Original subtitles

BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY

[dramatic music playing]

It is because...

[Ji-young] No way.

[Yi Heon] I have begun to see you for the woman you are.

[grunts]

It's simply because I like the food you make.

What?

Wait, why are you turned away from me when you're saying that?

[stutters] Well, I...

-I mean. -Hold on.

-Uh, well, so the thing is I... -Why are you running away?

-[stutters, grunts] -W-Why are you running... [gasps]

-[screams] -[grunts]

[romantic music playing]

[both breathing heavily]

It is your fault.

If you had not kept coming towards me like that,

I would not have fallen over like I did.

Uh, w-why are you angry? It's okay to fall over, you know.

-[clears throat] -[sighs]

I'm okay, by the way.

-[sighs] I scraped myself. -Let me see.

[Yi Heon gasps]

That is more than just a scrape, is it not?

[blowing]

I will tell the royal doctor.

[chuckles]

Your Majesty, we get minor injuries like this all the time in the royal kitchen.

I'm really okay.

Oh.

Is that so?

-I didn't know that. [clears throat] -[chuckles]

I will tell the royal kitchen now to dull all the knives they have.

No, it's fine.

I found what I needed so...

I will return now.

Now that you've found your bag

you're returning where?

In the bag there's...

[chuckles] Your bag has what?

The Mangunrok is inside of it.

Huh?

Huh? Where is it?

[gasps] Hold on.

[breathing heavily]

What the... My phone's also missing.

My Mangunrok. My Mangunrok!

Calm down, Cook Yeon.

There was no book inside when it was found.

Where did you find this?

-Song-jae was the one who found it. -Song-jae meaning...

Chief Royal Secretary?

[sighs]

[Song-jae] There was definitely no book in this bag from the time I found it.

Are you sure about that?

Your Majesty, I would never do so much as lie in your presence.

[sighs] Oh, that can't be right.

I'm telling you, it was definitely in here.

-If you have it hiding somewhere with you... -[gasps]

-...please return it right now. -I told you, I know nothing of it.

If I knew, I would return it to you right away.

Oh, man, this is crazy.

[Yi Heon] Cook Yeon,

what I think has happened is the book must have fallen out into the Salgoji Forest

-when your bag fell off the cliff. -[sighs]

I mean, my lipstick, pouch,

passport, and wallet are all in here, but the book's fallen out?

I mean, if not that, why is it the only thing missing?

Think about it.

What would Chief Royal Secretary gain from hiding it?

[mysterious music playing]

-I don't know about that. -I told you, it was not me.

[Ji-young, Yi Heon sigh]

What about this then.

After the envoy leaves, I will send my soldiers

to look for the Mangunrok in Salgoji Forest.

If that does not work, I will offer a prize and issue a mandate to find it.

How does that sound?

Do you swear that you will?

Your Majesty, I really do need to leave here

and go back to where I belong, okay?

I must return to the future.

[exhales sharply]

Right.

Since you so desperately seek this book, I'll do whatever I can to get it back.

Okay, thank you. [clicks tongue]

Well, I guess I'll have to wait it out then.

[sighs]

[sighs]

[sighs]

ROYAL KITCHEN

Has anyone heard of seoktanhyang?

They say His Majesty drank this liquor and said this... [inhales sharply]

"The taste is so sweet and fragrant

that I cannot help but hold it in my mouth, reluctant to swallow."

-[Bong-sik laughs] -[Gil-geum] Oh, my goodness. [chuckles]

-All right, all right. Enough of that. -[sniffs, sighs]

-Cheers to us. -Oh.

[all] Cheers!

-[Bong-sik laughs] -[giggles]

[grunts, clears throat]

[Sim coughing]

Uh-oh. Oh, um, you're here.

Ah, miss you are here.

[coughs] Oh, well, well. If it isn't the chief royal cook.

Yes. I'm a bit late, aren't I?

[Sim, Gil-geum grunt]

-[sniffs] -Uh...

-Wait, what is that smell? -Oh.

You weren't drinking, were you?

-Uh, no... -Um.

-...I don't smell anything. [chuckles] -[sniffs]

-[Bong-sik sighs] -Ugh, this is alcohol.

Well, uh, so, Cook Eom

-actually brewed us some good liquor... -[stammers]

...so we were just tasting it.

-Right, right. -Him.

It's uh, it is seoktanju.

I aged it for seven days and I opened it this morning

so we were only gonna have a drink each.

-[grunts] -[stammers] Since it's come to this.

Would you also like to try a bowl, Chief Royal Cook?

He... Uh...

Yes, miss. Uh, come on. Maybe just a little.

Can you... [stutters] ...not hold your liquor?

Uh, no... Well, it's not like that. [chuckles]

[Ji-young gulping]

-[exhales sharply] -[taps on floor]

[in Korean] ♪ What on earth ♪

♪ Am I trying so hard to find? ♪

♪ Where on earth ♪

♪ Am I flowing without rest? ♪

[in English] Hold on, hold on!

-[grunts] -Mmm.

You guys, there's no rhythm going here, you know? [exclaims]

I start singing, you come in...

-[taps floor] -...boom, boom, bap.

-Boom, boom, bap. -[grunts, exclaims]

You're supposed to give... [groans]

[all vocalizing]

[in Korean] ♪ I once saw the end of my life ♪

♪ My heart grew tight ♪

♪ What stopped me from living ♪

♪ Was the fear I had about my tomorrow ♪

-[cooks exclaim] -[in English] Good God, that reeks, ugh.

[in Korean] ♪ In those long and repeated days ♪

♪ I saw my abandoned self ♪

-[exhales sharply] -[cooks exclaim]

-Oh, the smell. -♪ I wasn't there ♪

♪ And neither was my Mangunrok ♪

♪ You must come back home ♪

[funky music playing]

-[Ji-young exclaims] -[Bong-sik vocalizes]

[Ji-young vocalizing]

[Ji-young] ♪ Where is the missing Mangunrok? ♪

♪ I will go back ♪

BLACK SESAME MACARON

[dramatic music playing]

[sighs]

[groaning]

-[Ji-young, in English] Oh, my head... -Oh, gosh.

