Bon Appetit, Your Majesty (2025) s01e07 Episode Script
Course N° 7 Dongnae Pajeon on a Rainy Day
1
BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY
ROYAL KITCHEN
I have never seen
anything like this before.
What is this called?
For the third round,
where we need to make a soup dish,
we'll use this.
This cast-iron pot
is made to be heated from the bottom,
and it traps the steam,
which allows the pressure to increase.
But we have not
even started the first round,
so why are we
already discussing the third round?
What I learned from cooking competitions
is that you have to be
well-prepared for the last round to win.
Everyone does well
in the first two rounds.
The third round is when you become
exhausted and run out of ideas,
and that's the round
that separates the winner from the loser.
So the key to our strategy
is to plan in reverse order.
For the third round, we are expected
to make soup with ginseng, are we not?
Ginseng eel soup, ginseng loach soup,
ginseng short rib soup.
The only choice is to make
one of those nourishing dishes,
so why do we need a pot like this
when we already have cauldrons?
The most appropriate ginseng soup
that comes to my mind
is ogolgye samgyetang,
Silkie ginseng chicken soup.
- "Ogolgye samgyetang"?
- "Ogolgye samgyetongue"?
What is "samgyetongue"?
Are you saying you will make soup
with a chicken's tongue?
Oh, "san ge," as in "live crabs."
Maybe the soup includes crabs,
so it is a seafood soup of some sort.
I see.
So samgyetang didn't exist in this era.
Samgyetang is a soup dish where a chicken,
stuffed with ginseng and medicinal herbs,
is simmered until tender.
Not only do you want this ridiculous pot,
but you also want to cut open
and stuff an ogolgye, Silkie,
and make it into a soup?
If you stuff a chicken,
the stuffing will turn to mash
while the chicken cooks.
You do not know your soups, do you?
Of course I do.
Ingredients cook at different intervals,
and that's why this soup must be cooked
with effort and the help of science.
- Effort?
- Signs?
First, we must obtain a pressure cooker
to cook the ogolgye in.
Then this is the first effort
we put into this dish.
We'll then wash the ogolgye
in water filtered through loess soil
to get rid of the gamey smell.
That would be the second effort.
And lastly, we'll use red ginseng
that is at least six years old,
jujube, milkvetch root, dendropanax,
bellflower root,
lady bell, dried deer antler, and more.
We'll use ten medicinal herbs
to make a broth to cook the chicken in.
Exactly how much effort does it need?
Cook Yeon,
is that the last effort we put in?
Once we put our heart into the dish,
it's complete.
It sounds like we could use our cauldron.
To tenderize
the tough meat of wild ogolgye
at the same speed as the other ingredients
and achieve the effect of boiling
for ten hours within just one hour…
PRESSURE COOKER
…this is absolutely necessary.
I have never seen or heard of it.
What if we cannot get this?
Come to your senses, Cook Min.
Where are we to find that thing?
I'll have it made.
Cook Yeon! You are not making any sense!
Who in the world could ever make this?
I understand we must trust her
on this matter,
so forget everything else.
But you are saying
you want to have a pot made.
This is not a forge.
It won't be easy,
but if we have this pot,
we can cook something
with an incomparable depth of flavor.
Are you sure it can be done?
Yes.
If my memory serves me correctly,
there is one man in Joseon
who can make this.
COURSE N° 7 DONGNAE PAJEON ON A RAINY DAY
FIRST ROUND DISH
CHICKEN
We're done for.
What is this strange-looking thing?
PUMPKIN RICE SYRUP
VINEGAR
- Ya Feixiu.
- Okay.
- This is gochugaru, chili powder.
- Gochogaru?
My gosh, it is spicy.
This is gochujang.
We'll mix these two
to make a sauce for the galbijjim,
braised short ribs.
THIRD ROUND DISH
Ogolgye meat is tough
and takes a long time to cook.
But if you cook for too long,
it tastes bad.
It is not a suitable ingredient
for a competition.
That is exactly why
we need to use this pressure cooker.
Water boils at 100°C,
but at 2 atmospheric pressures,
it boils at 120°C.
In other words,
it's possible to cook the chicken
until it's so soft
you could even eat the bones.
- So how is this thing made?
- Well…
Hang on.
What is it?
That's weird.
It's nothing.
That was close.
GANGNYEONGJEON
PRESSURE COOKER, PACKING,
COMPRESS, CAST-IRON PO
What on earth do you plan to do
with something like this?
I'll use it to cook the soup
in the third round.
It's a very important pot
that will determine the taste of our dish.
It's where cooking meets science.
Your Majesty, I need this to create a dish
that doesn't exist in this era.
Are you asking me
to find someone who will make this?
That's right.
Isn't there someone
called Jang Yeong-sil here?
I think he could make it.
The grand military protector
who invented the hemispherical sundial
and water clock?
That man…
The late king thought highly of him.
The late king?
Then are you saying he's not here anymore?
There might be someone at Gungisi,
Government Arsenal, who can help.
Gungisi?
It is where weapons are made for the army.
They make cannons, swords, and spears.
The people there can't make this.
I need an inventor.
Your Majesty.
CHANG-SEON
CHIEF EUNUCH OF ROYAL FOOD
There is Jang Chun-saeng.
He is the descendant of the
grand military protector Jang Yeong-sil.
Jang Yeong-sil's descendant?
Tell us more about him.
He was well-known within Gungisi
for making bizarre things.
He was dismissed last summer
for causing an explosion on the grounds.
An explosion?
Where is he now?
I heard he returned to his hometown.
We should be able to get more information
if we inquire at Gungisi.
Your Majesty,
please let me see him immediately.
There's no time.
There is no need to make a fuss.
Rushing never works--
Without the pressure cooker,
it'll be hard to beat the Ming cooks
with soup.
I really need this
to tenderize the meat of the ogolgye
and make the ginseng seep into the broth.
We barely have enough time
to prepare for the first two rounds.
I have to get the other ingredients too.
There are plenty of ingredients
within the palace, are there not?
The thing is,
what I want are fresh ingredients
from the wild outdoors.
Freshly-plucked ingredients
determine how a dish turns out.
Then I should accompany you.
You cannot, Your Majesty.
The envoys are at Taepyeonggwan,
Official Reception Hall.
That is not all.
Cook Yeon needs to set off to prepare
for a competition
that our nation's future depends on.
It would not be right
for you to leave the palace
at such a time, Your Majesty.
Very well then.
I will permit your departure.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
However,
I cannot allow you to travel alone.
Pardon?
Travel safely.
I will.
I'll be back soon.
Use it if you need men or horses.
Yes, Your Majesty.
We shall leave now, Your Majesty.
Go on.
Su-hyeok.
Do you not think
people would find those two strange?
I am not certain I understand,
Your Majesty.
Do they not look like they are married?
Oh, I see what you mean, Your Majesty.
Cook Yeon is too fair a lady
to be thought of as his brother,
but they do not look like
a married couple.
I cannot let this be.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Will I really get Mangunrok back?
You talk about that book
whenever you see me.
His Majesty said he would find it,
so stop asking about it.
It's because it's an important book to me.
I'm really going to return
as soon as this competition's over.
Do you still want to return that badly?
What do you mean?
His Majesty seems to have grown
quite fond of you.
What do you mean he grew fond of me?
Watching you interact with him
makes me wonder
if one day I will have to speak to you
in polite speech reserved for royals.
"Your Grace."
"Your Grace Yeon Ji-young."
I don't believe this.
Stop talking nonsense.
I'm going to go back, so don't worry.
You should just take this chance
to win His Majesty's heart.
Let me ask you something.
What do you gain
from breathing down my neck about it?
"Breathe down your neck"? How ridiculous.
I have never gone near your neck.
What does that mean anyway?
Don't ask!
My goodness!
Oh dear.
What are you doing here?
GONG-GIL
YEONHUIGUN'S JESTER WITH MANY SECRETS
Your Majesty.
What brings you here, Your Majesty?
Men and women over the age of seven
must be watched closely.
If we were to accompany Cook Yeon,
she would not attract any attention
or misunderstanding.
Your Majesty, Cook Yeon is dressed
as a man, so you need not--
Enough.
Anyone can tell she is a woman.
Your Majesty.
The envoys are at Taepyeonggwan.
They are indeed.
That is why you should return.
Your duty to guard the palace
is just as important.
With all due respect, Your Majesty,
you cannot do this.
You must walk a great distance too.
This journey
is to prepare for a competition
that the nation's future depends on.
Do you not think it is only right
that I walk the distance myself?
We should hurry.
We do not want to be late.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.
