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 16]

The one inside there, come out now!

Sir, these youngsters have quite a background.

Their fathers are either dukes or marquises.

Sons of those nobles and generals?

I suppose they are just nobles.

Some must be from military families.

Right.

But we can't fight them in public.

- I have taken note... of their faces. - He is scared.

Why don't we teach them some lessons in private afterward?

As long as we don't show our faces,

we can beat them up however we want.

That makes sense.

But today, I feel like showing my face.

[Jinxiang Resturant]

So you are Fan Xian?

I heard that you're the brat who took over Moon Embracing House.

Cut your crap.

Do you know whose property Moon Embracing House is?

You are in no place to take over His Highness' property.

Be sensible and return it.

I will spare your life.

Third Prince?

Let me guess.

He doesn't know about this, right?

You want to claim Moon Embracing House to impress His Highness.

What's with that huff?

Do you know you are causing him trouble?

Your threats are empty. Just hand over the property.

Believe it or not. If you don't, I'm going to take your life right here.

I doubt it.

You don't think I dare kill you here?

Brothers, get him!

I'm falling!

Two injured.

Three...

injured.

These brats actually have the nerve to mess with Fan Xian.

They have been well-protected since little,

yet they are still so naive at this age.

If so, we should get prepared

to take this advantage against Fan Xian.

He always wants to seek justice, doesn't he?

Let's grant him his wish.

Go to Ye Residence to see Ye Ling'er.

Tell her that I'm grounded, I can't go out.

I would like to invite her over.

I don't think she would come.

Tell her it's about the conflict between me and Fan Xian.

She will come.

Miss Ye and Princess Lin are close.

She also gets along well with Fan Xian.

She might not take your side to confront Fan Xian.

I need someone to bring me a ladder.

Move!

Clear the way!

How dare you!

Young Official Fan, I'm late.

Move aside!

Do you recognize these people?

I do. Their parents are the court...

Are you sure?

My eyes may be failing me.

I don't recognize them at all.

These unknown brats tried to stop the inspector's carriage in the middle of the road.

Should I...

- arrest them? - You decide.

Take them away!

Yes!

Get up!

How dare you arrest me!

Aren't you afraid of your whole family being executed?

- Stay still. - Gentlemen,

do them a favor and shut up.

Sir, do I really arrest them?

Of course.

- And then? - Then,

search them for silver taels to compensate the affected shop owners.

These brats used too much strength.

Isn't Official Fan wise and compassionate?

Off you go.

I suppose the Second Prince plotted this to divide you and the Third Prince.

I know.

Let's not fall into his trap. Go to the First Division.

- All right. - Surrender all your money.

- Wang Qinian. - Yes, Official Fan.

Change the route to the palace.

Wait, sir. We can't fall into his trap.

I'm angry and just can't get over this.

What is he doing up there?

No idea.

Is this the way he entertains his guests?

No.

Should I go up there too?

You don't have to.

His Highness said it's your choice.

Thank you for coming here.

I prepared all this for you.

Help yourself.

Why are you sitting here?

Would you believe me...

if I said it was a misunderstanding between Fan Xian and me?

But look what you two have become.

Still, I admire him deep inside.

You should tell him. Why did you invite me here instead?

He might not come.

Our misunderstanding has run too deep.

Honestly, I have never played dirty tricks against him.

If you don't believe me, look into my eyes.

I swear on the dignity of the imperial family.

May I ask, why you are telling me all this?

I was forced to.

Can you tell me who can force a prince?

His Majesty.

I want to stay out of conflicts. He won't let me.

He praised me in front of those officials,

made me a lord at 13, and let me attend the court session at 15.

He wouldn't allow me to leave the capital.

He offered me chances to form alliances with the officials.

How will the Crown Prince think of me?

If I said I never meant to compete, would he believe me?

Hence, I can only obey and move forward.

If I were to turn back now,

I would die a pathetic death.

Why did His Majesty do so?

He makes me the Crown Prince's whetstone.

That's a treasonous thing to say.

That's why I'm saying it on the roof. No one can hear me.

If you are afraid of being heard, why are you telling me?

We are engaged.

Since we can't defy this marriage,

we have a shared destiny for the rest of our lives.

If I must...

find someone in this world to open my heart to,

it should be you.

By now, you should believe that I mean no harm...

to Fan Xian.

Hold on.

I'm confused.

You confessed to your fiancée

to prove that it was a misunderstanding between you and Fan Xian.

It doesn't feel right, though.

I'm grounded now.

Except for you,

no one will see me.

So?

So I would like you

to deliver a memorandum to the palace.

