Original subtitles

Joy of Life 2

What are you doing?

Idle hands make idle time

Just mixing a new shade of rouge while I'm at it

You brought these flowers all this way

Aren't they for Fan Xian?

He didn't want them

You might as well take them

I don't deserve this

I actually want to thank you

For what reason?

No matter what

I don't want any mishaps at Wan'er's wedding

You didn't reveal Lin Gong's secret

For that I thank you

Even if you hadn't instructed me, I wouldn't have told

Then I truly don't understand

Are you trying to reconcile with Fan Xian...

...make peace?

Not exactly

The Emperor trusts Fan Xian deeply

As things stand, even if Fan Xian doesn't marry Wan'er

The Imperial Treasury would still be handed to him

As for Lin Gong's secret

It should only be used in life-or-death situations

What?

Auntie, could it be you want to reconcile with Fan Xian?

If I wanted to make peace

The Imperial Treasury's ledgers

wouldn't show over 20 million in debt

Now it seems that debt was created prematurely

Throughout the court, everyone is speculating

that Fan Xian won't take over the Imperial Treasury

Go on

Young Master Fan is currently riding high

Why would he take on this mess?

On the surface, that child appears normal

But only I know

his mind is as twisted as mine

I'm in no hurry to return to Xinyang

I'll stay and watch

how things unfold

When the time comes

I'll give him a little push from behind

Speaking of madness

Auntie and I...

are equally matched

Sir, this really won't do.

I still have some personal savings.

I'll give it all to you.

Are you willing?

Of course I'm reluctant.

But if you feel embarrassed,

you can write me an IOU, consider it a loan.

- With interest? - You'd pay interest too?

How about less interest?

How could I possibly charge you interest?

Enough, Lao Wang.

I appreciate the thought.

But I really don't need this.

No, sir, I genuinely want to help you.

Young master.

Someone's at the door, sent by Manager Ye.

They delivered this and left.

Manager Ye works remarkably fast.

Adult

Dean

Did you just return from Qingyu Hall?

You found out so quickly.

Do you also know about his background?

Dean, I...

Qinian hasn't been well lately.

His ears...

Just stopped working suddenly.

And his eyes...

Just went blind without warning.

Deafness and blindness came instantly.

You see...

Here he comes...

Dean, look - I can't see anymore.

Enough...

Wang Qinian.

Qingyu Hall and his background.

If you say one word more...

Understood. Qinian takes his leave.

I understand...

I trust Old Wang.

Why are you intimidating him?

You're the one intimidating me.

What have I done now?

If you don't use Qingyu Hall...

How will we cover the treasury deficit?

Was Qingyu Hall your arrangement?

Do you think His Majesty doesn't know about the treasury deficit?

It's His Majesty's arrangement.

So the palace can't provide this money.

And we can't touch the Ministry of Revenue funds.

His Majesty kept a backup plan.

He wants to use Qingyu Hall...

To smoothly transfer the treasury to you.

Such a grand gift...

And you rejected it.

But if we handle it this way...

All those Qingyu Hall managers...

Will be ruined.

My mother wouldn't have handled it this way.

So neither will I.

Admirable determination.

Most admirable.

But where will the money come from?

I have my own way to get the silver.

Before that, I'd like to take a honeymoon.

Hone...

ymoon.

Your Majesty, Fan Xian has arrived.

Your Majesty.

I heard you're taking some sort of... month off?

A honeymoon. I've come to request leave.

- Where to? - Cang Mountain.

- How long? - Haven't decided yet.

The longer the better.

May I ask why, Your Majesty?

There's something

We...

may have to go back on our word.

Your Majesty, my marriage has already...

This has nothing to do with that.

After much consideration these past few days...

Regarding the Imperial Treasury...

You should not take it over.

Does Your Majesty believe

I cannot cover the twenty million deficit?

Over twenty million taels...

That's no small amount.

Will you take over Qingyu Hall?

How could that possibly cover it?

The war with Northern Qi

emptied the Ministry of Revenue's coffers.

Now disasters plague the land everywhere,

The Imperial Treasury's funds

should not be used to cover the Ministry's deficit.

They're needed for disaster relief and stabilizing the people.

Therefore We still believe

this pit

is not worth jumping into.

