Original subtitles

Joy of Life 2

I remember she once told me

being an emperor is no easy task

one needs a strong heart and unwavering will

Therefore

certain things must be sacrificed

including...

the most precious things

I've kept you in Danzhou for so many years

You've endured much hardship

and suffered greatly

Do not blame me

Your Majesty

I...

This subject...

No longer remembers who my father was

Isn't it obvious?

Such a fairy maiden

also developed mortal desires

and eventually married into the Southern Qing royal family

Who did she marry?

The prince at that time, who is now...

the current Emperor of Southern Qing

She married the Qing Emperor?

Your Majesty

Should I kneel?

Do you want to kneel?

Don't want to kneel

Then don't kneel

Ye Qingmei also bore a child for Emperor Qing

It was Emperor Qing's child

Come to think of it, he's about your age

Your servant...

Your son...

I still don’t know which day I was born.

The 18th day of the first lunar month.

The 18th day of the first lunar month.

Since we are here...

we should make the best of it.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I finally have a birthday.

Focus on recovering.

Once you’ve healed, travel south of the river.

Go and see...

what your mother left behind in this world.

Nice to meet you

Yet regrettable...

I came too late

We missed each other

Mother

Bro, I've checked

No one's outside

Brother

What's wrong with you?

Today, His Majesty

for the first time acknowledged...

that I am his son.

After all...

Blood is thicker than water.

In front of him, every word I say

is measured just right.

There's filial devotion,

and a touch of emotion.

Brother...

But none of this is true.

Ruoruo...

I've been acting all along.

Why?

Because I'm afraid.

"Afraid"?

Afraid His Majesty is deceiving you?

Not entirely.

I can sense

his emotions are genuine.

But for some reason,

I feel that beneath this sincerity...

lurks another version of him.

Why do you think that way?

If there was truly deep father-son affection, these words

he could have said them when we first met

But he just stood by indifferently

Watched me in danger in Dong Jing

Watched me travel far to Bei Qi

Watched the imperial exams, watched the grand wedding

Kept watching until today

Perhaps...

Perhaps it was saving him at the Hanging Temple

That moved His Majesty?

So whether there's genuine affection

still depends on my performance first

Whether I'm his son

depends first on whether I'm qualified

Ruo Ruo

You haven't seen His Majesty as much as I have

But let me ask you

Would our father

act this way?

No

Brother

The way you put it

makes His Majesty seem like he's weighing pros and cons

What's even more terrifying is...

I don't know when this observation

first began

or how long it will last.

Nor do I know whether, for him,

emotions matter more

or value holds greater importance.

And someone like me...

Am I truly a son...

or just a pawn?

Of course.

Or maybe these are all just illusions.

I might be overthinking it.

A woman's intuition is never wrong.

I'm a man.

My intuition tells me.

Your intuition isn't wrong.

Brother.

If His Majesty is truly this terrifying.

After you recover from your injuries, let's return to Danzhou.

The capital...

It's too mentally exhausting.

Ruoruo.

From now on, I'm afraid...

I can't keep thinking about escaping back to Tanzhou whenever things get tough.

I've given it serious thought.

I'm going south of the river.

But not because of His Majesty's orders.

Nor for any other reason.

It's because I've realized in this life,

beyond just wanting to idle away my days in comfort and safety,

there are actually some things...

that only I can accomplish.

Wan'er

Wan'er

Wan'er

You're that Uncle Wuzhu

Quickly send Fan Xian to Jiangnan, to the Three Great Workshops

Quickly send Fan Xian to Jiangnan, to the Three Great Workshops

Quickly send Fan Xian to Jiangnan, to the Three Great Workshops

Quickly send Fan Xian to Jiangnan, to the Three Great Workshops

Quickly send Fan Xian to Jiangnan, to the Three Great Workshops

Yes, I am Wuzhu

-You're hurt -Yes

Based on current circumstances,

Entering the palace means certain death for me.

So you must relay this to Fan Xian:

Who is targeting you?

Many.

The entire capital

is unsafe.

- Did you kill my brother? - I did.

- I'll kill you. - Go ahead.

Understandable. I'm badly wounded.

Given the current situation,

if you want to kill me, now is your best chance.

- I will kill you. - Fine, I understand.

Send Fan Xian to Jiangnan.

Send Fan Xian to Jiangnan.

To the Three Great Workshops...

Quick, send Fan Xian to Jiangnan, to the Three Great Workshops.

- I'll kill you, but not now. - Go to the workshops, go to Jiangnan...

Go to the Three Great Workshops.

