Original subtitles

Joy of Life 2

I knew you wouldn't die

Everyone said you were dead

-It 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 come back first?

In trouble?

Are you the owner of Baoyue Tower?

Could you tell?

I was so busy talking to you, I almost messed up the accounts.

Stand there and look at me.

I'll ask you one more time.

Is the Moon Embracing Tower your property?

Don't grit your teeth at me like that.

Being jealous or envious won't help.

Even brothers should settle accounts clearly.

Brother, let me put it this way.

The entire Moon Embracing Tower,

every brick, every tile, every plant,

was all your younger brother's doing.

This Moon Embracing Tower is my...

It's our Fan family's property.

Why did you establish the Moon Embracing Tower?

Since when does making money need a reason?

If anything, you're the one who should be answering questions.

Our bookstore was doing just fine

Then you ran off to Beiqi

What was your phrase for it? "Updates"

You stopped updating

The readers are demanding updates What am I supposed to do?

I can't even continue writing "Dream of Red Mansions"

Does your family know?

No, they don't

I've been keeping it from them, wanted to give them a surprise

So this is really your own decision? No one forced you?

I really don't understand you

Making money is such a good thing

Why would anyone need to force you?

Why don't you explain it to me

Actually, I'd like to ask you

You've been in Beiqi for so long, are you...

I...

Are you crazy? Why are you hitting me?

Who's this with?

Wait, wasn't the boss alone up there?

What's all this commotion?

Every plant and tree, right?

Every brick and tile, right? They're all yours

They're all yours

All yours

I'll kill you

I... can't do this.

Fan Xian.

Even my father never hit me this hard. Who do you think you are?

Did you open the Moon Embrace Tower?

Yes, I did. What about it? Jealous?

Then what about Old Jin's business?

I don't know any Old Jin or Old Tie.

Don't talk to me about things I don't know.

I've put up with you for too long, Fan Xian.

Who the hell do you think you are?

Do you believe me if I call people to break your damn legs right now?

I haven't called anyone yet.

Fan Sizhe

No need for all that trouble

Let me be straight with you

I sneaked back to the capital

And caused some trouble

If you go out and announce

that Fan Xian is here, I'm done for

Worse than broken legs - might lose my life

Stop playing the victim with me

You really think I won't call for help?

Fine, I'll wait right here

Revenge is sweetest when taken personally, go ahead

Alright... you're in trouble now

Wait here, don't move

Someone come here, quickly!

Everyone come here!

Here... boss

Young master's been bullied

What? Who'd dare bully you?

-Everyone come... -Coming...

Is everyone here?

Why so few?

Where are our three hundred warriors? Call them all

Come here

What's wrong? Our accounts are such a mess...

-What's wrong with you? -Boss

Whose legs did you say you'd break?

That Fan...

-Who? -Who?

-Fan who? -Who? Who exactly?

The table's legs

Dining table?

-Dining table? -Dining table?

Who's this dining table?

It tripped me and made me fall hard earlier

Tomorrow

Have it remade into a tea table

- Coffee table? - Move aside

This...

Where are the people you called?

You just said

If I call people up here, you're dead

-Is that true? -It's true

This counts as me saving your life.

I'll let you off for now.

But don't get too happy.

I'm still mad at you.

What right do you have to hit me?

No...

What's wrong?

It's nothing.

My Fight Qi has been acting up lately.

When I hit you in a rush earlier,

it went haywire again.

Why are you in such a hurry?

Sorry about that.

What are *you* sorry for?

Did you arrest the mother and son from the Teng family?

What?

Who?

Teng Zijing's widow

I arrested...arrested where? Brought them to Moon Embrace Pavilion?

That's impossible, Old Teng and I were on good terms.

Would I do something so immoral?

You didn't know?

Wait, who told you she was here? Do you have proof?

Someone saw it.

- Let me go ask - Come back

Do you know about forcing decent women into prostitution?

What nonsense are you saying? What are you talking about?

Our Moon Embrace Pavilion is a place of refined elegance.

Isn't it a brothel?

You're infuriating me, let me explain this properly.

You think Moon Embrace Pavilion is a brothel?

Think about it - if we opened a brothel in the capital,

there are already three to five established brothels.

Doing the same thing wouldn't be novel at all.

And we're just entering this business.

How could we compete for customers?

So we had to take a different approach.

And even if we consider the worst case,

if a child of our Fan family ran a brothel,

if word got out, father would beat me to death.

- So all those girls earlier were fake? - They're real.

No, but they're definitely not...

Definitely not what you're imagining.

Don't get the wrong idea.

They're not in that kind of flesh trade.

