Original subtitles

Joy of Life 2

What do you mean?

Sir...

Do you want to investigate Baoyue Tower?

-Who told you that? -No, I didn’t say anything, this…

The lord has returned from death.

Meet me in a place like this.

Surely he can't actually be interested in me?

I'm just an ordinary girl

Except for Baoyue Tower

Everything around me is just ordinary people and ordinary matters

Then what makes this Baoyue Tower so special?

Baoyue Tower has only recently opened

yet it's already gathered all the capital's top courtesans

They're all the most profitable establishments

Each has powerful backing

Yet no one has ever dared oppose them

This isn't normal

May I ask Miss Sang for a favor?

Sang Wen also wishes to seek Young Master Fan's help

We can discuss it

Then please accept this banknote first, Master, so I may speak freely

What do you want me to help you with?

You ask first, Master

If I can't be of assistance

Then I won't make my request

Miss Sang is quite clear-headed

With my status, if I weren't clear-headed

Then there's really no hope.

Who owns the Moon Embrace Pavilion?

I don't know.

Ever since I entered Moon Embrace Pavilion,

I've never seen the owner appear.

Then let me ask differently.

Have you seen a mother and child in Moon Embrace Pavilion?

The child was about six or seven years old.

Haven't seen them either.

The people you're looking for,

probably didn't enter Moon Embrace Pavilion willingly?

No, they were taken by force.

Those they capture,

we never get to see.

If that mother and child really exist,

they're probably imprisoned with the others.

Where are they held?

No one tells us.

We don't know who gets newly captured either.

A few days ago a girl was beaten badly

and fled to the front courtyard, bumping into me.

If that mother and child were really captured, she might have seen them.

What's this girl's name?

Don't know.

I only know her surname might be Jin.

Her father sells vegetables.

Miss Sang Wen.

Time to go.

Understood, I'll come out after changing clothes.

Wait

You haven't said what you want me to help you with

Was my information useful?

Extremely useful

I want to leave Baoyue Tower

Following me now would be dangerous

But it's not entirely impossible

Just not now

As long as my indenture remains in the tower

I can never escape this identity

Then I'll buy your freedom

I dare not trouble you to spend money

I have the silver for my own redemption

I only ask for the chance to buy my own freedom

Even with money, you can't free yourself?

I was forced at knifepoint to sign this indenture

Forcing the innocent into prostitution

The owner of Baoyue Tower truly holds immense power

Don’t mention you saw me

Wait for me to come back and save you

There’s no rush right now

First, let’s wait for the lord to recover

Your Highness

For these past few days' memorial service

the full attendee list is here

Fan Xian hasn't appeared

Any movement at Wang Qinian's residence?

No significant activity

All locations

have been monitored by my agents

Only a mother and daughter coming/going, no others

Could it be...

Fan Xian never reached the capital?

Should we wait longer?

We cannot wait

The momentum around Young Master Fan's death is established

If we let him rejoin the envoy now

we won't get another chance like this

But he hasn't appeared

Wujiu, do you know

what life's most moving moment is?

Success in imperial exams

Or family reunion

Do you know what the prerequisite for a family reunion is?

You must first have a home

You must first separate

before you can reunite

Wujiu, go bring Wang Qinian's wife and daughter here

I want to see a complete family reunion

Understood

Just wait to be moved

My lord, I've gathered all the information

It's this very street

Soon, the procurement convoy from Baoyue Tower

will pass through here

Remember this

In the last carriage, there are two vegetable baskets

The vegetables in those baskets aren't packed tightly

They can hide a person

- Are you sure? - Absolutely

They're coming

My lord

Do you have some spare silver coins?

So much silver here.

-Hurry...mine... -There's silver over there.

Get away...don't grab, this is mine.

West of the ancient fortress.

People say it was.

The Red Cliff of Zhou Lang during Three Kingdoms.

Jagged rocks pierce the sky, furious waves pound the shore.

Rolling up a thousand piles of snow.

-Good -Good

Go in.

Hurry...

Be careful with my goods.

Move inside, this spot.

Go inside...be careful.

Old Six.

Inspect these carriages carefully, one by one.

-Got it -Got it

Captain, take care.

(Old Jin, vegetable farmer from capital)

I've seen you before.

I don't know you.

You've performed on stage, haven't you?

Gentlemen, please give me another chance.

Just one more chance.

Give me a chance.

Give me one more opportunity.

You're that desperate to get in?

It means more to me than my own life.

You're not young anymore, take care of your health.

It doesn't matter.

As long as I can see my daughter.

What happens to me doesn't matter.

Your daughter is at Baoyue Tower? Why?

For five hundred taels.

You sold your daughter?

Even I wouldn't do something so despicable.

My girl did it to repay my vegetable debts.

She sold herself.

Vegetable debts? What kind of vegetables cost five hundred taels?

