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 ♫

♫ 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 10]

What's going on?

His Majesty granted him a seat.

Even the Crown Prince is standing. Who is he?

The Commissioner-in-chief of the Military Affairs Council,

Old General Qin Ye.

Commissioner-in-chief of the Military Affairs Council?

The head of the military.

Precisely. All of the Qing Empire army is under the charge of Old General Qin.

Why isn't he wearing armor?

He doesn't need to do so for a court session.

Who is the other chair for?

Bow.

Please don't. You don't have to do that.

Not to you.

Wake up. Everyone is watching.

You are here, Prime Minister Lin.

I wasn't sleeping. I have been awake.

[Lin Ruofu, Prime Minister]

My uncle is very imposing.

He is the head of all officials.

Official Fan, you...

This is my spot, so I will stand here from now on.

Yours is over there.

You can stand there. You are on your own now.

- Where is the dragon throne? - Pardon?

Why isn't it a dragon throne?

Why are you pulling me?

His Majesty said the dragon throne is hard, so he changed it.

How willful of him.

Keep it down.

According to His Majesty, it doesn't matter what the chair looks like.

The key is who sits on it.

That sounds reasonable.

Everything he says is reasonable.

Speaking of which, except for His Majesty himself,

only these two can be seated.

It's three.

There are only two chairs here.

It's three, indeed.

Have you been waiting for me?

What are you guys up to again?

What do you mean?

Did you teach Fan Xian to write the self-defense statement?

It was his idea.

Didn't you influence him?

I didn't.

I won't believe anything you say.

As you know, I can't say much in the hall later due to my identity.

But the Imperial Censorate is prejudiced.

Please look out for him.

Why the silence?

I can't.

I can't say a word at all.

Don't give me that!

Sorry for the trouble.

Push harder.

Has he always been like this?

Don't tease Old General Qin.

I'm just asking. Is that a problem?

Fan Xian.

It's me. And you are...?

I read your anthology before.

I do appreciate your poems. [Lai Mingcheng, Left Censor-in-chief of Imperial Censorate]

I didn't write those poems.

I know.

Immortals deliver poems in your dreams.

It wasn't from any immortals either. It's from another age.

Well-educated men should always comport themselves well.

How could you not know this?

No matter who is behind you,

no matter how fascinatingly you can write,

today, I must uphold the law and eradicate evil.

May I know who you are?

This is Left Censor-in-chief, Lai Mingcheng.

Your Highness.

He is the most revered official in the Imperial Censorate

with his character and knowledge.

Official Lai, save your energy for later.

Pay me no mind, Your Highness.

Whether you are loyal or corrupt, we will find out later.

He is a nice person. He just lacks flexibility.

That's why he still manages the Imperial Censorate.

How will you handle this?

I'm an honest man. Naturally, I face anything honestly.

Honest man? That's good.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Don't be so polite, Second Brother.

There is no need for courtesy between brothers.

Your words warm my heart.

- As long as it is not too hot. - And now it has cooled down.

- So soon? - Same for you.

Why hasn't Chief Chen arrived yet?

This is not going to stop me.

You are not as strong as before. Right?

- You can't even push half my weight up. - Stop talking.

Did you hide anything inside? So heavy.

A powerful weapon.

I won't believe anything you say.

This won't do. I must go get help. Wait here.

No need. Your help has come.

Chief Chen.

You are here too, Your Highness. Allow me.

When we first met, you stopped my horse.

Why are you raking up the past?

I knew you were bold. But I didn't expect you to be this bold.

You actually confronted the entire Imperial Censorate alone. You've got backbone.

It seems that you are here to watch the show.

Obviously.

- Eldest Brother. - Eldest Brother.

Why are you sweating?

Don't get physical later.

Don't worry. I'm not a lunatic.

What's going on?

His Majesty is arriving soon. Official Fan, hurry and return to your place.

Remember to stay still.

How many times will they sound the gong?

Just move already.

Everyone, I believe you all know what happened with the Imperial Censorate.

Have you all read Fan Xian's self-defense statement?

You didn't.

Traitorous officials are in power. What crime did I commit?]

Take a good look at it.

Do read carefully.

Lai Mingcheng.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What are you accusing him of?

I'm accusing the Chief Musician Fan Xian

of accepting bribes and abusing power.

Fan Xian.

- Yes, Your Majesty. - Do you plead guilty?

