Original subtitles

- Episode 38 - Queen Dowager has had problems with stomach and spleen.

And because of the delay in treatment,

the numbness in her body is getting worse and worse.

She can't even take weak medicines.

Seeing the brown spots on her fingernails,

I think her liver and intestines have gone bad as well.

And her arthritis is getting worse too.

I feel really bad serving her by her side.

She can't take the medicine and her illness is getting worse.

I know it's hard, but can't we use acupuncture for now?

It's dangerous.

If we use acupuncture when she has lost her energy, she could get bad side effects.

So what do you say we do?

Her chronic illnesses have progressed and other organs have turned weak

so we're seeing all kinds of symptoms.

We must not treat according to all the symptoms we see right now.

Then what should we do?

We'll wait and see.

We should be able to find out a way to treat all the other illnesses as well.

Until when? His Majesty is very much worried and

Queen Dowager is in critical condition,

so how long are you going to wait and see?

Illness doesn't get healed by hurrying.

That's right.

And since Physician Shin started to care for her only short time ago,

he needs some time to examine her more carefully.

It's not time for that right now.

How rash of you?!

Sorry, but Queen Dowager started to speak irrationally.

She seems to be confused

and she has even vomited the little porridge she took.

They want a physician immediately.

What?! When did she start doing that?

I'm not sure.

Tell us again calmly.

I'm not sure I was just at Her Highness' side and...

Yeol Yi, Jang Geum and Shin Bi, follow me!

Yes, Sir.

How is she?

She seems to be feeling numb at the lower stomach.

It's hard to bend the knees or ankles.

Her legs are weak and there's some swelling.

She has a light fever and she's feeling chilled with cold sweat.

Did you examine her carefully?

Yes, sir.

Look at her again ... carefully examine her again.

Jang Geum and Yeol Yi, you check the pulse! The pulse!

Yes, sir.

What?

Did you say beriberi? (a disease in which the body does not have enough thiamine (vitamin B1)

Yes. Her lower stomach was numb and within two days she started to vomit.

It was sure an indication of late stage of beriberi.

Her illnesses have developed into beriberi.

If she's in the late stage of beriberi...

Yes, she seems to be confused and speaks unintelligible words.

What? Isn't she in a critical state needing an immediate prescription?

We must prescribe a medicine quickly.

How are you going to do this?

Her legs are swollen and they're weak and she can't bend them.

She also speaks unintelligible words and vomits food,

so I suggest Sam-Jeul medicine.

I agree with him.

Me too.

But the problem is she can't hold down the medicine.

Then what should we do?

Send up the medicine that strengthens spleen and stomach.

Hurry!

Yes, Sir.

Then how is it going to turn out?

I'm not sure yet.

According to the head physician, her age and the delay in treatment

caused beriberi, so she's in a very critical condition.

Then?

Since His Majesty feels guilty about the delay in medical care,

if something happens to Queen Dowager,

it's hard to tell what will happen to the trust that the King has for the Advisor.

And of course the physician in charge and Jang Geum will be discharged.

Yes.

Your Highness! Your Highness!

Sir, she can't even take the medicine to help her stomach.

Sir...

Just what medicine are you giving her that she's this way?!

I can't even stand looking at her,

so how painful would she be?!

Your Highness...

Your Highness! Your Highness!

Take away the medicine! Hurry!

Your Highness...

As you've heard already Queen Dowager has beriberi.

Beriberi can't be detected in its early stages

because it progresses suddenly

and the person can't bend their limbs only then you find out it's beriberi.

It progressed suddenly while she was refusing treatment.

But the problem is that she can't take any medicine

because of her weak spleen and stomach.

We can't even give her acupuncture.

What did you decide to do?

Right now, medicine doesn't work.

Then what?

I'll have to find a way somehow.

We can treat her only if she takes the medicine.

I'll start searching all the medical books to find a way

so please meet the Head Court Lady and help her with the menu.

Sure.

Hello.

I came to talk about Queen Dowager's meals.

Yes, I heard that she has beriberi.

I was going to visit you.

Yes, first of all, she must avoid all types of meat.

She likes meat but we can't even serve those in porridge?

No.

And you shouldn't use green onion, chives or sesame oil either.

Use radish to make a light soup,

and you must not boil it with rice,

but you must use either with barley or Job's tears.

What are you doing?

I'm sorry. I was just checking something.

And slow boil red beans and laver with a little sugar.

