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 14]

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.

Exactly.

Fortunately, the truth is revealed.

Fan Wujiu is a brilliant pawn that can be used against his owner.

But there is something I don't get.

Why would he show up there?

I don't get it either.

I swear to Heaven, Fan Wujiu has already left the capital for another mission.

Besides, you knew that I suggested the Ministry of Justice to take the culprits away.

If I were the culprit, isn't that extra work?

I'm confused.

To be honest,

I'm confused too.

Wait. Is Fan Wujiu dead?

No. They captured him alive.

Everything will be all right, then.

So long as Fan Wujiu admits that you sent him out of the capital,

then this matter has nothing to do with you.

But he can't admit that.

The public mustn't know that Second Prince sent him to assassinate Fan Sizhe.

Besides, Fan Sizhe was traveling with the members of the Inspection and Control Bureau.

Killing authorities equals treason.

If I were Fan Wujiu, it would be best I keep my mouth shut.

After all, killing a murderer is better than treason.

Did you send Fan Sizhe away?

Yes.

Did you plan this...

when you sent him away?

No.

I couldn't have seen this coming.

I was thinking that Second Prince wouldn't let him pass easily

since he was involved in the Moon Embracing House.

I just considered more for his safety.

Judging by Fan Wujiu's skills,

ordinary ninth-ranked guards couldn't hold him down.

Indeed.

Who could capture him, then?

Needless to say, it must be someone exceptional.

- What is this place? - You killed lives in the Capital Magistrate's presence.

Is it fun playing dumb here?

Kill lives?

Why? Are you trying to deny the solid evidence?

[Haitang Duoduo, Northern Qi Holy Maiden]

What a surprise.

To think that the Northern Qi Holy Maiden is protecting a Qing man.

A Qing is killing another Qing.

The Qi might as well play along.

Play along, you say?

You would like to play along.

Having a duel with the Northern Qi Holy Maiden...

makes my years of practice worthwhile!

For real?

You can kill, but never insult me!

The defeat was well-earned.

This is just a normal cooperation.

Haitang Duoduo and I are not related in any way.

I haven't said anything yet.

I know what you are thinking.

I have the responsibility to say that you got the wrong idea.

- Continue if you wish. - I will even swear to Heaven!

Who am I to Wan'er?

- You are her father. - If so, do you think I should believe you?

You shouldn't doubt my character.

Didn't you entrust the Lin family and Wan'er to me because you believe I'm honest?

This is the capital. Do I dare to trust someone honest?

But I'm clear and innocent. Are you not going to trust me, then?

Your shamelessness is the hope of our Lin family in the future.

Is that a compliment or an insult?

A compliment, of course.

It was a masterstroke to tackle Fan Wujiu.

The dead guards, slander, culprit,

and all the schemes have been overturned by now.

In this round, Li Chengze is showing signs of defeat.

You are here.

We don't have much time. So make it quick.

Tell me what happened.

I was trying to kill Fan Sizhe inside Northern Qi.

Haitang Duoduo stepped in...

and I lost.

They escorted me back to the capital and detained me for a few days.

I was knocked out this morning.

When I woke up, I found myself in front of the Capital Magistrate.

Haitang Duoduo escorted you back here?

It wasn't her.

It was the Inspection and Control Bureau.

Inspection and Control Bureau?

Do you know what the situation is now?

I'm not sure.

But don't worry. My lips are sealed.

I won't reveal anything.

His Highness prepared those murderers to use against Fan Xian.

But then, your appearance

has driven His Highness to a dead end.

- Will I be killed? - You can't die just yet.

- What should I do next? - First,

don't bring up the assassination attempt on Fan Sizhe.

- Understood. - Second,

find another reason for the assassination in front of the Capital Magistrate.

Don't get His Highness involved.

With my current identity,

they won't believe everything I say.

It doesn't matter whether they believe it or not.

Only a workable reason is needed.

Sure.

All right.

I will do it.

Not much time is left.

Is there anything else you want to say?

I will relay it to His Highness.

Old Xie,

did I lose my chance...

to sit for the spring exam?

Thank His Highness on my behalf.

At least he gave me hope.

