Ep 4. Episode 4

Jewel in the Palace, also known as Dae Jang Geum, is a South Korean historical drama that follows the life of a young kitchen maid named Jang-geum, who rises to become the first female physician of King Jungjong's court during the Joseon dynasty. In episode 4, Jang-geum begins her journey towards becoming a court lady by passing the first round of the palace's selection process.

The episode begins with Jang-geum waking up early in the morning to practice the palace's selection test, which involves cooking a dish with a specific ingredient that changes each day. Jang-geum's roommate, Yeon-saeng, tries to help her by giving her tips on how to prepare the dish, but Jang-geum insists on doing it on her own.

After cooking the dish, Jang-geum presents it to the palace officials who are responsible for selecting the new court ladies. Her dish impresses the officials, who award her a token of admittance to the second round of the selection process.

Meanwhile, Jang-geum's mentor, Lady Han, falls ill and is unable to attend her duties in the palace. Jang-geum is tasked with taking care of Lady Han and preparing her medicine. Jang-geum's medical skills are put to the test when Lady Han's illness worsens, but she manages to save her life by administering the right medicine.

Jang-geum's success in both the selection process and as a physician earns her the respect and admiration of her peers, including Lady Choi, a high-ranking court lady who sees potential in Jang-geum and takes her under her wing.

As Jang-geum navigates the challenges of palace life, she also begins to uncover the mysteries surrounding her own past and her mother's death. Through a series of flashbacks, we see glimpses of Jang-geum's childhood and her mother's struggles as a court lady. These flashbacks hint at a larger conspiracy within the palace that may have played a role in Jang-geum's mother's death.

Overall, episode 4 of Jewel in the Palace is packed with drama, intrigue, and heartwarming moments as Jang-geum continues to overcome the obstacles in her path and pursue her dreams. The show's beautiful cinematography, intricate plot, and strong performances from its cast make it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.