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 31]

What has Chen Pingping told you?

Your Majesty.

He told me about

the backgrounds of the three assassins.

Anything else?

He also said that you might be the one

who set the place on fire, Your Majesty.

That old geezer.

What else did he say?

Your Majesty, he even said

that you did so in order to chase away the Ye family.

It has nothing to do with the Ye family.

But it's related to one of their family members.

Ye Liuyun?

Ye Liuyun is in Jiangnan.

I heard that he traveled around the world.

I issued 12 secret edicts for him

to return to the Capital.

But he actually ignored all of them.

He resisted your order?

That's right.

Did you know why?

It's because he's a grandmaster.

Ordinary folks can't go against them.

Sigu Jian alone

has defended Dongyi City for decades.

No one could approach him even with a million soldiers at their disposal.

You know why?

It's because

they are all grandmasters.

These people

disregard the law

and take rules lightly.

Do you think they're still humans?

Are they tactical weapons, then?

Wrong.

Weapons don't have any emotions.

Maybe their humanity

is the only thing holding them back.

These so-called "grandmasters"

are actually scourges of the world.

If so, why did you chase the Ye family away?

I want to see if Ye Liuyun

still cares about his kinship.

What if he goes berserk?

How will you clean up the mess?

Some of his family members are still in the Capital.

You mean Ye Ling'er?

I'll head to Dingzhou together with you.

Ling'er,

I'm sorry.

I'm not making you stay

to protect you.

Do you know why I'm heading to Dingzhou?

You failed to protect His Majesty.

I'm punished for that.

Therefore, one of our family members

has to remain in the Capital.

You're the hostage I've chosen.

As long as you're around,

the ruler can be at ease.

Ling'er,

I'm sorry.

I could only

choose one of us.

From now on,

do not try to be chivalrous again.

Remember,

in the Capital,

it's best for fatherless children

to do nothing.

I understand.

How do you feel about Second Prince lately?

Why are you asking me that?

You may get married to him,

but do not fall for him.

Why?

If you fall for him,

there'll be no way out.

I understand now.

I'm the out for the Ye family.

I would rather you had no idea.

But there's no choice.

We don't always

get what we wish for.

Don't hate anyone for this.

Live well,

my daughter.

As long as one of them is around,

there'll be room for maneuver, no?

Ye Ling'er is remaining in the Capital

because of her engagement with Chengze.

So you expected this day to arrive after you granted them the marriage?

Why are you telling me all of this?

We were surrounded by assassins in the Hanging Temple.

Why did you leave me

and save Chengping instead?

Why?

Back then, if I didn't block the blow

for Third Prince,

he would've been dead.

So, to you, his life is more important than mine?

They were attacking from both sides.

I could only block one of them.

Back then, that attack looked more dangerous to me.

I saved Third Prince

as I was going with the flow.

You could've used Chengping as your shield.

You wouldn't have been hurt by then.

It was sudden. I didn't think too far ahead.

I was only bent on blocking the blow and saving him.

Rest well.

Once you get better,

I'll take you

to the place

you wish to go.

When I was in Xinyang, I was wondering

why the emperor granted you a marriage all of a sudden.

It turns out that he was using you as a bridge

between the imperial family and the Ye family.

Judging from its function,

this should be considered a political marriage.

Why don't I give you some additional dowries?

Aunt,

we're on the same side here.

You were utterly defeated.

Why should I side with a useless fool like you?

But you're still living in my residence, you know?

You can kill me

and vent your frustration, then.

We can't afford to act crazily for real.

Think about yourself.

The engagement is a pact.

If the Ye family gets demoted, you'll be implicated as well.

As long as they don't return to the Capital,

you'll stand no chance

to fight for the throne.

But there's one more solution.

Is there even a solution?

Yes.

Just kill Ye Ling'er.

Sever your ties

with the Ye family.

Bi'an.

Head to the Ye family

and relay this message to Ye Ling'er.

Since the engagement is set, we shall share both wealth and woe.

One day, I'll make sure the Ye family returns to the Capital.

Aunt,

I believe that offering help

in times of need is better than adding to someone’s prosperity.

Moreover, the Ye family

needs someone to depend on right now.

Isn't it better for you

to kill Ye Ling'er?

If not, you'll be done for as well when the Ye family falls.

Ye Liuyun is still around.

The Ye family won't fall.

Fine, then.

This is boring.

Aunt, I have a question.

Were you truly intending to help me out just now?