She really doesn't like red beans.

She has always preferred white rice over rice with beans.

But there's no other choice.

And prepare boiled dates and garlic as well.

Why do you give me a list of things that she hates?

All those things are good for beriberi.

Since you're prescribing those I will prepare them

but she probably won't eat them since she hasn't been able to eat anything.

Shin Bi, let me go to Queen Dowager's Kitchen for a moment.

Why?

I just need to check something out.

Okay.

What is it?

I'd like to see the list of dishes that have been served to Queen Dowager.

It belongs to the kitchen,

so how dare you ask for such thing as a lowly female physician?

I'm asking because it could help with the treatment of her illness.

Please give it to me.

Please.

Give her the list.

Yes, ma'am.

I'm an assistant female physician of the Royal Pharmacy.

May I see the ingredients that have been taken out of here for the Queen Mother's Kitchen?

This is to treat her illness.

Sure, go ahead.

Sir, I have something to tell you.

What is it?

I'm wondering if her illness originated from her diet.

Her diet?

Yes, of course, it is written that beriberi comes from

the humid air through the deep spot on the foot,

but didn't you teach that one can't be so conclusive about illnesses?

Did she have an uncommon diet?

She doesn't like the food that is good for beriberi according to the medical texts.

She dislikes red beans, Job's tears laver, garlic, carp, snail and dates.

Especially the things that are really good for spleen and stomach.

Your Highness...

You must eat.

I feel nauseous so I can't eat it.

But you have to try.

Even though they're good for her,

she normally doesn't eat these!

I told that to the physician but he insisted.

Even so, how could you bring up everything she hates?

So she can't even take her meals now.

Call the physician!

Yes, ma'am.

Are you sure you can make her eat it?

Yes.

Very well, then make a medicine with it first.

It can remove the nausea, it's good for stomach and digestion

and it's very good for beriberi,

so it could be the medicine that can restore her health.

But, since it's something she hates it so much,

you don't need to tell her the ingredient.

Make it quietly.

Yes, Sir.

Yeon Saeng...

Aren't you busy with Queen Dowager? What brings you here?

I came to borrow a steamer.

Steamer?

Yes, I must make a medicine.

It feels like the old days in the kitchen.

Isn't this worse?

She dislikes carp and you even put garlic in here. How can she eat this?!

Madam, this was the order of physicians.

Isn't the physician here?

No...

He's here now.

No matter how good it may be

you should have ordered something she could take.

Are you thoughtless or what?!

Take it up to her.

Yes, sir.

Since you couldn't take the medicine in liquid form,

please try them in pill form.

She can't take liquid medicine or porridge

so how is she going to take these pills?

Your Highness, they are medicine so even if you feel nauseated

please take them without spitting them out.

The pill tastes good.

It tastes like a sweet chestnut snack.

We've made it tasty so it will be easier to eat.

Okay, I'll take these.

Please eat five a day.

Okay.

Good job.

Thank you.

Sir, it's my job to prepare her the medicine.

Why didn't you tell me to make it?

Jang Geum is still an assistant female physician.

I know it's your job, but Jang Geum was better fit for this occasion.

Your Highness, you must eat.

Yes, I should.

Please eat little more.

I can't.

I know she doesn't like these, but do you think she'll eat them?

I'm sorry, Your Majesty.

How could it be Court Lady Choi's fault?

It's because I'm difficult to please.

It's good that you're taking the pills at least.

Yes, please give me those.

Yes, Your Highness.

I prepared a meal for you so eat first.

It's alright.

What do you mean? You don't seem to be eating much at all these days.

Come on.

Sir...

What is it?

The pills that Sir Shin Ik Pil has been making for Queen Dowager are...

What about the pills?

You can rest. I'll bring these up.

I'll come back and do them.

Don't worry, I'll take care of it.

OK.

Just what are you doing?

Open it up!

How dare you deceive her by bringing up garlic,

that she hates the most, pretending them to be medicinal pills?

You and Sir Shin have held Queen Dowager, myself and the King in contempt.

Oh, no, that's not it.

No?! No?! You deserve severe punishment!

Even though he's the physician in charge, how dare he do such things without reporting to the head physician?!

I've favored you twice already.

Why did you do such a thing?

Your Majesty, this is the prescription of Dr. Shin.

A prescription?! Do you know how serious her illness is?

So what kind of prescription is this?!

