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 6]

Mr. Xin, we'll follow your will.

Don't say that!

Don't just follow my will!

Mr. Xin.

Don't do that!

Mr. Xin.

I can't make the call here!

This is too much of a coincidence.

He said they changed their schedule.

He changed his schedule,

and it clashes with mine?

Your Highness, although your carriage

represents the honor of your kingdom,

in my opinion,

we'll be a family anyway.

You don't need to care about this.

We can discuss this.

As to whether we should give in or not,

Your Highness may make the call.

As a royal of Qi,

everything I do represents Qi.

I may suffer,

but I mustn't let my state be disgraced.

I won't give in!

She won't?

I already did my best.

What should we do about His Highness, then?

Just let him wait, then.

But that's the prince!

That's the Princess Consort-to-be.

Mr. Xin,

why don't you

tell the Ministry of Rites to get ready?

Depart!

Greetings, Your Highness. I'm Fan Xian.

I've heard of your name before.

I'm flattered.

You dare to block the prince's path, huh?

You're pretty bold.

But that was stupid of you.

Your Highness,

I didn't want to do this either.

I had no choice.

Explain yourself.

I have a frail body.

Heading south all the way,

I've experienced some acclimatization issues.

Your Highness,

do you want me to wait outside

instead of entering the city?

Your Highness,

is that explanation good enough?

You're pretty bold indeed.

Your Highness, why should I panic

when it's your affair?

What if I want you to make way for me?

If so, I can only die

to compensate you, Your Highness.

I was the one who wanted to enter the city as soon as possible.

This has nothing to do with Mr. Fan.

[First Prince] You're pretty bold too.

[First Prince]

Fan Xian,

do you think I don't dare to kill you?

Of course not, Your Highness.

The horses are alarmed!

Get out of the way!

Get out of the way!

The horses are alarmed!

Get out of the way!

Gao Da! Protect Mr. Fan!

Excellent skills.

Your Highness, you flatter me.

Since the horses were alarmed,

it's our duty to keep them in check.

The horses are dead!

Hurry!

Hurry!

This...

Gao, you...

No way.

I didn't even unsheathe my sword.

How did the horse die?

How can you stop a warhorse's stampede

without using some force?

You!

You're slaying my warhorses after I returned from my expedition.

Mr. Fan, you're something else indeed.

I've led our troops for many years.

I never expected the imperial court to receive us like this.

This is an accident.

But since you're Wan'er's future husband,

I won't pursue it against you.

Give him to me.

I'll compensate you with new horses.

Gao!

Fan Xian!

You'd better think carefully.

Mr. Fan, this isn't worth it.

Shut up!

I'll bear the responsibility

for his mistake.

I said that.

Stop causing trouble for Mr. Fan.

The Crown Prince has arrived!

[The Capital]

Greetings, Your Highness.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Brother, spare the formalities.

Chengru!

Greetings, Crown Prince.

You're my eldest brother.

I don't deserve your bow.

You've been on an expedition all these years.

You've become thinner.

That doesn't matter.

I feel better when I'm outside.

I wouldn't even come back

if it weren't for the imperial edict.

You have to come back.

Do you know how much I miss you?

Chengru,

give me a hug.

We're right at our doorstep.

Why aren't you coming inside?

It's not that I don't want to go inside.

It's just that someone is blocking my path.

Who dares to block your path?

Hey.

Why is it you again?

Don't you know that obstructing my brother is a heinous crime?

Your Highness, I'm not that bold.

But you see,

the Crown Princess of Northern Qi is part of our convoy too.

She said she was facing some acclimatization issues.

She wanted to enter the city earlier to rest.

Am I right, Your Highness?

That is indeed my will.

Your Highness, please be patient.

Just stay seated.

Since your warhorse died,

I'll compensate you with one.

It's not cheap.

I...

As a royal of Qi,

I should have a sense of responsibility.

You're wealthier than me.

I can't afford it myself.

Mother is paying for this too.

You may tell me

how much it costs later.

Okay.

I'll seek you out in private later.

Chengru,

Her Highness

is your future consort

and my future sister-in-law.

But Fan Xian is stuck in the middle here.

It's hard for him to act.

But of course,

if you wish to vent your frustrations,

as your brother, I'll surely teach him a lesson.

Your Highness, since you already said so,

why would I hold it against him?