I plead not guilty.

He accused me of accepting bribes and abusing power, I don't quite understand.

Lai Mingcheng.

The Crop Inspection Bureau bribed the Inspection and Control Bureau First Division.

Fan Xian accepted the bribe in public.

There were many witnesses. This is completely truthful.

Do you admit it?

I didn't accept bribes. I'm innocent.

Fan Xian, here's the witnesses' statement.

[Crop Inspection Bureau Bribery Statement] Are you trying to deny it?

How can I admit it when I didn't accept the bribe?

Your Majesty, I request for the witness. [Qin Ye, Commissioner-in-chief of Military Affairs Council]

No need for the trouble.

Who in the Crop Inspection Bureau committed bribery?

- Eunuch Dai. - Summon him in.

Bring Eunuch Dai in.

Bring Eunuch Dai in.

Bring Eunuch Dai in.

- Chen Pingping. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Fan Xian belongs to your Inspection and Control Bureau.

How will you explain this?

The Inspection and Control Bureau also serves you, Your Majesty.

I respect the laws and don't play favoritism.

Do you think Fan Xian looks like someone who engages in corruption?

Yes.

To be honest, since I took charge of the Inspection and Control Bureau,

everyone seems suspicious to me.

Did you hear that? How could he say that?

Exactly.

Everyone seems suspicious?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Let me see.

Does Prime Minister Lin look like one?

He's more like it.

How can Prime Minister Lin be corrupt?

This is nonsense.

Chief Chen, you have good eyes.

Please pardon my poor, old eyesight.

Prime Minister Lin, Chief Chen was kidding with you.

I like jokes.

Both of you are close to Fan Xian.

Your words aren't convincing.

General Qin.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Do you think Fan Xian looks like a corrupt official?

Your Majesty,

all I know is how to fight in wars.

I don't know anything else.

However,

I don't think he looks like one.

Why?

Fan Xian went to Northern Qi as a diplomat,

and he raised the war flag of the Qing Empire in their capital.

We soldiers were thrilled to see that.

- Rightfully so. - That's right.

I also heard about that.

A young man with such bravado doesn't look like a corrupt person.

Thank you, General Qin.

I'm just stating the truth.

I heard something was going on between you and the Northern Qi Holy Maiden.

Well done.

Old General Qin, that's a rumor.

It might be true.

Uncle, that's not true.

I was just talking nonsense. Please don't take it personally.

I know.

Isn't that Eunuch Dai?

My shoe fell off.

Please let me put on my shoe before entering the hall.

I... I...

Impropriety in His Majesty's presence is very likely to get you all in trouble.

- He is bold. - He sure is.

Unbelievable.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Lai Mingcheng.

Eunuch Dai, please read this.

This is the statement.

After the First Division sealed the Crop Inspection Bureau off,

Eunuch Dai arrived immediately

and gave Fan Xian banknotes worth 3,000 taels.

Eunuch Dai, do you admit this?

No, I... I...

Did that really happen in front of the public?

That just sounds unreasonable. Right?

He sealed the letter.

Then, how did you know the sealed letter contained banknotes?

Fan Xian opened it right away.

Not only that, but he also announced the figure.

Everyone there witnessed it.

Concerning his outrageous behavior,

it shows how arrogant Fan Xian is.

Why are you looking at me? You are being questioned.

Answer.

Eunuch Dai, this is solid evidence. Think carefully.

Eunuch Dai.

Don't panic. 3,000 taels isn't much.

The Crop Inspection Bureau is under the charge of the harem.

You won't be affected by this mere crime.

3,000 taels?

That's just the tip of the iceberg.

Your Majesty, the Imperial Censorate has investigated thoroughly.

The Crop Inspection Bureau has done so many evil deeds

that evidence of their crime could be found easily.

According to the investigation, the Crop Inspection Bureau

has been exploiting the farmers by all means over the years.

This Eunuch Dai has more than one private property outside the capital.

He even framed quite a number of farmers with crop prices,

which forced them to sell their children,

or even send their daughters to brothels.

Such evil doings have enraged the people.

The Crop Inspection Bureau is also secretly known as the "Bleeding Flesh Bureau."

Censor Lai, you are so sure of your accusations, but I wonder if your evidence is solid.

The evidence is conclusive. Please review it, Your Majesty.

Censor Lai.

Prime Minister Lin.

The laws of the Qing Empire are strict.

