01x03 - Course N° 3 Haute Cuisine

[bunniefuu]

Your Majesty, the wind is cold.

You should head to your chambers.

YI HEON

KING OF JOSEON

All right. We shall go.

Wait, Your Majesty.

Can you tell us where we're…

KANG MOK-JU

FOURTH JUNIOR CONSORT, YI HEON'S CONCUBINE

…headed?

Why do you ask? Are you afraid?

Of course I am.

Everything around me

is unfamiliar and scary right now.

SHIN SU-HYEOK

COMMANDER OF URIMWI

What the heck?

How is that?

Are your surroundings

less unfamiliar and scary now?

Yes. I can't see anything now,

so there's nothing to fear.

Thanks a lot.

What a remarkably fresh approach.

I have prepared

a special residence for you.

You may look forward to it.

I will.

We shall go.

In this era, is it natural and ordinary

for the king to do as he pleases?

I told you to watch what you say!

How is His Majesty?

An unknown ointment

was applied to the wound,

which seems to have stopped the bleeding.

Any delay and His Majesty's life

could have been in grave danger.

The heavens protected him.

It is greatly fortunate

that it was not any worse, Your Majesty.

If the bleeding had not been stopped,

my life could have been in danger?

What's your problem?

Don't you see

that I stopped the bleeding for you?

I saved your life!

Very well. You may all leave.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You must forget every detail

of what you saw and heard in here today.

Yes, Your Grace.

It was truly a close call, Your Majesty.

May I ask who stopped

the bleeding from the wound?

It was the gwinyeo.

The gwinyeo?

Did you bring her here

because she saved your life,

not because she committed a crime?

That is partially why.

However, no one in all of Joseon

wants to k*ll her as much as I do.

It has been a while

since I last saw you look that amused.

Are you perhaps bothered about that?

Is the great Consort Kang bothered?

Oh, please. Why would I be?

Earlier, you said you prepared

a special residence for her.

It is not a byeolgung, is it?

BYEOLGUNG: SPECIAL RESIDENCE

FOR THE KING'S FUTURE BRIDE OR CONCUBINE

Byeolgung?

Or did you prepare a special residence

outside the palace?

Are you jealous?

Stop teasing me

and tell me what is happening.

Go on.

Do not worry.

Her residence

is much more special than a byeolgung.

You know,

I didn't expect a five-star hotel,

but this is what he meant

by "special residence"?

He meant a tiny prison

in the corner of the palace.

He even has a prison in the palace.

What an amazing guy, huh?

These may be mourning clothes,

but at least they gave us clean clothes

and let us bathe.

We survived the ordeal,

so let us be satisfied with that.

You're right.

We did survive.

So far, that is.

COURSE N° 3 HAUTE CUISINE

The prison?

He acts extremely strangely

for someone who wants to k*ll her.

I am certain His Majesty

took an interest in that wench.

It is nothing but a fleeting curiosity,

Your Grace.

It is also odd how he calls her a gwinyeo.

She surely did not just fall from the sky.

Where on earth did she come from?

Find out all you can about that wench,

and spare no detail.

How they met,

and how she caught His Majesty's eye

at the Gyeonggi Governor's Office.

Would it not be faster

to inquire of the Chief Royal Secretary?

You are right. I forgot about Im Song-jae.

Shall I send word, Your Grace?

Yes. Let him know I wish to see him.

Also…

Send this to Grand Prince Jesan.

Yes, Your Grace.

ROYAL KITCHEN:

THE PLACE WHERE ROYAL MEALS ARE PREPARED

The medicinal herbs we got today

are nice and fresh.

EOM BONG-SIK

SEVENTH-RANK SENIOR COOK

Can you not pound that harder?

Do not waste a single grain of rice.

Watch the blade

so you do not cut yourself.

Yes, sir.

Cook Sim.

The batter needs more water.

Yes, sir.

- Cook Min.

- Yes?

This is not the color you want

your buchimgae to have.

Pan-fry them until they turn golden yellow

so they look appetizing.

- Yes, sir.

- Goodness me.

Let me have a look.

Look all you want.

By the way, have you all heard the news?

His Majesty returned to the palace

with some gwinyeo.

A ginyeo?

What courtesan house is she from

that His Majesty fancied her?

Gosh, you fool.

He said "gwinyeo," not "ginyeo."

It is a ghost

who took the form of a woman.

Yes, Cook Sim is right.

His Majesty brought back a ghostly woman.

Is it not time that you stopped caring

about palace rumors?

Do you not have work to do?

It would be strange and wrong not to know

about a rumor on everyone's mind

at the palace.

Is it because you came from the kitchen

in Waegwan, a Japanese village?

You have a closed and narrow mind.

I see now. It is because you are

a third-generation cook

that you are so sensitive

about palace rumors.

Did you not know, Cook Maeng?

The Grand Royal Queen Dowager's

Senior Court Lady Kim

and Cook Eom

are more than just acquainted.

That is how he is the first to know

what is going on in the palace.

That is why the Grand Royal Queen Dowager

will support him as the next chief royal--

You fool. Will you shut your mouth?

What if someone were to hear?

There is no one here to hear but us.

Did you drink again last night?

Stop drinking so much!

