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 ♫

♫ 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 11]

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.

I have been understanding...

but who can understand me?

Your Majesty, what do you mean?

When Fan Xian and Second Prince created a scene in the hall,

none of you spoke up.

Why?

You claimed he was smuggling but there's no solid evidence.

You changed it to a corruption investigation.

You both took turns to speak up in support of him.

Are you really investigating corruption?

You are investigating my son.

Do you think I don't have any affections for my family member?

I didn't say anything. Chen Pingping spoke up in support of him.

Your Majesty, if this dispute continues,

it's better to escalate it.

He's my son.

He's also a prince of the Qing Empire, Your Majesty.

Second Prince has been smart since childhood.

After years of carrying out his duties, he's now fully fledged.

There's no problem with him.

It's just that many people around him harbor ill intentions.

They should be removed.

Removed?

You are trying to remove my son.

Fan Xian is the only one who can help me to clean up this mess.

I fear he'll be cast aside once the job is done.

It won't happen. Fan Xian is smart.

He will only make use of people to do his job.

You saw Crown Prince's followers fanning the flames at the Imperial Court this morning.

Fan Xian shouldn't get involved in this kind of dispute.

- It wasn't the Crown Prince. - It was clearly his followers.

It wasn't the Crown Prince.

If the Crown Prince didn't instigate his followers, who else can it be?

The Qing Empire has strict laws.

I feel very honored.

What does it mean?

His Majesty is unhappy about a comment at the Imperial Court today.

Which one?

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.

He was right...

So, it was Prime Minister Lin who instigated the followers of the Crown Prince.

He wants to instigate a power struggle between the princes.

By doing this, how will it benefit him?

He also wants to find out

who will be the future ruler of the Qing Empire.

Isn't he too far-sighted?

Not only that, he's stretching his arms too far.

Is the list of corrupt officials in the palace really from the Imperial Censorate?

Absolutely true.

I'm guessing they didn't take the initiative to investigate those on the list.

It was you who handpicked the names.

You are smart, Your Highness.

- You admitted. - Why wouldn't I?

Everyone has the duty to eradicate evil for the country.

My small efforts are just part of the Imperial Censorate's honor.

The names on that list are all my followers.

You have a knack for picking.

They are your followers?

Please forgive me, Your Highness.

You should know I've only been in the capital for a short time.

May I be bold to ask? Among the Six Ministries, Nine Courts, and local government offices,

which department and unit

do your followers belong to?

Personal acquaintances. They are just my friends.

That's fine then.

Don't worry, Your Highness. Befriending the wrong people isn't illegal.

I'm extremely relieved.

Your Highness, be careful in the future.

My carriage is in front.

- Can you walk with me for a while? - No problem.

Taking a walk is also not illegal.

Speaking with conscience, ever since you came here,

I have always admired you. I'm very sincere with you.

What? I didn't hear clearly.

Even at this point, I'm still willing to take a step back.

Just investigate the names on that list.

I hope it will stop there.

You shouldn't go too far.

Your Highness, don't go overboard with your words. They are too extreme.

How and where to investigate, it depends on the law of the country. It's non-negotiable.

If you don't believe me, you can ask the censors from the Imperial Censorate.

You are driving me into a corner.

If you didn't commit any crimes, what are you afraid of?

- I'm not afraid of death. - How brave of you.

Anyone in the capital can die...

but it won't be me.

Mind your words, Your Highness.

Only tortoises live the longest.

You are naturally in high spirits now.

Why would I be worried when I abide by the law?

You are still new in the capital.

If you stay here long enough, you can expand your own network.

You are right, Your Highness.

I arrived late and don't have any network

but fortunately, I'm holding a position.

So, I don't think I'm on my own.

I know you sent Fan Sizhe to the north.

You do know everything, Your Highness.

You are so cruel.

Northern Qi is cold. How can you bear to send your younger brother there to suffer?

I'm soft-hearted. I can't stand to see brothers being separated.

Thus, I sent my men to follow him.

By now, they should've brought him back.

Your Highness is sentimental.

It would be perfect if you were more cautious in making friends.

My carriage is right ahead. You don't need to see me off.

- Let's catch up again when Sizhe is back. - Take care.

