Original subtitles

♪As flowers bloom and wither♪

♪May we pass by the magnificent scenery♪

♪Contemplate the vastness of Heaven and Earth♪

♪Could it be that both of us are filled with desolation?♪

♪As flowers bloom and wither♪

♪May we lead such a life♪

♪Contemplate the vastness of Heaven and Earth♪

♪Turning back, you and I♪

♪Seize the current moment♪

♪The sky is painted with a gentle pallet of pastel colors♪

♪Let's walk together♪

♪Even if♪

♪The snow in front of us♪

♪Will dye our hair white♪

♪In an instant♪

[Joy of Life Season 2]

[Adapted from Mao Ni's Joy of Life on Yuewen Group's Qidian platform]

[Episode 24]

You are saying this

as if I compete with His Majesty.

That's not up to you.

Mr. Fan...

Enough said.

You sent me off outside of the Capital just now.

I don't want to get any more sentimental.

Be nice to Wan'er.

I will take full responsibility for the actions of the Imperial Guards.

What have you got to do with the Imperial Guards training?

Training?

I have just realized

that the Imperial Guards

have lacked training in recent years.

They aren't well-prepared for warfare.

We left the Capital

for training.

A harsh journey

trains the toughest soldiers, do you know that?

Thank you.

What for?

I'm training my soldiers.

Does that concern you, Inspector Fan?

Why are you here, Chengru?

We ran into each other.

What has happened?

Is my father...

A little trouble.

It's not a little trouble if the Black Cavalries show up.

Luckily, his identity as the inspector is quite useful.

It's all right now?

I should thank you for assisting me, Your Highness.

No need to thank me.

The Black Cavalries wouldn't retreat in front of the Imperial Guards.

Only you could resolve the confrontation just now.

Thank you, Chengru.

We are siblings. Don't say that.

There is no need for courtesy between us.

Still, you saved my father's life.

Fan Xian,

I owe you my life.

Husband and wife should be one.

Your life is mine too.

We haven't got married yet.

We haven't got married yet?

Are you trying to deny it?

His Majesty

summons the First Prince and Fan Xian.

That's quick.

Push all the blame onto me if Father gets angry.

Tell him it was my idea to send Prime Minister Lin off.

No.

You can't handle the consequence

of defying the decree.

His Majesty instructed Prime Minister Lin

to retire and return to his hometown.

This is the decree I heard of.

Send Dabao back when he wakes up.

Don't worry. It will be all right.

I will go to the palace with you.

It would be done for, then.

I will show you the way.

Where will Father meet us?

In the Imperial Study.

Please.

If it were a serious charge,

the Ministry of Justice would show up to arrest you.

It's no big deal

if it's not the main hall.

Eunuch Hong.

May I eat this?

Hold.

You look relaxed.

If His Majesty executes me,

I don't want to be a hungry ghost.

Do you want some?

If we would end up being ghosts,

you would be the hungry one.

Think about what you are going to answer later.

No worries.

I have already died once.

What's wrong?

Maybe his foot is sprained.

It's fine. Go without me.

I will treat him.

After His Majesty learned the news,

he didn't show much emotion.

However, His Majesty ate a few pieces of pastry

from the Imperial Kitchen.

Normally, His Majesty wouldn't eat pastries

when he gets angry.

You are brave.

Are you trying to get yourself killed?

I won't forget

your kindness, Mr. Fan.

Your Majesty,

they are waiting for your summon.

Bring the First Prince.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Highness, His Majesty summons you in.

Father.

I heard you have had frequent contact with Fan Xian lately.

Yes.

Did you come here

to make a plea for him

or for yourself?

I want to make a plea for both of us.

Why do you want to plead for him?

He is to my liking.

To your liking?

Come.

Sit here.

Sit.

Why is he to your liking?

He

values affections.

He values affections.

What about others?

Officials in the Capital value vanity.

Only a few value affections.

Your Majesty,

Minister of Revenue, Fan Jian, requests an audience.

Tell him to wait outside.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You said only a few people value affections.

Do you know why?

I don't know, Father.

Li Chengru,

you are a man of loyalty and honesty.

It's better you don't know about that.

I was stationed at the border for years.

I'm far from being insightful.

That's better.

You won't have many concerns, then.

Off you go.

Yes, Father.