-...hurts so much. -Miss, are you awake now, huh?

[groans] It hurts.

Gil-geum, what am I doing here?

[gasps] The royal dinner.

Don't worry.

There was an order for Cook Eom to prepare the royal dinner today.

Oh, okay.

-[sighs] -Uh, but did something happen to you?

[imitates Ji-young] Mangunrok!

Mangunrok! Oh, dear, my Mangunrok!

[normal voice] You went like that and started crying.

-Do you remember doing that? -[exhales sharply]

[sniffs, sighs]

Gil-geum, listen.

So they found the bag and the...

-The Mangunrok was not in there. -How did you know?

Well, I know because you were really drunk and you said it a lot of times.

Ah, I see.

[sighs]

Here I was thinking I would finally get to return home.

[sobs]

-What do I do now? -Goodness.

What do you mean? You said His Majesty promised to find it for you,

-didn't you? -[gasps] What?

I even told you about that?

[chuckles]

You have said it about thirty-six times.

-Anyway... -[sighs]

...with His Majesty backing you up so much, I mean, you can find anything,

-you know? -I don't know.

I-I don't know. I don't know.

[groans] I'm just going to sleep.

Come on, miss. Let's just hang in there a little longer, okay?

[sobs] Oh, geez. Where the heck is it anyway?

[Gil-geum] Hmm.

[crickets chirping]

[melancholy music playing]

What are you trying to say, Cook Yeon?

Your Majesty, I really do need to leave here and go back to where I belong.

I must return to the future.

[sighs]

But where...

do you keep saying that you'll be returning to?

I do not understand.

CHANG-SEON CHIEF EUNUCH OF ROYAL FOOD

[Yi Heon] So,

Ming's envoy has said he's unable to consume the food of Joseon?

[Won-jun] Yes, Your Majesty.

A message from Lord Yoo, the reception official in Yangju,

has told us that this is indeed the case.

[Min-seong] Judging by their nitpicking at the carefully prepared food,

saying it tastes bad, isn't it obvious that they're to demand something

under the pretext that we overlook the proper treatment of our guests.

Tell me this. What items were sent back with the envoy last time?

Peregrine falcons, jujube, horses, sable fur,

some patterned mats, textiles, silk, and white paper, Your Majesty.

So there was no ginseng?

[scoffs]

I see. That's what it is.

Your Majesty, what do you suggest we do now?

Why don't we put together some Ming food that matches the taste of the envoy?

There are Han people with good cooking skills

in the settlements for the naturalized citizens.

[scoffs]

Why don't we...

[inhales sharply]

...let them starve.

-What? [gasps] -[courtiers murmuring]

-Uh, st-starve? -[courtier clearing throat]

But Your Majesty,

is that not precisely the sort of excuse they've been hoping for all along?

He is right, Your Majesty.

What if they force us to buy their shoddy goods again,

like the last time, if we really let them starve?

How can you manage diplomacy while gripped by fear?

His Majesty is correct, Ministers.

How about, we do not allow the worry to take over,

-but instead, come up with a plan? -[Mun-jeong] He is correct.

-[sighs] -[Mun-jeong] As His Majesty said,

if we only focus on appeasing the Ming, we could lose other practical benefits.

Silence!

[Min-seong clears throat]

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

So I am sure they will not actually starve.

Regardless of what they are thinking,

we cannot afford to give them the upper hand.

Understand?

[all] Yes, Your Majesty.

Today's meeting is officially adjourned.

Strictly adhere to protocol.

[all] Yes, Your Majesty.

[door opens]

[courtiers murmuring]

Good Lord. What do we think he is planning this time around?

It would not be right to have guests here and not offer anything to eat, would it?

-[Won-jun] Exactly my point. -"Let them starve."

I do have to say, that answer was quite unexpected.

But, do you think His Majesty really meant for us to let them starve?

He instructed us to adhere to protocol...

so how about we cook the hamayeon well.

HAMAYEON: BANQUET HELD UPON THE ENVOY'S ARRIVAL

Of course. [laughing]

Let us get on our way.

Oh, gosh, what on earth are we supposed to do?

The Ming envoy's procession has finally arrived at the palace.

Hurry up and prepare the refreshments.

I heard they didn't eat because they don't like the Joseon food,

so you're going to need to show off your skills, Cook Yeon.

Wait, what was wrong with the Joseon food?

Wait so, did they really st-starve the whole way here?

So I have been informed.

I heard that this chief envoy is a eunuch

who is famous even in Ming for his culinary tastes.

We'll have to pay extra attention to the food.

-He was a eunuch? -[Eunuch Yoon] That's right.

The envoy visiting us is one of their most influential figures,

having raised the Ming Emperor since his crown prince days.

So one could assume that he has a refined palate.

[inhales sharply] Hmm.

We should prepare some refreshments that he has not tried before.

Does such a thing exist?

Yes.

Well, I'm not sure he will love it, but I did just think of something.

Oh, what a relief.

[exhales sharply] But even so, there is cause for concern.

Because I've heard the envoy is a bit of an eccentric in all regards.

I heard that as well.

It has been said that, under the guise of entertainment,

he brings Ming cooks with great skills to hold cooking competitions

against all the Joseon cooks.

[sighs] So you have heard that rumor as well?

Uiju, Pyeongyang, Yangju,

they say that the cooks in all regions he's gone through so far

were utterly humiliated before they knew what hit them.

[sighs]

[dramatic music playing]

TAEPYEONGGWAN

You would have had a hard time coming such a long way.

YU KUN: CHIEF ENVOY OF MING

-[translator 1 speaking Mandarin] -[in English] However,

I heard that the Joseon food was not to your liking,

causing you some issues.

[speaking Mandarin]

[speaking Mandarin]

[in English] He claims he didn't starve,

thanks to the Ming cooks that he brought along.

