Original subtitles

Joy of Life 2

What did Chen Pingping tell you?

Your Majesty

He mentioned

the backgrounds of the three assassins

What else?

He also said this fire

might have been set by Your Majesty

That old fool

What else did he say?

He also said...

Your Majesty did this to drive the Ye family away

Not the Ye family

But related to one person from the Ye family

- Ye Liuyun? - Ye Liuyun is in Jiangnan

I heard he's wandering the world

I sent him twelve secret decrees ordering his return to the capital

Yet he ignored them all

- Defying the decree? - Yes, defying the decree

Do you know why?

Because he's a Grandmaster

These people are now beyond ordinary opposition

Sword Saint alone with his sword

Has guarded Dongyi City for decades

A million troops can't approach

Why?

Simply because

They're all Grandmasters

These people

Disregard imperial law

Treat rules as worthless

Can you still call them human?

Are they strategic weapons?

Wrong.

Weapons don't have emotions.

The only thing that might restrain them

is their humanity.

These so-called grandmasters

are actually a disease upon this world.

Then why did you drive the Ye family away?

I wanted to see if Ye Liuyun

still possesses so-called familial bonds.

But if he truly snaps, how will you handle it?

The Ye family still has people in the capital.

Ye Linger?

I'll go to Dingzhou with you.

Ling'er

Father has wronged you.

Leaving you in the capital

was not to protect you.

Do you know why Father went to Dingzhou?

The defense failed its duty.

That was the punishment.

So our Ye family

must have one person remain in the capital.

You are the hostage Father chose.

As long as you're here

I feel at ease

Ling'er

I'm sorry

Father...

We can only choose one

From now on

never engage in that chivalrous nonsense again

Remember

In Dong Jing

A fatherless child

should do nothing at all

I understand

How do you feel about the Second Prince lately?

Why do you ask?

You can marry him

But don’t keep him in your heart

Why?

If you fall for him

There’s no turning back

I understand

I am the Ye family's last resort

I wish you didn't have to understand this

But there's no other way

In this world...

things rarely go as planned

Don't hate anyone

Live well

My daughter

As long as people are present,

there's always room for negotiation, isn't there?

The reason Ye Ling'er stayed in the capital

was because of her engagement to the Second Prince.

You've been anticipating this day since the engagement was decreed.

Why are you telling me this?

At the Hanging Temple, I was surrounded by enemies.

Yet you abandoned me

to save the Third Prince. Why?

Why

If I hadn't blocked that sword at the time

the Third Prince would surely have died.

So in your eyes, my life is worth less than the Third Prince's?

A sword in front, a blade behind

I could only block one

At that moment, the sword seemed more threatening

Save the Third Prince

It was merely acting on instinct

You could've used the Third Prince as a shield

Then you wouldn't have gotten hurt.

It happened so suddenly, I didn't have time to think.

I only thought of blocking the sword to save someone.

Rest well.

Once you've recovered a bit...

I...

I'll take you to...

a place you wish to visit.

Back in Xinyang, I kept wondering

why they suddenly arranged a marriage for you?

Turns out they're using you as a royal

and a bargaining chip with the Ye family.

Functionally speaking,

this counts as a political marriage.

Should I add some dowry for you, niece?

Aunt,

we're allies.

You've already suffered complete defeat.

Why would I ally with a failure?

Aren't you still living under my roof?

Then kill me to vent your anger.

But we mustn't actually go mad.

Think about yourself.

The marriage pact is our alliance.

If the Ye family falls, you'll sink with them.

Until they return to the capital,

your imperial prospects

remain dim.

But there's another path.

Is there really?

Yes.

Kill Ye Ling'er.

Sever all ties with the Ye family.

Make a clean break with them.

Bi An

Go to the Ye family's place

Tell Ye Ling'er

The marriage pact is sealed—we share weal and woe.

One day, I will restore her Ye family to the capital.

Auntie, I think

Offering help in need is better than adding flowers to brocade

Moreover, right now

The Ye family needs support

Wouldn't it be cleaner if you killed Ye Ling'er?

Otherwise if something happens to the Ye family, you'll be finished too

Ye Liuyun is still here

The Ye family won't collapse

Alright

How boring

If I may ask, auntie

Were you really trying to help me earlier?

