Original subtitles

Joy of Life 2

We'll follow Lord Xin's orders

Don't...

Don't just follow my lead

Lord Xin

-Don't... -Lord Xin

I can't make this decision

How can this be such a coincidence?

They said they changed their itinerary

And the changed route just happens to cross ours?

Although the princess's carriage

represents our nation's dignity

But as a foreign envoy, I believe

we'll be family eventually anyway

Such matters needn't be so rigid - we can discuss

To yield or not to yield

Let the princess decide

As a member of the Great Qi royal family,

my words and actions represent the dignity of Great Qi.

I can endure personal hardship,

but I must never disgrace Great Qi's prestige.

No.

No?

I've done my best.

Then... what about His Highness the Crown Prince?

Then let him wait.

No, he's a prince.

And that's the crown princess.

Minister Xin,

perhaps we should have the Ministry of Rites make preparations first?

Let's go

Your subject, Fan Xian, greets Your Highness the Eldest Prince.

I've heard of you

Your servant is terrified

Daring to compete for passage with a prince

You've got quite the nerve

But it's rather foolish

Your Highness

I didn't want to either

This was all unavoidable

How so?

This princess is frail

Traveling south has left me unwell

If Your Highness insists

Do you intend to make me wait outside the city

And forbid my entry?

Your Highness

This is called having no choice

You do have some courage.

Your Highness's family matters

Why should this official panic?

What if I insist you step aside?

Then this official can only die

as atonement to Your Highness.

It was my wish to enter the city early—it has nothing to do with Lord Fan.

Quite bold

Fan Xian

Do you think I don't dare to kill you?

Is there anything Your Highness wouldn't dare?

The horse is spooked, move aside, everyone move aside

The horse is spooked, move aside

Gundam, protect the master

Impressive skills

You flatter me, Your Highness

The horse is spooked

We're just doing our duty by helping control it

The horse is dead...

Quick...

Quick!

This... Old Gao, you...

This can't be, I didn't draw my blade

Then how did this horse die?

When a warhorse charges, you need force to stop it

You...

Returning from battle to find my warhorse slain

Minister Fan is truly formidable

I've led armies in battle for years

Is this how the court welcomes us home?

-This was an accident -Considering you're Wan'er's future husband

I won't press the matter

Hand this man over to me

Just compensate for the horse

Old Gao

Fan Xian

Think carefully

-Sir, it's not worth it -Shut up

I'll take responsibility for his actions

It was my order

Don't trouble Lord Fan

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived

-Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince -Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince

Your subject Fan Xian pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince.

We are brothers, no need for such formalities.

Big Brother

Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince

You are my elder brother

How could you bow to me?

Fighting battles year after year

You've lost weight

Being thin doesn't matter

Being out there brings me joy

If not for the imperial decree, I wouldn't have returned

But you had to come back

Do you know how much your little brother misses you?

Brother

Hug

We're already at the doorstep, why not go in?

It's not that I don't want to.

I'm actually being stopped.

Who dares to stop you?

Well...

Why is it you again?

Blocking my elder brother is a serious crime, you know?

How would I dare?

Isn't it because Her Highness, the Grand Princess of Northern Qi, is also in the convoy?

She said the long journey made her unwell.

She wants to enter the city early to rest.

Right? Princess

This is indeed my intention

Princess, stay calm

Just remain seated in the carriage

I will compensate for the warhorses lost in battle

They aren’t cheap

I...

As a member of the Great Qi royal family

I should take responsibility

Then you’re richer than me

I can’t afford it

Mine was also given by the Empress Dowager

How much silver?

Just tell me

Fine, I’ll speak with you alone later

Big Brother

Princess

She is your future princess consort.

My future sister-in-law

But Fan Xian is caught in the middle.

It’s really a tricky situation.

Of course, if you want to vent your anger,

as your younger brother, I’ll make sure to teach him a lesson.

Since Your Highness says so,

why should I dwell on it?

Exactly, don’t stoop to their level.

Brother hasn’t been back in years, so this must be your first time meeting him.

As for me, let me properly introduce you to Brother.