- What memorandum? - A recommendation letter.

- Who are you recommending? - Fan Xian.

- Keep talking. - According to the latest news from the Inspection and Control Bureau,

there were sons of officials who interrupted Fan Xian's carriage on the street.

Fan Xian injured three of them.

Now, they are all detained in the First Division.

That's trivial, though.

Why did you have to report this personally?

I wanted to avoid noise.

You may not know about this.

All those dukes are crowding at the Inspection and Control Bureau's entrance.

They want me to release their sons.

That's why you hid here?

There is no other quiet place in the capital than here, Your Majesty.

Why are you hiding?

Your Majesty,

is that gunpowder?

Yes.

Tell me.

Does the First Division not want to release them?

Your Majesty, it was Fan Xian who arrested them.

I will have to ask Fan Xian before releasing them.

Go look for him, then.

Fan Xian...

is also hiding in the palace now.

Kneel.

Do you own Moon Embracing House?

Fan Sizhe is the first owner.

So you have a share in this.

Fan Sizhe said it was a lucrative business.

If Fan Sizhe tells you to eat poop, will you eat that too?

Fan Sizhe wouldn't do that.

Why are you defending him?

He didn't.

- How dare you egg on those young masters to block Fan Xian's carriage! - I didn't.

- Let me ask you one more time. Are you behind this? - I really am not.

Fine, you are still denying it.

Maids. Bring me the rattan cane!

Mother, I didn't instruct them to stop the carriage.

Aunt Liu, please calm down.

His Highness wouldn't do such foolish things.

What's wrong with you people?

Why are you still fishing here when Aunt Liu is so angry?

Bring her the cane right now.

[Noble Concubine Yi, mother of Third Prince]

You better own up!

- Mother! It hurts. - Own up already!

No? Own up!

- Mother. - Own up now!

- Mother, please stop. - Brat!

Aunt Liu, please calm down.

You are going nowhere! Nowhere!

Don't you run! Don't run!

I'm going to beat you to death!

Aunt Liu, take a break.

Brat! You are so disappointing!

Aunt Liu, please have some tea.

It wasn't me, Mother.

- Brat! - Stop beating me.

Give me a minute. Let me beat him first.

There isn't much to do on rainy days. I might as well give him a good spanking.

- Own up! - Mother, I didn't.

Aunt Liu, do you want to stop and go fishing?

- The maids are here watching this. - I don't care who is here.

Fishing helps me pass the time, and so does caning him.

Own up!

Stop denying!

I didn't do that!

Brat!

Please stop, Mother!

Is she caning him with a rattan?

Indeed.

Do you think we should go and take a look?

It's too late.

- It's done. - That fast?

Fan Xian stopped her.

No fun. No fun.

I missed the fun.

You tell me. Why do you always know the news in the palace sooner than me?

Because the Inspection and Control Bureau is your discerning eye, Your Majesty.

So, Lai Mingcheng was right.

The Inspection and Control Bureau has become too autonomous.

He was right. I see his point now.

Please reconsider that, Your Majesty.

Reconsider? You always want me to reconsider.

What's there to reconsider?

Whatever Lai Mingcheng said was wrong.

Because he was flogged to death by your order.

If he was right...

Such audacity.

I pledge my loyalty to you. And I speak without hiding things.

Aren't you afraid of ending up like Lai Mingcheng one day?

I wouldn't fear to sacrifice for the country.

As if.

If you don't fear, why are you hiding?

Your Majesty, it depends on the way of dying.

Smooth talker.

This brat is so stubborn.

Calm down.

You may go.

Why did you take the cane away? I'm not done yet.

Aunt Liu, I believe he knew nothing about that incident.

I had no idea at all.

Someone purposely did this to upset us.

Stay in the palace from now on. Do you hear me?

Xian'er, please look out for him.

We are relatives. He should call you cousin.

Please don't say that, Aunt Liu. His Highness is a prince.

Yes, but a prince should also respect his relatives.

- Greet him. - Cousin.

Look, he is cute.

Come.

Are those people from noble families?

Yes, they were sons of the dukes.

- Did you arrest all of them? - Yes.

- You have offended a lot of people, then. - I'm not afraid.

Silly boy. How are you not?

The officialdom is all about people skills.

His Majesty made me an isolated official.

I can only choose to be impartial.

Don't tell anyone what you heard.

I dare not.

Oh, boy. You can't just speak so recklessly.

I won't say this outside. You are my family.

It has been tough for you.

Aunt Liu.

Don't let him out for the next few days.

Someone might still be looking for a chance.

Don't worry. I will keep an eye on him and not let him out.

I'm leaving, then.