Your Majesty…
Su-hyeok.
- Wait for me!
- Cook Yeon.
Gong-gil!
Where is His Majesty?
He has left the palace.
You should have stopped him.
You know this is not the time for--
How was I to stop him
when he had made up his mind
and came in a disguise?
I will guard the hall of governance.
You take care of His Majesty's chambers.
His Majesty is of ill health,
so no morning assembly
will be held for a while.
Do focus on hosting the envoys
and preparing for the cooking competition.
For anything else,
you may submit a written report.
His Majesty has fallen ill
all of a sudden?
What is going on?
He was fine and well just yesterday,
was he not?
That is all you need to know.
Excuse us then.
Let us go.
Gong-gil.
Where is this place?
My legs are killing me.
We are almost there, Your Majesty.
Hang in there a bit longer.
Your Majesty, when we get there,
you can't say things like,
"I am the king of this country," okay?
Why must I hide what is a fact?
What if you say that
and he says something like,
"I am sorry,
but I cannot make what you wish."
What will you do then?
Then I will torture him.
Your Majesty.
All right.
Do you promise?
Jeez.
We should get going.
Let's go.
His Majesty has left the palace again?
Yes, Your Highness.
I heard he left with the chief royal cook.
Why?
The competition is just days away.
Why did he leave at this important time?
According to the maids
at the royal kitchen,
they are looking for a bizarre object
to use in the competition.
A bizarre object?
It might be a good idea
to use this as an opportunity
to cancel the competition completely.
Would you not agree?
Your Highness.
Should we not wait
until the envoys return to Ming?
Lord Sung!
Do you not understand
the importance of this competition?
The outcome of this competition
will ignite the flames for our revolt.
You are right, Your Highness.
Do not forget we have well-trained men.
Are you referring to the men
who are training at the Mount Guwol base?
Tell them
I would like to see
the skills they have honed.
The target…
is the chief royal cook.
Are we at the right place?
I am sure of it.
Those at Gungisi said to go
to the end of Naesan Valley.
What does that sign say?
"Anyone who opens the gate
without permission
will hasten their demise."
- "Jang Chun-saeng."
- "Jang…"
This is unbelievable.
This is why they say
eccentrics have no manners.
How dare he say we need his permission?
Your Majesty, please!
Jang Chun-saeng!
Come forth
and show respect to your visitors.
What a pain.
It's… It's a cannon.
You opened the gate so abruptly,
and it lit the cannon's fuse!
- Get out of here!
- Get out of here!
What on earth was that?
That is what I would like to ask.
What is all this?
It does not seem to be a weapon.
Jang Chun-saeng.
- I ought to--
- I ought to show you this!
Look at how strong this tree looks.
- My gosh, it worked!
- Mister Jang Chun-saeng?
It worked!
Are these rice puffs?
"Rice puff"?
They are rice puffs.
We came to the right place.
Why would you say that
about a piece of hangwa, rice confection?
This isn't just a simple snack.
It's a fusion of cooking and science.
It's molecular gastronomy.
"Molecular gastronomy"?
The quantity increased,
but it tastes too bland.
So you are the insolent Jang Chun-saeng?
- Do you know who I am? How dare you.
- No, wait.
Who are you?
I doubt you are the king.
Who are you to just barge into my house?
What did you say?
I am the--
Goodness, Lord Im Song-jae.
Please do not be so angry.
Oh, the chaehong inspector?
That is who you are.
No wonder you were so haughty.
Yes. He is the Chief Royal Secretary.
You knew that and still threatened us
with a fake cannon?
- How dare you--
- If
I had known you were from the palace,
you would have been showered
with iron balls, not rice.
How dare you speak so insolently?
Why do I hear dogs barking here?
Oh, I see there are two dogs.
- You insolent--
- Wait.
You have a very keen eye, sir.
I am no sir.
A puffing machine
that uses heat and pressure.
Maybe this man could…
Greetings.
I am Chief Royal Cook Yeon Ji-young
of the royal kitchen.
This truly is strange.
The Chief Royal Secretary
came all the way here
with a female chief royal cook
disguised as a man?
Is it that obvious?
You won't believe me,
but it's all true.
We've come a long way
to ask you for a favor.
It's an important matter
that concerns the nation's future.
The nation's future?
Let the king take care of that.
Why did you come to me?
Must I threaten to take your life
to make you see reason?
So the intruder threatens the homeowner.
You had better leave now.
I can no longer guarantee your safety.
You are truly helpless.
- Su-hyeok.
- Yes!
No, please. Come on.
You promised not to be like this.
Sir.
It's not related to national affairs.
It's a personal favor
I need to ask of you.
I warned you.
Wait!
Wait.
Gosh, you are so impatient.
Why not hear what she has to say first?
You know what? Let's forget it.
Let's get out of here.
- Come on, hurry!
- Is he out of his mind?
- You…
- Let's go.
- I will teach you--
- Hurry!
My goodness.
It's a shame.
I was going to tell you
how to make the rice puffs taste good.
"Rice puffs"?
You mean the rice I popped?
What about them?
It worked.
Hang on.
Do you really know
how to make this bland thing taste good?
Let's see.
It's sugar.
Add some to your next batch of rice.
Goodbye then.
What do we do
now that we have been thrown out?
We should torture him if we must,
so he will make your pot.
Who was it that said
eccentrics had no manners?
What if he really pulled that handle?
I am sure it was a bluff.
Your Majesty.
I have never seen a man like that bluff.
How dare you take that tone
in the presence of His Majesty?
Presence, my foot.
We were close to not being present here.
This isn't the time to argue.
If you want to fight,
you can do so on our way back.
I won't stop you then.
My goodness.
I feel utterly humiliated.
You added the sugar, didn't you?
- You are still there?
- I can't leave empty-handed.
How is it? Doesn't it taste better?
The sugar does make it sweeter.
- But it is a bad idea.
- How so?
I made this machine to double
the rice volume to feed the people.
But what is the point
if it requires sugar?
Sugar is too expensive.
That's all the more reason to help me.
If I win this competition,
Joseon can import much more sugarcane
at a much cheaper price.
Then won't everyone
be able to enjoy your rice puffs?
Is what you said
about the sugarcane really true?
I'm with the king right--
I mean…
I came with someone really high up,
so why would I lie to you?
Are you actually the chief royal cook?
Here. Take a look.
CHIEF ROYAL COOK
Then is he really
the Chief Royal Secretary?
Yes, he is.
Why would you travel
with that treacherous man?
Well, it's a long story.
What do you need my help with?
One second.
Look at this.
This pressure cooker.
Thank you.
What are those two
planning to do alone in there?
- I ought to--
- No, Your Majesty!
Please calm down.
We must get what we came for first.
There seems to be some progress.
We should wait, Your Majesty.
I am already getting frustrated
when the competition has not even begun.
This is a pot that traps the steam
from the boiling water.
Yes, that's right.
And you can use the weight valve
to release the steam
when the pressure reaches a certain level.
That's right.
Water boils at 100°C at standard pressure,
but at twice the atmospheric pressure,
it boils at 120°C.
In other words,
it makes it possible
to cook meat so thoroughly
that you can even eat the bone.
I have no clue what you mean,
but the pot will explode
if the seams weaken in the slightest.
So I must use malleable iron.
Why am I even giving this any thought?
Get right to the point.
Why must I make this?
A few days from now, a cooking competition
between the Ming and Joseon
will take place at Huijeongdang.
And in order to win,
I need this.
A cook from the Ming, you say?
They will be tough to beat.
Can you win?
With your help, I can.
We have a better chance
if we have the pot.
I will not do it.
I do not want to help those high-ups
who discard people
when they have done their use.
Wait, Mister Chun-saeng.
Joseon will have a lot to lose
if we lose this competition.
The people will suffer too.
So will you please help me?
That will not change the world.
Would Master Jang Yeong-sil
have agreed with that?
Do you know my uncle?
Yes. My uncle might have helped you.
Only to be used and discarded again.
That is why I will not help.
You should leave.
This really isn't easy.
What did I tell you?
You cannot reason with him.
Let us take him to the government office.
We are short on time as it is.
Your Majesty.
Men like him have nothing
but malice left in them.
You must appeal to his heart.
If you use force, the thing he makes
may look fine on the outside,
but it will most likely be…
It will most likely be a mess
if you actually try to use it.
Yes.
Gong-gil's right.
When Your Majesty forced me to cook,
I only thought of running away.
What?
But you have been doing just fine so far,
have you not?
What if the pressure cooker
is not made right?
What will you do then?
Then I will cut off his hands
and annihilate
three generations of his family.
