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 2]

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.

Official Fan.

Xiao Nian Nian. (Styled similar to a nickname of a child)

- Ba Ba! - Xiao Nian Nian.

Ba Ba, I missed you very much.

You were sleeping soundly this morning, so I didn't wake you up.

I missed you terribly.

Get back to your business.

Thank you, dear.

Come.

Xiao Nian Nian.

Go inside.

Thank you, dear.

Official Fan, here's what you asked for.

I noticed something was off outside.

What's wrong? Have you found anything about the Teng Family?

Not yet.

But while I was asking around,

I discovered the news of your death has spread not just among the populace,

but also within the court.

So?

So I don't think it's good if this gets out of hand.

How will you explain to His Majesty later?

This is a deception against the emperor. Your head could roll.

I know.

If so, let's return to the diplomatic corps

and tell them that your death is misinformation.

Don't worry, I thought about that.

As long as you are prepared.

Keep on searching for the Tengs.

Are you returning to the diplomatic corps first?

I'm going to request an audience with His Majesty.

His Majesty?

Official Fan, the news of your death is making the rounds.

If you meet His Majesty now, you are seeking death.

Indeed. It's difficult.

But a dead end is where we seek survival.

You can say that,

but what if you do not survive the dead end? You are heading straight to the dead end.

There is no other way.

I have to face it anyway. I should just try.

Wait, Official Fan. You can't risk your own life.

Old Wang, if I die, you should move.

Don't stay in the capital. This place is no fun.

I... Official Fan.

Official Fan. Official Fan!

Official Fan! You must seek survival!

I remember you told me that Young Official Fan was intelligent.

Of course.

Young Official Fan is nothing but a paragon of wisdom.

Then why are you so worried?

Because the path he chose is a dead end.

Assassin! Assassin!

- Seize the assassin! - Seize the assassin!

Freeze.

Don't panic, everyone.

I'm just an ordinary assassin.

Can you all please stop embarrassing me?

I even received complaints on cleaning jobs like such.

When will you stop causing me trouble?

Eunuch Hou, the guard said an assassin wants to see you.

You see, even an...

[Eunuch Hou, Head Eunuch]

[Eunuch Hou, Head Eunuch] Who wants to see me?

Eunuch Hou.

He is very familiar with every corner of the palace. He doesn't seem to be an outsider.

So we think we should let you take a look first.

A bunch of cowards.

Move aside.

Hi, Eunuch Hou.

Disperse. Disperse.

My goodness, Young Master Fan. What are you doing here?

Eunuch Hou, please relay a message for me.

What is it about?

- I want to seek an audience with His Majesty. - You can't.

His Majesty is livid now.

If you want to meet His Majesty, you are seeking death.

Please tell His Majesty that I have a reason. Just meet once.

Oh, Young Master Fan. I beg of you. Please leave.

Please, I'm only asking you to relay this message.

His Majesty is angry with you.

If I were to do that, I might die along with you.

My following words will be improper,

but given the current situation, if you don't leave,

you will meet your dead end here.

So put on your mask and leave the way you came.

I'll pretend we never met.

You faked your death and deceived His Majesty.

This is utterly foolish!

Or what? What else could I have done?

No matter how serious the matter was, you should've endured until your return to the capital.

Lives were at risk. I couldn't wait.

- What about your own life? - So?

Do you want to take my life now, Chief Chen?

You should know what you are getting into.

- I do. - What do you know?

Everyone is telling me that if I meet His Majesty now, I will die for sure.

The only way to survive is to leave the capital.

If you do so, it's nothing different from killing yourself.

By that logic, there is no path of survival for me at all.

Correct.

If you meet His Majesty, you will die.

To survive, you must die first.

Risk your life to meet His Majesty and you may secure a path to survival.

If His Majesty spares you, you might get through this.

But I don't even have the chance to meet him.

I will try to persuade His Majesty.

Whether or not you would die, it is uncertain.

I know you don't trust me now, which is a good thing.

If you still trust me blindly, you are done for.

But now you have no choice.

Wait.

Please pass this on to His Majesty.

Don't open it.

I don't need to know what is inside.

Xiao En revealed the secret of the temple before he died.

If His Majesty doesn't mention the temple, do not bring it up.

If His Majesty agrees to meet you, you must keep this in mind.