I just wanted to see rivers of blood

Then I've disappointed you, auntie

I'll set off for Xinyang now

So sudden

No show to watch, why stay here?

Master

-Master -Master

-Master -Master

-Master -Master

Master

A father's love is as steadfast as a mountain

You are truly the highest peak among men

Has the master risen?

He has

I must go to the Ministry of Revenue

The silver Fan Xian obtained

Must be used for disaster relief

Everyone may disperse now

The master won't enter the palace to see Fan Xian, nor will he let me go

Seems correct

That's certainly correct

In the imperial harem, one must consider things more carefully

It's indeed inappropriate

Good that you've realized

What's wrong?

Is my hair messy?

Let's change the color of this hair ornament.

What's this about colors?

How come after just a short nap,

everything has become so strange?

What's going on?

We've all heard.

Heard what?

Enough.

Master.

Fan Xian's birth mother...

Is it Ye Qingmei?

How do you know?

So it's true?

This matter is of great importance—keep it quiet.

But the rumors are already spreading everywhere.

How could this happen?

Not only that...

What else?

Is Fan Xian...

The Emperor's child?

Has this spread too?

This isn't your fault, Master.

The Emperor has acted recklessly.

Pass this order down through the mansion

If such rumors are heard again in the future

Treat them all as baseless gossip

Of course

If it comes down to it

I’ll testify as a witness

Worst case, I’ll claim Fan Xian is my son

You…

You…

What kind of nonsense is this?

Master

The hairpiece

Let’s change the color

Aunt

Are you really planning to return to Xinyang?

Where else can I go?

I see

Everything’s almost packed up.

Reluctant to leave?

Not really.

Aunt

These ledgers and records belong to both of us.

If even a bit of their contents gets exposed,

smuggling with enemy nations would be the least of our crimes.

Would I ever harm myself?

Of course not.

Safety comes first.

It’s precisely because the capital is too dangerous

that I’ll keep these safe for you.

Even now, you still don’t trust me?

If I didn’t trust you,

I would’ve left in secret.

Wait a moment

I want to keep these two

Your Highness, I have urgent matters to report

Take care, Auntie. Please visit often

I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t see you out

Wait a moment

Book

To keep Auntie entertained on her journey

- Speak. - Your Highness, something's wrong.

- Rumors are spreading through the city. - What rumors?

Everyone's talking about it in the streets.

They say Fan Xian's birth mother was Ye Qingmei from back then.

Ye Qingmei?

Fan Jian and Ye Qingmei?

No wonder the imperial treasury was passed to Fan Xian.

Not Fan Jian.

Fan Xian is the Emperor's son.

How dare you believe such street gossip?

This news has spread everywhere.

The Inspection Bureau hasn't explained or stopped it.

If it were false, they would have arrested people by now.

Your Highness, no reaction means it's true.

No wonder. I always said we were alike.

Everyone, stop right now!

Say it again

Whose son is he?

Your Majesty

I said his mother

is Ye Qingmei

You

Come with me

Sachets, pendants

-Someone's trespassing -Stop right there

-Stop... -Stop...

-Stop... -Stop...

Stop

This is the classified area of the Inspection Committee.

What's a Finance Ministry official doing barging in here?

Take it

Fan Xian's background is known throughout the city.

- I know. - What good does that do?

How do we resolve this? And...

This news spread across the capital overnight.

The speed of it is unbelievable.

We must investigate.

Other than the Inspection Bureau, who else could have...

It's you

To be precise, it should be after noon

before the news spreads throughout the capital

The Emperor's intention?

Only with the Emperor's approval

Why?

Fan Xian risked his life to protect the Emperor

The Emperor was moved

Yet you push him to the brink?

A subject becoming a prince

That's a promotion

Fan Xian's origins were hidden all these years

Wasn't it for his safety?

What does the name "Ye Qingmei" represent?

For every person who loved her, another hated her

Hatred—

once stained by it, never fades

I know

I know

I want him dead

Auntie, calm down

I am calm

Ye Qingmei's son must die

No wonder the treasury was handed over to him

This is about returning what rightfully belongs to him

Given Fan Xian's current status

His Majesty won't allow anyone to kill him

But this is what His Majesty owes me

All these years...