Your Majesty,
we must persuade him to make a good pot,
not threaten him.
What do you suggest we do then?
I need to appeal to his heart,
but I can't think of a good idea.
All of you,
come up with some good ideas by tonight.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Yes, Your Majesty.
JAHONGWON
He left the palace
with the chief royal cook?
How could he do such a thing?
Please remain calm, Your Grace.
CHU-WOL
INSPECTOR COURT LADY
It seems to be for the competition.
More importantly, I have something
to report regarding the jester Gong-gil
that you told me to look into.
I learned something
from the leader of a group
he used to perform with.
What is it?
Do you, perhaps, remember Ok-dan?
Do you mean the girl
who once stayed at Jahongwon?
Yes, Your Grace.
That Ok-dan was Gong-gil's older sister.
Then
the reason he is lurking about the palace…
It must be related to her death.
Send someone to find out more about him.
Yes, Your Grace.
His Majesty
left the palace with Cook Yeon?
Yes, Your Royal Highness.
I do not know what this excursion
could possibly mean,
but it is a fact that he has left.
He was never secretive
about his excursions.
Would there be any meaning to it?
He would not leave the palace
knowing the Ming envoy is here.
That is right.
His Majesty may be young and immature,
therefore impulsive,
but he is not that senseless.
Could it be because of the competition
with the Ming cooks?
Do you believe he left the palace
to prepare for that?
It cannot be
that His Majesty has developed feelings
for the chief royal cook, could it?
Watch what you say.
ROYAL KITCHEN
It tastes good, but it is nothing special.
I guess our chief royal cook is right.
It seems cooking the ogolgye
with our usual cauldron will not do.
When will she be back?
I cut and cleaned the short ribs
or whatever they are.
It would seem we are ready
for the first round, would it not?
Did you store the gochogaru and gochojang?
Of course.
Cook Min stored them safely
in the grain storage in Saongwon,
Office of Royal Meals.
What about the duck she asked to get?
Bong-sik!
Bong-sik.
You need to come with me quickly.
What is this about?
Cook Maeng is acting strangely.
How so? Is his anxiety flaring up?
Again! Do it again!
Goodness, that scared me.
Stop.
If you chop them like this,
are you telling me to use them
or throw them out?
I am sorry.
I will do it again.
Chop according to my pace.
How can you still be so bad at chopping?
Go and sharpen the knife again!
Move.
Goodness, what is with Cook Maeng?
He used to be so nice to her.
What got into him?
He is being quite strange.
He is much stricter
than when he taught me.
He is sensitive
because his life is on the line.
Why is he teaching Maid Seo anyway?
KONG WENLI
MASTER OF KUNG FU CUISINE
TANG BAILONG
MASTER OF SICHUAN CUISINE
Good.
I have not seen you this passionate
in a long time.
Our pride as cooks
depends on this competition.
Though there is nothing for us to gain
from winning,
losing would be
an indescribable humiliation.
We shall not look down on a small nation
for its modest size,
nor be arrogant merely because
we come from a great nation.
There is an idiom that goes,
"One cannot be a good cook
if their skill comes before their virtue."
I always remember your teaching.
Always remain humble
as we show them
what the greatest cooks of Ming can do.
Yes, Brother Tang.
Anyway,
where is Ya Feixiu?
Well, look who is here.
You are one of the Ming cooks,
are you not?
What brings you here?
Before I explain, please accept this.
These are chopi, Sichuan pepper.
HUAJIAO: NUMBING, SPICY SEASONING
MADE FROM THE FRUIT OF PRICKLY ASH
These are not just any chopi,
but Sichuan's best, huajiao.
Why did you bring me
something so valuable?
There is something
I wish to exchange with this.
The weather is not on our side either.
It would be dreadful
if His Majesty were to catch a cold.
I am drenched already.
Commander,
do not just stand there and join us here.
You are getting soaked in the rain.
Do not mind me.
You are wet
because you are standing there.
Why go overbroad
when you can stand guard under the roof?
On a rainy day like this,
some pajeon, scallion pancakes,
with makgeolli, rice wine,
would raise my spirits.
Do you not agree, Your Majesty?
Pajeon, you say?
The thought alone pleases me.
Yes, pajeon.
Your Majesty, where was
Master Jang Yeong-sil's hometown again?
How would I know that?
Based on Jang Chun-saeng's accent,
I would say he is from Dongnae,
Busan Port.
So he's from Busan, right?
Yes.
That's what I thought as well.
What is it?
There might be a way
to persuade Mister Chun-saeng.
Let's go buy some ingredients first.
There's no point if the rain stops,
- so we must hurry.
- What? My goodness.
They left at last.
I made more rice puffs,
but it does not taste good
without the sugar.
It does not fill me at all.
Darn it.
This needs to be cleaned too.
What are you waiting for?
You have no idea how to cook this.
Dongnae pajeon batter has to be thick.
- Otherwise, it's a no-go.
- What is not going where?
You have to lay out
the scallions like this
and cook them thoroughly first.
It's time to start fanning.
Send the smell far away.
It smells absolutely amazing.
It is driving me crazy, Your Majesty.
You're doing a really great job
with the fan.
You're doing great, Su-hyeok and Gong-gil.
Good.
You're doing so well!
That's it. Fan harder now.
- Harder?
- Yes.
- Get out of the way.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
- No, Your Majesty.
- Move.
I apologize, Your Majesty.
My gosh, Your Majesty.
It feels like the mountain breeze.
- Do not speak.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
What is this smell?
My word.
Something smells amazing.
What is it?
He's here.
Wait, Mister Chun-saeng.
What?
Well, His Majesty…
I mean, the Chief Royal Secretary
wanted pajeon and makgeolli
as it was raining,
so we made a lot of pajeon.
Would you like some?
Pajeon is your hometown food, isn't it?
Yes, my hometown…
Forget it.
Let him be.
He need not eat if he does not want to.
Go on and cut the pajeon.
Let me just…
Hey, mister.
Do not be like that.
Come over and have some with us.
Will you look at the golden-brown pajeon?
Is it not beautiful?
Come closer.
Darn it.
- Come on.
- Goodness me.
Try some.
Look at him just stuffing away.
- Do not mind me and eat.
- Yes.
This taste!
You might get an upset stomach.
Here.
There's a lot, so eat slowly.
I feel much better now.
My gosh.
This is the taste of my childhood.
It tastes like what I had
at a village feast as a child.
How did you make this?
My father is also from Busan.
Busan Port?
Yes, that's right. Busan Port.
- No wonder.
- Have some more.
You told me yesterday
that Master Jang Yeong-sil
was used and then discarded.
But just like how you remember
the taste of your childhood,
people will never forget him.
Thanks to him,
people can tell the exact time…
and they can observe
and read the stars too.
Mister Chun-saeng.
This might sound strange,
but to be honest,
I'm not from this time period.
It's a complicated story, but it's true.
Anyway, the reason
I'm so involved in this…
is because I love to cook.
It makes me really happy when I see
the satisfied look on the faces of people
who enjoy my food.
So through this competition,
I want to show the Ming cooks
my food as well as Korea's…
I mean, I want to show them
the taste of Joseon.
So could you help us by doing
what you love, Mister Chun-saeng?
Let's win this cooking competition
and get the Ming sugarcane
so everyone can enjoy
your delicious rice puffs at any time.
I'm sure that'll make you happy too.
For everyone's sake,
I beg of you.
Please?
Please.
I will make it.
You will?
Do you truly mean that?
I am not doing it for you,
so do not get excited.
- How dare you--
- Just stop saying that already.
Thank you.
Thank you so much!
Thank you too.
I never thought I would taste this again,
but you made it for me.
I missed the taste of my home…
my whole life.
Next time,
I'll tell you how to make
caramel rice puffs.
"Kernel" rice puffs?
So are you headed to Danyang?
Yes. I need some ingredients from there.
Assist him well
so the pot is ready upon our return.
Yes, Your…
My lord.
Do not slack off
and work hard.
We'll be late. Let's go.
I wish you well, my lord.
Here.
Let's go.
Here is the mold.
Shall we begin?
Here goes.
What is this?
It looks like ginseng.
What?
This is wild ginseng, Your Majesty!
What are you doing?
Have you forgotten?
Everything on this land belongs to me.
This is even more so because I found it.
It should be done by tomorrow.
That is good to hear.
The Chief Royal Secretary and cook
will be back by then.
It is perfect.
Let us hurry!
What is that?
I have not seen this oil before.
It is a secret weapon
with which we will win the first round.
Where did you get this from?
Trust me.
You have put me in charge
of the dish for the first round.
I will not let you down.