Anyway, I believe you will be

the next chief royal cook.

We never know.

It could be Cook Maeng for all you know.

It has not been long since the former

chief royal cook passed away,

and you are already discussing

his replacement?

Watch what you say

if you wish to at least stay

and eat His Majesty's leftovers.

What is wrong with talking about

something that came up already?

Are you disgruntled that you will not be

the next chief royal cook?

That is enough, Cook Sim.

Why would you taunt Cook Maeng like that?

So what if he is upset?

It is the truth.

He can try all he wants,

but you, Cook Eom,

should head the royal kitchen next.

You never know.

Greetings, Eunuch Yoon.

Her Grace Consort Kang

believes Cook Maeng is the best cook.

Speaking of,

the former chief royal cook

passed over a fortnight ago.

It is time His Majesty

appointed a replacement.

Yes, that is true.

Greetings, all.

My lady.

Please speak, Head Senior Court Lady Kim.

The Grand Royal Queen Dowager

would like hangwa, rice confections,

as a snack.

Consort Kang requested samhapjuk,

porridge with three ingredients,

for her late-night refreshment.

- Yes, my lady.

- Yes, my lady.

Do not waste the ingredients.

- Yes, of course not.

- We will not.

He brought back a gwinyeo?

On top of that,

he punished Gyeonggi Governor

Hong Gyeong-dal for high treason?

I have a bad feeling about this.

Governor Hong?

He is the one who compared Consort Kang

to Yang Guifei, Tang Dynasty Emperor

Xuanzong's consort, is he not?

Yes, that is him.

Is His Majesty

truly acting out of personal vengeance?

Where is Consort Kang?

It is her. Gwinyeo.

I have prepared

a special residence for you.

A gwinyeo?

There is no way His Majesty

would bring someone like her

unless she has connections.

Who could it be?

Your Grace,

the Chief Royal Secretary is here.

Let him enter.

Your Grace,

I hope you have been in good health.

I have. Thank you for your concern.

I heard you failed to bring Mi-hyang

for the chaehong in the end.

I did.

However, her grandfather Governor Hong

has been exiled, as you wished,

and his family has become

government-owned sl*ves.

Then,

why did you return with that gwinyeo?

Oh, that girl?

That was His Majesty's decision.

I know nothing about it,

so I am afraid

I have no explanation for you, Your Grace.

I see. So it was you.

His Majesty made a decision

that even you were not privy to.

That is shocking.

I heard she is a good cook.

However, she is nothing but a cook.

I believe this is not worthy

of your concern, Your Grace.

Is that so?

What did you bring me?

This is jewelry confiscated

from Governor Hong's residence.

Is this all you collected

on this round of the chaehong?

Of course not.

Once we finish organizing

the sl*ves and property deeds--

Locate Governor Hong's family

that have become sl*ves

and send them all to Jahongwon.

If you go that far,

the officials will oppose.

There are already talks

about Governor Hong's exile.

That is exactly why.

You should be smart and quick

to act before I instruct you

if you do not want

any issues in the future.

Are you certain

that would not pose a problem?

I am certain indeed.

How dare you question me

after neglecting your duties?

If that is what you wish,

I will do as you say.

This is what you have always done.

Yes, Your Grace.

I will obey.

Father.

It seems to be time

to come up with a new plan.

What do you mean by that?

Consort Kang

has abused His Majesty's favor

to treat us

like her personal servants for years.

How dare she order me,

a third-rank senior official, around

when she is merely

a fourth-rank junior consort?

Watch your mouth!

Have you forgotten

that we are in the palace?

If living in this luxury

were a servant's life,

I would willingly be one

for hundreds of decades.

If you insist on being a servant,

how about we switch masters this time?

You do not mean that gwinyeo, do you?

Do not be ridiculous!

His Majesty does not care for any woman

other than Consort Kang.

Even that sly nine-tailed fox

is of low birth if you think about it.

Who is to say a gwinyeo

cannot become like Consort Kang?

How will you handle the consequences?

I have arranged a new playground

for His Majesty.

You will soon see for yourself

who His Majesty's heart is leaning toward.

Who are you?

If we get caught, we all die.

Do not make a sound.

The keys?

Come on.

The criminals escaped.

Search the palace thoroughly!

- Yes, sir!

- Yes, sir!

The criminals escaped. Find the gwinyeo!

Let's go.

What are we doing

in the middle of the night?

Look at the sky.

My gosh.

It is so beautiful.

They reported

that the gwinyeo has escaped.

It seems that His Majesty

is making his way to that place.

Let us go!

Here it goes!

This is fun!

Come and play!

This is great!

Come on!

This is fun!

Come on!

This is great fun!

Gil-geum, who are all these people?

I have no idea.

They look like performers,

but why are they here?

And where did that man go?

Everyone is wearing the same mask,

- so I can't tell who's who.

- I think this is the man.

My gosh!

So,

did you enjoy the moonlit stroll?

What are you doing?

- You said you'd help us escape!

- Exactly!

Will you let us go now?

Let you go?

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty…

I prepared this performance

especially for you.

I wonder if you enjoyed it.

Wait, then who was the masked guy

from earlier?

You there, Gong-gil.

Everyone, stop!

Do you mean him?

