Original subtitles

Translation and Timing by the Joy of Life 2 Team @ Viki.com

♫ 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 moment now. The weather today is nice and warm ♫

♫ 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 7]

I was just bored. I was just drawing them for fun.

Is it fun to draw faceless portraits?

Do you want me to ask you who you're drawing?

You are the crown prince!

I know my fault now.

Imperial Mother, I'll remember your words.

I won't draw them again.

What's going on with Shijia Town again?

Second Brother reacted in time.

By the time my men rushed there, his men had already evacuated.

They didn't leave any evidence in the town.

If so, why did you burn down the town?

Because Fan Xian is a good man.

By doing that,

he and Second Brother won't be able to reconcile.

He will then always take my side.

All the more, he shouldn't find out the truth.

Don't worry, Mother.

In this world, except for a lunatic,

who would do this kind of atrocious and vile deed

for no reason?

There is only one truth. Second Brother wiped out the town.

Why do you value Fan Xian so much?

Who wouldn't like a good person?

Sir!

I have been waiting for you.

Didn't I tell you to go home and rest?

There's only danger if you follow me.

- I have thought it through. - That's quick.

There is not much to consider.

My wife said I could make this much money in a month.

I can't make that much in other places.

Also, you are a good person.

What's the use of being a good person when I'm surrounded by danger?

Sir, danger lurks everywhere,

but there are few good people.

- You're a good person. - Am I considered a good person?

I have many faults.

I'm cowardly, selfish, greedy, and conceited.

Sometimes, I'm complacent, indecisive, and overcautious.

In all honesty, I'm just an ordinary man.

What will an ordinary man do in this situation?

What will he do?

He will quit his job!

I'm no longer the inspector and the leads have been cut off.

What can I use to investigate? Why should I investigate?

How is that my concern?

One should learn to protect oneself and not care about others.

Sir, please don't say that.

Your words and actions have changed many people.

Who?

At least, there is me, Wang Qinian.

Seems like you still haven't figured out His Majesty's intention.

I did.

He took my official token [Inspection and Control Bureau]

and bestowed a marriage between Li Chengze and the Ye Family.

Everyone knows that the Ye Family is protected by a grandmaster.

Once they get married, Li Chengze will have a promising future.

His Majesty is protecting him.

He's feeling aggrieved.

Who says so?

What's his identity? What's mine?

It's a given that His Majesty would protect his own son.

So, you don't want to investigate anymore?

Chief Chen, what can I use to investigate?

The prince committed a crime. I risked my life to rush to the capital to admonish him.

He refused to listen.

Fine, I obeyed him.

I came back alive and admonished him again

but he still deflected the topic.

Is anything I say useful?

Who can I trust in this world?

Can I trust him? Can I trust you?

It doesn't matter whether you trust me or not.

I brought this back for you. [Inspector]

His Majesty threw it into the water.

Did he say he would dismiss you?

Everyone heard and saw His Majesty protecting Li Chengze today.

So, from now on, this matter is considered over.

That's a subtle hint.

He wants me to lie low and find something in the undercurrent?

No wonder he threw it into the water.

Don't read too much into it. Don't overthink.

Anyway, you got the right message.

But Shijia Town is gone.

If you don't keep calm, more towns will end up like Shijia Town.

The priority now is, do you really know who you are up against?

Have you thought of what you would do in the future?

I'm against...

Li Chengze and those who are like him.

I'm not my mother.

I can't live by the goal of changing this world.

But at least in this life,

I want to be a self-righteous good person

and let my conscience be at peace.

I don't want to see someone die again in vain like Teng Zijing,

and also, commoners like Old Jin who had nowhere to seek justice.

I want to speak up for them.

I want to seek justice for those who died.

That's why you must calm down,

be humble, and start all over again.

Although the inspector of the Inspection and Control Bureau is powerful, you're on your own.

You've been in the capital for some time and should have your own subordinates.

- I have Wang Qinian. - Not enough.

