Original subtitles

♪As flowers bloom and wither♪ ♪May we pass by the magnificent scenery♪ ♪Contemplate the vastness of Heaven and Earth♪ ♪Could it be that both of us are filled with desolation?♪ ♪As flowers bloom and wither♪ ♪May we lead such a life♪ ♪Contemplate the vastness of Heaven and Earth♪ ♪Turning back, you and I♪ ♪Seize the current moment♪ ♪The sky is painted with a gentle pallet of pastel colors♪ ♪Let's walk together♪ ♪Even if♪ ♪The snow in front of us♪ ♪Will dye our hair white♪ ♪In an instant♪ [Joy of Life Season 2] [Adapted from Mao Ni's Joy of Life on Yuewen Group's Qidian platform] [Episode 2] If he fails, I'm afraid you have to stay here forever. I'm not that important. You're the key here. What will you do if Fan Xian dies? If Fan Xian ends up dead, many people will join him in the afterlife. Mr. Fan. Nian. Baba! Nian. Baba. I missed you very much. You were sleeping soundly this morning, so I didn't wake you up. I missed you terribly. Get back to your business. Thank you, dear. Come. Nian. Go inside. Thank you, dear. Mr. Fan, here's what you asked for. I noticed something was off out there. What's wrong? Have you found anything about the Teng family? Not yet. But while I was asking around, I discovered the news of your death has spread not just among the populace, but also within the court. So? So, I don't think it's good if this gets out of hand. How will you explain to His Majesty later? This is a crime of deceiving the ruler. Your head could roll. I know. If so, let's return to the diplomatic corps and tell them that your death is misinformation. Don't worry. I thought about that. As long as you are prepared. Keep on searching for the Tengs. Are you returning to the diplomatic corps by yourself? I'm going to request an audience with His Majesty. His Majesty? Mr. Fan, the news of your death is making the rounds. If you meet His Majesty now, you are meeting your death. Indeed. It's difficult. But a dead end is where we seek survival. That being said, what if it doesn't guarantee a chance of survival? Are you just going straight to the dead end now? There is no other way. I have to face it anyway. I should give it a go. Wait, Mr. Fan. You shouldn't risk your own life though. Wang, if I die, you should move. Don't stay in the Capital. This place is no fun. I... Mr. Fan. Mr. Fan. Mr. Fan! Mr. Fan! You must seek survival! I remember you told me that Mr. Fan is incredibly intelligent. Of course. Mr. Fan is nothing but a paragon of wisdom. Then why are you so worried? Because the path he chose is a dead end. Intruder! Intruder! Seize the intruder! Seize the intruder! - Freeze! - Freeze! Don't panic. I'm just an ordinary intruder. Can you all please stop embarrassing me? I even received complaints on cleaning jobs like such. Cut me some slack, will you? Sir. The guard says an intruder wants to see you. You see, even an... [Eunuch Hou, Eunuch Superintendent] [Eunuch Hou, Eunuch Superintendent] Who wants to see me? Eunuch Hou. He is very familiar with every corner of the palace. He doesn't seem to be an outsider. So we think we should let you take a look first. A bunch of cowards. Move aside. Hi, Eunuch Hou. Disperse. Disperse. Oh, Mr. Fan. What are you doing here? Eunuch Hou, please relay a message for me. What is it about? I want to seek an audience with His Majesty. No, you don't. His Majesty is livid at the moment. You don't want to seek death. Please tell His Majesty that I have a reason. I'll only meet him this one time. Oh, Mr. Fan. I beg of you. Please leave. Please, just relay this message for me. His Majesty is angry with you. If I were to do that, I might die along with you. This may sound inappropriate. Given the current situation, if you don't leave, you will meet your dead end here. So put on your mask and leave the way you came. I'll pretend we never met. You faked your death and deceived His Majesty. This is utterly foolish! Or what? What else could I have done? No matter how serious the matter was, you should have endured it until your return to the Capital. Lives were at risk. I couldn't wait. What about your own life? So? Do you want to take my life now, Mr. Chen? You should know what you are getting into. I do. What do you know? Everyone is telling me that if I meet His Majesty now, I will die for sure. The only way to survive is to leave the Capital. If you do so, it's nothing different from killing yourself. By that logic, there is no way for me to survive at all. Correct. If you meet His Majesty, you will die. To survive, you must die first. Risk your life to meet His Majesty and you may secure a path to survival. If His Majesty spares you, you might get through this. But I haven't even had a chance to meet him. I will try to persuade His Majesty. Whether or not you would die, it is uncertain. I know you don't trust me now, which is