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 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 15]

Is it wrong that I gave away my own things?

Whether it's wrong or right, 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?

Your Majesty,

does this jewelry look familiar to you?

They were rewarded by you.

Although I didn't contribute much, Your Majesty has always rewarded me handsomely.

I'm very grateful to you but I'm fearful too.

You took my rewards and gave them to someone else.

What do you mean by this?

He's my junior.

I dare not give him inferior gifts.

What about the Chen Residence?

I'm just living there temporarily.

- The house deed isn't under your name? - It's not.

Your Majesty, this kind of tactic is also common.

The name is not on the deed and the house is said to be either rented or borrowed.

But it's hard to say if we investigate thoroughly.

Chief Chen, can you explain who you borrowed the house from?

It's a property of the imperial family.

His Majesty allowed me to stay there temporarily.

I also have some savings.

You can also check the sources of all my savings.

Fan Xian, are you satisfied now?

I'm satisfied. I'm done.

- Lai Mingcheng. - Your Majesty.

What's the crime that you're accusing Fan Jian and his son of?

Your Majesty, the Fan family is involved in the case of Moon Embracing House.

It's inappropriate for a court official to operate a brothel privately.

The Fan family failed to educate their children.

The reputation of court officials has been ruined.

Fan Jian and his son should be held accountable for it.

I think someone died as well.

Your Majesty, Second Prince is involved in the murder case.

I wish to go through them one by one.

Fan Jian.

- Yes, Your Majesty. - What do you have to say?

Your Majesty,

my second son, Fan Sizhe, is mischievous, stubborn, and rude.

He was deceived by others and is the owner of Moon Embracing House.

I failed to educate my son well. I've nothing to say.

Luckily, my foolish son came to his senses.

He repented and sealed off Moon Embracing House.

I used family law to punish him and kicked him out of the capital

to a cold and distant place to temper his body and mind.

National laws come first, and rules of the family is second.

My foolish son, Fan Sizhe, is not a court official.

Although it was inappropriate of him to operate a brothel,

he didn't actually break the law.

If that's the case,

which civil and military officials here don't have wives, children, relatives, and friends?

If everyone behaves unscrupulously and uses their positions for personal gains,

the dignity of Qing Empire's imperial court will cease to exist!

Your Majesty, Fan Jian is his father

and Fan Xian is his eldest brother.

Both of them should be held accountable.

How do you think they should be held accountable?

They should be demoted and severely reprimanded!

Prime Minister Lin.

Your Majesty.

What do you think?

I don't quite understand.

Wasn't there a murder in Moon Embracing House?

That has yet to be explained clearly.

Why is he talking about family rules again?

I agree. After all, human lives are at stake.

You have a point.

Human lives are at stake and there's are no solid evidence.

Regarding the Fan family,

we can talk about them later.

Your Majesty,

I wanted to proceed with the cases in accordance with their severity.

Let's talk about the murder case first.

Official Fan,

what are you doing?

You're an inspector of the Inspection and Control Bureau.

Why are you accusing your own chief?

I'm investigating corruption and getting rid of traitors. What do you mean?

If you're corrupt, I'll accuse you too.

I'm joking. Let's enjoy the show.

Everyone knows that

Inspection and Control Bureau arrested the three criminals in Moon Embracing House.

After that, the swordsman, Fan Wujiu,

assassinated the criminals outside the Capital Magistrate's office.

According to investigation, he's the Second Prince's retainer.

I, Lai Mingcheng, accuse Second Prince of silencing the witnesses!

I wasn't strict with my subordinate and misplaced my trust in this crafty traitor

but I can't bear the charge of silencing the criminals.

Fan Wujiu has confessed to his crime.

He committed this evil deed on his own.

I was also deceived by the villain.

It's too late for me to regret.

Official Lai, the law of the Qing Empire emphasizes on witness and concrete evidence. Right?

That's right.

Your Majesty, under your grace, the Imperial Censorate

is investigating and eradicating corruption.

We have clues now.

After thorough investigation, we discovered the names

of another fifteen corrupt officials from the previous name list.

Your Majesty, please take a look.

