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 13]

My life is hanging by a thread.

It's been so long since I felt such a thrill.

Miss Ye,

are you busy later?

I have nothing else.

If so,

please send me home.

If I die on the way back, please...

collect my body for me.

Old Wang, what did Deng Ziyue say to you at the door just now? So secretive.

He said he found leads on the murderer in Moon Embracing House.

- He brought his men there to check. - What else?

And Chief Chen is concerned about your injury.

He wants you to head to his residence.

So, are we heading to his residence now?

That's right.

Have you been there?

No. I've never been there since I came to the capital.

What about you?

I heard Chief Chen lives outside the city. It's also in the mountains.

He's a mysterious man.

Wan'er...

I was very touched by what you said to Li Chengze.

Actually, this trip to Northern Qi was perilous.

Shen Zhong was tough to deal with. We fought and schemed against each other many times.

I was caught between life and death many times.

I was lucky that I returned alive.

I don't like Northern Qi at all.

I never want to go there again.

Now that Shen Zhong is dead, many people hate me.

They spread rumors about me to ruin my reputation.

- Really? - Of course.

Ask Old Wang if you don't trust me.

I can testify for him. Every single word he said is true.

See?

Last night, the rain was sparse and the wind was strong.

And deep sleep did not dispel the residual of wine.

When I asked the maid who was drawing the curtains,

she answered that the crab apple trees are still the same.

Don't you know? Don't you know?

The green leaves should be thriving and red flowers have withered.

This is bad.

It's such an excellent poem. I heard that you wrote it.

- That's not true. - You didn't write it?

I copied it from somewhere else.

That's right. You said that your poems were from your dreams.

They weren't created by you.

I won't copy them again.

It's not good to gain fame and reputation by deceiving the world.

So, will this "Song of Crab Apple Trees" be your last poem

and swan song?

Wan'er, there was a crisis back then. That was used to kill Xiao En.

I used that to save her life.

Excellent choice. The poem suits the name "Haitang Duoduo."

Our lives were on the line. I dared not take it lightly.

You did it out of self-defense?

Yes, self-defense.

If so, on the birthday banquet of Northern Qi's empress dowager,

did you dance together with Haitang Duoduo to protect yourself as well?

That was a martial arts competition.

You promised me that you wouldn't deceive me.

It was truly a competition.

However, the process wasn't that strict.

Wan'er, I'll be honest with you.

Haitang's personality and temperament definitely suit me.

I take her as a friend.

But only as a friend. That is all.

It's true. I won't lie to you.

I'm asking because I'm worried about Miss Haitang.

Why are you worried about her?

She's the disciple of Grandmaster Ku He and the Holy Maiden of Northern Qi.

How could she be a concubine?

These two matters are totally different. It will never happen.

If so, when will you write a poem for me?

This is quite difficult.

- Why is it difficult when it comes to me? - That's not it.

I can copy poems for other people

but I want to personally write them for you.

You need to give me some time.

How long do I have to wait?

It's best if you can wait for the rest of your life.

[Chen Pingping's Private Residence, Chen Residence]

This courtyard is rather big.

Why don't we see anyone?

Hurry up!

Young lady, may I ask where Chief Chen is?

Pingping? He's in the back courtyard.

Thank you.

Ladies, the chilled yogurts are ready.

Give it a try.

- The chilled yogurts are ready. - They are ready?

- Ladies, try them now. - Let's try them.

- Is it nice? - Yes.

Push me.

When's my turn?

Wait a little longer.

Push me higher!

Use more strength.

The wind is here!

I can't hold it any longer.

Help me out!

This smells so nice.

That's Qin Heng, the son of Qin Ye.

He'll also be a mainstay in the military in the future.

How much do you think it'll cost

to build a big courtyard like this?

No one will ask about that.

Is it because he's Chen Pingping?

♪ The wind is swift ♪

♪ The sky is high ♪

♪ Apes wail and cry! ♪

♪ The water is clear ♪

♪ The sand is white, ♪

♪ Birds wheel and fly! ♪

- Young Official Fan. - ♪ The boundless forest ♪

♪ sheds its leaves ♪

♪ shower by shower. ♪

Young Official Fan,

isn't this your poem?

Young Official Fan, I've long heard of you.