Fan Xian,

let it go.

This is no trivial matter.

It involves complex state affairs

and is also His Majesty's decree.

Indeed,

it is Our decree.

Then I must hold on even tighter.

Having me take over the treasury was also His Majesty's decree.

His Majesty's decree is absolute truth.

How can it be altered at will?

Otherwise, how can I trust it?

And how can the people trust it?

Thus, I will replenish the treasury's deficit.

I will relieve the nation's calamities.

His Majesty's decree—

Not a single word can be changed.

How dare you defy the imperial decree?

This subject has already received the decree.

If the disaster victims across the land...

I shall present my head to you

That's putting it too strongly

But

You will be reduced to a commoner

No

You'll be thrown into prison

Then this subject thanks Your Majesty for your mercy

This subject shall now take my leave

Would you like to think again?

Where does he get his confidence from?

Perhaps it comes from Cang Mountain

"Cang Mountain"?

Perhaps Ye Qingmei left him...

a lot of gold and silver?

This mother and son duo are quite unusual

Just let them be

Commander Jing, we meet again.

Deputy Commander

Sir

So you're acquainted.

It really is someone familiar

The Dean's military order

The Black Cavalry will escort the Commissioner to Cang Mountain

Commander Jing

Deputy

Same difference

You've worked hard

Move out

We still have no leads on the treasury deficit.

And you still have the mood to go sightseeing?

Precisely because of this, we should go out and enjoy the scenery.

Does Cang Mountain have silver?

Cang Mountain has no silver.

But I can figure out a way to bring silver to Cang Mountain.

How exactly would that work?

Oh no, Sis Li

We're surrounded by the Black Riders

Brother's from the Discipline and Inspection Committee, it's his duty

He's here to protect us, right?

Sis

Ever since Fan Xian appeared

Look at you now Why have you become so strange?

You were once the top talented lady of the capital

You're the one who... writes poems and reads books

What are you doing?

Dissecting a toad with a small knife

This is called a frog

Isn't that the same? Dissecting a frog with a small knife

What do you know?

This is called dissection

Sis, do we really have to dissect it in the car?

Practicing in the car makes your hands steadier

What's the use of practicing this anyway?

Brother taught me, said all medical students need to practice this

Are you studying to be a vet?

If you don't know how to speak properly, then don't speak

But, Sis Li

You know... Brother Bai is really something

He and Sister-in-law came out

This is called... a honeymoon

Then why bring the two of us along?

Want to know?

I do

Go ask him yourself

If you won’t say it, then don’t

Commander Jing, hold on a moment.

Fan Sizhe...

Come here.

You said he...

Alright, let's go

Sis-in-law

Why the long face?

This time, I returned from Northern Qi in secret.

With him shouting like this, the whole world will know.

I've been exposed.

You returned from Northern Qi— who could hide anything from the Discipline and Inspection Committee?

These are all our people, no need to worry.

Does he really have that much power now?

-Stop joking, I'm talking serious business with you -Go ahead

Do you know why I asked you to come aboard now?

-I don't know -Because your sister-in-law is worried about me

I'll get off first

Your sister-in-law keeps worrying about the treasury deficit

I need to reassure her

How to reassure her? That's where I need your help

Don't use me as an excuse

You really are concerned

Back when we got married, weren't you always thinking about organizing auctions?

Now is the time for you to shine.

We've already missed that opportunity.

That was for auctioning off the wedding banquet spot.

You're already married, how can we auction it now?

When we get to Cangshan Manor,

you'll be in charge of venue arrangements and event planning.

Fine, let's have another wedding ceremony at Cangshan.

- Wouldn't that be extortion? - Don't listen to his nonsense.

A grand wedding only happens once.

This is the register of all shop owners in the capital.

Nearly all of them are listed here.

Have someone invite them to Cangshan.

Why would they come?

Exactly, why should they?

(San Jiu Tang)

I don't understand either.

Why should we go?

"Gather at Cangshan to enjoy the mountain scenery together."

Sounds nice,

but what does it really mean?

Everyone knows it well.

The treasury is empty.

Who in the capital isn’t aware?

A new official burns three fires.

Now those flames are licking at us.

I’ll say it again—

Why should we go to Cangshan?