This is the rising star of our Daqing Kingdom.

Fan Xian

Your servant greets Your Highness.

I know him.

Wan'er's betrothed.

Right.

He's currently assisting the Director.

The Imperial Censorate's Investigator.

Quite the imposing official.

Elder Brother.

Then isn't Wan'er just like our own little sister?

For Wan'er's sake,

let's give your future brother-in-law a pass.

Does Your Highness truly believe

I'm angry just because of the roadblock?

Then why are you upset, Elder Brother?

Marriage is a significant matter.

But now,

Father decreed that marrying Wan'er

would grant control over the Imperial Treasury.

And then he appeared.

Is he marrying Wan'er for who she is,

or for the endless wealth and status?

-Of course, it's for her. -Anyone could say that.

The Emperor's decree

insisted on including the Treasury—I didn’t even want it.

But how could I defy the order?

Father's decree was indeed rather thoughtless.

Although you two have never met before,

based on my understanding of your temperaments,

I believe you two will become close friends.

It's getting late,

and Second Brother and Third Brother

are still waiting inside for Big Brother.

Why don't we continue this inside?

May I ask, Your Highness,

what's the order for entering the city?

You came at just the right time

Isn't that so?

Let the Crown Prince decide

Second Brother

Isn't Big Brother about to clash with the envoy group?

Shouldn't we try to stop them?

We're here to pick someone up, not to mediate a fight.

Why did His Highness the Crown Prince go over there?

The Crown Prince is different from us.

Who will the Crown Prince help then?

Him?

He helps everyone.

Yet he helps no one.

The Crown Prince really has it tough.

Life isn't easy for anyone.

Coming.

How do we all enter the city together?

You're really good at smoothing things over.

Big Brother

It's been so long, you've grown so tall.

One day you'll be as tall as your big brother and lead troops into battle.

Your thought counts.

Long time no see, you've lost weight.

I just saw him

and said the same thing.

Let big brother take a good look at you

You've grown much stronger

Had I known you were coming back with big brother

I should have prepared some gifts for you

You're too kind, Your Highness

The generous gifts you prepared on the way

-I've already received them -Really?

I'd completely forgotten

Heh...

But don't worry

There's an even better gift waiting for you

Then I'll look forward to it

Our Second Brother really thinks of everything

The Crown Prince's achievements tower above all

Turning the tide single-handedly

Second brother, are you making fun of me?

Isn't this me praising you?

You flatter me, second brother.

You are...

It's you.

Who are you?

This is the Third Prince

It's not a dream, he's real

What are you hiding from?

He knocked me out

-Are you sure? -Positive

I thought it was just a dream

But it was real

You attacked the prince

Your Highness, may I ask where I supposedly knocked you out?

It was when we were embr...

Embraced what?

Go ahead, no one here can stop you

Speak freely, big brother's got your back

Embr...

My apologies

I misremembered

Misremembered?

It was indeed a nightmare

So we've never met before?

No, this is our first meeting

You gave me quite a scare

Really misremembered?

Truly

I've spent years within palace walls

When would I have had the chance to meet Official Fan

Aren't you two going to ask anything?

Didn't I say

we met in a dream?

Very well.

Then this subject shall take his leave.

Why the hurry? It's been so long.

-Won't you stay longer? -My heart yearns for home.

After being away so long, I truly miss home and Wan'er.

This must be hard for you.

Imperial decree:

Fan Xian and the princes are summoned to the palace.

Fan Xian.

To summon you so urgently...

Perhaps because you just deceived the Emperor.

You'll get used to it, brother.

This is our...

Young Master Fan.

Big Brother

- Your Highness the Crown Prince - Your Highness

As I've said, no need for formalities among family

Greetings, Second Brother

What was that guy's name just now? Fan Xian?

Wasn't he with Your Highness?

His Majesty has summoned him

The banquet is about to begin

Father is meeting him alone?

