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 18]

Isn't this the spring exam?

Shouldn't they pass the exam by their merit?

These aren't just names.

This is how the bureaucratic world works.

Fan Xian,

the tallest tree in the forest

is the first to be blown down by the wind.

It's important to be knowledgeable,

but it's more important to learn the way of life.

You'll get used to it eventually.

Have you met Guo Zheng?

Mr. Lin, you know that as well?

Guo Zheng was the censor-in-chief before this.

But he became the interim Minister of Rites

after Guo Youzi was imprisoned.

The spring exam is filled with all kinds of taboos.

You have to learn more from him.

I've only met him once. However...

However,

you two don't get along well.

Mr. Lin, Guo Zheng's renovation of the examination hall...

It was in accordance with the rules.

He's been an official for many years after all.

He knows them inside out.

To use the rules to protect oneself,

that's what you have to learn

in the future.

I know you feel uncomfortable about it.

But just hang in there.

Once you pass the trial, which is the spring exam,

you'll have a bright future ahead.

The Crown Prince went to see him?

Have a seat.

That's right.

After that, Fan Xian went to Prime Minister Lin's residence.

He rushed there to say hi to him?

Your Highness,

we have several names here as well.

Why don't we send it to him?

Not this year.

But all these scholars are loyal to you.

This year, it depends on their luck.

I've already set up the trap.

I can't just fall for it myself.

Say,

do you think Fan Xian

will proceed with the spring exam in accordance with the past rules?

The rules had been established many years ago.

No one can break them.

He's different.

The things that people are used to,

he might not be used to them.

Wang.

Yes, Mr. Fan.

When I first heard about the spring exam scandal,

I actually thought of

eradicating the corrupt system

and uphold justice for all scholars in the world.

Mr. Fan, you truly care about the state and its people.

It's only been a while,

yet Crown Prince and Prime Minister Lin

already sent their name lists to me.

What can I do?

If I wish to compete with Chengze,

I need Crown Prince's support.

For Prime Minister Lin, it's way more obvious.

I'll marry Wan'er after the spring exam.

We'll be a family by then.

I don't wish to take on their tasks,

but I have no choice.

Mr. Fan,

you have no other choices here.

Did you know what Prime Minister Lin told me?

What did he say?

He said everyone was already used to it.

He wanted me to bear with it.

If I do bear with it,

I'll get used to it in the future.

Everyone is already used to this practice.

Why should I stand out from the crowd right now?

If I stand out right now,

the entire imperial court will see me as their enemy.

And, a bloody storm will ensue.

Why don't I just bear with it?

Mr. Fan,

you have a bright future ahead.

Why must I be the one to bear all the blame?

Why must I be betrayed by my kin

and live in hell?

Wang,

I'm just an ordinary person.

I'm not that special.

I'm not that brave either.

I'm not that righteous either!

Mr. Fan,

I just hope that you'll have a clear conscience.

I have a clear conscience from the start.

I have a clear conscience from the start!

I'm not the one at fault here!

Mr. Fan,

no one is arguing with you.

Mr. Fan.

Shi Chanli and the rest didn't do anything strange.

You...

Got it.

I'm just here to check things out.

Let Mr. Fan head there alone.

Come.

Come, let's eat.

We can read after eating.

Here, let's eat.

Yang.

You are?

Fan?

Yang, why don't you get a table?

I brought my own food here. I'm too shy to use their table.

What are you doing?

I'm reading while eating to get a better appetite.

Why aren't you reading inside the room?

Fan,

they charge us for the candles we use.

I don't need any candles here.

Yang, are you perhaps in some sort of trouble?

Fan, you're being too tactful here.

I'm just penniless.

Waiter.

I want some roasted chicken, beef, and some liquor.

Sir, don't you want to get a table?

A table?

This place is fine.

Okay.

Fan,

what are you...

Fate led us to be acquaintances.

We should drink to that.

This won't do.

You can buy me a meal in the future.

No need for that.

I have to thank you for the meal.

Sirs.

Please enjoy your meal.

Sir, all of your dishes are here.

Please enjoy them.

Okay.

Fan, sorry for the embarrassment.

It's been too long since I had meat. I can't hold it in anymore.

That's normal.

If so, I...

Please help yourself.