From the Ministry of Justice and Imperial Court of Justice to the local government office,

every system has its own responsibility.

Even if an official breaks the law,

he should be investigated according to the protocol.

How could you present the evidence directly to His Majesty?

Prime Minister Lin, are you suggesting that I shouldn't read the memorandum?

Your Majesty, you are the ruler of the empire. There is nothing that should be hidden from you.

However, I'm the head of the Six Ministries,

and it's my duty to share your burden.

If we were to burden you with such matters for long,

I'm afraid the Six Ministries might slack off and law enforcement might be undermined.

You have a point.

I shouldn't look at it.

No, Prime Minister Lin.

First, the Crop Inspection Bureau is under the charge of the harem.

So it should be judged by His Majesty.

Second, official impeachment is the duty of the Imperial Censorate.

So presenting the evidence directly to His Majesty is not considered overstepping.

What about the third point?

Third,

the Six Ministries are under your jurisdiction.

I impeach Fan Xian for his conduct in the Crop Inspection Bureau case.

As everyone knows, Fan Xian is your future son-in-law.

By right, you should recuse yourself.

Censor Lai, are you suggesting that I play favoritism?

Everyone has their favorite.

Prime Minister Lin is incorruptible and upright.

Speaking of you playing favoritism,

I'm the first to oppose.

I'm the second.

Your Majesty, Censor Lai has made a fair point.

The Crop Inspection Bureau case should be judged by you.

You have my trust.

But I don't quite dare to trust myself.

Lai Mingcheng.

- Yes, Your Majesty. - Show him.

I'm to blame.

Please spare me, Your Majesty!

I will give up everything and make amends!

Your Majesty, he has pleaded guilty.

Reduce him to ashes.

Take him away!

Please show me mercy, Your Majesty!

Please!

Your Majesty!

Official Fan, seeing his downfall, what do you think?

This Dai is a piece of work.

Censor Lai, you eradicate the evil for the people. They will remember what you have done.

At this point, do you plead guilty?

Why am I guilty?

You dare say you didn't take the 3,000 taels?

I did take it.

- So you admitted to it. - Hold on.

Are you saying that I took a bribe if I accepted the money?

Don't you try to deny it!

Censor Lai,

how dare you slander a prince!

What nonsense are you talking about?

Did I take the bank notes from the Crop Inspection Bureau in front of everyone?

That's the reason why we established the evidence.

Let me ask you this. Was His Highness also there?

- His Highness? - His Highness was there.

Yes, he was.

If I had violated the law,

why didn't His Highness impeach me when all this happened days ago?

Censor Lai, you claimed that I accepted bribes, yet His Highness ignored this.

Doesn't that mean His Highness and I conspired? [Forced Prostitution at Moon Embracing House]

- This... - Slandering the prince is utterly vicious.

Why would His Highness be there?

It's true that I was in the Crop Inspection Bureau.

You...

did you see him take the money?

I did. As Censor Lai said, he violated the law by receiving that 3,000 taels.

I should've impeached Fan Xian for his misconduct.

Then, why didn't you impeach me?

Because I trust you.

Fan Xian boasts exceptional talents.

Soon after he entered the capital, he became widely known as the Immortal Poet.

Plus, he is an important official in the Inspection and Control Bureau.

He has great prospects.

I couldn't believe someone like him would ruin his future for 3,000 taels.

If he really did that, I would definitely impeach him.

However, seeing him publicly accept a bribe is somehow unthinkable.

I believed he had another intention.

Hence, I decided to wait and observe.

Well said.

You actually spoke

my thoughts out loud.

Perhaps you thought 3,000 taels wasn't a big enough figure,

so you decided to take the risk.

This is absurd!

People in the capital can't even save up a dozen taels within a year.

The banknotes worth 3,000 taels are an inconceivable sum.

We are the serving officials.

Of course, we should obey the law and care about the people.

Censor Lai, what you said is truly disheartening!

- But you took that 3,000 taels. - Yes.

- You took the money. - I did.

Censor Lai, have you ever gone fishing?

Without a bait, would the fish bite?

So you deliberately accepted the bribe to lure the Crop Inspection Bureau?

As a matter of fact, I had long noticed the evildoings by the Crop Inspection Bureau.

My thought of eradicating evil aligns perfectly with yours.

"Great minds think alike" is the exact description for us both.

Look! This is what a smooth talker he is.

