Original subtitles

(Joy of Life Season 2)

(Episode 33)

I remember she once told me,

being an emperor is not an easy job.

It requires a strong heart and unwavering will.

Therefore,

some things must be abandoned,

including

the most precious things.

I've kept you in Danzhou for many years.

You suffered plenty of hardships

and grievances.

Please don't blame me for that.

Your Majesty,

I...

I...

I don't really know who's my father now.

Isn't it obvious?

Even a goddess like her

would fall for mortal beings.

She married into the Nanqing imperial family.

Who was she married to?

The prince back then.

He's also

the current Emperor of Nanqing.

She was married to the Emperor of Qing.

Your Majesty, do I have to kneel?

Do you wish to kneel?

You don't have to

if you don't feel like it.

Ye Qing Mei had a child with him too.

Is he the son of the Emperor of Qing?

He's about the same age as you.

I...

Your son, I...

I still don't know my birth date.

On the 18th day of the first lunar month.

On the 18th day of the first lunar month, huh?

As the saying goes...

Take things as they are.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I finally have a birthday now.

Rest and recuperate well.

Head to Jiangnan once you've recovered.

Go and take a look

at the assets left behind by your mother for you.

It's a pleasure to know you.

I was also regretful

that I came too late.

We missed out on each other,

Mother.

Xian, I've checked our surroundings.

There's no one outside.

Xian,

what's the matter with you?

Today, His Majesty

confessed for the first time

that I'm his son.

Blood is thicker than water after all.

All of the answers I gave him

sounded appropriate.

They were filled with adoration

and a touch of moving emotions.

Xian?

However, those weren't my heartfelt words.

Ruo Ruo,

I've been acting all this while.

Why?

It's because I'm afraid.

You're afraid?

Are you afraid that His Majesty might deceive you?

Not entirely.

I could feel that his emotions were sincere.

But for some reason, behind those emotions, I think there's another him

behind that mask.

Why would you think of it like that?

If he truly cared about his son, which was I,

he could've told me that on our first encounter.

But he only stood there and observed me.

The dangers I met in the capital,

my trip to Northern Qi,

the Spring Imperial Examination,

my wedding,

he observed me until today.

Maybe...

Maybe His Majesty was touched

when you saved him in Xuankong Temple.

So, his concern for me

has to depend on my performance?

He'll determine if I'm a worthy son or not

by observing my performance first, huh?

Ruo Ruo,

although you haven't met His Majesty as many times as me,

let me ask you this.

Would our father do this?

No.

Xian,

when you put it that way,

it sounded like His Majesty was weighing the pros and cons.

The terrifying thing is

that I didn't know

when he started observing me

and how long it would last.

I don't know if his concern for me is more important

than the value I provide to him.

And, I don't know

whether I'm his son

or his pawn.

But of course,

I might be imagining things too.

Maybe I'm overthinking it.

A woman's instinct is always right.

But I'm a man.

My instinct is telling me

that your instinct is right.

Xian, if His Majesty is this terrifying,

we should return to Danzhou once you've fully recovered.

The capital

is too exhausting to reside in.

Ruo Ruo,

in the future, I'm afraid I cannot

return to Danzhou whenever I feel like it.

I've given it some serious thought.

I'll head to Jiangnan.

But it's not because of His Majesty's order or anything else.

It's because I realize

that there are certain things only I can accomplish

besides idling my life away

and enjoy a peaceful life.

(Fan Residence)

Wan Er.

Wan Er.

Wan Er.

Are you Mr. Wu Zhu?

Tell Fan Xian to head to Jiangnan and visit the Three Great Workshops.

Tell Fan Xian to head to Jiangnan.

Visit the Three Great Workshops.

Tell Fan Xian to head to Jiangnan.

Visit the Three Great Workshops.

Tell Fan Xian to head to Jiangnan.

Visit the Three Great Workshops.

Tell Fan Xian to head to Jiangnan.

Visit the Three Great Workshops.

Yes. I am Wu Zhu.

- You're wounded. - That's right.

Based on the current conditions,

I cannot survive if I enter the palace.

Therefore, you have to relay the message to Fan Xian.

Who's targeting you?

Plenty of people.

The entire capital is unsafe.

Did you kill my elder brother?

Yes, I did.

I'm going to kill you.

That is

understandable.

I'm seriously wounded. Based on the current conditions,

this is your best opportunity to kill me.

- I'll definitely kill you! - That is understandable.

Tell Fan Xian to head to Jiangnan.

Tell Fan Xian to head to Jiangnan.

Visit the Three Great Workshops.

Tell Fan Xian to head to Jiangnan and visit the Three Great Workshops.

I'm going to kill you, but not right now!

Visit the Three Great Workshops.

- Why? - Fan Xian will head to Jiangnan soon.