I trust that they are astoundingly talented in the kitchen.

[translator speaks Mandarin]

[speaking Mandarin]

[in English] He says that they serve as both his cooks and as his personal guards.

[speaks Mandarin]

[in English] So, first among the esteemed Ming dynasty cooks,

this man is the equivalent of a chief royal cook,

and the last descendant of the Sichuan Tang Clan

which actually was annihilated one-hundred years ago for treason.

He is a legendary cook who defeated all the most renowned inns of China

and claimed all their signboards as a symbol of his skill.

[Yu Kun speaking Mandarin]

[English translator] He is Tang Bailong, the master of Sichuan cuisine.

[blows raspberry]

That sounds a bit too much like fiction,

-doesn't it? -[gasps]

-[Eunuch Yoon clears throat] -[chuckles]

All right out of a martial arts novel. Keep going.

Next is Tang Bailong's niece and protégé.

I heard she is a cook who combines Sichuan cuisine with other regional dishes

to create a new tradition.

In other words...

[Yu Kun speaks Mandarin]

[English translator] Her name is Ya Feixiu, the fairy of Sichuan cuisine.

[sighs] She'd practically be a culinary researcher.

[clears throat]

Next is the most mysterious cook of them all,

known to be a descendant of Confucius.

He is said to be a master of Shandong cuisine,

one of the four great cuisines of China,

and they say his culinary skills are as precise as the blade of a knife.

[Yu Kun speaking Mandarin]

KUNG FU FARE: CUISINE OF CONFUCIUS FAMILY

SERVED TO THE EMPEROR

[English translator] He is Kong Wenli, the master of Shandong Kung Fu Cuisine.

That's a whole cooking movie right there, no?

[chuckles, clears throat] Well,

can't say I'm not intrigued.

[sighs] Oh, my gosh. Those cooks all sound like they're truly amazing.

[sighs] Someone like me, who studied abroad for a while

does not measure up to any of the cooks from the mainland.

[both sigh]

[stammers] Are you gonna be all right?

I'm reminded of an old saying. What was it?

"Often the grandest feasts, have nothing to eat."

We don't have time. Hurry up and get outside. Go, go!

[Yu Kun speaking Mandarin]

[in English] He is saying he will use those cooks to show the meaning

of true flavor to you, Your Majesty.

Thank you so much.

I look forward to it.

Just one thing though.

Tell him that I also have a chief royal cook.

[speaking Mandarin]

[in English] Let him know that I intend to give him

a taste of how good true Joseon cuisine is.

[laughs]

[speaking Mandarin]

[in English] He says he has already heard about the gwinyeo cook.

[speaking Mandarin]

[English translator] He says he is curious.

You will soon get to have a taste.

[tense music playing]

-Will you please come inside. -[translator 2 speaks Mandarin]

[grunts]

[in English] This is the secret weapon we'll be using for this.

Butter.

[mysterious music playing]

"Batter"?

"Botto"?

"Bulter"?

"Buttu"?

[sniffs] Oh...

Are you sure you can capture the taste buds of all the envoys with this?

Of course. Everyone knows that nothing eases the tension like a dessert.

-If it's envoys from Ming... -[Sim smacks lips]

...well, they'll be tired from the long journey.

So, sweetness is the way to win them over.

But how do you make this dessert anyway?

So, the way you do it is you

boil cow's milk and collect the residue that floats to the surface.

[Gil-geum] Oh, right.

I was wondering what you were making these last few days.

-Ah, so this was it, huh? -[chuckles]

Ooh. Last time it had a smell of hazelnut.

[sniffs] Ah, this time, it gives off a pretty tangy yet truly savory aroma.

-[sniffs] -You're right.

[Yi Heon sighs]

Your point being

that you expect us to add fifty more tribute women

and also double the amount of ginseng in relation to last time?

Was it not agreed upon last time

that we would no longer be sending any tribute women?

-[translator 2 speaking Mandarin] -So this is truly the Emperor's command?

[speaking Mandarin]

[English translator] He says he's just upholding the Emperor's orders.

Well, from the sounds of it,

the Emperor has changed his mind solely on a whim.

Like I told you last time, we can no longer send tribute women.

As for the ginseng...

I will consider it depending on what your country offers back to us.

[speaking Mandarin]

[tense music playing]

[in English] He says they will offer their finest materials, famous teas, ornaments

-and blue and white porcelain. -No change from the previous gifts.

So they would offer us the same amount in counter gifts,

while expecting our tribute to increase?

[speaking Mandarin]

[speaking Mandarin]

[oil sizzling]

[sighing]

[in English] Ah, isn't this the suyu that goes in suyu tea?

SUYU: OLD NAME FOR BUTTER

Suyu tea?

[gasps] Ah.

There was a royal tea named Suyu tea

made by adding butter to goji berry tea, right?

That's right. Suyu and butter mean the same thing.

[exclaims]

Uh, so, what are you planning to make with this suyu?

And what's that sujebi dough-like thing?

You couldn't possibly mean to add sujebi to the suyu tea, right?

The refreshments we'll be making are...

[chuckles]

[Chang-seon] Your Majesty, the refreshments have arrived.

[door opens]

[calm music playing]

[sighs, speaks Mandarin]

[in English] He is asking what it is.

This is a macaron, of course.

FRENCH DESSERT MADE PRIMARILY

WITH ALMOND FLOUR, SUGAR, AND EGG WHITES

"Macrong"?

"Macrong"?

[Ji-young] In the West, it's eaten as a snack or dessert,

and it is very sweet, so it lifts your spirits.

[speaking Mandarin]

-[English translator] What is it made of? -The macaron coques were made

using black sesame, almonds,

butter, egg whites, and some sugar.

These are Joseon-style macarons made with black sesame,

mugwort, gardenia, jujube, and rice.

[speaking Mandarin]

[in English] What is this thing in the middle that looks like a rice cake?

That's the filling that goes in between the macaron.