What? You were in on it together?

You did well today, as usual.

It is my pleasure, Your Majesty.

GONG-GIL

YEONHUIGUN'S JESTER WITH MANY SECRETS

Oh my, look at that scoundrel.

He is very tall and handsome.

That's not the point, Gil-geum.

He tricked us.

I would willingly

be deceived by him again.

- What got into you?

- This man

is an actor I cherish greatly.

His name is Gong-gil.

He's an actor?

Yes. His mask dance, Cheoyongmu,

is simply exquisite, is it not?

Yes, it is.

You may go now.

Were you entertained, Your Majesty?

I was much more entertained tonight

than usual.

Here you go!

Thank you for your generosity,

Your Majesty!

Tonight, we shall drink

until we cannot see straight!

Let us go and drink!

Let us go!

- My word.

- Wait.

Where did I hear

the name "Gong-gil" before?

The court jester, Gong-gil.

The movie The King and the Clown!

I have heard rumors about him,

but he certainly brings joy to the eye.

Get a grip, Gil-geum.

We are eating meat today!

- Come along!

- Let us play some more!

Have some fun!

I was struck by an assassin's arrow

in Salgoji Forest.

Discreetly find out who was behind it.

Why are you going this far?

For fun.

Why do you ask?

Did you not enjoy it?

You put way too much effort

into simply having fun,

that I didn't even have the chance

to be entertained.

If you try to run away again,

I will not let you off with a smile.

All will be well as long as you don't send

that masked fool.

How dare you.

Must you always have the final word?

Do you truly not wish to live anymore?

Guards! Is the iron nice and hot?

- Yes, Your Majesty.

- Yes, Your Majesty.

You said this was just for fun.

I told you to control your temper.

That wouldn't have made any difference.

I knew it would get us in trouble one day.

Start with her.

- Me?

- What?

- Miss!

- Wait.

Gil-geum!

Miss!

Gil-geum!

Miss!

- Miss!

- Oh no.

Miss.

Your Majesty.

Please hear us out.

You were so insolent just a moment ago.

Did you change your mind?

Insolent? Who, me?

I will never run away again.

Will that do?

You will not?

That is good to hear.

It would have been a shame

to let you go like this.

Release the girl.

- Yes, Your Majesty.

- Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Will you send us back to prison now?

Of course not.

I am extremely famished right now.

Prepare me something to eat.

Unbelievable.

So he still wants my food, huh?

Miss, hurry up and answer him.

Okay.

I'll get to it right away.

But I must make a request first.

A request, you say?

Let Gil-geum be my assistant cook.

I cannot manage on my own.

Very well.

In return,

I expect you to cook with all your heart

and do your absolute best.

It will take much more

than the boiled beef you made

back at the Gyeonggi Governor's Office

to satisfy me.

Is there a particular dish you'd like,

Your Majesty?

A dish I would like?

"Those who seek to live will die,

and those who seek to die shall live."

If you serve what you did before

to save your life,

you will die.

If you cook something new

with your life on the line,

you will live.

Only if the food satisfies me, that is.

Miss.

I am pleased

to finally enter the royal kitchen,

but will we be all right?

No.

Gil-geum.

I'm going to do whatever it takes

to survive and go home.

I'm going to reunite with my dad,

and I'm going to eat with him…

You must stay strong,

especially at times like this.

I will also do whatever it takes

to survive

and become the senior court lady

of the royal kitchen.

Okay, Gil-geum.

I will try to stay strong.

Oh dear, miss.

I can't believe this.

Oh my, miss, what is the matter?

Why are you crying? Are you all right?

Stop crying.

Thank you, Gil-geum.

I aced a cooking competition, you know.

You faced it?

I mean, I got the highest score.

The harder the mission, the better I do.

So don't worry.

You are so amazing.

Let's do this.

Yes, we can do this.

Pardon? Let a woman prepare

the royal meal?

You are taking your joke too far,

Chief Eunuch.

CHANG-SEON

CHIEF EUNUCH OF ROYAL FOOD

CHIEF EUNUCH OF ROYAL FOOD:

THE HEAD OF THE ROYAL KITCHEN EUNUCHS

What can I say?

It was His Majesty's command.

Is the Grand Royal Queen Dowager

aware of this?

Silence.

The Chief Eunuch came in person.

Do you not understand

the gravity of the situation?

But a woman can work as a maid

in the royal kitchen

or a court lady on palace grounds.

I can tell at a glance

that your roots differ

from those of the cooks here.

Where did you learn to cook?

At an entertainment house

like Myeongwolgwan?

Well, the place I worked at

is quite far away from here,

so you wouldn't know even if I told you.

Are you from Sichuan in Ming? Or Waegwan?

Where?

Did you learn to cook

in some barbarian country?

No. Well, I was--

You are all so harsh.

Why are you questioning things

when it is His Majesty's command?

Hey, wait.

- Excuse me?

- Wait up.

My gosh. You people are so unfriendly.

You know what?

This is how things should be in a kitchen.

All right then.

How about we get warmed up?

Chief Eunuch,

allow me to apologize on behalf of them.

His Majesty has specifically asked

for that cook,

so be sure

to let the other cooks know of this.

Yes, Chief Eunuch.