I just want to see blood being spilled.

Aunt, I'm afraid I have to let you down.

I'll depart for Xinyang right now.

So sudden?

There's no show to enjoy here.

Why should I stay here?

Master.

- Master. - Master.

- Master. - Master.

- Master. - Master.

Master.

A father's love is like a mountain.

You do love your children the most.

Master, you're awake.

Yes.

I have to head to the Ministry of Revenue.

I need to use the money Fan Xian gathered

to relieve the disaster victims.

All of you may leave.

Master, you didn't visit Fan Xian in the palace

or allow me to visit him.

Seems like you made the right choice.

Of course.

We have to think carefully when he's in the palace.

It was inappropriate indeed.

I'm glad that you figured it out.

What's wrong?

Is my hair messy?

You should change the color of your hair ornament.

What are you talking about?

Why are you all of you acting strange

after I took a nap?

What's going on?

We've already heard about it.

About what?

Enough already.

Master.

Fan Xian's biological mother,

was she Ye Qingmei?

How did you find out?

That means it's true, then.

This is a huge deal.

Do not spread the news.

But everyone on the streets is talking about it.

How could that happen?

There's more than that.

What else is there?

Is Fan Xian

His Majesty's son?

Did they talk about that too?

Master, this isn't your fault.

His Majesty was ridiculous.

Relay my message to the residence.

If they hear rumors as such again,

treat them as mere rumors.

Of course.

If it doesn't work out,

I'll be a witness.

At most, I can say that I gave birth to Fan Xian.

You...

You!

What nonsense are you talking about?

Master,

your hair ornament,

you should change it to another color.

Aunt,

are you truly intending to return to Xinyang?

Where else can I go?

Seems like

you're moving everything.

What? You can't bear to part with them?

That's not it.

Aunt,

the name list and ledgers

were co-owned by us.

If any of their content is leaked,

being convicted of colluding with an enemy nation

is considered a minor offense given the severity of our crime.

Do you think I'll land myself in trouble?

Of course not.

However, safety should be our priority.

It's because the Capital is a dangerous place.

That's why I'm going to look after them for you.

It has already come to this.

Aunt, do you still not trust me?

I would've moved them away in secret

if I didn't trust you.

Wait.

[Red Mansion, Li Yu] Let me keep these two books.

Your Highness, I have something to report.

Take care, Aunt. Please come again.

I'm busy. I won't see you off.

Wait.

Give me the books.

At least I have something to read on my way there.

Speak.

Your Highness, something's off.

Rumors have been spreading in the capital.

What rumors?

Everyone on the streets is saying

that Fan Xian's biological mother is Ye Qingmei.

Ye Qingmei?

Fan Jian and Ye Qingmei?

It's no wonder Fan Xian will inherit the Imperial Treasury.

His father isn't Fan Jian.

They said Fan Xian was His Majesty's son.

How dare you believe in such baseless rumors?

The rumors are spreading across the streets.

The Imperial Inspectorate didn't explain the situation or stop them.

They would've arrested them if the rumors were false.

Your Highness,

since they didn't react, that means the rumors are true.

No wonder.

I knew we were alike.

Stop!

Say that again?

Whose son is he?

His Majesty.

Tell me who his mother is!

It's Ye Qingmei.

You.

Come with me.

Perfumed sachet and accessories for sale.

This is trespassing!

Stop!

- Stop right there! - Stop right there!

Stop right there!

This is the Imperial Inspectorate.

What is the Minister of Revenue doing here?

Keep your weapons away.

Everyone on the streets knows about Fan Xian's background now.

I know.

So what?

How will you clean up this mess?

And,

the news spread within the Capital overnight.

It spread too quickly.

You have to investigate it.

Who else can achieve this besides the Imperial Inspectorate?

It was you.

To put it more accurately, the news should've only been spread

within the Capital after the hour of Wu.

Was it His Majesty's intention?

We can only do it with His Majesty's permission.

But why?

Fan Xian risked his life to save him.

His Majesty was touched by his effort.

Why is he pushing him off a cliff, then?

From a subject to a prince,

that's a promotion in one's identity.

Fan Xian's background was kept hidden all these years

in order to ensure his safety.

Do you know what the name "Ye Qingmei" implies?

There are as many people who love her as there are people who hate her.

Hatred,

it never fades once it's rooted in our hearts.

I know that.

I know that.

I want him dead!

Aunt,

calm down.