Yang, when we were in the exam hall, you said

you wanted to be an official.

Why did we come to the Capital in the first place?

To become officials.

If so, why are we working

at the exam hall?

To become officials too.

Yes.

I even dreamt of becoming one in my dream.

Are you doing it so that you can bring honor to your family?

No.

It's because I can't stand it any longer.

Fan, the imperial examination is unfair.

The officials are corrupt.

Famine and death are everywhere.

But here, they're engaged in a faction war.

Everyone in the world knows that fact.

Even so,

everyone keeps quiet.

Hou wanted me to bear with it.

But I thought to myself,

if I could bear with the unfairness of the world,

the books I read would be nothing but a pile of waste paper.

Therefore, Fan,

in this world,

someone has to confront the world head-on.

You see,

if I do pass the exam,

I'll become more famous, right?

I'll be more influential.

More people will be able to hear my voice.

I wish to be an official

because I don't wish to bear with the situation.

Yang, your vision as an official

will lead you to a dead end.

I know it's a dead end.

But Fan,

you see,

I lost my mind from studying too much.

I'll stick to my points no matter what.

Sorry for the embarrassment.

Yang.

Mr. Fan.

Deng, sorry for the trouble.

Continue to keep an eye on the inn in the next few days.

You flatter me.

It's my duty.

Wang,

let's go.

Are we returning home?

To the Imperial Inspectorate.

We're heading to the Imperial Inspectorate now?

I want to read the stone monument again.

What did I say again?

He always acts on a whim.

I heard you again.

What do you call this?

We call this

being deep in thought

and wise as the vast ocean.

Mr. Fan, you're amazing indeed.

See you.

Thinking of you makes one age,

time has quickly passed.

Let go and speak of it no more,

strive to eat better.

You're the one supervising the anonymous transcription, right?

By then, keep an eye out for these names.

These aren't just names.

This is how the bureaucratic world works.

All those in this name list

will be seen as failing participants.

[Record of Spring Exam Hall Renovation]

If I do pass the exam,

I'll become more famous, right?

I'll be more influential.

More people will be able to hear my voice.

Actually, I also know

that I can't pass the exam.

All of the candidates have been selected beforehand.

People like us don't get a chance.

I'm just a poor scholar.

What can I do?

Fan Xian, you see,

they traveled hundreds of miles to the Capital.

To them, the spring exam is more than

just an exam.

It resembles hope.

I love this quote.

Get out of the way.

You're blocking my view.

They can't bear to pay for the candles,

but they still wish to read in the dark.

Thank you.

When Mother was still alive,

she wanted to change the world.

It wasn't just the world.

Your mother also said that she wanted

to change the people's hearts.

Back then,

she was like a shining meteor.

She also resembled a blazing fire,

showing the people of Qing a different kind of light.

But she still died.

But,

that light left some traces behind.

Many people changed

because of her.

Sometimes, I often think about this.

With Mother's ability,

she would've led a great life too

if she chose a different path.

But she still shone and left behind an epitaph.

But now,

not many people remember it.

Say, did you think she regretted it?

She'd never regret it.

Until the last moments of her life?

I didn't manage to see the last moments of her life.

But I believe

that Ye Qingmei never regretted her decision.

Wasn't she afraid?

She was only afraid that the light she produced

wasn't bright enough.

I never expected

to be the person

passing on the torch one day.

I wish to get into trouble.

Sure.

Go ahead.

I'll bear all of the blame.

I can't just make you bear all of the blame.

What blame?

I have a better shield than you.

There's someone else who's a better shield than me?

That's right.

The best shield in the world.

Did Fan Xian tell you to relay the message to me?

I was perplexed as well.

All these years,

I've never seen someone who does things like Mr. Fan.

What kind of message did he have for me?

Your Majesty, he hopes

that you can summon him to the palace.

Summon him.

Yes, Your Majesty.

[Gong Dian]

[Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards] Fan Xian?

Mr. Fan!

Commander Gong?

Do you need anything?

It's late now.

What are you doing here?

His Majesty summoned him.

Right now?

According to the rules,

no officials

shall enter the palace at this hour.

His Majesty's edict is the rule.

This is my duty.

Sir, please forgive me.

Your Majesty,

Fan Xian has arrived.

Now?

