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 21]

Stop calling me savior from now on.

Understood, sir.

What did you understand?

From now on, I'll only remember your kindness in my heart.

Other than this,

I won't mention it again.

Lead the way. I've many things to do.

Sir, this way, please.

Fan Xian reported the tampered ranking list to His Majesty?

That's not all.

His Majesty gave him the reported fraud cases for the past years.

The fraud names in the ranking list are your disciples.

Mother, I think Fan Xian is right.

This is not my doing.

It's a potential danger. It's better to be just and honorable.

As for the disciples, there are many.

That being said,

your reputation has been affected.

What reputation do I have?

You are the Crown Prince.

As the Crown Prince, I don't want to lose my dignity.

[Inspection and Control Bureau Courtyard]

Where are they?

Who?

- Didn't you tell Old Deng to take them to seal the exam courtyard? - That's right.

I'm so forgetful. Give them to me.

Don't, sir. I'm not tired.

Let me carry the items from the palace for a while more.

I need you to relay a message to Deng Ziyue.

The results for the spring exam must not be delayed.

What about the ranking list?

Of course, we must edit the list and put Yang Wanli's name back.

Who will do that?

No way.

Wait. There are so many names.

Can't we cross out this name

and just write the three words, "Yang Wanli"?

It makes sense. After all, this is the ranking list.

Do you think it's appropriate to edit and write on it?

That's true.

But... what if I make a mistake?

Brother Qinian, one should think positively about everything.

What's so positive?

For instance, you are the first man

to write the ranking list in history.

That's true.

But I...

Wait. What if I make a mistake? Old Deng, it's better that you do it.

This won't do. Sir entrusted this task to you.

No. Your handwriting is better than mine.

I'm also luckier than you. I don't have to do this.

You!

By right, the Ministry of Rites should take charge of this.

Sir said the Ministry of Rites handles this every year.

They are also tired.

We will share their burdens for this year.

But we don't need to use such a huge chart.

Sir also said

the current spring exam must be fair.

This huge chart is used to announce

to everyone in the kingdom of the absolute fairness of the exam.

Since this is so important, Sir should personally write this.

Can you use your brain before you speak?

Sir's handwriting...

His handwriting will indeed ruin our reputation.

Besides, he's very busy now.

His Majesty gave him the fraud cases from the past years' spring exams.

He is investigating them now.

Those are old cases.

Where should he start?

Can you stop talking? What if I make a mistake?

I'm also worried about him.

He's investigating at the prison.

- Prison? Which prison? - Prison of the First Division!

Can you shut up?!

Look. Is it crooked?

Brother Qinian, there is nothing to judge.

Can't you see?

I really can't.

Whatever.

[Fu Hongcheng]

[Yang Wanli]

Why are you here?

Me? To keep my father company.

No, I'm asking how did you get in here?

- I talked to Wang Qinian. - Old Wang let you in?

- He didn't agree at first. - And then?

I asked him several questions. I asked,

"Is my return to the capital considered a secret mission?"

- Of course. - He said that too.

I asked him again, "If that's the case, I shouldn't be found out by anyone. Right?"

"Isn't the prison a suitable place for me to stay?"

How could you say that...

This actually makes sense.

I later told him that Fan Xian is seeking my father's help now.

In case he wants to silence my father after the deal is done,

I should stay in prison too.

Hence, I want to stay in prison with my father.

If you really want to silence him, it'll be convenient for everyone.

Father.

Wang Qinian let me in after that. Have some tea.

Aren't you afraid that I will silence him?

You are not that kind of person.

- You trust me that much? - It's not about trust.

I just want to be with my father.

I should thank Young Official Fan for transferring me here from the Ministry of Justice.

The place is more comfortable.

I'll release you after a few days. Don't worry.

I won't kill to silence you.

In fact, I do know a thing or two about these cases.

Can these be investigated?

You can but...

But?

So what after you have investigated?

Ultimately, only a few people can pull strings in the spring exam.