a good thing. If you still trust me blindly, you are done for. But now you have no choice. Wait. Please pass this on to His Majesty. Don't open it. I don't need to know what is inside. Xiao En revealed the secret of the temple before he died. If His Majesty doesn't mention the temple, do not bring it up. If His Majesty agrees to meet you today, you must keep this in mind. Before you are certain you can come back to life honorably, don't come to me. Whatever you want to do or whoever you want to save, I won't help you either. Just consider you have no allies here in the Capital. You are on your own. I can't go to other places either? Don't return to the Fan's Residence or come to see me. As for the rest, you decide for yourself. Thanks. Greetings, Your Majesty. I have good news to report. The news of Fan Xian's death spread throughout the capital, stirring up the righteous indignation of our Great Qing's literati, inspiring them to redouble their efforts and forge ahead. [Emperor Qing] Northern Qi has thus far [The Ruler of the Qing State] prevailed in literature. Congratulations, Your Majesty. Now, the tide has turned. Our scholars no longer worship at the shrine of the Northern Qi. Given what you said, Fan Xian does deserve to die. He deceived the Emperor, so he does deserve to die. But if he were alive, he might still be useful. After all, scholars everywhere have regarded Fan Xian as the future master of literature. If he were alive, scholars of the Northern Qi would regard us highly. Your Majesty, there are rumors suggesting that the news of his death might be misinformation as it traveled across thousands of li. That is possible. Anyway, deceiving the Emperor is unforgivable. However, Fan Xian knows he is out of favor, yet still pleads to see you. This shows that he knows he has done wrong, and he doesn't intend to avoid the death penalty. This is the gift he prepared. This young man was almost killed when he was in the Northern Qi, but he still held concern for you. He simply deserves to die. Well, Your Majesty, why don't you meet with him before executing him? There's no rush anyway. Anything else? I shall take my leave now. I, Fan Xian, am sinful. I deceived you about my death, Your Majesty. I'm unforgivable. I deserve a thousand deaths! I grew up in Danzhou. I was oblivious to worldly affairs and had no lofty ambition. It wasn't until I came to the Capital that I got a great promotion. Without your trust, I wouldn't have come this far. Although I have never spoken up, I could never forget your kindness. Ever since I was sent on the diplomatic mission, I've prepared myself for death. The matter of life and death can never surpass the weight of your trust. There is only one reason why I'm seeking an audience with you today, Your Majesty. I only wish to report on everything I learned in the Northern Qi. My death should never affect the state affairs. While in the Northern Qi, I learned that the Eldest Princess, Li Yunrui, and the Second Prince, Li Chengze, conspired with the Northern Qi's Embroidered Uniform Guards. They are suspected of committing treason. On the return journey with the diplomatic corps, Li Chengze's men threatened me to surrender and work for them using my friends and family. It was a desperate move to fake my death to flee. I may have my reasons, but this is still an unforgivable act. If His Majesty doesn't mention the temple, do not bring it up. Apart from that, before Xiao En's passing, he told me that the temple is in the far north. As for confidential intel as such, I must either keep it secret or tell a trustworthy person. Please assess this matter carefully, Your Majesty. I have reported everything I learned in the Northern Qi to you, Your Majesty. Now, I have no regrets even if I die. The only sad thing is that I won't have a chance to serve you and this country after my death. If my soul lives on after I die, I will protect you and the Qing State. May the Qing State expand in prosperity. May you always be healthy and safe, Your Majesty. That's all I have to say. I bow to accept my death. Get lost! [Yanhua Hall] Didn't I tell you to get lost? Long time no see. Fan Xian? Weren't you on a mission in the Northern Qi? What are you doing here? Your Highness, your acting is too much. [Li Chengqian, Crown Prince] What... What do you mean? The elegiac couplet for me is hanging on the city gate. How can you not know about my death? I better not. What makes a good crown prince? Ignorance makes a good crown prince. I'm standing right before you. I can't see anything. Don't you want to know why I faked my death and returned here? I'm blind. I'm deaf. Li Yunrui and Li Chengze conspired with the Northern Qi's Embroidered Uniform Guards in smuggling and embezzlement. They are up to no good. Chengze is devious. [Li Yunrui, Eldest Princess] He has