Your Majesty,

I heard that the gunpowder you made blew up a few days ago.

I felt worried, Your Majesty.

That's why I made some burn medicine for you.

And, you worry about national affairs every day.

I've also prepared some tonics that can help soothe the nerves.

You can take it after dinner.

As for the burn medicine, it's for external applications.

What else is there?

That's all.

You said you were worried about me, huh?

Why do I feel like you cannot be trusted?

I've been injured for a few days now.

But you're only here now.

It took me some time to make the medicine.

Besides,

you wanted me to summon you here.

What's with the huge detour? Who are you trying to show?

Your Majesty, I can't hide anything from you indeed.

Enough already.

Just cut to the chase.

Your Majesty,

do you trust me?

Just say whatever you want to say.

Your Majesty, do you know about the spring exam corruption?

Ever since I became the Middle Examiner,

I've received plenty of notes every day.

The notes are filled with names.

And, these names

were chosen beforehand

so that they could pass the exam without taking it.

Continue.

I hope to seek fairness

for the spring exam.

You want fairness?

Why did you seek me, then?

I'm afraid it'll implicate too many things.

I might not be able to handle it alone.

In the entire Qing State,

Your Majesty, you're the only one who can block the blow for me.

You want me

to be your shield?

Not my shield.

It's the shield of Qing State.

Why do you sound like Lai Mingcheng?

Did you bear a grudge toward me

for Lai Mingcheng's death?

That's right.

You shouldn't have done so.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You're pretty straightforward, huh?

On account of your straightforwardness,

I'll block the blow for you.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

If so, I shall take my leave first.

Help me apply

the medicine.

His Majesty summoned Fan Xian to the palace?

At this hour?

He'll never summon him this late at night

unless it's something important.

Are you sure you're not mistaken?

Gong Dian saw it himself.

He thought something was off either.

He relayed the news to us immediately.

If so, do you know what they talked about?

Gong Dian said even Eunuch Hou wasn't inside.

Only His Majesty and Fan Xian

knew about the conversation.

Even Eunuch Hou wasn't inside, huh?

All right now.

Tell Gong Dian to stop.

Do not let him continue.

His identity is vital to our success.

Do not relay any information to me again

unless it's necessary.

Yes, Your Highness.

We just don't know what His Majesty

said to Fan Xian.

That doesn't matter.

He summoned him late at night, and he went there alone as well.

Seems like His Majesty

favors Fan Xian a little too much here.

Your Highness, regarding this,

I can't do it.

Please forgive me.

I heard that His Majesty

summoned you last night.

That did happen.

If so, did His Majesty tell you anything?

His Majesty

told me nothing.

He told you nothing?

If so, take it as if this conversation never existed.

Your Highness, for the current spring exam,

everyone should depend on their abilities.

That was supposed to be the case.

Mr. Qin?

Mr. Fan?

I knew you would

take this path.

But why?

Because you're afraid of people.

That proves that we have an affinity, right?

Mr. Fan,

when I was in the military,

I owed these people some favors.

Mr. Fan, I hope you can take care

of these people here.

Sorry about that.

There aren't that many names here.

Mr. Qin, please relay this message to the others.

What is it?

For the spring exam, only one's ability will be reviewed.

I won't accept any name lists no matter where they come from.

Did His Majesty summon you last night

for this very matter?

His Majesty said nothing.

Understood.

He said nothing. I didn't make any guesses today.

[Fang Shenping, Li Qinglun, Wen Chengjun, Huang Xiangzhong]

Mr. Lin, I'm truly sorry.

Regarding the spring exam,

we still have to follow the rules.

Why did you do so?

I had no choice either.

I know that His Majesty summoned you last night.

Now, everyone would think

that His Majesty ordered you to do so.

I understand His Majesty well.

With the way he does things,

it's either he acts swiftly

to eradicate all corruption

or he leaves subtle traces

that stretch for miles.

Even if everything falls into place,

he won't let anyone see through his thoughts.

He would never summon someone in the middle of the night

and do something this lackluster.

That's not the way he does things.

You're just using His Majesty as your shield.

Mr. Lin, you do know him well.

No one knows the real him.

Of all the rulers in Qing State,

he's the one who's the toughest to figure out.

Mr. Lin, you're too modest.

Don't try to shift the topic. Answer me.

