Original subtitles

Joy of Life 2

Once every three years?

It's become a tradition.

If someone has ill intentions,

this would be their chance.

Naturally, security is tight with no loopholes.

There were assassins in earlier years, but none recently.

Assassination here is harder than in the capital.

These are...

They are all craftsmen from the Hanging Temple

It's always been this way

Before the Flower Viewing Festival

they must all leave

to ensure no outsiders are present during the festival

After the festival, they must return

Don't mind them

Let's go up

Why are they all chained up?

Royal Restricted Zone

Being extra cautious is never wrong

Master Fan

This is the place

Can these craftsmen go home?

Lord Xiao Fan

You're joking

Flowers bloom once every three years.

So these people are trapped here for life?

It concerns His Majesty's safety.

Someone must bear the suffering.

Lord Fan, do you have any further questions?

Nothing more.

Let's focus on completing the task first.

His Majesty has ordered

This pot of Lord Fan's...

must be placed here

With this job done, we're heading back to Dong Jing now.

What's wrong?

Is there someone up there?

No, after the craftsmen left...

Now it's just an empty temple.

Did you see someone else?

I just heard movement up there.

Footsteps?

Not exactly.

More like the sound of light tiptoeing.

There's nowhere to hide anyone here.

Could it be...

A bird resting here?

That's possible.

Don't worry.

After we leave, the imperial guards will take over.

They'll conduct a thorough search from top to bottom.

There won't be any hidden dangers.

What a beautiful view

The royal family holds their triennial chrysanthemum appreciation banquet here

All for this magnificent scenery

Three years ago I wasn't in the capital yet

Young Master Fan's rapid promotion

Is rare even in ancient times

Let's go, time to head back

Alright

Your Excellency's internal energy is somewhat disordered.

It's nothing.

My cultivation technique sometimes becomes uncontrollable.

It's fine now.

Your Excellency's technique...

It's not my place to inquire further.

But disordered internal energy...

is never a good sign.

You should consult your master.

No one taught me, I learned it myself.

This can be self-taught?

To be honest,

Young Master Fan,

His Majesty treats you exceptionally well.

Waiting for a subject at the flower appreciation banquet...

I've never heard of such a thing.

Young Master Fan has boundless prospects.

You flatter me, Commander Gong.

With such a promising future, you must take care of your health.

You mustn't be careless about your cultivation technique.

Thank you for your concern.

Young Master Fan's future is indeed bright.

I too would like to climb this promising branch.

Well, I won again.

You let me win...

No, Sis, you're out.

Lost it all.

Even between siblings, we should settle accounts clearly.

No money left.

Can't play anymore.

Even if we play, there's no money.

Sis-in-law, your turn. I'll step aside.

"Step aside," he says.

Doesn't matter who comes next, go on...

Shuffle and deal

Why are you locking me up?

Let me go!

Deaf?

Be careful or I'll poison you all.

I'll poison you all

But these are all your people

Would you really be willing to poison them?

Dean, don't worry about it.

Just watch how I deal with these brats.

This was my order.

Don't be hard on them.

Are you going to detain me?

Eat it while it's hot.

Why are you detaining me?

Go ahead and eat.

It was Lord Wu...

Who did this to me?

At this age,

whether eating or acting,

one must exercise moderation.

This time returning to the capital, I have only one purpose -

to pursue and capture the criminal.

But there's something I don't quite understand.

We had tracked this criminal in Jiangnan,

but after returning to the capital, he completely vanished.

Even the Inspection Committee can't find any leads.

Who could be protecting him from behind the scenes?

Next time, tell me in advance what you'd like to eat.

Director,

What are you planning to do?

I'm bringing you food.

Sister-in-law

You don't seem like a first-timer.

I used to be sick and couldn't go out.

So I always found ways to entertain myself.

Come on... let's keep going, keep going.

What's going on?

Fan Sizhe came back early in the morning to bid farewell to his father

saying he was heading north

So now you're thinking

of playing Pai Gow one last time before leaving?

It wasn't his idea

It was Father

Father suggested playing Pai Gow himself?

Father doesn't want Sizhe to leave

No wonder

Father prepared so much silver

Kept losing but kept paying

So it wasn't about playing Pai Gow

But about keeping him here

Too embarrassed to say it outright

So he kept him at the gaming table

But why is Aunt encouraging him to leave?