Whatever His Majesty needed, I provided.

The tasks inconvenient for him—I handled them.

Those he hesitated to investigate—I investigated for him.

It was me, no one else.

I served His Majesty with utter devotion.

Even when he exiled me from the capital...

I complied with his will.

Aunt...

This isn't over yet.

Even if I'm no longer in the capital...

I remain the sharp blade in His Majesty's hand

He wants to abolish the chancellor position

So I had Yuan Hongdao assist him

Wasn't abolishing the chancellor Aunt's idea?

Why would I want to abolish the chancellor?

I've long settled all accounts with that Lin fellow

It was his idea to abolish the chancellor

Otherwise I wouldn't have had Yuan Hongdao

stay by that Lin's side for so many years

It was me

All these years

I've done everything His Majesty asked of me

But now he still wants...

That woman's son

To take the Imperial Treasury from me

Only this time

I don't care what His Majesty thinks

I want Fan Xian dead

Fan Xian is in the palace

How do you plan to kill him?

In my Guangxin Palace?

Indeed

My Guangxin Palace?

Fan Xian is living there?

And kicked me out?

Yet he moved in

Wait a minute…

Actually, think about it this way

Given Fan Xian's current status

The one who should be most panicked is the Crown Prince

I want him dead

Your Highness, the Queen has arrived.

You fools, why wasn't I informed sooner?

I told them not to announce my arrival.

What? Are you not pleased to see me?

Mother.

Your son...

We respectfully welcome the Queen Mother.

All of you may leave now.

Don't close the door

Her Majesty is afraid of the dark

The Queen Mother hasn't left her chambers for a long time.

Is it because this time...

- Feeling nervous? - Have you heard about Fan Xian?

I was just coming to see you.

Fan Xian controls the Imperial Treasury.

And now heads the Inspection Court.

His current power and status surpass even Li Chengze's.

If the rumors are true, how can you remain calm?

Let's not discuss whether it's true or not.

Even if it's true, it doesn't matter.

I competed with Second Brother.

Because he was taking what he shouldn't have.

If Fan Xian is also a prince...

His surname is Fan.

Even if everyone in the world.

knows he's my brother.

As long as he's surnamed Fan.

He has no right to compete with me.

Illegitimate bloodlines don't enter the royal family.

Mother, regarding his bloodline.

At most he can only control the Imperial Treasury and Inspection Court.

They shouldn't fall into others' hands.

Then I should ally with him.

He hates Second Brother, and so do I.

Aren't we natural allies?

What if I want Fan Xian dead?

Just because...

of his imperial bloodline?

Because he's Ye Qingmei's son.

Didn't Ye Qingmei die long ago?

There are many concubines in the palace.

One or two more wouldn't matter.

Mother.

Ye Qingmei...

Died because of me.

Although no one mentions Ye Qingmei's death anymore.

But I know something about it.

Didn't she die at the hands of the Queen's faction?

And the Queen's faction was slaughtered for it.

Then let's wait for the Queen to make her move.

Isn't it better to watch from the sidelines?

I admire the Queen's schemes and methods.

But we can't count on her for this.

Why?

- Because she has people she cares about. - You don't.

I do.

Ye Qingmei.

I want Ye Qingmei's son.

to disappear from this world.

In other words,

Ye Qingmei was killed by your clansmen,

not by your own hand.

Correct.

So those clansmen from back then...

were all slaughtered by them?

In a single night,

the entire clan was wiped out.

Then this matter should be considered over.

Over?

That night,

black cavalry hunted throughout the city,

even stormed the palace and broke into bedchambers.

I tried to stop them,

but it was useless.

They knocked over lamps before my eyes,

had palace maids cover my sight,

only the death wails of my closest kin echoed in my ears.

All lights extinguished,

dark clouds veiled the moon.

Even in such darkness,

even with my eyes covered,

I could still see -

nothing but blood.

Blood everywhere.

Do you think...

all this is truly over?

Then her killing...

wasn't ordered by you personally?

Does it matter?

Then this matter has nothing to do with you.

By the way,

not many people know about this, right?

Very few.

That makes it even safer.