There's plenty of time in the future.

Sir, if Young Master Sizhe was really caught and brought back by them,

it would be troublesome.

- Bi'an. - Yes, Your Highness.

You were right.

- Sorry? - I must give a response.

I shouldn't show any weaknesses.

What should I do?

I heard that someone died in Moon Embracing House.

Moon Embracing... No one died.

Didn't I just tell you?

Understood, Your Highness.

[Moon Embracing House]

Help! Help!

Help!

Help...

What happened? Hurry and take a look.

- Let's leave. - Come on.

[Imperial Censorate]

After checking the names on the list,

there are issues of many officials possessing riches in the capital.

These vermin should be killed!

Are we really investigating them? Looking at it now,

most of them have dealings with Second Prince.

He is just a prince.

As censors, we should be brave to even impeach His Majesty.

Investigate. Dig deeper.

I want to show His Majesty that the Imperial Censorate is also competent.

There's a murder case! A murder case!

A murder case!

- Where? - At a brothel called Moon Embracing House.

Someone beat a courtesan to death at its entrance.

That's the duty of the magistrate of the capital, not ours.

The manager of Moon Embracing House disappeared but she left a letter for the magistrate

and stated that the owner is Fan Sizhe.

Fan Sizhe?

Fan Jian's son?

Fan Xian's younger brother.

The Fan Family runs a brothel?

It's said that they forced virtuous women into prostitution.

Perhaps the death of this courtesan is connected to this.

Did the magistrate investigate this?

Not only him, Fan Xian went there too.

Fan Xian?

Is he trying to intervene in the investigation?

Sir.

This woman was beaten to death.

Many people around here witnessed it.

The coroner is on his way here.

The cause of death shouldn't be different.

Also, Yuan Meng disappeared.

The magistrate of the capital is investigating this.

Sir!

Sir, Yuan Meng left a letter...

stating that Fan Sizhe owns Moon Embracing House.

And that the women were forced into prostitution and were often scolded and beaten.

A similar letter was also sent to the Magistrate's Office.

Who is the deceased?

It's a courtesan.

This is the daughter of the Jin family.

Why was she still here?

Didn't I give her the indenture and tell her to go home?

Sir, once a young girl enters a brothel,

she can never get rid of the stigma for life.

Besides, her father passed away.

She had nowhere to go.

Did the murderers deliberately choose to kill her?

Sir,

the guard who witnessed the murder said

that after three men entered the premises,

they didn't ask any questions or intentionally select anyone.

They assaulted Miss Jin the moment they saw her

and beat her to death without asking who she was.

So, this was a random choice.

Perhaps they couldn't care less about who died.

It's over there.

Where are the murderers?

Sir, they left right after she died.

We are tracking them down.

Don't let them leave the capital.

Sir, don't worry. They won't be able to escape.

Old Wang, didn't I order to guard Moon Embracing House and forbid anyone from entering or leaving?

They did but the murderers are skilled.

They purposely did it to implicate you.

They caught us off guard.

Because they treat human lives like dirt,

it doesn't matter who dies.

Even Heaven can't tolerate this.

Deng Ziyue, go all out to hunt down Yuan Meng. [Moon Embracing House]

Yes.

Running a brothel business is considered ruining the reputation of the officials and scholars.

Plus, Heaven can't tolerate a forced prostitution and murder case.

I'm going to issue a memorial.

Impeach Fan Sizhe?

Not only him. Fan Jian and Fan Xian, too.

Given what the Fan Family has done,

they must give an explanation.

Many parties are involved in the corruption investigation.

Do we still have to get the Fan Family involved?

We have a duty to monitor all officials.

No matter who they are, we won't back down.

The rain has finally stopped.

I hate rainy days.

By the way, what was the name of that courtesan?

I don't know. Should I look into it?

Forget it. Whatever.

Who will remember?

Tell me... After this rain,

how many ants will die?

Your Highness, everything is ready.

When the murderers are captured, Fan Xian will be doomed.

[Fan Residence]

- Brother Fan. - What brings you here, Heir Apparent?

I swear to Heaven, I really don't know where Yuan Meng went. [Li Hongcheng, Prince Jing's son]

- I have nothing to do with this. - Don't worry.

