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 34]

How shall we deal with this situation?

I will launch an investigation.

I'll definitely catch...

the traitor.

Fan Xian is the key here.

Since it has come to this,

we have no choice.

We can only side with Li Chengze and Li Yunrui.

We mustn't hand over the Three Great Workshops.

To who?

To Fan Xian!

We can't hand them to Li Yunrui...

or Li Chengze either.

We need to make them fight for it.

Only then will the Ming family...

be able to survive through their struggle.

We need to keep...

the Three Great Workshops.

You may stop now.

Mother, thank you for your grace.

Hand the needles to me.

Now, I'll go...

and keep Li Chengze in check.

He won't stay for long.

Once he leaves,

Jiangnan...

will still belong to the Ming family.

You're the head of the family.

You may decide that yourself.

Yes, Mother.

Mother, you need to take your nap.

I shall stop...

bothering you.

Your Highness, sorry for the wait.

The Ming family is truly resourceful.

You guys even have palace tributes here.

It's just that you guys need to learn the rules better.

Have you made your decision?

Your Highness, the Ming family will stick with you to the end.

There's no one else here.

Mother is indeed taking her nap.

Get up.

Did she not suspect you?

Not yet for now.

But she told me to investigate the family...

to see who's serving you in secret, Your Highness.

I do have to think of a solution.

I have to see who's a suitable scapegoat.

I don't know the Ming family well.

Use a distant relative as your scapegoat.

They aren't suitable. When it comes to scapegoats,

those brothers of mine are suitable candidates.

No humans are born without feelings.

When I think about the fact

that I have to send my siblings to their deaths,

I feel disheartened.

It's good to treat people nicely.

I do treat people nicely when I feel like it.

But sometimes, giving them a good outcome

and making them look grateful is more than enough.

Yes, Your Highness.

You mustn't take it to heart.

Everyone has their own destinies.

You can sigh all you like.

I'll return to the capital now.

Your Highness, you're leaving already?

Why should I remain here when my task is completed?

But, Your Highness, we need you to oversee the situation in Jiangnan.

The capital is keeping a close eye on me as well.

Everything will be over if His Majesty finds out that I'm in Jiangnan.

Your Highness, if you can't remain here for long, regarding Princess Royal...

Aunt is visiting her friends. She won't be able to come.

Fan Xian has all the power in the world.

If both of you aren't around, I'm afraid the Ming family can't compete against him.

Xie Bi'an will remain here.

Understood.

I shall ask for Sir Xie's opinion...

before I act in the future.

No need for that. You may decide that yourself.

- What if I lose against Fan Xian? - That's normal too.

Don't overthink it. Defend the Three Workshops.

Just do your best.

Don't worry. I'll keep my word.

Once this is over, only the head of the Ming family will remain.

The old madam will be history.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Misters, take a break. Have something to eat.

They're giving us buns!

There are buns here!

Take a break. Let's eat first.

Slowly. Everyone will get a share.

- All of you will receive food. - Slow down.

If you didn't have your fill, why don't you have another bowl?

May I?

- Sure. - Thank you.

Get him another bowl.

Mister, slow down. We still have extra food.

What do you want to ask me? Ask away.

Are you Young Official Fan, who came from the capital?

That's right. I'm Fan Xian.

Thank goodness!

Young Official Fan!

Wait here.

Guys, this is Young Official Fan!

We got the right ship!

Thank you!

Thank you, Young Official Fan!

- Please have it slowly. - Thank you.

Initially, we were afraid that we got the wrong ship.

We would've caused trouble for that poor soul.

So, how do you guys get rewarded for raiding our ship?

Someone on the shore is watching us.

As long as we hit the ship with our tools, we'll be rewarded.

So, does that mean you guys will receive the money after going ashore?

We'll be executed. There's no turning back.

Why did you guys still come when you knew that you would be executed?

We're raiding a government ship. We'll definitely be executed.

I don't understand something. Don't you guys want money?

What's the use of getting money when you'll be executed?

Please don't worry about that.

Our family members will get the money.

We just hope for them to stay safe.

If we earn money for them,

they'll be able to lead a better life back in Jiangbei.

What about you guys? Aren't you guys going to go back?

We do wish to go back.

But it's impossible.

