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 3]

What do you mean?

Sir, 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?

Although Moon Embracing House opened not long ago,

it assembled the best

and most profitable courtesans in the capital.

Every brothel has a backer

but no one has ever dared to object.

This is unusual.

Miss Sang, may I ask you for a favor?

I want to seek your help, too.

This is negotiable.

Sir, please keep the banknotes first

so that I can make my request.

What do you want me to help you with?

Sir, you should ask me first.

If I can't help you, I won't make a request.

Miss Sang, you're very clear-headed.

With an identity like mine, I can't survive if I'm not clear-headed.

Who is the owner of Moon Embracing House?

No idea. I've never seen the owner ever since I joined Moon Embracing House.

Let me ask you another question.

Have you seen a pair of mother and son in Moon Embracing House?

The child is around six to seven years old.

I have not.

Sir, the people you're looking for probably didn't join Moon Embracing House voluntarily. Right?

They didn't. They were forcibly abducted.

We've never seen those abductees.

If there's a pair of mother and son,

they should be locked up in the same place as the rest.

Where is it?

No one has ever told us.

We don't even know who their latest victim is.

A few days ago, one of the girls was beaten up badly.

She ran to the front courtyard and bumped into me.

If the pair of mother and son were abducted, she may have seen them.

What's her name?

I don't know.

I only know her family name seemed to have been"Jin".

Her father is a vegetable seller.

Miss Sang Wen, time to go.

Okay. I'll be there after changing my outfit.

Wait.

You haven't told me how I can help you.

Was my information useful?

It was.

I want to leave Moon Embracing House.

It's dangerous for you to come with me now.

It's not that it can't be done.

It's not now.

I can never escape from this identity as long as my indenture is here.

In that case, I'll buy your indenture.

Sir, I dare not ask you to spend a fortune.

I've enough money to buy my indenture. I only seek an opportunity to redeem myself.

You can't even buy it with your own money?

They used a blade to threaten me to sign the indenture.

They're forcing women to become courtesans now?

The owner of Moon Embracing House can hoodwink the public.

Don't tell anyone that you've seen me.

Wait for me to return to rescue you.

There's no rush for now.

We'll wait for your resurrection and talk again later.

Your Highness,

this is the full list of attendees for the memorial service.

Fan Xian didn't show up.

Were there any movements in Wang Qinian's residence?

Not really.

I've also planted our men at all corners.

We only saw his wife and daughter entering and exiting the house. We didn't see him.

Could it be that Fan Xian hasn't reached the capital yet?

- Should we wait a little longer? - We can't wait.

Young Official Fan's death is known to all now.

If he returns to the diplomatic corps, we won't get this opportunity again.

But he's not showing himself.

Wujiu, do you know

what the most touching moment in the world is?

Passing the imperial examination.

It's reuniting with one's family.

Do you know what the prerequisite is?

- You must have a family first. - You must be separated before you can be reunited.

Wujiu, invite Wang Qinian's wife and daughter here.

I want to witness their reunion.

Yes, Your Highness.

I'm waiting for that touching moment.

Sir, I made some enquiries.

This is the street.

The team responsible for making purchases for Moon Embracing House will pass by here later.

Remember, there are two vegetable baskets in the last cart.

They are empty. You can hide in there.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

They're here.

Sir, do you have any spare change?

[Moon Embracing]

Look at the silver taels!

- It's mine! - It's mine.

There are silver taels over there!

Go away! Don't steal my money!

This is mine!

West of the ancient fortress,

at the fabled Battle of Red Cliffs, Zhou Yu of the Three Kingdoms

sent rocks to pierce the sky,

scary waves to crash against the shore, and snow to pile up.

Excellent!

Go in now.

Hurry up.

Be careful with my goods.

Go in. This is the place.

Go in. Be careful.

Old Liu, inspect all these carts carefully for me.

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

Captain, take care.