Crown Prince, the princes, Eldest Princess, Prime Minister Lin, Chief Chen,

and Old General Qin from the Military Department..

Who can punish them?

Don't worry, I'm not stupid.

I don't have any intentions of pulling these big shots down.

Young Official Fan, you are wise.

These big shots are untouchable but there are still the lackeys.

They act on the big shot's behalf and take bribes.

There are many such officials.

I will target some.

At least, this will scare those with ill intentions for a few years.

In this way, fairness can be maintained to some extent.

If you want to investigate, most of them are from the Ministry of Rites.

Are there more honest or corrupt officials among them?

Sir, what do you think the bribe amount should be to determine if one's an honest official?

Please don't joke, Mr. Guo.

You started this first.

If so, I will investigate each and every single one.

I won't let any guilty ones off the hook.

In that case, I will provide you with a list.

It will be less taxing to start with these careless ones.

Thank you for your trouble.

In fact, the victims in these cases deserve more attention.

What victims?

Those who were framed, bribed,

and had their names switched. They are the victims.

When handling a case, a complaint is required.

Thank you for your reminder, Mr. Guo.

No need to thank me.

It's the candidates in the kingdom who should thank you.

Your words carry too much weight.

Eradicating accumulated frauds and restoring justice to all scholars in the kingdom,

no words are too heavy to express their gratitude.

- Who's looking for me? - He's at the entrance.

Little Xian Xian!

Dabao? Come in now.

- Come out. - Come in. [Lin Dabao, eldest son of Prime Minister Lin Ruofu]

Come out.

Come in.

- Come out! - Come in and I will go out.

I can't go in. Come out now!

Why didn't you come in when I told you to?

I can't. This is your workplace.

If I go in and do something wrong, people will laugh at you.

You will be embarrassed!

Nonsense! Who would dare laugh at you? Let's go in.

No, I can't go in. I'm just here to visit you.

Who brought you here?

Yuan!

It's Mr. Yuan. Only him?

Father doesn't worry when he accompanies me.

Definitely.

Little Xian Xian, do you have time now?

Father wants to treat you to have tea.

If Uncle wants to see me, you can tell anyone to look for me.

Dabao doesn't have to come here personally.

Dabao misses you.

Dabao is naive.

He will be bullied.

Please take more care of him in the future.

Does this mean something else?

Sir, you are overthinking.

I have an errand to run.

Please accompany Dabao home.

Sure, go ahead.

Don't worry.

I will protect Dabao even if you didn't say so.

What's wrong with Mr. Yuan? He's acting weird today.

Is it because his candy figurine is too small?

Maybe.

His Majesty assigned you to look into the unresolved spring exam fraud cases.

News travel fast.

Honestly speaking, over the past years,

I slotted quite a few of my men

into the ranking list.

If you really want to investigate, start with me.

Stop looking at me.

I'm not testing you. I'm serious.

Seriously?

When you took this over, in the blink of an eye, news started spreading in the capital.

Do you know why?

His Majesty is clearly using your fame

to prepare for your takeover of the Imperial Treasury.

I know.

Chief Chen reminded me at the hall this morning.

What will you do?

If you investigate, who would you look into?

It will be a disaster for whoever you investigate.

If you are careless, you will make many enemies.

If this is the case, just investigate me.

I will prepare a few people in advance for you

so that you can answer to His Majesty

and I can also protect you.

Brave officials can end up with a grim fate.

Uncle, you are like a candle.

What?

You burn yourself to light my way.

Utter nonsense.

What kind of twisted theory is this?

I haven't had a chance to thank you, Uncle.

You were very considerate to me during the spring exam.

You did a good job.

You didn't use any of my arrangements.

This kind intention is hard to come by.

My post is the second highest in the country.

I will protect you whenever I can.

You need some time to take root and branch out widely

before you can protect the Lin family.

I will not let you down.

No need to take it too seriously.

I won't give up that fast.

Don't worry. I will always be there for you.

Where did Mr. Yuan go?