Goodbye.

They have a great fire going.

There are so many of them.

Wait. This is it?

I'll substitute cassia bark for cinnamon

and myoga for onions.

Cassia bark for cinnamon

and myoga for onions?

Yeah.

They don't have them here,

but those are popular ingredients

used in the future.

Oh, the future?

Okay. Let's do this.

Let us do this.

Miss.

I smell raw meat somewhere.

Raw meat?

I don't smell anything.

You really have the nose of a dog.

Why would you taste that

without knowing what it is?

- It's not beef.

- What?

Deer?

Is it deer meat?

Mister, was there deer meat here?

Deer?

Oh, right.

The deer His Majesty hunted yesterday

was cleaned and sent

to Saongwon, Office of Royal Meals.

Deer meat…

What is it, miss?

- Gil-geum.

- Yes?

Deer steak is my specialty.

Deer stack?

Take note of the recipe.

First of all…

Is this how you will serve the food?

- Yes.

- This is a disaster.

Quickly set two tables,

one for His Majesty and one for tasting.

- Yes, sir.

- So?

Are you saying the woman His Majesty

brought back took over the royal kitchen?

Yes, exactly.

Do you think this is acceptable?

This is so unfair.

My goodness!

What did you just say?

His Majesty brought back a gwinyeo

and sent her to the royal kitchen?

Yes.

She is preparing a meal with the meat

from the deer His Majesty caught.

What?

Deer meat?

The gwinyeo was appointed

as a special cook?

Are you saying she really cooks?

Yes, Your Grace.

Do you know

what His Majesty made her cook?

I do not.

But how could a woman possibly prepare

a decent royal meal?

The result is as clear as day.

He is extremely picky and sensitive

when it comes to food.

I cannot believe it.

From what I heard,

the gwinyeo cooked

at the Gyeonggi Governor's Office,

and His Majesty enjoyed it.

At the Gyeonggi Governor's Office?

She cooked there?

Yes, Your Grace.

However, it is highly unlikely

that a woman has properly learned to cook.

She will not last long just by knowing

how to make a few decent side dishes.

After the gwinyeo finishes cooking,

you must see for yourself.

Find whatever fault or flaw you can.

Yes, Your Grace.

- Chu-wol.

- Yes, Your Grace.

Is His Majesty in his chambers?

Yes, Your Grace.

I must see him immediately.

Let us get ready.

Yes, Your Grace.

Change into this.

GANGNYEONGJEON

What? Into these clothes?

Hurry up. Walk faster.

Hurry up.

Now stand here.

The food is getting cold.

- Right.

- Let me see.

You are ready.

Stand over there.

Your Majesty.

Your seoksura, evening meal, is ready.

Bring it in.

Why is a grown man not dressed properly?

Relax.

CHOI MAL-IM

KING'S SENIOR COURT LADY

Oh, right.

I see you brought the food.

Stay alert.

He might be Joseon's worst tyrant,

but I know history.

It's okay. Don't be nervous.

What are you doing?

Explain the eoseon.

EOSEON: MEAL PREPARED FOR THE KING

Your Majesty.

This is a meal rooted in the royal cuisine

of the Palace of Versailles,

known as haute cuisine,

or traditional French cooking.

FRENCH GOURMET COURSE MEAL

"Trench"? "Oat sheen"?

It's pronounced "haute cuisine."

First, I prepared an hors d'oeuvre

to boost your appetite.

It's steak tartare topped

with various vegetables and raw egg yolk

served with kelp chips.

"Older"?

"Taro taro"?

I have never seen raw meat

shaped this way.

Steak tartare

is truly an older dish.

Are you mocking me?

Would I dare?

Do you suggest I eat this first?

You should eat that with this.

This tastes best

when mixed right before you eat it.

This is what we call "tableside service."

Watching and enjoying

the food being prepared before your eyes

stimulates the appetite.

Please try it.

Taste the food.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Please try it.

Wait.

What is this taste?

It is the same raw meat I have had,

but this tastes richer and sweeter.

How interesting.

How should I describe it?

It is powerful but shy,

and it leaves a lingering taste

on my tongue.

Next is the potage.

I made a thick milk porridge with peas.

"Botage"?

It has a peculiar color and aroma.

What is more important

when it comes to food, Your Majesty?

The taste or the aroma?

Would it not be the taste?

I believe the aroma is more important.

Why is that?

When it comes to taste,

you can only sense the five basic types,

which are bitter, sour, sweet,

spicy, and salty.

But aromas are countless and diverse.

You have a point.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Allow me.

This aroma is not extravagant,

but it is subtle and fresh

and has a clean taste.

Like peas glistening in the morning sun

and bursting out of the pods one by one.

Right?

That was very well said.

That is truly astute.

Now, it is time for the main dish.

The highlight of haute cuisine, viande.

THE MAIN COURSE, A MEAT DISH

The behind of oat sheen?

For goodness' sake.

What should I do with you?

It feels like you are mocking me again.

This is also just raw meat.

This is deer tongue.

It's not meant to be eaten raw.

I'll grill it for you here.

Slightly grilling both sides

on a charcoal fire

enhances the texture

as well as the flavor and aroma.

I have eaten deer

prepared in various ways,

but this is a method

I have never seen before.