This is what I truly don't understand

I think

Aunt is also trying to let go

To let Sizhe truly grow and gain experience on his own

Moreover

Many recent troubles in the capital started because of me

Having Sizhe leave the capital at this time...

Could actually be a form of protection

Dad

I see all the cards have been dealt

Maybe we should just stop

If we keep playing, it'll be dark soon

When it's dark we'll eat, then continue after

Let's not even eat

I still have to be on my way

No need to rush off

I'll have to leave sooner or later

He's been through the training...

That's enough

The child has grown up with his own ideas

Just let him go

Alright then, Father

One round to decide the winner

If I lose, I'll leave

Alright, then you two are out of the game.

So this round still depends on us two.

What do you mean?

Didn't I just say it?

I'm only playing this one round.

If I lose this round, I'm leaving.

If you lose, you leave.

But if we win, do we continue?

Let's win first and then talk.

Besides, even if we win, we can't keep playing.

You folks are out of silver anyway.

Father... don't... don't neglect your duties for trivial pursuits.

Last time I left was to avoid trouble.

But now there's no need.

Since your return this time,

you've truly matured quite a bit.

To be honest with you,

the money I made before...

was just to show you.

I was afraid you'd think

I was a useless son.

I just wanted to make you proud,

to do something that would catch your attention.

I saw it.

But this time is different.

This time, I'm actually doing it for myself.

I want to open an unprecedented shop in Northern Qi,

to connect the nation's fortune with its wealth.

So this time,

I'm actually pursuing my own dream.

Sizhe has truly grown up.

Very well.

As you say, we'll settle it in one round.

Lose everything and switch players.

Dad

Should I lose or should I win?

Sis-in-law

You...you're disrespecting your opponent

Is winning or losing really up to you?

Then I win

Alright

Then I lose

Sis Li, could you do that again? This...

Sis Li, this...

This trick of yours...

I used to play by myself when I was sick before

With more practice, it gets faster

This... we just witnessed something extraordinary

Then I...

Should I win or lose in the end?

No gambling game lasts forever

Father

Mother

Zhe'er has left

Brother, sister

Please take care of father and mother

Go ahead

Brother

When I get back, have my sister-in-law teach me that move of hers.

Don't look

What's going on?

- Sir - Why is it so congested?

Please sit inside.

It's too dusty outside.

Why are there so many carriages?

All the officials of Dong Jing, big and small,

are rushing out of the city to the Hanging Temple now.

Even during court sessions, we don’t see this many people.

Court sessions are divided by rank—

lower-ranking officials aren’t even qualified to attend.

And among those who do attend court,

some walk instead of taking carriages.

They can even grab breakfast along the way.

But going to the Hanging Temple—

all officials, big or small, must take carriages.

That's why it's so crowded.

Not everyone is qualified to attend court.

But anyone can go to see the flowers?

It's about shared joy for all.

All officials can attend.

What kind of logic is that?

Are all people officials? What about commoners?

Commoners naturally can't go.

Shared joy for all.

Commoners don't count.

The officials will enjoy it on their behalf.

Even joy needs to be experienced by proxy?

That's why they're called parent-officials.

There are just too many things to worry about.

Third-rank and below, proceed straight ahead.

Third-rank and below, proceed straight ahead.

Third-rank and below, proceed straight ahead.

Third-rank and above, this way please.

Third-rank and above, this way please.

Third-rank and above...

Don't envy them, let's go our own way.

Third-rank and below, proceed straight ahead.

Third-rank and below, proceed straight ahead.

Lord Fan Xian is an exception.

Lord Fan Xian is an exception.

Lord Fan Xian is an exception.

Lord Fan Xian is an exception.

Lord Fan Xian is an exception.

Third-rank and above, this way please.

Third-rank and above, this way please.

Third-rank and below, proceed straight ahead.

Third-rank and below...

The path for third-rank and above...

is truly satisfying to walk.

Why am I an exception?

Because His Majesty trusts you.

Impossible. Knowing His Majesty's temperament...

he'd surely have me stuck on the official road by now.

- Hurry - This doesn't look right

Let's go

Sir, don't panic

If there's danger, I'll retreat first.

My lightness skill is excellent.

It's easier to call for help.

Then I thank you.

It's only right.

Lord Fan, I've long heard of your great reputation.