No rush. Stay for a while more.

After all, you are his cousin. You are relatives.

Please come here often to visit him and guide him.

Just beat him if he does anything wrong. He's all yours.

Is there a problem?

I'm saying, please come here often, Cousin.

Well, you have already beaten him. I believe he will remember this lesson.

Get up.

Get up.

Will you still go to Moon Embracing House?

No, not anymore. I was deceived.

Moon Embracing House is yours from now on.

Aunt Liu, I'm leaving.

By the way, the palace sent some yogurt. I know this is your favorite.

I will have someone send it to your residence.

The yogurt is flavorful and tasty. Thank you, Aunt Liu.

Please stay for the meal.

I can't. Those dukes are waiting.

Xian'er, take care.

I will. Thank you, Aunt Liu.

Xian'er, walk slowly.

Stay in touch with him.

With Cousin?

But he is competing with Second Brother.

Second Prince is grounded now.

Listen carefully.

Whether or not you are safe in the future

depends on your cousin.

The Moon Embracing House incident was a trap set for you.

The palace is a dangerous place.

To be honest, I don't want you to stay in the capital.

Do you understand?

Mother, I understand.

Did I hurt you just now?

Did it hurt?

No.

No?

Not at all.

How could you remember the lesson, then?

Maids.

Bring me the rattan cane right now!

Did you all hear me? Bring me the rattan cane!

Now!

Brat, you had better come back here!

I'm telling you, I will beat you until you learn the lesson!

Did you hear me? Come back here!

I'm so furious.

Your Majesty, the Ye family handed in a memorandum.

Show it to Chief Chen.

- This is against the rules. - You have broken many rules.

Everything you say is right.

[Li Chengze and Ye Zhong, Grand Commandant of the Capital]

This is a joint memorandum of the Ye family and the Second Prince.

Your Majesty,

Fan Xian inherited Zhuang Mohan's collection and possesses exceptional literary talents.

They recommend Fan Xian as the examiner for the coming spring exam.

What do you think about this recommendation letter?

The Second Prince is smart.

He just got confined, and now he has submitted

a joint memorandum with the Ye family,

who is protected by Grandmaster Ye Liuyun.

This joint memorandum

will guarantee him a bright future.

I appointed his marriage with the Ye family.

He made a clever move, but it's because of you.

Is this all you can see?

Besides, despite the conflict with Fan Xian,

he immediately recommends him for the post.

I'm moved.

Enough about personnel matters.

What else should we talk about?

I'm thinking...

if Fan Xian is able to host the spring exam...

at his age.

What's that face?

Your Majesty.

I...

I can't make any comments.

You said you don't want to talk about personnel matters.

But Fan Xian is a person.

The spring exam is important. I wouldn't dare to overstep.

I will obey your decision.

Chief Chen, you always speak with perfect discretion.

Because I'm your loyal subject.

I made it!

Young Master Fan.

Young Master Fan.

His Majesty has a decree.

What a coincidence. I was just about to leave.

What decree does His Majesty have?

According to His Majesty,

as the spring exam is around the corner, Fan Xian has been appointed

as the fourth-ranked Middle Examiner to monitor the spring exam.

Congratulations, Young Official Fan.

The current batch of scholars

should revere you as "Examiner."

Middle Examiner?

This is an interesting title. Did His Majesty come up with this title?

Of course not.

It has existed since ancient times.

Eunuch Hou, do you think I should take neither side and stay in the middle?

I wouldn't know about that.

Whichever side you choose, you will always take the side of His Majesty.

Thank you for your reminder, Eunuch Hou.

Please don't say that. This isn't a reminder.

I was just saying.

Well, I don't have any silver taels with me.

You must be kidding me.

It isn't appropriate. I wouldn't dare to take it.

I have delivered the decree.

I should head back to serve His Majesty.

[Fan Residence]

It's moving its head.

No, it's looking at me.

Brother, you are back.

- Greetings, Young Master. - Greetings, Young Master. - Drop the formalities.

Tell your mother to prepare a lighter meal tomorrow.

- All right, Young Master. - Got it, Young Master.

Why did you come here? Were you afraid of stitching up its wound?

It's done.

Done?

I have already patched it up.

It looks all right. You've sewn it quite well.

After all, I have read a lot of medical records.

By the way, Brother, the chloroform you gave was quite effective.

It didn't wake up halfway.

Were you not scared?

Not really.

Have you ever thought if you failed?

I would roast and eat it.

Right. But I think you are more suitable as a vet.

No, I wouldn't think of that when I treat humans.

Ruoruo, as a physician, not only do you have to be bold,

but you also have to be meticulous and have steady hands.