That's right. Don't put him on the same level as you.

Chengru, it's been so long since you came back.

This should be your first time seeing him.

Chengru, let me introduce him officially.

This is the young talent of the Qing State,

Fan Xian.

Greetings, Your Highness.

I know him.

He's Wan'er's husband.

That's right.

Now, he's still helping Mr. Chen out.

Inspector of the Imperial Inspectorate, huh?

That's a high position.

Chengru,

Wan'er is just like our sister, right?

You should let your future brother-in-law off

on account of Wan'er.

Your Highness, did you actually think

that I was angry because he blocked my path?

If so, Chengru, what are you angry about?

Marriage is a huge deal.

But now,

Father said he could take over

the Imperial Treasury as long as he married Wan'er.

He appeared after that.

I don't know if he intends to marry Wan'er for her sake

or for the countless wealth that he'll inherit.

Naturally, it's because of her.

Everyone will say the same thing.

Your Highness, you said this first.

I don't want

the Imperial Treasury either.

However, I can't go against the imperial edict.

Father's edict

was not well thought out indeed.

Although you two had never met before,

according to my understanding

of your characters,

I'm sure you two can become great friends.

It's getting late.

Chengze and Chengping

are waiting for you, Chengru.

Why don't we chat inside?

If so, Your Highness,

how should we decide the order of entrance, then?

You came at a great timing.

Indeed.

Your Highness, you should make the call here.

Chengze,

isn't Chengru going to argue with the convoy?

Shouldn't we go and mediate the argument?

We're here to receive him.

We're not mediators.

If so, why did the Crown Prince go there?

The Crown Prince is different from us.

Who would he help, then?

Him?

He'll help both,

yet not help them at the same time.

It must be tough on him, then.

It's tough enough to survive.

They're here!

Why did they enter the city at the same time?

He did a great job as a mediator.

Chengru.

It's been so long. You've grown taller.

Chengru, I want to be as tall as you in the future.

I want to go on expeditions too.

I'm glad to hear that.

Long time no see. You've lost some weight.

That's what I said

when I saw him.

Let me take a good look at you.

Your body is much sturdier now.

I should've prepared some gifts for you

had I known that you were coming back together with Chengru.

Your Highness, you're too courteous.

I've already accepted your gift

on my way back.

Really?

I actually forgot about it.

Smile!

But don't worry.

There are better gifts awaiting you.

If so, I'll look forward to them.

Chengze is considerate indeed.

Your Highness, your merit knows no bounds.

Also, you managed to turn the tide.

Is Chengze mocking me?

I was praising you.

Chengze, you flatter me.

You are?

It's you?

Who are you?

So, this must be Prince Chengping.

I'm not dreaming, aren't I?

Is he real?

Why are you hiding?

He knocked me out before.

Are you sure?

Yes. I thought it was a dream.

So, it was true.

How dare you assault a prince?

Your Highness, may I know where I knocked you out, then?

It's in Bao...

What?

Please go ahead.

No one dares to obstruct you here.

Just say it out.

I'm here for you.

Bao...

I'm sorry.

I remembered wrongly.

You remembered wrongly?

It was a nightmare.

If so,

that means we'd never met before, right?

That's right.

This is our first encounter.

Your Highness, you scared me.

Are you sure about that?

Yes.

I always stayed inside the palace.

I didn't have a chance to meet Mr. Fan.

Aren't you two

going to ask him about it?

Didn't he say it already?

He said he saw him in his dream.

All right.

I shall take my leave first.

Why the rush?

It's been so long since we met.

Aren't you going to chat with us?

I'm bent on returning home.

It's been so long since I came back.

I did miss both my home and Wan'er.

It's been tough on you, huh?

His Majesty has an oral edict.

Fan Xian and the princes are to see him in the palace.

Fan Xian?

He's in such a hurry to see you?

Maybe because I deceived the ruler just now.

Chengru, you can take your time to get used to him.

This is Mr. Fan

for you.

Chengru.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

I already told you this before.

We're a family. Spare the formalities.

Hello, Chengze.

What was his name again? Fan Xian?

Wasn't he together with you just now?

His Majesty summoned him.

The banquet will start soon.

Father wishes to see him alone?

I'm afraid he'll be severely punished.

But why?

Fan Xian faked his death

on his way back from his diplomatic trip.

It's a huge deal.

