Original subtitles

Translation and Timing by the Joy of Life 2 Team @ Viki.com

"One's Remaining Years" by Li Jian

♫ As flowers will bloom and wither ♫

♫ May we pass by the magnificent scenery ♫

♫ Contemplating the vastness of Heaven and Earth ♫

♫ Could it be both of us are filled with desolation? ♫

♫ As flowers bloom and wither ♫

♫ May we lead such a life ♫

♫ Contemplating the vastness of Heaven and Earth ♫

♫ Turning back again, you and I ♫

♫ Let's seize the current moment ♫

♫ The weather is warm and nice today ♫

♫ Let's go together ♫

♫ Even if the snowstorm is ahead of us ♫

♫ And dyes our hair white ♫

[Joy of Life Season 2]

[Adapted from Mao Ni's Joy of Life on Yuewen Group's Qidian platform]

[Episode 1]

[University Library]

Professor Ye, I revised the draft of my thesis again. I know you dislike reading e-versions.

Leave it there. I'll review it later.

Professor Ye, did Fan Xian die or not?

[Professor Ye, Lecturer at the University]

Professor Ye, you must attend the academic exchange conference tomorrow.

You can't keep avoiding it.

Got it. Thank you.

By the way, Professor Ye, did Fan Xian die or not?

- What's up? - 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 finally showed up.

What did I do?

Is Fan Xian dead or not? [Zhang Qing, Undergraduate Student]

Everyone keeps asking me the same question ever since you delayed your updates.

How did Fan Xian end up after lying on the ground? Is he dead or not?

If he's alive, what should he do next?

I completed it. I wanted you to be the first to read it.

I remember Fan Xian was stabbed by someone before you stopped your updates.

- It was Yan Bingyun. - So, is he dead or not?

Professor Ye, the library's closing soon.

[Joy of Life Season 2]

After considering it for the whole night, [Border of Qing State, Sifang City]

what's your decision?

It's not my decision.

It's your turn to choose now.

Ask yourself

if you're confident that you can slay me here?

Official Fan! [Fan Xian]

This is my decision. [Yan Bingyun, Inspection and Control Bureau, Fourth Division]

So, is Fan Xian dead or alive?

How can the main character die here?

Your Majesty! [The Capital of Qing State]

Your Majesty, something bad happened!

Your Majesty, Fan Xian is dead!

Your Majesty!

Something bad happened!

[Inspection and Control Bureau]

Chief!

Chief!

Hurry! Don't bother about me.

Gather all members of the Inspection and Control Bureau immediately. Hurry!

- Yes, sir! - Go now!

[Fan Xian is dead.]

The diplomatic corps sent news that Fan Xian was infected with a disease

and died on his way back to the capital!

His body has 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 Inspection and Control Bureau]

Fan Xian is dead.

[Yan Ruohai, Supervisor of Inspection and Control Bureau, Fourth Division]

There may be chaos in the kingdom.

Wait here

and wait for my news.

[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?

You forced him to take over the Inspection and Control Bureau!

You forced him to go to Northern Qi as an envoy!

You also told him to withdraw the Black Knights!

And caused his life to be in danger!

Now that he's dead,

that's all you can say,

"I don't know"?

If you don't want him, I want him!

I'm going to bring my son home!

Return my son to me!

I've hidden him all my life.

His death can be dubious!

He's a human, not a pawn!

I'll pay for it with my life.

Fine! Die right now!

I can't.

Why? Are you afraid of death?

My life alone...

won't suffice.

Before my death, I'll serve justice to both good and evildoers.

I'll kill those who took away his life.

Sirs, please don't argue here.

Where's His Majesty?

His Majesty doesn't want to see anyone.

Didn't His Majesty summon me?

That's right.

His Majesty was grief-stricken to hear about Young Official Fan's death.

That's why he was anxious to see Chief Chen.

So, what should we do now?

Now?

He kept quiet after reading the second letter delivered by carrier pigeon.

He doesn't wish to see anyone now.

The second letter?