The girls I've recruited

each must be

well-educated, polite, and multi-talented.

Music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry and songs -

they must excel in all these arts.

After all, pleasing through beauty alone is low-class.

My goal is to make Moon Embrace Pavilion

into the one pure land

in this chaotic capital.

Let these literati and poets

find their true kindred spirits here.

This is what I truly want -

something truly unique.

So you don't know about Old Jin's death either?

You keep mentioning this Old Jin, Old Jin...

Who exactly is he?

And he died right here in my place.

My business just opened.

With a death here, how am I supposed to run my business?

Which competitor is trying to ruin me like this?

I'll confront them face to face.

Has no one entered the master's room?

-No -No

So he just fell on his own?

What's wrong?

Let me check your injuries.

You haven't checked at all.

I needed time to find them.

I didn't want to disturb you.

It's fine, nothing serious.

Let's go.

No need to see me out.

Need me?

I do need you.

-Speak. -Wait a moment...

I've been carefully considering what you said about...

those absurd theories.

They actually make some sense.

Young master, sitting here alone reviewing accounts...

is rather dull indeed.

You see,

that fall knocked some sense into me.

I've grown.

Well...

There was just now...

that tall girl playing the pipa.

Is she still here?

Bring her up.

Have her play a tune for me.

I'd like to enjoy it.

A beautiful companion would be perfect.

Just the pipa? Or a full set of instruments?

Only the pipa, nothing more.

Wait for me.

No need to escort me.

Remember what I taught you

Later, you should smile more

Don't let anything go wrong, understand?

Listen, an ugly duckling can become a phoenix

It all depends on your performance today

Nothing must go wrong

Okay

I think it's good

Come in

What are you doing?

I don't need you right now.

Wait a moment, I'll call you when I'm done.

You found me out

I knew it, get down

No need to see me off

Brother

Come...take it easy

Is it her?

Sang Wen, Miss Sang

Miss Sang

Let me ask you something

What exactly is this Baoyue Lou place?

It's obviously a brothel

How could it be a brothel?

You're the owner, shouldn't you know?

Brother...I genuinely didn't know about this

Yuan Meng handled everything alone

It's your own business, don't you usually come?

I only come to check the accounts

I don't usually get involved

I don't even like singing and dancing

Let me ask you, Miss Sang

So this place

Is it true about forcing decent women into prostitution?

They're being held in the backyard

Brother, I'll investigate this thoroughly

You'll investigate?

Of course I will! I was deceived too

-I'm also a victim -You're the owner

If you investigate, can you explain it clearly?

I can't explain it

I say you two investigate, can't you sit closer?

Who are you making trouble for?

Fan Sizhe

Think you're capable now?

Every brick, every tile, every plant belongs to you?

Your property?

No...

Brother

Actually, I admit

What I said earlier was a bit exaggerated

Tell me, where did you hire this Yuan Meng?

I didn't hire her

Aren't you the owner?

I'm not the only owner

Who else?

Have we been making money recently?

Of course we have

I knew it, how much?

The main owner is checking the accounts inside

Why don't you go in and take a look?

Has cousin arrived?

Cousin?

The second boss calls you cousin?

He's a relative from my mother's side.

Which family's child?

The imperial family's.

A member of the royal family.

Isn't my mother cousins with Noble Consort Yi?

So Noble Consort Yi's son

should be my cousin, right?

Noble Consort Yi's son

The Third Prince?

-My cousin -This...

Young Master Fan

Perhaps I should leave first.

Where are you going?

I dare not listen anymore.

The more I know, the shorter I'll live.

You'd better sit down first.

You've already heard everything, proper or not.

It's too late now.

The color of this curtain isn't right either.

Especially these ribbons.

What color do you think we should change it to?

How about blue?

Okay.

Wait...

Pink would be better.

Then let's go with pink.

Purple seems nice too.

Should we choose purple then?

Actually, it would be best to have all three colors.

Mixed into black, it would appear black at first glance.

But upon closer inspection...

You'd see all three - blue, pink, and purple.

Let's change it to a multicolored black.

This candlestick won't do either.

- It's unattractive. - Change it.

- Get a more substantial and majestic one. - Alright.

It should also have a delicate and intricate feel.

Replace it with candlesticks that alternate between thick and thin.

Second Boss

The Head Boss is upstairs checking the accounts.

Would you like to go up and take a look too?

No rush...

Running this Baoyue Tower isn't about making money...

The most important thing...

is making money.

Did you understand what he just said?

Money isn't easy to come by these days.

Still don't get it?

Let me explain it to you from the beginning.