I'm calm right now!

Ye Qingmei's son has to die.

No wonder he wants to hand the Imperial Treasury to him.

He's just returning it to its rightful owner.

With Fan Xian's current identity,

His Majesty won't allow anyone to kill him.

But His Majesty owes me for this!

All these years,

I provided His Majesty with whatever he desired.

I was the one who did the dirty deeds for him.

I investigated the people he didn't want to investigate.

It was me! Not anyone else!

I devoted my entire being to His Majesty alone.

Even if he wanted to chase me out of the capital,

I also obliged his will!

Aunt.

This isn't the end yet.

Even if I'm not in the Capital,

I'm still His Majesty's dagger.

He wanted to abolish the prime minister.

Therefore, I told Yuan Hongdao to collaborate with him.

Aunt, wasn't that your intention?

Why would I do so?

It was even between me and that Lin fellow long ago.

He was the one who wanted to abolish him.

If not, I wouldn't have instructed Yuan Hongdao

to serve that Lin fellow for so many years.

It was me.

All these years,

I did everything he asked me to do.

But now, he still wants

to let the son of that woman

to steal the Imperial Treasury from me.

This time,

I don't care what His Majesty wants.

I want Fan Xian dead.

Fan Xian is in the palace.

How do you plan to kill him?

Is he in my Guangxin Palace?

That's right.

Fan Xian is living

in my Guangxin Palace?

He chased me away

and robbed me of my residence, huh?

Wait.

Wait.

Actually, if we look at it from another perspective,

Crown Prince should be the one

panicking about Fan Xian's identity.

I want him dead.

Your Highness, Her Majesty has arrived.

You fools. Why didn't you notify me in advance?

I told them not to do so.

What's wrong?

Do you not welcome me?

Mother.

Greetings,

Mother.

All of you may leave.

Don't close the door.

Mother is afraid of the dark.

Mother, it's been some time since you left your residence.

Were you

panicking?

Have you heard of the incident with Fan Xian?

I was just about to look for you.

Fan Xian is in charge of the Imperial Treasury.

And, he's taking over the Imperial Inspectorate too.

Right now, he has more power than Li Chengze.

How could you rest at ease

if the rumors were true?

Let's not talk about the validity of the rumors for now.

It's fine even if they were true.

I'm competing with Chengze

because he's trying to steal the things that don't belong to him.

What if Fan Xian is a prince as well?

His surname is Fan.

Even if the entire world knows

that he's my brother,

he has no right to compete with me

as long as his surname is Fan.

An illegitimate bloodline cannot enter the imperial family.

Mother, with his bloodline, at most,

he can only take over

the Imperial Treasury and Imperial Inspectorate.

That's all he can do.

If so, I should side with him instead.

He hates Chengze. I hate Chengze too.

We're born to be allies.

What if I want Fan Xian dead?

Is it because

of his bloodline?

It's because he's the son of Ye Qingmei.

Didn't Ye Qingmei die a long time ago?

There are plenty of concubines in the palace.

I don't think she's that big of a deal,

Mother.

Ye Qingmei

died because of me.

Although no one mentioned

Ye Qingmei's death again,

I do know some facts about it.

Back then, she died at the hands of the empress and her clan, right?

Due to that, the empress's clan was massacred.

If so, wouldn't it be better for us to observe

and wait for the empress to strike?

The empress's devious plots are impressive indeed.

However, this is the only thing I cannot put any hope on her.

But why?

It's because she has someone she cares about.

Do you not have one?

I do.

I care about Ye Qingmei.

I want her son to vanish

from this world.

That means

your clanfolk were the ones who killed Ye Qingmei.

You didn't kill her personally.

That's right.

If so, was your clan

massacred?

My entire clan

was wiped out overnight.

If so, I guess it's all in the past now.

All in the past?

That night,

the Black Cavalries were searching the entire Capital.

They even stormed into the palace

and trespassed upon my residence.

I wanted to stop them,

but to no avail.

They knocked over the lamps in front of me.

They made the servants cover my eyes.

I could only hear

the terrifying wails of my kin as they were slaughtered.

There was no light,

and the moon was covered by the clouds.

Although the sky was dark,

although my eyes were covered,

I could still see.

Blood was the only thing I saw.

Blood was everywhere.

Do you think

all of that is in the past now?

If so, I suppose you weren't the one

who ordered your men to take her life, right?

Does that even matter?

If so, that means you're not related to the incident.