What should I do?

Here, pinch it.

Level the needle and lift it higher.

You hid so many needles in your hair.

It adds volume to my hair.

- That makes sense. - Don't keep saying that.

Hold it steadily. Don't let it fall.

What should I do next?

Your hand is quite steady.

Then, you learn how to maintain the balance while moving.

First, you need to walk around.

At the end of the practice, no matter how you walk, where you walk, or even with a blindfold,

make sure the needle won't drop.

- When I practiced this back then, my master said... - What's next?

Is this your first time?

Yes.

Your hand is really steady.

Am I pretty gifted as a physician?

Kind of.

- Did you practice this before? - Yes.

Were you also able to hold the needle and walk around as I do?

More or less. Ruoruo, no need to practice anymore.

Listen. This is just the first step.

It's superficial. The most insignificant skill of all.

If you want to be a physician, you have to read a lot

and memorize the position of the organs and acupoints.

Then, get a fruit.

- Fruit? - Yes.

Cut it open and stitch it back together.

Repeat this procedure and practice continuously.

It's to train your dexterity and your patience.

All right. Should I practice now?

There is no rush. That's all for today.

I'm leaving, then.

Brother, I'm so forgetful.

Sister-in-law asked for you.

You are here.

You figured I would come at night?

Official Fan, you almost always come here at night.

You are saying that like I'm a bad guy.

I heard about the incident earlier today.

I suppose Second Brother was behind this.

I know. Those lads were only his pawns.

Speaking of them, just beat and lecture them if you have to.

With His Majesty's support, those dukes and nobles wouldn't dare to intervene.

If anything were to happen, I will apologize to them.

After all, I'm a princess.

They can do nothing but swallow their anger.

Wan'er, we are truly a couple of geniuses.

The incident earlier today may have seemed dangerous,

but it doesn't affect you much.

If Second Brother intended to take revenge against you,

he wouldn't have used such an obvious trick.

So you think he used this revenge as a disguise?

To lower your guard and mislead you.

But in fact, the sinister plan will ensue.

The spring exam is the real deal.

I remember the last person who mentioned the spring exam was also him.

If Second Brother is going to lay a trap for you,

the spring exam is the best stage.

The spring exam holds great importance for all scholars nationwide.

They study tirelessly for days and nights

and endures all hardships for a chance to own a place on the honor roll

[Shi Chanli, spring exam candidate] and climb the ladder of success.

In the following days, everyone's eyes will be on the capital.

All hopes and desperation will happen here.

We were born to be together.

We are on the same page.

Aren't we fated?

Is this what you think too?

Our wedding comes after the spring exam. Afterward, I will take over the Imperial Treasury.

The spring exam is the only way to obstruct me.

- Have you come up with a solution? - Yes, indeed.

I'm waiting for Li Chengze's next move.

You ought to be careful.

It doesn't matter if you lose.

At worst, we resign and go wandering the world.

As long as you are with me.

Hands off. You don't want to mess this up.

Speaking of which, I have been looking at it for a while.

What is this?

Mandarin ducks playing in the pond. (Symbol of lovers)

They are Mandarin ducks?

Well, it's good. Pretty good.

No need for an excuse. It's my problem.

When I was learning embroidery, I liked to do flowers, leaves, and rocks.

I didn't like living things.

So it's too hard if I want to learn now.

You don't have to learn that.

Here. Drink some water.

It's for you. So I must embroider Mandarin ducks.

For me?

This is a wedding custom.

How come there is such a custom?

It's an unwritten rule. This is what all noble ladies do.

Why didn't you learn this before?

I used to think I couldn't live long enough to get married.

We are almost there.

We will get married when the spring exam is over.

By then, I will embroider a fine pair of Mandarin ducks.

Why didn't you like embroidering living things back then?

Even if I could create vivid embroidery,

they were not living anyway.

It felt like they were trapped here.

When I was little,

I was confined to the palace and to this sick body with nowhere to go.

They reminded me of myself.

It felt uncomfortable.

It's all right now. I have you.

I grew up in Danzhou.

It's a harbor city.

Many boats come and go every day.

When the sun sets, the birds fly along with the wind.

Everywhere you looked was full of life.

I have never seen a scenery like that before.

To be honest,

I have never left the capital before.

After we get married, I will take you there.

I have always had a dream.

When all troubles can't hold me back anymore,

I will take you to see all the fine views around the world.

The day will come.

Sir, do you have a vacant room?

There wasn't any room left when I came yesterday. The waiter told me to come this morning to try my luck.

One moment.