It's an honor to see you in person.

I'm lucky to have met the heroic Old General Qin.

The Qin family is heroic and admired by everyone.

- Did you meet him in the Imperial Court? - Yes. [Qin Heng, Son of Qin Ye]

If so, it can't be heroic.

My father is always sleepy when he attends a court session.

I should thank Heaven if he didn't snore.

The Imperial Court was rather noisy. I didn't hear it.

Young Official Fan, you are teasing me.

My father can't sleep at home. He can only sleep in the Imperial Court.

He doesn't need to attend court sessions daily. He goes there just to sleep.

- Old General Qin is extraordinary. - The Qin family have been generals for generations.

I wouldn't say that he's extraordinary. He just down-to-earth.

This is rare, too.

♪ A thousand miles from home, ♪

♪ I'm grieved at ♪

♪ autumn's plight ♪

Chief Chen,

I'm here.

♪ I'm now old and ill ♪

- Qin Heng, - ♪ For years... ♪

he's making the call here. It's pointless to beg me.

You should talk to him.

Wan'er?

♪ Living in hardships ♪

♪ I grieve for my gray hairs ♪

I'm here to beg for forgiveness.

General Qin, what do you mean by that?

Young Official Fan, ever since your appearance at the Imperial Court, the Imperial Censorate

has been doing their best to investigate corruption.

Of course, this is great for the country.

The Qin family agrees with it wholeheartedly.

♪ I have to give up solace in wine ♪

♪ I have to ♪

♪ give up solace in wine! ♪

Let's have another song.

Why is he leaving?

He lost his mood.

The performance depends on his mood?

Music comes from the heart.

There's no need to force it.

Wan'er, is this your first time here?

I've always wanted to come.

However, I was always sick and couldn't leave the residence.

Since this is your first time here,

as your elder, I should show some appreciation.

My legs.

My legs!

Wan'er, let's go.

You both can take your time to chat.

Ladies, you are dismissed.

Young Official Fan, please.

I haven't died yet.

Seems like you don't need to collect my body.

Did you guess that poison was fake?

I didn't.

- I couldn't tell. - If so, why did you take it?

If one knows everything in life,

living would be pointless.

- You might die because of it. - My death...

would be a good thing.

Our engagement will be canceled then.

You have a point.

Was Fan Xian speaking the truth?

Which part were you referring to?

Was the murder in Moon Embracing House related to you?

You might not believe me even if I say it's not.

Let's wait for the criminal to be arrested.

But the criminal is nowhere to be found.

- They'll find him. - Are you sure?

Heaven is fair. No one can't escape from their destiny.

I'm guessing...

they'll find him soon.

General Qin, what did you mean by that?

Young Official Fan, to be honest,

the Qin family is only good at fighting battles.

We don't know anything else.

The capital is a complex and unpredictable place.

What should we do if we don't understand?

We can only seek help from others and get to know them.

We dare not offend Prime Minister Lin, Crown Prince, and the rest.

- Does that include Second Prince? - Should I be direct with you?

That's right. We send gifts to Second Prince on festive occasions

and visit him from time to time.

Young Official Fan, do you understand?

I do. You don't want to offend anyone.

That's right. However, I need to clarify something.

The Qin family doesn't belong to his faction.

It's just an act.

Military officials like us can only be loyal to His Majesty.

If not, we'll be digging our own graves.

General Qin, you're rather frank.

- You're acquainted with Second Prince but you don't side with him. - That's right.

Young Official Fan, please look after us when you eliminate traitors for the country.

Did you embezzle public funds?

Definitely not.

I swear on my life that I didn't.

If so, General Qin, you didn't need to explain.

I fear there may be accidental injuries. It's good to clarify.

The Imperial Censorate is in charge of investigating corruption.

Why are you begging me?

Ultimately, wasn't this part of your tricks?

General Qin, do you think...

I won't spare anyone as long as they're acquainted with Second Prince?

They should be totally wiped out. Right?

I investigate corruption to uphold the law.

General Qin, this isn't a faction war.

Of course. We shouldn't call it that.

My father has always praised you for raising our flags to show our prestige in Northern Qi.

Military officials like us are impressed by such feats.

General Qin,

as long as your family is not corrupt,

nothing will happen.

