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 20]

Rebuild the latrine?

Yes. It's Young Official Fan's idea again.

Official Guo, this is indeed baffling.

Tell him we are short of manpower. It can't be done in time.

He arranged manpower from the First Division. He didn't ask for our men.

The exam hall is off-limits. No one is allowed inside.

Official Guo, the Inspection and Control Bureau has the authority to monitor anyone.

As per the rules, they are even entitled to arrest the candidates.

Then why are you telling me that?

He requests you allocate the logs and bricks from the Ministry of Rites' warehouse.

Those are Phoebe Zhennan logs and kiln bricks! He wants to use them to build mere latrines?

He knows this seems ridiculous, but...

But what?

But the spring exam is held by the Ministry of Rites.

He will offer manpower,

but the materials must be supplied by the Ministry of Rites.

That way, it's legal and not against the rules.

Whatever!

Rules. Right.

We should follow the rules.

Official Fan.

Old Deng and the rest have fixed the latrines.

It won't affect the spring exam.

Good job.

I still get the jitters when I think about it now.

Just how snide they are to put kerosene in the latrines.

If candidates bring a candle in after dark,

a small careless move could cause a big fire.

Old Wang, for your information,

in a place like that, not only would it catch fire, but it could also explode.

Explode?

If the latrines were to explode,

I'm afraid this would leave a dark chapter in the history books.

"On that fateful day, during the spring exam hosted by Official Fan Xian,

numerous candidates lost their lives in..."

How shameful.

Three more days to come.

Come what may, I will keep them safe.

I value their lives, even if those officials don't.

I will protect them, even if those officials don't.

It's a shame.

They know nothing about what you have done for them.

I don't seek recognition for the good deeds I have done.

Please call me the Red Scarf Young Pioneer. (Neckerchief worn by young pioneers of several countries during the socialist era)

Wait, Official Fan. What did you just say?

Red Scarf Young Pioneer.

They replaced the candles and drinking water as well as rebuilt the latrines.

Minister Guo bought off several candidates to try to frame Fan Xian in the next three days.

- No need for that. - No need?

No accidents would be more effective than poisoned water and fire.

Fan Xian won't be brought down unless there are dozens of deaths.

At least, we should give him some warning.

Why waste the effort if we can't take him down in one blow?

Tell Guo Zheng to stop.

It should've been a great chance.

Something is amiss.

Guo Zheng is so devious that I too might fall prey to his trap.

Fan Xian is cunning.

No.

Only experienced officials with years of service

in the Ministry of Rites would discern such minor problems.

Not everyone would pay attention to candles and drinking water.

Someone in the ministry helped him.

Who could it be?

- Someone fainted. - What has happened?

Come.

Submit your papers!

Young Official Fan is indeed meticulous.

Even the Inspection and Control Bureau helped us out.

The past three days have been perfect without accidents.

Congratulations.

I have always had faith in Young Official Fan.

Minister Guo, you have keen eyes.

You are a gratifying godsend for the Ministry of Rites.

Have all the answer sheets been collected?

Everything has gone smoothly.

Next will be the anonymous transcription.

There won't be any untoward accidents. Please rest assured, Minister Guo.

Young Official Fan.

You have had tough days. Why don't you return home and rest?

That won't do. I need to supervise the anonymous transcription.

I mustn't slack off on the task entrusted by His Majesty.

You are capable and reassuring.

So, this is the anonymous procedure?

Right.

Cover the candidates' names to ensure a just grading.

Over there is the transcription.

Each answer sheet will be transcribed.

After all, handwriting might expose one's identity.

How considerate.

After that, the transcripted copies will be sent for grading.

Talent is the only criterion for judgment.

What should I do if I want to cheat?

Young Official Fan, I beg your pardon.

I was saying, if I want to cheat during the anonymous transcription

what should I do?

Young Official Fan, please don't joke about that.

I won't do that. I'm just curious.

There is no such thing.

I'm not saying that it is happening right now.

It has never happened before.

- You don't trust me. - I'm telling the truth.

I heard that paper straps used to cover the candidates' names are different in length.