It's made by mixing butter, sugar, and black sesame,

and it's a cream filling with a savory yet sweet taste.

"Creamy"?

Yes. You should try it.

The super crispy texture and sweet taste of it should help relieve your fatigue.

[translator 2 speaking Mandarin]

[in English] Now, enough with the explanations.

Please go ahead and try it.

[speaks Mandarin]

[Yu Kun grunts]

[speaks Mandarin]

[grunts]

[sniffs]

[funky music playing]

[exhales sharply]

[sniffing]

Mmm.

[sultry music playing]

[sighs]

Mmm.

[energetic music playing]

[chuckles]

[moans, breathes heavily]

[laughs]

[clears throat]

How do you like the taste?

[translator 2 speaking Mandarin]

[speaking Mandarin]

[in English] He is asking about Cook Yeon.

[exhales sharply] Oh, yes.

That is the chief royal cook I spoke of.

I'm the chief royal cook. You can call me Yeon Ji-young.

[speaking Mandarin]

[speaking Mandarin]

[in English] He says Cook Yeon's refreshments are excellent.

[speaking Mandarin]

[in English] He would like to show you the taste of his great nation too.

Please give it a try.

[speaking Mandarin]

[dramatic music playing]

[in English] He is asking whether we would like to have Cook Yeon

face off against the cooks of Ming with our tribute on the line.

[Yi Heon] So, as I heard,

his real intention is to use the competition

as an excuse to receive a greater tribute.

[Ji-young] Chinese cuisine is insanely diverse.

A cooking competition?

Tell him we won't do it, okay?

Oh, that is a great idea.

[Ji-young] What are you doing right now? Tyrant, are you out of your mind?

We aren't prepared at all,

and they came here fully prepared. Can't you see that?

No, no. No, no, no, no.

No.

Although, since the envoy has brought three hwabus along with them...

HWABU: TERM FOR COOK IN ANCIENT CHINA

...why not have the same amount of cooks from Joseon

compete against them all?

[exclaims, speaking Mandarin]

[Ji-young, in English] Oh, God. You're killing me. Seriously?

What the heck are you thinking?

A team match? What the...

[Yu Kun speaking Mandarin]

[English translator] He says the cooking contest should be three rounds

with Your Majesty and himself as the judges.

[laughing]

What a great idea.

[speaks Mandarin]

[in English] Well then, we'll decide on the theme

-while we're at the next banquet. -[exclaims]

[Yu Kun laughing]

[Ji-young] I'm going to go nuts, seriously. Oh, my God.

Your Majesty.

You can't agree to do such things without consulting me first!

But did you not signal to say yes with your hand?

What signal?

Th-This.

No, that means don't do it!

Oh, my goodness.

How could you misunderstand me?

Honestly... You think cooking will resolve political issues?

Cooking is politics.

Here's the thing.

There's more to politics than weapons, diplomacy, and documents.

Resolving political issues by exchanging one another's food cultures

is a very peaceful solution.

How do you expect us to have a team battle with no preparation at all?

[scoffs] I'm not doing it, okay?

-[sighs] -"Teem bittle"?

Your Majesty.

Just listen. Can you please just call off this whole thing?

Could it be... you do not believe in yourself?

Listen, how could you just ask me to do this,

and have the entire nation's fate in my hands?

I think that's totally unfair.

I have recognized you as the best cook in Joseon.

Who else but you could do it?

Please, just give it your best and try for me and the people of this nation.

[sighs] This is pushing me to my limit.

I don't understand, why do I have to do it for the people of this nation, though?

You are the chief royal cook of Joseon.

Tell me what makes you think that

-saving the people is unrelated to you? -[sighs]

And what do we do if I lose?

You would be a traitor to the nation.

So you're telling me to put my life on the line once again

for a competition I am not prepared for at all?

Also, refusing to contend in the competition with Ming

would be considered treason.

Requests demanding the immediate punishment of the chief royal cook

-would flood in until... -[sighs]

As a result... Tsk, tsk.

I mean, you are practically saying

I will not survive if I either refuse the competition, or lose.

-[chuckles] You finally understand. -[gasps]

Wow. [chuckles]

So you are pretty much saying I have to win, without any time to prepare.

Did Seonjo, the cook of the Tang Dynasty,

become the first hwabu just by making good food?

A true cook does not blame time.

Instead they carefully select ingredients with intention.

Then they can create a masterpiece.

Yes, but, you can not keep telling me to risk my life over and over.

Hmm.

I don't think I can do it. [sighs]

If you win the competition,

The Mangunrok... I'll definitely find it for you.

Huh? That's something you already promised.

You said you would find it and let me leave.

I said I would find it for you,

but I never said that I would let you return to the future.

[stammering] Why are you saying that?

What do you mean?

You must win.

No matter what.

[sighs]

[Inju] You mean to say that cooks from Ming

will be having a competition with the cooks of Joseon?

Yes, Your Royal Highness.

Then what are we to do about this?

Just as I was beginning to enjoy the peace.

His Majesty's rash actions have created a serious issue for our nation.

How could the cooking skills of the chief royal cook decide our nation's fate?

Even though Cook Yeon is outstanding at what she does,

there's no guaranteeing she will win against the best cooks of Ming.

Hmm.

We must come up with a plan immediately before the situation only gets worse.

Yes, what kind of plan?

The envoy's name I hear is Yu Kun, correct? Also a eunuch, right?

-Yes, so I've been told. -[scoffs]

Seeing as how improperly he is treating us,

evidently he doesn't understand the rapport between the royal family and me.

I am going to give you a letter.

Please send it to the royal family of Ming.

Yes, it would be my honor, Your Royal Highness.

[sighs]

These are the refreshments that the Ming envoys got to enjoy today. Let us try.

[both gasp]

Indeed, she does have extraordinary skill!

-Her sunchae dish was also exquisite. -Mmm.

That is too sweet for me, I can not eat it.

What are we to do if she ruins the cooking competition

with Ming with such mediocre skills?