I'll investigate and won't falsely accuse anyone.

Brother Fan, I know you're investigating this case.

Can you please not reveal my relationship with Yuan Meng?

After all, this concerns a murder case. It will affect my reputation.

Brother Fan, wait.

Please tell Ruoruo that since the marriage was arranged,

I stopped seeing Yuan Meng.

Heir Apparent,

stop following Second Prince.

I don't want to personally arrest you one day.

- Did you ask for me? - I'm aware of the incident at Moon Embracing House.

I caused trouble and dragged this family into it.

We are a family. Don't say that.

One who didn't do anything wrong, need not apologize.

Don't worry, we sent Fan Sizhe away in time.

He won't be involved in this murder case.

But Fan Sizhe isn't the target.

That's right.

Lai Mingcheng of the Imperial Censorate is preparing to submit an impeachment memorial.

Of course, he should.

- Are you not angry? - These censors are...

in fact, not bad. We can befriend them.

How will you deal with the impeachment later?

I'm not giving any response.

Before finding the culprit, I'm not attending the Imperial Court.

This isn't appropriate.

Father, do you trust me?

What is your view regarding Fan Xian?

Be honest.

Are you referring to Moon Embracing House?

Just say what you think.

All right.

I think something is amiss.

The Imperial Court is investigating the corrupt officials

and this incident at Moon Embracing House suddenly occurred.

This seems to be a set up to frame someone.

I can't hear you.

I think this is a set up to frame someone!

Do you really think so?

Those officials who supported Lai Mingcheng that day are your followers.

Why?

Your Majesty, I swear I was unaware of that.

It's just a trivial matter. Why are you so panicky?

Come here.

Sit.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Are you seated firmly?

Keep this in mind.

You must be firm when you encounter anything in the future.

Be firm especially when you are the Crown Prince.

Understand?

Still playing dumb with me?

Go and ask your mother.

His Majesty wanted you to see me?

Yes.

Even if Father hadn't said, I would have still visited you.

Whether you are here or not, His Majesty doesn't care.

In his heart,

he has forgotten what his empress looks like.

He sent you here...

because he's afraid you wouldn't understand what he said.

Tell me.

What did he say to you?

What else can I say?

Who would believe that the father and son of the Fan Family were infected with a disease?

Yes, no one believed that

but since they said they are sick, we can't force them to attend the Imperial Court.

People will think we are too overbearing if this gets out.

What about Fan Sizhe?

He is not in the capital.

Where did he go?

Get to the bottom of this. Capture him back for interrogation.

We don't know where he went.

The father and son are sick and refuse to accept guests.

I don't believe they can stay sick forever.

What should we do, then?

Just wait.

After all, the murderers of the Moon Embracing House are still at large.

In the meantime, continue with the corruption investigation.

Neither the Fan Family nor the corrupt officials can get away with it.

Yes, Sir.

The incident about the Moon Embracing House has spread among the people.

Many are suspecting the Fan Family.

That being said, Fan Xian has the title of Immortal Poet.

Many also believe there must be more to it.

It's great to be able to write poetry.

Should the murderers be arrested by now?

No rush. That might seem rather obvious.

The whole Fan Family reported sick. They're not receiving guests or attending the Imperial Court.

But this can't continue for long.

Are they trying to stall time to find the murderers?

Since they are sick, they need treatment.

Treatment?

Send the best imperial physician to the Fan Residence to check on them.

Will they refuse to see him?

It doesn't sound reasonable for a sick person to refuse to see a physician.

If they are found to be healthy, they are deceiving the monarch.

I'll do it now.

Why are you protecting the Fan Family?

Did he promise to serve you?

He didn't, but after all, he is fighting against Second Brother.

Let them compete with each other.

You can watch from the side.

Why do you meddle?

After all, he is my ally.

That's why he said that.

He's doing this because he wants you to see the fighting in detail.

He wants you to sit firmly

and not act rashly even if you saw the details of the fight.

Stand aside and watch with indifference.

Don't get attached to any parties and you will discern if there is an opportunity.

He is teaching you how to be a crown prince.

Must he let me guess? Why can't he be direct?