- Do you remember Zhu Ge? - I wouldn't dare to forget him.

After Zhu Ge's death, the First Division has been without a leader.

I suggest that you

take up his position first.

The First Division monitors all officials in the capital who are involved.

This is a place of trouble and fierce battles.

You said that you wanted to speak up for the people

and take down Li Chengze.

This position is the best choice.

Chief Chen,

I heard many things during the trip to Northern Qi.

Excellent.

You have experienced the real world.

Is my life controlled by you all?

If I say I'm helping you, would you believe me?

Do I have the guts to believe you?

[Mandate for the people and country written by Fan Xian's mother, Ye Qingmei]

After all, you are her son.

There is something I've been meaning to ask.

Go ahead.

If one day,

I take a different path from my mother's, who would you choose?

- Impossible. - What if this is the case?

I would definitely choose your mother.

So, in the end, you guys would help me

because I'm her son.

Exactly.

Then you guys will be disappointed.

I'm not the same as my mother.

You should know there is no one alike in this world.

But you and your mother

are the same in nature.

I wouldn't dare to erect this monument.

It's not important whether to erect this or not.

I'm telling you...

You'll take the same path as your mother's in the future.

And I'm now making sure you'll take the path of your choice.

I have been controlled all my life

and I still need to take the chosen path?

Isn't this absurd?

To gain, you must first give. This isn't absurd.

You thought of this a long time ago.

I told you that

whatever you want to do, I'll always be there for you.

I may have deceived you but I mean what I'm saying now.

Are you hiding anything else from me?

Of course there is but I must keep it a secret.

Can I still trust you?

Yes, but not completely.

People are unpredictable.

[Inspector]

If so, I will only partly trust you.

That's too much.

Is this the original?

The person who's more eager to see you, is here.

Don't leave any future troubles for Moon Embracing House.

I know.

What brings you here?

This is Fan Xian. His surname is Fan.

He is my son.

I know. No one wants to take him away from you.

What's most important in the Qing Empire?

Isn't it filial piety? Have you heard of love between a father and son?

I did.

The first people he met after returning to the capital were His Majesty and you.

This is ridiculous.

Why is he so angry?

I'm not angry.

Why would I be?

I'm reasoning with you.

Let me ask you. After returning from a long journey,

Fan Xian didn't return home first to pay respects to the family.

Isn't this against the teachings of filial piety?

If this gets out, won't the Ministry of Rites criticize him?

Yes, you are right.

There are times when you even admit mistakes?

But I didn't summon him here.

It wasn't you?

Actually, I came here on my own.

I wanted to wipe this monument.

[Mandate for the people and country written by Fan Xian's mother, Ye Qingmei]

[Mandate for the people and country written by Fan Xian's mother, Ye Qingmei]

Let's go home.

You are riding with me.

[Sanjiu Hall]

Please have some tea.

Don't fuss over what happened in the palace.

Although His Majesty threw away your token, he didn't issue an order...

To remove me from the position of inspector. Chief Chen reminded me about this.

This is the capital. It's not a competition between martial arts fighters.

If you want to compete with Second Prince, don't do it alone.

I need to cultivate my own team. Chief Chen advised me about this, too.

I'll go back to take up the post in the First Division.

I know Chief Chen is helping you

but this is the capital. You should be careful.

I can trust Chief Chen but not completely.

People are unpredictable. He also mentioned this.

He talked without any reserve.

But there is something I don't agree with.

Which is?

People are unpredictable.

For others, I can't trust them completely...

but not when it comes to my family.

Those people in Ministry of Rites always make a fuss about filial piety.

I rushed here not because you didn't return to pay respects to me.

I'm worried that some officials might find faults with you.

Father's words of wisdom,

I'm enlightened after hearing them.

As long as you understand.

I haven't visited Wan'er since I returned.

Maybe...

Maybe I should stay home for a few days before visiting her.

You should go back and visit Ruoruo.

Your younger sister misses you very much.