[Old Jin, Vegetable Seller in the capital]

I met you before.

I don't know you.

You were on the stage before this. Right?

Everyone, please give me another chance!

Please give me another chance! Please give me another chance!

Please give me another chance!

You're that desperate to go in there?

It's more important than my life.

You're not young anymore. You should watch your health.

It doesn't matter.

I don't care about myself as long as I can see my daughter.

Your daughter is in Moon Embracing House?

Why?

Because of 500 taels.

Did you sell your daughter?

I would never do that no matter how despicable I am.

My daughter did it to pay for the vegetables.

She sold herself.

Money for vegetables? What kind of vegetables costs 500 taels?

It's the debt I incurred from selling vegetables.

Eunuch Dai who purchases vegetables for the palace buys vegetables from me.

Wait. Are you a vegetable seller?

- Is your surname Jin? - How did you know?

- Leave it over here. - Hurry.

- Okay. - Careful.

Don't break it.

I'll get a chicken.

You just said that you deliver vegetables to the palace.

That's great. You'll have a business no matter the season.

But Eunuch Dai charges us extra as a sign of respect for him.

We can't miss out on all the festivals and his birthday.

On his last birthday, I had no money.

Eunuch Dai held a grudge against me.

After that, he kept complaining that my vegetables weren't fresh.

Then if they aren't fresh, can't you not sell to him?

If only that was the case.

If they're not fresh, he'll penalize you.

He'll say that you're disrespecting the imperial family.

He penalized me every day. I owed him money.

I ended up with a debt of 500 taels.

That's why my daughter did such a silly thing.

Can't you stop delivering vegetables to the palace?

If you don't deliver, it's deceiving the ruler

and you will also be beheaded.

No one dares to file a complaint against Eunuch Dai?

I'm just a vegetable seller. How can I file a complaint against him?

By using the law.

Eunuch Dai is the law.

When my daughter sold herself, I didn't even see the money.

Moon Embracing House gave Eunuch Dai the money directly.

They said it was to settle my debt.

Seems like Eunuch Dai is quite close with Moon Embracing House.

Who knows? They are all powerful people.

Since then, I have wanted to go in and see my daughter daily.

I wanted to tell her that I'm saving up money

and that I'll definitely rescue her.

Open the back door and let the convoy leave immediately.

Check the back courtyard and see if you missed out anything.

- I'll help you. - Hurry!

Sir,

this is my private stash.

Please take them.

- I just... - Take it.

But...

You don't need to kneel.

I'm using you too. I'm not helping you.

I can't go in even if I have the money.

I need an invitation before I can go in.

Hurry! Don't fall behind!

Hurry up! Quick.

I'll settle this for you.

It was suddenly announced outside Jian Gate that Jibei was recaptured.

Spring is here and the city is lush with greenery.

When I see the flowers bloom, I cry and feel resentful.

I hate to say farewell...

That's the wrong poem.

Accompanied by youth,

the fire beacon alarm continued for three months.

- The family... - Why are you cheating?

That's nonsense!

Get off the stage!

Young Official Fan,

your name lives forever!

Why is this old man here again?

What is he up to this time?

He has a good posture.

- He looks presentable, right? - Yes.

He wrote that fast?

It does resemble his handwriting!

It does!

It resembles his handwriting!

Excellent!

Great!

Excellent!

Great!

Excellent!

He won all the votes and will receive an invitation.

Next.

Go on stage and mourn for him.

"Say Farewell to My Friend, Dong."

A thousand miles...

A thousand miles...

Next. Go on stage and mourn for him.

[Moon Embracing House]

Please go in.

Sir, he's lucky to have met you.

Have you heard of Eunuch Dai who's in charge of purchasing vegetables for the palace?

I heard of him but I've never seen him.

I must see him later and see what this law looks like.

Sir, if you want to climb up the ranks,

you must learn to be the dust and light and go with the flow.

