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 1]

[University Library]

Professor Ye, I updated my thesis again.

I know you don't like to read e-materials.

Leave it over there. I'll review it later.

Professor Ye,

is Fan Xian dead or not?

[Professor Ye, Lecturer]

Professor Ye, you have to attend the academic exchange conference tomorrow.

You can't just keep avoiding it.

Got it. Thank you.

By the way, Professor Ye,

is Fan Xian dead or not?

Do you need anything?

Professor Ye, is Fan Xian really dead?

Are you done with your thesis?

Not yet. I'm still brainstorming.

Professor Ye...

I don't know!

What do you mean?

Zhang Qing?

It's me.

You've finally appeared.

What did I do?

Is Fan Xian dead or not?

[Zhang Qing, Undergraduate Student]

Everyone has been asking me the same question

ever since you delayed your submission.

How did Fan Xian end up after lying on the ground?

Is he dead or not?

If he's not,

what should he do after that?

I already completed it.

I wanted you to be the first reader.

I remember that Fan Xian was stabbed by someone

before you stopped your submission.

It was Yan Bingyun.

So, is he dead or not?

Professor Ye,

the library will be closed soon.

[Joy of Life Season 2]

You had one whole night to consider it.

[Sifang Keep, the Border of Qing State]

What's your decision?

It's not my decision.

Now, it's your decision.

Ask yourself this.

Are you confident

that you can slay me here?

Mr. Fan!

[Fan Xian]

This...

[Yan Bingyun, Imperial Inspectorate Fourth Division]

is my decision.

If so, is Fan Xian dead or not?

How could the main character die here?

[The Capital of Qing State]

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, we're in huge trouble!

Your Majesty, Fan Xian is dead!

Your Majesty!

We're in huge trouble!

[Imperial Inspectorate]

Chief!

Chief!

Hurry! Forget about me!

Gather all members of the Imperial Inspectorate right now.

Hurry!

Yes, sir!

Go now!

[Fan Xian is dead.]

According to the diplomatic corps,

Fan Xian was stricken by terminal illness!

He died on his way back to the Capital!

His body has already been cremated!

Summon Chen Pingping!

What's wrong?

What's going on?

I don't know.

What's happening?

Chief, what happened?

[Chen Pingping, Chief of Imperial Inspectorate]

Fan Xian is dead.

[Yan Ruohai, Division Supervisor of Imperial Inspectorate Fourth Division]

The world might be flipped upside down.

You all should wait here.

Wait for my updates.

[Fan Jian, Minister of Revenue]

Where's the body of my son?

I don't know.

You don't know?

How can you not know about it?

You made him take over the Imperial Inspectorate!

You were the ones who forced him to go Northern Qi as a diplomat!

And you were the ones

who told the Black Cavalries to withdraw!

That's why his life was in danger!

Now that he's dead,

all you have

to tell me

is that you don't know anything, huh?

You all are abandoning him.

But I won't!

I'm going to bring my son home!

Return my son to me!

I've hidden him all my life.

I can't just let him

suffer a wrongful death.

He's a human,

not a pawn!

I'll pay for it with my life.

Fine! Die right now!

No.

Why?

Are you afraid of death?

My life alone

won't suffice.

Before my death, I will serve justice

to both good and evildoers.

I will take away the lives

of those who deserve to die.

Sirs, please don't argue here.

Where's His Majesty?

His Majesty isn't seeing anyone.

Wasn't His Majesty the one who summoned me?

That's right.

His Majesty was deeply disheartened by Mr. Fan's death.

That's why he summoned you in a hurry, Mr. Chen.

So, what should we do now?

Now?

He kept quiet after reading

the second letter delivered by the messenger pigeon.

He doesn't wish to see anyone now.

The second letter?

[Second Prince's Residence]

[Li Chengze, Second Prince]

Your Highness!

[Fan Wujiu, the Bodyguard of Second Prince]

It's top secret.