Tell him that I'm thankful.

I should get going.

Old Xie.

- Please do me a favor. - Go on.

Bring me a book.

Just one.

I want one of the classics.

Any of them will do.

Thank you.

Thank you.

His Highness predicted that.

[Book of Documents]

He knows me the best.

Tell His Highness that I'm grateful to him.

How did they treat you?

Do you have meat?

Haitang Duoduo and the Inspection and Control Bureau are on Fan Xian's side.

Is something going on between Haitang Duoduo and Fan Xian?

I don't think so.

Then, why did she help him?

Because Fan Xian...

is the future owner of the Imperial Treasury.

[Shangjing City, capital of Northern Qi] Holy Maiden, thank you for rescuing me in such a desperate time.

Is it all right?

Yes. All right.

Wait. What are you talking about?

Shangjing City.

Yes, of course.

How does it compare to the capital of the Qing Empire?

They are unique in their own way.

Why are you acting so sneakily?

Don't do that. I'm afraid people might recognize me.

People in both empires look almost the same.

Don't worry. They can't tell the difference by looking at faces. Put it down.

It's not that.

Do you know how famous I am in the Qing Empire?

My father is Fan Jian.

The Minister of Revenue. Earl Sinan.

Imagine how dangerous it is for me as the child of a dignitary in a foreign land.

I'm starting to admire the Fan family now.

Thank you, Sister-in-law.

Hold on.

What did you just call me?

Ha! You like that.

But I can only call you that here.

Sister-in-law.

What did your brother tell you about me?

He didn't have to tell me anything.

The entire Qing Empire knows.

I understand.

You understand nothing!

Listen, this is Qi. Don't talk nonsense. Stop calling me that.

- We have to keep it a secret here? - No!

Have you already revealed your relationship?

I have nothing to do with your brother.

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Enough, Sister-in-law, you need not hide it from me.

- I'm on your side. You have my support. - I— What nonsense are you saying?

You haven't met the sister-in-law back in the capital.

She is so weak and lacks energy.

She is like Daiyu from "Dream of the Red Chamber."

Unlike you, you are well-built...

I'm telling you.

I helped your brother mainly because he will take over the Imperial Treasury.

The two empires have some trade. Do you understand?

If civil strife arises in the Qing Empire,

I will be happy to see that. Understood?

So... You just won't believe me?

- Come on. - Where are we going, Sister-in-law?

[Oil Store]

Here we are. Go inside.

This is Qing's Store in Shangjing City.

What is this for?

Command center of spies.

Your brother wanted me to bring you here.

- Command center of spies? - Exactly.

He even told you of a place like this? I know you both are...

good friends.

I have done my task. You are on your own now.

Is anyone here?

I caught a cold. I'm not serving today.

Please help yourself.

Guo Baokun.

[Guo Baokun, spy stationed in the Qi] Fan Sizhe?

You...

Wait. That's medicine.

Where is your brother?

At home, maybe. I don't know.

What are you doing here instead?

I'm here to offer help.

You can't be serious.

Do you know what this place is?

All undercover spies of the Qing Empire

are under my command.

Don't interfere with an important task like this.

Why can't I come here when you are here?

What are you saying?

Do you know Yan Bingyun?

Yes. He serves in the Fourth Division of the Inspection and Control Bureau.

Even a figure like him made a mistake in Northern Qi.

Look at me.

Under my deployment, this little store is safe,

as if it hides deeply in a chasm.

The disguise is simply flawless.

Do you still underestimate me?

You are really good at eating, Junior Sister.

Yogurt and fruits are the perfect pair.

Senior Brother, what brings you here?

[Lang Tao, Disciple of Grandmaster Ku He] His Majesty sent me here.

He wants to know if Fan Sizhe has been sent to Guo Baokun's oil store.

His Majesty knows about the oil store, too?

Not only him but also all officials in the court.

Even our reclusive master knows about it.

His Majesty says he likes Guo Baokun.

He mustn't leave.

It would be a pity if someone smart replaces him.

That's easy. Just pretend we know nothing about it.

That's difficult!

Pretending to overlook a careless

and glaringly illogical mistake...

is a way too difficult thing to do.

