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 17]

I didn't set fire to Shijia Town.

Still, he is a survivor.

Fan Xian is still investigating your past dealings 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.

In fact, I'm also curious about who set the fire.

- Where is that person? - At Tongfu Inn.

The First Division secretly surrounded the place to prevent others from taking action.

Deng Ziyue is still thorough in handling tasks.

Hold on. What's the name of the inn again?

Tongfu Inn.

What's the surname of the innkeeper?

If it's Tongfu Inn, it should be Tong.

Is it a man or a woman?

A man.

Sir, if you want a woman, I can get one for you.

Get out of here. I don't want anything.

You can leave now.

- Godfather. - Shut up.

Scholars must have a backbone.

- I... - Don't be a shameless social climber.

He Zongwei, I'm kind that I didn't kick you out today.

Scholars cannot and should not fawn over others.

- I really admire you... - Get lost!

I shall take my leave.

He came here to offer his service.

I still have some pride. I won't take in someone like him.

I hope all the scholars in the kingdom are not like this kind of trash.

Trash like him are also rarely seen.

Youngsters are always high-spirited.

I hope so.

Old Wang, let's go to Tongfu Inn later.

We are meeting that only survivor.

Whether the countless aggrieved souls in Shijia Town can rest in peace...

depends on him.

Scholars cannot and should not fawn over others.

It's easier said than done.

Yogurt! Delicious yogurt!

- Please stay. - Let's meet again.

- Let's meet again. - Have a safe trip.

Young Official Fan is here.

May I have a word?

- Sir. - Is Shi Chanli staying here?

Yes, he's staying in a room for four people.

There are three other candidates in the room. Here are their names.

Yang Wanli, Cheng Jialin, Hou Jichang. [Roommates]

We're investigating their backgrounds. The results will be out soon.

And sir, this is a detailed record of Shi Chanli's activities since he checked into the inn.

- Please review it. - You even investigated this.

It's good to be well-prepared in case you need it.

He even drank wine? [Shi Chanli's record of activities]

He chatted happily with those three and had a few cups of wine.

His alcohol tolerance is average.

- He is not in the inn now? - Yes.

He is in the exam courtyard.

There are still many days before the exam. What is he doing there?

He is building walls.

Building walls?

Be careful.

Handle it gently.

- Slowly. - All right.

Sir, please take a look. They're the candidates for the spring exam.

What are they doing?

They're helping the Ministry of Rites to renovate the exam courtyard.

Renovate the exam courtyard? Isn't this the task of craftsmen?

- Why are the candidates doing this? - That's right.

Minister Guo Zheng from the Ministry of Rites suggested this.

He said that many candidates are from different backgrounds.

The cost of living in the capital is high.

It will be a burden for humble students.

- Thus, it's better to pay these students than the craftsmen. - Exactly.

It's voluntary. They can experience the grandness of the exam courtyard in advance,

and also earn some money to make a living.

By the look of it, this minister is rather compassionate.

Sir, that's Minister Guo.

Minister Guo is personally doing the work,

but why isn't he moving?

Is he stuck there?

There's a painter here.

Indeed.

Renovation of the exam courtyard is both a merit and a virtue.

Naturally, he wants a portrait to record this.

Some of the officials in the Imperial Court have this refined taste.

Interesting.

Let's also have a portrait done when we're back at the First Division.

Where is Shi Chanli?

Sir, he is over there.

Is he also having his portrait done?

I don't see any painter here.

The guards are not strict.

The guards naturally protect the minister. No one cares about these candidates.

We need two more people over there.

He Zongwei.

Do you want to become an official?

If you want to stand out, are you willing to take the risk?

May I ask who you are?

Be careful, everyone.

Brother Shi.

Who are you?

Brother Shi, did you forget me? We met before.

Did we?

- Brother Shi, are you staying at Tongfu Inn? - Yes.

- In a room for four people? - That's right.

Your home is at the border town of Shijia.

- How did you know? - You told me.

Did I tell you?

We chatted a bit while we were drunk on that day.

You were also there on that night?

We were in the latrine.

I was drunk that night. I can't remember.

Brother Shi, are you short of money?

- I'm not rich. - We're in the same boat.

I'm Hou Jichang. [Hou Jichang, candidate in the spring exam]

Brother Shi.

Is he your friend?

I'm also staying at Tongfu Inn. We met before.

Brother Shi, introduce us.

This is my roommate, Brother Hou.

Hou Jichang.

Hello, Brother Hou. My surname is Fan.

Fan?