Bring the Fans in.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Mr. Chen,

can I stop now?

Keep on.

We have been waiting for ages, Mr. Chen.

Your Majesty,

I came here to accept punishment.

What have you done wrong?

I left the Capital

and deployed the Black Cavalries without permission.

Your Majesty,

before Prime Minster Lin left,

he gave me the list of his disciples and acquaintances.

I present this to you, Your Majesty.

Fan Jian,

what did you come here for?

Well...

I...

What is that inside your sleeve?

A ferule.

Why did you bring this?

Fan Xian defied your order.

He left the Capital and deployed the Black Cavalries without permission.

I was livid when I heard about it.

The Fan family has always served the monarch loyally.

I didn't expect him to be so rebellious.

How are you going to deal with him?

I will

flog him.

Go ahead.

Flog him.

You rebellious brat!

How dare you!

You are so infuriating!

You!

I'm going to beat you to death.

I swear I will!

You rebellious brat!

Fan Jian.

If I don't beat you to death,

I'm too shameful to face His Majesty.

You!

Enough, drop the act already.

Urgh, Mr. Chen.

[The conversation is calming down, Fan Xian is safe]

That's enough.

Fan Xian is safe now.

He's safe now.

Really?

Why have you been showing a straight face?

You scared me.

Heed my advice.

Don't be too clever.

I will keep that in mind.

If so,

I will return and wait for Mr. Fan.

Since you are here,

do me a favor.

Sure, please.

[The Sixth Division spy was found dead 30 li south of the Capital this morning]

The Sixth Division member was killed?

Would you mind to go there?

I wouldn't mind, of course.

But judging from the distance of this place to the Capital,

this area

should be handled by the local authority.

Yes.

But we are understaffed now.

You are experienced in this.

Help me take a look.

Is there anything special about this case?

I wait for you to tell me that.

I will set off now.

Use the south gate.

Someone will meet you at Liujia Slope.

I will get back to you soon.

Prime Minister Lin

is not my concern at all.

I summon you two here

for another matter.

Fan Xian,

it's time for your wedding.

Pardon?

It's time for your wedding, Fan Xian.

The wedding of me and Wan'er?

Do you want to marry another woman?

No! I want only Wan'er.

Fine.

The wedding will be in three days.

Three days?

Will that be enough?

Allocate the money from the Ministry of Rites first.

As for the rest, we will compensate them later.

Your Majesty, it isn't appropriate.

Fan Jian, Fan Xian,

listen up.

This wedding

isn't for your family.

It's for the state.

Indeed.

You are wise, Your Majesty.

As you command.

Get up.

How was it?

Is everything all right?

I'm getting married!

- Mr. Fan! - Remember to attend my wedding.

You are getting married?

Mr. Fan!

Mr. Fan!

He's getting married soon!

I'm heading to announce the decree.

Have you announced the decree?

Yes.

Do you want to stay for tea?

I need to hurry back to the palace.

The wedding is three days later?

We don't have much time to prepare.

It's manageable.

It's handled by the Ministry of Rites

and funded by the palace.

I told you so.

His Majesty greatly favors Xian

for his talent.

You accepted the decree so impatiently?

Don't worry.

You need to be steady.

Why is the fuss?

Father, Mother,

Xian,

Ruoruo.

We are going to be rich.

This is a venture with zero capital.

What zero capital?

It sounds like a robbery.

Oh, come on.

Don't say that.

Your wedding

is a way more lucrative business than robbery.

What nonsense is this?

Think about this.

Funded by the palace

and organized by the Ministry of Rites,

we don't have to spend a dime.

Such tremendous imperial grace.

This is a great honor.

Fair enough.

I know, right?

When the day comes,

all dignitaries and officials in the Capital

will be desperate to attend.

Are you suggesting we receive a great deal of cash gift

from the big turnout?

I'm afraid not.

He probably wants otherwise.

As expected of my brother.

Won't the cash gift be less with a small turnout?

Why bother

about that mere cash gift?

That's not important.

The cash gift isn't important?

Qualification is the one that matters here.

What qualification?

To attend the wedding.

Who wouldn't want to attend this wedding, right?

We must have a grand wedding

as much as we can

and spread the news as far as Northern Qi.

However,

the chance to enter the Fan's Residence

for the wedding

must be as limited

and selective as possible.