Head physician, you replace the physician in charge immediately!

Yes, Your Majesty.

What is a physician supposed to do?

What are you going to do with garlic that she doesn't even eat?!

Are you truly a physician or a cook?

I do acknowledge my failure in reporting this to you,

but it's common knowledge that

food should be used before medicine.

Of course, I know that.

But you should have been more aware of the situation.

It's garlic that she hates so much!

That's why I did that.

It's something that she must eat at this time. That's why I prescribed it.

If you're making medicine following an assistant female physician, quit right now.

The Queen has already told me to replace you.

I'm going to talk to the Great Minister of the Right first, so wait for the order.

Bring up a liquid medicine to Queen Dowager.

Yes, Sir.

But she can't take liquid medicine.

So, do you expect to sit idly by then?

Your Highness, is it okay now?

Can you hold it down?

Yes, I'm fine.

Whenever they brought a table

it was hard for me because I didn't like any of the dishes.

But after taking those pills my insides felt better.

And now even taking the liquid medicine is fine.

Sir Shin has prescribed rightly.

What's wrong?

Your Highness, I'm sorry to report this, but those pills...

Your Highness, those pills were made with garlic.

What?! Garlic?

Yes, Your Highness. Sir Shin and Jang Geum prepared

the most beneficial food to strengthen your body.

They did it since your health was too weak to take liquid or acupuncture.

Your Highness, I've almost done you great harm with my lack of knowledge.

Call those two in.

Queen Dowager is asking for you.

You, too.

Let's go.

Did you really make pills out of garlic and rice bran?

Yes, Your Highness. Garlic fortifies the stomach, helps with digestion

and there is nothing better for your beriberi.

And rice bran helps you to keep food in the stomach.

That's why I prescribed it, thinking that it's the best medicine for you.

Why didn't you say there was garlic in the first place?

You might not take them if you knew what they were.

A person normally feels nauseous if he knows he's eating what he dislikes.

Even if I'm not told, I can normally smell even a small amount of garlic.

But I clearly didn't smell any garlic.

How did you do it?

Jang Geum removed all the smell.

How?

I steam them with green tea leaves which removes the smell, then I grind them.

To get the color, I use dried corded dates,

with rice bran and make them into pills.

That way, we can get rid of the garlic smell.

Splendid!

The physician who found the garlic to be the medicine

and the female physician who removed the smell that I dislike.

Both of you are great!

It was Jang Geum who found out that the garlic could be the answer.

Really?

Yes. She even knew your regular diets so we were able to analogize it.

She even knew to use the knowledge of diet with the medicine.

How resourceful of her!

Then can we start treating her illness now?

Since she's able to hold down the medicine

we can adjust her diet and liquid medicines.

Then once your body is stronger, we can start acupuncture

That's such a relief.

Thank you.

From now on I won't be so picky with my food

and eat whatever Sir Shin tells me to eat.

Then she drank the medicine?!

Yes, Your Majesty.

Mother has definitely drank the medicine. Is that right?

Yes, it's reported that she has taken it without a problem.

I think you can stop worrying, Your Majesty.

That's good! That's really good!

Then they can start the medical treatment now?

Yes, Your Majesty. They said they're even starting acupuncture today.

How is she?

She's fine. Seeing there are no side effects, she's doing fine.

His Majesty the King is here.

Is she really doing fine?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Her strength has been restored enough to take acupuncture.

I'm fine now.

I'm feeling much better.

That's good, Mother.

Did the acupuncture go well?

Yes.

After she started on the medicines she's been improving rapidly.

That's a relief! Good job!

Since she's not completely healed and she is in her old age,

don't take your eyes off of her for a moment.

Yes, sir.

Let's go.

We can relax now.

Good job, Jang Geum.

Anyway, how did you know that Queen Dowager didn't eat garlic?

Jang Geum was different even when we were in training.

Yes, that's right.

Yes, that's true.

Are you standing there because you want to be complimented?

Yes.

Remember, we'll be serving different medicine starting tomorrow.

Sure ...

Then...

Good job.

Thank you.

You're both here.

What brings you here...?

Wear your formal dress when you come to palace tomorrow.

His Majesty is going to reward you and the female physicians for what you did.

I only did my duty as a physician.

Such humble words.

Hold on...

Aren't you ...

Jang Geum from the royal kitchen by any chance?

Yes, Head Eunuch. I'm Jang Geum.