It was for selling vegetables.

Eunuch Dai from the palace who procures vegetables.

Bought vegetables from me.

Wait a minute.

You're a vegetable seller, surname Jin?

How did you know?

-Put it here... -Hurry.

-Okay... -All set.

Don't damage it...

I'll go get a chicken.

Did you just say you deliver vegetables to the palace?

That's a good deal, steady income rain or shine.

But Eunuch Dai demands tribute.

Festivals, birthdays—none can be missed.

Last birthday,

I truly had no money.

Eunuch Dai held a grudge.

After that, he'd always claim my vegetables weren't fresh.

If they're not fresh, can't you just not sell them?

If only it were that simple.

He'd fine me for "unfresh" produce.

Said it showed disrespect to the royals.

Fined daily, debts piling up.

Until I owed five hundred taels.

That's why my daughter did this foolish thing.

Can't we just stop supplying the palace?

Stopping would be deceiving the emperor.

Still means losing your head.

Has no one reported Eunuch Dai?

Who'd listen to a vegetable vendor?

What standing do we have?

- By the law! - Eunuch Dai IS the law.

My daughter sold herself,

yet I never even saw the silver.

Moon Embrace Tower gave it straight to Eunuch Dai.

Said it settled my debt.

Is Eunuch Dai close with Moon Embrace Tower?

Who knows? They're all important people.

Ever since then,

I've longed daily to see my child.

I just want to tell her:

"Your father's saving up,

I'll surely buy your freedom."

Open the back gate, let the carriages through quickly.

Search the backyard thoroughly for anything missed.

- I'll help you. - Hurry up!

My lord

My private savings

Please keep it all

I don't...

You take it

You...

No need to kneel, I...

I'm just using you, not helping you

Even with silver, I can't get in

Entry requires an invitation

Quick... hurry up, keep up

Faster... hurry

I'll handle it for you

News of recapturing Jibei suddenly came from beyond the sword gate

Spring grass grows wild in the city

Moved by the times, flowers shed tears

Resent parting...

You're reciting it wrong

With youth as companion

Beacon fires burn for three months

- Home... - How dare you cheat?

Reciting blindly

Get down, hurry up and get down

Young Master Fan

Through the ages

Why is this old man here again?

What's he up to this time?

What a stance

-Looking quite professional -Yeah

Take the photo quickly

The truth

-Like -Like

So similar

- Okay... - Okay...

- Okay... - Okay...

Okay, alright

Won unanimous votes

Received the memorial card

The next mourner

Come forward to pay tribute

"Farewell to Dong Da"

A thousand miles...

A thousand miles...

The next mourner comes forward to pay tribute

Please come in...

Sir, he met you

What great luck for him

Have you heard of Eunuch Dai, who handles vegetables for the palace?

I've heard of Eunuch Dai from the Inspection Bureau but never seen him.

I should meet him sometime.

I'd also like to see what royal justice looks like.

If you wish to climb higher, my lord...

One must learn to blend with the light and dust.

One must learn to turn a blind eye.

Such people

are they even worthy of being called "light"?

Light or not, after all, they hold court positions.

Are cases like Old Jin's common?

The common folk...

have long grown accustomed to it.

Mom, I'm not sleepy, I don't want to take a nap.

After waking up, I can have dinner again.

Will there be meat tonight?

You can't always eat meat.

I also eat rice.

Yes, now sleep.

Mom.

Why do Dad and Uncle Fan both come from the well?

About your dad and Uncle Fan returning—

Don’t tell anyone, understand?

I understand, Mom, don’t worry.

I’ll go play with Sanya and the others.

Everyone says my dad is dead.

Well, that’s not necessary.

Dad’s back.

Your dad doesn’t need to knock when he returns.

Hide under the bed

-My lord -Come now, let all the young masters disperse

Young masters, return early tomorrow

-Disperse... -There's more tomorrow

All the young masters have dispersed

That's all for today, we'll continue tomorrow.

-Let's disperse... -Everyone, please head back for now.

Disperse, everyone, let's disperse.

Everyone, let's call it a day—be here early tomorrow.

Everyone, that's it for today.

We'll continue the memorial tomorrow.

They're gone...

- Make sure everything's tidy over there - Got it

They're out

How's it going?

You...

About that matter you asked me to look into...

I asked my daughter.

She said she's seen all the newly detained people.

None of them had a son with them.

Don't worry.

The person you're looking for...

isn't at Baoyue Tower.

If she's not here, our lead is cut off.

Benefactor...

You could try coming back tomorrow.

What do you mean?

My daughter said...

the people in the tower disciplined the newcomers.

She mentioned the owner would visit tomorrow.

The owner of Baoyue Tower is quite mysterious.

No one knows who it is.

You have silver, benefactor.

If you meet the owner...

you could ask.

Where’s your daughter? Why isn’t she with you?