[Second Prince's Residence]

[Li Chengze, Second Prince]

Your Highness!

[Fan Wujiu, bodyguard of Second Prince]

It's top secret.

It's Xie Bi'an's carrier pigeon. 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 behind to kill him on the spot]

It's your man from the Inspection and Control Bureau.

I didn't expect Fan Xian to die just like that.

Fan Xian went against His Highness.

It will definitely cause chaos in Qing State.

There was no feud between us.

I killed him for the sake of Qing State.

For the sake of Qing State? [Xie Bi'an, 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.

With Fan Xian's death, he'll surely examine his body.

I can't hide the wound that caused his death.

But how can you explain to everyone without the body?

I'll say that he couldn't adapt to the local conditions,

was infected and died from a disease.

Xie Bi'an said Fan Xian died and his body was cremated.

Did Xie Bi'an kill him?

No. Yan Bingyun stabbed him from behind. The secret plot succeeded.

Yan Bingyun killed Fan Xian?

His body was indeed cremated.

Why? You don't trust me?

That's not it.

I only wanted...

a souvenir for decoration.

Why would Yan Bingyun attack him?

You think something's off, too?

Yan Bingyun always prioritizes Qing State in whatever he does.

He reveres the law the most.

With Fan Xian's position, no matter what happens,

Yan Bingyun would bring him back to the capital for interrogation.

Why would he kill him?

It's illogical for the Tiger Guards to deliver the news.

You're right.

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

If Yan Bingyun really killed him, Gao Da would've arrested him.

How could it be possible to deliver such news?

Could there be a problem with the news?

Did he fake his death?

That's possible.

Why did that brat fake his death?

Tell me. Why do you think he did that?

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.

This person values friendship.

He wants to deceive the kingdom and hide his tracks.

A pity that even if he's burned to ashes, I can still recognize him.

What is this?

The ashes of Fan Xian.

- Where are you going? - To see His Majesty and plead for mercy.

He refused to see anyone just now. It'll be the same if you go again.

What should I do then?!

Suppress the news of his death and don't make a big fuss?

Quite the opposite.

We should create a big fuss.

Fan Xian's death has to be valuable.

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

Wujiu, have I ever misjudged anyone?

But he was killed and cremated in public.

- How could he possibly escape? - I have no idea.

I can't see through this. This is what we call a surprise.

That's Fan Xian for you.

[Gao Da, Leader of Tiger Guards]

You can have it back.

Let me examine this sword.

[Wang Qinian, Secretary of Inspection and Control Bureau]

Where did the blood come from?

We can't let it die for nothing. Right?

Official Fan made up for it.

- It's chicken blood. - Chicken blood?

You predicted this and knew it would happen today.

- I'm very popular. - What do you mean?

When I was leaving the capital, the senior brothers from the Third Division gave me lots of great toys.

Wait! Wait!

Wait, Junior Brother.

Junior Brother, follow me.

Come.

What's the matter?

You two, keep guard over here.

What are you thinking?

Here, hold this.

I have something important for you.

This is...

Look. Isn't this fun?

The tip of the sword enters from here and exits from there.

There's a blood pouch inside. You can control the volume of spilled blood.

This is quite interesting.

You're on a mission to an enemy state. It's filled with dangers.

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

Who would expect that we would use it in our own state instead of Northern Qi?

You haven't wiped your face yet.

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

Not at all.

I'm willing to do anything for Official Fan.

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

Fortunately, you even thought of bringing a torch.

I had to burn it. Xie Bi'an will examine it thoroughly.

It's also Old Wang's hard work.

He actually dug a tunnel below and waited for me down there.

Official Fan, it's my honor to assist you.

What about the ashes? Where did you get them from?

Sir, you might not know,

the diplomatic corps prepared two carts of food.

I found a half catty of dried pig in the cart.

After burning it, the size was similar to Official Fan.

Official Fan, my mistake. I shouldn't compare you with a pig.

Oh no. That's not what I mean.

Official Fan, if you're angry, you can kick me twice. Bring it on.

Stop it. Your acting isn't as good as Young Official Yan's.