I am...

Ye Zhong

Capital Defense

You are Ye Linger's father

Who was in charge of security during the flower viewing event?

Naturally, it was Senior Brother Ye

"Senior Brother Ye"?

That would be Lord Ye Zhong

Ye Zhong of Capital Defense

He's your senior brother?

My direct senior brother

My junior brother has sparred with Lord Fan

Not really a spar, just exchanged one move

My daughter often praises Lord Fan's exceptional skills

I'm flattered

You sparred with my junior brother

Sparred with my daughter

But won't spar with me

- Isn't that looking down on me? - What kind of logic is that?

Just one move

Not bad

Not bad

-Is it ninth-grade? -Can hold its own

The new generation surpasses the old

Retreat

Lord Ye sought me out specifically just to test a move?

A word in private

You, go stand over there

Young Master Fan

Today at the Hanging Temple

We'd appreciate your extra vigilance

What do you mean?

By His Majesty's decree

We imperial guards must not disturb the flower viewing

So the perimeter is heavily guarded for miles around

Yet

Inside the temple, only palace guards are stationed

We're short-handed

Minister Ye suspects assassins?

Not exactly

Just being cautious

Why doesn't Minister Ye guard it personally?

I must go

But

We're still understaffed

Why ask me?

Among the flower-viewing officials

You're the only capable fighter

Isn't Eunuch Hong Sixiang going?

Only His Majesty knows

I can't exactly ask

What about Commander Gong Dian?

If my junior brother were still here

We wouldn't need to trouble you

Minister Ye, this is our first meeting?

I oversee capital defense

Commanding the city garrison

Unless you rebel

We won't meet often

Didn't you consider I might refuse?

I did

Meaning what?

I heard you have debts

A small token

Return it if nothing goes wrong

- Return it? - So you won't get it back if nothing happens?

Master Ye doing such things

- Doesn't do it often, right? - First time, actually.

So you're afraid a mistake might ruin your future?

That's not important.

Then is it loyalty to the country?

Well... you know that saying?

Something about wind and green...

What was it again?

These are all soldiers I trained.

If anything goes wrong, they'll suffer the most.

There's a saying—when strong winds blow,

it's the nameless who fall first.

"Winds rise from the rustling of grass."

Yes... that's the one.

That’s not how it’s used.

Close enough.

- Not enough? - You can give it to me when something actually happens.

So that means...

Lord Fan has agreed then.

But rest assured, Lord Ye...

The Flower Appreciation Festival happens every three years and has always been safe.

In this world...

there aren't that many accidents.

-Lord Ye -Lord Ye

-Lord Ye -Lord Ye

My lord

We've arrived

Alright, find a spot to park

Wait, aren't we going into the temple to admire the flowers?

Can't be bothered with the crowd

Besides...

From that height, are we even seeing flowers anymore?

If not flowers, then what?

-Young Master Qin -Greetings, Young Master Fan

Where is your father?

My father prefers napping at home

Did Minister Fan go up?

Most likely

Then he must be...

-On that level -How do you know?

His Majesty is on the top level

Each lower level is arranged by rank and title

Perfectly orderly, no mistakes

Don't worry, it's sturdy

You won't fall

Big brother

Little one afraid of heights?

Three years ago, still small

Didn’t come to see the flowers

Who knew it’d be so scary

What’s there to fear? Watch me

Only by standing high can one see far

That's how you get the commanding view

Come on...

I don't dare

Everyone's different

Not everyone wants to be like Your Highness

Always seeking higher ground

Second Brother is afraid of heights too?

Height doesn't really matter

What's fun is watching someone fall

As long as I stand firm,

no one can make me fall.

Is that so?

Standing firm is useless

You need someone to protect you

Scared?

Thank you for saving my life, Second Brother.

No problem.

-We wish Your Majesty boundless health and prosperity -We wish Your Majesty boundless health and prosperity

-May the Great Qing's reign endure eternally -May the Great Qing's reign endure eternally

-Long live Your Majesty, ten thousand years and beyond -Long live Your Majesty, ten thousand years and beyond

Between people...

The hierarchy is so clearly defined.

Only with clear divisions can one climb upward.

As Young Master Fan said,

When you stand that high,

you're not admiring flowers,

but the path through the clouds.

The celestial platform.

My lord,

Over there...