We will have to elect another cook instead of the chief royal cook.

Who? Who do you suggest?

Why are you making such a fuss just because you cannot get rid of a cook?

You must refrain from causing disturbances.

Just wait until we've carried out the plan.

-However... -[inhales sharply]

Listen to what I say.

[clears throat] If you wait, then someday, I will give you that wench as a gift.

Yes, Your Highness.

Through this competition, His Majesty will suffer a major setback,

and director Yu Kun, having obtained the ginseng mining rights,

will provide us with the grounds to reshape the sky of Joseon.

It is His Majesty's own fault for impulsively accepting

Yu Kun's cooking competition.

Everything's working out for us.

It is unlikely that her skills will be enough

to compete against the best cooks from Ming.

Although she seems to have luck on her side.

I wonder how things will turn out if His Majesty helps her.

His Majesty can try as hard as he wants.

However, Cook Yeon will never be able to win that competition.

[chuckles] That makes me suddenly look forward to the competition with Ming.

[chuckles]

[in Mandarin] This is from Grand Prince Jesan.

Is there something you wish to say to me in private?

His Majesty

is not of sound mind.

He often has fits

and even sees things that are not there.

Oh, dear.

Is this really true?

Whenever he has a fit,

he causes strange incidents that negatively impact the court,

so Joseon must resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Please relay this

to the Emperor.

Are you saying you wish

to change your ruler?

Then what do I stand to gain from this?

-[laughs] -I will ensure

that you win the cooking competition,

so set the stakes high.

Instead of 50, demand 100 tribute women.

Instead of demanding double the amount of ginseng,

demand the right to harvest all the ginseng in Joseon.

The thought alone pleases me greatly.

[laughing]

However,

it is a given that the greatest cooks of the Ming will win the competition.

How do you plan to help with that?

My lord, the chief royal cook of Joseon is incredibly skilled.

You tasted her food yourself, so you must know.

What if I refuse?

This is a record we kept

of all the gifts you received and the dates they were received.

Lord Sung! Are you threatening me, the Emperor's envoy?

I would not dare to.

I will leave this here.

Considering our long-standing ties,

I trust that you will help us.

Our long-standing ties, you say?

[chuckles]

[laughs] He is one sneaky old man.

Seeing how the officials who serve one king are divided in their loyalties,

it seems that this nation is nearing its end as well.

What do you mean by that?

It is none of your concern.

It seems that Joseon's chief royal cook is greatly skilled.

Are you referring to the refreshment, my lord?

That was just a petty trick.

That does not mean she can truly...

Every competition must be taken seriously.

The pride of our great nation is at stake.

Petty trick or not,

I have to say I am quite curious

as to how skilled the cooks of Joseon are.

How about I test them?

-Ya Feixiu! -No, Bailong.

Yes, my lord.

We must take this competition as an opportunity

to humiliate and discourage the Joseon king.

Will you have a go?

Leave it to me, my lord.

[grunts]

[in English] Whoa, she almost got me.

[grunts, panting]

-[in Mandarin] After him! [panting] -Yes!

GONG-GIL YEONHUIGUN'S JESTER WITH MANY SECRETS

[in English] Oh, wow. They actually feel my presence?

That's very disturbing.

Are they truly that skilled?

Yes. They're more than just cooks, it seems.

[sighs]

Hold on...

You saw the Imperial Director there as well?

You spoke with them? The Ming envoy?

Did everything go well?

Yes, Your Highness. You need not worry.

It was merely an exchange of words.

How can you be so sure he can be trusted?

Yu Kun is beyond cunning, Your Highness.

This is the second volume of Yu Kun's secret ledger.

The first volume I left with Yu Kun.

Well done.

But I fear the consequences of handing over

the rights to all of Joseon's ginseng mines...

Right now

is the time to guard Joseon's lifeline, even if it means sacrificing an arm.

The royal family must stand tall

-in order for the nation to stand tall. -That is right.

It is a small sacrifice we make here to save the ancestral rites of Joseon.

And so it is set.

If everyone's made their decision, we must move forward without hesitation,

to ensure that the Ming cooks, no matter what happens, win the competition.

I ask that you give the utmost effort in this task.

This competition

is going to be the starting point of Joseon's new dynasty.

No matter what.

[Yang-son] The time will come when that draft will be used.

[Jesan] Indeed.

It quickly approaches.

The bisang you were given, how did you use it?

I've tried, from the time of the jinhu until now,

but the royal kitchen has been so busy, I've had no time.

Of course you didn't.

No man has died without making excuses.

The royal kitchen will face the Ming hwabus in a cooking competition soon.

A cooking competition?

Yes. You will compete in it.

I shall see to it that you do.

Yes, I will do everything in my power to uphold the honor of the royal kitchen!

How sweet. No.

Joseon must lose this competition. Understand?

What?

[chuckles]

[grunts, sniffs]

Don't rub your eyes after touching these, or you'll be really sorry.

We've spent all day removing these seeds and pulling the stems off these, but why?

[yelps]

Why didn't you warn me sooner? [shouts]

What are you even going to use these for?

First we dry them like this,

and we ferment them into a paste, by turning it into a powder.

They say this is so spicy, you can die from eating it.

And we'll be trying to make a paste out of it?

So once it's been dried it'll be edible.

-You sure about that? -Oh, jeez. [grunts]

It's not poisonous. You can even eat it like this.

[Gil-geum] Mmm! Did you all see what she just did?

If she says this is the ace up our sleeve to win the contest then that's what it is.

Now hurry up! Move those fingers.

-That's it. Attagirl. -[Gil-geum] Chop, chop!

-Goodness, Man-su. -How is it?

Bet it's too spicy.

-[grunts] -[Gil-geum laughing]

[gags]

-[Eunuch Yoon] How are we all doing? -[Gil-geum] Oh, no.

[Bong-sik, strained] Oh, Eunuch Yoon, what brings you here?

Cook Yeon, His Majesty wishes to speak with you at once.

Is it about my request for the travel badge?