Do not take risks
with unfamiliar ingredients.
Once before--
Ya Feixiu.
I trust you.
The day of the competition is approaching.
Indeed.
I am looking forward
to the skills of the Ming cooks.
You will see for yourself in due time.
Let us speak in your language.
Yes, we can do that.
We have boarded the same ship already.
Let us be clear
about what we are giving and receiving.
Of course we will.
Your cooks will most definitely win
the competition.
It is possible the competition
might not happen at all.
What do you mean by that?
The chief royal cook
left the palace to obtain something
for the competition.
But you see,
a lot of dangerous things
happen outside the palace.
I wonder if we will all just end up
indulging in the delicacies
of the Ming that day.
Get a good night's rest,
and take your time coming to Huijeongdang
by the thirteenth hour tomorrow.
It seems my cooks might be
a little disappointed.
Make sure to thoroughly prepare
the ingredients for tomorrow.
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
Oh dear.
The competition, at last, begins tomorrow.
Will the chief royal cook return on time?
I am sure she will.
Let us go and get a good night's sleep.
I feel a bit uneasy leaving only Cook Min
and Cook Sim behind.
Why worry when we even prepared
the late-night snacks with them?
By the way,
why are you giving Maid Seo
such a hard time?
The chief royal cook is not even here.
Do not be too hard on her.
I saw that you gave her
a lot of work again today.
If she is of no help here,
she should leave voluntarily.
How could he be so heartless?
And why is he so fast? Wait, Cook Maeng.
Cook Maeng. My goodness.
Do you not hear me?
Why are you following me
when we are going different ways anyway?
I called you so many…
What is that?
Who are you?
Give this to your king immediately.
The chief royal cook is in danger.
Hurry.
That grey hair.
The long grey hair.
He is with the Ming envoy, is he not?
That is impossible. He spoke our language.
Did you see that?
He was hiding a dagger underneath.
What does it say on the paper?
There is nothing on it.
- Greetings, Chief Eunuch.
- Greetings.
Why are you here at this hour?
We met a mysterious man
on our way out of the palace.
He told me to give this to His Majesty.
His face was covered by a black mask,
and he bore a terrifying presence.
He did not seem like an ordinary man.
Very well.
You may go now.
- Yes, Chief Eunuch.
- Yes, Chief Eunuch.
What is this?
There are those who are targeting
the chief royal cook.
She might not last another day,
so you must hurry.
Chief Eunuch.
Do you know how far away
Jang Chun-saeng lives?
If you take a fast horse,
you will arrive by dawn tomorrow.
Tell them to ready the horses.
- Hurry.
- Of course.
Your Majesty.
Please stay safe until I reach you.
DAY OF THE COMPETITION
MYOSI (BETWEEN 5 AND 7 A.M.)
It works. We did it, sir.
Come forth!
Welcome back, Your Majesty.
Only kill the girl.
You are greatly skilled indeed.
We stayed up all night to make it.
I made it strong enough
so that it withstands
high heat and pressure.
Cook Yeon, take this chance
to show them what you are capable of.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Mister Chun-saeng.
It's perfect!
I will reward you again at a later time.
Good work.
Now, let us return to the palace.
- Yes. We shall go.
- Oh, right.
I wish I could cook you a meal.
Do not worry.
Do visit again.
We are in trouble. Assassins are coming!
What? Assassins?
What do you mean?
I hung a bell for every ten steps.
Seeing that they are coming at this speed…
They are well-trained men.
You must get away, Your Majesty.
"Your Majesty"?
I'm sorry. We were just…
You can explain later.
You must get away.
Who on earth are they?
What do we do, Your Majesty?
Hide behind me.
Open the gate on my signal.
- Okay.
- We should be locking up.
Why open the gate?
Trust me, Your Majesty.
Now!
- Cook Yeon, run! Hurry!
- Okay!
- Your Majesty, let's go.
- Follow me.
No!
- No!
- What are you doing? We must go.
Gong-gil!
Take Cook Yeon out the back door!
I cannot use the weapons now!
We went through so much
for the pressure cooker.
Hurry!
Cook Yeon, I will bring it to you
by the time you need it.
So go now, or we will all die!
Okay.
Come this way!
Let us all die together!
Go after the girl!
Why, darn it.
Your Majesty.
I will hold them off while you get away.
- Very well.
- Stay safe.
Ensure His Majesty's safety.
We must go.
Your Majesty,
it would be best to part ways here.
I will stall them.
Very well.
We will go this way.
Thank you, Gong-gil.
- Go, now!
- Let us go.
Over here!
Come at me.
No.
Who sent you?
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty…
Your shoulder is bleeding.
There is no need to make a fuss.
It will not kill me.
Who is it?
Who sent you?
Cook Yeon!
Are you all right?
Wake up.
Open your eyes.
Your Majesty.
She seems to have fainted.
Please forgive me for being so late,
Your Majesty.
Thank you, Song-jae.
Will you slow down?
Are you well?
Yes, Your Majesty. I am well.
He would have died if it were not for me.
Is that so?
Su-hyeok is the best swordsman
in all of Joseon.
Well, I guess he rolled down a slope then.
I guess even the best swordsman
cannot beat a slope.
Is the chief royal cook all right?
It seems the shock made her faint.
I am glad she was not badly hurt
right before the competition.
These assassins
were unlike the ones from before.
- Is that so?
- Yes, Your Majesty.
These men have received military training.
- Military training?
- Their movement was coordinated,
and when caught,
they took their own lives to stay silent.
That means this attack was not conducted
for a personal reason.
Your Majesty.
They must be troops
sent by those with treacherous intentions.
The pressure cooker.
Are you all right?
Is everyone all right?
I am just fine.
Do not worry.
Everyone is safe.
I'm so glad.
I was scared to death.
Your Majesty, it's still
the day of the competition, right?
Indeed.
But you cannot compete
with an injured hand.
I'm fine.
- We must hurry back.
- But…
That pot is missing its lid.
Mister Chun-saeng said he'd bring the lid.
I believe in him.
We must hurry back. Let's go. Come on.
Pathetic fools.
How am I to trust them with anything
when they fail each time?
In any case,
the competition will not go your way,
Your Majesty.
HUIJEONGDANG
Where are you, miss?
It is almost the thirteenth hour,
but neither the king
nor the chief royal cook is present.
I do not know how to take this.
He asked where the king
and the chief royal cook are.
Chief Eunuch.
Inform the chief envoy that His Majesty
will arrive a little late.
Yes, my lord.
Are you certain you are unharmed?
I feel weak and nauseous.
I must be feeling sick
from being on a horse.
Is it that you want an apology from me
for giving you a hard time?
Of course not.
I do want to thank you
for what you did earlier.
You were really cool.
Well, yes. I am good with a sword.
I am putting all of you
through a great deal of trouble.
If only I had not suggested a competition…
Why are you acting out of character?
I'm fine.
We should hurry.
Come on.
I am sorry, Cook Yeon,
for giving you a hard time.
We have reached the agreed-upon time.
Joseon has long been known
as the eastern land of courtesy.
However,
this is inappropriate beyond belief.
The chief envoy wonders
if the king and the chief royal cook
ran away to avoid the competition.
How rude of them to utter such words!
What do we do if His Majesty
does not appear before the time is up?
Let us wait.
It is truly inappropriate
to keep the chief envoy waiting.
How about we begin the competition?
It is the thirteenth hour!
It is exactly the thirteenth hour.
We shall begin the competition.
The cooks from each nation,
please step forward.
Cook Eom.
Oh no, Cook Eom.
What do we do now?
My lord.
This cannot be allowed.
What do you mean?
We still have until the fifteenth hour.
I will not begin until then.
What do you mean?
My lord, it is time to show
how merciful our great nation is.
What did you say?
All right, do as you wish. We shall wait.
Let us begin at the fifteenth hour.
At the Ming's request,
the competition will begin
at the fifteenth hour.
- What a relief.
- My goodness.
Why is Cook Yeon taking so long?
I do not know.
It is the fifteenth hour!
- It is over.
- What should we do, Cook Eom?
It might be better that she does not come.
How can you say that?
They are here.
We are here.
Now, should I show them what I can do?
Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.
BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY
The theme of the first dish is…
I must prepare a meat dish
they've never seen before.
A taste that doesn't exist in this era.
I am sure you remember.
We must lose at all costs.
I have bad news.
The gochogaru is gone.
Where did you get this red oil?
Is it an ingredient you brought?
What were you thinking?
His Majesty and the chief royal cook
will not be able to avoid
this arrow of fate.
I don't want to lose either.
I will announce the result
of the first round.