[Name List of Corrupt Officials in the Capital]

Your Majesty, after Fan Xian returned from Northern Qi,

he mentioned that the

smuggling case in Northern Qi was conducted by Second Prince and Eldest Princess.

If this is true, where is that big sum of embezzled money?

These fifteen officials have a lot of monies from unknown sources.

And all of them are close to Second Prince.

I would like to ask,

the money from the smuggling of goods,

did Second Prince use them to bribe the officials?

Such audacity!

Your Majesty,

I request for a re-investigation

of Second Prince and Eldest Princess' smuggling case in Northern Qi.

Not allowed.

Your Majesty, please think twice!

There's no solid evidence for the smuggling case. They're purely speculations.

This matter will end here.

Your Majesty, the evidence may be right in front of us.

Fan Wujiu is Second Prince's retainer.

If we interrogate Fan Wujiu, we can find out the truth behind the murder

and later, find clues for the smuggling case.

Your Majesty, please permit us!

Investigate it. Investigate!

You're so right! You must investigate it! I support this wholeheartedly.

I also support the interrogation of Fan Wujiu.

The Imperial Censor's here. Moon Embracing House's murder case can be solved

and my innocence will be proven!

Your Majesty, I've something else to say.

I must speak my mind.

Speak.

Minister Fan just said that Moon Embracing House has been sealed off.

I'm somewhat worried.

There are dozens of courtesans and servants in Moon Embracing House.

They're also people of Great Qing.

How will they make a living with the closure of Moon Embracing House?

Where can they go?

I think the Fan family set up Moon Embracing House for this reason.

The Fan family should take care of them.

It makes sense. I'll handle the aftermath of Moon Embracing House.

I've a question. Will you still do the same business?

Of course, I won't run a brothel again.

I'm glad to hear that.

Li Chengze.

Relay my order.

You're under house arrest for six months.

- I... - Reflect on your actions.

I'll abide.

Fan Jian, Fan Xian.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your fine is six months of salary as a warning to others.

- I... - will abide.

Lai Mingcheng.

Your Majesty!

Imperial Censor Lai,

are you satisfied now?

Your Majesty, Fan Jian and his son ruined our reputation as officials.

The punishment of a fine of six months' salary is too light!

People will not be convinced!

- What else do you want? - Demote them!

The family was indeed not strict with their upbringing

but the crime is not that serious.

Your Majesty, please think twice!

Are you forcing me to change my order?

I dare not do so.

What are you afraid of? You dare to do anything.

Second Prince is under house arrest for six months and you're still not satisfied.

All right, enough.

Everything has been decided today.

Everyone is dismissed.

Your Majesty, I'm not done yet.

Your Majesty, I'm not done yet.

Fine. Who will you accuse next?

Your Majesty,

I'm also accusing Chen Pingping.

I'm not accusing him of corruption

but that the laws are ambiguous.

I'm not accusing only Chen Pingping.

I'm also accusing the entire Inspection and Control Bureau!

- Inspection and Control Bureau? - What is he doing?

Has he lost his mind?

- He has lost his mind. - This is ridiculous!

What is he doing?

Your Majesty, ever since the Inspection and Control Bureau was founded,

there have been a mixture of good and bad staff under his command.

They are arrogant, rebellious, and unreasonable.

In the Imperial Court and the territory of the enemy,

they're involved in everything.

They are known to wield great powers.

Your Majesty, may I ask,

is there any precedent for this in history?

This is ridiculous!

Your Majesty, Chief Chen spent a lot of efforts

to achieve many great merits for the Qing Empire.

Without the Inspection and Control Bureau, would Qing Empire be prosperous and peaceful?

You! How dare you accuse the Inspection and Control Bureau?!

That's right. Even ancient practices might not be entirely correct.

No matter how colossal it is, all ministries share the burdens of the empire together!

It's not just an ancient practice, it's also common sense.

Your Majesty, I request for the historical records of the Inspection and Control Bureau

so the Six Ministries can handle them.

Are you saying the Six Ministries should handle more responsibilities?

It's more than that.

I want Chen Pingping to retire!

What did he say?

- What is he saying?

The officials feel that the Inspection and Control Bureau has more pros than cons.