You will know after you speak with him.

Sure.

Your Majesty.

[Yi Heon clears throat]

So,

you requested a badge for travel?

Yes.

I'm making a new sauce for the competition.

But it's hard, so I'd like to explain it to the miller myself.

Miller? Well then, are you going to Unjongga?

Uh, yes.

Well, if you must.

Then I'm going with you.

What? Uh... You're going to come too?

Uh... Is it okay for you to leave the palace for no reason?

What do you mean, no reason?

You need the sauce for the competition. Can you not think of anything more urgent?

Um, you have a point there.

[grunts]

Hurry along and get yourself changed.

I... I wasn't planning on changing. I'll wait outside until you're ready.

Hold on.

Do you mean to walk around the market place

in your chief royal cook uniform?

Well...

Absolutely not, you have to change into a disguise outfit.

Disguise outfit?

Uh, I could put on Gil-geum's clothes, she won't mind.

-I used to wear them all the time. -[sighs]

This is pathetic.

Tsk, tsk. Follow me.

Chang-seon.

[sighs]

[sighs]

[chuckles]

[clears throat]

Is this all really necessary?

We're only going to the mill and back.

I'll be at Gyemumun's front gate.

GYEMUMUN: SMALL GATE NEXT TO BONGDEOKGUNG'S NORTH GATE

[Ji-young] Huh? Oh, uh, where is that?

I mean...

[door opens]

[Yi Heon clears throat]

Let us go.

[merchant] We also sell radishes by the half.

We have those as well, ma'am.

[Ji-young giggles]

[no audible dialogue]

Wow, all of these colors are so pretty.

[gasps]

[merchant 2] Oh, my dear, come this way.

Take a gander. [laughs]

-Ooh! -Pretty, aren't they?

[gasps] Ooh!

This looks familiar.

Like something I saw in the Mangunrok.

[laughs] That'll be ten coins.

[chuckles] Oh, no, I'll pass for now.

[merchants chattering]

[worker] Again!

Again!

Again.

Oh, here it is. Okay.

I'll take that.

Thank you so much.

I shall return shortly.

I have something to see to.

Okay. Let's meet in front of this place later.

[sighs] Just a moment.

No thanks.

I already have money.

[sighs]

Put your money away.

Uh, you don't need to do this.

Be right back.

[miller] I've never ground anything like this before.

[sniffs, gags]

It's so strong! Is it a pepper?

Yes, they're called chilies.

I've found they can be pretty hard to grind up due to their heat.

So please take good care of it, okay?

Of course. That's five coins.

It... it's five coins?

I-I heard it's only two coins though.

Damn, if I hadn't taken this it would've been a disaster.

Maybe next time I could get a discount.

Take good care of it, okay?

[worker] Again!

Give me that one.

-We'll take all of them. -[merchant gasps]

[sighs] Where is he?

What on earth could be taking so long?

Where'd he even go?

I could explore a little bit.

Hmm.

A quick look won't hurt.

What is this?

Do you think the chief royal cook is still inside?

I will go check on her, Your Majesty.

Yes, do that.

[wind howls]

[thunder rumbling]

[Gil-geum groans]

It's a sun shower. What do we do? Hurry! Don't let them get wet!

What, is there a tiger getting married today?

Well isn't this just a lovely day. Oh my, oh my!

[screams]

Uh...

Hey, those are precious ingredients, you can't...

[in Mandarin] That sure is potent.

What is this scent?

[in English] Who exactly are you?

Our kitchen is not open to just anyone.

This is one of the Ming cooks, Ya Feixiu.

Huh? [stammers] A Ming cook?

[stammers] Cook Maeng! Cook Eom! Come quick! [shouts]

Ah, it would start raining today. Hey, Hwang, hold this down.

Yes, sir.

-Cook Min. -Yes?

I'd say your green onion chopping skills have improved.

Thank you for noticing. [chuckles]

[Gil-geum] Hey! Come quickly!

I didn't know she...The Ming Cook took the chili pepper. She... [imitates bite]

-I tried, but she didn't... -You'll choke if you don't slow down.

-Would you spit it out already? -[groans]

She's the cook from Ming. She's here! She's in the royal kitchen!

[clears throat]

I am called Eom. A royal cook.

[speaks Mandarin]

[in English] Mmm, what did she say?

-She complimented your knife skills. -Ah.

She said his skills were pitiful, did she not?

You thought I wouldn't understand her?

What?

Why so much disrespect from a visitor to our kitchen?

Tsk. [in Mandarin] What a mess.

[in English] He's talking to you!

Cook Eom, I've spent over ten years chopping in this kitchen.

I won't stand for this.

Move aside. I won't let her insult us.

What? Should we have a green onion chopping contest or something? Huh?

[clears throat] Now, now, now, just settle down.

She's... she's on the envoy delegation.

[in Mandarin] How about a green onion chopping competition?

A chopping contest? [scoffs]

With such pitiful knife skills?

[in English] "Pitiful knife skills"? Watch what you say!

They say that even a stay dog deserves respect but she isn't deserving of any!

Don't talk out of turn.

[in Mandarin] You are so noisy.

They say an empty cart rattles the loudest.

[speaks Mandarin]

[in English] Where is the chief royal cook?

The chief royal cook?

[scoffs] I'm your challenger.

Stop disrespecting my seniors.

We'll settle this right now, you and I.

[speaking Mandarin]

How ridiculous.

-Are you all... -[shouts]

[cooks gasping]

...sure about this?

[gasps]

[in English] Cook Min. Are... Are you really sure?

Cook Maeng has excellent knife skills. He can handle this.

It'll be less pressure.

I think she's actually one of their junior cooks, from the looks of her.

It'll be better for us if he is the one to handle this. Right?

Cook Min, don't worry about speed, what's critical is that you chop evenly.

I will keep that in mind.

[Gil-geum] You can do it. We're counting on you, Cook Min, okay?

[Yi Heon sighs]

The chief royal cook doesn't know these parts well. Where could she have gone?