Why did you do so?

Actually, I just wanted

the spring exam

to be conducted according to the rules

and be fair,

even if it's just once.

All of the officials have their eyes on the spring exam.

Aren't you afraid?

I am.

That's why I'm using His Majesty as my shield.

Didn't I tell you that I already saw through it?

What will you do

if I expose you?

Mr. Lin, we're a family.

You have to spare me somehow.

Why should I spare you?

Because Wan'er only wants to be married to me.

At most, I'll find another husband for her!

Mr. Lin, you're right.

Mr. Lin, please calm down.

I really don't understand if this is fate or calamity.

Why did Wan'er fall for someone like you?

I'm pretty outstanding myself.

You want the spring exam to be fair for once?

What are you after here?

What's in it for you if you do so?

Actually, Mr. Lin, I understood

what you said last time.

If one stands out from the crowd, they'll be targeted.

That's why I've also thought

of drifting with the current before this.

There's nothing bad about it.

If I can't tolerate something, I should just bear with it.

I'll get used to it eventually.

But that doesn't work.

I couldn't sleep at night.

I experienced anguish.

There are three words that keep popping up in my mind.

I couldn't get rid of it no matter what I do.

What words?

That it's unfair.

[The Way]

Those are two words.

The first word should be counted as well.

We're educated individuals.

We should be cautious with our choice of words.

I'll surely take note of it next time.

It's unfair?

So it's because of that, huh?

Say, do you think fairness

actually exists in the world?

Not absolutely,

but relatively.

What?

This world has no absolute fairness.

For example, some people are born

with a silver spoon.

Some are born penniless.

Some are born witty

while some appear foolish.

The spring exam exists

to provide everyone

with a relatively fair chance of changing their destinies.

If their only chance

isn't fair as well,

don't you think the world will be a ridiculous place?

Fine.

We'll let the Capital

be fair for once.

Go and meet Guo Zheng, the Minister of Rites again.

I've made the arrangement for you.

Ask him to elaborate on

the taboos and rules of the spring exam.

Since you're trying to pursue fairness for their sake,

you shouldn't fall for the trap yourself.

Fan Xian,

what if this world

is a ridiculous place in the first place?

What should we do by then?

There's no need to answer me.

You may ask yourself that question.

Go now.

To be fair, huh?

Mr. Fan.

Mr. Guo?

We meet again.

Mr. Fan, I've been waiting for you.

Mr. Guo, you're well-versed in the rites and customs.

I came here today

to ask you about

the rules related to the spring exam.

Prime Minister Lin already told me about it.

Please don't say that you're here to learn from me.

Mr. Fan, you're very intelligent.

Actually, you can understand them yourself.

I'm just here to put the icing on the cake.

I've prepared this long ago.

[Detailed Rules of the Spring Exam] Mr. Fan, a capable person like you

[Detailed Rules of the Spring Exam] have to do more.

You have plenty of affairs to deal with

during the spring exam.

Before the exam,

you have to inspect the candidates.

During the spring exam,

you have to monitor and supervise the exam hall.

After that, you need to supervise the anonymous transcription as well.

The spring exam is a huge deal.

The rules and taboos

are countless.

I couldn't tell you about all of them at once.

Therefore, I wrote them down.

All of the details and rules are stated within.

Mr. Fan, if you read it,

you won't omit anything during the spring exam.

I have no way to repay your favor.

Mr. Fan.

What?

Come here. Go over there.

This pillar is...

Make it straight.

Mr. Guo.

Mr. Guo.

Mr. Sun.

The spring exam is nearing. I'm busy.

I'm busy.

Please go ahead.

Mr. Guo, it must've been tough.

Thank you.

Right now, I'm just looking forward

to you establishing a school of thought and publish your own book.

By then, I'll be content.

If so, thank you, Mr. Guo.

Farewell.

Mr. Fan, take care.

How did it go?

Did you not hear us at the back?

Fan Xian is extraordinary.

I dared not

eavesdrop on you two as I was trying to be cautious.

What a shame.

You didn't see

the expression on his face when he was touched by my action.

I almost couldn't bear to do it.

What did you write inside the manual you gave him?

I wrote down all of the rules

related to the spring exam.

I cannot make intentional mistakes

when it comes to writing.

You did the right thing.