He's likely to face severe punishment

- Why? - Fan Xian faked his death during his diplomatic mission

After causing such a major incident, there must be consequences

I heard he was threatened by Four-Cornered Sword

Had no choice but to pretend to die

Being in danger is one thing

Deceiving the Emperor is another matter entirely

Second Brother, that's too harsh

After all, he was facing a Grandmaster - it's understandable

So the Crown Prince means that as long as there's justification

Anyone can deceive the Emperor?

That's not what I meant

Just making conversation

Don't be afraid

Don't casually discuss state affairs in private

His Majesty arrives

- Greetings, Father - Greetings, Your Majesty

Everyone may be seated

Li Chengru, you're in high spirits

It's been years. How is Father Emperor's health?

Not dead yet

Sit

Thank you, Your Majesty

Bestowed with court punishment

Take a seat

Your servant Fan Xian thanks Your Majesty for the seat

Take your time

Today, we shall dine together

And hear of Fan Xian's journey to Northern Qi

And any extraordinary tales

- Fan Xian - Reporting to Your Majesty

The trip to Northern Qi

Successfully brought Yan Bingyun back to the capital

And Northern Qi?

Shen Zhong died by Shang Shanhu's spear, causing political unrest

I only care about

The state of the Divine Temple

Before his death, Xiao En revealed

that the temple truly exists

in the far northern lands, amidst the snowy plains

Does the temple really exist?

Xiao En said it does

Whether it truly exists

we'll only know when we see it

The far north is still separated by Northern Qi

which is rather inconvenient

If Northern Qi ceased to exist

wouldn't that be convenient?

Your Majesty's vision encompasses the world

Northern Qi will soon be conquered

Fan Xian

What else is there?

Your Majesty

Indeed there is

Speak

Before his death, Shen Zhong confessed to me

The Northern Qi's Imperial Guards have long been involved in smuggling with our Qing Kingdom

And the ones orchestrating this on our side are the Grand Princess

and the Second Prince

In His Majesty's study

The family banquet has already begun

Fan Xian didn't leave?

Your Majesty, Lord Fan has stayed

The torch went out

Please forgive me, Your Majesty

Foreign officials take their seats

(Queen of Qing Kingdom)

Even I, the queen, am not qualified

Family banquet

What did you talk about?

Your Majesty, Fan Xian accused the Second Prince and the Princess

of smuggling with Northern Qi.

Said it in public?

Yes, all the Highnesses were present.

How did Your Majesty respond?

Your Majesty, please calm your anger.

From what I know of Second Brother,

he couldn't have done such things.

This... there must be

some misunderstanding here. -Your Majesty

I accept punishment.

My aunt and I have never betrayed Qing Nation.

But someone of Young Master Fan's stature

wouldn't speak without

solid evidence.

Perhaps I've done something wrong

that caused Young Master Fan to misunderstand.

Young Master Fan...

Fan Xian,

you openly accuse the Princess and Second Prince.

Do you have witnesses or evidence?

- Shen Zhong was the witness. -Where is this witness?

Though he's dead now,

his actions can still be investigated.

A dead man provides no proof.

How dare you accuse Second Prince?

Who do you think you are?

I am the Chief Inspector of the Discipline and Inspection Committee

Tasked with upholding the law and eliminating corruption

Say it again

I am the Chief Inspector of the Discipline and Inspection Committee

Tasked with upholding the law and eliminating corruption

(Commander)

Father, this Fan Xian is truly infuriating

He even stopped my horse outside the city gates

Turns out he acts the same way even in your presence

It seems he’s just born with this temper—please calm your anger

Indeed, Your Majesty, please calm your anger

Your Majesty, please calm down

Father Emperor, please calm your anger.

Do you have anything else to report?

Your Majesty.

Your son actually brings joyous news today.

And seeks Your Majesty’s consideration.

- "Joyous news"? - Indeed.

What joyous news?

Though Fan Xian has his flaws,

his diplomatic mission to Northern Qi was successful.

Coupled with his extraordinary talent,

it reflects the profound scholarly heritage of the Fan household.

Fan Ruoruo, the daughter of the Fan family,

is renowned in the capital as a gifted lady.

Virtuous, gentle, and refined—truly rare.

Li Hongcheng, Prince Jing’s heir, is kind-hearted and remains unwed.