[Su-hyeok] Apologies, Your Majesty.

I will check the upper path. I should have checked it earlier.

Do that.

I shall wait here then, in case you let her slip past.

Yes, Your Majesty.

[gentle music playing]

You're back. [breathing heavily]

Where on earth did you run off to?

I thought I'd go get flowers while I waited.

I'm glad to see that the rain did not hinder you.

And, what is that?

Oh, irises.

It's a flower that's used to help ease your stress.

Irises?

Hmm.

[chuckles]

It is called butkkot.

"Butkkot"?

[gasps]

[Ji-young screams]

[gasps]

[romantic music playing]

[gasps] My flowers. Ah!

Oh, they're ruined.

I will get you better ones.

Enough, let us go.

[sighs]

Hang on.

I said it we have to leave, why are you dallying?

I'm coming, okay?

[sighs]

Do not pick them up, they are in the dirt.

You do know I got them for you, right?

They can be used as medicine.

And they help to calm your mind, so you should keep them in your room.

[scoffs]

Like a mouse being nursed by a cat.

The competition is near.

I wanted to plant them in the Jangwonseo.

[Yi Heon grunts]

Your Maje...

[clears throat]

[both sigh]

[sniffles]

[chuckles]

Your Majesty. Your face.

Hmm?

[chuckles, clears throat]

Right here.

[chuckles]

Wait, what did you just do?

I just...

You had something on your face, so...

Well, there's something on your face as well.

[laughing]

Cut it out, seriously.

-Why? Come here. Hey! -Stop it!

-Stop it, stop it! [huffs] -Wait, come back. [laughs]

Why are you running away? Come back!

I didn't think it was possible for your face to get even uglier.

[scoffs] Oh wow, my deepest apologies.

You're not looking much better, Your Majesty.

What? [scoffs]

[Yi Heon clears throat]

Owing to the fact that you presented this gift,

I shall make an exception and overlook your impudence this once.

Well, I'm grateful that you were pleased by the flowers.

Is it really okay that you spend so much time away from your duties?

Of course. There's nothing more important

than preparing the materials for the upcoming contest.

[sighs] Yes, that is true.

But...

Are you sure chili peppers will win the competition for us?

[inhales] Nothing can be truly guaranteed,

but our best bet is to go in guns blazing.

The chili and gochujang are going to be secret ingredients,

giving us an advantage.

Oh, you should remember that taste as well, Your Majesty.

It's the same as the bibimbap we had.

Ah.

[coughing]

Ah, that tear-inducing taste?

[laughs] Yes.

Uh, well. I'll be in the royal kitchen, if you need me. Good night.

Wait. Give me your hand.

Huh? My hand?

I was looking at this in the shop earlier.

It seemed like you wanted it.

[Ji-young] No way.

Did he see me admiring this at the market?

I shall take my leave. [clears throat]

[screams]

[Su-hyeok clears throat]

Oh, right.

[straining] Would it kill you to help me bring these inside?

[Yi Heon] Butkkot.

Butkkot...

How am I going to face him again if I lose this competition?

[sighs]

[groans] Are you okay?

Huh?

You're the cook from Ming?

[in Mandarin] Joseon's chief royal cook.

[in English] Uh... What brings you here?

[in Mandarin] You got lucky today.

[laughs, speaks English] You should hurry up.

Your colleagues are eager to see you. [laughing]

[gasps]

What the...

What on earth is going on in here?

[crying] Oh, heavens, oh, goodness.

It's awful, miss. They came and they were judging us!

Okay. It's all right, breathe.

Tell me slowly.

Okay. That Ya Feixiu girl,

she showed us how incredible her skills really are.

She had a green onion chopping contest with Cook Min...

[Min] She has the unwavering focus of a Shaolin master.

It was a masterful showing.

Ah!

[Bong-sik] That wasn't the only mistake.

[Sim] If I'm being honest, I've always been a bit scared of knives...

[groans]

[Bong-sik] She made me feel so anxious,

I ended up chopping inedible parts of the onion.

But I never thought that Cook Maeng would lose.

[breathing heavily]

[panting]

It's the first time anyone has outpaced me in a contest of speed.

Are you saying nobody here won a single match?

There is no excuse, we all failed.

[Gil-geum] What are we supposed to do, miss? [sighs]

[scoffs]

[chuckles]

Is she trying to declare a war?

What kind of person goes into someone else's kitchen and behaves that way?

Ah, jeez.

And what is so important about learning to chop quickly

if you never learned human decency.

I can tell everything about her by how she chops.

It's all just for show, I'm not seeing any artistry here. [scoffs]

[sighs]

[scoffs] Are you all going to give up so easily?

They came into our kitchen and made a mess!

We need to teach them a lesson.

Are we going to let them disrespect the cooks of Joseon?

Well?

Hmm?

[Bong-sik] Okay.

Screw it, I say we go to war!

[whimpers] I'll never lose again!

The next time I go up against her,

I'll show her what it means to really chop with precision.

I'm with you. I'll give it another try.

Miss, you just say the word, and I will do whatever I can!

Us, too! We'll also lend our strength!

-We'll also help! -We'll also help!

-[clamoring] -Us too!

We can help too!

All right, all right, all right, all right, all right!

Now come on, fighting!

-Fi... What? -Uh...

-What? -Uh...

Uh...

Royal Kitchen, let's rise!

[all] Royal Kitchen, let's rise!

Royal Kitchen, let's fight!

[all] Royal Kitchen, let's fight!

Royal Kitchen, let's win!

[all] Royal Kitchen, let's win!

[cheering]

[in Mandarin] So how were the Joseon cooks?

I competed with them in a green onion chopping competition,

and their basic knife skills were pathetic.

What about the chief royal cook?

She was not there.

You wasted time playing with the minions.

Not entirely.

I found out they have a special seasoning ingredient.

What is this?

It smells like mala, but it is different.

[scoffs] I guess we will find out when the competition begins.