[Shi Chanli, from Shijia Town, Cangzhou, Hebei Province]

- Young Master Shi? - It's me, Shi Chanli.

You are lucky. A customer just checked out.

There is an empty quad room.

To be honest, the spring exam is approaching.

It's not easy to find a room in the capital now.

The quad room may be a little noisy,

but the fee is cheaper.

- Are you here for the spring exam? - Yes, of course.

You are a candidate. May I take a look at your official document?

I don't mean anything.

It's because of the strict inspection as the spring exam is near.

We have to take note of the details.

The authority might come to inspect later.

Yes, of course.

[Shi Chanli]

Sir, do you have a cheaper room?

Even cheaper?

It's fine if I don't stay with other customers.

Don't stay with others? We don't have rooms like that.

Well, are there services where you pay for me?

Please don't get me wrong, sir.

I'm saying that I could work as a janitor or an attendant here.

I can work to cover the fee.

Sorry, Young Master Shi. We have enough workers here.

I will talk about this man.

He ranked way behind me in the provincial exam.

Unexpectedly, he rose to fame in the metropolitan exam.

Young Master Shi, are you facing a financial pinch?

Frankly, the spring exam is costly.

- I know there is a solution. - Please tell me, sir.

There is this official who is holding the current spring exam.

If you can meet him,

he might help you.

Who is hosting the spring exam?

Official Fan, how have you been?

People were amazed only when they heard of your poetry fame.

But it's different for me.

When I first set my eyes on you,

I knew your talent could be peerless.

Who are you?

Official Fan. It's me, He Zongwei.

[He Zongwei, student in the Capital] We met before.

He...

Oh, He Zongwei. It rings a bell.

You helped Guo Baokun file a lawsuit against me in the Capital Magistrate.

Was it you?

Official Fan, the Guo family compelled me.

- Well, enough. Stop kneeling. - I could only pretend to agree.

In fact, deep inside me, I despised that.

Get him up.

Enough. Stand up and talk. Come on.

Thank you, Official Wang.

You say you are He Zongwei. But you look different now.

Faces reflect our thoughts.

Now that I have gotten rid of the Guo family, I have become more ambitious

and have a generous-looking face.

Are you saying that it's all the Guo family's fault and you are not to blame?

Exactly, Official Fan.

I wanted to record the evildoing of the Guo family

and report it to you one day to uproot the evil of the empire.

But why didn't you report anything?

Well, you acted too quickly.

Guo Youzhi is already in prison,

while I have already escaped the evil clutch.

It's all thanks to you, Official Fan.

You are like a father to me.

Please don't do that. You look older than me.

- A father who guides my spirit. - Is this a family reunion or something?

I would like to use all my knowledge to serve the Qing Empire,

- His Majesty, and you... - Stop right there!

You are a spring exam candidate. Right?

Yes.

What did you come here for?

Please be my mentor.

You possess shocking talents, and you rescued my lost soul.

We scholars have deep faith in great virtues.

If I can't seek an apprenticeship from you,

this is simply unconscionable!

So you know I'm the examiner?

Absolutely not, Official Fan.

I genuinely admire you, Official Fan.

You know me well. I strictly carry myself with dignity and etiquette.

If it wasn't for you,

I wouldn't have brought myself to kneel.

Stand up and talk to me, then.

I will speak on my knees.

I came here with pure sincerity.

Will you take me as your adopted son?

I'm willing to serve by your side every day, Godfather.

First, you wanted me to be your mentor, and now your godfather.

Godfather, I have been struggling and helpless.

Please grant me my wish, Godfather.

Official Fan.

Get up already.

Official Fan, a secret missive from the First Division.

Do you still remember the Shijia Town?

Of course, the entire town was wiped out.

There is a survivor now.

[The only survivor of Shijia Town, Shi Chanli, left for the capital and arrived yesterday.] Shi Chanli?

He was on his way to the capital for the spring exam before the Shijia Town was burned,

so he is the only survivor of the Shijia Town.

He arrived yesterday.

According to the rules, a student needs to verify his identity

before checking in.

Deng Ziyue got the news and sent this over immediately.

The only survivor.

The only survivor of the Shijia Town has come to the capital.

He stays at an inn here.

Your Highness, shall I go there?

Why?

Killing a student is easy.

Why do you want to kill him?

Shouldn't we silence him?

I told you I didn't set the fire in Shijia Town.

Still, he is a survivor.

Fan Xian is still investigating your past deal with Northern Qi.

All the more reason not to kill him.

If you know about it, I'm sure the Inspection and Control Bureau does too.

Let him investigate.

I'm also curious about...

who set that fire.

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 ♫