However, he has lost all of his powers.

My mother and Cheng Ze,

they'll never let this opportunity slip.

I shall spare you for now.

It's because he needs you.

You're trustworthy indeed.

Once the crisis is over,

you and I

will be sworn enemies.

Deal.

When Fan Xian no longer needs me,

you may take my life.

This is unexpected indeed.

In the blink of an eye,

we're already at the South.

Cheng Ru, you have no idea.

It's been so many years since I left the palace.

We should've come out sooner.

You're right.

Although I've returned to the capital,

my heart always yearns for the scenery outside the capital.

Based on what you guys said,

leaving the capital sounds enticing.

You're still young. You'll know when you get older.

Why don't we have a toast under this magnificent scenery?

Come.

Come.

Isn't this farewell party

too grand?

This is what we're supposed to do

when we're this close.

Your Highness, I'm truly touched

by your concern for him.

Fan Xian,

His Highness honors and respects the talented.

However, you mustn't forget

that there's still a difference between your ranks.

I'm overwhelmed by your concern, Your Highness.

Thank you, Crown Prince. Princes, thank you all for coming today.

What are you doing?

Sir, I can't afford to accept your bow.

Don't cause trouble.

Since all of the princes are here,

I'll take this opportunity

to confide in you guys.

Confide in us?

To be honest,

I'm

a terrible son.

I'm sure you all knew

that I grew up in Danzhou.

I only returned to the capital not long ago.

Although I've been living in the Fan Residence,

there's something I always hid from the world.

I couldn't get over it.

I feel troubled because of that.

What is it?

Tell us about it.

I'll be your judge. What were you troubled by?

Although I've returned for some time, I've never entered

the Fan Ancestral Hall. Isn't that absurd?

How could I not be troubled by it?

Since we're bidding farewell, I've also grown bolder.

Father.

All the princes can be my testimonies since they're here.

When I return from Jiangnan,

I have to pay respect to our ancestors in the ancestral hall.

Think carefully.

Once you enter the ancestral hall and their pedigree,

your surname will be Fan.

Look at what you're saying.

My surname was Fan from the start.

Complete your task first.

We can talk about the rest when you're back.

Don't worry. I'll be your testimony.

Thank you, Crown Prince.

You're something else. Turning your setback into an opportunity,

you're stopping your competitor while opening up new prospects.

Cheng Ze, what are you saying?

Those were my heartfelt words. He impresses me.

To you.

You've lost your internal energy.

You must be careful when you head southward.

Losing my internal energy is better

than losing my influence.

Stay safe.

I'll wait for your return.

Take down Jiangnan.

You mean, take it back.

You do have great awareness, huh?

Look after Cheng Ping.

Isn't Prince Cheng Ping returning with you guys?

Father told him to follow you.

As a student, one should serve their teacher.

Father permitted me to travel with you.

Go now.

Send me a letter if you encounter any trouble.

I'll head to Jiangnan if you need help.

You have to manage the Palace Guards.

At most, I'll just go all out.

I won't be executed for it anyway.

Don't keep thinking of leaving the capital.

They need people like you.

Take good care of His Majesty.

Yes, Lord Fan.

It's my duty after all.

It's windy here.

Father, you guys should head back as well.

The Ming family of Jiangnan is in charge of the Three Great Workshops.

They have extensive connections. They're the local bigwig.

It's best if you can complete your task in Jiangnan.

If you fail, return home immediately.

At most, you can leave everything behind.

The Fan family can sustain your living.

Yes, Father. I'll see you off.

What's wrong, Father? Is there something else?

This isn't my first long trip, you know?

- You see... - Fine.

I'll speak on his behalf.

Regarding the ancestral hall, were you being serious or...

Fan Jian, just look at you.

What? Why don't I kowtow to you right now?

Don't!

Lord Fan, I don't deserve that.

I'm used to your usual demeanor.

I can't get used to it when you're bowing to me.

Just do whatever you like.

Do whatever I like?

My surname was Fan since young.

It'll be the same in the future.

I'll wait for your return.

Take good care of yourself.

One, two!

One, two!

One, two!

One, two!

One!

Lord Fan, we'll set sail soon.

- Got it. - Yes, Lord Fan.

I remember

everything you said.

The starry sky you gave me,

it's always been here.

Lord Fan!

My Lord, you've just recovered. Don't move around.

I'll go and take a look.

Lord Fan!

Lord Fan!

Lord Xu, prefect of the naval forces in Sha Prefecture, has a gift for you!

Lord Fan, please accept it!

What are they doing here?

It sounds like they're delivering gifts to us.

Lord Xu, prefect of the naval forces in Sha Prefecture...

Stay here.

I'll ask Lord Fan about it.

Lord Fan, please accept it!

