Original subtitles

"One's Remaining Years" by Li Jian

♫ As flowers will bloom and wither ♫

♫ May we pass by the magnificent scenery ♫

♫ Contemplating the vastness of Heaven and Earth ♫

♫ Could it be both of us are filled with desolation? ♫

♫ As flowers bloom and wither ♫

♫ May we lead such a life ♫

♫ Contemplating the vastness of Heaven and Earth ♫

♫ Turning back again, you and I ♫

♫ Let's seize the current moment. The weather is warm and nice today ♫

♫ Let's go together ♫

♫ Even if the snowstorm is ahead of us ♫

♫ And dyes our hair white ♫

[Joy of Life Season 2]

[Adapted from Mao Ni's Joy of Life on Yuewen Group's Qidian platform]

[Episode 33]

I remember she once told me that being an emperor is challenging.

One needs to be tough and resilient.

Thus, there are things you need to abandon.

Including those that you hold dear to your heart.

I kept you in Danzhou for many years

and caused you to suffer. You've suffered a lot.

Don't blame me.

Your Majesty,

I...

Your Majesty,

I'm confused about who my father is.

Do you still need to ask?

Even a fairy like her

could fall in love and eventually marry into the imperial family of Southern Qing.

Who did she marry?

He was a prince

and also, the current Emperor of the Qing Empire.

She married the Emperor of Qing?

Your Majesty, should I kneel?

Do you feel like kneeling?

If you don't, don't kneel.

Ye Qingmei was pregnant with the child of the Emperor of Qing.

Child of the Emperor of Qing?

He is about the same age as you.

Your Majesty...

I...

I still don't know when I was born.

The 18th day of the first month.

The 18th day of the first month?

"Since you have come here."

"Accept things as they come."

Thank you, Your Majesty. I finally have a birth date.

Take your time to recuperate.

Go to Jiangnan once you've recovered.

Take a look at what your mother left in this world.

I'm pleased to meet you.

Sadly, I'm late.

We missed each other,

Mother.

Brother, I checked. No one is outside.

Brother, what's wrong?

Today, for the first time, His Majesty acknowledged me...

as his son.

After all, blood is thicker than water.

Whatever answers I gave him

were highly appropriate.

There was admiration and also some feelings of emotions.

Brother.

But those were not sincere words.

Ruoruo,

I was pretending.

Why?

Because I'm afraid.

Afraid?

Are you afraid His Majesty lied to you?

Not completely.

I could sense his emotions were genuine,

but I don't know why I kept feeling...

there was another person hidden behind his true feelings.

What makes you think that way?

If there's really a deep affection between a father and son,

he could have told me that when we first met.

However, he just stood by and watched coldly when I encountered danger in the capital,

when I traveled to Northern Qi, supervised the spring exam, and held my wedding.

He has been watching till today.

Perhaps...

Perhaps, His Majesty was moved when you protected him at the Hanging Temple.

Hence, whether there's true affection or not, depends on my performance.

Whether or not I'm his son, depends on my eligibility.

Ruoruo, you don't see His Majesty as much as I do.

But let me ask you this.

Would our father do that?

He won't.

Brother, by saying this,

His Majesty seems to be weighing the pros and cons.

What's scarier is that

I don't know when this observation started,

and how long it will continue.

I'm also clueless about whether affection or value is more important to him.

As for me,

am I his son...

or a pawn?

Of course, these might be delusions.

I'm just overthinking.

A woman's instinct is never wrong.

I'm a man.

My instinct tells me that your instinct is correct.

Brother, if His Majesty is so scary,

once you've recovered from your injury, let's return to Danzhou.

It's too tiring in the capital.

Ruoruo,

I'm afraid I can't return to Danzhou whenever I want to escape.

I thought it through.

I'm going to Jiangnan.

It's not because of His Majesty's decree or other reasons.

It's because I realized that aside from simply muddling through days with a wealthy and secured life,

there's something I really need to do.