[Sanjiu Hall]

[Fan's Residence]

Ruoruo.

Ruoruo.

Ruoruo.

Ruoruo.

Brother, you are finally back.

Where have you been?

I... I was wandering the world.

Wandering the world?

For how long?

About the time it takes to burn an incense stick.

That's quite a short journey.

In fact, I wasn't just wandering the world.

I was trying to escape from the marriage.

I heard His Majesty arranged a marriage for me.

I wasn't happy. Hence, I packed my belongings and ran away.

Why did you come back then?

I left in haste and calmed down along the way.

I came to a realization.

Brother, do you know who I trust the most in this world?

- Who? - You, of course.

Thus, I thought of asking you first whether I should leave or stay.

What if I ask you to stay?

What are you doing?

Since I'm not leaving, I will put the clothes back in the chest.

Aren't you worried I will make you follow the decree and get married?

Not at all, Brother.

I already said I trust you most in this world.

Ruoruo, do you want to get married?

No.

Got it. Don't worry. I will find a way.

You won't get married if you don't want to.

Sure.

If this doesn't work out, I will take you and run.

All right.

Stop. You will mess up my hair.

Continue unpacking. I'm off to handle Fan Sizhe's matter.

Brother, you just got back.

What's wrong with Fan Sizhe? Is it serious?

Let me put it this way. I almost beat him to death.

I always thought of that. Let me help you.

It was a misunderstanding.

Next time then. Call me if you want to beat him up again.

But he is your younger brother.

You are my eldest brother.

Can't you be more fair?

I can't.

I may have many younger brothers in days to come,

but you are my only eldest brother.

That does make some sense.

Ruoruo, don't worry. I won't let you down.

Of course, you won't.

Did you say that Fan Xian is back?

Yes, Young Master.

My father must be elated, right?

Father, did you ask for me?

Mother, you are here too.

Brother, you are finally back.

Why are you kneeling before he asks anything?

I sense this familiar tension.

Do you know about Moon Embracing House?

Yes.

- Who is the owner? - It's me.

This is simply ludicrous! How could you do that?

Mother, I just wanted to make some money.

You lost your humanity for money.

Old Master, please spare him.

Run!

Bring the family's rules here.

No need. Actually, he is also a victim.

That's right. Sizhe has never been smart.

He must have been deceived.

Mother, don't you always say that I'm smart?

Shut up.

Whether he was deceived or not, he must accept the punishment for his mistake.

He will be beaten no matter what.

To be honest, I have already beaten him.

Yes, Fan Xian already...

You beat him?

Did you both meet before?

Yes. He almost beat me to death.

Why didn't you tell me?

Brother told me not to tell anyone and to stay in my room.

You didn't go out for the past few days because of Fan Xian?

Then, did you return to the capital earlier?

I did.

What's going on?

Father, it is a long story. Don't let him keep kneeling.

Stand over there.

In fact, it's because Second Prince set me up.

[Fan's Residence]

Anyway, this is what happened.

He didn't know about the forced prostitution in Moon Embracing House.

Father, you heard him. I truly had no idea about that.

If Moon Embracing House is exposed,

you'll be the first to be arrested.

Don't, Father. They really didn't tell me it was a brothel.

They said it was just a place for listening to songs and chatting. I...

What should we do?

Actually,

this can be over if I compromise or yield.

That's impossible.

Aunt, do you trust me that much?

You have never compromised or yielded.

Have you come up with a solution for Sizhe?

Making a clean break from Moon Embracing House within a short time isn't realistic.

To keep him safe, he has to leave the capital.

You are right.

I will accompany Sizhe and hide in Danzhou for a while.

He can't stay in Qing.

Where else can he go?

Head northward. Go to Northern Qi.

That's too far away.

That's good. I will go with Sizhe to the North.

Aunt, you can't go with him. He has to go there alone.

- Why? - Yes, why?

This is a secret trip and not a vacation.

You are the daughter of a duke after all.

Everyone knows your face.