Historically speaking,

deer represented the king,

and its tongue was considered

one of the eight delicacies,

a very rare ingredient to come by.

I am surprised

that you know of such a thing.

That's why the fight for royal power

is called chukrok, no?

CHUKROK: CHASING THE DEER

You are quite intelligent.

Her skill is beyond anything of this time.

Where in the world

did this woman come from?

An unquenchable desire for power,

extreme narcissism,

and an acute sense of taste.

This is the best meal to satisfy

all of Yeonhuigun's desires.

Where did you learn to make all this?

I know it's hard to believe,

but as I told you before,

I'm from the future.

I'm serious.

It is truly a shame

that you are still not in your right mind.

I would believe you

if you said you were from

a distant barbarian land or an island.

Nonetheless,

I am pleased…

with the first royal meal you served.

I'm glad you at least like my food.

Your Majesty, I will taste the food.

No.

You taste it this time.

Pardon? Me?

Okay, sure.

DEPOSED QUEEN YEON

YI HEON'S BIRTH MOTHER

Now, you have a bite, Crown Prince.

It is delicious, Mother.

Now,

give me a piece.

Pardon?

Are you asking me to feed you?

Do you not want to?

No, it's not that.

How did you see into my heart?

Sorry?

How did you know

I would like this dish?

Actually…

I studied Yeonhuigun,

and I won a cooking competition

with this dish.

I never imagined

I'd get to serve it to you in person.

How fascinating.

Yeonhuigun?

You mentioned that name before.

Who in the world is this Yeonhuigun?

Wait, telling him the story

would be too risky.

Well, you see…

I can't quite remember right now.

Let me rephrase my question.

Why did you decide to serve this meal?

Oh, well…

I thought about your meals

and thought it'd be nice to serve

what kings in other countries eat.

In Europe, kings eat

course meals like this all the time.

"Yuleop"?

Is that another name

for the Nanman people?

The Nanman people?

Is "Nanman" the Joseon term for Europe?

Announce my arrival.

You cannot enter right now.

What did you say?

How dare you stop her?

Step aside.

Your Grace,

His Majesty is currently tasting

the new cook's food.

No one is allowed to enter.

You cannot, Your Grace.

How dare you!

Do you not fear the consequences?

- You cannot, Your Grace.

- Step aside!

What is this commotion outside?

I made it clear not to let anyone in.

Your Majesty, it is I, Consort Kang.

I brought you

a precious painting from Ming,

but I seem to have come at a bad time,

so I shall take my leave.

That would be best.

Return to your chambers.

I think it'd be best if I leave.

You are…

no ordinary woman.

Okay, but there's no need

to come this close to my face.

I have…

chosen you.

For what?

Why would he choose me? What for?

Does choosing me mean…

No way. He didn't mean

granting a royal favor, did he?

No, that can't happen.

History will change

if I become the king's concubine.

This is driving me crazy.

Why are you so deep in thought?

I summoned you

because I have an order for you.

Of course, this is the palace cliché.

The king gives commands,

and the chief royal secretary

gives secret commands.

- An order?

- Whenever you serve His Majesty,

tell me everything you learn from him.

You want me to spy for you for free?

I apologize, but realistically speaking,

that'd be difficult.

You know what His Majesty is like.

He'll k*ll everyone

if he were to find out,

and you see,

I'm chicken-hearted.

Don't take it to heart. It's not personal.

Do you not think you need an ally here?

Well, the more allies, the better.

When you were serving His Majesty

moments ago,

Consort Kang came by, did she not?

She did.

This was the first time

His Majesty sent her away

over a royal meal.

Naturally, Consort Kang

will keep a watch on you from now on.

Just you.

And then she will try to k*ll you.

That means, without help,

it will be extremely hard

for you to survive here.

That's true.

It'd be hard for me to survive.

He does have great insight.

This sure is a deal befitting

a top-tier treacherous subject.

I will support you in secret.

I will shield you and help you survive.

But I don't need anyone

to support me in secret.

What I need is…

In that case, I have a condition.

- A condition?

- Yes.

I need you to find something for me.

If you can promise me that you will,

I'll consider your offer.

Are you trying to negotiate with me?

Very well.

What is it that you are looking for?

- My handbag.

- "Handybag"?

- Yes, my handbag.

- "Handybag."

You know…

It's the thing you hang on your shoulder

and put things inside.

What do they call it in this era?

My handbag is shaped like this.

- It's called a handbag.

- A handbag.

A handbag that looks like this.

A bundle!

Yes, a bundle.

You mean your bundle.

Please find my bundle for me.

It went over the cliff in Salgoji Forest

the day I met His Majesty.

I need the bundle as it is

with everything inside.

Your bundle is all you want?

MANGUNROK

That will do. You can stop.

Yes, Your Grace.

How could His Majesty do this to me?

Shall I tell Cook Maeng

to chase the gwinyeo

from the royal kitchen?

If the cooks act coldly toward her,

she will not last a day.

That is a good idea.

Can you ensure

I will never have to see her again?

Yes, Your Grace. Leave it to Cook Maeng.

Dear heavens!

I have never tasted

anything like this before.

I cannot believe it.

Gwinyeo!