How can I compare to Young Official Yan?

Young Official Yan's acting is very realistic.

Actually, there's still a flaw.

What flaw?

Reducing a body to ashes with such a temperature can't be achieved in such a short time.

But when I think about it, Xie Bi'an is a swordsman.

He may not excel at cremating people. He won't be able to figure it out.

Do you excel at cremating people then?

Official Fan is good at burning anything.

I learned to cook this chicken from him.

Official Fan is dashing, smart, and good at everything.

You are good at rhyming.

What's next? What's your plan?

Teng Zijing's wife and child, Fan Sizhe,

and also Master.

I'll feel uneasy if the Second Prince holds them captive.

You want 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 Inspection and Control Bureau has never been afraid of threats.

Whatever I do, it's for the sake of the Qing State.

Li Chengze is a prince of Qing State.

As a prince,

he actually colluded with Northern Qi and embezzled the state funds.

His intention is sinister and can be punished.

I'm loyal to Qing State and His Majesty.

As for the princes...

- Wang Qinian. - Yes, Official Fan.

Deliver a plaque to Young Official Yan later.

What should I carve on it?

Defender of Great Qing.

Nice plaque.

- Old Master, did you hear the news about Fan Xian? - I did.

Don't panic. It's thousands of miles away. It could be misinformation.

We shouldn't panic now.

I've already taught them a lesson.

They even thought of preparing for a funeral before the news was verified.

Isn't that ridiculous?

Let them proceed with the funeral.

What?

Prepare whatever is necessary. Take it that he's really dead.

Old Master, you mustn't take the news seriously.

He is still so young. I don't believe that he's gone. [Liu Ruyu, Female Head of the Fan Family]

Just follow my instructions.

Something's odd about the news of his death?

Grieve excessively.

Understood.

By the way, you should check on Ruoruo.

That child cares for Fan Xian the most.

I fear she might fall sick again due to her deep grief.

Ruoruo has always held the highest respect for Fan Xian.

I wonder how she's crying now.

[Fan Ruoruo, Daughter of Fan Jian]

Aunt, you're here.

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

Drink 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 can't take it any longer. I'm drying the books under the sun.

Did you not hear the news?

I heard about my brother's death.

Then...

Aunt, don't worry. There's no need to grieve, too.

Remember not to be sentimental and sad.

Why are you advising me instead?

It's because my brother is not dead.

Did your father look for you just now?

No, he didn't.

Why are you so sure that your brother is alive?

Because my brother will never die.

But all humans die.

That's right but my brother won't.

Why?

Because I trust him.

Ruoruo, is this how you really think?

That's right.

I can be at ease then.

But, Ruoruo, isn't your trust in your brother considered blind faith?

[Capital of Qing State]

Old Wang, we're back in your territory again.

You must protect me.

Official Fan, you have no idea.

The newcomers have taken over my territory ever since I started following you.

I fear if we encounter the old man, he will recognize us.

There are really people here who are imitating me when I sold drawings back then.

Looks like there's a demand in the market.

What market?

Four taels! Four taels!

The drawing is being auctioned.

- Four taels! - Five taels!

Five taels?

Let me see what kind of drawing is worth five taels?

Is this it?

It's too easy to scam people of money.

Don't stir up trouble.

I'm furious.

Go back!

- What's going on? - They're 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 doesn't anyone care about the funeral outside the city gate?

And everyone is praying here.

This family must be very tolerant.

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.

With you around, how dare they say,

"No poetry can surpass it?"

Don't spout nonsense. Respect the dead.

"Lamented the emptiness of unfulfilled love"?

This is a sentimental talent.

Is there such a person 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 Qing State?

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

It's me.

Official Fan, you are Anzhi?

Could it be someone with the same name?

Come here. Queue up. Follow me.

Everyone, please take a look.

There's something here you should pay attention to.

Official Fan Xian dismounted from the horse at this spot when he first came to the capital.

He mourned the past by the roadside.

You arrived in a carriage.

He met a beautiful woman here

and it turned into a beautiful event.