It clearly means the Six Ministries are ignorant and their vision is clouded.

Imperial Censor Lai,

the Inspection and Control Bureau made many contributions to the country for years.

But the laws are ambiguous. There will be endless consequences.

Your Majesty, is Chen Pingping still under the jurisdiction of the country's law?

Are you saying that everyone in the empire is drunk

and you're the only sober person?

Your Majesty, please think twice.

Is this person always that bold?

He always arrests those that he has accused.

His Majesty can't say anything about it. Right?

Enough.

This matter can't be decided in a day.

I'm a little tired. That's all for today.

Your Majesty, I'm not done yet.

Fine. Who else are you accusing?

Your Majesty,

this is the last matter.

Speak.

Your Majesty, the Inspection and Control Bureau oppresses the Six Ministries.

The usage of unknown staff is just a facade.

As the saying goes, reformation starts from the roots.

All officials are responsible for the Imperial Court's mistakes.

However, that doesn't address the root issues.

As the saying goes, if the superiors don't set an example, their subordinates will follow suit.

The last person I want to accuse is...

He is...

Tell me. Say it with courage.

It's Your Majesty.

This is treason and heresy!

How dare you accuse His Majesty?!

He has lost his mind.

He has lost his mind indeed.

Your Majesty, to err is human.

Who can be without faults?

Ignorant people who make mistakes lack wisdom.

Those who don't change lack courage.

The foundation of Great Qing is not the Inspection and Control Bureau!

It's the civil and military officials, and conscience of the empire!

Your Majesty, it's not too late for you to change!

Everyone in the empire is wrong.

The Six Ministries and all officials are blind as well.

Did everyone hear him?

Imperial Censor Lai is saying that

you're not the only ones who are wrong.

It's my fault too.

Such audacity!

A bunch of misleading rumors!

How could you say that?

Your Majesty is heroic and exceptionally talented

but humans are not perfect.

As a subject, how can I not speak when I know it's wrong?

Your Majesty!

Lai Mingcheng attacked you!

He has no respect for the ruler! He's arrogant and rebellious!

He's...

He's literally a beast!

He's a beast!

Your Majesty!

I can't stand it anymore!

Your Majesty, you work tirelessly every day

for the prosperity and peace of our country.

But this person even dares to insult you!

I... I...

My heart is aching!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty's grace shines more brilliantly than the sun and the moon!

Your Majesty's grace is like my parents!

An insult to Your Majesty is worse than torture inflicted on my body!

My heart is aching!

My... My heart is aching too!

Enough!

Your Majesty, although Lai Mingcheng spoke harshly,

he is, after all, an Imperial Censor who's doing his duty.

Your Majesty, please pardon his crime and let him serve the country.

That's what I think too.

Although Lai Mingcheng acted ridiculously, Your Majesty's magnanimity knows no bounds.

Why would Your Majesty bother to quibble with him?

Reprimanding him would be enough.

I've heard and seen all your efforts.

Chief Chen.

Your Majesty, I've been impeached too.

I have no right to comment.

General Qin.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, Lai Mingcheng was too confused.

The Inspection and Control Bureau has made major contributions to the country.

He doesn't understand your hard work at all.

He should be...

demoted!

Prime Minister Lin?

Your Majesty, I think everyone is right.

Everyone is right?

Although Lai Mingcheng has committed an unpardonable crime

but Your Majesty's grace is known by all.

Both execution and punishment make perfect sense.

It's Your Majesty's grace whether to use him or not.

After much consideration,

I still think he should be punished for offending Your Majesty.

However, it's up to Your Majesty to decide on his punishment.

In my opinion,

Lai Mingcheng did a great job.

He did a great job indeed.

He speaks his mind and points out other people's mistakes.

He's indeed the top Imperial Censor of the country.

He doesn't consider personal interests, and the affairs of the country come first.

All the officials should learn from him.

Seems like I cannot punish him.

I need to reward him instead.

Why are you not done yet?

Your Majesty, my heart is aching and I'm very sad.

I was in pain when he accused Your Majesty.

However, because of such an upright official like Imperial Censor Lai,

I'm filled with strong emotions.

I'm having mixed feelings now.

I don't know whether I should laugh or cry.