Different lengths

are also a mark.

The transcription area is over there. Right?

As for the transcription, someone might leave an inkprint on the answer sheet

to hint to the examiner.

There is no such thing.

Where did you hear about this?

Just rumors.

Of course, I believe no one here

would do such a thing.

After all, no one wants to die.

I was just kidding. Please focus on your work.

I will observe and learn.

[Admitted]

Guo Zheng sent a message. Fan Xian is aware of the tricks the Ministry of Rites used.

He wanted to help your retainers, but it wasn't quite convenient.

What retainers? [Dream of the Red Chamber]

I don't have retainers.

Understood.

They are only candidates, not retainers.

It's a good thing for the spring exam to be clean.

No need to intervene. They are on their own.

I will relay this to Guo Zheng.

[Yang Wanli]

Brother Shi. Brother Yang. Why are you up so early?

It's my habit. I always wake up around the same time.

Brother Shi, the exam is over. Why are you reading?

Brother Hou, look at this.

I couldn't recall this sentence during the exam.

Enough, the exam is over. Stop thinking about it.

Where is Cheng Jialin?

The three-day exam has worn him out. I couldn't wake him up.

Right. I felt like a different person after three days.

Exactly.

Brother Shi, you are acting weird.

Brother Hou, what is that smell? You smell great.

You have a sensitive nose.

- Is it food again? - Of course.

You are so considerate, Brother Hou... It's chicken!

- Roasted chicken. - Where did you get this?

I prepared this last night and wanted to celebrate after the exam.

But the three of you slept like logs.

Brother Hou, I really appreciate you for feeding me the past few days.

Consume the chicken, there will be more to come. (From Li Bai's poem, replacing "gold" with "chicken")

Brother Hou, you can't use Young Official Fan's poem in that way.

Well, let's eat up before it turns bad.

I will divide the chicken up.

I can't believe it was Young Official Fan who treated me to wine and meat that day.

I was surprised, too. Who would've thought that?

Exactly. I was shocked when I found out.

Speaking of which, it scared me out of my wits

when he found the slip of paper among the vegetable pancakes.

Thankfully, he proved my innocence.

Should the four of us pay him a visit?

- Why? - Why?

Judging from the rumors,

people have mistaken the four of us as Young Official Fan's disciples.

But we know we are not.

Why don't we encourage this rumor?

Are you suggesting that we seek an apprenticeship from him?

Young Official Fan's knowledge is more than enough to teach us.

If he can be our mentor, that would be wonderful.

Of course.

But if we visit him now, it will seem like we are using shortcuts.

He's right.

Why fear slanted shadows when you stand upright? (Walk the ethical path, don't worry about others' opinions about you)

He's right.

We will stand upright, and so will our shadows.

We can visit Young Official Fan.

- But not now. - When?

It's better to meet him after the results are announced and everything has settled down.

But...

He made a point.

That's what I thought.

Leave some for Jialin.

- I'm Cheng Jialin. - Get lost.

I wonder what Young Official Fan is doing now.

Official Fan, you haven't returned home for several days and nights.

Your family must miss you.

I can't go home yet.

I need to keep an eye on the grading.

If we want a clean exam, we should put in some effort.

Everything has been done by now, hasn't it?

After days of grading, we are now waiting for the results to be announced.

I can safely say that the current spring exam is clean and just.

How about the four candidates from Tongfu Inn?

Shi Chanli failed.

- Why didn't you help him? - As long as there is fairness.

How about the other three?

Barring any accidents, they should be admitted,

especially Yang Wanli. He wrote a good essay.

Official Fan, you have an excellent assessment of people.

Out of the four candidates you met, three of them succeeded.

Had I known this earlier, I might've given it a try too.

Maybe I could borrow your luck and make it through...

Well, sleep tight.

[Fan Residence]

Old Deng, could you please make a noise when you come in?

Brother Qinian, what are these?

Young Official Fan's meal.

Brother Qinian, what are you doing?

This meat, as you know,

is my Ba Ba's favorite.

I see. You are stealing Young Official Fan's meat.