Lord Xu, prefect of the naval forces in Sha Prefecture, has a gift for you!

Lord Fan, please accept it!

Where did you come from?

We serve Lord Xu, prefect of the naval forces in Sha Prefecture.

This is a token of his appreciation.

My Lord, please accept them.

All right. Someone.

Pull the box up.

Thank you, My Lord.

Be careful.

Prefect of the naval forces. Jot that down.

Be careful.

Slowly.

All right. Thank you.

Thank you, My Lord.

We wish Lord Fan a smooth trip.

I shall take my leave now.

Take care.

- Let's go. - Lord Yao, Prefect of Sha Prefecture,

has a gift for you!

- Another one? - We wish Lord Fan a smooth trip

and a bright future!

Okay. Pull it up.

There's no end to them, huh?

Get a book

and jot everything down.

Okay.

Be careful.

Lord Yao, Prefect of Sha Prefecture.

Be careful.

All right. Thank you.

Take care.

I shall take my leave.

Take care.

Lord Li of the Ship Bureau has a gift for you!

Lord Fan, this is a token of his appreciation!

Lord Li, official of personnel of Sha Prefecture, has a gift for Lord Fan!

There's truly no end to them.

Buddy, bring me a chair.

Where are you from?

Your box is quite small, huh?

We've received this many gifts even though we're only at Sha Prefecture?

Your Highness,

that means

the Qing Kingdom is a treasure trove.

Talented individuals reside within our kingdom.

I see.

Qi Nian.

What's wrong? Are there any characters you don't know how to write?

That's not it.

I don't think it's appropriate for us to accept all these gifts.

Lord Fan is investigating and eradicating corruption in the capital.

But now, we're doing this?

- I'm afraid people might badmouth us. - It's fine.

There are no outsiders on the ship.

Let's just keep mum about it.

Don't let the palace know about this.

Your Highness, I don't think you're supposed to say that.

Chan Li,

you only served Lord Fan for a short time.

But you should remember this.

Just follow Lord Fan's instructions.

Lord Fan has never disappointed anyone before.

Jot everything down.

I will.

Look over there!

Sir, come and take a look.

Are they here to deliver gifts as well?

Judging from their attire, I don't think so.

They look like they're here

to seek our help for some injustices.

That's possible.

Lord Fan is considered an imperial envoy.

Even drama scripts contain such scenes.

My Lord, should we entertain them?

I've been thinking about this ever since our trip.

What should I do if the Ming family doesn't want to let me

take over the Three Great Workshops?

Are you saying that this is one of the Ming family's plots?

Let's take a look.

Don't be scared.

All right, now. We'll arrive soon.

(Ming Qing Da, Head of the Ming family in Jiangnan)

Don't move.

I heard that you two are here to relay Princess Yun Rui's order.

What does Her Highness require?

Are you the head of the Ming family,

Ming Qing Da?

That's me.

May I know your name?

What were you doing just now?

It was pouring last night...

It was pouring last night.

The swallow

fell off the beam.

It's incapable of flight yet.

If I don't

send it back to its nest,

it'll die.

A swallow's nest, huh?

Please have a seat.

Please have a seat.

My trip was rushed.

My butt is killing me.

It hurts when I sit on hard surfaces.

Please have some tea.

You're overdoing it.

What do you mean?

The Ming family is rich, but you're keeping swallows with a torn sleeve.

You're over-pretending here.

It's too much.

You see,

firstly, I'm soft-hearted.

Secondly,

I don't care about wealth.

As the saying goes,

a house full of wealth

is inferior to the peace one will have

by sipping on cheap tea.

Look at how pretentious you are.

You don't look concerned about worldly desires.

That's better than anyone in the capital.

I haven't asked you this yet.

Sir.

- How should I address you? - Li Cheng Ze.

Second Prince?

Stop kneeling. Get up.

I came to Jiangnan by saying that I was sick.

The capital doesn't know about it.

Let's not waste any time. I'll cut to the chase.

Your Highness, please go ahead.

Fan Xian is heading southward.

How does the Ming family plan to deal with him?

- I know not. - Come again?

"I know not?"

That was interesting.

Aren't you the head of the Ming family?

This is a huge deal.

I have to wait for my mother's decision.

Let's chat together, then.

You've been eavesdropping on us for some time.

Show yourself.

Mother.

I'm just a woman.

Your Highness, I wasn't supposed to show myself in public

if you didn't summon me.

You're the head of the Ming family.

You should make the call here.

Mother, without your guidance,

I feel anxious.

Silly child,

do you know how old you are?

How long do you need me to take care of you?

Mother, you'll live until 100 years old.

You'll live longer than me.

Just look at you.

I'll patch it up for you.

So, he inherited his non-indulgence from you.

Your Highness, you asked us how we would deal with Fan Xian.