He's actually just doing it for face.

Face?

No matter what business he starts or what trade he engages in,

as long as it makes money.

Making money proves

he has vision, strength, and capability.

When he returns to the palace, it'll make his mother proud.

No,

he opens a brothel here

wanting to gain face before his mother? What's this kid thinking?

No, brother, didn't I already explain?

Both my cousin and I were deceived by bad people.

We didn't know Baoyue Tower was this kind of place.

Didn't Noble Consort Yi ask more questions?

My cousin, like me, wanted to give our mothers a surprise.

Then where did he hire this Yuan Meng from?

I genuinely don't know.

Why do you keep fixating on this Yuan Meng?

- You still don't get it... - This

Doesn't this clash with that color?

Change this red to...

Change it to...

- Change to purple - Change...

- No, that... just change it to purple - Is that him?

Okay...

- Okay... - This

This won't do either, change this to purple.

No, that color's a bit too heavy, no good...

There are still many areas that can be adjusted.

Let me think, we'll discuss it all together later.

Okay.

Cousin is upstairs.

The boss is meticulous, checking accounts alone upstairs.

He's checking accounts alone?

With singers keeping him company.

Cousin never liked listening to songs.

Let's go take a look.

Take your time.

Cousin, I'm coming in.

Come in.

Weren't we here to listen to music? Why are you singing?

Now that you mention it, I'm getting angry

What kind of education is this?

They play worse than I do

Go back and practice more

What did I just tell you?

Can't even handle such a simple task

Get out of here, now

Back when I was the top courtesan at Liujing River

No one plays the pipa better than me

Get up

Leave

If you want to hear more later, just call for me

Brother, I can do it too. Want me to sing a bit for you?

Stop messing around with me

Where did you even find these people?

Who are you?

Everyone has arrived now.

Your Highness, we've arrived.

- Are you sure Fan Xian is inside now? - Absolutely

Come in with me

Your Highness, this...

One shouldn't be hesitant in life

Those who try to leave themselves an escape route often find it becomes a dead end

As you command

Very clever, let's go

Let's watch the show

- Did you kill him? - Just knocked out

That's all it took to knock him out?

I am quite skilled after all

What about your Fight Qi? How is it?

It'll recover after resting a while

What should I tell him when he wakes up?

He already saw you

Say something, what's wrong?

Why are there so many people here?

What is the Second Prince doing here?

He's looking for me.

Does he know you're here?

Let me give you a heads-up

The building is surrounded on all sides

There's nowhere to go

Don't even think about climbing out windows or roofs

Open the door and welcome our guests

I thought you couldn't be seen?

A door won't stop a prince, open up

Second Prince

Young Master

Long time no see

Old Wang? How did you...

What a lively gathering

This is...

You must be tired, get some rest.

This is...

Kicked by a donkey.

Fan Xian

Long time no see.

Not that long, really.

At most, it's been...

half a year.

But in my heart, it feels like two or three years have passed.

The capital isn't the same without you.

It's really dull.

You know what?

On my way to Northern Qi,

Yan Xiaoyi tried to kill me.

Really?

I've been wondering—

how did he know my route?

I didn't tell anyone which path I'd take.

So how did he figure it out?

It's actually simple.

By knowing which paths I *wouldn't* take,

he could deduce my route.

The journey to Northern Qi is long,

and every checkpoint along the way is under your influence.

Not taking Fengming Pass, yet unwilling to detour

Which path would I choose?

It's quite obvious, isn't it?

Therefore,

The one conspiring with the Crown Princess to kill me

has always been you.

Fan Xian

Actually...

Just investigate the human trafficking at Baoyue Tower casually

and the truth will be clear

Both the primary and secondary owners are right here

Along with our little poetry immortal Fan who faked his death and returned to the capital

This scene makes everything crystal clear

Yes, no one would believe now that Baoyue Tower has nothing to do with me

I'm afraid nobody would believe that

Truth be told, at this point

human trafficking is no longer the main issue

Fan Xian

Your deception of faking death to fool the emperor

is the real capital crime

However

I still want to thank Lord Wang Qinian

Without his long-term planning

I truly wouldn't have met you

Old Wang has always...

been highly competent

Old Wang?

You're biting the hand that feeds you.

Your Highness

Now that Young Fan has fallen into Your Highness's trap

I beg Your Highness to honor our agreement

and return my wife and daughter

They're not with me

Your Highness clearly promised

I made myself very clear

I'll give you everything I have

But your family truly isn't in my custody

I considered sending for them

But we were too late

The house was empty

They're really not with Your Highness?