It's Xie Bi'an's messenger pigeon.

That means it's related to Fan Xian.

Read it for me.

But...

It's fine.

I trust you.

His Majesty told me to deliver this to you.

Yan Bingyun?

[Yan Bingyun stabbed Mr. Fan from his back]

[so as to kill him on the spot]

It's your man, a member of the Imperial Inspectorate.

I never expected Fan Xian

to die just like that.

Fan Xian was going against His Highness.

He would definitely plunge the Qing State into chaos.

There was no feud between us.

I only killed him

for the sake of the Qing State.

For the sake of the Qing State, huh?

[Xie Bi'an, the Bodyguard of Second Prince]

If so, why are you cremating his body?

Fei Jie is his master.

Elder Fei's medical skills are on par with his poison techniques.

When Fan Xian dies,

he'll surely examine his body.

I wouldn't be able to cover up the fact if he found out that he died of a stab wound.

However, how can you explain yourself to the people without a body?

I can just say that he was unable

to adapt to the local conditions and died of terminal illness.

Xie Bi'an said Fan Xian was dead and that his body has been cremated.

Did Xie Bi'an kill him?

No.

Yan Bingyun stabbed him from the back.

His sneak attack was a success.

Yan Bingyun killed Fan Xian?

His body has been cremated indeed.

Why?

You don't trust me?

That's not it.

I'm just trying

to take a keepsake here.

Why would Yan Bingyun attack him?

You think something's off too?

Yan Bingyun always acts for the sake of the Qing State.

He reveres law the most.

With Fan Xian's position,

no matter what happens,

Yan Bingyun should have brought him back to the Capital for interrogation.

Why would he kill him?

It's illogical for the Tiger Guards to relay the message either.

You're right.

The Tiger Guards are protecting Fan Xian under His Majesty's order.

If Yan Bingyun did kill him,

Gao Da would've arrested him.

It's unfathomable that he'd send such news back.

Could it be that something's wrong with the news?

Could it be

that he faked his death?

That's possible.

Why did that brat fake his death?

Say, why do you think he did so?

The reason no longer matters.

Right now, Fan Xian

is beyond redemption.

You mean His Majesty?

He deceived the ruler.

This can't be. Fan Xian wouldn't die that easily.

However,

this is indeed Xie Bi'an's handwriting.

What would I do if I were Fan Xian?

I would fake my death and escape.

Where can he go?

The Capital, naturally.

He's too sentimental.

He wishes to deceive the world and hide his tracks.

It's a shame

that I could recognize him even if he was reduced to ashes.

What is this?

The ash of Fan Xian.

Where are you going?

To see His Majesty and plead for his mercy.

He didn't want to see anyone just now.

It's the same even if you go there again.

What should I do, then?

Should we suppress the news of his death

and keep it down?

Quite the opposite.

We have to escalate this matter.

Fan Xian's death has to be valuable.

Your Highness, how could you be so sure that Fan Xian isn't dead?

Wujiu,

have I ever been wrong about someone?

But he was killed and cremated

in public.

How could he possibly escape?

I have no idea. I can't see through his tricks.

But that's what we call a surprise.

That's Fan Xian for you.

[Gao Da, the Leader of Tiger Guards]

You can have it back.

Let me examine this sword.

[Wang Qinian, the Secretary of Imperial Inspectorate]

Where did the blood come from?

We can't just let it die for nothing, don't you think?

Mr. Fan, here you go.

It's chicken blood.

Chicken blood?

So you predicted the incident, huh?

You knew that this would happen today.

I just have plenty of friends.

What do you mean?

My seniors from the Third Division

gave me plenty of toys before I left the Capital.

Wait!

Wait!

Xian, wait!

Xian, follow me.

Come.

What's the matter?

You two, keep guard over here.

What are you thinking?

Here, hold this.

I have something important that I must give to you.

What is this?

Look.