We cannot live under the same sky.

What's going on? Is the firewood damp?

This must be the territorial bullying

I have only heard of.

What is all this smoke?

Who is making such a mess in the kitchen?

My gosh.

What's his problem?

A snake! It's a snake!

- Gil-geum!

- What is it? What is the matter?

You sneaky little thing. I got you.

Just look at that snake!

All sorts of things are happening

with a woman in the royal kitchen.

Gosh, I'm so tired.

What are those?

No! c*ck!

Stay calm and let me handle this.

Where are they coming from?

What are you looking at?

Oh my gosh, these people are crazy!

I see you had another long day.

- Indeed.

- Indeed.

Gil-geum.

I feel more at ease in here.

It feels like home.

I wish His Majesty

would just keep us here all day long.

Things will be better tomorrow.

To be honest,

I wish tomorrow would not come.

The cooks are nastier than I expected.

Their bullying is on a whole other level.

Should I just tell on them to His Majesty?

They might all end up dead.

Your Majesty!

You're right.

It'd be disastrous.

That'd be wrong.

GANGNYEONGJEON

Your Majesty.

The Chief Royal Secretary is here.

What is all that?

I am reluctant to inform you,

Your Majesty,

that they are letters of resignation

from the ministers.

What?

What are their reasons?

They are expressing regret

about your absence

at the gusikrye, salvation ritual,

and the exile of Gyeonggi Governor Hong.

Is it a problem to punish a traitor

who committed a crime

against the king?

It is not that.

Since Governor Hong

has been exiled for high treason,

they are petitioning

for the execution of the gwinyeo

who was captured for the same crime.

It is only right that I decide

when a criminal is punished.

I will go to the hall of governance.

Chief Eunuch.

Bring Yeon Ji-young

to the hall of governance.

Yes, Your Majesty.

- Your Majesty.

- Your Majesty.

- We beg for your understanding.

- We beg for your understanding.

Your Majesty.

If Gyeonggi Governor Hong Gyeong-dal

was exiled for insulting you,

then it is only right that the gwinyeo,

who was captured for treason,

is sentenced to capital punishment.

Instead, the criminal was sent

to the royal kitchen to cook

when she should have been

punished severely.

That is outrageously unfair.

Enough.

I will not listen to any more of this.

The cunning woman has stayed alive

by deceiving both Your Majesty

and Hong Gyeong-dal,

thus causing all these events.

You all are going too far.

Do you think His Majesty

exiled Hong Gyeong-dal

just because of a mere gwinyeo?

Do you all truly not understand

His Majesty's intent?

The fact that you petition about

and speak of a treacherous subject

who insulted His Majesty

is truly a disgrace.

Second Minister of Works

and Chief Royal Secretary,

you two seem to speak as though you deeply

understand His Majesty's mind.

Your antics are an entertaining sight.

Your Majesty.

We ask that you execute the gwinyeo

who was brought in for humiliating you

and rescind the penalty of exile

that you commanded

upon Governor Hong Gyeong-dal.

- Please consider our request.

- Please consider our request.

Do you desire a puppet

for a king?

Answer me!

Should I have let the man

who insulted and humiliated me be?

Yes.

Very well.

I will gladly give a command.

Your Majesty.

We have brought Yeon Ji-young

of the royal kitchen.

Well done.

Thank you.

I did as you said, Your Grace,

and started the rumor

that Governor Hong Gyeong-dal's exile

was also the gwinyeo's fault.

It spread like wildfire

throughout the palace.

Well done.

The gwinyeo will soon lose her life.

Your Majesty,

you must sentence the gwinyeo

to capital punishment

and restore order to the throne.

- Please restore order to the throne.

- Please restore order to the throne.

Heed my words.

Last night,

this woman served me a strange dish

and confused my senses.

Therefore,

I command that she be immediately…

appointed as the chief royal cook!

What?

- What? The chief royal cook?

- The chief royal cook?

What?

Starting today,

you are to cook for me

every day without fail.

However,

if you ever serve the same dish

more than once,

or if it is not to my liking,

you will be sentenced to death.

As if that sly Consort Kang

was not enough,

he now favors a gwinyeo

from goodness knows where.

Not to mention how he coddles the woman.

We must get rid of her when we can.

The Grand Royal Queen Dowager

will not just stand by and watch.

It was our chance to eliminate

the Grand Royal Queen Dowager's

Han family,

and His Majesty brought in another woman

whose roots we know nothing of.

We must drive her out at all costs.

His Majesty will soon see

just how troubled a nation becomes

when its king loses himself in women.

Please forgive me, Your Grace.

I did not expect things

to turn out this way.

His Majesty appointed her

as the chief royal cook himself,

so I cannot get involved right now.

It looks like

I will need someone else's help.

JAGYEONGJEON

To think that you came to visit,

Consort Kang.

A long life lets you witness wonders.

I apologize, Your Royal Highness.

I will visit you more often.

You must have a reason

for coming all the way here.

What is it?

The truth is,

I am here to discuss the matter

regarding the gwinyeo.

Gwinyeo?

Yes, Your Royal Highness.

The cunning wench who is clouding

His Majesty's mind with her cooking skills

was appointed as the chief royal cook.

Like she is not cunning.