It has to be concluded somehow.

I heard that he had no choice but to fake his death

due to Sigu Jian's threat.

Although that's the case,

he still deceived the ruler.

These are two different matters.

Chengze, you are taking this too seriously.

His opponent was a Grandmaster, after all.

I suppose he can be excused.

Your Highness, are you saying that everyone can deceive the ruler

as long as they have a valid reason?

I didn't say that.

I was just saying.

Don't be scared.

Do not discuss state affairs in private.

His Majesty has arrived!

- Greetings, Father. - Greetings, Your Majesty.

Have a seat.

Li Chengru,

you look pretty energetic.

It's been many years. Father, how's your health?

I won't die yet.

Have a seat.

Your Majesty,

thank you for the rods.

Have a seat.

Your Majesty,

thank you for granting me a seat.

Be careful.

Today, we shall have a meal together.

We can also hear about the bizarre incidents

Fan Xian encountered during his trip to Northern Qi.

Fan Xian.

Yes, Your Majesty.

For my trip to Northern Qi,

I managed to bring Yan Bingyun back to the Capital successfully.

As for Northern Qi,

Shen Zhong died by Shang Shanhu's spear.

The political situation is somewhat unstable.

I'm only concerned

about the temple.

Before Xiao En died, he revealed

that the temple did exist.

It's in the far northern lands, amid the snowfields.

Does the temple truly exist?

Xiao En said it did.

However, we'll only see whether it exists or not

when we see it for ourselves.

The far northern lands?

We have to pass through Northern Qi.

It's inconvenient.

It'll be convenient

when Northern Qi doesn't exist.

Your Majesty has the world in your palm.

Northern Qi will be ours in the future.

Fan Xian,

what else is there?

Your Majesty,

there's actually one more thing.

Speak.

Before Shen Zhong died, he told me

that Northern Qi's Embroidered Uniform Guards

had been engaged in smuggling deals with the Qing State all along.

And the perpetrators here

are Eldest Princess

and Prince Chengze.

The family banquet in His Majesty's study room

has started.

Did Fan Xian not leave?

Your Majesty, Mr. Fan remained at the banquet.

The fire was extinguished!

Your Majesty, please spare us!

A subject was offered a place at the family banquet

[Empress of Qing State]

while I, the empress, have none?

Family banquet, huh?

What did they chat about?

Your Majesty, Fan Xian talked about Prince Chengze and Eldest Princess.

He said they colluded with Northern Qi for their illegal dealings.

Did he say that in public?

Yes. All of the princes were there.

How did His Majesty react, then?

Your Majesty, please be appeased.

According to my understanding,

Chengze would never do such a thing.

I'm sure...

I'm sure there's a misunderstanding!

Your Majesty.

I will acknowledge my crime.

Aunt and I have never done anything

to let the Qing State down.

But an individual like Mr. Fan

would never say such a thing

if he didn't have any concrete evidence.

Maybe I did something wrong.

That's why Mr. Fan had a misunderstanding with me.

Mr. Fan?

Mr. Fan.

Fan Xian,

you accused Eldest Princess and Second Prince in public.

Do you have any witnesses or evidence?

Shen Zhong is my witness.

Where is he, then?

Although he's dead,

deeds that have been done can be traced back in one way or another.

The witness is dead, and you don't have any evidence.

How dare you accuse Second Prince?

Who do you think you are?

I'm an inspector of the Imperial Inspectorate.

I possess the sword of justice, and my duty is to rid the world of evil.

Come again?

I'm an inspector of the Imperial Inspectorate.

I possess the sword of justice, and my duty is to rid the world of evil.

[Inspector]

Father,

Fan Xian is infuriating indeed.

He even obstructed my horse outside of the city gate.

So, he acts in the same way even when he sees you.

Seems like he was born with this temper.

Please be appeased.

That's right, Your Majesty. Please be appeased.

Your Majesty, please be appeased.

Father, please be appeased.

Do you guys have anything else to tell me?

Your Majesty,

actually, I have a joyous event

that I wish for you to consider.

Joyous event?

That's right.

What is it?

Although Fan Xian did commit mistakes,

he did a great job as our diplomat to Northern Qi.

In addition, he's exceptionally gifted.

From that,

we can see that the Fan family is well-educated.

Their daughter, Fan Ruoruo,

is known in the Capital for her talents.