Don't worry.

As long as the whole empire puts in the effort.

We must keep Guo Baokun here.

In my eyes,

the Embroidered Uniform Guards of Northern Qi are like weaklings.

The spy network of Shangjing City works perfectly well under my current charge.

Let me put it this way.

The imperial guards don't come here when they patrol.

You see,

I have concealed myself so well.

That sounds impressive.

- But it doesn't feel right. - Why not?

Speak up. Just say it.

Everything feels right.

Since your brother entrusted you to me, I will do him this favor. [Oil]

You should learn and observe more.

How about this? You will go with us for the next outing.

What? Outing?

- With whom? - The spies.

- Do you spies go on outings? - What's wrong with that?

We are far away from our hometown in this dangerous place.

Naturally, we have fear and worry.

So I thought we could gather for an outing or a meal when we have time.

We can also read books together.

Well... What if, I mean if...

What if the Northern Qi catches you in one fell swoop

while you are having a gathering?

No one has ever noticed us.

As you can see, I was born to be a spy.

Your brother is so lucky to have me.

Lucky him.

It's a shame that you are going back.

Where?

Back to the capital.

My brother sent me here to take you back.

Why?

I don't know. He mentioned he promised you to save your father.

- Really? - He said now is the right time.

- Did he give me an order? - I don't know. Ask him yourself.

What about this place?

Are you taking over?

What's wrong with me taking over?

All I have to do is take them out for outings and gatherings, right?

But... I need to send you back first.

All right.

What is this?

What are you doing? We have a lot of time.

I'm packing my things. We can set off now.

Shouldn't we do some planning?

What is there to plan?

We have plenty of time on the way to think about it.

Never let our enemies predict our move.

As long as we are quick enough,

we can catch them off guard.

Guo Baokun and Fan Sizhe left the oil store

and headed out of the city with baggage?

Yes, they were spotted the moment they left.

We are all watching.

Are they going back to the Qing Empire?

It seems so.

What do we do?

Should we let them go?

Don't ask me.

Why don't you ask

His Majesty?

He said he wanted to keep Guo Baokun.

According to His Majesty, you decide how to deal with Fan Sizhe and Guo Baokun.

Is anyone replacing Guo Baokun?

No. They left suddenly.

I think we should just let them go.

It's pointless keeping them.

At least we can leave a good impression.

Who knows? He might come back here again.

I don't care. I'm just a messenger.

You decide.

You all should cherish me as the Holy Maiden.

Don't make me do everything and enjoy your time idly.

I'm the Holy Maiden, you know?

Idly? (The "Xian" in Fan Xian's name means idle)

By the way, His Majesty wants you to write to Fan Xian.

Why do I have to write him?

It has been some time since he returned to the Southern Qing,

yet he has stopped updating "Dream of the Red Chamber."

It's a bit outrageous.

All you do is read books.

- Let them go. - Yes.

I will go and check on them.

Why doesn't he write? Why me?

Because of Fan Xian.

What about him?

You and him get along quite well.

We... We get along well, my foot!

Junior Sister, you are the Holy Maiden. Do mind your language.

I have nothing to do with him.

Do you think I have something to do with him?

You people!

I...

So annoying!

Junior Sister, remember to write to him.

Tell him to update.

Vegetables for sale!

- Vegetables! - Make way.

Holy Maiden.

- How's it? - They've been acting suspiciously the entire time.

Many people are suspecting them. But we have already handled it.

- Where did they get the carriage? - They rented it.

- Where is their destination? - The border.

Did they say that directly? Didn't they think of switching to another carriage halfway?

Exactly.

The owner of the carriage service immediately reported to the official, but we stopped him.

Holy Maiden, should we escort them to Southern Qing safely?

Yes.

If so, we have to follow them all the way.

Thank you for your hard work.

All clear.

That was smart.

You told him you wanted to go to the border, not the Qing Empire.

Laying low is the first rule of being a spy.

I'm pretty gifted, right?

Sizhe, looks like...

you have potential in this, too.

Brother Guo, I was rude to you before.

It wasn't until today that I realized why Fan Xian

dared leave you in Northern Qi alone.