The Qin family owes you a favor.

Stop right there!

It's me! It's me!

Don't alert the enemies.

- Have you found them? - A vegetable seller saw them.

The three people in the courtyard look like the criminals in Moon Embracing House.

- Have you surrounded them? - Yes. They won't be able to escape.

Wan'er, let me do it.

Has Qin Heng left?

- He told me to bid farewell to you on his behalf. - Did you two talk it over?

Does everyone in the Imperial Court think that I'm investigating corruption to seek revenge?

If not, then?

Do you wish to tell them you're doing it to uphold the law or to seek justice?

I do have a personal grudge against Li Chengze

but if I really wanted to target him,

I wouldn't have given this task to the Imperial Censorate.

The rumors of a faction war were spread to destroy your foundation

and also let the civil and military officials in the Imperial Court doubt you.

So, it's pointless for me to try to explain?

What you say doesn't matter.

What you do matters more.

If so, what do I have to do

to make them believe I'm sincere in investigating corruption

instead of targeting Li Chengze?

Find a corrupt influential person.

This is a greeting gift from Chief Chen.

It contains various valuable jewelries.

The Chen Courtyard has violated illegal occupation of land for a long time.

The rare gems and stones here are worth a fortune.

There are all kinds of courtesans here as well.

Accumulating wealth from the kingdom

and disregarding its strict law

is a major case of corruption.

Who else is more appropriate than me?

- Chief Chen... - No explanation needed.

Impeach me at the next Imperial Court session.

After that, no one will dare to say you have personal grudges again.

How will you end this?

Just do what you like.

I'll bear all the consequences.

Chief Chen...

Don't be too touched yet.

Take a look at this first.

First Division just delivered this to me.

The criminals of the murder case at Moon Embracing House [Detained at the cell of First Division]

were arrested by Deng Ziyue.

This is great.

This way, the murder will finally be solved.

Chief Chen, do you wish to proceed with the trial?

I'm a corrupt official. I shouldn't interfere.

You're the inspector and supervisor of the First Division.

You should be in charge of everything.

After all, you're gravely ill.

You should sit down when you need to.

It's quite exquisite. Why don't I give this to you?

- You can give me your old wheelchair. - This wheelchair is only for me.

What's wrong? Are you hiding treasures in there?

It's possible.

You should give it a try first.

Don't throw it at anyone this time.

What are you looking at?

Based on your relationship with her,

I will station my men there to protect her.

Thank you.

Be honest with me.

- Did you actually poison Li Chengze? - Yes.

- Did he take it? - Yes.

However, I put the antidote in his drink when we had a toast.

- Were you trying to intimidate him? - No.

I actually thought of killing him with poison...

but I can't.

Why?

Ye Ling'er had a point.

What did Ling'er say?

If you don't dare to kill him, I can help you out.

Even so, I can't just kill someone because of it.

How deep is the feud between you two? Why are you trying to kill him with poison?

Li Chengze,

doesn't respect the lives of humans

because he thinks he's a noble and superior.

Hence, I can only kill him by using poison.

But people like him shouldn't be defeated by me in this way.

I want to defeat Li Chengze officially

using the law in the Imperial Court.

Only then can I tell the people that one's status doesn't matter in this kingdom.

There will always be people

who will uphold and comply with the law.

Comply with the law?

It's a quote from the stone monument.

That's my mother's quote.

I hope that the laws of the Qing Empire

are established for the people.

It won't tolerate the nobles. It won't tolerate extortions from the poor.

No one will be framed or be convicted of crimes they didn't commit.

We will comply with the law, dispel the illusion, and reveal the truth.

I'm not my mother. I'm not as capable as her.

I can't realize all her dreams...

but I can at least realize some of her dreams.

Even if this is the only dream I can realize for her,

I hope... it can come true.

I know...

it'll be very difficult.

However, my mother's words were carved on the stone monument.

Since I've arrived in this world,

I must not let people take the stone monument as a joke.

[First Division of Inspection and Control Bureau]

[First Division of Inspection and Control Bureau]

Old Deng.

- Old Deng. - Ziyue.

Ziyue, why are you hiding here?

Sir, I didn't do my job well.

- You don't need to kneel. - Sir, don't!

My legs are numb.