Still, Sizhe can't go to Northern Qi alone.

He has never left the capital.

Fan Sizhe,

are you afraid?

A bit.

I know it will be challenging for you to travel far away from home suddenly

leaving a luxurious life with no one to rely on and facing an uncertain future.

Stop... Stop talking. You're making me more scared.

But this is also an opportunity for you.

How is this an opportunity?

One will never grow up if they don't leave home.

Didn't you also want to prove to someone that...

you are not a kid anymore?

To prove that not everything you do is wrong?

And also to prove that you can live up to expectations?

I want to prove myself.

Go North. Find your own path.

He can't do this.

All right.

Louder.

- All right. - I can't hear you!

I can do this!

I made a mistake. I must bear the consequences.

Father, I will go to Northern Qi.

But you are clearly afraid.

Mother, I'm afraid

but I can't always stand behind you.

I have grown up.

When should he depart?

Tonight.

- So soon? - The sooner, the better, Mother.

I'm afraid I might change my mind a few days later.

Brother, is it very cold in Northern Qi?

- It's quite cold. - All right.

I'm going to get some thicker clothes.

I'm running out of time.

Why did he totally change?

Aunt, sometimes it only takes a moment for a man to grow up.

No, I must give him some instructions.

This is so sudden.

In the end, I still implicated him.

You were right.

What?

It takes only a moment for a man to grow up.

Fate always comes unexpectedly.

This brat didn't disappoint me.

He's indeed my son.

You should say this to him in person.

Remember to dress warmly when the weather is cold.

Don't skip meals.

All right, Mother.

Don't see me off or I won't be able to bear to leave.

Okay, enough.

All right, stop crying. You will get wrinkles.

You're the one who will get wrinkles instead.

I'm leaving, Mother.

Father.

Fan Xian said I should personally tell you if I've anything to say.

The carriage is ready.

Thank you, Father.

One more thing.

You didn't disappoint me.

Fan Sizhe, you are indeed my son.

Have a safe journey.

Your mother and I...

will wait for you to come home.

What are you looking at?

I'm looking at the rain.

I grew up in the capital.

I've seen all kinds of rain and I'm tired of it.

Somehow, I can't stop looking at the rain today.

Take it that the capital is touched and sending you off with tears.

Why don't you cry too?

I don't want to.

I'm a grown-up now. Grown-ups don't cry.

They do cry.

Sometimes, grown-ups can cry even more.

Brother, let's cry together.

I'm not going to the North. Why should I cry?

You can't even say anything nice?

What is this?

Bank notes?

These... All these are mine?

This is the seed money.

Once you arrive in Northern Qi, your first mission is to make money.

You decide what business you want. If anything happens, handle it yourself.

Don't forget you want to prove to Father and yourself.

I know. Don't worry about me.

Don't forget to return the money to me.

This is an investment.

When you make profits, I will take dividends.

We are brothers. Do we have to keep it strictly business?

- If you say so, give me back the money. - No... Don't worry.

I will make sure you get dividends.

You said this is my first mission.

What about the second mission?

Do you still remember Guo Baokun?

He's also in Northern Qi.

- Don't. - What do you mean?

You beat him up to a pulp and you still want to fully eliminate him?

He is working for me now.

He can even work for you?

Once you arrive in Northern Qi, look for Guo Baokun immediately.

And then?

Remember what I'm going to tell you.

Keep it between us.

Can I tell Guo Baokun about it?

Keep it between us.

- You speak so harshly. - Shut up.

Brothers, thank you for your hard work.

Please don't say that, Inspector.

They will escort you to the North and take care of you on the journey.

Who are they?

Don't forget what I told you. Have a safe journey.

Go ahead.

Please take care of my mother.

Don't worry. I'll take care of everything.

Thank you, Brother.

I will remember the money you gave me.

Rest assured. I will make profits.

Don't worry.

They are skilled martial arts exponents from the Fourth Division.

Your brother will be fine.

Thank you.