What is it that you wish to say?

She appeared on the day of the eclipse.

Also, the day she appeared,

His Majesty was shot

by an assassin's arrow.

What?

His Majesty was shot?

Why did you not inform me sooner?

His Majesty commanded my silence,

so I could not inform you.

However,

seeing that His Majesty went so far

as to make her the chief royal cook,

I could not simply stand by and watch,

which is why I came to see you,

Your Royal Highness.

No one knows of her roots or her past.

I am also bothered by her presence,

but I have no authority to interfere

with those in the royal kitchen.

I understand you do not.

Then how about

you test the gwinyeo's skills yourself,

Your Royal Highness?

Test her?

That is a great idea.

If you test the gwinyeo and she proves

to be as good as she is rumored to be,

that should quell

the ministers' opposition.

If she does not, we have the opportunity

to expel her from the palace.

I had heard a great deal

about the gwinyeo's cooking skills

and was wondering

just how impressive it could be.

I await your command, Your Royal Highness.

I will prepare all that is necessary.

You can stay here now.

Miss.

There are walls.

My gosh. These are actual walls.

Gil-geum, the floor is heated.

Are those things over there the bedding?

Oh my!

- Let me see.

- Oh dear.

It is our bedding!

Gil-geum, you've been through so much.

Things happened, but you became

the chief royal cook in the end.

It feels like a dream.

Whatever the case,

they gave us a proper place to stay.

This is just great!

Who knew we would be treated

to such privilege?

Miss!

To be honest,

it was getting a bit tough for me.

I felt the same.

How did we end up

meeting that damned tyrant?

Miss.

You promised to watch your mouth!

It's fine.

There are walls. No one can hear us.

They can't hear.

You are right. There are walls.

- My goodness.

- Cook Yeon.

Come on out.

Hello.

Greetings.

I congratulate you

on becoming the chief royal cook.

Wear those clothes and come

to the royal kitchen starting tomorrow.

Clothes?

Let me have a look.

Oh my, this is silk.

It is incredibly pretty and fancy.

This is a female cook's uniform, right?

When did you have this made?

I will see you tomorrow then.

Thank you, sir.

You too, Mister Eunuch Yoon.

Thank you.

Miss, let me carry that.

- Let us go.

- It suits you so well.

- Is this how you wear it?

- Yes.

She does not seem sane.

Will it be all right?

Watch what you say.

How long have you been a eunuch?

- Do not speak so freely.

- Yes, Chief Eunuch.

There are court ladies and maids

in the royal kitchen.

- But a female chief royal cook?

- That is enough.

Did you not hear it was His Majesty

who made a woman the chief royal cook?

That may be the case,

but I cannot allow the order

in our kitchen to hit rock bottom.

What will you do then?

If we cannot chase her away…

we must make her leave voluntarily.

I get to work at the royal kitchen

as a maid thanks to you.

My wish came true.

Yes. The first day at work

is always exciting.

I get to work at a palace kitchen,

so I guess it's not all that bad.

Will it be all right, miss?

What if the nasty cooks bully you

or act all territorial again?

How will we handle that?

It wasn't my kitchen then.

Don't worry.

I won't let them walk over me now.

Did you mix the salt and flour?

That is what I am doing right now.

Cook Maeng, how are the knives looking?

I completely dulled them all

on a whetstone.

They will not even cut through tofu.

Well done.

Hide all the older sauces

and fermented pastes in the back.

Yes, Cook Eom!

Set aside the best cuts of meat!

- Yes, Cook Eom!

- Yes, Cook Eom!

Greetings, Chief Eunuch and Eunuch Yoon.

You will have heard by now.

This is the new chief royal cook

appointed by His Majesty the King.

Hello.

We've met before, but I'd like to

formally introduce myself.

I'm Yeon Ji-young.

And this is Seo Gil-geum,

who will assist me.

Nice to meet you all.

I will leave you to your work.

Be sure to cook

and serve the meals without fail.

Yes, Chief Eunuch.

- Goodbye.

- Goodbye.

I do not know with what skill or talent

a woman like you secured the position

of chief royal cook,

but do you know how much responsibility

that position carries?

The number of people who work

in this royal kitchen per shift is 195,

and since there are two shifts,

that makes a total of 390 people.

You must lead them

without problem or fail,

and that role belongs to

the sixth-rank junior cook.

In other words,

that is what the chief royal cook does.

He's so eloquent. I didn't miss a word.

Anyway, 390 people?

You have more kitchen staff

than any of the top hotels.

That's really impressive.

"Hot tail"?

What is that?

Anyway, a novice like you

cannot handle the responsibility.

Before you get into huge trouble

and are humiliated,

- you should just leave--

- Just a moment.

Who is the highest-ranking person here?

Who might that be?

Other than me, the chief royal cook.

That would be me.

I am Eom, the senior cook.

I cooked His Majesty's food

until you came along.

Oh, I see. Cook Eom.

Then…

I am Cook Maeng,

and I am mainly in charge of side dishes.

I am Cook Sim.

I manage the fires and the seasonings.

I prepare

- the rice--

- All right!

Now that the introductions are over,

let's get started on the royal meal.

What is she saying?

His Majesty will be furious

if you don't serve him on time.