Fan Xian

is very cautious.

However,

for important events like the spring exam,

there are some rules that shouldn't be stated.

Since they're not supposed to be stated,

naturally, I have to leave them blank.

Mr. Xie, please relay this message to His Highness.

Since I'm here,

I'll definitely make sure

Mr. Fan commits all the taboos during the spring exam.

I dare not guarantee that he'll commit a huge crime,

but I'll make sure all of the scholars stay away from him.

Mr. Guo, aren't you afraid that you'll offend Prime Minister Lin?

I'm afraid.

However, Prime Minister Lin

doesn't have the goods on me.

His Highness said

those were just old and discarded ledgers from the past.

He'll visit you and thank you in person

once his house arrest has been lifted.

He'll burn all of the useless ledgers as well.

If so, please tell His Highness

to enjoy the show.

[Fan's Residence]

Is he here?

He's inside. I've made the necessary arrangements.

No one saw him, right?

We avoided all the people in the residence.

Don't worry.

No one saw us.

He must be starving.

You're back.

Yes.

This time,

my return trip from Northern Qi

was a perilous one indeed.

Luckily, Guo and I were the ultimate duo.

No matter what happened,

we overcame the obstacles

and employed clever tactics.

That's how we managed

to return to the Capital in one piece.

You two are close to each other now, huh?

Heroes cherish each other after all.

Young Master,

since you've returned to your hometown gloriously,

I have to prepare a welcoming feast for you.

Let's discuss the feast.

It's my treat.

No. It's my treat.

It's my treat.

It's my treat.

Come, Wang.

Young Master.

You sound vigorous.

What should we eat?

It's my treat.

This is my diary of infiltration.

Thank you so much.

He said you brought me here

to save my father.

Here's the thing.

The spring exam is nearing, and I'm the examiner.

What has that got to do with me?

I'm not very clear about many of the taboos.

Neither am I.

But your father was once the Minister of Rites.

You want my father to help you out?

That's why I brought you back.

Your father can only rest at ease when he sees you.

You planned for the spring exam that early on, huh?

Actually, I was already preparing my countermeasures

when Chengze recommended me to supervise the spring exam.

Now, it seems like it was the perfect timing.

Each of you

is more malicious than the next.

It's called being meticulous.

Enough. Tell me.

How do you plan to rescue my father?

I'll arrange for it.

I'll transfer him to the Imperial Inspectorate's cell

in a few days.

If so, will you still be able to rescue him by then?

I'm the inspector there. What do you think?

But there's one thing.

The charges they press upon your father for conspiring wasn't unfounded.

I can guarantee his survival.

However, there's no way

he can be an official again.

I know that.

I'm already grateful that you can guarantee his survival.

I'll tell my father about it.

I'll tell him to explain the rules

and details of the spring exam to you.

What is this?

It's a manual written by the current Minister of Rites.

All of the taboos of the spring exam are inside.

If so, you don't need my father's help.

Quite the opposite.

I need your father to review the manual for me.

Are you afraid that this manual might be a trap for you?

I'm just being cautious here.

Your father will determine

whether it's a trap or not.

All right.

Let's go, then. Let's rescue my father.

Let's go.

There's no rush.

Sizhe.

Lower your volume.

The trip was a long one.

It must've been tough for you two.

You all should rest for a few days.

Remember, don't let other people see you.

Of course.

I'm very cautious.

If so, I can rest at ease, then.

Come.

Firstly,

you two, welcome home.

Isn't it embarrassing?

Don't you think you two stink?

Why don't you two take a bath? You stink.

Do I stink?

It's not that bad.

Come. I'll scrub your back for you.

Let's go.

Let's hurry.

Why aren't there any guards here?

Isn't it obvious?

This is the cell inside the Ministry of Justice.

Is this place under your jurisdiction as well?

There are still some things I can do here.

Since you're this capable,

you shouldn't just deliver his meals to him.

You should rescue him today.

Calm down.

Everything will be easier when the transfer is done.

It'll only take a few days.

Don't worry. I won't lie to you this time.

You already lied to me several times.

Young Master Guo,

why is it that I smell something fishy

whenever you talk to me?

Fishy?

But I've already taken a bath.

Just shut up.

My son, I'm here to visit you again.

Did she get another son?

♪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♪