I've caught a chill today

Not suitable for long journeys

He's a renowned poet and high-ranking official

With his status sending invitations

Who would dare not attend?

To be honest

All of us here combined

Could we gather over twenty million taels of silver?

I certainly don't have the money

Neither do I

Poor as we may be

Young Master Fan just got married

We should still prepare a wedding gift

Right

We can attend, and prepare the gift money too

But how much to prepare

depends on fate

Right, just bring the gift money

Nothing else

Gentlemen

I've already contacted the Censorate

Those righteous officials at the Censorate

were furious when they heard about this

They declared

If Lord Fan Xian dares to bully the weak

they will petition the Emperor with their blood to eliminate this traitor

Now we all have reassurance—go to Cangshan with peace of mind

Brother, you’re truly thoughtful

Those righteous censors

are truly enraged?

Filled with uncontrollable fury

Their eyes burning with rage

What does this mean, everyone?

This is a blessing from heaven!

Indeed

Fan Xian has truly lost his mind

Now he’s gathering merchants from the capital

to force them to empty their coffers

and cover his own treasury deficits

-Exactly -Fan Xian is truly ruthless

-True -This isn’t entirely bad

Fan Xian claims to investigate corruption

Yet in the end

he’s the one embezzling and breaking the law

-Right -He’ll get what’s coming to him

Everyone, once we get word from Cangshan

we’ll impeach him together

-Yes, impeach him -Impeach him

-We must impeach him -Impeach him

We must unite our efforts

to rid Daqing of this treacherous official

-Rid Daqing of this traitor -Yes, eliminate the traitor

-Eliminate the traitor -Eliminate the traitor

-Cheers -Come on, bottoms up

Wipe it cleaner, or there'll be dust on it later.

If customers get diarrhea, they’ll blame you.

Chop all of this, and make it fine.

I’m busy.

Brother, you’re finally here.

You invited so many people, and I hired all these workers.

Food for people and horses—we’ve got to keep cooking and everything.

Not bad, you’ve got everything in order.

Here… quick… you need to take this.

This is from someone named… He Zongwei.

Told me to deliver it to you.

Also mentioned that… the Censorate now…

is keeping a close eye on Mount Cang.

Said they’re ready to impeach you anytime. What do we do?

Were all the invitations delivered?

Yes, they were…

Those merchants are already preparing to set off.

They’ll probably arrive before long.

Brother…

Give it to me straight.

Are you planning to rob them?

That’d make us bandits.

Then how do we extort money?

It's not extortion

It's making them willingly hand over money

Either they're crazy, or you are

You sit...

Sisi, since you have a talent for commerce

Let me explain this concept I've been pondering

- See if this works - It won't

I haven't even said it yet

No concept is worth twenty million taels

Have you seriously considered

what wealth truly is?

You must be crazy

-Manager Li -Manager Wang

-Please... -Manager Su

-Manager Wang -Come...

Come, please...

-Everyone's here -All our senior members have arrived

Manager Ma, Manager Liu

-Good -Good

-After you -Please go ahead

-Let's go -Please

I've pretty much said all I needed to say.

It's getting late, time to go pick someone up.

Brother, are you really planning...

...to explain it to them like this?

What do you think?

This is a new concept.

It redefines the meaning of wealth.

It won't work.

Did I explain it poorly, or did you not understand?

You explained it clearly, and I understood.

It's impressive and astonishing.

-But it just won't work. -Why?

Brother...

You understand wealth.

But you don't understand Dong Jing.

If you put it that way...

I bet they won't be convinced.

So?

So you go ahead and present it first.

If it doesn't work...

...call me, and I'll help explain.

Are you that confident?

But you'll need to help me.

Buy me some time.

I need to send someone back to Dong Jing to fetch something.

Fine, I can stall for time. But what are you getting?

That I can't tell you.

- I'm counting on you all - Nobody should contribute money

Everyone...

We must stick to our prior agreement

- Nobody should give money - We absolutely cannot change this

- Please, I beg you all - Please, everyone

- Remember - Follow our prior agreement

- I'm counting on you all - Nobody should give money

Everyone...