-Why? -Fan Xian is about to head south of the river

But now he's lost all his inner energy

My mother and my second cousin

Will never let this perfect opportunity slip away

I'll spare your life for now

Because he needs you

You are indeed trustworthy

After the crisis

Between you and me

It's a fight to the death

Deal

When Fan Xian no longer needs me

My life

Is yours

Never expected this

In the blink of an eye

we headed south

Big bro, you have no idea

how many years it's been since I last stepped out

Should've come out for fresh air sooner

You’re absolutely right

Though I’m back in the capital

my heart still lingers on the frontier’s scenery

Hearing you talk like this

leaving the capital sounds tempting

You’re still young—you’ll understand when you’re older

For this magnificent land

how about we share a drink?

Let’s go

Come

This farewell ceremony

is rather extravagant.

Given our relationship,

this is only proper.

Your Highness's benevolence

is deeply moving.

Fan Xian,

His Highness treats talents with respect,

but you must not forget the distinction between ruler and subject.

I am overwhelmed.

Thank you, Crown Prince, and all Your Highnesses.

What are you doing?

I cannot accept the teacher's gift.

Don't cause trouble.

It's fortunate that all the Highnesses are present

I'll take this opportunity...

- to share my grievances with you - "Grievances"?

To be honest

My son here...

Not doing very well

As you all know

I grew up in Danzhou

Only recently returned to the capital

Though I've been living at the Fan residence

There's always something weighing on my mind

Can't let it go

Feeling uneasy

What is it?

Tell us about it

I'll handle it for you, why are you so uneasy?

It's been so long since I returned, yet I still haven't entered the Fan family ancestral hall.

Is this proper?

How can I not feel uneasy in my heart?

With departure imminent, my courage has grown.

Honorable Father.

Since several highnesses are present.

Please bear witness for me.

When your child returns from Jiangnan.

I should properly enter the ancestral hall to kowtow and offer incense.

Think carefully.

Once you enter the ancestral hall and join the family registry.

You'll truly be a Fan.

What kind of talk is this...

I was born a Fan.

Complete your duties first.

We'll discuss the rest upon your return.

Don't worry, I'll be your witness.

I'll do it for you.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Impressive.

Retreating to advance—cutting off retreat while securing a future.

Second Brother, what do you mean?

I mean it—I admire him.

A toast to you.

The Fight Qi is gone

Be careful heading south

The Fight Qi is depleted

Better than total defeat

Don’t take any risks

I’ll wait for your return

Conquer Jiangnan

It's about reclaiming

Such resolve...

Protect Third Brother well

Isn't the Third Prince returning with you?

His Majesty ordered him to accompany you

A disciple should serve their master diligently

His Majesty has granted permission to travel with the teacher

Go ahead

Send a carrier pigeon if you encounter difficulties

If needed, I'll make the trip myself

You must remain to command the Imperial Guards

At worst, I'll be stripped of rank

At least I won't lose my head

Stop thinking about running away

The capital needs people like you

Take good care of His Majesty

Yes

It is this servant's duty

The wind is strong on the river, Father. You should head back too.

The Ming family of Jiangnan oversees three major workshops.

With extensive connections, they're the true local power.

Success in this southern trip would be ideal.

If it fails,

just return home directly.

At worst, we'll abandon everything.

The Fan family can afford to raise a son.

Understood… Father, I'll see you off the boat.

What's wrong, Dad?

Is there anything else you need to tell me?

It's not my first time traveling far from home.

- Well... - Enough.

Let me speak for him.

It's about the ancestral hall matter.

Are you serious or...?

Old Fan, Old Fan, you really are...

What then? Should I perform the full kowtow ceremony for you now?

- Don't... - Please don't...

We couldn't possibly accept that, Young Master Fan.

We're used to seeing your usual ways.

Now when I see formal rituals,

I'm not accustomed to them either.

Just do things your usual way.

My usual way?

I've been surnamed Fan since childhood.

And always will be.

Waiting for you to come home.

Take good care of yourself.

One, two

One, two

One, two

One, two

One...

Lord Fan, the ship is about to set sail.

-Understood. -Yes.

The words you said

I remember them all

This starry sky you gave me

It has always been here

Lord Fan

My lord, you've just recovered from a serious illness

- Don't move yet, let me check first - Lord Fan

Lord Fan

Lord Fan

Commander Xu of Shazhou Navy has prepared modest gifts

We humbly request Lord Fan's acceptance

What's this about?

This sounds like gift-giving

Shazhou Navy Commander

- You handle things here, I'll ask the lord - Commander Xu has prepared modest gifts

We humbly request Lord Fan's acceptance

Commander Xu of Shazhou Navy brings gifts

Please accept these gifts, Lord Fan

Where are you from?