I'm waiting for him to finish this game.

If I regret this move and take back my stone, I might win the game.

Isn't Mr. Yuan out on an errand?

What errand?

I don't know. Wasn't that your order?

Is he meeting a man or a woman?

How would I know?

Mr. Yuan may appear decent,

but I know him to be otherwise.

Do you think he has a mistress out there?

Well...

Do you have a mistress out there?

No! I only like Wan'er.

- Si Lili? - No!

- Haitang Duoduo? - No!

There's also Yuan Meng of Moon Embracing House.

It's true. I really don't have any!

Is that really so?

Definitely not for all these three!

Uncle, you're too fast with your tactics!

You are finally here.

It can't be that difficult.

Of course, it is.

It was a huge chart.

I dare not even make any mistakes in the names.

If there's a small...

This is not small at all. I feel much better now.

Did you finish all the names?

Yes.

Yang Wanli's name has been finally reinstated.

That's good. Announce the results tomorrow accordingly.

Don't you want to check?

No need.

It's such an important matter.

I trust you.

Hearing what you said, I feel...

like a sinking boat met a floating plank,

like encountering a warm sun in harsh winter.

Enough of the pleasantries.

Sir, I found something in the Yingzhou case that you wanted to investigate.

Back then, the entire Chen clan was eliminated.

Got it.

Also, news about you handling the spring exam fraud cases

have spread everywhere.

All scholars now regard you

as the savior of the world and the eternal light.

It's rather overboard.

However, this rumor seems to originate from the Inspection and Control Bureau.

His Majesty instructed Chief Chen to do this.

Sir, is he using this leverage of the spring exam

for you to lead the literary community?

I really can't tell.

Offering such a prestigious reputation to an isolated official,

I wonder what's on His Majesty's mind.

Old Wang, I used to think I was quite smart when I met other people.

However, His Majesty... is a real mystery.

Your Majesty, Fan Xian took over the old spring exam fraud cases.

The witnesses can be summoned at any time.

Your Majesty, when should we arrange for this?

Don't affect the results announcement.

Understood.

I will do it after the announcement.

Can Fan Xian handle...

the consequences of the investigation?

He has no choice.

Why didn't you offer some advice?

You didn't give any orders.

It's not like you are a puppet.

I... can be a puppet.

Out of the nine arrows, none went in.

Fine,

I will grant you one more arrow.

Didn't you say you would obey my order?

Take this.

I order you to make sure it goes into the pot.

I'm...

not good at this.

Throw it.

Your Majesty, it went in.

It's late. You must be tired, Chief Chen.

Chief Chen, I can see you are in a good mood today.

Eunuch Hou, you could see that? You have sharp eyes.

You flatter me. Let me escort you out of the palace.

I know the way.

An attached heart...

can only be a burden.

Be patient.

With your knowledge, you will be on the ranking list.

No, I'm not that good.

Brother Shi,

isn't too late to read now?

You are right.

- Brother Shi. - You are here.

Where is Cheng Jialin?

It's crowded here. I don't know where he is.

Don't worry, he must be here.

The Inspection and Control Bureau bypassed the Ministry of Rites to announce the results.

This is unprecedented.

With Young Official Fan's overhaul of the governance,

our Great Qing must be reformed.

Yang Wanli? Is it Yang Wanli?

- Yes, it's him. - Are you sure?

- I'm sure. - Brother Yang.

I heard that Inspection and Control Bureau released the results

in order to reinstate his name in the list.

It was supposed to be him. Someone replaced him.

Young Official Fan found it unfair, that's why he created a fuss.

I see.

No wonder.

- I told you so. - This is unprecedented.

Don't believe in street rumors.

Young Official Fan sought an audience with His Majesty because of you.

It's just street rumors.

Do you know who rewrote Yang Wanli's name on the ranking list?

- Who? - Young Official Fan?

It's His Majesty.

His Majesty personally reinstated his name overnight.

- Who told you this? - Everyone is saying this.