I swear it's true

Don't panic

After this matter is settled

I'll help you search

Where could they have gone?

My lord

I thought the people were taken by His Highness...

Understand

Actually, I find it quite strange too

Taking people away

without leaving any demands

Yes, unlike you, right?

Taking hostages, human lives - all just bargaining chips

That's not important

Truth be told, until now

I'm actually quite moved by my own actions

Even in our current predicament

I still want to give you a chance

If you're willing to turn foes into friends

I'll immediately release the Teng mother and child

The troubles at Baoyue Tower

will be wiped clean

At this point

You're the one who needs to forgive me?

It's all the same

Who hasn't made mistakes in this life?

Let it go, just let it go

Let it go? How?

Baoyue Tower trades people, forces good women into prostitution

How should we account for their suffering?

How? By holding you accountable

Their plight is all your doing

I don't care about them, I care about you

As long as you're willing to turn foes into friends

Aren't these people all under your control?

Two paths

Either reconcile

Or...

Kill you

Understood

I won't reconcile

Li Chengze, we're not the same kind of people

You and I are destined to be enemies

What a pity

Dong Jing Prefecture is handling the case, drop your blade.

-Don't move -Don't move

Nobody move

You're already dead.

How did you mobilize the Dong Jing officers?

No, even if alive, you couldn't summon them.

Who could it be?

-All hail the Crown Prince! -All hail the Crown Prince!

Carry on with your duties, no need for formalities.

Brother Bai is here too

Greetings, Your Highness

We're brothers, no need for formalities.

Then let's...

Have a chat?

No need for formalities.

Your Highness the Crown Prince

What's this kid's deal?

Tired, gonna take a nap.

Just like that?

Kids need more sleep when they're growing.

I was the same as a child, I understand.

Understand my foot!

What happened to your face?

Kicked by a donkey.

Second Brother really knows everything.

Your Highness the Crown Prince, what brings you to such a place?

I had some free time, so I followed when I saw the Capital Office handling a case.

What kind of case?

The Embrace Moon Tower.

Human trafficking is a grave crime against the state.

I had to come see for myself.

Who would've thought I'd run into Second Brother here.

Second Brother, perhaps you should come back tomorrow?

I advise you to think twice before speaking or acting.

Think about what? How?

Fan Xian deceived the Emperor.

This is a capital offense.

You dare protect him even in this?

Didn't he really die?

And who might this be before us...?

Wei, don't scare me like that.

There's nobody in front of me at all.

You should consider the consequences

Sheltering deception against the emperor is equally punishable

Lately, I've been extremely exhausted

I'm blind, I'm deaf

What crime have I committed?

If this really blows up,

do you think you can protect it?

Not sure, let's try.

Capital Prefecture official business.

Obstructors will be treated as rebels.

Haven't you thought it through?

How will this end?

Haven't thought about it, why don't you?

May I ask presumptuously,

how did Your Highness know I'd come to Baoyue Tower today?

Wang Qinian

Your Highness... this...

All the blame...

Should fall on my master

At heart, I'm still an honest man

Fan Xian went to Baoyue Tower?

Indeed

Then you'll need to visit Second Brother's place later

Young Master Fan said

If Your Highness the Crown Prince times it right

You can trap them in Baoyue Tower

Fan Xian is using himself as bait

He just hopes Your Highness enjoys the fishing

A series of traps

You really fooled me

This is all because my master is too cunning

I'm just reluctantly going along

If I had really captured your wife and daughter

I would have handed them over just now

Fortunately

The mother and daughter aren't in your hands

That makes things much safer

Well played with the words

What a beautifully laid trap

This humble one is terrified...

Wang Qinian, your deception comes so naturally

You even fooled me - must do this often?

Not at all, not at all

I've always been a man of integrity

It's mainly my master's influence

Second Brother

We've already drawn our swords

Why are you still chatting?

Draw swords? What swords?

They're not drawn, so let's sit and chat

You say we're like brothers

And you're the Crown Prince

Drawing swords before you would be treason, wouldn't it?

Let's just treat it as a joke

Precisely because we're like brothers

that I must advise you

You shouldn't have come to Baoyue Tower

If others see you here, there'll inevitably be gossip

The Fan family owns Baoyue Tower

But the secondary owner

is your growing younger brother

The secondary owner is also your growing younger brother

Second Brother, you're mistaken

The Crown Prince isn't counted among the princes

He's younger than me, but he's ranked third

So this brotherhood doesn't apply to me

What? Are you planning to arrest me today?

How could you say that? I treat you as my own brother

Once we leave here, I won't mention a word

Then how should I repay you?