Commander Xu of the Navy

This is Commander Xu's token of appreciation

Please accept them, my lord

Very well, guards...

Bring this chest up

Thank you, my lord...

Slow down...

Naval garrison, remember that.

Be careful...

Take it slow...

Alright, thank you for your hard work.

Then thank you, sir.

Wishing Lord Fan a smooth journey.

I shall take my leave now.

Take care...

-Let's go. -Prefect Yao of Shazhou.

Prepared some humble gifts.

-Another one arrives. -Wishing Lord Fan a smooth journey from afar.

A bright future ahead.

Alright... pull it up...

They just keep coming one after another.

Go get a notebook and record this in detail.

Got it.

Be careful.

Prefect Yao of Shazhou.

Be careful...

Alright, thank you for your hard work.

Take care on your way.

This official takes his leave.

Safe travels... take care.

Official Li from the Boat Administration prepared a modest gift.

As a token of respect for Young Master Fan.

Official Sun from Shazhou presents this with respect for Young Master Fan.

-This is becoming a pattern. -Official Xiao from Shazhou Household Department.

-Brother, bring me a chair. -A gift for Young Master Fan.

Where are you from?

This box of yours is rather small.

You've just arrived in Shazhou, yet received so many gifts?

Your Highness.

This shows that.

Our Emperor's grand celebration.

Is truly blessed with abundant treasures.

And produces outstanding talents in great numbers.

I see.

Brother Wang

What? Can't write a character?

Not exactly that

I'm saying accepting gifts like this isn't proper

Our superior is investigating corruption and cleaning up officialdom in the capital

But now... this behavior...

I fear it may invite criticism

No worries, everyone aboard is one of us

Let's just keep our mouths shut

Don't let the palace find out

Your Highness, these words really shouldn't come from you

Young Shi, you haven't served under our superior for long

But remember this one thing

What our superior orders, we carry out

Our superior has never let anyone down

- Remember clearly - Understood

Look over there

Teacher, come quick and look at this!

Is this also someone coming to give gifts?

Their attire doesn't look like they're delivering gifts.

It rather seems like...

someone blocking the road to plead injustice.

Possibly.

Your Honor is practically an imperial envoy.

Such roadside petitions are common in operas.

Your Honor,

shall we let them stop us?

Ever since heading south, I've been wondering:

if the Ming family doesn't want me taking over the three workshops,

how would they respond?

Are you suggesting this is the Ming family's doing?

Let's see.

No need to worry.

Alright... we'll be there soon.

(Head of the Ming Family in Jiangnan, Ming Qingda)

Don't move...

I heard you two have brought Her Highness the Eldest Princess's decree.

What are Her Highness's orders?

The head of the Ming family.

Ming Qingda?

That's me.

May I ask how you should be addressed?

What were you doing up there just now?

Last night's wind and rain...

The storm came last night

The swallow fell from the beam

The little bird can't fly yet

If we don't put it back...

Another life would be lost

The swallow's nest

Please have a seat

Please have a seat.

Rushed here by fast boat and horse—my backside’s nearly worn raw.

Even sitting on hard surfaces aches now.

Please have some tea.

Too much.

What’s too much?

The Ming family’s wealth...

Rescuing bird nests, mending torn sleeves—

It’s overly performative.

Too deliberate.

Ming...

First, he's soft-hearted

And secondly...

Indifferent to wealth

As the saying goes

A cup of plain tea surpasses ten thousand riches

Peace in one's heart

Look at this hypocrisy

So calm and composed

Truly better than Dong Jing

I haven’t yet asked

Sir...

-How should I address you? -Li Chengze

Second Prince

No need to kneel, rise.

I came to Jiangnan feigning illness, the capital doesn’t know.

Let’s not waste time, straight to the point.

Your Highness, please speak.

Fan Xian is heading south—how does the Ming family plan to respond?

-No idea. -Eat grapes?

No idea.

How amusing.

Aren’t you the head of the Ming family?

The matter is too significant.

We must wait for my mother’s decision.

Then let’s talk together.

You’ve been listening long enough.

Come out.

Mother

This old woman is but a mere female.

If not for Your Highness's summons

I wouldn't have appeared in public

You are the true head of the Ming family

For matters big or small, you should decide for yourself

Without Mother's guidance

This child's heart is filled with unease

You silly child

How old are you now?

How long must this old woman keep caring for you?

May mother live a hundred years

Longer than I will

Oh you...

Let me stitch it for you

So this calm and composed demeanor runs in the family?