Isn't it fun?

The tip of the sword enters from there and exits from the other end.

There's a blood sack inside.

You can control the volume of blood you spill.

This is quite interesting.

You're going to our rival state.

It's filled with dangers.

If nothing works out, at least you can "die", you know?

Who would've expected us

to use it in our own state

instead of Northern Qi?

Your face is still dirty.

He did it on purpose so that he could brag about his hard work.

Not at all.

Mr. Fan, for you,

I'm willing to do anything.

I'm willing to brave through all kinds of dangers for you.

To think that you came up with this devious plan.

You even brought a torch with you.

I have no choice but to burn it.

Xie Bi'an will definitely examine it thoroughly.

It's all thanks to Wang.

He actually dug a tunnel below

and waited for me down there.

Mr. Fan, it's my honor

to assist you.

What about the ash?

Where did you get it from?

Sir, you might not know,

the diplomatic corps prepared

two carts' worth of food.

I found

half a dried pig in the cart.

After I burned it,

the size was about the same as Mr. Fan.

Mr. Fan, my bad.

I should never compare you to a pig.

Oh no. That's not what I mean.

Mr. Fan, if you're angry at me,

you can kick me.

Here.

That's enough.

Your acting isn't as good as Mr. Yan's.

How could I compare myself to Mr. Yan?

Mr. Yan acted

as if it happened for real.

Actually,

there's still a flaw.

What flaw?

Reducing a body to ash with such a temperature

cannot be achieved in such a short amount of time.

But when I think about it,

Xie Bi'an is a swordsman.

He might not excel at cremation.

This won't occur to him.

Do you excel at cremation, then?

Mr. Fan is good at both cremation and cooking.

I learned how to make this chicken from him.

Mr. Fan is dashing, smart,

and good at everything.

You sure are glib-tongued, huh?

What's next?

What's your plan?

Teng Zijing's wife and child, Fan Sizhe,

and Master,

I can't rest at ease if Second Prince

did hold them captive.

You wish to save them?

The convoy can take its time.

I'll rush back to the Capital first.

You're truly bold.

Can I ask you something?

What is it?

Why did you choose to side with me?

Aren't you afraid the Qing State might be in turmoil?

The Imperial Inspectorate never feared any threats.

We all act for the sake of the Qing State.

Li Chengze is the prince of the Qing State.

As the prince,

he actually colluded with Northern Qi

and embezzled the state funds.

His intention alone is enough for him to be executed.

I'm loyal to the Qing State

and His Majesty.

As for the princes...

Wang Qinian.

Yes, Mr. Fan.

Deliver a plaque to Mr. Yan after this.

What should I carve on top of it?

The great defender of the Qing State.

Excellent title.

Sir, have you heard the news about Fan Xian?

I have.

Do not panic.

We're far away.

Maybe it's just misinformation.

We can't afford to panic right now.

I've already taught them a lesson.

They actually intended

to prepare a funeral before the news was verified.

Isn't that ridiculous?

Let them proceed with the funeral.

What?

Proceed with the necessary steps.

Take it as if he's dead for real.

Sir, you mustn't take the news seriously.

[Liu Ruyu, he Female Head of the Fan Family] He is still so young.

I don't believe that he's gone.

Just follow my instructions.

Is there something wrong with his death?

Make sure all of them grieve.

Understood.

By the way,

you should check on Ruoruo.

That child cares for Fan Xian the most.

I'm afraid that she might fall sick again due to her deep grief.

Ruoruo respects Fan Xian the most usually.

I'm sure she's sobbing right now.

[Fan Ruoruo, the Daughter of Fan Jian]

Aunt, you're here.

I just made some donkey-hide gelatin and longan soup.

Have it later, okay?

Ruoruo, what are you doing?

I wonder what Fan Sizhe is busy with lately.

He's ignoring the bookstore.

The warehouse is damp and smelly.

I couldn't take it any longer.