been coveting the Imperial Treasury. No way. This is impossible! How could Aunt possibly be on Chengze's side? Do you really think you know the Eldest Princess well? Where did you get that information? Shen Zhong, the Commander of the Pacification Bureau of the Northern Qi's Embroidered Uniform Guards. Do you have any solid proof? There is a small town named Shijia Town on the border of the Qing State. It's a hub where the Northern Qi stocks and transfers their smuggled goods. Look into all the vendors within this town and you will find the truth. You mean all the information you got is from this Shen Zhong, right? The young Emperor of the Northern Qi investigated this for me. Why would that young Emperor help you? I took on the smuggling business, so Li Chengze wanted to kill me. I will dispatch my men to Shijia Town immediately. So you are not deaf now? At desperate times like this, I can't hold back anymore. I will send you back to the diplomatic corps. I need to stay in the Capital for the time being. You can hide in my residence. I appreciate that. But I have something to attend to. Your life is at stake now, let me know if you need anything. I shall thank you in advance. Your Highness, don't let Li Chengze know about our collaboration. Of course. This is hush-hush. The guards just now... I will lock them up for some time. To think that the two of us will join hands one day. We are just taking what we need. Take care. [Yanhua Hall] All the guards who came to the hall just now, gather around. Is everyone here? Yes. How could humans have no sympathy? They have been serving me for years. Give them a dignified death. We have to go now. If not, not only can't we save the Tengs, but my wife and Baba might also be in danger. What are you panicking about? Why did you go to the Crown Prince? This is considered a private alliance with him. Isn't this an even greater offense? Also, regarding your recent entry into the palace, if someone were to leak the news, someone might take this opportunity to ensure your true demise. Wang, listen to me. To revive myself, what matters most is time, right? If I can't revive myself before the diplomatic corps arrive at the Capital, it will be difficult. That's why I went to the Crown Prince. Can he revive you? That's not it. It's because I have too little time to investigate so many things. It's not feasible for me to handle it alone, so we need to divide the work and cooperate. I have the Crown Prince investigate the smuggling activities of the Second Prince. You and I will be responsible for tracing the whereabouts of the Tengs. Only after we have gotten to the bottom of everything can we return to the diplomatic corps. What if we fail? If the worst comes to the worst, all of us die. Mr. Fan, it can't be that serious. My wife and Baba... No, it's not that serious. Not at all. There will always be a way. Speaking of which, have you found anything yet? I got some news. I asked around. Mr. Fei Jie isn't in the Capital. He's out on official business. He is safe. As for Young Master Sizhe, he is also safe. I did some digging around. They said he always leaves early and comes back late. They don't know what he is busy with. But there is no sign of abduction. So the only ones missing are the Tengs? There is news about them too. Someone saw them being taken away. Did they see where they were taken? Baoyue Pleasure House. Baoyue Pleasure House? What is that place? A brothel. Are you really not coming out? I don't know how much longer I will have to stay here. So I had them bring some of my stuff in. It shouldn't be too long. Any news? An intruder met His Majesty. An intruder met His Majesty? Fan Xian? His Majesty wants him to come back to life honorably. He doesn't have much time, then. Once the diplomatic corps arrive at the Capital and the dust settles, his chance is blown. Fan Xian has been cremated. Shouldn't we return to the Capital now? Be patient. We will keep observing until we have determined everything. If His Majesty intended to revive him, why did he publicly declare Fan Xian's death? His Majesty wanted to show those who went after Fan Xian what would happen after his death. The entire world is stunned. It's as if it's becoming a state funeral. After all, Zhuang Mohan even passed on his collection to him. That means a great deal. It symbolizes the legacy of the literary world. Aside from that, His Majesty was giving Fan Xian a warning. This young lad is good in every aspect, except that he is too unconventional. Will Fan Xian understand that? He may understand, but he won't obey. Actually, this is a good opportunity. The news of his death is spreading widely. If he actually dies now, no one will say anything or doubt it. Where are you going? Didn't you want me to kill Fan Xian? Have you even found him yet? Notify me if you have. In