They said...

Five hundred taels...

only buys two hours.

They made me use that silver...

to see my own daughter...

How much do they want?

Ten thousand taels.

I could never save up ten thousand taels in my lifetime.

And that five hundred taels...

I couldn’t get it back either.

The child wasn’t saved.

I even lost your five hundred taels.

I’m useless.

I don’t have ten thousand taels.

Don’t say that…

-I’ve failed you. -Don’t say that, you’ve already helped me so much.

You don’t need to return that five hundred taels.

I’ll find a way to get the ten thousand taels, don’t worry.

I'll go sell the vegetables now...

Repaying the benefactor's money

Just being alive is enough

Sir, don't go over there.

-Get out of the way, move... -Step aside

Let's go, sir

Collect the bodies, report to authorities, it was accidental during the disturbance

No matter how much silver we have to compensate, we'll accept it.

If we charge out now

This will only alert the enemy, sir.

-Clean it thoroughly... -Stop looking...

Human lives are of paramount importance.

How dare a brothel do this?

The real culprit is the mastermind behind it all.

Everyone's gone... stop staring.

- Disperse, you hear me? Get moving. - The person went in alive.

And came out dead.

Is there any other possibility?

But just now...

We weren't even inside the building.

I will definitely come tomorrow

I want to see for myself

who the real owner of Baoyue Lou is

Why did you hit him so hard?

The old man threw the first punch.

We had no choice but to defend ourselves.

What about his daughter?

We're watching her, keeping close tabs.

Make sure she doesn't harm herself.

Did you clean all the blood?

It's all cleaned up.

The path looks brand new, just as you instructed.

- What about the waist area? - Both inside and outside the building.

We cleaned everything thoroughly.

Maintain sincerity and emotional connection.

Does he have any other family?

No, just a daughter who works in our establishment.

Send some silver to her.

Have people look after her and console her.

Give her proper guidance.

Of course she's grieving the loss.

But isn't it better to cut ties cleanly?

The rear.

Are these hands or chicken claws?

Tell the girl:

We'll handle the funeral arrangements here.

Tell her to work hard.

She could become a top courtesan someday.

When she visits the grave,

her father will watch proudly from the afterlife.

Master Yuan is too kind-hearted.

Let's go through it again.

Where's your waist?

Chest out

Perfect

Sir

According to Old Jin, this Eunuch Dai from the Vegetable Inspection Bureau

is also a bad apple of the same lot

But don't worry

We'll continue investigating once you've fully recovered

What's wrong?

Madam

We've searched everywhere, no one's here.

Could she have gone to visit relatives?

No.

My wife knows that your return to the capital must be kept secret.

Baba

Just like the Teng family

The person is gone

Moon Embrace Pavilion

My lord

Going now won't help

They...

They mean more to me than my own life

-Don't panic yet, listen to me -What are you saying?

Didn't I warn you earlier

That we needed to leave immediately?

Or my wife and daughter would be in danger

Now look what's happened

The Second Prince has taken them

You tell me not to panic—how can I not?

Just today, we saw a man

Drop dead right before our eyes

In broad daylight

"Peace and safety"

Old Wang, I'm going.

Be careful, sir.

Take care of things outside.

Understood.

Don't worry, we'll definitely rescue them.

Qinian trusts you, sir.

I say, Fan Wujiu

Your Highness

You really do study every day

I've never seen you this extreme before

The imperial exams are approaching

I need to prepare properly too

What? You plan to take the exams?

What scholar doesn't dream of topping the exams?

"Scholar"?

While carrying a sword?

Martial arts were forced upon me

From childhood till now

I've actually been a scholar

A scholar is good...

You can even strategize for me

Come now, scholar, help me think

About Wang Qinian's wife and daughter

How did they suddenly disappear?

Reporting to Your Highness

Strangely enough

Yesterday I went to the Wang residence

I watched as the mother and daughter entered

When I rushed in, guess what?

They were gone

No other traces?

I searched everywhere

Still no sign of them

Thinking back now, it's terrifying

I thought I'd seen ghosts

Could it be Wang Qinian returned to the capital with Fan Xian

And had them moved away?

If you put it that way

It makes sense

Fool

Your Highness, Wang Qinian requests audience

Who? Wang Qinian?

- Yes - Alone?

Just him alone

Interesting

- Let him in - Yes

Wang Qinian

Greetings, Your Highness

Where are these pears from?

I bought them.

Have some fruit

Fan Xian...

His death in the envoy group was faked

He has now returned to the capital

Really?

That's wonderful

He fooled even me

After returning to the capital

he's been investigating the whereabouts of the Teng mother and son

Now

his focus has turned to Baoyue Tower

What is Baoyue Tower?

A brothel

What connection do the Teng mother and son have with Baoyue Tower?

That's not important.