- Fire? - Fire!

- Fire! - Fire!

- Get water! - Bring water!

Quick... put out the fire!

Hurry up, move quickly!

Hurry, go up quickly, use more sand and stones!

Faster...

- Faster... - Faster!

Quick...

Young Master Fan, why aren't you going to protect His Majesty?

Old Wang, assist Lord Ye in investigating the fire's origin.

- Yes. - Coming...

Your Majesty

-Quick, bring water -Your subject Fan Xian requests an audience

Your Majesty, someone set a fire.

You did it, didn't you?

I came to protect Your Majesty.

"Protect you"?

-The fire? -It's out.

If it's out, what are you protecting me from?

I was concerned for Your Majesty's safety.

How disappointing.

Enter.

Inspect everything carefully.

Don't leave a single spark.

Look at this fire starter.

-Fire starter? -This fire appears to be man-made.

The fire's origin is indeed suspicious.

If there really is an assassin, this high cliff area is the hardest to defend.

Your Majesty should return to the capital for safety.

What storms haven't I weathered in my life?

An unlit fire

has frightened you to this extent.

Your Majesty has survived forty-three assassination attempts.

Never retreated...

So His Majesty still refuses to rescind today's decree?

Still not convinced?

Absolutely not convinced.

This is defying the imperial decree.

It's not that I wish to defy the decree,

but facing today's situation,

everyone present would want to defy it.

I... I wouldn't.

His Majesty is ruler of Qing Nation and its people.

The nation's safety rests on his shoulders alone.

Now with assassination risks at Xuankong Temple,

if we obey His Majesty's order to stay,

we'd be abandoning concern for his safety.

A truly loyal subject

protects His Majesty even if it means defying orders.

Not that among flowers I favor chrysanthemums alone,

but when this flower fades...

no others remain.

How magnificent.

Alright, thanks...

- Come... - Truly a breathtaking sight

Your Majesty might ask the princes

if they share my thoughts

Father, Fan Xian makes a valid point

Your Majesty alone bears the safety of the realm

This cannot go unexamined

You all certainly have a way with words

Every word comes from the heart

Strange

How did Fan Jian raise a son like you?

Reporting to Your Majesty

I grew up in Danzhou

With no guidance, growing wild

You suffered much in your early years

But since coming to the capital

You've been thriving remarkably

Therefore

Your elders owe you nothing

Your Majesty has the final say

Enough

Don't spoil my mood further

Today is a good day

For drinking and admiring flowers

Come

Let us...

Share a drink

- Long live Your Majesty - Long live Your Majesty

I've placed Li Chengze under house arrest for half a year.

Are you satisfied now?

I wouldn't dare.

Go.

Have a drink with him.

Your Highness

This is no personal grudge between us

It's the law that must be satisfied, not me

We must settle this between us

Wait for that day

- There will be time enough - It's just around the corner

Your Majesty, that's all finished...

-Assassin! -Assassin!

Protect His Majesty!

Protect His Majesty

Quickly rescue His Majesty

Protect His Majesty

Your Majesty

Take it

I heard that Four-Cornered Sword has a younger brother

who ran away from home at a young age

Grab him

Let me see

these two brothers

Are they fools?

Protect His Majesty

You acted recklessly

-Assassins! -Assassins!

Protect His Majesty

Go protect His Majesty quickly

Protect His Majesty

Your Majesty

Your Majesty, why did Fan Xian chase after them alone?

Why aren't you concerned about my safety?

Your Majesty's fortune is as solid as a bell

Naturally, you'll emerge unscathed

- But my son... - Don't worry

The imperial guards have sealed the mountain, Fan Xian will be fine

- But... - Come

Accompany me in admiring the flowers

Young Master Fan

Aren't you tired?

After the assassination attempt, instead of hiding in the mountains

you still want to return to the capital?

I didn't expect Young Master Fan to pursue so relentlessly

When I mentioned returning to the capital, you didn't deny it

which means you're already in the capital

You're just spouting nonsense here

I'll simply play along with you

Why bother denying it?

You're absolutely right

That last statement was complete nonsense

But your current reaction

makes me even more certain

that you've indeed been hiding in the capital all along

Does it matter?

You know the imperial guards' encirclement like the back of your hand. Why?

Because I never intended to harm you

Are you Four Glances Sword's younger brother?