Wait! How could you say I stole it?

You see, Young Official Fan is resting. He doesn't eat the dishes.

We can't let these dishes be wasted. Right?

Still, you can't do that.

Well, if no one finishes them, they will be thrown away.

Isn't that a waste?

- But... - Wasting food is not good. Right?

- Right. - So, is there a problem with what I'm doing?

Brother Qinian, you confused me.

There is no way I can tell right from wrong on this matter.

Enough of that. Have a seat.

Let's eat together. Don't be shy, all right?

How about this? I will treat you to Young Official Fan's meal.

Here you go.

Try it. As for this meat, I will keep it for my daughter.

Let's eat this troublesome bony fish.

- Here. - It's you who asks me to eat.

Right, it's me.

Here. Try the fish eye.

Your eyes get strained from reading documents.

- This is good for your eyes. - Sure.

You are right. Let me taste it.

How is it?

Fresh.

- Is it delicious? - Very delicious.

Of course.

Look at me. I have put on much weight.

Taste this too. [Anmu Yogurt]

- Brother Qinian, how much longer will Young Official Fan sleep? - What's the matter?

There is. The Ministry of Rites finalized

the ranking list of the exam.

As per the rules,

the Inspection and Control Bureau should review the list before the announcement.

Chief Chen can review it.

He asked me to deliver this to Young Official Fan.

You have a one-track mind.

Just let Official Fan sleep more, and we can eat more. Isn't that better?

Come on.

Try this.

Let me taste it first.

Nice. Try this.

How does it taste?

It's a very special flavor.

What is this?

Yogurt.

You are awake, Official Fan.

It's fine. Keep eating.

What are you looking at me?

Old Wang, stop pretending. You haven't wiped off the yogurt around your mouth.

Official Fan, what is yogurt?

What do you come here for?

This is the ranking list of the spring exam.

Chief Chen asked me to send it over.

Continue eating.

I will go and look for my chopsticks.

Well, you can continue.

What's wrong, Official Fan?

Yang Wanli failed.

His name isn't on the list.

Could it be that he made mistakes?

Old Wang, let's go to the Ministry of Rites after eating.

I'm not eating.

Will you stop pacing?

Official Fan.

- How is it? - I looked through the answer sheets.

Yang Wanli's paper is among the other passed papers.

Isn't it supposed to be anonymous?

I saw him writing the political discourse. I remember his answer.

Did someone copy his name wrong for the finalized list?

No.

Yang Wanli's answer sheet was changed to someone else's name.

[Spring Exam]

[Sheng Huaiyuan of Hedong Circuit in Weizhou]

Is it so difficult to be fair?

We must look into this, Official Fan.

Let's find out who replaced Yang Wanli.

No need for that. I recognize this name.

You do?

Pay attention to these names. [Sheng Huaiyuan of Hedong Circuit in Weizhou]

What do you want me to do, Your Highness?

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

The name replacing Yang Wanli was one of those names.

The Crown Prince's disciple?

If I may, Official Fan, are the rest of the names admitted besides this one?

Just him. Aside from that, the ranking is normal.

Official Fan, you must think carefully.

The Second Prince already holds a grudge against you now.

If you were to offend the Crown Prince, you must think this through.

No need.

- I keep good on my word. - What word?

This spring exam must be clean.

Old Deng, summon the First Division to besiege this place.

Without my order, no one will announce the results.

Yes.

- Wang Qinian. - At your service.

Let's go to the Eastern Palace.

Your Highness, Official Fan has arrived unannounced.

Why didn't you inform me sooner?

Hurry and put them away.

The tailored garments you requested are done. They are on the way here.

Who arranged that?

You arranged it, Your Highness.

Young Official Fan, what brings you here in such a hurry?

Please come this way.

So, this is why you are here, Brother Fan.

- What are those? - I prepared these for you.

Which one do you like?

I don't know much about these. Which tailor store creates these?

I created them.

Your Highness?

I casually drew them and had a tailor make them.

You are a designer.

Pardon?

Never mind. But why are their faces covered?