Can you recognize me?

Of course! Jang Geum!

Yes.

I still can't forget what happened to Court Lady Jung or Court Lady Han.

They weren't supposed to end up that way.

If they saw you like this, they wouldn't be at ease.

Not for me, either.

Female physicians are different from palace ladies,

so there are many difficult things to face.

I may not be able to help you in great ways

but I should be able to help you in small ways.

If you need any help, look for me. Okay?

Well, actually, I do have a request...

Did I start this for myself?!

You should have acted much sooner!

She's been recognized as a female physician who treated Queen Dowager,

so it will be difficult for me to kick her out.

That's why it's a problem.

Instead of kicking her out, we've given her wings.

And they aren't just wings. They're hard to tear out.

Do you think she came back to the palace for no reason?

If we don't take her out, we will only grow more anxious. Only us!

What are we going to do with Jang Geum?

We can't seal her mouth or tie her hands or shackle her feet.

Just what do we have to do to keep her from doing anything?

What now?!

The King has ordered to reduce the reward lands of officials.

It's a great loss to you, Your Excellency.

Reduction of land isn't a problem right now!

I've become a thorn to three royal family members.

So we've gained nothing from this.

That's why it's a problem.

How am I going to restore their trust?

Up until now, His and Her Majesties have shown

the Head Court Lady great trust, but now...

We shouldn't have revealed our motives.

Our fault was going too extreme,

fearing that Queen Dowager would change her mind.

The Queen will start to observe me more carefully from now on for sure.

We can only hope to change their hearts.

For now, keep a low profile much as possible.

Yes.

Now that Queen Dowager's health has recovered,

His Majesty has ordered to pursue that again.

His Majesty has ordered to pursue that again.

Is that true?

The Great Minister of the Right only lost the King's trust by his useless strategy.

That's good.

Aren't you a female physician?

My name is Yeol Yi.

Were you waiting for me?

Yes, ma'am.

For what?

I heard that if one commits to you, one can own wealth and power.

Please allow me to do so.

What are you going to commit to me with?

I'll offer you Jang Geum.

Jang Geum?

Though I don't know the story and the reason behind it,

you want Jang Geum to be kicked out of the palace, don't you?

I'll make it happen for you.

Jang Geum!!

Come with us.

Where?

Just follow us. We can't sit still while things are turning good for you.

That's right. You'll find out.

Are you just going to watch?

Why? This was your idea.

It's because I want to remember my old days in the kitchen!

You only did chores at the kitchen.

What?!

I'm really happy.

Even back then, we used to cook for each other on each other's birthdays.

What are you making?

Of course, my favorite stir fried rice cakes.

Is that an omelette?

It used to be Court Lady Jung's favorite...

Isn't this Court Lady Han's dish of mixed noodles?

You're all remembering your teachers ... Court Lady Jung ... Court Lady Han...

Hey, what's this all of sudden?

Hurry up and finish it. I'm hungry!

I remember your kebab.

Court Lady Han said you're best at it.

That's right ... I want to eat it again.

Really? Should I show off my skills then?

Fine, fine. Give me that.

- It's delicious. - Jang Geum's skill hasn't changed a bit.

That's right. It tastes just like Court Lady Han's.

Same? It's better!

Let's do this more often.

Yes, I agree.

My appetite is increasing because you're all here.

Anyway, didn't you meet His Majesty recently?

But I heard you couldn't even lift your face to him.

Are you going to live like this for the rest of your life?!

Let's go, Court Lady Lee.

Where?

Just come out.

I think I have to get going now.

Sure, you can go.

Hurry!

Where...?

Hurry and come out, Madam.

That's not it.

Moonlight, while looking at it as if you're going to swallow it,

take a deep breath and fill your body with it, try it.

Take a look!

Do this...

Not like that, you should breathe in more.

Hey! Why are you doing this?

Don't do it.

She has to receive all the energy.

Once more...

No, not like that. It's because you lack ying energy.

Do I have to continue?

Of course, once you're filled with Ying energy...

Tell her.

Lady Lee, come out and greet the King!

His Majesty is here!

Tell her again.

Lady Lee, come out and greet the King!

Your Majesty, I don't think she's here.

Open the door.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Find Lady Lee quickly.

I don't think she's far from here. Hurry.

Yes, Sir.

What about the eyes? The eyes?

You lift it up...

And?

When the eyes meet, you lower it as a puppy lowers its tail.