The perpetrators are dead,

the past is gone like smoke.

Then I can completely join forces with Fan Xian

against Second Brother.

The killers are dead,

gone like smoke?

But they were my family,

and yours too.

But if Fan Xian discovers this truth

and turns against me, what then?

What should we do?

Mother

Otherwise...

You go and talk to Fan Xian

and admit your mistake

Look here

This matter has been over for so long

Moreover, the perpetrator has already paid with their life.

It wasn't you who killed them,

nor was it your order.

If we...

lay everything out

and apologize to Fan Xian,

wouldn't this matter be considered settled?

What did you say?

You want me to apologize to him?

Mother Empress

Your son admits his guilt

So many of our family have perished

Your son is also deeply grieved

Second Brother is watching covetously

His eyes are fixed upon me

My position as Crown Prince is precarious

I sought Fan Xian's assistance for support

I had no other recourse, Mother Empress

Mother Empress

Trust me

One day

When that day truly comes

I will personally kill Fan Xian

to avenge our family

Didn't you teach me since childhood

that...

Those who achieve great things

must prioritize endurance?

You're absolutely right

I'm very relieved

So it turns out you're the one who resembles him the most

Mother Empress

These words of your child…

can only be spoken to you.

Because your child

is the one you have in this world…

The only family left

Okay

What you want

Will be granted

Stop kowtowing already, it's not appropriate

It couldn't be more appropriate

You saved his life

But there's no need to kowtow so hard

It's fine, he's willing to do it

Ever since you saved him

Chengping talks about you every day

By the way, does your wound still hurt?

It's fine now

Fainted

It's fine, rest a bit and we can continue

Where... where are Wan'er and Ruoruo?

Haven't seen them around?

Ruoruo? The imperial physician took her to teach medical skills

You're something else

Even teaching those surgical techniques? You're sharing everything

Medical skills exist to save lives

What about Wan'er then?

Went home to get some clothes, I figured

We'll be staying here for a while longer

Might as well bring the wheelchair too

We have a wheelchair at home?

Dean Chen gave it to me when I was pretending to be sick

Is the rumor true?

I don't know.

If it's true,

then Chengping would be even closer to you.

I really don't know.

I want Chengping to become your disciple.

Perhaps we should wait until he wakes up and ask his opinion.

It's time to take the medicine.

Don't worry, I can decide this matter.

Maybe he should take it now.

Why did you have to use poison?

Let me go, let go

Lord Fan, please spare me

-How could poison be used in the palace? -Lord Fan

Lord Fan

Master Fan

Go

Why is it you?

Gong Dian was demoted, so I'm filling in temporarily.

Focus on recovering—I'll handle the assassins.

Today it's not just these two

The ones who attempted the assassination

have been working in Guangxin Palace for years

It's an inside job

I'll replace everyone in Guangxin Palace

I'll also report the assassination attempt to His Majesty

-I will give you an answer -Thank you

Should we call the imperial physician?

No need

He hasn't finished kowtowing yet

You can see the situation I'm in

If the Third Prince gets close to me, it'll be even more dangerous

Look, in the current court, from top to bottom

You're the only one who can protect him

No need to keep kowtowing, right?

Your heart must be sincere when acknowledging a master.

We had an agreement.

- Until you knock yourself out. - I already passed out earlier.

But you're awake now? Then it doesn't count.

Don't you feel any pity for your own son?

A mother's love is stern.

Put more force into it, I didn't hear the sound.

His Majesty's verbal decree.

The capital has too many people.

It's a mixed bag of fish and dragons.

It's time to sift through them.

May I ask, how exactly will this sifting be done?

Request the Second Prince to thoroughly investigate.

Every corner of the residence.

For anyone who shouldn't be in the capital.

If found, immediately deport them from the capital.

Then why bother with sifting?

Just call me out directly then.

Rest assured, sir, I'll conduct the screening diligently.

The verbal decree has been delivered.

This old servant takes his leave.

Safe travels, sir.

Hurry up and let her leave.

Aunt

Killing Fan Xian is no trivial matter.

I didn’t kill him.

Those who acted in Guangxin Palace have been loyal to you for years.

Even if they confessed it was voluntary, no one believes it.

Am I foolish enough to use palace maids and eunuchs?