You know what he's like, right?

What?

Then what will you do?

You are the chief royal cook.

Do your duty and instruct us!

How many side dishes and of what kind?

What meat goes in the soup

- and what cardinal-colored ingredients--

- Oh, come on.

What do I know about the royal kitchen?

I'm just here

because His Majesty plopped me here.

What in the world is she saying?

Do your usual thing.

Cook Eom and Cook Maeng

can take care of everything.

Of course,

you two will take full responsibility too.

I'll stay out of it.

What utter nonsense is this?

Why should we be responsible

when we are not the chief royal cook?

I already told His Majesty

that I won't be doing anything

for the time being

and will just observe.

If what she said is true,

this will be the day I die.

There is no way

His Majesty would allow that.

But she does not seem to be lying.

- Cook Min, sharpen the knives!

- Yes, coming!

Get the meat for the soup!

- The best quality meat!

- I am on it!

Hurry.

Hurry! Where are the sauces

and pastes we hid?

Miss, that was amazing. Good!

Well done.

I've been through these kinds of things

countless times.

It won't work on me.

What brings you here, Lady Kim?

- Will you move it?

- Okay.

Cook Yeon.

Yes?

The Grand Royal Queen Dowager

wishes to see you.

The Grand Royal Queen Dowager?

Why would she want to see me?

What's with this suffocating atmosphere?

Are you the gwinyeo

that His Majesty brought to the palace

and appointed as the chief royal cook?

I'm not a gwinyeo.

I just come from a faraway place.

I will get straight to the point.

As His Majesty's grandmother,

I summoned you to check

if your skills are genuine.

Check my skills?

If you captivated His Majesty's tongue

with some shallow tricks,

you must pay the price.

Jeez, what price

do I have to pay this time?

Ma'am.

I mean…

Your Royal Highness.

What exactly is the price to pay?

If you deceive a king with your tongue,

then you must lose your tongue.

If you deceive a king with your food,

you must lose an arm.

What?

Well…

How do you plan to check my skills?

I will have you compete

against the senior cooks,

so prepare yourself.

Are you saying that I have to risk my arm,

which is everything to a cook…

for this competition?

I see you understood.

If you wish to keep your arm,

convince me with your cooking.

Yes. That is exactly what you will do.

Why on earth do I have to do such a thing?

Why?

Get out of this if you can.

It was you.

You set this up, didn't you?

Cutting off an arm of mine

is nothing to you, huh?

It will not end with just one arm.

Kang Mok-ju.

I'm in big trouble.

You received a message

from Principal Drafter Yi Jang-gyun

of Hongmungwan, Office of Royal Decrees?

Yes, Your Majesty.

I have obtained a draft

of the historical record.

I will meet you tonight

at the twenty-second hour.

He found the draft.

I will finally be able to find out

the secret behind my mother's death.

Your Majesty,

it is I, the Chief Royal Secretary.

You may enter.

What is it?

The Grand Royal Queen Dowager

has summoned Cook Yeon.

What for?

Her Royal Highness

wants to taste the gwinyeo's food.

She is a picky eater

with almost no appetite.

But she wants to taste her food?

She is to compete against

the senior cooks,

and Her Royal Highness

demanded that she lose an arm

for deceiving the king

should she lose the competition.

What? Lose an arm?

What in the world is happening?

I believe Her Grace Consort Kang

was also present.

Consort Kang?

- Everything seems to be ready.

- Yes.

You may try your best,

but it will be to no avail.

Her Royal Highness

does not care for food at all.

The only thing she enjoys is…

His Majesty the King has arrived!

I hope you have been well, Grandmother.

Your Majesty.

I have not seen you in a long time.

I heard the gwinyeo

became the chief royal cook,

so I prepared a competition.

Would you like to watch together?

Yes.

I heard you are holding this competition

for the arm of the gwinyeo

I have appointed.

You seem to care a great deal about her,

seeing that you came

all the way here to face--

You are the one

who crossed the line first.

She is my chief royal cook,

which means she is my person.

All she has to do is win the competition.

Then all will be well and settled.

I heard the ministers objected

to your appointing her

as the chief royal cook.

You must know

their dismay will not die down

unless something is done.

In that case,

will the other cooks

also lose their arms if they lose?

The other cooks have already

been recognized by the palace.

They are not the same.

Where is the fun in that, Grandmother?

As you said, all they have to do is win.

It is only right to keep the rules fair.

Listen carefully.

Other than the one cook who wins today,

the rest will give up an arm.

Do you understand?

- Yes, Your Majesty.

- Yes, Your Majesty.

Bring in the straw cutters.

I really want to go home.

Dad.

I want to go back!

Very well.

Let the competition begin.

I have no choice.

All I can do now is prove myself.

Gwinyeo.

If it is true

that you came from the future,

show them

a new dish that only you can make.

BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY

The theme of the competition is…

That's cursive.

Filial piety?

There's no way I'll lose.

Let go!

I heard you were the one

who organized the competition.

Just let me get something really quick!

This is not the time

for you to coddle the gwinyeo.

Shut your mouth!

There's no flirting or anything going on

between His Majesty and me.

- Open your mouth.

- I hope that His Majesty enjoys

your blurting.