I am very curious to see

what is making the Joseon king so confident.

[in English] I understand her skills in the kitchen are extraordinary,

but to put the fate of our nation on the line for a competition?

The Ming envoy traveled here with three cooks.

It's clear this was their idea from the start.

Her Royal Highness is conceiving a new arrangement,

so do not worry so much.

My son, if we lose this competition, His Majesty's dignity will be forever stained.

Tell me do you have some clever trick up your sleeve?

Father.

You worry far too much.

Their skills do not concern me so long as we are on Joseon soil.

Under no circumstances will they be allowed to have their way.

I will never stand for it.

[laughing]

SWEET

MEAT

FISH

[speaking Mandarin]

[in English] He asks you to choose first.

No.

I think the chief envoy should choose first.

[speaking Mandarin]

[English translator] He asks if choosing at the same time is acceptable?

Of course.

-[translator 2 speaks Mandarin] -[grunts]

-"Mu" for nothingness, and "yuk" for meat. -"Mu" for nothingness, and "yuk" for meat.

So for their first dish,

I expect a meat dish that has never been seen before.

[in Mandarin] Correct. A meat dish the world has never seen.

[muttering]

[in English] I think you should choose next, Chief Royal Cook.

What?

You're sure?

Yes.

Bailong.

[in Mandarin] Yes, my lord.

[in English] Ji, for "knowledge," and yeok for "change."

Ji, for "knowledge," and yeok for "change."

[exclaims]

Interesting, to both know and change.

[speaking Mandarin]

[English translator] He suggests that we draw again.

To know, but really to change...

[chuckles]

Diplomacy is fostering an understanding of each other's cultures.

In that spirit,

I suggest each cook makes the others native dish.

[translator 2 speaking Mandarin]

Are you suggesting that for the second round,

-the Ming cooks are to make a Joseon dish... -[English translator continues]

...and the Joseon cooks are to make a Ming dish?

-[in English] That is correct. -[translator 2 speaks Mandarin]

[laughs, speaks Mandarin] What an interesting idea.

[Ji-young, in English] Why is he so confident?

Are his cooks proficient in Joseon cuisine as well?

Well then, all that remains is the last dish.

[sighs]

[chuckles]

Uncle, would you like to draw one?

Your Highness.

-Your Highness. -[startles]

-Huh? -He asks you to draw.

What?

Ah. [clears throat] Ah, yes.

You... You want me?

Yes. You are Saongwon's superintendent.

You should pick the final theme.

[coughs] Of course, Your Majesty. [chuckles]

I live for the anticipation of the draw. [grunts]

Kong Wenli.

[in Mandarin] Yes, my lord.

[Jesan, in English] Let's see...

Tang, for "broth," sam, for "ginseng."

Tang, for "broth," sam, for "ginseng."

[exclaims]

[chuckles]

They can not be rivaled, where soup is involved.

[Won-jun] This is going to be quite a challenge.

I agree with you.

Soup and ginseng...

[laughs, speaks in Mandarin] I see we have soup.

[in English] It appears the final dish is soup with ginseng in it.

[sighs, speaks Mandarin]

[English translator] He suggests raising the stakes of the wager

now that the dishes have been arranged.

You want to raise the stake of our wager?

[chuckles]

What might you have in mind?

[speaks Mandarin]

[English translator] He requests adding 100 tribute women to the usual amount

and the mining rights to ginseng in Joseon.

-[clamoring] -That's an outrage!

[sighs]

Well then.

We too, have additional conditions.

[translator 2 speaks Mandarin]

[in English] If Joseon wins,

Ming will only get half the tributes that were paid in the past.

Furthermore, Joseon will be allowed

to prepurchase all that we require in jinmal and cane sugar.

[translator 2 speaks Mandarin]

As much flour as they wish?

[grumbling]

How is this any different from asking our great nation

to pay tribute to Joseon instead?

[laughs]

[in English] What? Are you nervous?

-[translator 2 speaks Mandarin] -[speaks Mandarin]

[English translator] This matter requires the opinion of His Majesty the Emperor

and the court.

It is not a matter that he can decide on his own.

I suppose the wager shall stay the same then.

[translator 2 speaks Mandarin]

[speaks Mandarin]

[English translator] He says he promises to strongly petition

His Majesty the Emperor if Ming loses.

[laughs]

Very well.

Chief Royal Secretary, record today's discussions with the envoy in writing.

The cooks of both countries will compete in three rounds,

and the competition will last one sijin.

ONE SIJIN: APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS

To decide on their dish and prepare ingredients, each kitchen has three days.

Although that is not much time, so it will be five days.

[translator 2 speaks Mandarin]

Very well.

Five days shall it be.

[in English] Very well.

The competition starts in five days, at Huijeongdang, in the sheep's hour.

Cooks of both nations, show your respect.

[speaks Mandarin]

[in English] I think you left your cai dao in the royal kitchen.

[interprets into Mandarin]

[in English] I left it at Taepyeonggwan. Yeah, it's safe and sound.

[translator 2 speaks Mandarin]

[gasps]

How rude.

Is this

the Joseon way?

How dare they challenge me outright?

Ah...

They completely ruined the blade.

[laughs]

[sighs]

[in English] You just wait, envoys.

I'm going to show you blazing hot flavor.

PRESSURE COOKER - PACKING COMPRESS - CAST-IRON POT

BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY

[Ji-young] This pressure cooker.

There is one person in Joseon who can make this for us.

[Chang-seon] He is a descendant of Senior general Jang Yeong-sil...

In that case, it is only right that I join you.

-I can barely stand anymore. -[Ji-young] He's so obnoxious.

Your Majesty, please!

That's gonna explode!

-Let's go right now. -What a lunatic! You'll be sorry for this.

[Jesan] So His Majesty has left the palace once again.

There are many dangers beyond these palace walls, are there not?

-The target is... -[screams]

-...Chief Royal Cook Yeon. -[swords slices]

[Yi Heon] Cook Yeon! Cook Yeon!