fact, it's not easy to track down Fan Xian. But we can lure him to show himself. If so, where should he appear? It will be nowhere other than the Baoyue Pleasure House. Baoyue Pleasure House? If Fan Xian wants to find the Tengs, he must go to the Baoyue Pleasure House. Are you not going to help him? Given the current situation, His Majesty is watching. He might not be happy if I get involved. Who is behind this Baoyue Pleasure House? [Baoyue Pleasure House] Open up. May I go in? Sorry. You can't enter without the entry pass. Please do me a favor. No, I can't. This way. Please leave. [Baoyue Pleasure House Literati Pass] [The only credential] Please come in. Enjoy your time here. Not just anyone can go in there. Isn't it a brothel? It is, but a fancy one. They select their customers. Only those with status and talents will receive the credential, which is the only access to it. It's said to be quieter and more elegant than other brothels. I see, it's a membership system. What is a membership system? Nothing. This credential... It's hard to get. But I asked someone just now. We now have an amazing opportunity. What is it? There is a mourning event for the Immortal Poet. They are mourning for you. So by mourning for me, we'll get into the Baoyue Pleasure House? If one performs well, they will be granted the credential to enter the Baoyue Pleasure House. Well, what makes a good performance? Everyone, today, [In memory of Immortal Poet, Fan Xian] we also have the three revered judges with us in this incredible mourning event. Any mourner who gains recognition from the three judges will receive the Literati Pass. It grants you access to the Baoyue Pleasure House. What are they doing? Do you not see that the Yellow River descends from the sky? It's your drunken poem in the Qinian Hall. I'm blessed with talents from birth, no matter what I expend, I'll find ways to replenish them. [Pass] Bravo! They are imitating you. They are good mourners. How come this sounds kind of weird? Because they are mourning your death. The Great Mr. Fan! The Great Mr. Fan! Mister, what weapon do you prefer? Sword, of course. How awkward. [Fail] Look, those are bad mourners. So this is a mimicry show. I think I can understand mimicry, but what is "show"? Just show. You are skinnier than me. [*Show and skinny are homophones] I cannot forget how mortified I was about the defeat in the Huangkong Bund. Judges, please try this. We may be far apart, but our hearts are close. I... I will do it again. Let me try again. Give me one more chance. Do I look like him? What do you think? That is a bad mourner. He is not as "skinny" as you. Don't you think this is an incredible opportunity for us? No one can do better than the Immortal Poet himself. Mr. Fan, aren't we going to sneak into the Baoyue Pleasure House for some scouting? Why don't you join the mimicry show? If the Baoyue Pleasure House is open to the public, I may give it a shot. Mr. Fan. Why did you give Mr. Fan this? This... This is quite good. Dear, let me do it. Are you worried someone might recognize you? Even if I could get away with that, I don't think I can conceal myself if I go there alone. I think the mourning event at the Baoyue Pleasure House might be a trap. Like a turkey shoot. To shoot you. No, that's not what I mean. If so, we should sneak into the building when the night is dark. We only have one chance. I'm afraid we might alert them. Who is in charge of the Baoyue Pleasure House? I need to investigate. Yuan Meng. Who is Yuan Meng? Mr. Fan, please write me a poem! Mr. Fan! Mr. Fan, you are great! Mr. Fan! You are finally here! [Yuan Meng, the Head of the Baoyue Pleasure House] Yuan Meng, Madam Yuan. Retreat. She was once the top courtesan around the Liujing River. She was the most famous before Si Lili. How did you know about this? We used to sell rouge and fragrance. I know a thing or two about the brothel business. Why didn't you tell me earlier? Don't blame him. Qinian isn't quite involved in this line of business. I have to avoid it. You are a role model for a husband. Mr. Fan, should we start with Yuan Meng? Is Yuan Meng the owner of the Baoyue Pleasure House? She takes charge of the brothel, but she doesn't own it. The identity of the owner is a mystery. No one has ever seen this person. If we want to find the Tengs, we must track down this mysterious owner. Those outside the brothel may not know, but those inside might. Do you know someone there? There is this young lady who's Qinian's acquaintance. No way. This is impossible, Mr. Fan. I value my reputation more than anything in my life. My unsullied reputation can speak for itself. Don't believe in rumors, dear. Miss Sang Wen. Why did it slip out of my hands? You are sweating, huh? Didn't we deliver the rouge and fragrance directly to Miss Sang Wen? You are right. But