Subtitle translation by: Jennifer Jean Lim
BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY
ROYAL KITCHEN
I have never seen
anything like this before.
What is this called?
For the third round,
where we need to make a soup dish,
we'll use this.
This cast-iron pot
is made to be heated from the bottom,
and it traps the steam,
which allows the pressure to increase.
But we have not
even started the first round,
so why are we
already discussing the third round?
What I learned from cooking competitions
is that you have to be
well-prepared for the last round to win.
Everyone does well
in the first two rounds.
The third round is when you become
exhausted and run out of ideas,
and that's the round
that separates the winner from the loser.
So the key to our strategy
is to plan in reverse order.
For the third round, we are expected
to make soup with ginseng, are we not?
Ginseng eel soup, ginseng loach soup,
ginseng short rib soup.
The only choice is to make
one of those nourishing dishes,
so why do we need a pot like this
when we already have cauldrons?
The most appropriate ginseng soup
that comes to my mind
is ogolgye samgyetang,
Silkie ginseng chicken soup.
- "Ogolgye samgyetang"?
- "Ogolgye samgyetongue"?
What is "samgyetongue"?
Are you saying you will make soup
with a chicken's tongue?
Oh, "san ge," as in "live crabs."
Maybe the soup includes crabs,
so it is a seafood soup of some sort.
I see.
So samgyetang didn't exist in this era.
Samgyetang is a soup dish where a chicken,
stuffed with ginseng and medicinal herbs,
is simmered until tender.
Not only do you want this ridiculous pot,
but you also want to cut open
and stuff an ogolgye, Silkie,
and make it into a soup?
If you stuff a chicken,
the stuffing will turn to mash
while the chicken cooks.
You do not know your soups, do you?
Of course I do.
Ingredients cook at different intervals,
and that's why this soup must be cooked
with effort and the help of science.
- Effort?
- Signs?
First, we must obtain a pressure cooker
to cook the ogolgye in.
Then this is the first effort
we put into this dish.
We'll then wash the ogolgye
in water filtered through loess soil
to get rid of the gamey smell.
That would be the second effort.
And lastly, we'll use red ginseng
that is at least six years old,
jujube, milkvetch root, dendropanax,
bellflower root,
lady bell, dried deer antler, and more.
We'll use ten medicinal herbs
to make a broth to cook the chicken in.
Exactly how much effort does it need?
Cook Yeon,
is that the last effort we put in?
Once we put our heart into the dish,
it's complete.
It sounds like we could use our cauldron.
To tenderize
the tough meat of wild ogolgye
at the same speed as the other ingredients
and achieve the effect of boiling
for ten hours within just one hour…
PRESSURE COOKER
…this is absolutely necessary.
I have never seen or heard of it.
What if we cannot get this?
Come to your senses, Cook Min.
Where are we to find that thing?
I'll have it made.
Cook Yeon! You are not making any sense!
Who in the world could ever make this?
I understand we must trust her
on this matter,
so forget everything else.
But you are saying
you want to have a pot made.
This is not a forge.
It won't be easy,
but if we have this pot,
we can cook something
with an incomparable depth of flavor.
Are you sure it can be done?
Yes.
If my memory serves me correctly,
there is one man in Joseon
who can make this.
COURSE N° 7 DONGNAE PAJEON ON A RAINY DAY
FIRST ROUND DISH
CHICKEN
We're done for.
What is this strange-looking thing?
PUMPKIN RICE SYRUP
VINEGAR
- Ya Feixiu.
- Okay.
- This is gochugaru, chili powder.
- Gochogaru?
My gosh, it is spicy.
This is gochujang.
We'll mix these two
to make a sauce for the galbijjim,
braised short ribs.
THIRD ROUND DISH
Ogolgye meat is tough
and takes a long time to cook.
But if you cook for too long,
it tastes bad.
It is not a suitable ingredient
for a competition.
That is exactly why
we need to use this pressure cooker.
Water boils at 100°C,
but at 2 atmospheric pressures,
it boils at 120°C.
In other words,
it's possible to cook the chicken
until it's so soft
you could even eat the bones.
- So how is this thing made?
- Well…
Hang on.
What is it?
That's weird.
It's nothing.
That was close.
GANGNYEONGJEON
PRESSURE COOKER, PACKING,
COMPRESS, CAST-IRON PO
What on earth do you plan to do
with something like this?
I'll use it to cook the soup
in the third round.
It's a very important pot
that will determine the taste of our dish.
It's where cooking meets science.
Your Majesty, I need this to create a dish
that doesn't exist in this era.
Are you asking me
to find someone who will make this?
That's right.
Isn't there someone
called Jang Yeong-sil here?
I think he could make it.
The grand military protector
who invented the hemispherical sundial
and water clock?
That man…
The late king thought highly of him.
The late king?
Then are you saying he's not here anymore?
There might be someone at Gungisi,
Government Arsenal, who can help.
Gungisi?
It is where weapons are made for the army.
They make cannons, swords, and spears.
The people there can't make this.
I need an inventor.
Your Majesty.
CHANG-SEON
CHIEF EUNUCH OF ROYAL FOOD
There is Jang Chun-saeng.
He is the descendant of the
grand military protector Jang Yeong-sil.
Jang Yeong-sil's descendant?
Tell us more about him.
He was well-known within Gungisi
for making bizarre things.
He was dismissed last summer
for causing an explosion on the grounds.
An explosion?
Where is he now?
I heard he returned to his hometown.
We should be able to get more information
if we inquire at Gungisi.
Your Majesty,
please let me see him immediately.
There's no time.
There is no need to make a fuss.
Rushing never works--
Without the pressure cooker,
it'll be hard to beat the Ming cooks
with soup.
I really need this
to tenderize the meat of the ogolgye
and make the ginseng seep into the broth.
We barely have enough time
to prepare for the first two rounds.
I have to get the other ingredients too.
There are plenty of ingredients
within the palace, are there not?
The thing is,
what I want are fresh ingredients
from the wild outdoors.
Freshly-plucked ingredients
determine how a dish turns out.
Then I should accompany you.
You cannot, Your Majesty.
The envoys are at Taepyeonggwan,
Official Reception Hall.
That is not all.
Cook Yeon needs to set off to prepare
for a competition
that our nation's future depends on.
It would not be right
for you to leave the palace
at such a time, Your Majesty.
Very well then.
I will permit your departure.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
However,
I cannot allow you to travel alone.
Pardon?
Travel safely.
I will.
I'll be back soon.
Use it if you need men or horses.
Yes, Your Majesty.
We shall leave now, Your Majesty.
Go on.
Su-hyeok.
Do you not think
people would find those two strange?
I am not certain I understand,
Your Majesty.
Do they not look like they are married?
Oh, I see what you mean, Your Majesty.
Cook Yeon is too fair a lady
to be thought of as his brother,
but they do not look like
a married couple.
I cannot let this be.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Will I really get Mangunrok back?
You talk about that book
whenever you see me.
His Majesty said he would find it,
so stop asking about it.
It's because it's an important book to me.
I'm really going to return
as soon as this competition's over.
Do you still want to return that badly?
What do you mean?
His Majesty seems to have grown
quite fond of you.
What do you mean he grew fond of me?
Watching you interact with him
makes me wonder
if one day I will have to speak to you
in polite speech reserved for royals.
"Your Grace."
"Your Grace Yeon Ji-young."
I don't believe this.
Stop talking nonsense.
I'm going to go back, so don't worry.
You should just take this chance
to win His Majesty's heart.
Let me ask you something.
What do you gain
from breathing down my neck about it?
"Breathe down your neck"? How ridiculous.
I have never gone near your neck.
What does that mean anyway?
Don't ask!
My goodness!
Oh dear.
What are you doing here?
GONG-GIL
YEONHUIGUN'S JESTER WITH MANY SECRETS
Your Majesty.
What brings you here, Your Majesty?
Men and women over the age of seven
must be watched closely.
If we were to accompany Cook Yeon,
she would not attract any attention
or misunderstanding.
Your Majesty, Cook Yeon is dressed
as a man, so you need not--
Enough.
Anyone can tell she is a woman.
Your Majesty.
The envoys are at Taepyeonggwan.
They are indeed.
That is why you should return.
Your duty to guard the palace
is just as important.
With all due respect, Your Majesty,
you cannot do this.
You must walk a great distance too.
This journey
is to prepare for a competition
that the nation's future depends on.
Do you not think it is only right
that I walk the distance myself?
We should hurry.
We do not want to be late.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.
Your Majesty…
Su-hyeok.
- Wait for me!
- Cook Yeon.
Gong-gil!