It's better to sacrifice our lives for our children's future.

It's better than dragging them down on our way back.

You guys won't be able to survive.

Why didn't you guys address your grievances?

What?

Actually, you guys don't need to raid our ship.

As long as you stop our ship and address your grievances,

Young Official Fan won't ignore you guys.

Sir, it was a natural disaster.

We have no grievances to address.

Old mister, the Ming family was cornering you guys.

Don't you guys feel that it was unfair?

Sir, you mustn't say that.

They saved us.

We would've starved to death had it not been for the Ming family.

Let's forget about them for now. You guys weren't able to survive.

- Why didn't you seek help from the government? - It's not their fault.

We aren't from Jiangnan.

They have to protect their own people.

It makes sense when you think about it.

After hearing that,

I feel like no one is at fault here.

It was a natural disaster. Who can we blame it on?

Young Official Fan?

Don't you agree?

I agree.

Do you wish to steal power from her? Or do you want her dead?

My mother has managed the Ming family for several decades.

- She's highly revered within the clan... - Understood.

Do you wish to do it yourself?

Mothers and sons are of one mind.

- It's best if I don't do it. - You're quite particular.

The mother sparrow feeds its young with affection.

Say, between humans and animals,

which of them do you think cherish their bonds more?

I prefer animals.

Just look at me. I got carried away from chatting.

I need to get to work now.

They're keeping an eye on us.

I have to hit you.

All right. You can hit me.

I'll do it now.

Let's move over here. They can see us better.

It's good that they can see us.

I'll go ahead, then.

Young Official Fan, why aren't you avoiding my attack?

You need to hit me, right?

It's just an act.

I already raised the stick just now.

You guys could've just retaliated and finished me off.

Why are you guys staring at me?

Young Official Fan,

pirates are everywhere in Jiangnan.

These bodyguards of yours, are pretty mediocre.

You have to get better bodyguards so that they can protect you.

All right. I'll get better bodyguards after this.

You must do it. Okay?

I'll do it again.

Remember.

Tell them to draw their swords and slash me for real.

Why don't we have another bowl of porridge first?

I...

I guess that works. Let's have another bowl.

Thank you.

Thank you.

What'll happen to Jiangnan if the Ming family no longer exists?

Official Fan, it'll be the same.

Without the Ming family,

you still have the Zhang family, the Zhao family, and the Li family.

The Three Great Workshops are treasure troves.

The one in charge of them will be the next Ming family.

That's right.

The result will be the same as long as I return to the capital.

Even if the Ming family doesn't exist, the other families will do the same.

- Old Wang. - Yes, Official Fan.

Give them some money and send them ashore.

Understood.

Guys, don't stop accepting the gifts. Accept whatever gifts they provide.

Yes, Official Fan.

Official Fan.

Are you sending us back?

You should go home. Everything will be fine.

Official Fan, that won't do.

We already damaged your ship.

You didn't fight us.

And now, you're sending us back?

What about your authority and pride?

You'll be humiliated!

The pride of an official comes from serving people like you all.

This is a family heirloom.

Descend the carriage.

- The head of the Ming family is here as well. - That's right.

Isn't this...

Yours is pretty good too.

Look.

Patriarch Ming.

Greetings, Patriarch Ming.

I didn't expect the head of the Ming family to be here.

Sir Zhao, your gift is more precious than mine.

That's right.

Patriarch Ming, you're here as well.

Young Official Fan will arrive in Suzhou today.

The officials from the government will come to receive him.

I dare not be absent.

Indeed. We should be here.

Most of the officials in Suzhou have arrived, huh?

We have to receive him after all. Young Official Fan accepted all the gifts he received.

He's finally arriving today.

Suzhou can't afford to lose to the other prefectures, don't you think?

Young Official Fan!

How dare these peasants join us?

These fools are getting bolder and bolder!

Young Official Fan! Young Official Fan!

- Has Young Official Fan left the ship? - Get down!

That's the one! That's Young Official Fan's ship!

- Get down! - Young Official Fan!

Buddy, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Young Official Fan!

Young Official Fan! Young Official Fan!

- Why hasn't he arrived yet? - He's not here yet.

Are you here to receive Young Official Fan?

That's right.

Listen. I couldn't sleep last night when I heard that Young Official Fan was coming.