- We'll definitely follow our agreement - Everyone, as we agreed before

- That goes for you too - Nobody can contribute money, remember

- Gifts are acceptable - Everyone...

What were they whispering about over there?

Tell them to stand firm

If Young Master Fan dares to collect money under the guise of wedding gifts

Giving some ceremonial gifts would be one thing

But demanding money? I don't have any, I really don't

- None of us do - Right

What's going on here?

- It's gone dark - What's happening here?

Here they come.

Hello everyone, nice to meet you

I am Fan Xian

I know what you're thinking right now

So let me make this clear first

The wedding is over, no gifts accepted today

Of course.

What everyone is most concerned about

is still the treasury deficit.

Let me say this upfront:

The treasury's debts,

whether legally or logically,

should be repaid by me.

If that's the case,

were we worrying for nothing?

Think carefully -

if that were true,

-Why did he bring us here then? -Exactly!

-Listen further -You'll all be puzzled again

If that's the situation,

why bother bringing everyone from the capital here?

-Right -In this mortal world,

every so often,

a miracle that transcends its era is born.

Sometimes this miracle is a person,

sometimes an event,

and sometimes even...

it can be just an idea.

-What's an "idea"? -An idea...

is probably just a thought.

A thought.

In this life,

if one can witness the birth of a miracle,

wouldn't that be fortunate?

So I invited you all here

to share this fortune

and personally deliver it to you,

so you can all witness

the birth of a miracle.

What's this about now?

-Look -What's this?

This... what is this?

That's an excellent question.

What should we call this miracle?

Who asked?

Behold:

Indeed, it's Treasury Bonds.

What are "Treasury Bonds"?

-Treasury Bonds? -Treasury Bonds?

-What bonds? -Who? Whose belt?

Not belts, they said Treasury Bonds!

Isn't that debt from owing money?

They're Treasury Bonds.

We've met before

Uncle Wuzhu

Are you looking for my brother?

-I'm looking for you -For me?

Yes

Everyone is now in that large room

listening to Fan Xian's speech

The timing is perfect

Everyone...

So what exactly is this "treasury debt"?

Let's take it literally

"Ku" refers to the inner treasury's "ku."

"Zhai" means debt owed.

Thus, "ku zhai" means debt owed by the inner treasury.

What do you think?

After all that talk, we're back to square one.

Back again.

As you all know, I established the Danbo Bookstore under my name.

These past few days, I put in some effort—

to print the first batch of treasury bonds.

Each bond here

represents a debt owed by the inner treasury.

The amounts and terms vary.

The difference in amount and duration

corresponds to different specific terms.

Of course, these specific terms

I won’t elaborate on stage.

They’ll be documented and distributed later.

Let’s focus on the key points.

Owning this is equivalent to holding

a debt from the imperial treasury.

What does it mean to hold debt?

Take this one, for example—

it’s worth five thousand taels.

It’s as if you spent five thousand taels

to become a creditor of the treasury.

On the surface,

you’re covering a five-thousand-tael deficit for the treasury.

But in reality, when the treasury turns a profit,

it will repay you in full with interest.

Not only that—these bonds are tradable and negotiable.

And if necessary,

they can be redeemed early under the rules.

Who doesn’t get this?

This is still forcing us to fill the deficit with our money!

Exactly.

Twenty million taels in debt—all right here.

Auction sale, highest bidder wins.

How does the bidding work?

If you bid 5,000 taels, and someone bids 6,000 taels,

the debt claim goes to them.

That's ruthless - over 20 million taels.

What's the minimum purchase per person?

Voluntary purchase.

First come first served, until sold out.

Voluntary? Only fools would buy.

Exactly.

You might also ask:

If I spend money buying bonds

to cover the treasury's debts,

what do I get in return?

To answer that,

we must return to the initial question.

You're all experienced, skilled merchants.

Let me ask you:

What is wealth?

This is wealth.

Is wealth just silver?

Naturally, both gold and silver count.

No.

Gold and silver are merely measures of wealth.

Not wealth itself.

What do you mean?

That piece of silver you just held up.

About one tael?

Roughly.

How much rice can it buy?

About two dan.

With some minor fluctuations.

You'd have to check the rice market daily for exact prices.

So today, in our Qing Kingdom,

one tael of silver can buy about two dan of rice.