Before you are certain you can come back to life honorably,

don't come to me.

Whatever you want to do or whoever you want to save, I won't help you either.

Just consider you have no allies here in the capital.

You are on your own.

I can't go to other places, either?

Don't come to the Fan Mansion or seek me out.

As for the rest, you decide for yourself.

Thanks.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

I have good news to report.

The news of Fan Xian's death has spread through the entire capital,

which has triggered collective anger

and determination of our scholars.

[Emperor Qing, Ruler of the Qing Kingdom] Before today, Northern Qi had far prevailed over our Qing Kingdom in literature.

Congratulations, Your Majesty.

Now, the tide has turned.

Our scholars no longer worship at the shrine of Northern Qi.

Given what you said, Fan Xian does deserve to die.

He deserves to die for deceiving the emperor.

But if he were alive, he might still be useful.

After all, scholars everywhere have regarded Fan Xian

as the future master of literature.

If he were alive,

scholars of Northern Qi would regard us highly.

Your Majesty, there are rumors suggesting that the news of his death

might be misinformation as it traveled across thousands of miles.

That's possible.

Anyway, deception against the emperor is unforgivable.

However, Fan Xian knows he is out of favor, yet still pleads to see you.

This shows that he knows he has done wrong,

and he doesn't intend to avoid the death penalty.

This is the gift the child prepared.

This young man...

was almost killed when he was in Northern Qi,

but he still held concern for you.

He simply deserves to die.

Well, Your Majesty,

why don't you meet with him before executing him?

It's never too late.

Is there anything else?

I shall take my leave now.

I, Fan Xian, am sinful.

I deceived you about my death, Your Majesty.

I'm unforgivable. I deserve a thousand deaths!

I grew up in Danzhou.

I was oblivious to worldly affairs and had no lofty ambition.

It wasn't until I came to the capital and received a promotion.

Without your trust, I wouldn't have come this far.

Although I have never spoken up,

I have never forgotten your gracefulness.

Ever since I was sent on the diplomatic mission, I prepared myself for death.

The matter of life and death can never surpass the weight of your trust.

There is only one reason I seek an audience with you today, Your Majesty.

I only wish to report on everything I learned in Northern Qi.

I mustn't affect the state affairs by my mere death.

While in Northern Qi,

I learned that the Eldest Princess, Li Yunrui,

and the Second Prince, Li Chengze,

conspired with Northern Qi's Embroidered Uniform Guards.

They are suspected of committing treason.

On the return journey with the diplomatic corps,

I was compelled

by Li Chengze's men as they used my family and friends as leverage.

It was a desperate move to fake my death to flee.

Although I had my reasons, the act is still unlawful.

If His Majesty doesn't mention the temple, do not bring it up.

Apart from that, before Xiao En's passing,

he told me that the temple is in the far north.

As for confidential intel like such,

I must either keep it a secret or tell a trustworthy person.

I hope Your Majesty will consider it carefully.

I have reported everything I learned in Northern Qi to you, Your Majesty.

Now, I have no regrets even if I die.

My only concern is

that I won't have a chance to serve you and this country after my death.

If my soul lives on,

I will protect you and the Qing Kingdom.

May the Qing Kingdom expand in prosperity.

May you always be healthy and safe, Your Majesty.

That's all from me.

I bow to accept my death.

Get lost!

[Yanhua Hall]

Didn't I tell you to get lost?

Long time no see.

Fan Xian?

Weren't you on a mission in Northern Qi?

What are you doing here?

Your Highness, your acting is too much.

[Li Chengqian, Crown Prince] What... What do you mean?

The elegiac couplet for me is hanging outside. You know I'm dead.

I better not.

What makes a good crown prince? Ignorance makes a good crown prince.

I'm standing right before you.

I can't see.

Don't you want to know why I faked my death and returned here?

I'm blind. I'm deaf.

Li Yunrui and Li Chengze conspired with Northern Qi's Embroidered Uniform Guards in smuggling and embezzlement.

They are up to no good.

Your second brother is devious.

[Li Yunrui, Eldest Princess] He has been coveting the Royal Treasury.

No way. This is impossible!

How could Aunt possibly be on Second Brother's side?

Do you really think you know the Princess Royal well?

- Where did you get that news? - Zhenfu Bureau Commander of Embroidered Uniform Guards, Shen Zhong.