Enough.

I'm considering...

I'm considering what to reward him.

Your Majesty, the rewards are here.

What about the jewelry that Fan Xian used to impeach me?

Chief Chen, you're short-sighted. He's the Imperial Censor of Qing Empire.

Why would he lust after wealth?

- Prime Minister Lin. - Your Majesty.

What did Imperial Censors pursue since ancient times?

They spoke their minds and pointed out the mistakes of others.

They only sought to have their names recorded in history.

Names recorded in history?

Flogging?

His name will be recorded in history by flogging him.

Your Majesty, please think twice.

In historical records, rulers who may be dissatisfied had granted floggings.

I know that if I flog the Imperial Censor in court, the historians

won't write good things about me.

If so, I shall incur a loss and fulfill his wish.

Everyone,

learn well from him.

Your Majesty is not clueless, I'm clueless!

Your Majesty!

Imperial Censor Lai is successful in investigating corruption and meting out punishments!

You're so protective of him?

Fine.

You shall supervise his punishment.

Fan Xian, His Majesty has issued the order.

I will abide!

Where's Eunuch Hou? Where's Lai Mingcheng?

I don't know.

Where's Eunuch Hou? Where's Lai Mingcheng?

I don't know.

I, Fan Xian, am tasked to supervise the punishment!

Where is Lai Mingcheng being flogged right now?

Where's Eunuch Hou? Where's Lai Mingcheng?

Official Fan, what are you doing here?

His Majesty instructed me to supervise the punishment.

I don't need this.

How many more floggings does he need to receive?

Did His Majesty instruct you to do anything else besides supervising the punishment?

No, he didn't.

That means he doesn't plan on stopping.

Stop flogging him! I'm going to ask His Majesty!

Official Fan, it's too late.

Sir, we've arrived at the Inspection and Control Bureau.

Chief Chen seems to be waiting for you.

I don't want to see anyone right now.

You've never been to this room.

Not many people can visit this room.

This important treasure connects all eight divisions.

The secret keys of all eight divisions will be sent here immediately regardless of their sizes.

Each division is marked by a different color.

I can relay my secret order immediately from here.

Your mother left this treasure for me.

What's wrong?

Are you in a bad mood?

I don't understand.

Why did he flog Lai Mingcheng to death?

Didn't you say it's fine to point at His Majesty and reprimand him?

His Majesty is magnanimous.

It's not a problem to point at His Majesty and reprimand him.

In the end, His Majesty will just laugh it off.

If so, why did he flog Lai Mingcheng to death?

His Majesty is fine with Lai Mingcheng accusing him.

However, no one must cross his limit.

Is the Inspection and Control Bureau His Majesty's limit?

The restoration of the Qing Empire is His Majesty's limit.

If so, did all the Imperial Censors who dared to accuse the Inspection and Control Bureau die?!

Many Imperial Censors did that in the past

but Lai Mingcheng was the first to be flogged to death.

What's the difference between him and the others?!

Did Lai Mingcheng look for you?

He did.

Did you two investigate the case together?

It's not a secret for the Imperial Censorate to retrieve files for their corruption investigation.

Did His Majesty flog him to death because of that?

The Imperial Censorate works independently from the Six Ministries

to prevent some people from interfering.

I shouldn't have agreed with him.

I caused him to die.

It's not you.

It doesn't matter whether you agreed or not.

When Lai Mingcheng decided to choose you,

that was the end of his life.

The reason he died was because he looked for me?

Think deeper.

Why did His Majesty instruct you to supervise the punishment?

Do you still admire Lai Mingcheng?

I do.

Did you know when the Censors from the Imperial Censorate collected Lai Mingcheng's body,

they hated you to the core.

From today onwards, no one in the Imperial Censorate will be your ally.

You must take over the Imperial Treasury.

You must take over the Inspection and Control Bureau.

An official with such a heavy responsibility has never been seen.

I can only be a lone official.

The ruler's power is unfathomable.

His intentions are as deep as the abyss.

Remember these two sentences.

Allying with the Inspection and Control Bureau,

impeaching the Inspection and Control Bureau, and finding me...

These were the causes of his death.