Your Highness asks how the Ming family plans to deal with Fan Xian

It's actually quite simple

The Ming family has long served the Eldest Princess

and also works for Your Highness

How does Your Highness wish us to proceed?

We will act accordingly

I want the Three Great Workshops to remain under the Ming family's control

Agreed

So it's settled?

As Your Highness commands

the Ming family will comply

However...

There's one difficulty.

Let's hear it.

Lord Fan is taking over the Imperial Treasury.

It's His Majesty's decree.

The Ming family, as commoners...

How can they defy the imperial order?

It's difficult, Your Highness.

I find it difficult too.

No matter how valuable the Three Great Workshops are

it's not worth risking your life for them

Besides, at worst, I could just switch sides and join Fan Xian's faction.

A dog is still a dog no matter where it serves, right?

I...

Was my wording too crude?

Your Highness

The Ming family has no intention of switching allegiances

We only beg Your Highness to show us a way out

Defying an imperial decree leaves no way out

If there were one, I’d have taken it already

-Your Highness -Just give us a hint

You two...

There truly is no way out

Fortunately, I can offer you both...

Cut off from retreat

Deng Ming'en, with three sons

Claim the reward

The Ming family issues a bounty

Recruiting heroes from all walks

All applicants may claim the reward

...with two sons

- Claim the reward - The Ming family issues a bounty

Recruiting heroes from all walks

All applicants may claim the reward

...still young, claim the reward

Uncle Zhang, now has a daughter and grandson

Claiming reward silver

-Zhang Zizhi, now has two daughters... -Father

I'll take good care of them, rest assured

Wang Furen

Has a young daughter and son at home

Claiming reward silver

Please accept this, Lord Fan

This humble official takes his leave

Hey, gentlemen

What exactly are we doing here?

Excuse me, may I ask

What's going on here?

Can't you see?

We're hijacking a ship

Hijacking...

"Hijacking"?

Wait, shouldn't we board it to hijack?

We can't get up

It's too high

Get some men

Lower a ladder for them

Right... get a ladder down

Lower a ladder

Hold on tight...

Steady yourself...

Be careful.

The Ming Family's bounty notice

To kill Fan Xian?

I've heard

The Ming Family has influence in both legal and illegal circles in Jiangnan.

With this bounty issued...

Heroes from all sides flocked to it.

That scene...

I'd love to see it.

The Ming family never issued any bounty notice.

I issued it on your behalf.

From now on,

it's either your Ming family or Fan Xian who survives.

What a way to cut off all retreat.

What time is it now?

It's past noon.

No wonder I'm feeling dizzy.

Please forgive me, Your Highness.

This old body lacks energy.

At this time every day,

I must take an afternoon nap.

Then let's rest.

Actually, there's another way.

The two of you gathered a group of experts to swarm in and kill me

Then present my head to Fan Xian

This deadlock would then be resolved

Just kidding

Don't take it seriously

Go get some rest

A loving mother and filial child

This scene...

It almost brings me to tears

You should rest for a while

The Ming family issued this bounty notice?

Yes

They're offering rewards for anyone who sinks or hijacks ships

This... doesn't that make you river bandits?

We're not bandits

Real bandits wouldn't dare

These are government ships after all

We need money

But we still value our lives

No, then you...

You know these are government ships

Yet you're risking your lives?

We have no choice

Why?

Northern Jiangsu was devastated

We're all refugees with our families

Fleeing to Southern Jiangsu

If not for the Ming family

We would have starved to death

You're saying you're all refugees from Northern Jiangsu?

That's right

But disaster relief funds were sent to Northern Jiangsu

You could go home

Sir,

We'd like to return

But we fear that on the road...

We'd starve to death

So you're saying the Ming family is supporting you?

Yes

So this counts as charity from the Ming family?

I suppose it's charity

Anyway, we refugees all work for the Ming family

Reclaiming wasteland, building roads

Doing jobs no one else will do

Working day and night without rest

No wages

Just some food to survive

What does the government say?

The government gave the Ming family a plaque

What does it say?

"Virtuous Deeds and Accumulated Merit"

Chief Xia, the refugees have all gone up.

Should our water stronghold make a move too?

If the water stronghold charges now,

these refugees will truly have no way out.

With ships being smashed, they're surely doomed now.

Let's wait and see how Fan Xian handles it.

Everyone, stay calm.

Now that we've reached Jiangnan,

a little more waiting won't hurt.

Li Chengze is trying to push us to our doom.

Is that all you have to say?

At home

Someone must have secretly sided with Li Chengze.

Otherwise, the bounty notice wouldn't have been issued.

Who is the family head?

I am.

With turmoil in the clan, the family head cannot escape blame.

I deserve punishment.