You must learn to keep one eye closed.

How can such a person deserve to be known as the light?

Whether he is or not, he works in the palace after all.

Are there many people like Old Jin?

They're commoners and already used to this.

Mother, I'm not sleepy. I don't want to take a nap.

You can have dinner when you wake up.

Is there meat tonight?

You can't always eat meat.

I can still eat.

There's meat. Go to sleep.

Mother,

why did Father and Uncle Fan leave from the well?

Don't tell anyone that your father and Uncle Fan came back. Understand?

I understand. Mother, don't worry.

When I was playing with Sanya and the rest, I told them Father died.

You don't need to say that.

Is Father back?

He doesn't need to knock on the door when he comes back.

Hide under the bed.

- Sir. - Everyone, go back now.

Please come back early tomorrow. Please leave.

- We've another session tomorrow. - Sirs, please go back.

That's all for today. We will have another session tomorrow.

Please go home. Please go back.

Sirs, please go home.

Please go back. Come back early tomorrow.

Everyone, that's all for today.

We'll continue with the mourning tomorrow.

Go now.

Clean up that area.

Okay.

He's out.

[Moon Embracing House]

How did it go?

Regarding your request,

I asked my daughter about it.

Among the newcomers that are being locked up, she said

none of them had a son.

Don't worry.

The people you're looking for are not in Moon Embracing House.

If so, that means we don't have any leads now.

My benefactor, you can come and try tomorrow.

What do you mean?

My daughter said they are lecturing the newcomers.

They said the owner will be there tomorrow.

The owner of Moon Embracing House? He's quite mysterious.

No one knows his identity.

Benefactor, you have money.

If you meet the owner,

you can ask him.

Where's your daughter? Why didn't she leave with you?

They said 500 taels

was only enough for two hours.

They wanted me to use that 500 taels to be with my daughter.

How much were they asking for?

10,000 taels.

I can never save up that much money in my lifetime!

As for your 500 taels,

I failed to get it back.

Not only did I fail to save my daughter,

I wasted your money too.

I'm so useless.

Don't do this!

- I'm so sorry! - Don't do this!

You've done me a huge favor. You don't need to return the 500 taels.

Regarding the 10,000 taels, I'll think of a solution. Don't worry.

I'm going to sell vegetables...

to repay your kindness.

If only I can survive!

Sir!

Don't go there!

- Move out of the way! - Go away!

Let's go, sir.

Collect his corpse and report to the authorities. It's an accidental injury from causing trouble.

We'll pay whatever we need to.

If you charge out now, you'll only alert the enemies.

- Clean it up. - Stop looking!

A human's life is at stake!

- A brothel dares to do... - The owner of the brothel is the culprit.

Everyone, leave. Stop looking.

Go back.

He went in alive and came out dead.

Is there any other possibility?

But we weren't in there just now.

I'll definitely be here tomorrow. [Moon Embracing House]

I want to see

who exactly the owner of Moon Embracing House is.

[Moon Embracing House]

What's with the heavy blow?

The old man started it first. We had no choice

but to defend ourselves.

Where's his daughter?

We're watching her closely to prevent her from committing suicide.

- Has the blood been cleaned up thoroughly? - Yes, it has.

The road is as good as new. We did it according to your instructions.

- Your waist! - The exterior and interior have been diligently cleaned up

to maintain the image of one who treats people with sincerity and affection.

Does he have any other family members?

No. He had only one daughter. She's here with us.

Deliver some money to her.

Tell our men to take care of her and console her. Talk more sense into her.

Her father is gone. She must be sad

but it's easier for her to stop thinking about it. Right?

Keep your butt straight!

Is your hand a chicken foot?

Tell that girl that we'll hold a funeral for her father.

Tell her to work hard and become a top courtesan in the future.

When she goes back to sweep the tomb,

her father who's in the underworld will be happy when he sees that.

Madam Yuan, you're too kind.

Again.