By the way,

I suppose not many people know about this, right?

That's right.

If so, it'll be safer.

Now that the culprit is dead,

bygones are bygones.

If so, Fan Xian and I can focus on the common enemy.

We can deal with Chengze together.

The culprit is dead?

Bygones are bygones?

But they're my family.

They're your family too.

But what should I do if Fan Xian finds out about this

and falls out with me?

What should I do, then?

Mother,

what about this?

You should

apologize to Fan Xian.

You see,

this incident happened a long time ago.

And, the perpetrators

had paid the price with their lives.

Since you didn't kill her

or order your men to take her life,

why don't we

lay it all out

and apologize to Fan Xian?

This incident will be over by then.

What did you say?

You want me to apologize to him?

Mother,

I know my fault.

Plenty of our family members had died.

I'm also disheartened by it.

But Chengze has his eyes on my position.

He's keeping a close eye on me.

I may lose my position as the Crown Prince at any time.

I'm seeking Fan Xian's help

because I have no other choices, Mother.

Mother,

please trust me.

If, one day,

when push comes to shove,

I'll definitely kill Fan Xian myself

and avenge our family.

Weren't you the one who taught me

that

those who want to achieve great feats

have to first endure?

You're right about everything.

I'm relieved.

So you're the one who resembles him the most.

Mother.

I can only say these words

in front of you.

It's because

I'm your only kin

in the world now.

All right.

You'll get

what you wish for.

You should stop kowtowing. This is inappropriate.

It's more than appropriate.

You saved his life after all.

Even so, he didn't need to kowtow to me.

It's fine. He's doing it of his own accord.

Chengping has been talking about you every day

ever since you saved him.

By the way,

does your wound still hurt?

I'm fine now.

He fainted.

It's fine. He can continue after some rest.

Where are Wan'er and Ruoruo?

I don't see them around.

Ruoruo? The imperial physician wanted to learn medical skills from her.

You're something else.

Why are you imparting your surgical skill

to other people?

We practice medicine to save lives.

What about Wan'er?

She went home to take some clothing.

I was thinking

that I have to stay here for some time.

I should bring the wheelchair here as well.

You have a wheelchair in your house?

Mr. Chen gave me one when I was feigning illness.

Are the rumors true?

I don't know.

If they're true,

that means you and Chengping will have a closer relationship.

I truly have no idea.

I want Chengping to be your student.

Why don't you ask him about it

after he regains consciousness?

It's... It's time to take your medicine.

It's fine. I can make the call for him.

Why... Why don't you take it now?

Why did you have to poison me?

Let go of me!

Mr. Fan, let me go!

How could they try to poison you in the palace?

Mr. Fan!

Mr. Fan!

Leave!

What are you doing here?

Gong Dian was demoted.

I'm taking over for the time being.

Rest at ease.

I'll deter the assassins.

These two aren't the only assassins today.

Those assassins

have worked in Guangxin Palace for many years.

The mastermind must be someone I know, then.

I'll swap out all the personnel in Guangxin Palace.

I'll also report this to Father.

I'll surely give you an account.

Thank you.

Do you need an imperial physician?

It's fine.

He's not done kowtowing yet.

You saw for yourself the situation I'm in.

Third Prince will be in danger if he stays close to me.

You see,

you're the only person in the imperial court

who can protect him now.

You should stop now.

One has to be sincere when being a student.

We made a promise.

It'll only count when he faints.

He fainted just now.

He's awake now. That means it doesn't count.

Don't you feel sorry for your son at all?

Mothers have to be strong.

Put your back into it.

It's not loud enough.

According to His Majesty's oral edict,

the Capital is too crowded.

It's complex and unsafe.

It's time to pull the weeds.

Excuse me,

but how do I pull the weeds?

Second Prince, please inspect your residence

and see if there's anyone

who shouldn't be in the Capital.

If so, please send them out of the Capital immediately.

There's no need to pull the weeds.

You can just designate me.

Sir, don't worry.

I'll surely inspect the residence thoroughly.

I've already relayed the message.

I shall take my leave now.

Sir, take care.

Make her leave as soon as possible.

Aunt,

assassinating Fan Xian is a huge deal.

I didn't do it.

Those assassins in Guangxin Palace

served you for many years.

Although they said they did it of their own accord,

who would trust them?

Do you think I'm dumb enough to resort to using maids and eunuchs?

Moreover, I know that Fan Xian is a poison practitioner.