- Brother Yang, I admire you... - Rumors.

These are just rumors. Baseless rumors.

I'm embarrassed.

They are here. They are here!

Sir is here.

Everyone, may your wishes come true!

They are announcing the results!

Don't you think the words are a bit crooked?

Who cares?

It seems this ranking list is really fair.

I made it! I made it!

I failed again.

I made it too!

Brother Yang! Yang Wanli!

Where is my name?

You are fifth in the provincial ranking! You are in the front row!

There is no ranking in the list. There's no top or bottom!

Just shout if you want to.

Look at these three words,

don't you think they are different from the rest? [Yang Wanli, Jiangnan Circuit in Quanzhou]

It seems so.

It's full of vigor.

It must be written by His Majesty.

The ranking list is fair.

It's over for me!

I tried for years but still end up failing.

What a frustrating life!

I made it too!

God didn't let me down!

Old man!

Don't let your efforts go to waste.

Brother Hou, your name is also in the front row!

- Where? - Hou Jichang!

[Hou Jichang, Hebei Circuit in Jingzhou]

I can't believe I made it!

Let's look for yours and Jialin's name.

That's right.

I made it too! I made it!

- You made it! - I made it!

You passed! Your name is on it!

I passed!

Shi... Shi... Shi Chanli...

Cheng Jialin! It's Cheng Jialin.

He made it! I almost missed his name!

It's good that he passed.

- Brother Shi. - Shi Chanli...

Shi Chanli...

Shi... Shi Chanli.

Calm down. Perhaps we missed it. Let's check again.

Yes, that's right. Let's check again. Let's double check.

Shi Chanli...

Shi Chanli...

I made it, too!

I passed!

I passed!

Brothers,

congratulations on your success.

If you study hard again, you will make it next time.

Thanks for the encouraging words.

Brother Yang.

The results are out and everything has settled down.

We should visit Young Official Fan.

Of course.

Since the ranking list is out, we can visit him now without any concerns.

I'm going to find Jialin.

Jialin!

You made it!

Cheng Jialin!

I will join you.

Even though I failed, I should go and thank him.

Of course you should.

Let's rehearse again.

No need. We did that many times.

He's here.

Three, two, one.

- Greetings... - Greetings...

- Xiao Fan... - Xiao Fan...

- Sir... - Sir...

Sir.

You two were not synchronized. It's not my fault.

We previously had a joyful conversation. Why are you so nervous now?

We didn't know you were Young Official Fan.

That's right.

I'm also an ordinary man.

No, you are not.

You are the Immortal Poet.

Shi Chanli.

What's wrong?

You even said that?

What brings you here?

Young Official Fan presided over the spring exam.

We should pay our respects to you as disciples.

Seeking an apprenticeship?

Young Official Fan was mighty and brave to combat fraud in the exam.

You deserve our respects.

The four of us sincerely admire you and offer our services.

Four?

When Cheng Jialin was checking the ranking list, he was crushed by someone. He can't walk now.

He asked us to convey his respect to you.

Three out of you four got into the list.

Although there's still the palace exam to rank the top three

but you can still be considered as officials now.

I can't accept you without giving anything in return.

I'm gifting you the principles of being an official.

I have written what I wanted to say on it.

You may go.

Official...

Sir, I shall take my leave.

Sir, I shall take my leave.

Shi Chanli, stay here.

[Fan Residence]

Be an honest person.

Be an honest official.

As expected of Young Official Fan. What a choice of words.

Concise and full of meanings.

Brother Hou,

look at the word "person." It's before the word "official."

Brother Yang, from today on, we are his disciples.

Let's encourage each other lest we disappoint Young Official Fan.

Sir,

I failed.

I know.

I have let down your guidance.

Don't feel ashamed if you have done your best.

You are right, Sir.

You told me to stay. Are there any instructions?

What's your next plan?

I plan to leave the capital in a few days.

I'm going back home.

You can't.

Shijia Town was burned to the ground.

This is the disaster report issued by the local government.