[Fan Residence]

Wan'er.

Wan'er.

Wan'er.

Are you Uncle Wu Zhu?

Tell Fan Xian to go to Jiangnan and the Three Great Workshops immediately. Tell him to go now.

Yes, I'm Wu Zhu.

- You are injured. - Yes.

Judging from the current situation, I won't survive if I enter the palace.

So, relay this message to Fan Xian.

Who is targeting you?

Many people.

The capital is not safe.

Did you kill my brother?

It was me.

I want to kill you.

Yes, you can.

I understand. I'm seriously injured.

Based on the current situation, now is the best time for you to kill me.

- I must kill you. - Yes, you can. I understand.

Tell Fan Xian to go to Jiangnan. Tell Fan Xian to go to Jiangnan.

Go to the Three Great Workshops. Go to the Three Great Workshops.

Tell Fan Xian to go to Jiangnan now. Go to the Three Great Workshops.

I want to kill you but not now!

Go to the Three Great Workshops!

Why?

Fan Xian is heading to Jiangnan soon

but he lost his vital energy.

My mother and Second Cousin won't let this opportunity slip by.

I won't take your life for now because he needs you.

You are indeed trustworthy.

After the crisis,

I won't let you off the hook.

It's a deal.

When Fan Xian doesn't need me anymore, my life is yours.

I didn't expect that, in a blink of an eye, we're going to the south.

Eldest Brother, do you know

it has been ages since I went out? I should have come out for fresh air earlier.

Exactly.

Although I went back to the capital, I miss the scenery at the border.

Hearing you say that, it seems very tempting to leave the capital.

You're still young. You'll understand when you grow up.

Let's have a drink for this great landscape.

Let's go.

Come.

Isn't this farewell a bit too grand?

With our relationship,

this is what we should do.

Your Highness, I'm touched by your compassion.

Fan Xian, His Highness treats you with respect.

Don't forget that you are a subject.

I'm afraid.

Thank you, Your Highness and the princes, too.

What are you doing?

I dare not accept your bow, Teacher.

Behave.

Since everyone's here, I want to use this opportunity to complain.

Complain?

To be honest, as a son,

I didn't do a good job.

As you know,

I grew up in Danzhou and returned to the capital not long ago.

I have been living in the Fan Residence

but there is always something hidden in my heart.

It makes me anxious.

What is it? Tell us.

I can decide for you. Why are you anxious?

I've been back for a while and haven't been to the Fan ancestral hall. Is this reasonable?

How can I not be anxious?

As I'm leaving, I have gained some courage.

Father, I hope the princes here will be my witnesses.

When I return from Jiangnan,

I should prostrate and light incense sticks in the ancestral hall.

Think it over.

Once you enter the ancestral hall and are registered in their genealogy record, you're part of the Fan family.

Talking about this, I've always been part of the Fan family.

Accomplish your mission first.

As for the rest, we'll talk again when you're back.

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

Thank you, Crown Prince.

Well done. A great concession to gain advantages.

He burns his own bridges and gains a new prospect.

Second Brother, what are you talking about?

I'm saying this sincerely. I'm impressed.

Here's a toast to you.

Your vital energy is truly gone.

Be careful when you're in the South.

The vital energy is gone but it's still better than losing a favorable situation.

Keep yourself alive. I will wait for you.

Take down Jiangnan.

It's reclaiming Jiangnan.

You've been enlightened.

Protect Third Brother.

The Third Prince isn't going back with you?

Imperial Father wants him to go with you.

As a disciple, I should follow you and serve you with all my heart.

Imperial Father allowed me to travel with you.

Go ahead.

Use the carrier pigeon to send me a message if you're in trouble. I can personally go there.

You still need to command the Imperial Guards.

It's not a big deal if I'm removed from the post. I won't be beheaded.

Don't always try to escape. The capital needs someone like you.

Take care of His Majesty.