The emperor's mind is unpredictable.

As for those officials who supported Lai Mingcheng in the Imperial Court...

In fact, His Majesty knows I didn't arrange that.

He just wanted to verify this.

Who could it be?

After all, Fan Xian is Prime Minister Lin's future son-in-law.

Lin Ruofu?

Did you figure that out?

I knew it all along. His Majesty also knows.

So you understood His Majesty's advice.

You didn't have to ask me at all.

Listening to your guidance makes me happy.

Since you understood, why did you pretend not to?

Mother, as Crown Prince, isn't it wise to be stupid?

You are the Crown Prince, but you are also his son.

Actually, you are a lot like him.

Everyone grieves over the misfortunes of their own kind.

How could you use this saying here?

I believe this saying will be used sooner or later.

You must be suffering.

I'm the Crown Prince.

I command the Eastern Palace,

I'm revered by everyone and envied by my brothers.

What's there to suffer?

Old Deng, have one. Don't be shy.

The pastry that Official Fan made, is delicious.

Here you go. It's hot.

This is my Ba Ba's favorite.

- Come, sit and and eat. - Thank you. No need for that.

Come here.

Why aren't you eating? It tastes better while it's hot.

Sir, I'm on duty now. I will take this home and try it later.

Deng Ziyue, you still haven't let it go.

Do you not trust me?

I was wrong.

I get it, you still want to observe

if it's worth coming to your senses for me.

- Get up. - Yes.

Is the First Division all set?

Yes.

Everyone in the First Division is very excited and can't wait.

Ever since you debated in the hall, everyone has admired you even more.

Especially me. I feel like I have found a beacon.

I'm not the person they admire. It's Mr. Chen who's on my side.

I'm too young to earn their admiration.

- It may be the case for others but I'm different from them. - How is it different?

You used a brilliant strategy.

You steered the Imperial Censorate into handling the corruption investigation.

Amazing.

I can say you excel in literary and martial arts and are resourceful.

Eat the pastry, then.

I will eat it later.

According to the rules of the Inspection and Control Bureau,

staff who are on duty should not eat outside food.

Did I get it right?

You're afraid of breaking the rules. Right?

Yes.

You are humble, submissive, and tactful.

Why do you still stick to this trivial rule that no one cares about?

Deng Ziyue, you live a life of contradictions.

I'm stupid.

I will go back and eat it.

You...

Old Wang, look at him.

If I were to learn from him, you would find me annoying.

We serve in our own ways.

Rightfully so.

Brother! Brother!

Catch your breath before you talk.

The imperial physician is here.

- Who's the imperial physician? - Who cares who he is.

According to the imperial physician,

Second Prince sent him here because he was worried about your and Father's illness.

Aunt is showing him the way to Father's room. What should we do?

- I'm going to stop him. - Why stop him?

We must stop him.

Father looks radiant. He doesn't look sick at all.

This is wrong. You are unhappy when Father is healthy?

Brother.

Don't worry. He can manage this.

Regarding illness, if one is sincere, things will work out.

Imperial Physician Li, it's not serious. We even troubled you to come all the way here.

It's my duty.

Please come this way. Mind the steps.

Madam, what are you looking for?

Nothing. Nothing at all.

Is Minister Fan in his room?

I think so!

I will check on him.

Would you like some tea first?

No thanks. The patient is more important.

Why isn't anyone here to stop us? They should at least give a hint.

It's nothing. I'm saying the illness came suddenly without giving a hint.

Illness always catches us off guard. Please don't worry, Madam.

I will go and check on him.

Since the imperial physician is here, it's almost time.

Tell the First Division to spread the word.

Yes.

He looks terrible. Is it a terminal illness?

Don't panic.

Brother, is Father sick?

No. He is healthier than me.

What should we do? What if the imperial physician finds out?

If he's not sick, it's even worse.

It's deceiving the monarch.

Ruoruo, think about it. If one skips the Imperial Court due to illness,

what else can it be besides falling sick?

Minister Fan.

Minister Fan, please show your tongue.

Minister Fan, please rest well.

Minister Fan isn't sick.

Impossible.

- He was poisoned. - What?

- Poisoned? - Indeed.

- That's good... - What?