Where are your waists?

Raise your chests. Beautiful.

Sir, according to what Old Jin said,

the supervisor from the Vegetables Inspection Department is also Eunuch Dai.

But don't worry.

We can investigate him thoroughly once you've resurrected.

What's the matter?

Dear?

I searched the entire place. She's nowhere to be seen.

- Could she be visiting her relatives? - No way.

My wife knows that your return to the capital is a secret.

Ba Ba!

It's the same as the Teng family.

They're gone.

It must be Moon Embracing House.

Sir!

It's pointless for you to go there now!

Their lives are much more important than mine!

- Calm down. Listen to me first. - What did you say?

Didn't I tell you earlier that we should leave as soon as possible?

Otherwise, my wife and my daughter will be in danger.

Great. Second Prince has captured them.

How can I not panic now?

This morning, we saw them killing an old man

right in front of our eyes!

The world is bright and peaceful.

All is well.

[Good Fortune Lasts Forever]

Old Wang, I'm going.

Sir, be careful.

Keep an eye on the affairs out there.

Yes, sir.

Don't worry. I can definitely rescue them.

Sir, I trust you.

Fan Wujiu.

Your Highness.

You're really reading every day.

I've never seen you go overboard on this.

The spring examination is nearing. I need to be prepared.

What? You plan to take the examination?

Which scholar doesn't want to pass the imperial examination?

Scholar?

You're even carrying a sword.

It wasn't my choice to practice martial arts.

Actually, I've been a scholar since I was young.

Scholar? Great.

You can devise strategies for me.

Come, Scholar. Help me to think.

Why did Wang Qinian's wife and daughter

disappear out of the blue?

Talking about this, it's strange too.

Yesterday, I saw them entering the Wang Residence.

Guess what happened when I rushed inside?

They disappeared.

Didn't they leave any traces?

I searched the entire residence.

There were no traces at all.

It's scary when I think of it.

I thought I saw ghosts.

When Wang Qinian and Fan Xian came back to the capital, did they relocate them?

If you say so, everything makes sense now.

What an idiot.

Your Highness, Wang Qinian seeks an audience.

Who?

- Wang Qinian? - Yes.

- Is he alone? - That's right.

Interesting.

- Let him in. - Yes, Your Highness.

Wang Qinian greets Your Highness.

- Where is this pear from? - I bought it.

Have some fruits.

Fan Xian faked his death in the diplomatic corps.

He's now in the capital.

Really?

I'm glad to hear that.

He actually managed to dupe me.

After returning to the capital,

he's been investigating the whereabouts of Teng Zijing's wife and son.

He's now setting his sights on Moon Embracing House.

What kind of place is that?

It's a brothel.

What has Moon Embracing House to do with the mother and son?

That doesn't matter.

Fan Xian

headed there today after knowing who the owner is.

He snuck inside there.

Your Highness, if you head there right now,

you can publicly expose his fake death and corner him.

Aren't you Fan Xian's trusted aide?

Young Official Fan treats me

as a great friend.

I'm hugely indebted to him.

Why are you betraying him?

Your Highness, I only hope that you can release my wife and daughter

after the deed is done.

So you're doing it for your family.

In my heart, my wife and daughter are more important.

Can I trust you?

Fine. I promise you this.

You can have any of my men as long as we can trap Young Official Fan today.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Wujiu, let's go to Moon Embracing House.

Yes, Your Highness.

Follow me.

Where are my shoes? Where are they?

Your Highness.

You do live up to your name as Fan Xian's trusted aide.

You've turned over a new leaf. Fan Xian won't let you off.

I don't have a choice.

Get up.

Get up!

You have a choice now.

Fan Xian's crime of deceiving the ruler

will be confirmed as long as we capture him today.

By then, you can join me.

I'll pay you whatever he's paying you.

Thank you, Your Highness.

If that's the case, forgo the pretense of cordiality

and follow me to Moon Embracing House.

