Jang-Geum was later adopted by a Wine-making family, De Jiu (Kang Duk Gu) and his wife. On one occasion, Jang-Geum sent wine to the King-to-be, Prince Jung Jong. She pleaded Jung Jong so that she could be a Royal Maid, and he agreed. That is how Jang-Geum successfully entered the Palace. After JungJong successfully replaced King YeonSanGun as the King, Jang Geum is brought into the palace. In the palace, she met her best friend, Yeon-Sheng and also Geum Yeung(they used to be very close). With determination, Jang-Geum passed through the exams, and she was taught by Court Lady Han, which is her mother’s best friend in the Palace.
Court Lady Han had no clue at all about Jang-Geum being her best friend’s daughter. In the palace, Jang Geum is bullied by Ling Lo (Yong Ro). She thinks of the recipe that her mother kept at the back kitchen (where all the things used is returned and washed). So she goes there with Yeong Sheng.