Everyone, the spring exam is approaching.

If you pray here, not only will you pass your exam,

you'll also be blessed with a happy marriage.

Hurry! Quick!

You won't get married if you don't pray.

You're even praying for a marriage?!

Official Fan, calm down.

- I'll tear it down. - Don't! Don't!

It's your memorial tablet. It's bad luck for you to smash it.

What are they thinking?

I don't know either.

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

It's as lively as Chinese New Year.

I do live up to my reputation.

Take a look. Everyone, check this out.

Official Fan Xian once drank wine and tea and recited poems here.

Come. Only ten sets left.

- This is the last chance! - Did you really come here?

This is the last chance!

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

The handwriting is quite nice.

Burgers for sale!

Official Fan's invention. Burgers for sale!

Look, burgers.

Eat your fill of burgers?

Sir, it's the same as Young Official Fan's scented pouch. Buy one?

What's with the five-spice duck smell?

Sir, what are you talking about?

Why would Young Official Fan's scented pouch smell like five-spice duck?

Sir, this is a collection of Young Official Fan's poems. Buy one?

Don't want this? I have a better collection.

"Red Chamber." This is the ending.

The ending is out?

What ending? The ending for "Red Chamber" hasn't been written yet. Who are you trying to deceive?

- The ending hasn't been written yet. - You! - It's not done yet.

You pauper! I can see that you can't afford it!

Before the passing of Young Official Fan,

it was his secret poison formula. [One tael for a bottle]

It kills snakes, insects, mice, ants, and everything.

- Don't sell poison. - 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 many flavors.

Official Fan Xian frequented our stall before his death.

He praised them highly. Come, take a look.

Official Fan, when will you take me to try it too?

You'll get plenty of yogurt when I'm revived.

Official 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 can't figure out why he's doing this.

I remember that your house is nearby

Whose house is this?

This is mine too.

Is it under your name?

No.

Official Fan, make yourself at home.

The original owner of this house was a gardener.

He borrowed money from me.

In the end, he didn't make any money and gave this house to me.

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 can enter and exit the house at will.

The kingdom was shocked by Fan Xian's death.

At this moment, if we can find him in the capital,

his crime of deceiving the ruler

will be confirmed.

I set up a foolproof trap near Wang Qinian's house.

As soon as Fan Xian shows up, he'll never be able to escape from you.

Wang Qinian is Fan Xian's trusted aide.

He has lived in the capital for many years, too.

Fan Xian has no one else to depend on except him.

Official Fan, look at the roads out there.

They connect in all directions and lead to the outside of the city.

If we are in trouble, it's convenient for us to escape.

Not bad at all. This is a haven.

Haven?

That's a fitting name.

But there's the Inspection and Control Bureau, too.

Fan Xian is the supervisor of the Inspection and Control Bureau.

If he goes back there,

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

If this is really the case, the victor of this round...

will be decided.

I don't remember the Inspection and Control Bureau having this habit.

Initially, this habit didn't exist.

I was fortunate to meet you. Since then,

you made my world a warm place.

However, I live in anticipation of thrilling events every day.

Here, Official Fan.

Have a seat.

Since we have a haven here,

we don't need to go to your residence.

We can stay here.

No, Official Fan.

My wife

helped the mother and son of the Teng family to settle down.

If we want to find them,

we still have to return to my residence to see my wife.

Old Wang,

we can go during the night.

We should be more cautious.

Restrain yourself.

Close your doors and windows!

Prevent fire and theft!

Close your doors and windows!

Prevent fire and theft!

It's good to be home.

What's going on? Is there an assassin?

I told my wife to set this up to guard against villains.

But talking about this, I didn't expect 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 this is 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 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 switched the position.

Official Fan, why don't I carry you on my back?

Is your father Wang Qinian?

I'm his good friend. You can call me Uncle.

For me?

Thank you.

The congee is ready.

The congee is ready.

Mother is asking you to eat.

Okay.