Release the Teng mother and son

Isn't Fan Xian absent?

That was just my personal opinion

Actually

What if we fall out?

Baoyue Tower has nothing to do with me

Outsiders' criticism won't affect me

Baoyue Tower has nothing to do with you?

- My conscience is clear - Are you sure?

Absolutely certain

- Then let's speak privately - Agreed

Is that Yuan Meng downstairs?

What are they talking about? I can't hear.

No idea.

Don't look.

The former top courtesan of Liujing River was quite famous.

If I remember correctly,

Hongcheng took her in.

Though Hongcheng is the heir of Prince Jing,

we have little connection—I don't know him well.

Second Brother is quite close to him.

You could say Hongcheng follows Second Brother's lead entirely.

Speak more plainly.

This relationship is...

Yuanmeng and Hongcheng

Hongcheng and Second Brother

Isn't this an iron triangle?

To outsiders, Second Brother and this Baoyue Tower

still seem somewhat connected

- "Somewhat connected" might not be enough - I'm afraid of deeper investigation

What if nothing can be found?

Public opinion is formidable

Speak plainly, what do you want in exchange for silencing the rumors?

So release the Teng mother and son

That's exactly what I mean

Just say "fear of public opinion" and I'll release them

Do you think I'm that kind of person?

You read people so well.

I really am.

After all, we're brothers.

We're family.

Whoever steps back doesn't matter.

-Fan Wujiu -Your Highness

Escort the Teng mother and son back to their residence.

-But... -Go now.

Understood.

Move aside, all of you, get out of the way!

Is there anything else you need?

Don't worry

I'll definitely release them, no compromises

Gossip is dreadful, I'm terrified.

Then what are your orders, Second Brother?

The Crown Prince has arrived, shouldn't I bow and admit defeat?

May I ask if we can leave now?

As you wish.

People's hearts are hard to fathom.

Take care of yourself.

Who is he talking to?

I don't know.

The government office is handling a case, don't cause trouble for them.

Don't hold them up.

What are you pondering?

Do you think he's genuine or fake?

From what I know of Second Brother,

he's not someone who breaks his word.

If he promised to release them,

he’ll definitely do it.

I just think he gave in too easily.

Even if the situation was unfavorable,

leaving on the spot would’ve been an option.

Letting them go so easily?

It’s possible that—

like I mentioned, that "iron triangle"—

he must’ve realized

to outsiders, he couldn’t possibly be tied to the Phoenix Nightclub,

right? No connection at all?

But Yuan Meng’s flaw—

is way too obvious.

Maybe I came too suddenly,

and he didn’t have time to hide them.

No, what I mean is—

Why did he insist on Yuan Meng managing the Phoenix Nightclub?

Couldn’t he have picked someone else?

Yuan Meng’s the top courtesan—

a master of charm and wit.

She’s perfect for the job, no?

He used the Phoenix Nightclub to trap Fan Sizhe,

then sent me a letter,

and even seized the Teng mother and son.

After all that effort,

he just gives up now?

Originally,

he wanted to trap you for deceiving the emperor.

Who knew the plan would fail?

Is it possible Yuan Meng was a deliberate flaw he exposed?

Then what is he after?

After what?

Exactly.

What's the motive?

Release them.

I've already given the order.

They're just a widow and her child. Don't frighten them.

So we're just sending the Teng mother and son back like this?

We didn't catch Fan Xian, so letting them go doesn't matter.

Besides, it's not worth risking our lives over this matter with him.

But this way, we gain nothing at all.

What's the rush? The show at Baoyue Tower has only just begun.

Only he thinks he's won.

What about Wang Qinian?

He actually managed to deceive me.

He's quite talented.

I don't deserve such praise...

What talent does Wang possess?

At best, I'm just an ordinary man.

Your Highness, you flatter me too much.

This person is quite humble.

But there are very few who can deceive Second Brother.

That's already quite impressive.

It's mainly because Your Highness is blessed with great fortune.

And my lord has one brilliant plan after another.

As for me, I just did what an honest man should.

That's why you handled it so perfectly.

Old Wang, that's enough.

Got it.

What do you plan to do with Baoyue Tower?

Can you release the people?

If we release them now,

we probably won't leave any survivors.

Then seal the tower first.

You calm them down.

Wait until I officially return to the capital.

- I'll definitely give them a way out. - Okay.

By the way, there's a Miss Jin in the tower.

Take special care of her, return her indenture contract.

Are you worthy of my sister-in-law?

The business is so good.

Just seal it like that? Giving up?

Dare not continue.

Is there anything you dare not do?

Dare not cross the bottom line.