Still, that's the truth.

You say you are also investigating the Crop Inspection Bureau.

Can you prove it?

Right after I took the banknotes, I handed them over to Chief Chen.

I also reported my intention to Chief Chen.

Is that true?

It's true.

Isn't this a misunderstanding, then?

Yes, it's always been a misunderstanding.

Chief Chen, it's not that I doubt you.

I would like to ask one more thing.

Official Fan, if you said this is a misunderstanding,

why didn't you explain everything

on your self-defense statement when all the officials impeached you?

Official Lai, I wouldn't dare to do so.

Why not?

How could a small Crop Inspection Bureau have such audacity?

Officials engaged in corruption in the court are more to this than meets the eye.

Do you also suspect the Imperial Censorate?

Not just the Imperial Censorate,

but also all the officials and imperial family members.

I don't believe any of them.

Since you are investigating corruption,

why did you keep those banknotes for so long

without taking any action?

If it wasn't for the Imperial Censorate,

the Crop Inspection Bureau's deeds would still be unknown.

I hesitated.

What do you mean?

A corruption investigation is necessary. The question is, how long will it continue?

- How deep can it delve into? - Are you chickening out?

No, I'm not afraid, I'm worried.

Upholding integrity in governance is the fundamental of officials.

Since we are trusted by His Majesty, how could we shirk our duty?

Censor Lai, does this only represent yourself or the entire Imperial Censorate?

The whole Imperial Censorate has the duty to serve the nation.

What the Inspection and Control Bureau dare not investigate,

the Imperial Censorate will!

What the Inspection and Control Bureau fears,

the Imperial Censorate does not!

What a spirit. I'm impressed.

Did you hear that, Chen Pingping?

I'm ashamed.

The Inspection and Control Bureau has truly been slacking off over the years.

You owe me an explanation.

Your Majesty, during this time,

several local government offices have uncovered cases of corruption,

which involve numerous parties.

I intended to delay it. Judging by today's situation,

I should hand over this duty to the Imperial Censorate.

Chief Chen, did you prepare this name list long ago?

Today is a coincidence.

So, have you been waiting for this moment to come?

If the Imperial Censorate won't take this, we won't force it on you.

Since corrupt officials have been discovered,

why doesn't the Inspection and Control Bureau tie up the loose ends as well?

Why give this task to others?

That's why I say it involves numerous parties.

Is the Inspection and Control Bureau afraid too?

Not really.

It's time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Some of the officials are far from the capital,

but they have close connections here, even with the princes.

If we were to scrutinize it thoroughly,

it might take a long time.

The Inspection and Control Bureau already has a lot on our plate,

and we can't spare any more effort for it.

General Qin, since you have asked,

why don't you have a look at it?

No, thanks.

I can't read and I won't understand it.

So no!

Prime Minister Lin?

So no one dares take this!

Your Majesty, this name list will be taken by the Imperial Censorate.

We won't back down from the task of relieving the empire from trouble.

Your loyalty and bravery are commendable.

Read it before you say yes.

Your Majesty, there is something I must say now.

Your Majesty, Censor Lai is loyal and righteous. I admire him very much.

If this concerns the princes,

I'm worried Censor Lai wouldn't be able to bear this heavy burden.

With the law, why wouldn't I bear it?

I will thoroughly investigate and clear the name of the imperial family.

If any princes were involved...

Censor Lai, please consider your own safety. Don't be impulsive.

[Name List of Corrupt Officials]

Your Majesty,

even if any princes were involved,

the Imperial Censorate will get to the bottom of this.

The courageous censor fearlessly opposes the imperial family

and vows to uproot evil and preserve an incorruptible government.

This is truly a blessing to the Qing Empire.

Having a courageous censor is truly a blessing to the Qing Empire.

Your Majesty, Censor Lai is the country's guardian.

I would like to take back the words I wrote to the Imperial Censorate.

Do you think you can take them back as you wish?

I will apologize to them and admit my fault.

- Fan Xian. - Yes, Your Majesty.

You wrote in the self-defense statement, "Traitorous officials are in power."

I wonder who you were referring to.

Naturally, it's all the corrupt officials,

not the censors of the Imperial Censorate.

- Lai Mingcheng. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Do it well.

Your Majesty,

I shall return a clear, bright sky to the Qing Empire.

I'm looking forward to it.

Prime Minister Lin.