Having talents like us,

the Qing Empire will eventually take over the world.

Well said.

Official Fan, two pieces of news.

Firstly, Fan Wujiu

- has already confessed to the Ministry of Justice. - What did he say?

I serve the Second Prince.

Yuan Meng and Prince of Jing's heir know each other,

and the heir frequents His Highness' place.

That's how I got to know Yuan Meng.

When Yuan Meng offered her service at the Moon Embracing House,

I saw an opportunity in this

and secretly helped the Moon Embracing House

with the indenture matters behind His Highness' back.

Unfortunately, someone found out.

So I hired hitmen,

which then led to the murder.

I was being too greedy.

It was all done by me.

His confession is quite conclusive. He took all the blame for it.

He said he used your name to hire hitmen

in an attempt to plant the crime on you.

That doesn't make any sense.

If he used my name to hire the hitmen, why did he kill them?

Those murderers left a trail leading to him,

so he had no choice but to kill them.

However, his confession has cleared your name.

I was worried he might smear you for being an accomplice.

The Second Prince and I are at each other's throats,

no one would believe his guard conspired with me.

As of now, Fan Wujiu can't even help himself.

He can only cut any possible ties with the Second Prince.

Is that really manageable?

It's impossible.

Are the people in the capital really that easy to fool?

- But the Ministry of Justice didn't question his confession. - They just turn a blind eye despite knowing the truth.

You said there were two pieces of news. What about the second news?

You have another visitor.

I'm seriously ill. I'm not available.

It's Lai Mingcheng of the Imperial Censorate.

- That fellow who impeached me last time? - Yes, it's him.

He came to visit me. What is he up to?

Official Fan is severely ill.

But when he knew you came,

he insisted on seeing you.

How big is your house?

My house?

The Fan Residence.

Fan Residence, well... I'm not sure.

The size of the officials' residence

is restricted according to their rank.

If the Fan Residence exceeds that,

I must impeach him.

Maybe you can measure the place.

I'm not prepared today. Do you have a ruler?

One moment. I will bring you one.

There is no need for that.

Wouldn't it take too long if I measured alone?

I don't know. No one has done this before.

Do you need my help?

Not for today.

Next time.

Official Fan, why did you get up?

I asked you to rest in bed.

- Young Official Fan. - You are here, Censor Lai.

Censor Lai, I'm weak,

so I won't stand up.

Young Official Fan, I have asked the imperial physician.

He said you were seriously injured.

So I bought you some red dates.

It's good for your blood circulation.

Thank you so much.

We censors are only paid a meager amount,

unlike those officials.

You probably have heard that within the Capital Magistrate,

we censors are the poorest.

I wanted to buy some supplements for you. But I can't afford that.

Please understand.

Red dates are good. I like red dates.

Please sit, Censor Lai.

Old Wang, serve the tea.

It won't take long.

Please have a seat.

Let me pour some for you.

Young Official Fan.

Your father was poisoned, and you were seriously injured.

Is this the Second Prince's doing?

All I can say is... I have no proof. It's hard to say.

- Have you heard about Fan Wujiu's statement? - I did.

He is merely a retainer, yet he had the nerve to be involved

in the Moon Embracing House murder case behind His Highness' back.

- That sounds like nonsense. - So?

So I want to impeach the Second Prince.

You... want to impeach a prince?

We are censors.

We should uphold our integrity and speak against evil.

May I ask why you are telling me this?

Since the corruption investigation started,

all names on that list have been officials in the capital

connected to the Second Prince.

If we were to dig deeper to the core,

the Imperial Censorate alone isn't enough.

So you are suggesting that you can't continue anymore?

Unless the Inspection and Control Bureau

can provide us with related case files.

- Are you seeking my help? - Not you.

I'm proposing a collaboration with the Inspection and Control Bureau.

If so, you should go there.

What are you doing here in my home?

I don't know anyone in the Inspection and Control Bureau, but you.

I just impeached you.

We can be considered as acquaintances.

What kind of acquaintance is this?

The corruption investigation is for the sake of the empire.

Is that a problem?

If I agree to help you, will you still impeach me?

Of course I will.