Those dignitaries in the Capital

would feel ashamed to show their faces

if they can't attend.

Hunger marketing, huh?

Well,

we can let our guests starve, right?

We must provide them with good food and drink.

Isn't that an offensive decision

on choosing the guests?

Not at all.

We will open the seats for sale.

It's fair and just.

The higher bidders win.

It's the term Xian invented,

auction.

Our sister-in-law

is the royal princess, a prestigious status.

If she gets married,

her brothers will come, right?

The Crown Prince,

other princes,

and all court officials will also come.

I can't imagine how high the price can be.

Everyone might just lose their rationale.

I must host this auction.

I will control the pace.

You returned here secretly.

You better lie low.

It doesn't matter.

Given how competitive the auction would be,

it doesn't matter who leads the action.

Ruoruo, you can lead it.

Right?

When all these people come,

we will...

Xian,

you might need

to marry a few more.

Once the business model is formed,

we will surely become the richest in the Qing State.

I marry only Wan'er in this life.

No more.

Fine.

One is fine.

No problem.

I can still establish this business model.

Do you mean you will do this at your own wedding too?

Oh, no.

No one would attend my wedding.

The groom can only be Fan Xian.

How about this?

It might be inconvenient for Wan'er.

A few years later,

find an excuse

to divorce her.

After that,

you will reconcile.

So when you get married again,

we can hold another wedding and take the cash gift again.

Marry then divorce.

Repeat this process

over and over again,

and we are going to be rich!

We will be rich...

Sit down.

Take this.

Look at this.

Have some water.

Drink some.

Here. Please drink some tea.

Have some water.

Send these over there.

Yes.

I have some here too.

Give them to me.

Where is he going?

To the loo.

Why is he bringing a book and a brush along?

They are granted permission

to use the latrine,

but they can't slack off.

Ginseng soup.

Where is Her Highness?

I'm done here.

Take the fainted one away.

Give him a flatbread.

Add some chili powder.

Let him rest.

Bring a flatbread here.

Hurry.

Eat this.

Your Highness.

You are here.

Mr. Yuan, how are you settling in Xinyang?

Everything is all right.

It's just that the food is a bit spicy for me.

Doesn't the Prime Minister's Residence serve spicy food?

They follow Prime Minister Lin's taste.

It has been tough on you

hiding here for years.

Fortunately, I didn't let down your mission

to drag Lin Ruofu down.

Whether or not he holds the position

has nothing to do with me.

After all, this show

is staged by you-know-who.

We are just playing along.

You should know that, right?

Yes, I do,

but I have to pretend not to.

Good liars delude themselves.

Brilliant.

You flatter me.

By the way, you don't eat spicy food, do you?

Come here.

Behead the chefs in Mr. Yuan's residence.

Replace a new batch.

Your Highness,

there is no need for that.

I'm getting used to the food.

Maybe I will grow fond of spicy food a few days after.

Your only weakness is kindness.

I have gotten used to it.

Nice guys finish last.

I'm the best example.

Otherwise,

I wouldn't be driven to this place from the Capital.

Are these flowers vibrant to look at?

Why are you doing this?

Wan'er is getting married soon.

I'm preparing a gift.

Precious jewels or pearls

are not elegant enough.

I prefer something beautiful.

This place looks rather barren after the flowers are trimmed.

By next year,

the flowers will grow brilliantly again.

The roots are injured.

I need to prepare some fertilizer.

Kindness has become you.

You live up to your reputation, Your Highness.

It's only right

for one to be so.

Who are these people?

The best accountants from all the shops in Xinyang

are gathered here.

To work on the ledger?

After the wedding,

Fan Xian will take over the Imperial Treasury.

[Imperial Treasury Ledger No. 73]

I have all the accounts sorted

as a wedding gift for him.

Don't need to hold back

if you have something to tell.

The Imperial Treasury ledger is supposed to be confidential.

These accountants must be warned

not to leak anything out.

Didn't I tell you I need to prepare fertilizer?

By next year,

this place will be in full bloom again.

Gentlemen.

Gentlemen.

What took you so long?

I have been here for a while.

Wait.

What are they doing?

They are setting defense.

The deceased inside is a skilled fighter of the Sixth Division.

We will guard the place here.

You go inside to examine the body.

Shouldn't you call for a coroner?

This is confidential.