Let me help you, Uncle.

I'm not that old.

Uncle, I was impressed by you just now.

You were seeking someone to do the dirty work.

Sorry?

You want to use the Imperial Censorate to investigate the Second Prince.

I know I can't keep it from you.

Did Chen Pingping teach you this?

I figured it out myself.

Lai Mingcheng is indeed a good choice.

But there is something I'm confused about. I would like to seek your advice.

The officials who came out just now weren't part of my arrangement.

If it weren't for them fanning the flames, it wouldn't have turned out so well.

You are curious about who is behind them?

Did you arrange that?

But how did you know in advance that my target was the Second Prince?

I haven't held this position for years for nothing.

Will those officials affect you?

Who told you they were my men?

They're not?

Then whose men are they?

Second Brother.

Second Brother, slow down.

Do you have any orders, Your Highness?

It was quite a day in the court earlier today.

What do you think, Second Brother?

Censor Lai is indeed unbending.

Imperial Censorate has been dispensable for the past few years.

Those censors were struggling.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have taken the corruption investigation.

Anyway, it's good to have the corruption investigation proceed.

It's a good thing as long as it is not a personal grudge.

How is that a personal grudge?

Could it be that you have guessed who is on the name list?

I don't know.

We should always reflect on ourselves.

As princes, we should be aware of the officials who approach us

and not bring disgrace to the imperial family. Am I right, Second Brother?

Your Highness, your words are profound.

I'm just speaking from the heart.

You see, those officials who came out just now enthusiastically praised the courageous censor.

It's rare to see officials clearly show their stances.

Do you know what that means?

The corruption investigation is everyone's hope, and it's inevitable.

What's wrong?

I'm impressed.

How so?

Smashing bowls in front of the chef.

Your Highness, your tactics are formidable.

What chef?

I won't forget your guidance. Not for one moment.

Your Highness.

Shall we give Censor Lai a little help?

We?

What are you on about?

Your Highness, this way.

Please.

As your aides, we should do our best to serve you.

Hold on.

Those from the Imperial Censorate are simple-minded and insist on conducting the investigation.

We can just sit tight and watch. Why should we get our hands dirty?

What's with that look?

Were'nt those officials arranged by you?

Who are you talking about?

The officials who were adding fuel to the fire, praising the censor.

What do you mean by "I arranged them"?

Aren't they your followers?

Wait! What do you mean by "my followers"?

They have always been.

Then why don't I know about that?

That's right.

Well, many people pledge their loyalty to you.

Those few are in idle positions and won't be of great help.

They probably haven't had a chance to meet with you.

Are they really my followers?

Absolutely.

Why did they come out?

Wasn't that your idea?

As if! Why did they come out in that situation?

No wonder he talked about the chef and the bowls.

Chef? What chef?

From the Crop Inspection Bureau?

Did the Crown Prince's followers follow your orders?

That's feasible.

You're very impressive, Uncle.

I'm not as impressive as you.

You have been back for days, yet you haven't visited Wan'er yet.

Why?

Does the Northern Qi Holy Maiden not let you?

Uncle!

Please don't believe in those rumors. The Holy Maiden and I...

Wan'er and I...

You know very well what kind of person I am.

Don't tell me. Explain to Wan'er.

It's not that I don't want to meet her.

I have been too occupied since returning to the capital. I'm all tied up.

This is not an excuse.

Uncle, I have my reason.

It has nothing to do with the Holy Maiden.

She has been waiting for you.

I will visit her at night.

Night?

No, not nighttime.

Daytime. I will visit her once I have time.

Hurry up and get married when I'm still around.

I was taken aback.

You are healthier than me.

You never know.

Did you teach Fan Xian that?

No, he figured it out himself.

Given his young age, he's done a good job of coming up with this.

Ever since Fan Xian arrived in the capital, he hasn't disappointed anyone.

Are your legs all right?

My legs ache after standing for too long. I'm fine.

Don't worry. I will grant you a chair in the hall later.

Please don't. I dare not accept this.

Is Fan Xian registered under the Fan family's ancestry hall?

Good thing if he isn't. Judging by his character, it's better he's not.

It doesn't matter whether or not his name is registered. His surname is Fan.

He may be a troublemaker, I will continue to guide him more.

If he really gets into trouble, I will take the blame for him.

Your Majesty, he's always like this.

Only you can tolerate 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 the 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 ♫