I will. This is my duty.

The wind is strong here. Father, you should go back.

The Ming family in Jiangnan operates the Three Great Workshops.

They've strong and extensive connections. It's their turf.

It's good if you succeed.

If you don't, come home. It's not a big deal to give up everything.

The Fan family will support you.

All right, I know. Father, I'll see you off the ship.

What's wrong, Father? Do you have any other instructions?

It's not my first time leaving on a long journey.

Well...

Okay, I will speak for him.

About the ancestral hall, do you really mean it or...

Old Fan, you're unbelievable.

I will prostrate to you now.

- Don't do that! - Don't do that!

I'm overwhelmed, Young Official Fan.

I'm used to your casual behavior.

I'm not used to it if you prostrate.

Just do it your way.

My way?

Since young, my surname has been Fan, and will also be in the future.

I'll wait for you at home.

Take care of yourself.

One, two. One, two.

One, two.

One, two. One.

Young Official Fan, the ship is departing soon.

- All right. - Yes.

I remember everything you said.

The starry skies you gifted me

have always been there.

Young Official Fan!

Sir, you've just recovered. Don't move around.

I will check it out.

Young Official Fan!

Young Official Fan!

Naval Grand Commandant Xu of Shazhou prepared some small gifts for you.

Please accept the gift, Young Official Fan.

What is this?

It sounds like they are delivering gifts.

Naval Grand Commandant of Shazhou...

Handle them. I will check with Young Official Fan.

Please accept the gifts, Young Official Fan.

Naval Grand Commandant Xu of Shazhou prepared some small gifts for you.

Please accept the gifts, Young Official Fan.

Where are you from?

I'm with Naval Grand Commandant Xu of Shazhou.

This is just a small gesture from him.

Please accept the gifts.

All right. Come, pull up the boxes.

Thank you, sir. Thank you.

Slowly.

Naval Grand Commandant Xu. Note it down.

Be careful.

Slowly.

All right. Thank you so much.

Thank you, sir.

May Young Official Fan have a smooth journey.

I shall take my leave.

Goodbye.

- Let's go. - Magistrate Yao of Shazhou prepared some small gifts.

- Here comes another. - May Young Official Fan have a smooth journey and a bright future.

All right. Pull them up.

There are more coming.

Get a book and record everything in details.

Okay.

Be careful.

Governor Yao of Shazhou.

Be careful.

All right. Thank you.

Goodbye.

- I shall take my leave. - Take care.

Mr. Li of the Vessels Office prepared some small gifts for Young Official Fan.

Official Sun pays his respects to Young Official Fan.

They are even lining up.

Someone, get me a chair.

Where are you from?

Your box seems a bit small.

We received so many gifts when we just arrived in Shazhou.

Your Highness, this shows that Our Majesty's Great Qing

is rich in resources and talents.

I see.

Old Wang.

What's wrong? Are there any words you can't write?

It's not.

It's not appropriate to accept gifts, right?

Young Official Fan is investigating corruption and cleaning up governance in the capital.

We are accepting gifts now. I fear we will be criticized.

Don't worry. The people on this ship are with us.

Let's keep our mouths shut. Don't let the palace know.

Your Highness, you shouldn't be saying this.

Xiao Shi, you haven't been with Young Official Fan for a long time

but remember this.

We follow all orders of Young Official Fan.

He has never let anyone down.

- Don't miss out on any names. - All right.

Look over there.

Teacher, look over there.

Are they delivering gifts too?

Judging from their clothes, it doesn't look like it.

They look like they are here to make complaints.

That's possible. Sir, you are also an imperial envoy.

Blocking the path to make complaints is quite common in plays.

Sir, should we stop them?

On the way here, I've been pondering about what the Ming family would do

to stop me from taking over the Three Great Workshops.

Are you saying the Ming family is behind this?

Let's observe first.

Don't be afraid.

We're almost there.