The fewer people who know, the better.

I can't do this without the instrument.

Come in with me.

If you notice any sinister movement,

kill at will!

If half of our men die,

spread force to defend

and escort Wang Qinian back to the Capital.

These are the top-notch pieces.

I expected more.

You seem to have taken

Fan Xian's wedding too seriously.

Your Highness,

Miss Ye wants to see you.

Show her in.

You came at this hour.

What are you up to?

Wan'er and Fan Xian are getting married soon.

I know.

Wan'er is like my sister.

She went through a lot to be with Fan Xian.

Don't make trouble.

What makes you think that way?

Why do you think?

It's true that I set Fan Xian up before.

But it's different this time.

I don't want any trouble

to mess up my own sister's wedding.

Look.

I'm choosing their wedding gift.

Give me a hand.

Do you swear?

How about we make a deal?

What deal?

You ask me a question.

I swear to Heaven

that I will answer you honestly.

Otherwise, I will end pathetically

in the dirt.

But on one condition.

What condition?

I will ask you a question too.

You must be honest.

This is only fair.

Deal.

I don't lie anyway.

You have to swear.

All right. I swear to Heaven

that I will answer

whatever you are going to ask honestly.

Failing that,

the Ye family will be torn apart.

Ask away.

Will you cause trouble

at Wan'er's wedding?

I won't.

Never even considered that?

Never.

No matter how terrible it is between Fan Xian and I have become,

I always see Wan'er as my little sister.

Good, then.

Your turn now.

Just now, you said

Wan'er and you

are like sisters.

More than just sisters.

If so, you shouldn't keep anything from her.

That's not even possible.

Which begs the question,

what did Fan Xian tell you

when he came

on the day Lin Gong was killed?

You swore on your family.

Be honest.

How did you know that?

Fan Xian is a household name in the Capital.

Where he went and whom he met

can be easily figured out with little effort.

Why?

Is there a dark secret between you two

that Wan'er doesn't know?

No.

So?

Fan Xian came

to ask me something.

What did he ask?

You witnessed Lin Gong

meeting the two female assassins from the Niulan Street assassination.

You told Fan Xian about that.

You promised

you wouldn't mess up their wedding.

Of course, I would keep my word.

Don't worry.

The wedding

will be great fun.

Mr. Chen.

You are back.

Good work.

It's my duty.

It's still bearable.

Did you examine the body?

Yes.

How did he die?

Killed by a sharp weapon.

Judging from the wound,

it was an extremely quick thrust

beyond what a man can do.

This person must be exceptionally skilled.

Aside from that,

nothing much is worth mentioning.

From Jiangnan to the Capital

is a long journey.

How does Jiangnan relate to this?

A few days earlier,

a serial killer appeared in Jiangnan.

This person is highly skilled

and untraceable.

Fei Jie went there

for this case.

In that case,

there is nothing to be worried about.

Fei Jie just sent a pigeon back, saying that he lost track.

Even Elder Fei missed it?

Starting from that day,

from Jiangnan

to the Capital,

multiple of our peers were found dead

along the governmental road within a few days.

Is the murderer

coming after the Capital?

The deceased you examined

should be the last.

At this rate.

This person should arrive in the Capital by now.

But who could it be

to get away with Elder Fei?

[Imperial Inspectorate Autopsy Report No. 125]

This wound

is exactly the same as what I saw on the body earlier today.

Done by the same person?

Turn to the front pages.

Go to the front pages

and see the identity of the deceased.

[Lin Gong]

Mr. Chen,

may I tell Mr. Fan

about this?

Why do you think I tasked you with this?

Understood.

I will take my leave.

When Lin Gong was killed,

Fan Xian was the suspect.

But he argued

that he didn't know Lin Gong was involved in the assassination

and claimed he had no reason to kill him.

But the fact is,

he did know.

He had a convincing motive.

Ling Gong's death is very likely related to him.

Your Highness,

did you accept the engagement

and approach Miss Ye

to find out the answer?

Don't think too badly of me.

Fan Xian marrying Princess Lin

is the condition for taking over the Imperial Treasury.

Without this wedding,

the Imperial Treasury might return to its previous owner.

Your Highness,

three days are enough.

As long as we tell Princess Lin about this,

this wedding will never happen.

Xie Bi'an,

I didn't expect such a vicious idea from you.