Where is His Majesty?
He has left the palace.
You should have stopped him.
You know this is not the time for--
How was I to stop him
when he had made up his mind
and came in a disguise?
I will guard the hall of governance.
You take care of His Majesty's chambers.
His Majesty is of ill health,
so no morning assembly
will be held for a while.
Do focus on hosting the envoys
and preparing for the cooking competition.
For anything else,
you may submit a written report.
His Majesty has fallen ill
all of a sudden?
What is going on?
He was fine and well just yesterday,
was he not?
That is all you need to know.
Excuse us then.
Let us go.
Gong-gil.
Where is this place?
My legs are killing me.
We are almost there, Your Majesty.
Hang in there a bit longer.
Your Majesty, when we get there,
you can't say things like,
"I am the king of this country," okay?
Why must I hide what is a fact?
What if you say that
and he says something like,
"I am sorry,
but I cannot make what you wish."
What will you do then?
Then I will torture him.
Your Majesty.
All right.
Do you promise?
Jeez.
We should get going.
Let's go.
His Majesty has left the palace again?
Yes, Your Highness.
I heard he left with the chief royal cook.
Why?
The competition is just days away.
Why did he leave at this important time?
According to the maids
at the royal kitchen,
they are looking for a bizarre object
to use in the competition.
A bizarre object?
It might be a good idea
to use this as an opportunity
to cancel the competition completely.
Would you not agree?
Your Highness.
Should we not wait
until the envoys return to Ming?
Lord Sung!
Do you not understand
the importance of this competition?
The outcome of this competition
will ignite the flames for our revolt.
You are right, Your Highness.
Do not forget we have well-trained men.
Are you referring to the men
who are training at the Mount Guwol base?
Tell them
I would like to see
the skills they have honed.
The target…
is the chief royal cook.
Are we at the right place?
I am sure of it.
Those at Gungisi said to go
to the end of Naesan Valley.
What does that sign say?
"Anyone who opens the gate
without permission
will hasten their demise."
- "Jang Chun-saeng."
- "Jang…"
This is unbelievable.
This is why they say
eccentrics have no manners.
How dare he say we need his permission?
Your Majesty, please!
Jang Chun-saeng!
Come forth
and show respect to your visitors.
What a pain.
It's… It's a cannon.
You opened the gate so abruptly,
and it lit the cannon's fuse!
- Get out of here!
- Get out of here!
What on earth was that?
That is what I would like to ask.
What is all this?
It does not seem to be a weapon.
Jang Chun-saeng.
- I ought to--
- I ought to show you this!
Look at how strong this tree looks.
- My gosh, it worked!
- Mister Jang Chun-saeng?
It worked!
Are these rice puffs?
"Rice puff"?
They are rice puffs.
We came to the right place.
Why would you say that
about a piece of hangwa, rice confection?
This isn't just a simple snack.
It's a fusion of cooking and science.
It's molecular gastronomy.
"Molecular gastronomy"?
The quantity increased,
but it tastes too bland.
So you are the insolent Jang Chun-saeng?
- Do you know who I am? How dare you.
- No, wait.
Who are you?
I doubt you are the king.
Who are you to just barge into my house?
What did you say?
I am the--
Goodness, Lord Im Song-jae.
Please do not be so angry.
Oh, the chaehong inspector?
That is who you are.
No wonder you were so haughty.
Yes. He is the Chief Royal Secretary.
You knew that and still threatened us
with a fake cannon?
- How dare you--
- If
I had known you were from the palace,
you would have been showered
with iron balls, not rice.
How dare you speak so insolently?
Why do I hear dogs barking here?
Oh, I see there are two dogs.
- You insolent--
- Wait.
You have a very keen eye, sir.
I am no sir.
A puffing machine
that uses heat and pressure.
Maybe this man could…
Greetings.
I am Chief Royal Cook Yeon Ji-young
of the royal kitchen.
This truly is strange.
The Chief Royal Secretary
came all the way here
with a female chief royal cook
disguised as a man?
Is it that obvious?
You won't believe me,
but it's all true.
We've come a long way
to ask you for a favor.
It's an important matter
that concerns the nation's future.
The nation's future?
Let the king take care of that.
Why did you come to me?
Must I threaten to take your life
to make you see reason?
So the intruder threatens the homeowner.
You had better leave now.
I can no longer guarantee your safety.
You are truly helpless.
- Su-hyeok.
- Yes!
No, please. Come on.
You promised not to be like this.
Sir.
It's not related to national affairs.
It's a personal favor
I need to ask of you.
I warned you.
Wait!
Wait.
Gosh, you are so impatient.
Why not hear what she has to say first?
You know what? Let's forget it.
Let's get out of here.
- Come on, hurry!
- Is he out of his mind?
- You…
- Let's go.
- I will teach you--
- Hurry!
My goodness.
It's a shame.
I was going to tell you
how to make the rice puffs taste good.
"Rice puffs"?
You mean the rice I popped?
What about them?
It worked.
Hang on.
Do you really know
how to make this bland thing taste good?
Let's see.
It's sugar.
Add some to your next batch of rice.
Goodbye then.
What do we do
now that we have been thrown out?
We should torture him if we must,
so he will make your pot.
Who was it that said
eccentrics had no manners?
What if he really pulled that handle?
I am sure it was a bluff.
Your Majesty.
I have never seen a man like that bluff.
How dare you take that tone
in the presence of His Majesty?
Presence, my foot.
We were close to not being present here.
This isn't the time to argue.
If you want to fight,
you can do so on our way back.
I won't stop you then.
My goodness.
I feel utterly humiliated.
You added the sugar, didn't you?
- You are still there?
- I can't leave empty-handed.
How is it? Doesn't it taste better?
The sugar does make it sweeter.
- But it is a bad idea.
- How so?
I made this machine to double
the rice volume to feed the people.
But what is the point
if it requires sugar?
Sugar is too expensive.
That's all the more reason to help me.
If I win this competition,
Joseon can import much more sugarcane
at a much cheaper price.
Then won't everyone
be able to enjoy your rice puffs?
Is what you said
about the sugarcane really true?
I'm with the king right--
I mean…
I came with someone really high up,
so why would I lie to you?
Are you actually the chief royal cook?
Here. Take a look.
CHIEF ROYAL COOK
Then is he really
the Chief Royal Secretary?
Yes, he is.
Why would you travel
with that treacherous man?
Well, it's a long story.
What do you need my help with?
One second.
Look at this.
This pressure cooker.
Thank you.
What are those two
planning to do alone in there?
- I ought to--
- No, Your Majesty!
Please calm down.
We must get what we came for first.
There seems to be some progress.
We should wait, Your Majesty.
I am already getting frustrated
when the competition has not even begun.
This is a pot that traps the steam
from the boiling water.
Yes, that's right.
And you can use the weight valve
to release the steam
when the pressure reaches a certain level.
That's right.
Water boils at 100°C at standard pressure,
but at twice the atmospheric pressure,
it boils at 120°C.
In other words,
it makes it possible
to cook meat so thoroughly
that you can even eat the bone.
I have no clue what you mean,
but the pot will explode
if the seams weaken in the slightest.
So I must use malleable iron.
Why am I even giving this any thought?
Get right to the point.
Why must I make this?
A few days from now, a cooking competition
between the Ming and Joseon
will take place at Huijeongdang.
And in order to win,
I need this.
A cook from the Ming, you say?
They will be tough to beat.
Can you win?
With your help, I can.
We have a better chance
if we have the pot.
I will not do it.
I do not want to help those high-ups
who discard people
when they have done their use.
Wait, Mister Chun-saeng.
Joseon will have a lot to lose
if we lose this competition.
The people will suffer too.
So will you please help me?
That will not change the world.
Would Master Jang Yeong-sil
have agreed with that?
Do you know my uncle?
Yes. My uncle might have helped you.
Only to be used and discarded again.
That is why I will not help.
You should leave.
This really isn't easy.
What did I tell you?
You cannot reason with him.
Let us take him to the government office.
We are short on time as it is.
Your Majesty.
Men like him have nothing
but malice left in them.
You must appeal to his heart.
If you use force, the thing he makes
may look fine on the outside,
but it will most likely be…
It will most likely be a mess
if you actually try to use it.
Yes.
Gong-gil's right.
When Your Majesty forced me to cook,
I only thought of running away.
What?
But you have been doing just fine so far,
have you not?
What if the pressure cooker
is not made right?
What will you do then?
Then I will cut off his hands
and annihilate
three generations of his family.
Your Majesty,
we must persuade him to make a good pot,
not threaten him.
What do you suggest we do then?