You are demanding my help when you will impeach me afterward?

This isn't a personal grudge.

You cannot mix business with personal affairs.

The law is strict. How can you use personal favors?

It's like you will bite the hand

that feeds you.

Forget it if you don't want to help.

I will.

What?

I will collaborate with you.

Old Wang, bring Censor Lai to the Inspection and Control Bureau.

He can access any related documents in the First Division.

All right.

Young Official Fan,

you are different from what I imagined.

Censor Lai,

even though you have impeached me and may do so again,

I have a feeling that one day we might become friends.

That's impossible.

- Officials shouldn't have personal relationships. - You are right.

However, Young Official Fan,

we might collaborate on the corruption investigation.

For the sake of the empire.

There is something I would like to ask.

- When will you recover? - Why?

After you recover, I'm going to impeach you for the Moon Embracing House case.

How long will you need to finish the documents in the First Division?

One day should be enough.

Two days. I will attend the court session two days after.

You will recover in two days?

Since I have accepted your dates, I shouldn't delay you.

Well, then.

See you in the court in two days.

He amazed me.

I will see him off.

As expected of you.

The Imperial Censorate just impeached you,

and here comes the second impeachment.

You even got me involved.

What an interesting experience for an official.

Indeed. Other officials seek friends,

but I seek trouble.

You do know that.

- It's my fault. - Says who?

Those who harm lives or break the laws are to blame.

Troubles always surround honest men.

I fear anything but not trouble.

Are you all right?

Never mind me.

As long as both of you recover.

Why is he even talking to you?

What's wrong?

Ever since Lai Mincheng became a censor, he has been like a mad dog that bites and never smiles.

I have never seen him greeting anyone.

I quite appreciate Censor Lai as an official.

The sky is getting cloudy.

[Hanmo Hall] It's the sign of rain.

Let's go. His Majesty is waiting.

This isn't the way to the main hall.

We are meeting at the Imperial Study today.

Why? Shouldn't it be in the main hall?

His Majesty said the Imperial Censorate's target is you.

You are only a minor official.

You don't deserve to use the main hall and waste the officials' time.

Fine, I don't deserve that.

Where should I sit?

Sit? Stand at the back.

Not only Young Official Fan.

I can't believe the Imperial Censorate is so bold.

I heard Censor Lai went to the Inspection and Control Bureau.

Coming through. Make way. Excuse me.

Everyone is flustered.

- Indeed. - Tell me about it.

Official Xin.

- Official Fan. - Why are you hiding here?

I'm looking at books.

This is a good hiding place.

No one can see us.

I have a question.

Why are there so many people here?

His Majesty said this meeting isn't compulsory.

- Attendance is voluntary. - Voluntary?

But almost everyone is here.

Don't take the word "voluntary" too seriously.

Look over there. They are all here.

No one dares skip the meeting. Right?

His Majesty has arrived.

This isn't like the main hall.

No need to stand on ceremony.

Do sit down.

Just relax.

Fan Xian.

Yes, Your Majesty.

- Lai Mingcheng. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Do you still... want to impeach him?

Yes. Not only him

but also the Minister of Revenue, Fan Jian.

Your Majesty, before Censor Lai begins,

may I propose my impeachment?

Go on.

Please look at this, Your Majesty. They are all precious jewels.

I had them appraised. They are very valuable.

Where did you get this?

A few days ago, Princess Lin and I visited a senior.

He gave us this as a gift.

Even a casual gift could be so valuable.

There are more in his house.

His residence is built on the mountain.

He gathers various rare jewels from the world and has countless courtesans.

Such extravagance is unbelievable.

Who is this person, then?

Chief of the Inspection and Control Bureau, Chen Pingping.

This is outrageous!

I accuse Chen Pingping of corruption and bribery.

Please investigate him thoroughly, Your Majesty.

Chief Chen.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Any explanation?

Young Official Fan,

is it wrong that I gave away my own things?

I don't have a say in this.

The thing is, the court is investigating corruption

to preserve clear governance and strengthen law enforcement.

At this point,

I wouldn't dare to accept gifts.

Your Majesty,

may I explain myself?

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 ♫