Are you saying that there is a serial killer

killing along the way

from Jiangnan to the Capital?

Yes.

Judging from the wound,

it's similar to an autopsy report from before?

Exactly.

Who is the deceased

in the said autopsy report?

Lin Gong.

Are you sure?

Certainly, Mr. Fan.

The wounds on the two bodies are very similar.

The murderer

killed the two people

with an extremely quick thrust.

It's beyond what a man can do.

Of course,

this also suggests another possibility.

That is, the serial killer in question

used a weapon similar to the one used

by the murderer who killed Lin Gong,

and both of them have equally strong skills.

That would also lead to this outcome.

You said

the murderer

kills all the way to the Capital from Jiangnan?

At this pace,

this person should be in the Capital right now.

For as long as I can remember,

you have been protecting me.

As long as with you around,

I fear nothing.

Not only are my guardian,

but you're also the most important family member to me

in this world.

So I hope

[Fan's Residence] you can find your own pursuit.

Find my own pursuit?

For myself?

Who's there?

Mr. Wuzhu,

where exactly are you?

Xian, you are awake.

Madam Liu, Xian's up.

Fan Xian, you are up.

You slept well, didn't you?

You are here, Madam Liu.

Ruoruo, go out first.

I need to get changed, Madam Liu.

No need.

You can try on these gowns.

From those two boxes?

Naive.

There are more outside.

This one. Let me try on that color.

That. And that.

Bring me that piece.

You like him very much.

You smile so happily.

It's not that.

I was thinking

that Fan Xian should be trying on gowns at this moment too.

Of course he is.

Do you think he would run away?

From what?

The wedding, of course.

I think that looks quite suitable.

What you think doesn't matter.

You have to try on every piece.

You go ahead and try. I'm off.

Don't even think of leaving.

This is too much trouble.

I can't stand this.

Trouble?

This is only the innermost piece.

There are three more sets of undergarments.

I might as well die.

Try them on before you die.

Ruoruo, you are always a good girl.

Please let me go.

Xian, I truly feel bad for you.

But you are smiling.

Am I?

I haven't had breakfast yet. I feel unwell.

Eat while you try them on.

I need to tinkle.

Your wedding is in two days.

Where are you going?

Unless you don't want to get married,

run off as you like.

That is a great torture for him.

How did you know?

Because I know him well.

If he doesn't run away now,

it means he really cares about me.

Gave up already?

Bring it on.

Young Lady, there are more gowns to try on.

Please hold on.

I won't run away if he doesn't.

Wan'er.

Wan'er.

Ling'er.

You came just in time.

I have tried so many gowns on,

but I can't decide.

Come on and help me.

There is something urgent.

You may take a rest.

Give us the room.

You may go.

What's the matter?

Li Cheng...

What's wrong with you?

Did you catch a cold?

No.

Tao,

bring me the cold medicine.

Young Lady, where did you put it?

It's at...

Fine, I will get it myself.

Give me a moment.

Who is there?

♪The youth raises his head♪

♪As he moves toward his moon♪

♪People tease him for being delusional♪

♪Wondering why he is so unconventional♪

♪Wearing a white robe when crossing a muddy pond♪

♪How could it remain unstained?♪

♪If silver tael has a value♪

♪Who can truly be carefree?♪

♪All of you are right♪

♪He said: "Please"♪

♪"Make way"♪

♪"Let me drink until I drop"♪

♪On the court♪

♪I recite several verses♪

♪Let me wear a white robe♪

♪And cross the alley filled with insanity♪

♪To scoop up the moon's reflection in the muddy pond♪

♪Sirs, please forgive me♪

♪Your words of advice♪

♪I understand, but I don't want to pretend♪

♪People search for the golden land♪

♪While I search for the moon♪

♪Why should we travel together?♪

♪Thank you♪

♪Excuse me♪

♪You are you♪

♪I am me♪

♪Thank you♪

♪Excuse me♪

♪You are you♪

♪I am me♪

♪Wearing a white robe when crossing a muddy pond♪

♪Remarkably worldly-wise yet hopelessly romantic♪

♪Know what you love♪

♪Don't change♪

♪If one has witnessed both light and shadow♪

♪Yet retains their innocence♪

♪They shall be cloaked in moonlight♪

♪As they journey through the night♪