Do you have proof?

There is a small town on the border named Shijia Town.

It's a hub where Northern Qi stocks and transfers smuggled goods into the land.

Look into all the vendors within this town and you will find the truth.

You said you got the news from the man called Shen Zhong. Right?

- The young emperor of Northern Qi investigated this for me. - Why would that young emperor help you?

I took on the smuggling business, so Li Chengze wanted to kill me.

I will dispatch my man to Shijia Town.

So you are not deaf now?

At desperate times like this, there are other priorities that matter more.

I will send you back to the diplomatic corps.

I need to stay in the capital for the time being.

You can hide in my residence.

I appreciate that. But I have something to attend to.

Your life is at stake now, let me know if you need anything.

I shall thank you in advance.

Your Highness, don't let Li Chengze know about our collaboration.

Of course. This is a secret.

- The guards just now... - I will lock them up for some time.

I never expected that we would join hands one day.

It's a mutually beneficial exchange.

Take care.

[Yanhua Hall]

Gather all the guards who came to the hall just now.

- Is everyone here? - Yes.

How could humans...

have no sympathy?

They have been serving me for years.

I will give them a dignified death.

We have to go now. If not, not only can't we save the Tengs,

but my wife and Ba Ba might also be in danger.

What are you panicking about?

Why did you go to the Crown Prince?

This is considered a private alliance. It adds up to your charge.

Besides, if news about you going to the palace gets out,

someone might take this opportunity and make your death real.

Old Wang, listen to me.

To revive myself, what matters most is time. Right?

If I can't revive myself before the diplomatic corps arrive at the capital,

it will be difficult.

That's why I went to the Crown Prince.

Can he revive you?

That's not it.

Because I have too little time to investigate so many things.

I can't handle them all by myself. So I need to split up the tasks and cooperate with others.

I got the Crown Prince to investigate the Second Prince's smuggling business.

The two of us will focus on finding the Tengs. Once we find them, we can return to the diplomatic corps.

What if we can't?

If the worst comes to worst, all of us die.

Official Fan, it can't be that serious. My wife and Ba Ba...

No, it's not that serious. Not at all.

There will always be a way.

Speaking of which, have you found anything yet?

I got some news.

I asked around.

Elder Fei Jie isn't in the capital.

He is on official business. He is safe.

As for Young Master Sizhe, he too is safe.

I also asked about him.

They said he always leaves early and comes back late.

They don't know what he is busy with.

But there is no sign of abduction.

So the Tengs are the only ones who have gone missing?

There is news about them too.

Someone saw them being taken away.

Did they see where they were taken?

Moon Embracing House.

Moon Embracing House? What is that place?

A brothel.

Are you really not coming out?

I don't know how much longer I will have to stay.

So I had them bring some of my stuff in.

It shouldn't be long.

- Is there any news? - An assassin met His Majesty.

An assassin met His Majesty?

- Fan Xian? - His Majesty wants him to return alive honorably.

He doesn't have much time, then.

Once the diplomatic corps arrive at the capital and the dust settles,

his chance of revival will be lost.

Fan Xian has been cremated. Should we return to the capital now?

Be patient.

We will keep observing...

until we have confirmed there are no unforeseen events.

If His Majesty intended to revive him,

why did he publicly declare Fan Xian's death?

His Majesty wanted to show those who went after Fan Xian

what would happen after his death.

It was a magnificent scene ever, as if it were a national burial.

After all, Zhuang Mohan even passed on his collection to him.

That means a great deal.

It symbolizes the legacy of literature.

Aside from that, His Majesty was giving Fan Xian a warning.

This young lad is good, but he is also too unconventional.

Will Fan Xian understand that?

He may understand, but he won't obey.

Actually, this is a good opportunity.

The news of his death is spreading widely.

If he dies now, no one will say anything or doubt it.

- Where are you going? - Didn't you want me to kill Fan Xian?

Have you even found him yet?

Notify me if you do.

In fact,

it's not easy to track down Fan Xian.

But we can lure him to show himself.

But where would he appear?

It can be nowhere other than the Moon Embracing House.

Moon Embracing House?

If Fan Xian wants to find the Tengs, he must go to the Moon Embracing House.

Aren't you going to help him?

Given the current situation, His Majesty is watching.

He might not be happy if I get involved.

Who is behind this Moon Embracing House?