How come you can describe it but can't perform it?

Look at me carefully.

Chang Yi, do it again!

Madam, stop it. It feels as if my eyes are going to pop out.

Be quiet! Do as I say.

Do it again! Again!

With head lifted up!

Madam! Madam!

Is Lady Lee here?

It's me... what is it?

I've been looking for you all over!

What are you doing here at night?!

Go back to your place quickly!

His Majesty is waiting for you!!

His Majesty is?!

Yes, hurry!! Hurry!!

Hurry up, hurry!

Oh, no! What are we going to do?!

Now I remember you, seeing you cry.

You were crying when I first met you, weren't you?

What are you doing?

Greet His Majesty!

Your Majesty, welcome!

Nothing works out because of you!

Who knew he would come at such time?

But are you sure those things were right?

Of course...

You have no experience how would you know?

At one time I dreamed of being blessed by a King

and I taught myself various things.

What the...

Listen to me carefully!

When His Majesty is drinking,

you hold a side dish and with a nasal voice,

say, "Your Majesty, say, ah~"

Got it?

Try it.

Your Majesty...

Ahhh...

Are you trying to give it to me?

Yes..." ahh... hh"

Are you going to give it to me or not?

My glass is empty.

I'm sorry, Your Majesty.

It's alright.

Did you say your name is Yeon Saeng?

Y...y...yes, Y...Y...Your Majesty!

Did someone make you do this?

Your Majesty ... I deserve to die!

It's not that horrendous a crime.

Now that I look at you, you're very cute.

You were crying at that time, too.

Come closer.

All the credit goes to you.

Oh, no.

They've been cornered, who knows how they'll react.

you must be more careful.

I think what you're doing is more dangerous than what I'm doing.

Please be careful.

Bye.

A palace maid of the Queen's Palace is looking for you.

Me? For what?

No idea.

Come closer and have a seat.

I was going to meet you when I heard that

you have correctly diagnosed me with a twin.

But you've helped us again.

I'm only grateful.

Even though what you did is great

I couldn't forget what you did by gambling with Queen Dowager to persuade her to receive treatment.

You risked your own life so why did you do it?

Sir Shin Ik Pil, who was about to be discharged and punished at that time,

was my teacher during the medical training.

Moreover, it was I who got him in trouble for not going out as a courtesan.

I wanted to help my teacher.

All he did was to teach us properly in accordance to the King's will.

I see.

But you seem familiar. Have I seen you before?

Actually...

Weren't you a palace lady in the kitchen?

Yes.

Then how...?

I became a slave after I was charged with treason for the brimstone ducks

I became a slave after I was charged with treason for the brimstone ducks

and I came back as a female physician.

Is that so?

So it wasn't just the Head Court Lady of the Royal Kitchen.

I did hear that many kitchen staff were hurt because of that incident.

So you were the one who was expelled at that time?

Yes.

And you came back from being a slave after medical training?

Yes.

Wasn't Court Lady Han the court lady who died at the time?

Yes, Your Majesty.

What a pity it was.

Yes, My Queen.

Court Lady Han is not someone who would ever serve anything harmful to the Royal Family.

Court Lady Han is not someone who would ever serve anything harmful to the Royal Family.

I know.

I knew something was fishy back then.

At that time, the Great Minister of the Right, Sir Oh Gyum Ho,

was trying to do everything in his power to get rid of Sir Jo Jung Ahm.

I'm sorry for Court Lady Han.

She was very orderly when she was at the Guesthouse

or during the competition.

It must have been very hard for you, too.

Such things will be resolved after a long period of time,

but I don't think it's that time yet.

I'm not sure what fate this is,

but I've coincidentally watched all of your talent and your heart.

Because it's treason, I can't restore your status right now,

but I'll surely be able to help you in some ways in the future.

Your Majesty...

And will you be a help to me as well?

Your Majesty, what help could this feeble thing offer you?

Feeble thing? How could someone who has saved me

and Queen Dowager be a feeble thing?

From now on, be in charge of me and the royal family.

I'm moved by your generosity.

I have a request for you.

Please give your order.

I sometimes remember the food you prepared during competition.

Will you be able to prepare that buckwheat cake again?

Though I couldn't dare to ask you,

it's something that I've always wanted to do.

I will do it gladly!

Is the night snack ready?

What are you doing here?

Subtitles updated for you by The Jewel Polishing Team @ Viki