That's why I'm drying the books under the sun.

Have you not heard of the news yet?

I already heard about my brother's death.

Then...

Aunt, don't worry.

There's no need to be upset.

Do not grieve too much, okay?

Why are you the one consoling me now?

It's because Xian isn't dead.

Did your father speak to you just now?

No, he didn't.

If so, how are you so sure that your brother is still alive?

It's because Xian won't die.

But all humans die.

That's right, except for Xian.

But why?

Because I trust him.

Ruoruo, is that really how you see it?

Yeah.

If so, I can rest at ease now.

But Ruoruo, your trust in your brother,

isn't it considered blind faith?

[The Capital of the Qing State]

Wang.

We're back on your turf.

You have to cover my back now.

Mr. Fan, you have no idea.

The newcomers took over my turf

ever since I started serving you.

I'm afraid that the old acquaintances might see and recognize us.

I can't believe that someone imitated me

and sold their drawings here like what I did back then.

Looks like there's a demand in the market.

What market?

Four liang!

They're actually bidding for drawings now?

Four liang!

Five liang!

Five liang?

Hey! Let me take a look!

What kind of drawing actually cost five liang?

Is this it?

People nowadays can be scammed this easily, huh?

Don't stir up trouble.

This is so infuriating.

Go back!

What are they doing?

They're all praying to the dead.

Let's go and pray too.

Here, line up and get your incense sticks.

Give me one too.

Here you go.

Line up and get your incense sticks. Everyone should pray to him.

Why is no one taking note of this funeral outside the city?

And everyone is participating in it too.

This family must be very influential.

Indeed.

In this world of turmoil, no poetry can surpass it.

Many have lamented the emptiness of unfulfilled love.

These two sentences aren't related at all.

That's right.

Plus, it's quite a bold statement too.

Mr. Fan, with you around,

how dare they say things like:

"No poetry can surpass it?"

Don't spout nonsense.

Respect the dead.

Lamented the emptiness of unfulfilled love?

Seems like this talented individual is quite sentimental.

Is there someone like that in the Capital?

I'll go and take a look.

In this world of turmoil, no poetry can surpass it.

The Memorial Tablet of Fan Anzhi, the Pillar of the Qing State?

His surname is also Fan. Who's Fan Anzhi?

It's me.

Mr. Fan, is your other name actually Anzhi?

Do you think it's someone who bore the same name?

Come.

Queue up. Follow me.

Everyone, please look.

There's a tale at this very spot.

Mr. Fan Xian descended from the horse at this very spot

when he first came to the Capital.

He mourned the past by the roadside.

I thought you came here in a carriage.

After that, he met his beloved here.

And a beautiful story between the two was ensued.

Everyone, the spring exam is approaching.

If you pray here,

not only will you pass your exam,

but you'll also receive a loving relationship.

Hurry!

You won't be able to get married if you don't pray here.

You're actually praying for a relationship?

Mr. Fan, calm down.

I'll tear it down.

Don't. It's your own memorial tablet after all.

It's bad luck

for you to damage it.

What are they thinking?

I don't know either.

[The Memorial Tablet of Fan Anzhi, the Pillar of the Qing State]

It's as lively as Chinese New Year.

I do live up to my reputation, huh?

Take a look.

Everyone, check this out.

Mr. Fan Xian once drank liquor and tea and recited poems here.

Come.

Only ten sets left.

- This is the last chance! - Mr. Fan, is that true?

This is the last chance!

Mr. Fan's personal signature. It's a relic.

The handwriting is pretty good.

Burgers for sale!

Mr. Fan's invention, burgers, for sale here!

Look, burgers.

Burgers meant for all, huh?

Sir, this is the same as Mr. Fan's perfumed sachet.

Do you want one?

What's with the five-spice duck smell?

Sir, what are you talking about?

Why would Mr. Fan's perfumed sachet

smell like five-spice duck?