Have a look at it.

This fire might not be a natural disaster.

[Shijia Town]

Sir!

He Zongwei requests to see you.

Take him away first. I will see him later.

Yes, Sir.

Sir.

He Zongwei, we meet again.

"Scholars cannot

and shouldn't fawn on others."

I'm enlightened by your previous teachings.

Hence, I'm here to express my gratitude.

I didn't see you at the spring exam.

I should have taken the exam

but there was something more important than that.

You studied for years to become an official.

Is there something more important than that?

Needless to say,

it concerns a human's life. It's hard to redress injustice!

If you have a grievance, you should report it to the local government.

We should have gone there

but hearing that you're handling the fraud cases of the spring exams,

you're the only one who can help us with this grievance.

A grievance about the spring exam?

This woman's husband was a candidate who failed the last spring exam.

He should have passed.

In the end, someone switched his name and stole his official post.

He found out

and wanted to vent his anger.

He wanted to seek justice.

Go on.

The culprit turned out to be a disciple of a senior court official.

Who knew this senior official would issue the order to kill this candidate?

As of now, only his widow remains.

She didn't give up on seeking justice for her late husband.

He Zongwei, how is this related to you?

I have a conscience.

Upon hearing this, I left the capital immediately

and went to great lengths to find this widow and bring her here.

Sir, you're the only one in the Imperial Court

who's willing to stand up for all scholars in the kingdom.

I can only bring her here to see you.

Did you give up the spring exam because of this?

A human's life is involved. It's my obligation!

Do you know which senior court official killed your husband?

I do.

Tell me.

The person behind the fraud in the spring exam,

and who killed my husband,

was Prime Minister Lin Ruofu.

Everyone in the kingdom admires you.

If we talk about sacrificing one's own family for the sake of justice,

you're the only one in the kingdom who can do it!

An isolated official.

- Mr. Yan. - Mr. Yan.

Looking for me?

[Inspection and Control Bureau, First Division]

A scholar brought a victim's family to accuse Prime Minster Lin of silencing her husband.

I know about this case. Why did you ask to see me?

The deceased's residence is not in the capital.

I need assistance from the Fourth Division.

It's not enough.

You also need the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review,

and the Capital Magistrate's assistance.

I won't hand over the victim.

Of course, the Inspection and Control Bureau will lead the case.

I'm not familiar with the other departments.

How about this? Help me to handle the various departments first.

Have you thought of what to do if this is true?

You kicked Eldest Princess out of the capital. It's Prime Minster Lin now.

How will you face Princess Lin?

What do you want me to do?

Hand the case over to me. I will be impartial.

Are you worried about me?

No, you might show favoritism.

Thanks, but this case must be handled by me.

Why?

His Majesty tasked me with investigating fraud in the spring exams.

I can't withdraw from it.

Do you think His Majesty already knew about Prime Minster Lin's case?

Perish that thought. It's too dangerous.

- Where are you going? - The Prime Minister's Residence.

Are you sure you want to go there now?

[Favorable weather, good for the crops]

This way, please.

[Dengjiu Hall]

Here you go. Take care.

Sure. I will wrap it up for you.

[Tingyu Restaurant]

Mr. Yuan, you are here. Please come in.

There is a premium seat. Please have some tea.

- Nice tea. - Yes, it tastes fresh.

Ornaments for sale!

Ornaments!

Mr. Yuan, there's a premium seat here.

No need.

Thank you.

Waiter, two plates of beef.

Sure, Sir. Right away.

Yogurt for sale!

- I will sit here. - Sure.

A pot of tea and two plates of dried fruits.

All right. Is it going to rain?

Why are the windows closed?

There is a river down there swarming with mosquitoes. Hence, we closed them.

Open them.

Flowers for sale!

Fresh flowers.

How long do you plan to stand here?

Don't pull a long face.

Young man, don't be depressed.

Someone reported a case.

Was it about me silencing someone? I heard about it.

Did you do it?

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 his 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 ♫