That's the standard measure.

Lord Fan, isn't this all just stating the obvious?

I recently visited Northern Qi.

As you all likely know,

our lord's might shook Northern Qi.

Truly a young hero, right?

Over in Northern Qi,

one tael of silver buys only one dan of rice.

You see,

the same one tael of silver

has different value in Northern Qi versus our Qing Kingdom.

Northern Qi fought our Great Qing and suffered a crushing defeat.

The rice price will naturally rise

Exactly

War chaos and natural disasters

All affect price fluctuations

Just think about it

If you were in Northern Qi

What would remain

of your so-called wealth?

But our Daqing is thriving

We have no such worries

Correct

If you hadn't brought me here,

I wouldn't have known this place existed in the villa.

I used to live here,

so I'm quite familiar with it.

Why didn't you look for my brother this time?

Are you afraid of death?

Of course I am.

What if it's for Fan Xian?

What's wrong with my brother?

You need to protect him.

Is my brother in danger?

Perhaps someone wants to kill him.

That's fine, my brother is incredibly skilled.

Besides, he has bodyguards.

They're useless, not strong enough.

There are quite a few of them.

No matter how many, it's the same.

If they're so strong, who exactly wants to kill him?

Me.

Our Daqing nation prospers with lasting peace.

This is precisely the foundation that maintains the value of gold and silver.

Therefore,

wealth isn't just about gold and silver itself,

but is closely tied to national fortune and power.

How do you all view Daqing's national fortune?

Naturally, it's flourishing.

With wise rulers and virtuous ministers.

Exactly right.

National fortune and power are what sustain wealth

and serve as the important foundation for future growth.

(National power and fortune sustain wealth)

Thus, our treasury's future is bright.

Everyone, let's look to the future.

If you hold treasury bonds,

what does it mean?

It means

a long-term investment with guaranteed returns.

Nothing that good comes easy.

Well...

Okay...

Well... Young Master Fan spoke brilliantly.

You understood, right?

I...

I understand.

Young Master Fan's words...

were thunderous and enlightening.

Right...

Everyone...

Who is Young Master Fan?

He's a pillar of the nation!

He serves in the Inspection Bureau and oversees the Imperial Treasury.

He has already spoken.

Do none of you understand?

Young Master Fan

About that thing of yours...

treasury debt

I'll contribute two hundred taels

Consider it a wedding gift for you

I, Young Master Fan, have worked tirelessly to cover the treasury deficit

After all this effort, you dare offer just two hundred taels?

Sir, I'll buy five hundred taels' worth

I'll purchase it now

Then we'll all buy some

Then I'll pledge three hundred taels

The crowd is fired up

Lord Fan, forget about debts

We don’t need to repay anything

Right? No repayment

I... I’ll buy five thousand taels

What? Five thousand taels?

What’s he thinking?

You all…

Did you not quite understand?

I understand now.

The fate of the nation rests on you, my lord.

Supporting you is our unquestionable duty.

My lord, you still don’t understand me.

I’ll donate five thousand taels.

Seems you truly don’t get it.

Change of players, second half.

Wait, let me sort this out.

Based on what you just said—

You mean you lost your memory in Jiangnan

and killed countless people?

Almost

Is it possible that you weren't the killer?

It's possible

Then it's fine

If such a person truly exists

His combat power should be close to mine

May I ask

What's your combat level?

Can fight a Grandmaster

You want me to protect my brother

Against a Grandmaster?

Not just resist - kill him

Killing a Grandmaster

Or perhaps killing me

Uncle Wuzhu, I've never trained in martial arts

I know

How could an ordinary person resist a Grandmaster?

What do people use to change the world?

Courage

Wisdom

Beauty?

And tools

Is this left for my brother?

How did it end up with you?

I took it out.

Stolen?

If I can't even trust myself anymore

I need to find someone to protect Fan Xian for me

The things inside can harm a Grandmaster

Sit...

Come... have a seat...

Why did they switch to him?

Everyone

Is the food to your liking?

Let me know if there's anything you don't like.

I'll have them arrange something for everyone.

Who's that?

Looks like Fan Sizhe.

Didn't he make a mistake and leave the capital?

Are you looking for death?

Don't know you...