What happened?

- Did a criminal die? - No.

Did he escape?

No. There are three criminals.

We didn't lose them.

If so, why did you say you didn't do your job well?

I was too anxious.

I had them interrogated before you came back.

You didn't get any answers from them?

I didn't do a good job at interrogating them.

Were they not willing to confess?

They did confess.

I guess... I guess they did confess.

Is this your testimony?

Did you confess to this?

You! Is this your testimony?

You!

You better think twice.

Who ordered you all to do this?

Young Offical Fan, we are sorry.

We failed to escape.

How dare you tell such a blatant lie!

Old Wang!

So, I'm the mastermind behind the murder?

We wanted to keep it a secret too

but we couldn't endure the harsh torture.

I hope Young Official Fan will forgive us.

Did you torture them?

No. I didn't even touch them. They confessed of their own accord.

Sir,

we are afraid of pain.

A good reason. You're smart.

Sir, they're framing you!

You can't say that.

I read their testimonies, too. They were logical and contained clear motives.

Even if you don't say, I would think I'm the mastermind after reading them.

Sir, I think we should still torture them.

I didn't torture them just now.

If we beat them, they will confess. Let's do it.

- I didn't touch them just now. - Old Wang, it's useless to torture them.

So, the three of you

were waiting for me to arrest you?

Sir, you can't say that.

We tried to escape but we failed.

Have you never thought of the consequences?

Sir, just admit it.

We should face reality in the face of law.

There's still a chance for you.

I understand now.

You all are from the suicide squad.

Where is the inspector?

Where is the inspector?

Sir! Sir!

Sir! Sir!

The Capital Magistrate is here to take the murderers away.

Don't release them!

- I'll make them confess right now! - Give them to him.

Sir.

The Capital Magistrate is responsible for murder investigations in the capital.

The First Division has no reason to retain them.

But once the Capital Magistrate verifies their testimonies,

you won't be able to explain.

What about this? We can say they resisted when we were arresting them

and we killed them by accident.

- I... I'll kill them right now! - I can't explain if they die here.

- It's still better than letting them frame you. - That's right, sir.

Let them take the murderers away.

Being a person is just like being an official. We have to obey the rules.

Release them.

He never bothers with the trivial details.

Seeing that you are fine, I'm leaving.

Don't be impatient.

What if it's a slow-acting poison?

You should wait a little longer.

Even if the poison kills you, you're already in your residence.

Your servants will collect your body for you.

Shouldn't heroines see things through from start to finish?

I can't just wait here and watch till you die. Right?

I guess that's fine, too.

Your Highness,

the criminals of Moon Embracing House's murder were arrested.

Really? They were arrested? Who arrested them?

First Division of Inspection and Control Bureau.

Fan Xian's subordinates arrested them?

The Inspection and Control Bureau does live up to its name.

The Capital Magistrate went there to take the murderers away.

Capital Magistrate?

The Capital Magistrate is responsible for all murder cases.

Did they release them to him?

First Division didn't stop them.

They've arrived at the capital's office.

The Capital Magistrate's office is taking this case seriously.

They were put on trial immediately and are being interrogated.

They were brutally tortured and fainted several times.

They still refused to reveal who the mastermind is.

Although they murdered someone,

they're indeed loyal.

I agree.

I confess!

It was the inspector of the Inspection and Control Bureau,

Official Fan Xian, who ordered us to kill her!

I'm speaking the truth! I dare not lie!

Father, Xiao Xian Xian is here!

Father, Xiao Xian Xian is here!

Father, Xiao Xian Xian is here!

Come up.

Uncle.

Weren't you gravely ill?

Uncle, I was pretending to be ill.

Xiao Xian Xian, you've recovered from your illness?

Don't tell anyone else.

If anyone asks, I'll say you are still ill.

Dabao, you're the best.

Dabao.

Father.

Go and play.

Father, don't forget.

You must take Dabao to the study later.

Don't let the others bully it.

Okay.

Xiao Xian Xian, I'll wait for you.

Dabao?

He calls this little red fish "Dabao". ["Great Treasure"]

Whether you're really ill or not, it no longer matters.

Did you know the Capital Magistrate has concluded the trial?

The three murderers insisted that you were their mastermind.

