Moreover, I heard the false rumor that I exiled Hong Gyeong-dal

because of Cook Yeon.

I heard that it started in Jahongwon.

[stammers] Your Majesty. [gasps]

[dramatic music plays]

[Yi Heon] Speak.

Why did you do it?

[sighs]

Answer me right now. I asked you why you did it!

To question the skill of the Chief Royal Cook directly appointed by me

is no different than denying the legitimacy of the king.

Do you not know this?

Do you think this is... [gasps]

...the time for coddling and siding with the gwinyeo?

What are you saying?

You once dedicated sleepless nights to chasing your sworn enemy

who drove your mother to her death.

Have you already forgotten what ensued that day?

[breathes shakily] You said you remember the day that they drove your mother out.

You said you would avenge your mother's unjust and untimely death, am I right?

You stop talking.

Mother's fate should not be dared spoken about.

At a time so critical,

you brought a gwinyeo with unknown origins into the palace,

and appointed her as the Chief Royal Cook.

And yet,

you would rather I remain silent, Your Majesty?

Is that why you acted without even confirming anything with me first?

Deeply, deeply disappointing.

Tensions often arise from trivial matters

but can get out of hand once things go wrong.

As was the case with the unforgivable act the late king did to your mother.

Shut your mouth!

You shut that mouth.

[crying]

You once dedicated sleepless nights to chasing your sworn enemy.

You said you remember the day that they drove your mother out.

...unforgivable act the late king did...

You said you would avenge your mother's unjust and untimely death, am I right?

-Your Majesty. -[groaning]

[echoing] Are you all right, Your Majesty?

[groans, pants]

Oh, my goodness. Let's calm you down.

-[groans] -Calm down, Your Majesty.

No! No.

[panting]

[grunting]

Your Majesty.

-Your Majesty! -[grunts]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[breathes shakily]

[sniffles]

[Jesan] That gwinyeo cook really is something else.

RESIDENCE OF GRAND PRINCE JESAN

To have one's skills recognized by the Grand Royal Queen Dowager.

DEOK-CHUL: BODYGUARD OF GRAND PRINCE JESAN

Now I'm curious as well to try the food she makes.

It is only right that Your Highness will get the chance to try it as well.

How about tasting the gwinyeo's food with His Majesty

during the royal meal next month...

JINHU: CEREMONY EXAMINING THE KING'S HEALTH

...since it's the month of the jinhu?

Mmm. That's a good idea.

And what do you know of the Salgoji Forest assassin?

Your suspicions were right.

Director Kim Yang-son, the older brother of Kim I-son,

who during the Muin Purge was posthumously mutilated,

was in fact acting alone for vengeance.

[sighs]

Even though I talked his ears off about not acting alone until the time comes.

[sighs]

Have you found the assassin?

Yes, we did find him, although...

What does that mean?

[drums beating]

[Deok-chul] His face was hidden behind a mask, so it could not be seen,

but they say he moved as swiftly as the wind.

He must be quite the master of his craft.

[dramatic music plays]

Your Highness, if you grant me three days,

I will personally hunt him down and end his life.

[ominous music plays]

No.

Leave it for now.

We need to do something tonight.

They are an important figure.

Be well prepared.

I've been told you showed incredible skill in this competition as well.

-[exclaims] -As for that bag or knapsack or whatever,

-I will find it for you one day. -Mmm.

-It's a chance to win His Majesty's heart. -[gasps]

Since His Highness likes all his women dressed extravagantly,

try to adorn yourself beautifully with these jewels.

Uh... [stammers] Hold on. Wait a minute. [chuckles]

Uh, what do you mean?

-You do not understand. -What?

There is definitely no fling between His Majesty and I.

-Right, Gil-geum? -[stammering]

Yes, that is true, yes.

Uh, she's not having a "flung" with His Majesty or anything.

-Uh, it's not flung. It's fling. -What?

-Fling? -Fling.

-Fling? Ah, fling. -What?

-What on earth are you saying? -So, uh...

What I actually mean to say

is that His Highness obviously doesn't like me in that way or anything.

Yep, that is exactly right.

-Hush up! -[whimpers]

You are so ungrateful.

Cook Yeon, do you truly not know

what His Highness has been putting himself through just to protect you?

Uh... Oh, you're meaning the competition? [sighs]

Given the results, it sure does look like he may have protected me,

but that's not really what happened.

My cooking skills were what convinced everyone at the end of the day...

[Song-jae clicking tongue]

Do you honestly believe that you survived solely on your own cooking skills?

Huh?

[Lady Kim] Cook Yeon, are you in there? It is time to serve up the royal meal.

[Gil-geum gasps] Ah, yes. Wait just a moment. [pants]

-Now then, I'll come back to see you. -Hey now,

you should finish what you were saying before.

I don't understand you.

[sighs]

Today as well, make sure to enjoy your...

fling with the king.

-[sighs] I can't believe this. -Fling.

Flung, my foot. Seriously.

-[Ji-young sighs] Gosh, sorry I'm late. -Oh, gosh. I'm so sorry. [chuckles]

[Ji-young clears throat]

I am the Chief Royal Cook.