Brother Fan, we're fated since we're staying in the same inn.

Did I interrupt you both?

Not at all.

I just saw Brother Shi holding a brick and in a daze over there.

I wonder why.

I saw that, too.

Brother Shi, did you forget what I told you? [Shi Chanli]

From a distance, I saw you sitting motionless over there and staring at two bricks.

Minister Guo is watching from there.

Even if you are tired, pretend to be hardworking.

I'm not tired. I just found these bricks strange.

What's strange about the bricks?

Let me show you.

This is the old brick that was dismantled

and this is the new replacement brick.

So?

The new brick.

The old brick.

Can you tell from the sounds?

The old brick sounds like iron.

Iron?

This is the best kiln brick.

Kiln bricks are extremely expensive.

However, the replacement bricks are ordinary bricks.

Look at these, too.

These dismantled pillars are made from Phoebe Zhennan wood.

Look at the replacement pillars.

Do you know what these are?

They are just ordinary logs.

Extremely ordinary.

That's why I'm confused.

Why are they using inferior materials to renovate the exam courtyard?

Brother Shi, how do you know this?

There were many traveling merchants in my hometown. I've personally seen these.

I'm sure about this.

Brother Shi,

don't mention this again.

Why not?

Minister Guo personally supervises this renovation.

We should tell him so that he won't be deceived.

This is none of our business.

It's best that we turn a blind eye.

- But... - Trust me.

Why should we turn a blind eye?

Substitution of inferior materials means corrupt officials are involved!

As a scholar who's virtuous and ethical, why should I turn a blind eye?!

Lower your voice.

Don't mind them. They are always like this.

Even if you can shut my mouth, you can't shut other people's...

I'm begging you.

Let me finish talking first.

- Brother Fan, have some water. - Sure, thank you.

Let me do the introductions.

This is Yang Wanli from Quanzhou who's quite famous in his hometown.

He ranked top in the provincial exam.

Among the four of us, he's the most talented.

Nice to meet you, Brother Yang.

Likewise.

- I'm going to beat the drum at the government office... - Read less books.

Even if you want to report, who would listen to us?

I heard that Young Official Fan is now...

Do you even know him?

I can try to get to know him.

- Does Minister Guo know Young Official Fan? - Of course.

Who among you two knows who Young Official Fan is closer to?

Minister Guo.

They are to preside over the spring exam.

What if they've dealings with each other? What will we do?

I see what you mean. [Yang Wanli, candidate in the spring exam]

Are you saying that Young Official Fan and Minister Guo

- are in cahoots... - Impossible!

- I didn't mean that. - What did you mean then?

What I'm trying to say is... put up with it.

Don't ever bring this up again.

If I tolerate this, what's the point of studying?

Even if you want to intervene, now is not the time.

When then?

Brother Yang, let me ask you.

Why did we come to the capital?

- To become officials. - Why are we working at the exam courtyard then?

It's also to become officials.

- Are you an official now? - No.

If you want to intervene, tolerate it until we're officials.

Why must scholars do this?

Because this is the norm.

- I'll take my leave. - Brother Yang.

Brother Yang.

He's clearly a scholar but he's so reckless.

Brother Hou, you just said everyone's here because they want to become officials.

What does that mean?

It's nothing.

Life is hard. We are just making a living here.

In addition to money, Brother Hou also explained the details of this matter to us before coming here.

- Brother Shi. - Don't worry.

- Brother Shi... - We are candidates.

- Brother Shi... - We should know how to share.

Brother Hou said we're here to work not only for money,

but also to show our faces.

Show faces?

Candidates who are here will have their names registered.

Minister Guo is on-site.

It's best if he can remember our names.

Remember our names?

Brother Fan, take a look.

There are so many candidates.

If our names can be remembered, we'll leave an impression on him.

When he reviews our exam scripts, he might take a closer look.

Brother Hou is far-sighted.

Otherwise, people like us

won't be able to pass the exam.

Isn't the spring exam about talent and learning?

Knowledge is useless if we are from a humble background.

How is that related to one's background?

Brother Fan, you may not know

how many candidates take the annual spring exam.

I fear there are thousands of them

but there are limited positions in each ministry.

The streets are full of rumors that some senior court officials, people from the palace,

and the Imperial Academy will select some famous scholars.

As for the rest, how many can be selected?

They choose the candidates even before they take the exam?

People with wealth and backgrounds

sought apprenticeships and offered their services to dignitaries.

They will be working together in the future.

Those dignitaries will naturally help their disciples.

How useful can that be?