- You heard about it. - Was it you?

No, it wasn't me.

It was Second Prince's tactic.

Those criminals are from his suicide squad.

Uncle, you're very observant.

You were careless. You arrested them first.

Everything would have been fine if they had died in the First Division.

Why did you hand them over to the Capital Magistrate?

Moon Embracing House involves the Fan family.

I won't be able to explain if they die in the First Division.

Even so, it's better than letting them convict you of a crime.

Luckily, you did a good job before this.

You implicated Second Prince in the Moon Embracing House's case.

After Mei Zhili's retirement,

the current Capital Magistrate is close to Second Prince too.

We can only make an issue of this.

We can say the Capital Magistrate tortured them into confessing

for Second Prince.

The Capital Magistrate is currently close to me.

If the prefecture tortures them into confessing,

Fan Xian will be in deep trouble.

You're right. That might happen.

Therefore, in order to be open and upright,

they should be sent to the Ministry of Justice.

They were sent to the Ministry of Justice?

When did it happen?

I just received the news before I came.

Li Chengze took action very fast.

He's really a smart person.

Even when they're there, the criminals won't change their testimonies.

I guess so.

Just let them die in the Ministry of Justice.

That won't do.

They can die...

and the testimonies can be changed.

But there will be too many traces.

We can't hide this from the people in the kingdom.

And from His Majesty, too.

Fan Xian, after giving it some thought,

if they arrive at the Ministry of Justice, you'll be...

in a difficult spot.

[Capital Magistrate]

Go now.

There's one last solution.

There's still a way out?

Moon Embracing House

is considered Fan Sizhe's business after all.

It makes sense for him to kill her.

You expect me to push the blame on Fan Sizhe?

Someone has to be sacrificed if we want to protect you.

But Fan Sizhe is my younger brother.

Just like how a gecko cuts off its tail

and how a hero breaks his own wrist,

being cruel...

is better than dying here.

Uncle, have you ever considered this?

If I can sacrifice Fan Sizhe today,

I can sacrifice Dabao in the future.

Are you willing to see this side of me?

There's no other way out.

Actually, there's still a solution.

After the three of them were arrested,

I told my men to investigate their backgrounds immediately.

The result is out.

Sir, after our investigation,

we found that those three were convicted of murders in the past.

They committed countless crimes.

How should they be punished according to the law of the Qing Empire?

They should have been executed long ago

if it weren't for the investigation of the murder case at Moon Embracing House.

Who are those inside the cage?

I don't know. They are leaving.

They can only be members of the suicide squad

when there's no other way for them to survive.

Thus, those three should've been dead long ago.

If you wanted to kill them, you could've done so when they were still in the First Division.

They have already testified.

If you kill them now,

it'll confirm that you're trying to silence them.

You're right about something.

The main point is silencing them.

They're trying to kill us! Let me out!

Let me out!

Over there! Hurry!

- There's one here. - Keep an eye on him.

All right.

The rest of you, go after them! Don't let them escape!

Yes, sir!

Hurry!

What's wrong?

Your Highness, there were assassins outside the Capital Magistrate's office.

They assassinated the three criminals on the spot.

That exciting?

- Are they all dead? - Yes, Your Highness.

Who killed them?

It depends on who they betrayed first.

- Fan Xian? - That can't be.

I just said he was framed.

Could it really be Fan Xian?

- Were the assassins arrested? - Most of them escaped.

- That means some of them were arrested. - Only one of them.

Why were they so careless?

Your Highness.

What's with that expression?

The identity of the assassin has been confirmed.

It's Fan Wujiu.

I know him. Isn't this Second Prince's bodyguard?

Second Prince?

So it seems, Fan Xian wasn't the one trying to silence them.

Fan Wujiu is my bodyguard

but he's not in the capital now.

This has nothing to do with me.

He's not in the capital? He has been arrested.

Why would I silence them?

They confessed that Fan Xian was the mastermind!

Because there were rumors that

Li Chengze might be behind Moon Embracing House.

That's why the Capital Magistrate is siding with him.

The testimonies they gave before were all fake.

They might have changed their testimonies when they were sent to the Ministry of Justice.

Hence, Li Chengze decided to silence them.

Everything adds up now.

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 traveled through the night ♫