Moreover, he has long admired the Fan family’s daughter.

Since Fan Xian and Wan’er are already betrothed,

why not double the joy?

Strengthen ties with another union.

It would forge a splendid marital bond.

Ruoruo’s marriage need not be rushed.

You certainly know how to surprise.

This marriage has Our approval.

- Your Majesty— - Furthermore,

Fan Xian’s merits in the Northern Qi mission

shall be rewarded with the title of First-Class Baron.

Since you're so fond of celebrations,

We shall bestow upon you a marriage arrangement.

Ye Zhong's daughter Ye Ling'er is a perfect match for you.

We grant her to you.

But I'm not particularly familiar with Ye Ling'er.

Very well, you may continue your feast.

Your subject...

As Your Majesty commands.

I obey the imperial decree.

This subject humbly petitions Your Majesty...

For the sake of the realm's people and Qing's laws...

to thoroughly investigate Princess Li Yunrui and Second Prince Li Chengze.

You have no concrete evidence, only baseless accusations.

How can evidence be found without investigation?

You got off too lightly

This case has countless wronged souls—their crimes are unforgivable

We implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly

Eat up.

Congratulations

Wasn't he caned?

How is he fine now?

It was all an act.

Put on a show for us.

Why?

To save face for the crime of deceiving the Emperor.

But His Majesty's favor toward Fan Xian...

is far too excessive.

Don't lose heart

After all, Second Brother and Aunt are royalty

Truth be told, I’ve long grown used to it

All these years

His Majesty still favors him more

He had Yuan Meng oversee Baoyue Tower

All for this very moment

This arranged marriage ploy…

Is truly underhanded

Your brother owns Baoyue Tower

Now its manager, Yuan Meng, is your brother-in-law’s lover

This scandal is firmly dumped on the Fan family

They’re forcing me into this mess

Don’t just accept fate

His Majesty was right about one thing

We need solid evidence

Your Highness

How is the investigation into Shijia Town going?

Any updates?

All smuggled goods are stockpiled and transported from there.

If we can prove collusion between the Second Prince and Shijia Town,

the evidence will be 80% solid.

What's wrong?

Shijia Town...

is gone.

What do you mean "gone"?

There must be at least one survivor.

When I arrived...

The town has been completely burned down

Not a single one remains

Second Brother's move was too ruthless.

The village is burned down.

The smuggling route is cut off.

The real tragedy is all those lives lost.

The town is gone.

There needs to be an explanation.

An accidental fire.

That's it?

They're covering up everything

Don't act rashly

Now we've lost the concrete evidence

His Majesty favors Second Brother again

All you can do is maintain your composure

Try to win His Majesty's favor

As for the rest...

We'll wait for the right opportunity

Also,

We must find a way to reclaim the position of the Inspection Bureau's Chief

This position is of utmost importance

The Queen requests an audience with Your Highness

Don't lose heart

Let's work together and take it step by step

Your son requests an audience with the Empress Mother.

Enter.

Your child...

Greetings, Mother Empress

No need for formalities

There are no outsiders here

Maintaining proper posture all day

has left my body completely stiff

Mother

You said Second Brother walks barefoot every day...

Does it feel really good?

It's really good.

Is mother still afraid of the dark?

Always has been.

Maybe we should try a different imperial physician

It's no use

In this world...

Only emotional wounds are hard to heal.

But you still shouldn't drink all day.

What?

Are you here to lecture me?

How would I dare, Your Majesty?

What I meant to say was

it's too bright

it's hurting my eyes

You are the Crown Prince

you must maintain proper decorum

after all, so many eyes are watching you

I only dare to act this way in front of you, Mother.

Even in the Eastern Palace,

I never dare to slack off.

Is that true?

Every single day.

Walking on thin ice

Did you draw all of these?

- Why would it be with the Queen Mother? - Isn't that right?

Just passing time

Simply painting for amusement

Is painting without faces also amusing?

Shall I ask more clearly

who exactly this painting depicts?

You are the Crown Prince

This son admits his fault

This son will heed the Queen Mother's teachings

This son won't paint anymore