Wouldn't only talented candidates be selected from the exam?

Having someone to watch over you...

is more effective than being knowledgeable and full of ideas.

From what you said, isn't the spring exam

just for high officials in the Imperial Court to choose lackeys?

Brother Yang, watch what you say.

You will lose your life for saying that.

Brother Fan, just listen and do nothing.

Don't get yourself in trouble.

Selecting candidates before the exam and using it as a smokescreen,

isn't this cheating?

- That's right! - Lower your voice.

I'm wondering. If this is true,

why hasn't anyone reported this?

Report to who?

The justice court is also run by officials.

Where is the fairness?

- What is that? - Fairness.

It doesn't exist.

If there's no fairness, isn't this spring exam just a joke?

Perhaps once we pass the exam,

we can change everything.

Where is Cheng Jialin?

He is breaking stones in the back courtyard.

I told him to keep his mouth shut.

Now that I think of it, it's really meaningless.

I'm going back to work.

Brother Shi,

be discreet.

Brother Fan.

Can you do me a favor?

Hou Jichang!

You're amazing. You can handle so many logs on your own.

- It's my duty. - Good work.

Do you want to take a rest? You didn't drink any water since this morning.

- It's fine. It's my duty. - Are you sure?

- I'll help you to move more logs. - All right, fine.

- Is this fine? - It's fine.

It's fine? Are you sure?

- Should I give a few more shouts? - No need. That's enough.

Brother Fan, here.

- Eat some flatbreads. - No, thanks. Keep it for yourself.

- Okay, I'll buy you drinks on another day. - Sure.

Thank you.

Young Official Fan?

Minister Guo recognized me?

I often see your heroic bearing in the Imperial Court.

Well...

You're the chief examiner for this spring exam, Minister Guo.

Please don't be so courteous.

Young Official Fan, you've a promising future. [Guo Zheng, Minister of Rites]

You'll achieve even greater success one day.

Young Official Fan, what brings you here?

I passed by and wanted to meet you, too.

I wanted to meet you earlier, too.

- Quick, take a seat. - No need to take the trouble.

Minister Guo, may I ask a question?

Please go ahead.

Are you aware of the usage of inferior materials for this renovation?

They are not that bad.

The materials are durable.

So to say, you're aware of this.

If I said I didn't, wouldn't it be absurd?

Did the Ministry of Revenue allocate funds for the renovation?

Of course.

Who would dare to start work if they didn't allocate the funds?

Since you're using durable materials, how much money is left?

There should be some surplus.

Those dismantled kiln bricks and Phoebe Zhennan pillars are expensive.

They will be stored in the Ministry of Rites' warehouse.

The remaining money is also recorded in the ledger.

I know you have a lofty ambition.

You vow to fight against corruption and evil.

I commend you for that. I won't commit a crime in ignorance.

Not a single cent for this renovation

went into my pocket.

My conscience is clear.

If you don't believe me, feel free to investigate.

The Ministry of Rites will cooperate fully.

- The money is recorded in the ledger? - Fully recorded.

- The materials are in the warehouse? - None are missing.

I'm confused.

What are you doing this for?

As the Minister of Rites,

I can't just sit and do nothing.

As officials, we should do practical things.

Point taken.

This renovation is a practical thing.

In reality, it's a political achievement.

Political achievement?

That's a wise choice of words.

I haven't heard of it.

Political achievement.

You even have a self-portrait.

It's evidence that I did this.

It will remind me of what I have done.

What about the remaining money?

There are many officials in Ministry of Rites. It's difficult for them to support their families.

They also need money to buy wine and meat for festivals. Isn't that so?

What about the materials in the warehouse?

We are honest officials.

Some officials might need to repair their run-down houses.

With the materials in the warehouse?

It's not against the rules. It's not illegal.

This isn't against the rules?

Absolutely.

Minister Guo, you have been in office for years.

You know the rules of the Imperial Court very well.

I'm honest but I need to survive, right?

Aren't you afraid those candidates might find out?

It's useless even if they do.

What if someone passes the exam and impeaches you in the future, won't it be troublesome?

Young Official Fan, like I said,

I didn't violate any rules.

Besides, these people won't pass the exam.

What do you mean?

In the coming spring exam, those listed here

will be disqualified. [Name List of Spring Exam Courtyard Renovation]

Why is that so?

These candidates are cunning.

Why did they come here to work?

They only want to impress me.

How could we use such opportunistic candidates?

Even though they haven't done anything yet?

Scholars must have a noble character,

just like me.