Sir, this is a collection of Mr. Fan's poems. Do you want to buy it?

You don't want this?

We have a better collection.

"Red Mansion."

This is the ending.

The ending is out?

What ending?

"Red Mansion" isn't over yet.

Who are you trying to deceive?

Not over yet...

You!

It's not over.

It's not over yet.

You penniless scum! I'm sure you can't afford it!

[Mr. Fan's secret formula One liang per bottle] This is the poison Mr. Fan invented before his passing.

It gets rid of all pests!

Don't sell poison.

[Selling The Immortal Poet's Unique Brew To Commemorate His Ingenuity]

Fresh yogurt for sale.

It's delicious and there are plenty of flavors!

Mr. Fan Xian frequented our stall before his death.

He praised them highly. Here, take a look.

Mr. Fan,

when will you get me some of that?

You'll get plenty of yogurt

when I'm revived.

Mr. Fan, your fake death on our way back

was a secret.

Why does everyone know about it?

Besides us,

only Second Prince knows about this.

Did His Highness spread the news?

I don't understand what he's after.

I remember that your house is nearby.

Whose house is this?

This is mine too.

Is it under your name?

No.

Mr. Fan,

make yourself at home.

The original owner

of this house was a gardener.

He borrowed money from me.

In the end,

he gave the house to me after his business failed.

Take a guess at what this is.

Isn't that an ordinary kiln?

This is actually the back door.

I dug a tunnel

and it's connected directly to the house.

Even if someone were to bother me,

I could enter and exit the house at will.

The world was shocked by Fan Xian's death.

At this moment,

if we manage to find him in the Capital,

his crime of deceiving the ruler

will be confirmed.

I've already set up a trap

near Wang Qinian's house.

As soon as Fan Xian shows up,

he'll never be able to escape from you, Your Highness.

Wang Qinian is Fan Xian's trusted aide.

And he lived in the Capital for many years.

Fan Xian has no one else

to depend on except for him.

Mr. Fan, look.

Look at the roads outside.

They extend in all directions.

And they all lead to places outside the city.

If we do get ourselves in trouble,

it's convenient for us to escape.

Not bad at all. This is a haven.

Haven, huh?

That's a fitting name.

But there's the Imperial Inspectorate too.

Fan Xian is an inspector of the Imperial Inspectorate.

If he returns to the Imperial Inspectorate,

it'll be more than just a crime of deceiving the ruler.

If that's the case,

the victor of this round

will be decided.

I don't remember

that the Imperial Inspectorate has such a habit.

Initially,

this habit didn't exist.

But Mr. Fan, ever since

I was lucky enough to encounter you,

you made my world a warm place.

However, I have to live in anticipation

of thrilling events every day.

Here, Mr. Fan.

Have a seat.

But since we have a haven here,

it's not like we have to go to your residence.

We can stay here.

No, Mr. Fan.

My wife was the one

who helped the Teng family settle down.

If we want to find them,

we still have to return to my residence

and see my wife.

Wang.

We can go during nighttime.

We should be more cautious.

Restrain yourself.

Close your doors and windows!

Prevent both fire and theft!

Close your doors and windows!

Prevent both fire and theft!

It's good to be home.

What's going on? Is there an assassin?

I told my wife to prepare this for the crooks.

But speaking of which,

I never expected the well

to be our exit.

My wife might be asleep.

Don't wake her.

If not, she'll throw a terrible tantrum.

Let's head to that room.

If that's the case,

why don't we just return to the haven?

That's where my daughter lives.

I've been out for so long.

I want to go and check on her.

Let's go.

Fine.

Here.

It's laced with knives.

Step over it.

There's more.

Here.

Here.

And there.

There are deer traps.

Step here and you'll be fine.

My wife changed the trap placement.

Mr. Fan.

Why don't I carry you on my back?

Is your father Wang Qinian?

I'm a good friend of his.

You can call me Mister.