Your Highness, your wish is my command.

Not bad at all.

The owner doesn't come often.

This is a rare opportunity for you.

Show him everything you've learned.

If he takes a liking to you,

it'll be a great opportunity for you to achieve instant success.

But let me say the unpleasant words first.

If anyone commits a mistake or gets into trouble,

I'll remember you for the rest of my life.

Ladies, do your best.

Miss Sang, sing well later.

Don't sing gloomy songs.

Sister Meng, don't worry. I wouldn't dare.

You must smile more.

That's the smile. It's great.

Ladies, think about how to serve him wholeheartedly.

The brothel depends on you.

Mr. Wang, be my driver.

Your Highness!

Your Highness, please spare Young Official Fan!

Why are you pleading for him now?

I would never betray him if I didn't need to save my family.

Don't worry. I didn't go through all these efforts just to kill him.

It's favorable if both parties cooperate.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Your Highness, to be honest,

I'm rather stable at driving carriages.

[Moon Embracing House]

We've cleared the front and back ends of the street.

Please don't worry.

[Hualang Store]

Here he comes.

Greetings, sir.

Don't make any mistakes later.

You saw how the newcomers were whipped.

You know that too.

It's bad if the owner hears them crying and screaming later.

That won't happen.

They're locked up in the back courtyard. Someone is watching them.

- They dare not make a sound. - How do you know that?

I was chased away by the guards when I passed by there just now.

I witnessed it.

They were sold to the brothel.

Why would a brothel need so many newcomers?

They were either duped into joining the brothel or were abducted.

If not, why would they cry every day?

I wonder who the owner is. He's so cruel.

Stop spouting nonsense. Watch what you say if you want to live.

Ladies, the owner is here.

Over here, please.

- Sir. - Sir, you're here.

- Please. - Why should I sit here?

- Try some grapes. - I...

- Try mine. - Try mine after this.

- That's enough. - Try this.

Give it a try.

- Give it a try. - That's enough!

What are you doing?

How can I have lunch if I eat all these?

I'll check the ledgers first.

Sir, the ledgers are ready.

Why not check them after the banquet?

Where's the banquet? Here?

Or it's not ready yet?

I'll check the ledgers first. Where are they?

Right now?

[Fan Sizhe, Fan Jian's Second Son]

Why are you still here? Still not leaving?

You're blocking my light.

- You're not retaining anyone of them? - They can help me to calculate?

Or do they have numbers on their faces?

Don't want to listen to any songs? How about watching a dance?

Am I here to check the ledgers or to see them?

Enough. Make them leave. Okay?

What's with all these expenditures?

What are you doing? Why are you still here?

I have to keep you company.

Keep me company? To do what?

Chat with you.

- Chat about what? - What do you want to chat about?

Don't try to pull this trick on me. I know what you're up to.

While I'm checking the ledgers, you'll distract me by chatting.

I'm sure something's wrong with the ledgers.

You're falsely accusing me.

If you don't have any other intentions, just leave.

Urge the kitchen to cook faster. I'm starving.

I'm worried you'll be lonely.

Look at all the ledgers keeping me company here.

How could I be lonely? I'm the happiest man in the world now.

Isn't it boring to check the ledgers alone?

What did you say?

You're infuriating me.

Is there anything more interesting than checking the ledgers?

Leave. I don't welcome you.

How did I infuriate him?

You thought you did a good job?

Leave.

Look for me if you need anything.

I'll be fine.

Go now.

How dare she badmouth the ledgers?

She's so annoying.

Fan Sizhe.

Fan Xian?

I knew you wouldn't die! Everyone said you were dead!

Why does it feel like it's been a few years since I saw you?!

Lower your voice.

Didn't you go to Northern Qi as an envoy?

Why are you back before the diplomatic corps?

Did you get into trouble?

You are the owner of Moon Embracing House?

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 ♫