Their looks don't match with the clothes.

I got it. Who are these clothes made for?

No one in particular. I created these for fun.

The designs are refined. It doesn't seem so.

That's what I like about you.

If it were others, they probably would advise me to focus on state affairs.

One should have a hobby, after all.

By the way,

the substituted name on the spring exam ranking list is my protégé.

But if I said I had nothing to do with this, would you believe me?

Of course.

If it were you, you wouldn't have just replaced only one name

nor would you have targeted Yang Wanli.

Obviously, someone tried to pit us against each other.

Sound judgment.

- Fan Xian laid siege to the exam hall? - This news shocked the entire city.

- Then? - Then, he headed straight to the Eastern Palace.

Was the Crown Prince behind this, perchance?

He isn't that clueless.

This is strange. His Majesty has already given the order.

Who would tamper with the spring exam?

Who else could it be besides Second Brother?

This is not like him. This is rather blunt.

We can take time to look into this.

But the priority now is how to wrap this up.

After all, my protégé got involved. Why don't we just let it be?

Here's what I will do. I will ensure Yang Wanli becomes an official within a year.

What do you say?

What if one day someone accuses you of the spring exam corruption to His Majesty?

Could you imagine the repercussions?

We mustn't let this happen.

You always have excellent foresight. We simply can't tolerate this.

Not only that, but we must also make a scene of it.

How? Get the Inspection and Control Bureau involved?

The spring exam hall is under the Ministry of Rites.

How dare you surround this place.

Who should be held accountable if tomorrow's result announcement is delayed?

Deng Ziyue of the First Division of the Inspection and Control Bureau. We simply can't tolerate this.

Since when...

does the Inspection and Control Bureau trample upon the etiquette and protocol?

Be mindful of the cruel blade. Please don't be reckless, Minister Guo.

I would like to see how cruel your blade can be.

Fellow peers, the First Division has always followed the ethical rules

and understood customary diplomacy.

However, does the Inspection and Control Bureau need to know that?

The swords in our hands...

are here for a reason.

I would like to see how you end this.

Fellow peers...

Young Official Fan sealed the exam hall off for the sake of the candidates,

which is a rare occurrence.

Everything he has said is true.

Before this, I had been muddling along with my life.

I admit that I threw all my senses away.

After Young Official Fan's arrival, the First Division changed.

I believe it will eventually resume its duty

to monitor all officials and deter corrupt evils.

To that end, I vow to follow Young Official Fan for life.

Fellow peers,

do honor the uniform you wear and the Qing Empire!

For the sake of the Qing Empire!

Seek an audience with the Emperor? Young Official Fan and the Crown Prince, you mean?

- Precisely. - What for?

From what I heard, it's about the spring exam corruption.

The spring exam of this year?

Young Official Fan had the exam hall besieged.

How did you know about something like that?

The news is making the rounds in the streets,

saying that Young Official Fan seeks justice for all the candidates.

As expected of him.

But how come you always get wind of street rumors? I have never heard of any.

Street rumors? Who spread that?

It's from the street, so who knows?

The spring exam corruption is serious, yet rumors are spreading around so soon.

This doesn't make sense.

Perhaps Young Official Fan spread it himself to use public opinion as leverage.

That's reasonable.

If it wasn't for the Inspection and Control Bureau, the news wouldn't have traveled so fast.

If that's the case, he could only move forward with no turning back.

Somehow, I feel that something...

is pushing him forward with each step planned.

Who did that? For what purpose?

The plot thickens.

I can't see through it.

Where is Eunuch Hou?

Official Fan, he is serving His Majesty.

May I know your name?

Please don't be courteous. I'm Hong Zhu.

Acting in Eunuch Hou's place at such a young age, you surely have a promising future.

It's all thanks to Eunuch Dai of the Crop Inspection Bureau.

Crop Inspection Bureau?

It's that Eunuch Dai who bribed you with 3,000 taels.

He committed a serious crime,

and when he was asked for someone to take over the Crop Inspection Bureau,

he stated my name.

Hold on.

How are you two related?

Your Highness, we are not related in any way.