I have nothing to do with her. Mr. Fan, I remember it now. At first, I sold music scores to her, then a guqin, and finally, the fragrance as my wife mentioned. You sold her quite a few things. Anything else? Maps and Red Mansion. You know that. But after I encountered you, I only sell my services. Dear, if you hadn't mentioned Sang... What's the name again? I would've forgotten her. Now, Miss Sang Wen is in the Baoyue Pleasure House. Didn't she say she'd only sing and not...? You are lucky, Mr. Fan. It seems that Qinian still remembers her. He can put you in touch with her. Why is it broken? - No idea. - No idea. I will get a new one. Me? I will look for a new one for you. Maybe I don't need the tea... Right. Why not? I'll go along as you wish. Where is the spoon? Right here. Off you go. Mr. Fan is waiting to hear about Miss Sang from you. No, I'm really not familiar with her. Besides, she is in the Baoyue Pleasure House, right? Even if I want to meet with her, I don't stand a chance. You even think about meeting her? No, I... I... Of course, I must think about it. I must think of a sure-fire plan for Mr. Fan. Mr. Fan. Mr. Fan. Don't look. It's getting red? She has long fingers. It will fade after a while. Mr. Fan, there is a way to meet her. These courtesans would go out to purchase rouge and clothes. Which store? I know where they visit. If we want to find Sang Wen, we have to wait for her to come to us. Can you sneak into the store? I know the owners. Wang, you do deserve this slap. Wait, don't get the wrong idea. I just make a little money from them occasionally. That's all. If you don't believe me... I'm not lying, right? Why didn't you explain to her? Mr. Fan, you aren't married. You wouldn't know. Even if I didn't lie, I shouldn't talk back. Otherwise, it will be troublesome. Women shouldn't be suspicious, while men should count their blessings. Marriage isn't easy. Well, let's go. Let's go. Dear. I'm heading out for some business with Mr. Fan. Remember to bring back a blue-flowered handkerchief. Sure thing. What's wrong? What does she mean? What are you talking about? The store we are heading to is famous for its blue-flowered handkerchiefs. Interesting. Hurry. Ladies from the Baoyue Pleasure House are coming out. How beautiful. Make way. Hey, move aside. They all look like fairies. Miss, have a look at this. This is the latest design. It's perfect for you. Don't push me. You have fine taste. This is not bad. This is good too. Look at this. What do you think? This is my favorite color. The embroidery is exquisite. This is hand-embroidered. It's beautiful, isn't it? Miss Sang Wen. [Sang Wen, the Singer of the Baoyue Pleasure House] Wanxia and Ruyan came here yesterday. So I guessed you would be here soon. I have prepared the thing you requested back then. This way, please. Are you going in with me? Miss. Don't shout. We met before. It's me. Wang Qinian. I'm wearing a disguise. Take this. This is Mr. Zhao. He has admired you for a long time and he simply wants to meet you. He means no harm. Don't tell anyone. This gift is too much, Mr. Fan. No, he is not. He's Zhao. I met you before. Where? When Miss Si Lili lit fireworks and rode on a boat to meet with you that night, I was watching from upstairs. We are fated to meet, then. I heard that you are dead. I heard about that too. My condolences. Thank you. I will move on. What do you mean? Mr. Fan, do you want to investigate the Baoyue Pleasure House? Who told you that? Not me. You came back from the dead and waited to meet me at this place. I suppose you can't be interested in me. I'm just an ordinary woman. Except for the Baoyue Pleasure House, everything around me is ordinary. What's unusual about the Baoyue Pleasure House, then? ♪The youth raises his head♪ ♪As he moves toward his moon♪ ♪People tease him for being delusional♪ ♪Wondering why he is so unconventional♪ ♪Wearing a white robe when crossing a muddy pond♪ ♪How could it remain unstained?♪ ♪If silver tael has a value♪ ♪Who can truly be carefree?♪ ♪All of you are right♪ ♪He said: "Please"♪ ♪"Make way"♪ ♪"Let me drink until I drop"♪ ♪On the court♪ ♪I recite several verses♪ ♪Let me wear a white robe♪ ♪And cross the alley filled with insanity♪ ♪To scoop up the moon's reflection in the muddy pond♪ ♪Sirs, please forgive me♪ ♪Your words of advice♪ ♪I understand, but I don't want to pretend♪ ♪People search for the golden land♪ ♪While I search for the moon♪ ♪Why should we travel together?♪ ♪Thank you♪ ♪Excuse me♪ ♪You are you♪ ♪I am me♪ ♪Thank you♪ ♪Excuse me♪ ♪You are you♪ ♪I am me♪ ♪Wearing a white robe when crossing a muddy pond♪ ♪Remarkably worldly-wise yet hopelessly romantic♪ ♪Know what you love♪ ♪Don't change♪ ♪If one has witnessed both light and shadow♪ ♪Yet retains their innocence♪ ♪They shall be cloaked in moonlight♪ ♪As they journey through the night♪