Let's do it. Please follow my instructions, everyone.

-Firstly, Cook Eom, you will... -[Eunuch Yoon] Everyone!

[grunting]

[Bong-sik] Oh, goodness, Eunuch Yoon.

[pants, coughs]

Horrible news.

His Majesty at Jahongwon has suffered from a seizure.

But, I've heard he has already entered his chambers.

-What? -Um, the seizures are still...

They say he calmed down for a moment,

but he entered his bedchamber in a very sensitive state.

[whimpers]

So someone might end up dead over tonight's royal meal. [groans]

Everyone, be very thorough. Inspect everything.

You don't want to miss anything. Hmm?

-Yes, Eunuch Yoon. -Yes, understood.

[sighs, mutters]

So, does His Majesty get seizures?

Yes, when he starts going crazy.

[Yi Heon grunts]

Who in here poisoned the royal meal?

[Bong-sik] Throwing the royal meal dishes

and wrecking everything is just the beginning.

[Min] I have been told he even trembles like a leaf at times,

and that he has hallucinations.

[Sim] When the seizures start, all the palace staff are scared to death.

Your Majesty... [echoing] Your Majesty, are you all right?

[Bong-sik] Consort Kang is the only one who can calm him.

[Ji-young sighs] He's a notorious tyrant, but I haven't heard this one before.

What will you do?

[pensive music plays]

[Ji-young] How strange. He's usually so normal.

Maybe he's mentally unwell.

Or he's just so messed up because of everything that happened with his mother

the deposed queen.

[inhales deeply, sighs]

Then let's prepare a dish that will help calm and relax His Majesty's mind, okay?

Are you okay to...

I am not okay.

You know, I'll just try my hardest to survive, like you.

[chuckles]

[whimsical music plays]

[exclaims] Miss, it's coming out. It's coming out!

[Ji-young exclaims] All right. That looks great.

Ooh.

[exclaims]

-[all exclaiming] -Wow.

-[Yi Heon] You truly have a death wish? -[gasping, whimpering]

[Yi Heon] I should really...

[whimpering, crying]

Your Majesty, your evening royal meal is served.

CHOI MAL-IM: KING'S SENIOR COURT LADY

[Choi Mal-im pants]

[sighing]

[sighs]

Make your way out now!

[stammers] Then, what shall we do about the royal meal?

Do you wish to die right now?

Do not make me say it more than once!

Yes, Your Majesty!

Wait!

That blue ribbon hairpiece.

Are you not the Chief Royal Cook?

[playful music plays]

[sighs]

I'm so screwed.

[chuckles]

Yes, Your Majesty.

You stay put.

[sighs]

[door closes]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[sighing]

So...

what have you prepared today?

Noodles?

Today's special dinner menu is doenjang pasta.

I made the pasta noodles with buckwheat,

and savory stir-fried doenjang and clams with extra umami for the sauce tonight.

Are you mocking me right now?

I had food made with doenjang during the day as well!

[Ji-young] He's definitely extremely sensitive right now.

[groans] He was totally fine during the competition earlier on.

You see... [chuckles]

So, in Italian, this is pasta,

which is made from dough that is often used in other cuisines.

So although it may be seasoned using doenjang again,

it's a totally dissimilar dish. [chuckles]

"Iddalaro bustara"?

"Iddala"?

Pa-s-ta.

"Bastra?"

-Pasta, pasta. -Pas?

Pas...

-[clears throat] -Mmm.

You try it.

[gentle music plays]

[slurps]

Please try it.

[sighs]

[groans]

-[chuckles] -[sighs]

Here, watch me.

Hold this like this, and...

Ah.

[sighs]

[breathes deeply]

[whimsical music plays]

[Yi Heon] Busuta...

Hmm.

[chuckles]

[sighs]

[slurping]

[chuckles] Mmm.

[slurping]

[chuckles]

[slurping continues]

[moans]

[chuckles, slurps]

[Yi Heon sighs]

To think the doenjang I had earlier would taste so different now.

It goes well with the jeokgeunchae, producing a soft and sweet flavor.

The savory aroma of buckwheat and the umami of jaecheop,

permeating the palate until the end.

Right? [chuckles]

Correct.

Actually, this doenjang pasta

is a dish that my dad made for me all the time when I was upset.

I figured you'd have a lot on your mind today

with everything happening around you.

And considering I also had a crazy day,

I made this dish here with my father in mind.

Hmm. I see.

What about your mother?

Ah, she died when I was young.

Oh.

You must have felt alone.

[gentle music plays]

You must have been hurting.

[Ji-young gasps] Is he comforting me right now?

He looks so lonely because he's got no one to open up to.

[Yi Heon] You must have been lonely like me.

Well, where is your father currently?

[sighs]

My dad is probably desperately out there looking for me.

[chuckles]

Oh, is he not aware that you came to the palace?

-Should I send a message for you? -[chuckling] Oh, no, Your Majesty.