Don't you think it's ridiculous?

Do you know Fan Xian?

I don't, but he's my idol.

I idolize both his poems and personality.

What about you? Are you the same?

Don't you know him?

Should I know him?

You're not from Suzhou, aren't you?

No.

My last name is Xu. I'm the record keeper of Fuchun County.

You're just a record keeper.

How dare you join this event?

As a record keeper, you should pay attention to your appearance.

Look at you. This is highly improper.

Enough already.

Did they all come from Fuchun County?

No. They come from different counties in Jiangnan.

Do you guys think you're worthy enough to join us?

We have official business here.

What kind of official business?

Listen...

Young Official Fan is here!

What are you doing? Get down! How dare you do this?

Is that Young Official Fan?

Look! He's here! It's Young Official Fan!

He's finally here.

Greetings, Young Official Fan!

- Make way! - Guys, make way.

What are these?

There are a few carts of them.

This chest is filled with jewelry and accessories.

These are gifted by Official Yao Qinglian, magistrate of Shazhou.

This cart contains the gifts we received from officials on our journey here.

The names of all the officials were recorded in a book.

There are that many gifts?

I brought this cart here from the capital.

There's a total of 138,888 taels.

All this money represents our travel expenses and aspirations.

I'm wealthy. That's why I'm confident.

As for the gifts given by the officials,

all of these are evidence of their crime.

Initially, I thought of impeaching each of the names

one by one after returning to the capital.

But on my way to the South, I saw something.

I don't understand why you guys couldn't see it either.

After I witnessed that,

I changed my thoughts.

These 130,000 taels and the gifts sent by all the officials

will count as travel expenses to send the disaster victims of Jiangbei home.

Everyone, I'm new to Jiangnan. I'm not familiar with the place.

I can't accomplish this task by myself.

However, I would feel uneasy leaving it to you guys.

You guys shouldn't ask me why I couldn't leave it to you guys.

It's just like I won't ask you guys why you could put in effort just to receive me here

when you couldn't see that the people were suffering.

We should retain some dignity for each other.

Since I can't leave this task to you guys,

I have no choice but to overstep my boundary

and use another method to accomplish this task.

Where are the record keepers of all counties?

- Over here! - Over here!

I'm the record keeper of Fuchun County! I've responded to your invitation!

Greetings, Young Official Fan.

[Record keeper of Fuchun County] Our county magistrate sends his regards.

Your county magistrate? Who is he?

He's Official Yang Wanli.

Official Fan, he's your student.

Yang Wanli is already a county magistrate?

He just assumed the post not long ago.

Magistrate Yang wanted me to relay this message to you.

As per your quote, one should be a good person and a good official.

He never forgot a single word.

Right now, the disaster victims of Jiangbei still stand a chance

all thanks to you, Official Fan.

Don't thank me. These gifts came from those officials.

We have to thank them.

Thank you, those officials!

I believe all of you won't be stingy as well. We have to thank these officials.

Thank you, these officials.

The gifts were gifted by the officials.

Everyone, we have to avoid suspicion.

Therefore, I acted on my own initiative

and invited the record keepers of all counties in Jiangnan to Suzhou.

I'll hand the money to them so that they can distribute them and relieve the disaster victims.

Dear county magistrates, what do you guys think?

- Excellent. - Excellent.

Young Official Fan, you're meticulous indeed.

We'll certainly spare no effort to help.

That's right. We'll spare no effort to help.

Record keepers, come forward.

Everyone, record keepers aren't officials.

You guys are closer to the people.

I'll leave it to you guys to distribute the money.

Young Official Fan, we won't disappoint you.

Young Official Fan, we won't disappoint you!

I'll say this first.

If any one of you is greedy or intends to do dirty deeds,

you guys better hold it in for now.

You guys can also ask yourself

whether you can pass the Inspection and Control Bureau's inspection.

What's your surname?

My surname is Xu.

I told my men to prepare some ledgers.

However, you guys are the local record keepers.

Act accordingly to the situation each county is in.

Official Fan, don't worry. We'll definitely accomplish the task.

If you all wish to join in this grand endeavor, I welcome all of you.

But don't hand the money and gifts to me.

Hand it to them.

That's all I have to say. There's no need to prepare a welcoming feast for me.

