Hang-Geum and Court Lady Han lost in the competition in front of the Queen. Court Lady Han believes it is because Jang-Geum took too long to get the cow shoulder meat for the broth thus there wasn’t enough time for the soup to develop its rich flavor. Court Lady Choi and Geum-Young are elated they won and regains confidence in their skills. Court Lady Han scolds Jang-Geum because Jang-Geum focused only on winning against Geum-Young, instead of making good food.
A ranked supervisor, Jo Sang Gong, who is receiving treatment outside of the palace needs someone from the Royal Kitchen for a limited duration and Court Lady Han tells Jang-Geum to go there. Jang-Geum begs to allow her to stay since the competition in the palace with Courty Lady Choi isn’t over yet but Han tells her to leave. Courty Lady Jung finds out about it and asks Court Lady Han if it’s too harsh of a punishment but Han Sang Gong insists on her decision.