No need to thank me.

If it wasn't for Chief Chen's instruction, I couldn't care less about you.

I will start my new post in First Division tomorrow.

Do you want to go and take a look?

[Imperial Courtyard, Lin Wan'er's residence]

Fan Xian, right?

Ye Ling'er?

Looks like I need to train my lightness skills more.

- Come here. I've something to tell you. - Where is Wan'er?

What is it about? Where is Wan'er?

Don't interrupt. I'm forgetful.

Wan'er guessed you would come. She went into hiding. [Ye Ling'er, daughter of Ye Zhong]

Wan'er is avoiding me? Why?

She wants me to tell you this.

First, Wan'er knows that you love her very much. Same for her.

Second, because of the first point,

she's worried you will face many dangers when you've just returned.

She hopes you can focus on dealing with them.

Third, because of the first two points, you shouldn't come here.

She won't meet you for now.

Did Wan'er say all this?

This is my interpretation of what she said.

She said you would understand her.

There is one more thing.

What is that again?

She said she would always be with you.

I know.

Could you please relay a message to her?

Sure, go ahead.

First: "Miss you."

Second: "Don't worry."

- Why can't you notate it when it comes to my turn? - Do you think I can't notate four words?

It makes sense.

Leave now.

I really don't understand. Just meet him if you want to.

Why make yourself so pitiful?

Given the current situation, he should focus on his problems.

I fear if I meet him, I won't let him leave.

[Lin Wan'er, daughter of Prime Minster Lin Ruohu]

I envy you two very much.

I won't have such luck in my life.

Ling'er, if you can't accept the marriage arranged by His Majesty,

let's go to the palace tomorrow and implore His Majesty to cancel it.

My father won't agree.

I've made up my mind. At worse, I'll just kill myself.

You must not think this way.

My family is already preparing for the engagement.

I'm troubled when I see that.

Can I stay at your place for a few days?

You can stay here as long as you want.

Father,

I'm back.

Which cell are you in?

I'm fine.

I'm here to fetch you home.

It's good that you are fine.

Go back.

I'm doing well here.

I'm not going back.

Have you thought of the consequences of helping Fan Xian fake his death?

Fan Xian went to the palace. He'll bear the crime alone of deceiving the monarch.

You even know the crime of deceiving the monarch?!

The whole clan is usually wiped out and blood will flow like a river.

Why am I here?

Do you think I'm putting on a show?

I'm preparing to die for what you did.

I pondered it. At worst, I'll kill myself and spare the family.

You pondered it?

Did you consider the law of the Qing Empire and what His Majesty would think?

If anything goes wrong, I'll take the blame.

Do you think so highly of yourself?

Just sacrifice your life and let death end everything?

That was a desperate choice.

How desperate were you that you were so reckless?

It concerns a prince's treason.

You could've returned to the capital first.

It was related to Qing. I couldn't just sit still.

So to say, you still did that for Qing?

This is the reason for what I did.

You would rather deceive the monarch for the sake of the Qing Empire?

- The empire is above everything. - What about His Majesty?

Of course, His Majesty cares about the empire!

But...

But he can't be more important than the empire.

You are so bold, Yan Bingyun!

You taught me this. The empire is above everything.

At least you know how to check that no one is around when you say this.

I'm not that stupid.

Come.

I think it's hard to say.

Why did you help him?

I didn't help him. I did it for Qing.

But you cooperated with him.

Yes.

He may be ridiculous,

but he is bold.

So to say, you're willing to assist him?

Why would I assist him?

He'll probably be the successor of Inspection and Control Bureau in the future.

Chief Chen is irreplaceable.

We are getting old.

Does Chief Chen intend to retire?

It's not just Chen Pingping.

I wish to retire too.

It's time to hand over the Inspection and Control Bureau to youngsters like you.

Your retirement doesn't matter.

However, Chief Chen can't retire.

What are you saying?

No one in the Inspection and Control Bureau is as important as Chief Chen.

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 ♫