Why would I try to poison him?

Who else could it be, then?

I may be crazy,

but I'm not foolish.

Are you saying that the empress is behind this?

That doesn't make sense.

Why would the empress take the assassination this lightly?

It's hard to say.

I'm too lazy to take a guess either.

Aunt,

His Majesty is forcing you to return to Xinyang now.

What do you plan to do?

If Fan Xian wants to take over the Imperial Treasury,

he has to take over the Three Great Workshops first.

He'll surely head to Jiangnan.

It might be inconvenient for me to kill him in the Capital,

but Jiangnan is a convenient location.

That's hard to say.

Although he lost his martial arts,

he still has plenty of bodyguards.

Ye Liuyun is in Jiangnan.

What?

Aunt, are you saying that the grandmaster will help you out?

Why don't you take a guess?

Aunt, we've been allies for a long time.

But how many secrets are you keeping from me?

Aunt, do you plan to wait for Fan Xian in Jiangnan?

Today, I'll return to Xinyang.

If anything happens to Fan Xian while he's in Jiangnan,

it has nothing to do with me.

You're on your own now.

I'll leave the Capital today.

I won't see you off, then.

I'll also give it a try.

Aunt, you can rest if I'm able to kill Fan Xian

in the Capital.

How do you plan to do it?

Will you enter the palace?

I'm not foolish either.

Madam Liu, please stop.

We have more than enough here.

We'll only be away for a few days.

We'll return soon.

Who can say for sure?

Wan'er,

I suppose you've heard of the rumors related to Fan Xian's background.

I have.

Say,

do you think he'll remain in the palace after this?

He'll definitely come back.

Are you saying

that the rumors were false?

I don't know if they're false or not.

But, it doesn't matter anyway.

Silly girl,

how could it not matter?

We bowed to you and his father

in the Fan's Residence during our wedding.

His surname is Fan, and that cannot be changed.

How did you know?

Did he tell you about it?

He didn't need to tell me.

I understand Fan Xian.

I'm sure he'll make that choice.

That boy is truly lucky

to get you as his wife.

I'm the lucky one here.

I'm lucky enough to have encountered him.

Why did you stop the carriage...

Cousin Chengze?

Fan Xian and his men killed your brother, Lin Gong.

Fan Xian already knew the truth

behind the assassination on Niulan Street before your brother died.

He deceived everyone.

Please get off the carriage.

Ling'er knows about that as well.

If you don't believe me,

you can confront Ling'er.

You'll know the truth by then.

Since when did you hear about the news?

It has been some time.

Why didn't you tell me about it before the wedding?

Someone requested me to keep quiet.

Moreover, it's pointless for me to tell you about it back then.

You're just trying to use someone else to do the dirty work for you.

Don't you wish to avenge your closest kin?

Wan'er,

have you forgotten?

Your surname is Lin.

Stop the carriage.

Sir, your handwriting is excellent.

There's no need to butter me up forcefully.

Yes, sir.

You can skip the formalities.

Once a teacher,

always a teacher.

I have to respect you.

Our seniority is all mixed up now.

Speaking of which,

I don't know what I can teach you either.

You have your own habits

when it comes to dealing with matters and people.

Mother told me

to do whatever you tell me to do

without

questioning anything.

If so, please deliver this letter to the Imperial Inspectorate.

Me?

You want me to go?

Why don't I go, then?

I heard that the Imperial Inspectorate is filled with blood and horror.

Is that true?

Give it back if you're scared.

No.

Sir, I'll listen to you.

Once you're there,

tell them to deliver this letter

to Northern Qi.

To whom in Northern Qi?

Haitang Duoduo.

Sir,

I understand now.

What do you understand?

I'll definitely protect this letter.

Are you misunderstanding something here?

I'll head there right now.

No need for that. It's late now.

You can do it tomorrow.

Sir,

I'll take my leave first.

Don't worry. I'll surely fulfill your request.

Go now.

Good night, Madam.

I shall take my leave.

What request was he talking about?

Telling the Imperial Inspectorate to deliver the letter to Haitang Duoduo.

What did you write in the letter?

Master Ku He has a technique called One Heaven.

Rumor has it that it can reconstruct one's body and meridians.

I'm trying to see if there's a way

for me to learn it from him in exchange for something else.

I can't just keep being useless forever.

I heard that Ku He never imparted

that technique to any outsiders.

I have to give it a try somehow.

♪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♪