You must be Official Fan. I'm Qinian's wife. [Wife of Wang Qinian]

Please don't call me Official Fan. Old Wang and I are sworn brothers.

Based on this, I should call you Sister-in-law instead.

Official Fan, please have a seat.

Qinian went out in the morning to run some errands.

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. Official Fan, sorry about this.

Please don't say that. I'm the one troubling you.

There's meat!

That's great. What's your name?

Ba Ba. [It sounds like Baba - Father in Mandarin]

I didn't teach her that.

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.

Uncle, your egg fell.

Thanks.

I heard you have dozens of relationships in the capital.

I swear to heavens that it's not true. It's fake. They are rumors.

- Not even one? - Not even one.

What about Her Highness then?

My engagement with Wan'er is real.

But other than that, everything else is fake.

Official Fan, I believe you. Please have your meal.

Uncle, 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.

Why didn't you change her name then?

If the name is masculine, she can be strong too. 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. "Don't talk when you're eating. Go to bed when it's time to sleep."

I shouldn't speak while eating.

Change since you know you're wrong.

I know now. I'll change.

Get up now.

Official Fan, please have a seat.

I was disciplining my child. Official Fan, please make yourself at home.

Chief.

Where's Yan Ruohai?

He locked himself up.

Let's check on him.

- Official Fan, don't move. - Let me help you to clean up.

Official Fan, I heard from Qinian that you're paying rent.

That's what he said?

He said it's one tael a day to cover our expenses.

- Isn't this so? - You're right.

I have to pay my rent.

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

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

Official Fan, please have a seat.

Ba Ba, chat with Uncle.

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 borrowing it for a while.

Do you like meat?

I do.

Do you know what the best kind of meat is?

- 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?

Uncle wants to have some pork belly.

Official Fan, I'll prepare some for dinner.

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

Not bad. You tricked me into getting pork belly for you, too.

Can you do me a favor?

Okay.

Do you have any papers at home? Find a piece of burnt charcoal stick too.

Ba Ba takes after her father.

There are traces of Wang Qinian in the city.

Chief, seems like it's what you expected.

Fan Xian isn't dead. He even came to the capital.

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

He can't come here.

The Inspection and Control Bureau is above all officials.

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

If he abuses his power as a supervisor

for his personal affairs, he'll be executed.

Didn't you say His Majesty was furious?

He deceived the ruler by faking his death.

That warrants the death penalty as well.

Either way, he will die.

Why are you still in the mood for congee?

I've already done everything I could.

Can it save him?

He can only save himself.

What if Fan Xian can't overcome this crisis?

If he fails, I fear 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 really dies,

many people will be buried with him.

Translation and Timing by the Joy of Life 2 Team @ Viki.com

"Excuse Me" by Zhou Shen

♫ The young man raises his face as he moves towards his moon ♫

♫ They tease him for his arrogance. How can they be so different? ♫

♫ Wearing a white robe when crossing a muddy pond ♫

♫ How can it remain unstained? ♫

♫ As long as a silver tael has a price, who can still be truly carefree? ♫

♫ You are all correct ♫

♫ He said to please make way ♫

♫ Let me get drunk ♫

♫ And leisurely recite a few chapters of poems ♫

♫ Let me wear a white robe and cross the alley of insanity ♫

♫ to catch the moonlight in the muddy pond ♫

♫ Sir, I hope you will forgive me ♫

♫ Your words of advice, I understand but I don't want to pretend ♫

♫ Everyone searches for prosperous towns while I search for the moon ♫

♫ Why should we travel together? ♫

♫ I apologize ♫

♫ Excuse me ♫

♫ You are you. I am me ♫

♫ I apologize ♫

♫ Excuse me ♫

♫ You are you. I am me ♫

♫ Wearing a white robe when crossing a muddy pond ♫

♫ Remarkably worldly-wise yet hopelessly romantic ♫

♫ Know there's love in your heart ♫

♫ Don't ever change ♫

♫ They have seen light and darkness ♫

♫ And yet retained their innocence ♫

♫ Cloaked in moonlight ♫

♫ They travelled through the night ♫