Actually, it's simple.

The Ming family has served Princess Yun Rui

and you for many years.

Your Highness, we'll follow

your instructions.

I hope that you guys will retain control over the Three Great Workshops.

All right.

Do we have a deal already?

Your Highness, we shall follow

your instructions.

However,

we're facing a difficulty.

Tell me about it.

Lord Fan

took over the Imperial Treasury

under His Majesty's order.

The Ming family is just an ordinary family.

How can we go against imperial order?

Your Highness, this is truly difficult.

Even I think that's difficult.

No matter how valuable the Three Great Workshops are,

there's no need to risk one's life for them.

Moreover, if worse comes to worst, you can join Fan Xian.

You'll still be a lackey no matter where you go, am I right?

Was...

Was I too rude?

Your Highness,

the Ming family never intends to change sides.

Your Highness, we just hope that you can point us in the right direction.

There's no right direction when you're going against imperial order.

I would've gone there first if there was any right direction.

- Your Highness. - I'll explain the situation.

Guys, there's no right direction for you.

But luckily, I cut off your escape route for you.

Deng Ming Er, he has three sons.

Take your reward.

The Ming family has issued a bounty.

We're gathering people from all walks of life.

Those who register their names will receive a reward.

He has two sons.

The Ming family has issued a bounty.

We're gathering people from all walks of life.

Those who register their names will receive a reward.

Take your reward.

Mr. Zhang, he has one daughter and one grandson.

Take your reward.

- Zhang Zi Zhi. - Father!

I'll take good care of the family. Don't worry.

Wang Fu Ren.

He has one daughter and one son.

They're still young.

Take your reward.

Lord Fan, please accept our gifts.

I shall take my leave.

Misters,

what are you guys doing?

Sorry. Excuse me.

What are you guys doing?

Can't you tell?

We're raiding your ship.

Oh, you're raiding our ship.

Wait, what?

You have to come up here to raid our ship.

We can't.

Your ship is too tall.

Guys, give them a ladder.

That's right. Give us a ladder.

Give us a ladder.

Hold tight.

Hold the ladder.

Be careful.

The Ming family issued a bounty?

We're demanding Fan Xian's head?

I heard

that the Ming family dominates Jiangnan.

When the bounty was issued,

people were flocking to register their names.

If only I could witness

the scene myself.

The Ming family has never issued any bounties.

I issued it on your behalf.

From now on,

the Ming family will only be enemies with Fan Xian.

That's what you mean by cutting off our escape route, huh?

What time is it?

It has already passed the hour of Wu.

I was wondering why I felt giddy.

Your Highness, please forgive me.

I'm old and lacking in energy.

I have to take a nap

at this hour.

Go and rest, then.

Actually, there's one more solution.

Hire experts and kill me right here.

After that, deliver my head to Fan Xian.

That will resolve your issue.

That was a joke.

Don't take it seriously.

Go and rest now.

A kind mother and her filial son.

This scene

is so touching that I'm going to cry.

Take a break.

The Ming family issued a bounty?

That's right.

They'll reward us if we damage or raid your ship.

But doesn't that make you guys pirates?

We aren't pirates.

Pirates won't do this.

It's a government ship after all.

They value their lives more than money.

Wait, you guys...

You guys know that this is a government ship as well.

Don't you guys value your lives, then?

We have no choice.

But why?

Natural disasters occurred in Jiangbei.

We're refugees who escaped to Jiangnan

with our family.

We would've starved to death

if it weren't for the Ming family.

So, you guys are refugees from Jiangbei?

That's right.

We've already transferred money to aid in relieving the disaster.

- You guys can go home now. - My Lord,

we wish to go home as well.

We're just afraid that we might starve to death

on our way back.

So, the Ming family aided you guys?

That's right.

I guess the Ming family was doing good deeds.

They were.

Anyway, all of the refugees are working for the Ming family.

We clear the land and build roads.

We do the jobs that no one wants to do.

We work all day and all night.

There's no wage.

They only provide us with food.

What did the government do?

They gifted the Ming family a huge plaque.

What was on it again?

"Virtues Through Good Deeds."

Leader Xia,

all of the refugees are already on the ship.

Shouldn't we try to go for it as well?

If we go now,

the refugees will die.

They're already damaging the ship.

I'm sure they'll be dead.

Let's wait and see.

We'll see how Fan Xian will deal with this.

Guys, don't be impatient.

Once he arrives in Jiangnan,

we'll have all the time we need.

Li Cheng Ze

is forcing us into a dead end.

Is that all you have to say?

I'm sure someone in our family

is siding with Li Cheng Ze in secret.

If not,

the bounty could never be issued.

Who's the head of the family here?

Me.

Since there are disruptions within the clan,

the head of the family has to be held accountable.

I deserve to be punished.