A court soldier is ordered to poison the Queen. Meanwhile, a lady of the royal food court witnesses the masterminds behind this conspiracy. Unbeknownst to them, their fates are intertwined.
The supposedly dead Head Doctor returns to clear the conflicting testimonies of Lady Choi and Lady Oh. Lady Choi attempts to run away and succumbs into self-reflection.
Geum Young grows increasingly jealous of Jang Geum's friendship with Min Jung Ho. The last competition has been set for Lady Han and Lady Choi. Jang Geum returns to the palace.
Jang Geum and Yeong Seng cause trouble in the kitchen. Jang Geum takes part in an examination to be a royal maid. Her place in the royal court is at stake.
Lady Choi finds the notebook kept by Jang Geum's mother. Meanwhile, Min Jung Ho continues to aggressively investigate who has been stealing from the king.
To fulfill her mother's dying wish, Jang Geum attempts to become a junior cook in the royal food court. She is adopted by a family that runs a wine brewery.