[Ming Qingda, head of the Ming family]

Stay still.

I heard you two brought the Princess Royal's order here.

What is your instruction?

Head of the Ming family, Ming Qingda?

It's me.

How may I address you?

What were you doing up there?

It was raining last night...

It was raining last night.

The sparrow fell from the beam.

The baby bird can't fly yet.

If I hadn't carried it up there,

it would've died.

A sparrow's nest.

Please have a seat.

Please have a seat.

It was a rushed journey by ship and horse. My buttocks has almost chafed.

It hurts when I sit on hard surfaces.

Please have some tea.

It's overdone.

What do you mean?

With the Ming family's wealth,

picking up the bird's nest and your tattered sleeves are a bit overboard.

It's intentional.

I'm soft-hearted.

Besides,

I don't care about money and wealth.

As the saying goes, "Instead of family's fortunes,

why not have this cup of unrefined tea instead for peace of mind?"

What a hypocrite.

So calm and relaxed. You're better than those in the capital.

I haven't asked.

How may I address you?

Li Chengze.

Second Prince?

No need to kneel. Get up.

I reported sick and came to Jiangnan. The capital doesn't know.

Stop wasting time. I will cut right to the chase.

Please speak, Your Highness.

Fan Xian is coming to the south. How will the Ming family deal with him?

- I don't know. - Eat grapes? (Sounds like eat grapes in southern accent)

"I don't know"? Interesting.

Aren't you the head of the Ming family?

This is a serious matter.

My mother will decide.

Let's talk together then.

You have been listening. Come out!

Mother.

I'm just a woman.

Without your summons, I shouldn't show myself.

You are the head of the Ming family.

You should decide everything on your own.

I feel anxious without your guidance, Mother.

Son, you're an adult.

How long do you want this old woman to take care of you?

You will live a long life, Mother.

Longer than mine.

You, seriously.

I will mend it for you.

Being calm and relaxed runs in the family.

You asked how we should deal with Fan Xian. [Old Madam Ming, mother of head of the Ming family]

Actually, it's very easy.

The Ming family has been serving the Princess Royal and Your Highness.

We'll do whatever you want us to do.

I want the Ming family to retain the Three Great Workshops.

All right.

That's it? It's a deal?

The Ming family will do as you say.

It's just that there is a problem.

Let's hear it.

It's His Majesty's decree that Young Official Fan take over the Imperial Treasury.

The Ming family are merely commoners.

How could we defy the decree?

It's difficult, Your Highness.

I thought so, too.

Regardless of how valuable the Three Great Workshops are,

it's not necessary to risk your lives for it.

Besides, you could always take Fan Xian's side.

Whichever side you take, you are still lackeys. Right?

Was I too vulgar with my words?

Your Highness, the Ming family doesn't intend to switch sides.

We only hope that you can show us the right way.

Would there be a right way to defy the decree?

If there is any, I would've used it.

- Your Highness... - Say what you mean.

You both, there are no right ways.

Fortunately, I have cut off your retreat.

Deng Ming'en has three sons.

Collect your reward.

The Ming family posted a bounty reward to recruit heroic people from everywhere.

Whoever registers can collect the reward.

...family has two sons.

The Ming family posted a bounty reward to recruit heroic people from everywhere.

Whoever registers can collect the reward.

Collect the reward.

Zhang Bo has a daughter and a grandson.

Collect your reward.

- Zhang Zizhi. - Father.

I will take care of them. Don't worry.

Wang Furen has a daughter and a young son.

Collect your reward.

Please accept the gifts, Young Official Fan.

I shall take my leave.

Sirs, what are you doing?

Excuse me, may I ask what you are doing down there?

Can't you see that we're robbing the ship?

Robbing the ship...

Robbing the ship?!

No, you should come up here if you want to rob.

We can't go up.

It's too high.

Come, get them a ladder.

That's right. Get us a ladder. Bring a ladder.

Grab the ladder.