It's terrible.

Madam, please be more cautious and check if there are any suspicious people in the residence.

Yes, you are right.

Let's go. I need to check on Young Official Fan, too.

- Still need to check? - I'm already here.

All right.

Did you poison Father?

When putting on a show, it must be real. We should immerse ourselves in the roles.

- Does Father know about this? - Nonsense. Can this be hidden from him?

Didn't he say anything?

Poison?

Don't worry. I'm an expert in this.

This is very safe.

It takes effect immediately. It will scare people.

It smells good.

After all, it's concocted for you. I specially created the flavor.

It tastes smooth.

Let me try it first.

If the imperial physician really comes, it's not too late to try it. Don't waste it.

It smells rather nice.

Father does trust you very much.

Will you drink that poison, too?

Why would I drink it?

The imperial physician will also check on you.

No one will be convinced that I'm poisoned.

Everyone knows I'm Fei Jie's disciple.

- Will they suspect you of poisoning Father? - Impossible.

No one would believe a son poisoned his own father.

Can he even call himself a human?

Am I cursing myself?

Not really.

You are the Immortal Poet. An immortal isn't human.

You're not cursing yourself because you're not even a human.

Aren't you cursing me?

You sure have a way with words.

Fan Xian!

The imperial physician is here!

Are you awake?

Thank you for your hard work, sir.

Sorry for the trouble, Sir. You haven't even had a sip of tea!

Fan Xian, the imperial physician is here!

Are you awake?!

Fan Xian!

Get up and greet the imperial physician. He's here to diagnose you!

Fan Xian?

Fan Xian.

Madam, please do away with formalities.

Young Official Fan is sick. He may have difficulty walking.

It's better for us to go in.

Aunt, you are here.

Fan Xian, he specifically came from the Imperial Hospital to check on you.

Thank...

- Thank you. - Sir!

Sir, you said you would rest in bed to recuperate.

Why did you insist on getting up? You said you wanted to show respect to Madam

and be grateful to the imperial physician.

Why didn't you think about yourself?

Don't panic. He's still alive.

Please save him, sir.

I will do my best.

His pulse...

- Is he poisoned too? - No.

Was Young Official Fan hit by something recently?

Was he?

What's wrong?

There's disorder in his vital energy and blood circulation.

It doesn't seem like he's sick. More like a serious injury.

Sir.

- Have you eaten? - Not yet.

Then, go home and eat.

Is he confused from the injury?

Who sent you here?

It's Second Prince.

Please thank him for me.

I will relay your message to him.

Aunt, please make sure he eats before he leaves.

I will order the kitchen to prepare food later.

Sir!

Young Official Fan is weak.

Please take him back to his room to rest now.

- I will issue a prescription for him. - Sure.

Thank you so much, sir.

It's my duty.

There are many good people in the Qing Empire.

Would you like to eat before you leave?

Just to make sure, let's rehearse again. Let's start.

Have you heard about the incident at Moon Embracing House?

Yes. The youngest son of the Fan Family owns it.

Someone died there.

Someone saw that it was Manager Yuan Meng from Moon Embracing House.

She was Madam Yuan from Liujing River.

It's rumored that she's the woman of Prince Jing's heir.

Remember to spread this news to every corner of the capital

as quickly as possible.

This is a serious matter. Thank you for your hard work.

For Qing Empire!

For Qing Empire!

Hurry up! Quick!

We don't have much time. Don't make mistakes.

- Did he really say that? - Yes.

The imperial physician said Fan Jian was poisoned,

and Fan Xian was seriously injured.

He also said he's very experienced and wouldn't make mistakes.

Fan Jian was poisoned by Fan Xian.

Fan Xian? It can't be.

See? You didn't believe it when I told you.

Will others believe this?

I can understand about the poisoning...

but where did Fan Xian's injury come from?

Sir, are you really fine?

I'm fine. It's just a performance.

What is a performance?

It's putting on a show.

A little sunshine will do me good.

Why isn't it sunny today?

Brother,

this is the prescription from the physician.

The prescription is fine. The imperial physician is skilled.

How did you deceive him?

Feigning illness is easy for martial artists like me.

You are amazing.

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 the 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 ♫