I can't tolerate those who fawn shamelessly.

Is any of these candidates...

your retainer?

I only want to give them a way out.

Young Official Fan, one's character is all that matters.

Just like me,

I unconditionally believe in your character.

No matter what your intention is, I won't oppose it.

Have it your way.

Hou Jichang,

you are so capable!

That's right, Hou Jichang!

You are so hardworking!

It's my duty!

You are so amazing, Hou Jichang!

You've been going back and forth thousands of times. Right?!

Well done, Hou Jichang!

Hou Jichang, great work!

Let's change to another side!

Hou Jichang, great work!

It's not cheap for these candidates to rent a house in the capital.

Humble candidates need to find a way to make money.

So many of them.

Exactly.

These young and talented people are in the capital.

This candidate is also here to take the exam at his age?

He must have taken the exam several times.

They always have high hopes when they are here.

Only a few competent candidates will be selected.

There's always someone who doesn't make it.

What does the spring exam mean to them?

It's the grace from the country.

What else?

As you said, it's an opportunity

to change their destiny.

That's right.

They study hard for years

just for this opportunity.

This is supposed to be a fair opportunity.

Have you heard about cheating in the spring exam?

That plump pigeon must be from the Inspection and Control Bureau.

I doubt it can fly a far distance.

I don't have anything now. Otherwise, I would...

Don't interrupt me.

I'm just asking. You can answer casually.

If so, I will answer casually.

Before the spring exam begins,

many candidates seek apprenticeships

and offer their services to dignitaries.

Without taking the exam, they've already secured their future.

The exam courtyard is merely a smokescreen.

What about them?

They weren't born with such privileges.

Does the Inspection and Control Bureau know about this?

They know a thing or two.

Their duty is to monitor the officials. Why didn't they investigate?

Only powerful dignitaries take in disciples.

They dare not investigate them.

It's been an unwritten rule for many years. Everyone is used to it.

But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them.

There's a quota for candidates in the exam hall.

This is not fair.

What is the name of the inn again?

Tongfu.

- Did Fan Xian go there? - Yes.

The man wasn't there, so he headed to the exam courtyard.

Is he looking for that whatever "Shi"?

Shi Chanli.

He met him but they didn't seem to talk a lot.

Our men watched them from a distance.

They said that Shi Chanli didn't look sad.

He probably didn't know that Shijia Town was completely destroyed.

He didn't tell him anything?

Why did he go there then?

That's right.

What a wasted trip.

I wonder what is on Fan Xian's mind.

Sir, what are you thinking?

Nothing, really.

The spring exam is in a few days.

If Shi Chanli finds out about his hometown, how will he take the exam?

Let's wait.

The First Division is keeping watch on him.

Let's see what to do next after he has taken the exam.

Sir,

you are really different.

How so?

If it was someone else, who would care about this?

They should be treated as humans.

[Fan Residence]

Have we reached home?

You should look at this.

This is my admiration for Young Official Fan. It's a small gesture.

Please accept it.

Isn't that Xin Qiwu?

That's right.

Some look familiar. I saw them in the Imperial Court.

They are in casual clothes now.

Wouldn't it look bad if they are in official robes?

I left a message in it.

I'm leaving.

Young Official Fan doesn't accept gifts. No gifts.

He really doesn't. Take them back.

Move aside.

We don't accept gifts.

He is coming this way.

Please stop sending gifts. We are just servants.

I'm leaving.

I will put them here.

Please pass them to him.

It's because of the spring exam?

Apparently.

Come, let's use the back door.

Your Highness, it doesn't feel right.

Why isn't there anyone in the Fan Residence?

Who told us to enter by the back door?

But it can't be deserted, too.

Do you know why no one is here?

It means the Fan residence has encountered a disaster?

It's because we haven't been here.

Where is Fan Xian's courtyard?

Shall we search?

Put them here.

Go back by the same way. Wait for me outside.

It's rotating.

Old Master, the Crown Prince is visiting us.

Why did you dismiss all the servants?

Did he use the back door?

Whether it's the back or front door, he's still the Crown Prince.

Never mind that you dismissed the servants, shouldn't you go and meet him?

He's not here for me. It's inconvenient to meet him.

Do you know what the important phrase in the ups and downs of officialdom is?

Which phrase?

Be steady.

Mind our own business and don't bother about other people's.

It's better to stay out of matters unrelated to us.

Old Master,

why did the Crown Prince personally visit Fan Xian?

What else could it be?

The spring exam is around the corner.

He's here to greet him.