Alright, just leave it here.

You may leave now.

First, let me introduce myself.

Personally, I am just a

young junior deeply passionate about business.

I heard today’s gathering is filled with merchants,

attended by many esteemed seniors.

Originally, I hoped to exchange insights with you all,

but I truly never expected—

my brother...

our nation’s renowned Lord Fan,

his words just now

were utterly enlightening,

a wake-up call to the oblivious.

Absolutely brilliant!

How does Lord Fan’s mind even work?

What’s inside that head of his?

How does he conjure so many ideas?

His words

When he speaks of wealth

it may not be just about money

but national power and destiny

extending far into the future

These words are so profound

truly enlightening

I believe

we should all ponder and study this deeply

We might discover whole new perspectives

We're already deeply moved

profoundly touched

Let's be even more moved

Young Master Fan just posed a question

Well...

As a junior

I dare ask you all a question

Please go ahead

Then I'll ask

Who truly owns the Imperial Treasury?

Naturally the royal family's property

The royal family's assets

Then whose money is in the Treasury?

That would be the royal family's money

And the Treasury's debts...

Would naturally be the royal family's debts

Well said

Now consider this

If you purchase these Treasury bonds

Wouldn't that mean sharing the royal family's burdens?

To put it nicely

Whoever buys these bonds

is assisting His Majesty

To speak somewhat irreverently

Don't spread this around

If you purchase these bonds

Wouldn't you become His Majesty's creditors?

Isn't that so?

Don't say it was me who told you

So I urge you all to think carefully

Purchased treasury bonds

When going out to do business again

What will others think?

For the same business, would they come to you

Or to someone who didn't buy treasury bonds?

Thus these treasury bonds give you all credibility

That makes some sense

Put that way, it's quite interesting

Your words are most wise

The treasury bonds were Young Master Fan's brilliant idea

As the saying goes, policies thrive with their makers

With Young Master Fan's such charisma

Who wouldn't admire him?

You mentioned "policies live with the person"?

Yes...

Policies thrive with the person, policies die with the person.

You're all afraid that if I fall from power,

my promises would become void.

May I ask Young Master Fan to clarify?

Don't ask me.

Ask him.

The second half depends entirely on him.

Very well...

That's an excellent question.

And Young Master Fan answered it well.

"Policies live with the person, policies die with the person."

What does that mean?

If the person is gone,

who would you collect the debt from?

To put it bluntly,

if Young Master Fan were to fall from power someday,

all the money you've invested

would naturally be wasted.

That's well said.

Everyone, don't rush.

Take a look.

("A harmonious union for a hundred years")

As you all probably know,

Young Master Fan recently got married.

The current Emperor

personally inscribed four characters and sent them to his residence.

Let me ask you this:

Among all the noble families in the capital,

which one received

a plaque personally inscribed by the Emperor for their wedding?

- Any? - None.

Young Master Fan is the only one.

The sole exception.

Let me ask, how do we read these four characters?

- "A harmonious union for a hundred years" - "A harmonious union for a hundred years"

What does "a hundred years" mean?

One hundred years.

One year less - even ninety-nine years - wouldn't count.

These four characters

represent a covenant between

the Emperor and Young Master Fan.

They signify the Emperor's trust in the Fan family

and represent opportunities for all of you

to advance in the future.

Think carefully about this.

This opportunity won't come again.

Who knows when the next chance

to connect with the royal family will be?

Attendants!

Bring the plaque back to the residence.

Thank you all

Everyone, what needed to be said,

we've both said it all.

It's getting late,

returning to the capital tonight might be difficult.

If you don't mind, stay overnight at Cang Mountain,

and return to the city tomorrow.

Regarding the warehouse debts...

I keep my word.

First come first served, completely voluntary.

Is it unlocked?

It was locked before, but it's open now.

How do you use this?

It's missing a main component.

Only when you assemble them will you see the full picture.

"Main component"? "Assemble them"?

Doesn’t this feel like a firearm?

Uncle Wuzhu, firearms are no good.

They’re cumbersome and inaccurate—can’t compare to bows.

They can’t harm a Grandmaster.

They can.

Does such a firearm even exist?

This one’s different.

The young lady brought it out.

Where from?

The Temple.