Please do as you like.

Please look after yourselves as well.

I'm Ming Qingda, the head of the Ming family.

Greetings, Young Official Fan.

I've heard of your family even when I was in the capital.

My family is ordinary. There's nothing noteworthy about it.

Official Fan, please wait a moment.

Official Fan, this is my mother.

Are you two here to welcome me as well?

The Ming family of Jiangnan is here to apologize for our crime, Young Official Fan.

What crime have you committed?

Official Fan, Jiangnan was filled with rumors related to the Ming family and a bounty,

causing you all to be obstructed throughout your journey.

My mother and I had to come and apologize to you the fastest we could

- in order to diminish the guilt we feel. - Rumors?

The bounty didn't exist.

The Ming family only heard about it after it had happened.

Trying to assassinate a government official is equal to breaking the law of the Qing Empire.

If it's false, the case cannot be concluded without a culprit.

Young Official Fan, the Ming family will definitely locate the culprit on your behalf.

There has to be a deadline.

What about today?

Official Fan, if you're willing to grace our residence with your presence,

we'll give you an account before sunset.

It's decided, then.

Young Official Fan, the entire family will wait for your arrival.

I'm looking forward to your explanation.

Official Fan, we won't disappoint you.

Do not squeeze!

What's your name?

- Do not squeeze! Come! - What's your name?

All right.

Sir, you're highly prestigious.

Seems like the Ming family is going to join you soon.

Do not jump to conclusions. Let's just wait and see.

What is this?

You need to pay if you wish to buy something on the streets.

Take it and play on your own.

This is great. Master, Wanli is able to help you out now.

He's not helping me out. He's helping the disaster victims.

Yes, Master. You're right.

I just feel rueful.

Right now, Wanli has surpassed me.

You can save people, too.

One's status isn't important.

Learning how to be a decent person, that's the important thing.

Yes, Master. I dare not forget your teaching.

- It's just that I still have a question. - Ask away.

Master, you didn't believe in the officials.

That's why you arranged for those record keepers to distribute the money.

However, they aren't necessarily kind people.

What if they take the risk and make a profit from the operation?

These record keepers most likely want to become officials as well.

Making them help out the disaster victims is not just a task,

but it's also an opportunity for them.

That's why they have to do a good job. Right?

I understand now.

However, aren't we letting the corrupt officials off too easily?

Initially, they were supposed to be arrested. But now, they've contributed to the cause instead.

Even if we don't impeach them now, that doesn't mean we won't do it in the future.

We have their names.

We'll settle the debt later, huh?

Master, I've understood the lesson.

Where's Old Wang?

He went to order some dishes in the restaurant ahead.

He said you tried to look cool by skipping the welcoming feast.

He thought you must be starving.

I think he's the one starving.

I paid them enough. That's why the second floor is empty.

Here. Try their yogurt. [Anmu Yogurt]

The things in Suzhou are more exquisite.

There are fruits in the yogurt they serve.

It's better than the ones in the capital.

[Cold Crystal Glutinous Rice Cakes]

Looks like there are plenty of experts looking for me today.

Is that so? Where are they?

Look.

That guy, that guy,

this guy, and this guy, all of them are martial arts experts.

Master, what do you mean?

Those two over there are swordsmen.

As for him, I think he's hiding a spear in the basket.

As for him,

since he has no weapons, I assume he's a brawler.

All of them are at least level eight masters.

There are that many experts here?

I've never witnessed such a scene before.

Your Highness, you're something else.

You don't cower in the face of danger. You're pretty courageous.

We're talking about Master here. I'm sure he expected this to happen.

Am I right, Master?

It's not like I can predict everything.

This guy over here.

I failed to predict his appearance.

This is a level nine master.

And he's one of the top-level nine masters.

Why would someone like him appear in Jiangnan?

He's not fishing.

That's a sword technique.

A level nine blademaster, huh?

There are only a few of them.

If so, who is he?

Patriarch Ming!

Patriarch Ming, Fan Xian is resting at a restaurant, but he's surrounded by martial artists.

Descend the carriage.

Mother.

Mother, I'm sure Second Prince left Xie Bi'an here for a purpose.

If Xie Bi'an doesn't tell us anything, we can pretend to be ignorant.