Hold on tight.

Be careful.

The Ming family posted a bounty reward to kill Fan Xian?

I heard the Ming family has connections with the law and criminals.

When the bounty was posted, many heroic people registered.

I wish I could really see that.

The Ming family has never posted any bounty.

I did that on your behalf.

From now on, either the Ming family or Fan Xian will die.

How can you cut off our retreat?

What's the time?

It's past noon.

No wonder I feel dizzy.

Please understand, Your Highness. I'm old and tired.

I need to take a nap around this time.

Go ahead and rest.

Actually, there's another way.

You can hire a group of skilled people to surround me and kill me.

Deliver my head to Fan Xian and this deadlock can be resolved.

I was kidding.

Don't take it seriously.

Go and rest.

What a loving mother and filial son.

This scene...

almost made me cry.

Take a rest.

The Ming family posted out this bounty?

Yes.

Whoever damages and robs the ship can get the reward.

In that case, aren't you pirates?

We are not pirates.

The pirates wouldn't come.

After all, this is an official ship.

They can't risk their lives for money. Right?

Wait. So you...

You know this is an official ship. Don't you want your lives?

We have no choice.

Why?

There was a disaster in Jiangbei.

We took our families and fled to Jiangnan.

We are refugees.

Without the Ming family, we would've starved to death.

You said you are refugees from Jiangbei?

Yes, we are.

The disaster relief fund for Jiangbei has been transferred there.

You can go home now.

Sir, we want to go back.

We are also afraid of dying from hunger halfway.

So to say, the Ming family is providing assistance to you?

Yes.

So, the Ming family is doing a good deed?

It's a good deed.

Anyway, refugees like us are working for them.

We open up the wasteland and repair roads.

We do whatever no one wants to do, and work day and night without rest.

They don't pay us. They only feed us.

What did the local government say?

They gifted the Ming family with a big plaque.

"Good fortune rewards the benevolent" is written on it.

Sir, the refugees boarded the ship.

Shall we attack the ship now?

If we attack, these refugees will die.

They damaged the ship. They are definitely doomed.

Let's observe Fan Xian again.

Be patient, everyone.

It won't be long before he arrives in Jiangnan.

Li Chengze is driving us to our death.

Is this what you have to say?

There is a mole secretly helping Li Chengze.

Otherwise, the bounty wouldn't have been posted.

Who is the head of the family?

It's me.

I'm responsible for the changes in the clan.

I should be punished.

Translation and Timing by the Joy of Life 2 Team @ Viki.com

"Excuse Me" by Zhou Shen

♫ The young man raises his face as he moves towards the moon ♫

♫ They tease him for his arrogance. How can they be so different? ♫

♫ Wearing a white robe when crossing a muddy pond ♫

♫ How can it remain unstained? ♫

♫ As long as a silver tael has a price, who can still be truly carefree? ♫

♫ You are all correct ♫

♫ He said to please make way. ♫

♫ Let me get drunk ♫

♫ and leisurely recite a few chapters of poems ♫

♫ Let me wear a white robe and cross the alley of insanity ♫

♫ to catch the moonlight in the muddy pond ♫

♫ Sir, I hope you will forgive me ♫

♫ Your words of advice, I understand but I don't want to pretend ♫

♫ Everyone searches for prosperous towns while I search for the moon ♫

♫ Why should we travel together? ♫

♫ I apologize ♫

♫ Excuse me ♫

♫ You are you. I am me ♫

♫ I apologize ♫

♫ Excuse me ♫

♫ You are you ♫

♫ I am me ♫

♫ Wearing a white robe when crossing a muddy pond ♫

♫ Remarkably worldly-wise yet hopelessly romantic ♫

♫ Know there's love in your heart ♫

♫ Don't ever change ♫

♫ They have seen light and darkness ♫

♫ And yet retained their innocence ♫

♫ Cloaked in moonlight ♫

♫ They travelled through the night ♫