I only helped him pick up his shoe once.

In that case, you should blame me.

- Instead, I should thank you. - For what?

If Eunuch Dai hadn't collapsed,

I wouldn't have had the opportunity to take over the bureau,

and nor would I have been noticed by Eunuch Hou afterward.

All in all, I'm indebted to you, Official Fan.

Hasn't anyone advised you not to be so outspoken in the palace?

Official Fan, you possess shocking talent,

and now you enter the palace to stand up for the candidates.

I admire you so much that I can't contain myself.

How did you know I came here for the candidates?

- Official Fan, every word and action of yours has been spread widely. - Has been spread widely?

The entire capital knows. Everyone is greatly impressed.

Did you deliberately spread the news?

Clever play.

No matter. Show us the way.

Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and Fan Xian request an audience.

- Imperial Father, I offer my greetings. - Your Majesty, I offer my greetings.

- Greetings, Chief Chen. - Greetings, Chief Chen.

Your Majesty. Chief Chen. If you are in the middle of a discussion,

I can excuse myself.

We aren't discussing anything. I delivered something here.

Your Majesty,

Fan Xian has an important matter to report.

Then, what are you doing here?

Well, it concerns me.

You speak then.

Yes, Imperial Father.

Someone tampered with the spring exam ranking list

and substituted a passed candidate with my protégé.

The spring exam corruption is of great significance.

Someone has distinctly framed me.

I feel aggrieved.

Hence, I reckon this must be investigated thoroughly.

What do you think?

Your Majesty, I think this is absurd.

Fan Xian, are you responsible for supervising the spring exam?

- Yes, it's my responsibility. - If so, you should accomplish it well.

The First Division has sealed off the exam hall, and the ranking list will be rectified as well.

As for the mastermind behind the corruption, should I get to the bottom of it?

What do you two think?

The spring exam holds great significance for the state. I reckon we should.

Go on then.

- Who will take charge of it? - Young people.

You should take matters into your own hands.

How deeply and impartially should we look into it?

These are...

spring exam corruption reports over the five years,

which remain unsolved. Why is that so?

Sweeping the problem under the carpet.

No one dares to investigate the cases

because the results would involve many parties.

How deeply,

impartially, or strictly the investigation...

should be is terrifying to answer.

No one has mustered the courage to investigate thus far.

I'm brazen, Your Majesty.

You? You want to take the case?

Are you able to handle the result of the investigation?

I will bear it myself.

Look carefully.

There are so many of them.

I shall never retreat from preserving a clean governance.

Investigate.

Understandably, you are taking cases that happened this year,

but why did you take those from the past years?

To show my loyalty.

I can't back off, Your Highness.

I have brought myself to this point and news about me has been circulating. I have no turning back.

Are you suggesting that His Majesty and Chief Chen wanted you to do this?

Exactly.

This is a tough job. You might offend many people.

I have been long out of favor.

You have it rough.

Imperial Mother summons me. You may leave first.

All right.

Thank you for your reminder.

May I have a word?

Please.

What's the matter?

What is this?

My previous surname is Chen. I originated from Yingzhou.

A corrupt official seized my property and killed my clan.

I was fortunate to run away,

- but with nowhere to turn to, I entered the palace. - Who is that corrupt official?

The current governor of Yingzhou.

Governor of Yingzhou.

Savior, you promoted the corruption investigation.

The villain's assets were confiscated, and he has been imprisoned, and sentenced to execution.

If it weren't for you upholding justice,

the death of my clan wouldn't have been avenged.

Chief Chen came up with the name list,

and the Imperial Censorate handled the case.

Why thank me?

I may be dull, but I know you started all this, Savior.

No need to bow.

Does anyone in the palace know about your true identity?

When I entered the palace, my hometown was registered as Jiaozhou.

Here, I'm acknowledged with the surname Hong.

No one is aware of my deceased clan.

Why the surname Hong?

When I first came in here, an old eunuch surnamed Hong looked after me very much.

So I took his surname.

Stop calling me savior.

Understood, Official Fan.

What did you understand?

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 ♫