[Moon Embracing House]

Open up.

May I go in?

Sorry. You can't enter without the entry pass.

- Please do me a favor. - No. Here. Please leave.

[Moon Embracing House Literati Pass]

[The only credential]

Please come in. Enjoy your time.

Not just anyone can go in there.

Isn't that a brothel?

It is, but a fancy one.

They select their customers.

Only those with status and talents

will receive the credential, which is the only access to it.

It's said to be quieter and more elegant than other brothels.

I see, it's a membership system.

What is a membership system?

Nothing. This credential...

It's hard to get.

But I asked someone just now.

We now have an incredible opportunity.

What is it?

There is a commemoration for the Immortal Poet.

They are commemorating you.

We will commemorate me getting into Moon Embracing House?

If one commemorates you well,

they will be granted the credential to enter Moon Embracing House.

Well, what makes a good commemoration?

Everyone, today,

[In memory of Immortal Poet, Fan Xian] we have three revered judges

with us in this commemoration event.

Any commemorator who gains recognition from the three judges

will receive the Literati Pass.

It grants you access to Moon Embracing House.

- What are they doing? - "Do you not see

that the Yellow River descends from the sky?" (From Li Bai, Tang Dynasty poet)

It's your drunk poem you performed in Qinian Hall.

"I'm born with talents, and I can splurge with no ends."

[Pass] Bravo!

They are imitating you. They are good commemorators.

How come this sounds kind of weird?

Because they are commemorating your death.

The Great Official Fan!

The Great Official Fan!

Mister, what weapon do you prefer?

Sword, of course.

How awkward.

[Fail] Look, those are bad commemorators.

So this is a mimicry show.

I think I can understand mimicry, but what is "show"? (Chinese load word)

It means show. (Said in English)

You are skinnier than me. ("Show" in English and "skinny" in Chinese are homophones)

"I cannot forget how mortified I was about the defeat in the Huangkong Bund." (From Wen Tianxiang, Song Dynasty poet)

Fellow judges,

please try this.

"Although we may not possess the colorful wings of a phoenix to fly together" (From Li Shangyin, Tang dynasty poet)

but our hearts are close.

I... I will do it again.

Let me try again. Give me one more chance.

Do I look like him?

What do you think? That is a bad commemorator.

He is not as "skinny" as you.

Don't you think this is an incredible opportunity for us?

No one can do better than the Immortal Poet himself.

Official Fan, aren't we going to sneak into the Moon Embracing House for some scouting?

Why don't you join the commemoration?

If Moon Embracing House were open to the public, I might have given it a shot.

Official Fan.

Why did you give Official Fan this?

This... This is quite good.

Dear, let me do it.

Are you worried someone might recognize you?

If I could get away with that,

I don't think I can conceal myself if I go there alone.

I think the commemoration might be a trap.

Like a catching a turtle in an urn.

- To catch you. - No, that's not what I mean.

If so, we should sneak into the building when the night is dark.

We only have one chance. I'm afraid we might alert them.

Who is in charge of Moon Embracing House?

I need to investigate.

Yuan Meng.

Who is Yuan Meng?

Young Official Fan, please write me a poem!

Young Official Fan!

Young Official Fan, you are great!

Young Official Fan!

You are finally here!

[Yuan Meng, Manager of Moon Embracing House]

- Yuan Meng, Madam Yuan. - Retreat.

She was once the top courtesan around the Liujing River.

She was the most famous before Si Lili.

How did you know about this?

We used to sell rouge and fragrance.

I know a thing or two about the brothel business.

- Why didn't you tell me earlier? - Don't blame him.

Qinian doesn't get involved much in this area.

I have to avoid it.

You are a role model husband.

Official Fan, should we start with Yuan Meng?

Is Yuan Meng the owner of Moon Embracing House?

She manages the brothel, but she doesn't own it.

The identity of the owner is a mystery.

No one has ever seen this person.

If we want to find the Tengs, we must track down this mysterious owner.

Those outside the brothel may not know, but those inside might.

Do you know someone there?

There is a young lady who knows Qinian.

No way. This is impossible, Official Fan.

I value my reputation more than anything in my life.

My unsullied reputation can speak for itself.

Don't believe in rumors, dear.

Miss Sang Wen.

Why did it slip out of my hands?

Are you sweating?