But why did he use the back door?

Figure this out yourself.

It's not moving.

My goodness.

Crown Prince, are you here specifically to tear down my house?

Brother Fan, sorry.

It stopped rotating just now.

I tried to help it. As a result,

I used too much force.

If... it still doesn't work, how much is it? I'll pay you.

I was joking. Your Highness, please come ashore first.

All right.

Crown Prince, what's the reason for personally visiting me?

Do you want to hear the truth or the lie?

I'm fine with either of them.

- I came here to mediate. - Who did I fight with?

Because of your fallout with Second Brother, he is grounded for six months.

I feel bad for my biological brother.

That's why I'm here to advise you.

This is a lie.

Apparently.

What about the truth?

The truth?

I'm coming.

- Did anyone call him? - As long as he believes so.

The truth is that you upset Second Brother.

I'm very happy about it.

So, I personally brought some gifts for you.

Your Highness really doesn't regard me as an outsider.

You and Second Brother are fighting. We are definitely not outsiders.

But I didn't know what you like.

Gold, silver, jewelry, and precious herbs; I prepared some of everything.

Thank you, Crown Prince. I like them all.

You are frank.

Crown Prince, I believe you're not here just to deliver gifts.

- That was the main reason. - Main reason?

I also have a trivial matter.

How trivial is it?

It's just a few names.

You are supervising the anonymous transcription, right?

Pay attention to these names later. [Song Changning, Wei Sinan, Sheng Huaiyuan]

What do you want me to do, Your Highness?

You don't need to do anything.

Don't do anything during the transcription. That's all I need.

If there's nothing else, I'm leaving.

My servants were supposed to deliver the gifts.

I later thought that we were not outsiders.

I also wanted to see you. Thus, I personally came to show my sincerity.

Your Highness is really sincere.

There is a survivor in Shijia Town.

You heard about that, too?

It's related to Second Brother's smuggling.

Naturally, I will pay attention to that.

What happens next?

He is a candidate. I haven't told him anything yet.

I will wait until the exam is over.

Do as you say. I'm leaving.

No need to see me off. I can find my way out.

I'll just walk in the opposite direction of the arrow.

Sir, Prime Minister Lin sent someone to deliver a message.

He requested that you visit him.

[Yuan Hongdao, counselor of Prime Minister Lin]

Sir, is this name all right?

Yes.

Uncle.

Do away with formalities.

Come, help to check.

There are a few white hairs on my beard lately.

There are some.

Pull them out for me.

You want me to do it?

I can't do this myself. It hurts.

Do it again.

Quick.

One more time.

Pull it off.

No, stop it. Stop.

Uncle, I don't think it's that painful.

I can't bear the pain. I'm scared.

If so, why don't you trim them instead?

If I trim them, they will still grow.

It doesn't solve the problem.

Let's stop here for today.

Prime Minister, his background is clean.

All right. [Huan Xianzhong of Heinan Circuit in Xuzhou]

Fan Xian.

Look.

My beard is neat. Right?

It's refined.

Good.

Being an official is just like being a person.

Be mindful of small details.

Most importantly, don't reveal any flaws.

Uncle, what is this for?

Dabao loves to eat hawthorns.

I'm picking good ones for him.

He always eats with haste.

I'm afraid he might choke on the seeds.

Young Official Fan, when the servants do this,

the Prime Minister doesn't trust them.

Did the Crown Prince look for you?

Word spreads fast.

Did he give you a name list?

Yes.

He told me not to do anything during the anonymous transcription.

You definitely don't need to do anything.

Someone else will take action.

- You only need to turn a blind eye. - To what?

What else could it be?

Let them add the selected candidates to the honor roll.

[Spring Metropolitan Exam. Yun Heshun of Heinan Circuit in Laizhou, No.13, East]

[No.13, East]

[Examiner Sealer's seal]

Pick the selected candidates during the anonymous transcription?

These selected candidates will definitely make to the honor roll.

What if their essays aren't well-written? Won't anyone be suspicious?

There is always a solution.

That's why your position is very crucial.

Do you know how many name lists

those officials and royal relatives will send to you?

I do. They have been sending gifts for the past few days.

They didn't leave their names but there is a note in every gift box.

These people are not qualified.

The important names are all here.

Why do you have them?

I intercepted the gifts and asked Mr. Yuan to filter out the names for you.

The list is shorter now.

Just remember these names.

Isn't this the spring exam? Shouldn't it be based on their abilities?

These aren't just names.

This is the worldly-wise bureaucracy.

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 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 ♫