I keep repeating myself and you just don't seem to believe me,

but I'm from the future. I didn't lie to you.

[sighs, scoffs]

If only I was able to find my bag, I think I could prove it.

-Is this what you are looking for? -Yes, this is it!

[chuckles] Thank you! [screams]

You mean the knapsack that I dropped off the cliff?

Yeah.

The book inside it...

Mangunrok, I think it's called.

[sighs] If only we could find that book, maybe you would believe me.

Mangunrok?

What kind of book is this Mangunrok?

If I'm right, it's the thing that brought me all the way here to the Joseon era.

It brought you here?

How did that happen?

A time slip, you know? [chuckles]

[sighs]

Could be that the book was enchanted in a way.

It brought me to here.

I do not understand what you are saying, but okay.

Tell me about my future.

If you get this right, I shall believe you.

Further, I will mobilize the soldiers to find your knapsack.

Deal, then?

[Ji-young] Yeonhui, in the not-too-distant future,

the Gapsin Purge will occur in Joseon.

GAPSIN PURGE: AN INCIDENT WHERE THE KING EXECUTED

OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN THE DEATH OF THE QUEEN

Yes, go forth and speak. Go on.

[Ji-young sighs]

It's called the Gapsin Purge because it happened in the year of Gapsin.

And after that, a coup occurs, and you are eventually dethroned and deposed.

How can I say that?

It's not like I can change history.

Uh, what would you like to know exactly?

[clicks tongue] Okay, let's see.

[gasps]

First, you need to make it through the year safely.

Even if someone were to anger you, control it, and watch those close to you.

[chuckles]

[sighing]

[sighs]

-[gentle music plays] -[coos]

[Ji-young] Is the Gapsin Purge really going to happen?

[sighs]

Can I really afford to worry about someone else right now?

What should I do?

JAECHEOP DOENJANG PAASTA

[Yi Heon] On the Gihae day of the 20th day of Gyeongjin,

the Chief Royal Cook won a competition hosted by the Grand Royal Queen Dowager.

It has been several years since I ordered Lee Jang-gyun,

the principal drafter of the Hongmungwan, to find the draft.

He will return today with the secret of my mother from 20 years ago.

There was a book called the Mangunrok inside my bag, okay?

Mangunrok, I think it's called.

Mangunrok, I think it's called.

Mangunrok...

Mangunrok...

[dramatic music plays]

Does it mean to wish for clouds?

MANGUNROK

[music continues]

[music fades]

[Su-hyeok] Your Majesty, it is I, the commander of the Urimwi.

Enter.

What is it now?

Your Majesty, something terrible has happened.

Lee Jang-gyun, the chief Hongmungwan drafter,

he has disappeared.

What? How? Lee Jang-gyun?

Yes. We were supposed to meet at the North Gate entrance tonight

at the hour of the Pig,

but he did not show up, even after some time had passed.

I found this when I searched the area.

In a spot stained with blood.

LEE JANG-GYUN

[ominous music plays]

So an assassin got to him?

Yes.

[all grunting]

[grunts]

[assassin] Let's go.

[Su-hyeok] Given the bloodstains and fallen identification tag,

it appears he was taken down by assassins.

[slams table]

I'll make everyone suffer!

The order given to Lee Jang-gyun was top secret.

Who on earth could have done this?

What crime could my mother have possibly committed

that would justify such extreme efforts to cover it up?

Perhaps,

they were all involved in my mother's death.

All those who desire position and power.

I cannot trust anyone.

Then again,

I was always alone anyway.

Your Majesty. The night air is chilly this evening.

Please retire to your chambers.

Just get me a drink.

A drink?

I need to get drunk tonight.

[sighs]

Your Majesty, drinking alcohol alone will harm your health.

You could at least enjoy food with it as well.

-[snoring] -[groaning]

[Chang-seon] Cook Yeon, are you in there?

Cook Yeon!

Mmm. Yes, coming.

[grunts] Oh, my gosh. I'm going insane.

Why won't he just go to sleep?

[sighs]

[sniffs, sighs]

Your Majesty, your meal is here.

[sighs]

Mmm.

[groans]

[gasps] Oh, Your Majesty! [panting]

-Your Majesty! Are you all right? -[groans]

Ah.

You're here?

[gasps]

Is he drunk?

-Oh, gosh. He reeks of alcohol. -[chuckles]

It's one thing after another with this guy.

Yes, tonight I've...

[gasps]

[stammers]

Your Majesty...

[gasps]

Please stay still.

[stammers]

Stay like this.

Just for a moment.

[crickets chirping]

[piano ballad playing]

[song continues]

BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY

You don't remember everything that happened last night?

[kisses]

[gasps]

[exclaiming] You're dead to me!

[grunts]

What do you want?

And the draft?

Because today, I, Consort Kang, will take care of the lunch preparations

-for the tea room. -[gasps]

I will proceed with the lunch I was originally going to make.

[Yi Heon] Who is the chief envoy this time?

I heard that they have brought three cooks along for the journey.

[Ji-young] Since a special person is coming today,

I'm going to show you blazing hot flavor.