I need to appeal to his heart,
but I can't think of a good idea.
All of you,
come up with some good ideas by tonight.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Yes, Your Majesty.
JAHONGWON
He left the palace
with the chief royal cook?
How could he do such a thing?
Please remain calm, Your Grace.
CHU-WOL
INSPECTOR COURT LADY
It seems to be for the competition.
More importantly, I have something
to report regarding the jester Gong-gil
that you told me to look into.
I learned something
from the leader of a group
he used to perform with.
What is it?
Do you, perhaps, remember Ok-dan?
Do you mean the girl
who once stayed at Jahongwon?
Yes, Your Grace.
That Ok-dan was Gong-gil's older sister.
Then
the reason he is lurking about the palace…
It must be related to her death.
Send someone to find out more about him.
Yes, Your Grace.
His Majesty
left the palace with Cook Yeon?
Yes, Your Royal Highness.
I do not know what this excursion
could possibly mean,
but it is a fact that he has left.
He was never secretive
about his excursions.
Would there be any meaning to it?
He would not leave the palace
knowing the Ming envoy is here.
That is right.
His Majesty may be young and immature,
therefore impulsive,
but he is not that senseless.
Could it be because of the competition
with the Ming cooks?
Do you believe he left the palace
to prepare for that?
It cannot be
that His Majesty has developed feelings
for the chief royal cook, could it?
Watch what you say.
ROYAL KITCHEN
It tastes good, but it is nothing special.
I guess our chief royal cook is right.
It seems cooking the ogolgye
with our usual cauldron will not do.
When will she be back?
I cut and cleaned the short ribs
or whatever they are.
It would seem we are ready
for the first round, would it not?
Did you store the gochogaru and gochojang?
Of course.
Cook Min stored them safely
in the grain storage in Saongwon,
Office of Royal Meals.
What about the duck she asked to get?
Bong-sik!
Bong-sik.
You need to come with me quickly.
What is this about?
Cook Maeng is acting strangely.
How so? Is his anxiety flaring up?
Again! Do it again!
Goodness, that scared me.
Stop.
If you chop them like this,
are you telling me to use them
or throw them out?
I am sorry.
I will do it again.
Chop according to my pace.
How can you still be so bad at chopping?
Go and sharpen the knife again!
Move.
Goodness, what is with Cook Maeng?
He used to be so nice to her.
What got into him?
He is being quite strange.
He is much stricter
than when he taught me.
He is sensitive
because his life is on the line.
Why is he teaching Maid Seo anyway?
KONG WENLI
MASTER OF KUNG FU CUISINE
TANG BAILONG
MASTER OF SICHUAN CUISINE
Good.
I have not seen you this passionate
in a long time.
Our pride as cooks
depends on this competition.
Though there is nothing for us to gain
from winning,
losing would be
an indescribable humiliation.
We shall not look down on a small nation
for its modest size,
nor be arrogant merely because
we come from a great nation.
There is an idiom that goes,
"One cannot be a good cook
if their skill comes before their virtue."
I always remember your teaching.
Always remain humble
as we show them
what the greatest cooks of Ming can do.
Yes, Brother Tang.
Anyway,
where is Ya Feixiu?
Well, look who is here.
You are one of the Ming cooks,
are you not?
What brings you here?
Before I explain, please accept this.
These are chopi, Sichuan pepper.
HUAJIAO: NUMBING, SPICY SEASONING
MADE FROM THE FRUIT OF PRICKLY ASH
These are not just any chopi,
but Sichuan's best, huajiao.
Why did you bring me
something so valuable?
There is something
I wish to exchange with this.
The weather is not on our side either.
It would be dreadful
if His Majesty were to catch a cold.
I am drenched already.
Commander,
do not just stand there and join us here.
You are getting soaked in the rain.
Do not mind me.
You are wet
because you are standing there.
Why go overbroad
when you can stand guard under the roof?
On a rainy day like this,
some pajeon, scallion pancakes,
with makgeolli, rice wine,
would raise my spirits.
Do you not agree, Your Majesty?
Pajeon, you say?
The thought alone pleases me.
Yes, pajeon.
Your Majesty, where was
Master Jang Yeong-sil's hometown again?
How would I know that?
Based on Jang Chun-saeng's accent,
I would say he is from Dongnae,
Busan Port.
So he's from Busan, right?
Yes.
That's what I thought as well.
What is it?
There might be a way
to persuade Mister Chun-saeng.
Let's go buy some ingredients first.
There's no point if the rain stops,
- so we must hurry.
- What? My goodness.
They left at last.
I made more rice puffs,
but it does not taste good
without the sugar.
It does not fill me at all.
Darn it.
This needs to be cleaned too.
What are you waiting for?
You have no idea how to cook this.
Dongnae pajeon batter has to be thick.
- Otherwise, it's a no-go.
- What is not going where?
You have to lay out
the scallions like this
and cook them thoroughly first.
It's time to start fanning.
Send the smell far away.
It smells absolutely amazing.
It is driving me crazy, Your Majesty.
You're doing a really great job
with the fan.
You're doing great, Su-hyeok and Gong-gil.
Good.
You're doing so well!
That's it. Fan harder now.
- Harder?
- Yes.
- Get out of the way.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
- No, Your Majesty.
- Move.
I apologize, Your Majesty.
My gosh, Your Majesty.
It feels like the mountain breeze.
- Do not speak.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
What is this smell?
My word.
Something smells amazing.
What is it?
He's here.
Wait, Mister Chun-saeng.
What?
Well, His Majesty…
I mean, the Chief Royal Secretary
wanted pajeon and makgeolli
as it was raining,
so we made a lot of pajeon.
Would you like some?
Pajeon is your hometown food, isn't it?
Yes, my hometown…
Forget it.
Let him be.
He need not eat if he does not want to.
Go on and cut the pajeon.
Let me just…
Hey, mister.
Do not be like that.
Come over and have some with us.
Will you look at the golden-brown pajeon?
Is it not beautiful?
Come closer.
Darn it.
- Come on.
- Goodness me.
Try some.
Look at him just stuffing away.
- Do not mind me and eat.
- Yes.
This taste!
You might get an upset stomach.
Here.
There's a lot, so eat slowly.
I feel much better now.
My gosh.
This is the taste of my childhood.
It tastes like what I had
at a village feast as a child.
How did you make this?
My father is also from Busan.
Busan Port?
Yes, that's right. Busan Port.
- No wonder.
- Have some more.
You told me yesterday
that Master Jang Yeong-sil
was used and then discarded.
But just like how you remember
the taste of your childhood,
people will never forget him.
Thanks to him,
people can tell the exact time…
and they can observe
and read the stars too.
Mister Chun-saeng.
This might sound strange,
but to be honest,
I'm not from this time period.
It's a complicated story, but it's true.
Anyway, the reason
I'm so involved in this…
is because I love to cook.
It makes me really happy when I see
the satisfied look on the faces of people
who enjoy my food.
So through this competition,
I want to show the Ming cooks
my food as well as Korea's…
I mean, I want to show them
the taste of Joseon.
So could you help us by doing
what you love, Mister Chun-saeng?
Let's win this cooking competition
and get the Ming sugarcane
so everyone can enjoy
your delicious rice puffs at any time.
I'm sure that'll make you happy too.
For everyone's sake,
I beg of you.
Please?
Please.
I will make it.
You will?
Do you truly mean that?
I am not doing it for you,
so do not get excited.
- How dare you--
- Just stop saying that already.
Thank you.
Thank you so much!
Thank you too.
I never thought I would taste this again,
but you made it for me.
I missed the taste of my home…
my whole life.
Next time,
I'll tell you how to make
caramel rice puffs.
"Kernel" rice puffs?
So are you headed to Danyang?
Yes. I need some ingredients from there.
Assist him well
so the pot is ready upon our return.
Yes, Your…
My lord.
Do not slack off
and work hard.
We'll be late. Let's go.
I wish you well, my lord.
Here.
Let's go.
Here is the mold.
Shall we begin?
Here goes.
What is this?
It looks like ginseng.
What?
This is wild ginseng, Your Majesty!
What are you doing?
Have you forgotten?
Everything on this land belongs to me.
This is even more so because I found it.
It should be done by tomorrow.
That is good to hear.
The Chief Royal Secretary and cook
will be back by then.
It is perfect.
Let us hurry!
What is that?
I have not seen this oil before.
It is a secret weapon
with which we will win the first round.
Where did you get this from?
Trust me.
You have put me in charge
of the dish for the first round.
I will not let you down.
Do not take risks
with unfamiliar ingredients.
Once before--
Ya Feixiu.