And she's elegant and virtuous as well.

Li Hongcheng, also known as Prince Jing, is an honest person.

And he's not married yet.

In addition, he has admired Fan Ruoruo for a long time.

Since Fan Xian is already engaged to Wan'er,

why don't we hold another joyous event

and foster a stronger bond?

We can also form another couple with this.

Ruoruo isn't in a rush to get married.

You're good at using unexpected tactics, aren't you?

I'll permit the marriage.

Your Majesty!

Besides,

Fan Xian has rendered huge merit for his trip to Northern Qi.

I shall grant him the title of first-class baron as well.

Since you like joyous events so much,

I'll grant you a marriage too.

Ye Zhong's daughter, Ye Ling'er, is a great partner for you.

I shall grant her to you.

But I do not know Ye Ling'er well.

Enough. You guys can continue.

I...

Yes, Father.

Yes, Father!

Your Majesty,

for the sake of our people and the law of Qing State,

please investigate Eldest Princess, Li Yunrui,

and Second Prince, Li Chengze!

You don't have any concrete evidence!

These are just your accusations!

There's no evidence without an investigation!

I should've punished you more harshly.

This case has caused countless deaths!

Their sins are unpardonable!

Your Majesty, please investigate them!

Eat up.

Congratulations.

Wasn't he punished?

How did he recover from that?

It was just an act.

They did it in front of us.

But why?

They're giving an out

for his crime of deceiving the ruler.

But His Majesty

favors Fan Xian too much.

Don't give up yet.

After all, Chengze and Aunt are close relatives.

Actually, I'm already used to it.

All these years,

His Majesty has always favored him more than me.

He made Yuan Meng take charge of Baoyue Pleasure House

just for that moment.

The marriage

was a low blow indeed.

Your brother is the owner of Baoyue Pleasure House.

And now, Yuan Meng, the person in charge,

has become your brother-in-law's mistress.

He did ruin the reputation of the Fan family.

He's trying to drag me into this mess

by force.

Don't submit to fate yet.

His Majesty was right about something.

I need to have concrete evidence.

Your Highness,

how's your investigation on Shijia Town?

Did you receive any news?

All smuggled goods must be stockpiled and then transported from there.

As long as we can find proof of collusion

between Chengze and Shijia Town, this case will be 80 percent confirmed.

What's wrong?

Shijia Town,

it's gone.

What do you mean?

[Shijia Town]

Don't tell me no one survived?

When I was there,

the town was already reduced to ashes.

No one survived.

Chengze was ruthless.

Now that the village is burned down,

the leads on his crime have been cut off.

The thing is, so many innocent people had to die!

The town is gone.

We need to demand an explanation.

It was a fire accident.

That's it?

He's truly abusing his power here.

Calm down.

Now that we have no concrete evidence

and His Majesty is siding with Chengze,

what you can do now is to readjust your mental state

and try to please His Majesty as much as you can.

As for the rest,

we can act when the opportunity arises.

And

regarding your position as the inspector,

we have to get it back somehow.

This position is vital to our plan.

Your Highness, Her Majesty requests your presence.

Don't give up.

With our combined effort,

we'll make progress slowly.

Mother, I've arrived.

Come inside.

Greetings,

Mother.

Spare the formalities.

There are no outsiders here.

I have to observe these rites all day long.

Even my body is stiff now.

Mother,

Chengze walks barefoot every day.

Is it comfortable?

It does feel great.

Mother, are you still afraid of the dark?

I've always been this way.

Why don't we

get you another imperial physician?

It's pointless.

In this world,

ailments of the heart are hard to cure.

Even so, you can't just drink every day.

What?

Are you here to lecture me?

I dare not do so.

What I meant was,

this place is too bright.

It hurts my eyes.

You're the crown prince.

You have to behave properly.

After all, many people have their eyes on you.

Mother, I only dare to behave as such in front of you.

Even when I'm in the Eastern Palace,

I dare not act recklessly.

Really?

That's what I do every day.

As if I were treading on thin ice.

Did you draw all of these?

Mother, why do you have them?

Were you...

I was just bored.

I was just drawing them for fun.

Is it fun to draw faceless portraits?

Do you want me to ask you

who you were drawing?

You're the crown prince!

I know my fault now.

Mother, I'll remember your words.

I won't draw them again.

♪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♪