Is it for me?

Thank you so much.

The congee is ready.

The congee is ready.

Mother is asking you to eat.

Okay.

[The Wife of Wang Qinian] You must be Mr. Fan.

I'm Qinian's wife.

Please don't call me Mr. Fan.

Wang and I are sworn brothers.

I should call you my sister-in-law instead.

Mr. Fan, please have a seat.

Qinian went out in the morning to run the errands for you.

We don't need to wait for him.

He was insensible.

He only told me about your arrival this morning.

I had no time to prepare anything.

I could only make some congee.

Mr. Fan, sorry about that.

Please don't say that.

Madam, I'm the one troubling you.

There's meat!

That's great.

What's your name?

Baba. [*It sounds like Father in Mandarin]

I didn't teach her that.

Mr. Fan, you misunderstood her.

That's her pet name.

My daughter's name is Ba, a single Chinese character.

May I know which character it is?

Ba, as in domineering aura.

That scared me.

Mister, your egg fell.

Thanks.

Mr. Fan, I heard you had dozens of relationships here.

I swear to the heavens that it's not true.

It's fake. They are all rumors.

Not even one?

Not even one.

What about Her Highness, then?

My engagement with Wan'er was real.

However, all of the other rumors are fake.

Mr. Fan, I trust you.

Please have your meal.

Mister, don't let it fall again.

I'll try my best.

Your daughter's name is quite special.

Qinian chose the name when I first got pregnant.

We didn't expect it to be a girl.

If so, why didn't you change her name?

A tough name will make her tough.

She can grow up peacefully.

That's a great name with a great meaning.

I also think my name is great.

Mother, I know my fault now.

"When eating, do not converse; when in bed, do not speak."

I shouldn't speak while eating.

You should make amends, then.

I know now. I'll surely make amends.

Get up now.

Mr. Fan, please have a seat.

I was disciplining my child.

Mr. Fan, please make yourself at home.

Chief.

Where's Yan Ruohai?

He locked himself away.

Let's go and check on him.

Mr. Fan, just leave it here.

Let me help you out.

Mr. Fan, I heard from Qinian that you were paying rent.

Did he say that?

He said you were paying us one liang per day

to cover our expenses.

Isn't that the case?

It is the case.

I have to pay my rent.

If so, there's no reason for you to work, Mr. Fan.

Otherwise, it'll be inappropriate to take your money.

Mr. Fan, please have a seat.

Baba, chat with Mister.

What should we chat about?

Anything's fine.

How old are you?

I'm five years old. What about you?

I'm much older than you.

If so, are you an adult?

Of course.

Why did you sleep on my bed, then?

I'm just living here for the time being.

Do you like meat, then?

I do.

Do you know what's the best kind of meat, then?

What is it?

It's pork belly.

You have a point.

If so, do you want to have some pork belly?

I do.

Mother!

What's the matter?

Mister wants to have some pork belly.

Mr. Fan, I'll prepare some for dinner.

It wasn't me. I didn't...

Well, you're pretty crafty, aren't you?

Can you do me a favor?

Okay.

Do you have any papers at home?

Get me a piece of burnt charcoal stick too.

Baba does take after her father.

Wang Qinian's tracks have been discovered within the city.

Chief, seems like your prediction was spot-on.

Fan Xian isn't dead.

He even came to the Capital.

So,

will you wait for Fan Xian to come and see you here?

He can't come here.

The Imperial Inspectorate is above all officials.

It's also the most important place in the Qing State.

If he abused his power as an inspector

for the sake of his personal affairs,

he'll be executed for sure.

Didn't you say that His Majesty was already enraged?

He deceived the ruler by faking his death.

That warrants the death penalty as well.

He'll be executed

no matter what he does.

If so, how are you still in the mood for congee?

I've already done everything I could.

Can it save him?

He's the only person who can save himself.

What if Fan Xian fails this time around?

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.

♪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♪