Besides, I know Fan Xian specializes in poisons.

Would I really use poison against him?

Then who could it be?

I may be mad,

but I’m not stupid.

Are you implying the Empress ordered it?

Something's not right here.

How can the Empress treat murder so lightly?

Hard to guess, and I can't be bothered to.

Auntie.

Now His Majesty is forcing you back to Xinyang.

How do you plan to handle this?

Fan Xian is taking over the imperial treasury.

He must gain control of the three major workshops.

He'll definitely head to Jiangnan.

The capital isn't a good place to act.

But Jiangnan is perfect.

Not necessarily.

Though he's lost his martial arts, his guards won't be few.

Ye Liuyun is in Jiangnan.

What of it?

Would a Grandmaster help Auntie kill?

Guess.

Auntie, we've been allies for so long,

how many secrets have you been keeping from me?

Auntie plans to personally go to Jiangnan to wait for Fan Xian,

Today, Auntie should obediently return to Xinyang.

If anything happens to Fan Xian in Jiangnan,

it will have nothing to do with Auntie.

You're on your own now.

I'll leave Dong Jing today.

Then I won't see you off.

I'll give it another try too.

If we can kill Fan Xian in the capital...

Then we won't trouble Auntie.

How? Are you entering the palace?

I'm not stupid either.

Auntie, no need to pretend anymore, this is enough.

Rest for a few days, he'll be back soon.

That's hard to say.

Wan'er.

You must have heard the rumors about Fan Xian's origins?

I have.

Do you think he might stay in the palace and never return?

He will definitely return.

You mean...

The rumors about his origins are false?

I don't know if they're true or false.

But in truth, it doesn't matter much.

Silly child.

How could it not matter?

At our wedding,

we bowed to his parents at the Fan residence.

The fact that he bears the Fan name won't change.

How do you know? Did he tell you?

No need for words.

I understand Fan Xian.

He will surely choose this path.

This kid is really lucky

to be able to marry you

I'm the lucky one

to have met him

Why did we suddenly stop?

Second cousin

It was Fan Xian and his people who killed your second brother, Lin Gong

Before your second brother died

Fan Xian already knew the truth about the assassination at Niu Lan Street

He deceived everyone

Please step out of the vehicle.

Ling'er knows about it too.

If you don't believe me,

you can call Ling'er here to confront me directly.

Then you'll know the truth.

When did you learn about this?

I've known for quite some time.

Yet you didn't speak before the wedding.

I was entrusted by someone.

Besides, speaking then would have been pointless.

You just wanted to use others to do your dirty work.

Won't you avenge your closest kin?

Wan'er, have you forgotten?

Your surname is Lin.

Stop the car.

Teacher, your handwriting is really beautiful.

No need to force the compliments

I will follow your teachings diligently.

No need for so much formality.

Once a teacher, always a father.

How can we not respect them?

This seniority hierarchy is all messed up.

That being said,

I don't know what I can teach you

Your way of dealing with people...

has its own patterns

My mother said

From now on, whatever the teacher says, I'll do

without any objection

Then please deliver this letter to the Inspection Committee for me

Me?

Should I go instead?

I've heard the Discipline and Inspection Committee is constantly bathed in blood.

- Is that true? - If you're scared, give it back.

No, I'll follow the teacher's instructions.

When you reach the Discipline and Inspection Committee,

tell them

this letter is to be sent to Northern Qi.

To whom in Northern Qi?

Haitang Duoduo.

Teacher, I understand now.

What do you think you understand?

I'll protect this letter with my life.

Have you misunderstood something?

I'll go right now.

No need, it's too late. We'll talk tomorrow.

Teacher, I'll take my leave now.

- Don't worry, I'll fulfill the mission. - Go.

Good night, Sect Leader's wife

I'll take my leave now

What task needs to be completed?

Ask the Inspection Committee to send a letter to Haitang Duoduo.

What did it say?

Master Kuhe has a technique called "Heavenly Unity Heart Method."

It's said to be able to reshape one's foundation.

Let's think of a way.

See what conditions we can offer in exchange.

We can't stay useless forever.

I heard that technique...

...has never been taught to outsiders by Kuhe.

We have to at least try.