I trust you.
The day of the competition is approaching.
Indeed.
I am looking forward
to the skills of the Ming cooks.
You will see for yourself in due time.
Let us speak in your language.
Yes, we can do that.
We have boarded the same ship already.
Let us be clear
about what we are giving and receiving.
Of course we will.
Your cooks will most definitely win
the competition.
It is possible the competition
might not happen at all.
What do you mean by that?
The chief royal cook
left the palace to obtain something
for the competition.
But you see,
a lot of dangerous things
happen outside the palace.
I wonder if we will all just end up
indulging in the delicacies
of the Ming that day.
Get a good night's rest,
and take your time coming to Huijeongdang
by the thirteenth hour tomorrow.
It seems my cooks might be
a little disappointed.
Make sure to thoroughly prepare
the ingredients for tomorrow.
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
Oh dear.
The competition, at last, begins tomorrow.
Will the chief royal cook return on time?
I am sure she will.
Let us go and get a good night's sleep.
I feel a bit uneasy leaving only Cook Min
and Cook Sim behind.
Why worry when we even prepared
the late-night snacks with them?
By the way,
why are you giving Maid Seo
such a hard time?
The chief royal cook is not even here.
Do not be too hard on her.
I saw that you gave her
a lot of work again today.
If she is of no help here,
she should leave voluntarily.
How could he be so heartless?
And why is he so fast? Wait, Cook Maeng.
Cook Maeng. My goodness.
Do you not hear me?
Why are you following me
when we are going different ways anyway?
I called you so many…
What is that?
Who are you?
Give this to your king immediately.
The chief royal cook is in danger.
Hurry.
That grey hair.
The long grey hair.
He is with the Ming envoy, is he not?
That is impossible. He spoke our language.
Did you see that?
He was hiding a dagger underneath.
What does it say on the paper?
There is nothing on it.
- Greetings, Chief Eunuch.
- Greetings.
Why are you here at this hour?
We met a mysterious man
on our way out of the palace.
He told me to give this to His Majesty.
His face was covered by a black mask,
and he bore a terrifying presence.
He did not seem like an ordinary man.
Very well.
You may go now.
- Yes, Chief Eunuch.
- Yes, Chief Eunuch.
What is this?
There are those who are targeting
the chief royal cook.
She might not last another day,
so you must hurry.
Chief Eunuch.
Do you know how far away
Jang Chun-saeng lives?
If you take a fast horse,
you will arrive by dawn tomorrow.
Tell them to ready the horses.
- Hurry.
- Of course.
Your Majesty.
Please stay safe until I reach you.
DAY OF THE COMPETITION
MYOSI (BETWEEN 5 AND 7 A.M.)
It works. We did it, sir.
Come forth!
Welcome back, Your Majesty.
Only kill the girl.
You are greatly skilled indeed.
We stayed up all night to make it.
I made it strong enough
so that it withstands
high heat and pressure.
Cook Yeon, take this chance
to show them what you are capable of.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Mister Chun-saeng.
It's perfect!
I will reward you again at a later time.
Good work.
Now, let us return to the palace.
- Yes. We shall go.
- Oh, right.
I wish I could cook you a meal.
Do not worry.
Do visit again.
We are in trouble. Assassins are coming!
What? Assassins?
What do you mean?
I hung a bell for every ten steps.
Seeing that they are coming at this speed…
They are well-trained men.
You must get away, Your Majesty.
"Your Majesty"?
I'm sorry. We were just…
You can explain later.
You must get away.
Who on earth are they?
What do we do, Your Majesty?
Hide behind me.
Open the gate on my signal.
- Okay.
- We should be locking up.
Why open the gate?
Trust me, Your Majesty.
Now!
- Cook Yeon, run! Hurry!
- Okay!
- Your Majesty, let's go.
- Follow me.
No!
- No!
- What are you doing? We must go.
Gong-gil!
Take Cook Yeon out the back door!
I cannot use the weapons now!
We went through so much
for the pressure cooker.
Hurry!
Cook Yeon, I will bring it to you
by the time you need it.
So go now, or we will all die!
Okay.
Come this way!
Let us all die together!
Go after the girl!
Why, darn it.
Your Majesty.
I will hold them off while you get away.
- Very well.
- Stay safe.
Ensure His Majesty's safety.
We must go.
Your Majesty,
it would be best to part ways here.
I will stall them.
Very well.
We will go this way.
Thank you, Gong-gil.
- Go, now!
- Let us go.
Over here!
Come at me.
No.
Who sent you?
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty…
Your shoulder is bleeding.
There is no need to make a fuss.
It will not kill me.
Who is it?
Who sent you?
Cook Yeon!
Are you all right?
Wake up.
Open your eyes.
Your Majesty.
She seems to have fainted.
Please forgive me for being so late,
Your Majesty.
Thank you, Song-jae.
Will you slow down?
Are you well?
Yes, Your Majesty. I am well.
He would have died if it were not for me.
Is that so?
Su-hyeok is the best swordsman
in all of Joseon.
Well, I guess he rolled down a slope then.
I guess even the best swordsman
cannot beat a slope.
Is the chief royal cook all right?
It seems the shock made her faint.
I am glad she was not badly hurt
right before the competition.
These assassins
were unlike the ones from before.
- Is that so?
- Yes, Your Majesty.
These men have received military training.
- Military training?
- Their movement was coordinated,
and when caught,
they took their own lives to stay silent.
That means this attack was not conducted
for a personal reason.
Your Majesty.
They must be troops
sent by those with treacherous intentions.
The pressure cooker.
Are you all right?
Is everyone all right?
I am just fine.
Do not worry.
Everyone is safe.
I'm so glad.
I was scared to death.
Your Majesty, it's still
the day of the competition, right?
Indeed.
But you cannot compete
with an injured hand.
I'm fine.
- We must hurry back.
- But…
That pot is missing its lid.
Mister Chun-saeng said he'd bring the lid.
I believe in him.
We must hurry back. Let's go. Come on.
Pathetic fools.
How am I to trust them with anything
when they fail each time?
In any case,
the competition will not go your way,
Your Majesty.
HUIJEONGDANG
Where are you, miss?
It is almost the thirteenth hour,
but neither the king
nor the chief royal cook is present.
I do not know how to take this.
He asked where the king
and the chief royal cook are.
Chief Eunuch.
Inform the chief envoy that His Majesty
will arrive a little late.
Yes, my lord.
Are you certain you are unharmed?
I feel weak and nauseous.
I must be feeling sick
from being on a horse.
Is it that you want an apology from me
for giving you a hard time?
Of course not.
I do want to thank you
for what you did earlier.
You were really cool.
Well, yes. I am good with a sword.
I am putting all of you
through a great deal of trouble.
If only I had not suggested a competition…
Why are you acting out of character?
I'm fine.
We should hurry.
Come on.
I am sorry, Cook Yeon,
for giving you a hard time.
We have reached the agreed-upon time.
Joseon has long been known
as the eastern land of courtesy.
However,
this is inappropriate beyond belief.
The chief envoy wonders
if the king and the chief royal cook
ran away to avoid the competition.
How rude of them to utter such words!
What do we do if His Majesty
does not appear before the time is up?
Let us wait.
It is truly inappropriate
to keep the chief envoy waiting.
How about we begin the competition?
It is the thirteenth hour!
It is exactly the thirteenth hour.
We shall begin the competition.
The cooks from each nation,
please step forward.
Cook Eom.
Oh no, Cook Eom.
What do we do now?
My lord.
This cannot be allowed.
What do you mean?
We still have until the fifteenth hour.
I will not begin until then.
What do you mean?
My lord, it is time to show
how merciful our great nation is.
What did you say?
All right, do as you wish. We shall wait.
Let us begin at the fifteenth hour.
At the Ming's request,
the competition will begin
at the fifteenth hour.
- What a relief.
- My goodness.
Why is Cook Yeon taking so long?
I do not know.
It is the fifteenth hour!
- It is over.
- What should we do, Cook Eom?
It might be better that she does not come.
How can you say that?
They are here.
We are here.
Now, should I show them what I can do?
Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.
BON APPÉTIT, YOUR MAJESTY
The theme of the first dish is…
I must prepare a meat dish
they've never seen before.
A taste that doesn't exist in this era.
I am sure you remember.
We must lose at all costs.
I have bad news.
The gochogaru is gone.
Where did you get this red oil?
Is it an ingredient you brought?
What were you thinking?
His Majesty and the chief royal cook
will not be able to avoid
this arrow of fate.
I don't want to lose either.
I will announce the result
of the first round.
Subtitle translation by: Jennifer Jean Lim