Didn't we deliver the rouge and fragrance directly to Miss Sang Wen?

You are right.

But I have nothing to do with her.

Official Fan, I remember it now.

At first, I sold music scores to her, then a guqin,

and finally, the fragrance as my wife said.

You sold quite a few things.

Anything else?

I've also sold maps and "Dream of the Red Chamber." You know that.

But after I met you, I only sold my services.

Dear, if you hadn't mentioned

Sang... what's the name again? I would've forgotten her.

Now, Miss Sang Wen is in Moon Embracing House.

Didn't she say she only composes and sings songs, not...

You are lucky, Official Fan. It seems that Qinian still remembers her.

He can put you in touch with her.

Why is it broken?

- No idea. - No idea.

I will get a new one.

Me?

I will look for a new one for you.

- Maybe I don't need the tea... - Right.

We should drink it. As you wish.

Where is the spoon?

Right here.

Off you go.

Official Fan is waiting to hear about Miss Sang Wen from you.

No, I'm really not familiar with her.

Besides, she is in Moon Embracing House. Right?

Even if I want to meet with her, I don't stand a chance.

You even think about meeting her?

No, I... I... Of course, I must think about it.

I must think of a sure-fire plan for Official Fan.

Official Fan.

Official Fan. Don't look.

It's getting red?

She has long fingers.

It will fade after a while.

Official Fan, there is a way to meet her.

These courtesans go out to purchase rouge and clothes.

- Which store? - I know where they visit.

If we want to find Sang Wen, we have to wait for her to come to us.

Can you sneak into the store?

I know the owners.

Old Wang, you do deserve this slap.

Wait, don't get the wrong idea.

I just make a little money from them occasionally.

There's nothing else.

If you don't believe me...

I'm not lying, right?

Why didn't you explain to her?

Official Fan, you are single. You wouldn't know.

Even if I don't lie, I won't defend myself.

Otherwise, it will be troublesome.

Women shouldn't be suspicious,

while men should count their blessings.

Marriage isn't easy.

- Well, let's go. - Let's go.

Dear.

I'm heading out for some business with Official Fan.

Remember to bring back a blue-flowered handkerchief.

All right.

What's wrong?

- What does she mean? - What are you talking about?

The store we are heading to is famous for its blue-flowered handkerchiefs.

Interesting.

Hurry. Ladies from Moon Embracing House are coming out.

How beautiful.

Make way.

Here, clear the way.

They all look like fairies.

Miss, have a look at this. This is the latest design.

It's perfect for you.

Don't push me.

You have fine taste.

This is not bad.

This is good, too.

Look at this. What do you think?

This is my favorite color.

The embroidery is exquisite.

This is hand-embroidered. It's beautiful, isn't it?

Miss Sang Wen.

[Sang Wen, singer of Moon Embracing House]

Yesterday's evening clouds were like smoke.

So I guessed you would be here soon.

I have prepared the thing you requested back then.

This way, please.

Are you going in with me?

Miss.

Don't shout. We met before.

It's me. Wang Qinian.

I'm wearing a disguise. Take this.

This is Young Master Zhao.

He has admired you for a long time, and he wanted to meet you.

That's all. Please don't tell anyone.

This gift is too much, Young Official Fan.

No, he is not. He's Xiao Zhao.

- I met you before. - Where?

When Miss Si Lili lit fireworks and rode on a boat to meet with you that night,

I was watching from upstairs.

We are quite fated, then.

I heard that you were dead.

- I heard about that too. - My condolences.

Thank you. I will move on.

What do you mean?

Official Fan, do you want to investigate Moon Embracing House?

- Who told you that? - Not me.

You came back from the dead and waited for me at this place.

I don't think you are interested in me.

I'm just an ordinary woman.

Except for Moon Embracing House, everything around me is ordinary and things are as usual.

What's unusual about Moon Embracing House, then?

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 ♫

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

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

♫ 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? ♫

♫ 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 ♫

♫ He said to please make way ♫

♫ Let me get drunk ♫

♫ And leisurely recite a few chapters of poems ♫

♫ And leisurely recite a few chapters of poems ♫

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

♫ 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 ♫

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

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

♫ 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 ♫

♫ You are you. I am me ♫

♫ I apologize ♫

♫ Excuse me ♫

♫ You are you. I am 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 ♫