With Fan Xian's identity, I'm afraid ordinary folks won't be able to take him down.

In this world, there are individuals who don't care about identities.

Don't tell me it's a grandmaster?

He offended the one in Dongyi City before.

You mean Sigu Jian?

If he does kill him,

our preparation would've been for nothing.

But when I think about it,

if Sigu Jian does leave Dongyi City,

the entire world will be in chaos.

It's likely that it's one of his disciples.

I wonder...

which disciple is he.

Yun Zhilan.

He's Sigu Jian's eldest disciple.

We met him at Qinian Hall before.

He still has the same killing intent. It is him.

Yun Zhilan is hard to deal with.

Official Fan, please tell me something.

The martial arts expert who always protected you, he's here. Right?

He vanished long ago. Now, I only have the Black Knights.

Black Knights? That won't suffice.

If we do get into a fight later, I'll use my Qinggong to help us escape.

Let's decide on a venue first. I'll rendezvous with you guys later.

Your Highness, you're courageous indeed.

Master has been teaching me how to deal with situations.

Firstly, I need to identify the severity of the situation.

If so, how should we rate the current situation?

Yun Zhilan hates Master. That's severe.

I'm a prince of Qing Empire.

If a citizen of Dongyi City dares to attack a prince,

he won't be able to bear the consequences. That's not as severe.

At least he doesn't dare to attack me directly.

- Good. - Yun Zhilan...

I would've wanted to spar with you had I not lost all of my Qi flow.

Official Fan, what did you say? Did you lose all of your Qi flow?

Old Wang, actually, I forgot to tell you something.

You see, you're the most capable fighter among us now.

You must be kidding me!

Glutinous rice cake for sale.

Give me two sets.

Why are you raising your rod when the fish hasn't taken the bait?

Who's that?

Northern Qi Holy Maiden, Haitang Duoduo.

No wonder Master didn't dare to bring Madam here.

I was wrong. I'm sure Master has a clear conscience.

You still need to learn how to be eloquent.

Who is that?

Northern Qi Holy Maiden, Haitang Duoduo.

What are you guys peeking at?

I'm admiring the great view of Jiangnan.

I'll clarify one thing.

This has nothing to do with me.

I'm also curious as to why she's here.

[Yun Zhilan, Disciple of the grandmaster, Sigu Jian]

Why don't I buy you another rod?

Northern Qi Holy Maiden, why are you in the Qing Empire?

Can't I go on a trip?

This has nothing to do with you.

Let me through.

I always wanted to test my strength against Sigu Jian's sword technique.

Why don't we spar today?

Official Shadow?

He jumped pretty high, didn't he?

All martial artists under level nine, you all may leave now.

Go back.

You mustn't go upstairs.

Get out of the way. I know them.

She's one of us.

Miss, please.

- Can I have a meal with you guys? - Please have a seat.

Who are they?

We're Young Master Fan's proteges.

Have a seat.

Come.

They're clean. You may use them.

The dishes look pretty exquisite.

The taste is pretty good, too. It's just that the portion is too small.

Did you come to Jiangnan on a business trip?

Didn't you tell me to come?

What do you mean?

Didn't you write to me that we were going to do a martial arts exchange between the empires?

I knew you were in Jiangnan.

I brought all the manuals here.

Give me a second.

Here you go.

[The Way of Heaven Manual] The Way of Heaven Manual?

Isn't this the legendary skill of Northern Qi?

I did write to you saying that we should hold an exchange.

But I didn't expect you to deliver it to Jiangnan yourself.

You're a great friend. I'll deliver one to you later.

- What will you deliver to me? - My Dominant Qi manual.

- Why? - This is supposed to be an exchange.

- I have to give you one in return. - Enough already.

Thank you so much.

It's been some time since we met. You're more dramatic now.

That's not it. I know how precious the The Way of Heaven is.

I never expected you to give it to me even though I only wrote you a letter.

We're great friends indeed.

I heard that you got married.

You can take it as your wedding gift.

But this is too precious.

I thought so too.

I couldn't bear to part with it. My master told me to deliver it to you.

Master Ku He told you to deliver this to me?

What did you expect? Did you think I stole it from him?

Do all masters give out such precious gifts?

You're Ye Qingmei's son after all.

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 ♫