Our Majesty just can't accept it

when someone escapes from his control.

But I don't understand.

Whether it's the law of the country or the Inspection and Control Bureau,

weren't they established for the sake of the people?!

Between the people and His Majesty, who's more important?!

From today onwards, you must bury these words deep inside your heart.

Don't ever say them again!

I know the answer now.

I won't ask a second time.

There are always people who'll travel on a different path from His Majesty.

My mother, isn't that so?

She's dead.

Yes.

Your mother is dead.

But the path is always there.

You should go home.

It's raining heavily. Change your clothes...

and keep warm.

Brother?

There's no rush in studying. Take a break when you're tired.

This won't do. I haven't memorized all these books.

These seem to be my books.

Yes, they are your medical books.

I was wondering why there were so many missing books from the shelf.

What do you suddenly want to learn medicine?

I want to help you.

Help me?

When Father pretended to be sick, we managed to avoid trouble all thanks to your poison.

After that, I inquired about it.

Toxicology is a branch in the medical field. Hence, I'm studying medicine.

What if we need to pretend to be sick and you're not home? I can do it then.

Learning medicine is tough.

I'm not afraid. I memorized half of them.

There's no rush.

Brother, why don't you test me?

No need for that. Continue memorizing.

I'll sit here for a while.

Brother?

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

I'm upset and am here to find peace.

Why don't you tell me about it?

What's there to say?

It's just those stupid matters in the Imperial Court.

Brother, why don't you stop being an official?

What should I do then?

Anything else is fine.

It's also good to travel every day.

What if I run out of money?

I can support you.

I'm learning medicine right now.

I've checked. Physicians make a lot of money.

You want to support me?

Yes. Sister-in-law, too. I'll support both of you.

You're teasing me to make me happy, right?

I'm serious.

I'm really serious.

Okay.

If, one day, I suffer a crushing defeat and have nowhere to escape,

I'll depend on you.

That day won't arrive.

But if it does happen, I'll protect you.

It's a promise then.

Only dogs break their promises.

Don't just rely on books to study medicine.

Wait here. I'll find something for you.

[Fan Residence]

To learn medicine, you must first see blood.

Cut its abdomen first and suture the wound later.

- With this? - It's much better than what I used.

I used human bodies when my master taught me back then.

Did you do it while they were alive?

Doesn't that hurt too much?

Chloroform, a special anesthesia created by the Third Division.

I guarantee it won't hurt.

[Moon Embracing House]

Everyone, look closely. [Indenture]

These are your indentures.

They are indeed our indentures.

Why are they with him?

I've no idea.

From now onward, you'll only make a living as a performer.

However, you're free now.

Free?

We're free?

We're not selling our bodies but only making a living as performers?

If so, will people still be our patrons?

Indeed.

From now onward, the future is unpredictable.

Thus, Young Official Fan is letting you stay or leave.

If so, may we leave now?

Of course. Please.

Are you really leaving?

What about us?

We have nothing left anyway. Let's go.

Let's go.

Young Official Fan could've ordered us to stay.

There's no need for us to make our own decisions.

Our fates were always controlled by others. We are used to it.

He said that he's not used to it.

Young Official Fan also said that you should decide your own fate.

Decide our own fate?

I want to stay here and give it a try.

All right.

Let's welcome Miss Sang Wen to Moon Embracing House!

- I want to stay and give it try too. - Me, too.

I want to stay and give it a try too.

It's the first time I'm deciding my own fate.

We're willing to believe Young Official Fan!

We're willing to stay!

Feather dusters for sale.

Scented pouches for sale.

Take a look. Feather dusters for sale.

We sell everything you need.

Come and take a look.

Take a look!

Fresh mutton soup for sale.

Sir, give it a try.

Our mutton soup is fresh.

All right. I want a bowl.

Sir, something seems off.

They're here to stop me.

Why don't we take a detour?

Continue forward.

Since they're here, there's no need to avoid them.

All right.

Take a look.

Come and take a look.

Make way!

Get out of the way!

- Make way! - Run!

Get out of the way!

Who's this?

The one inside there, come out now!

Sir, these youngsters have a background.

Their fathers are either dukes or marquises.

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 ♫