Fan Xian

Upon learning that the owner of Baoyue Tower would visit today,

he secretly infiltrated it.

If Your Highness goes to Baoyue Tower now,

you can expose his faked death to the world

and force him into a corner.

Aren't you Fan Xian's trusted aide?

Young Master Fan...

towards Wang Esq.

has been kind and righteous

with immense gratitude

Then why betray him?

I only beg Your Highness

after this matter is accomplished

to release my wife and daughter

For my family

in my heart

my wife and daughter are more important than anything

Can I trust you?

Alright, I promise you.

As long as we can intercept Young Master Fan today,

the people under my control

you can take them all.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Hopeless.

Then accompany me to Baoyue Tower.

Understood.

Follow me.

Where are my shoes?

Where did the shoes go?

Your Highness

No wonder you're Fan Xian's right-hand man

You've turned to the light

Fan Xian won't spare you

I have no choice

Get up

Get up

You do have a choice

If we capture Fan Xian today

His crime of deceiving the emperor will be confirmed

Then you can join my side

Whatever he offers, I'll match it

Thank you, Your Highness

In that case

Let's lay our cards on the table

Come with me to Baoyue Tower

As you command, Your Highness

Very well

The boss rarely visits

This is a rare opportunity for you

Use everything I've taught you

If you really catch their eye

That could be your chance to rise straight to the top

But let me be blunt upfront

If anyone makes mistakes or causes trouble

I'll remember it for life

Ladies

You'd better give it your all

Miss Sang

Make sure to sing well later

Don’t just sing gloomy tunes

Don’t worry, Sister Meng, Sang Wen wouldn’t dare

You should smile more

This smile—it’s perfect

Girls, you must think carefully

About how to put your heart into your work

This establishment of mine

Depends on all of you

Mr. Wang, drive the carriage for me.

Your Highness

I beg Your Highness to spare Lord Fan's life.

Why are you pleading for him now?

If it weren't to save my family,

I would never betray Young Master Fan.

Rest assured,

I went through all this trouble not to kill him.

Cooperation benefits us both.

Thank you, Your Highness.

To be honest with Your Highness,

I'm quite a steady driver.

Our street and the two adjacent streets have all been cleared.

Rest assured

Coming.

Yuan Meng welcomes the great proprietor

Don't make any mistakes later.

How the new girl was whipped

You've all seen it

Everyone knows

When they start wailing and screaming

it wouldn't be good if the boss hears them

No worries

They're all locked up in the backyard

-There are guards keeping them quiet -How do you know?

I just passed by the backyard and was shooed away by the guards.

I saw it.

Many of them were sold into this place.

Which brothel needs so many new girls?

If they weren’t tricked, they were taken by force.

Otherwise, why would they cry like that every day?

Who do you think our boss really is?

Such ruthless methods.

Stop talking nonsense—our lives matter more.

Ladies, the big boss is here.

Please come in

-Boss, you're here -The boss has arrived

-Please, sit here... -Why should I sit here?

Try some grapes

-I... -Try mine instead

Please try this one of mine

-Enough -Try this one

Just have a taste

-Please try it -That's enough

What are you doing?

If I eat all this now, will I have room for dinner later?

I'll check the accounts first

Boss, we've prepared all the account books for you

Perhaps we could check after dinner?

Dinner? You mean this?

Isn't it not ready yet?

I'll check the accounts first, where are they?

Right now?

What are you staring at? Why aren't you leaving?

You're blocking my light.

-Not keeping any of them? -Can they help me with the calculations?

Or do I have words written on my face?

If not music, at least let me watch a dance performance.

Am I supposed to look at the ledger or at them?

Fine, let them leave, alright?

Spending so much money

What's up? Why aren't you leaving?

I should at least keep you company.

Accompany me? What for?

Keep you company and chat

- About what? - What do you want to talk about?

Cut the act

I understand

I'm checking the accounts

And you're talking to me, distracting me

There must be something wrong with these accounts

Then you're wrong about me

If that's not what you meant, then just leave

Go hurry the kitchen, I'm starving

I was afraid you'd feel lonely

With so many account books keeping me company here,

how could I feel lonely?

I'm now the happiest person in the world.

But just auditing accounts is so boring.

What did you say?

You've angered me.

Is there anything more interesting than auditing accounts?

Get out, you're not welcome here.

- How did I anger him? - Let's go.

And you think it's funny.

Go.

Well...if you need anything, find me.

Nothing.

Go...

Badmouthing account books, really...

Annoying.

Fan Sizhe

Fan Xian

I knew you couldn't be dead.

Everyone said you were dead.

- Feels like I haven't seen you in years. - Keep your voice down.

Weren't you sent on a diplomatic mission to Northern Qi?

The delegation hasn't returned yet—how did you get back first?

Got into trouble?

Are you the owner of Moon Embrace Pavilion?