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 25]

Ling'er.

Ling'er.

Ling'er, where are you?

Is she leaving so soon?

I had someone to ask your servant.

They said you like perilla soup.

My men learned how to cook this from them.

How does it taste?

The Ye family is in charge of the Capital's defense.

They will come looking for me

once they find out I have disappeared.

You didn't disappear.

You left the Capital for an urgent matter

and left a letter.

What letter?

You imitated my handwriting?

She doesn't want this.

Why did you capture me?

I'm worried you would tell Wan'er

that Fan Xian is related to Lin Gong's death.

Don't be impulsive.

You can't do this to your friend.

How could she get married if you were to tell her that in advance?

You are the fine one to talk.

You are planning to expose this at the wedding.

Why do you not trust me?

Why do you think?

Don't you think the strip is a bit long?

Yeah, right.

I think this piece is quite nice.

This should be of the best quality.

Best quality.

What do you think?

Not bad.

No one is asking you.

Why did you come here?

He came here for me.

He wants to speak to me.

Don't go.

I'm not in a hurry.

Go ahead.

Finish it quickly. We have to continue.

What's it?

Father sends for you.

I will go right away.

It's fine. Yours is more important.

He is not in a hurry.

But I am.

Father.

Father.

Did you ask for me?

It fits you really well.

If you say so,

I will take this.

No, I didn't say that.

What I said doesn't matter.

I can't stand it anymore.

There are so many boxes of gowns left.

You should be well-prepared for the big event in life.

No,

I just don't see the difference

between those gowns.

Exactly.

Did you try on so many gowns back then?

Mine was more than yours.

How did you manage that?

I simply survived the torture.

Why are you sighing?

I was thinking

that ordinary people don't have the opportunity

to try on so many gowns like you do.

Your annoyance is actually someone else's happiness.

Did I say something wrong?

Wait,

are you really Fan Sizhe?

I actually heard that from your mouth.

I have witnessed a lot

when I traveled northward.

The Qing State may considered a rich country,

but there are still many people

who are starving.

So?

So

I want to make more money.

I will open as many stores as possible

across the world,

like in Qing State, Northern Qi,

or even in Dongyi City.

With this wide expansion,

I can hire more people.

I didn't think it too ambitiously or too far ahead.

I just want to make sure everyone can fill their hunger.

Rightfully so.

Making money alone isn't enough.

You have grown mature

by giving thought to this.

Fan Xian,

here is something you need to consider yourself.

The news of your wedding has stirred up the entire Capital

due to your fame as the Immortal Poet

as well as

your takeover of the Imperial Treasury.

Besides,

His Majesty appointed this marriage.

All the court officials

are waiting to come to deliver their blessings.

Our house is too small

to receive all of them.

What do you think

about the wedding guest list?

I have to remind you this.

It's easy to decide who you invite.

But those who are left out

might hold grudges

and stab you in the back.

Xian.

Convince Father that the auction would work.

No matter who I invite or not,

it's controversial.

That's right.

If so, I will invite no one.

The wedding can't be held without a banquet.

It's a family banquet.

Family banquet?

Family banquet?

Bravo!

The carriage is here.

Magnificent.

The flower carriage is beautiful.

The flower carriage is here.

So beautifully decorated.

The flower carriage is coming this way.

What a flower carriage.

So beautiful.

It's fragrant.

[Fan's Residence] Little Xian!

- Over there! - Slow down.

It's really coming.

The big thing over there

is so beautiful.

They all say it's coming for you.

Do you know that?

I will go check it out for you.

Do they spread the petals all the way from Xinyang to here?

Day and night. Night and day.

Without rest?

They work in shifts.

The flower petals must be a lot. Can the carriage carry so much?

They pluck petals

along the way.

I wonder how many mountains have become bare.

I chucked her out of the Capital,

yet she returns here publicly bearing gifts for me.

After all, she's Princess Lin's mother.

I doubt

if she would be so kind.

It's here.

It's here.

It's coming.

It's coming. Hurry.

Look at those fresh flowers.

So lovely.

Magnificent.

Look at this.

I have never seen something like this.

It smells great.

So fragrant.

Who made this?

I haven't seen one in my dream.

It's my first time.

What does it mean?

It has been a long while.

You are grounded in Xinyang.

You shouldn't return here without a decree.

I defied the decree.

I came back here secretly.

Report me now.

I'm sure it works.

Why did you come back to the Capital?

This is for you.

Don't be afraid.

This is a wedding gift from me.

[Imperial Treasury Ledgers]

You are going to take over the Imperial Treasury

after marrying Wan'er.

Are these the ledgers of the Imperial Treasury?

It's a sincere gift, isn't it?

Did you defy the decree and return here

just for this?

On your wedding day,

I wish to see Wan'er.

She is my daughter.

The wedding is the biggest day for her.

I have never lived a life like hers,

but I hope she does.

Besides, I want to leave her with the best memories.

So during the wedding,

I call a truce.

And after the wedding?

What a question.

The fierce fight resumes.

Have you ever considered

that I said no?

Like I said,

you can report me.

I only want to do what I want.

Whatever your choice is,

I'm ready for it.

How long will you stay?

It depends on my mood.

Where do you stay?

Not the Fan's Residence, anyway.

Get yourself a good hiding spot.

You should call me "mother", shouldn't you?

Read slowly.

Don't read in bright light. Just take your time.

[In the 61st year of the Qing, in debt of 730,000 taels.]

[In the 62nd year of the Qing, in debt of 670,000 taels]

I'm good.

I finished it.

What's your read on this?

The establishment of the Imperial Treasury

is an irreplicable legend.

After all, it was once the greatest enterprise in the world.

You could confidently say

it's the greatest enterprise ever in history.

What a brilliant idea

to branch out worldwide

and secure support from the royal family.

But now it appears

to have over 20 million taels of debt.

Li Yunrui should be executed

for having messed up this business.

It's not easy to kill a royal, though.

Aren't you surprised by this debt?

I should've predicted this.

Even without any existing debt,

it would incur great debt when handed over to me.

To you,

[Come and meet me instantly] these aren't just ledgers,

but also a trap.

Even so,

I will fall into it only after the wedding.

You are right.

The wedding is the most important matter now.

Your mother also looked forward to this day.

Should I hide these ledgers for the time being?

I doubt it.

She arrived in the sight of all.

You should act frankly.

Frankly?

Inform the Eight Division to copy these ledgers.

It's also time

to make good use of your mother's invention.

[Eighth Division, Seventh Division]

To whom should we present

the copies afterward?

Anyone who needs to see them.

The Imperial Treasury is far from a deficit.

Plus, Fan Xian has a brain on him.

I guess the shortfall could be covered

in four to five years.

The ledgers were delivered here so openly

that those who are concerned

have been alerted.

Merchants

only pursue profits.

Since they know about the debt,

no one would dare to do business with Fan Xian.

The shortfall

will snowball.

If nothing is done within six months,

he will have to give up on the Imperial Treasury.

Filling up 20 million taels

in six months

is beyond what an immortal could do.

Unless

someone helps him.

After Fan Xian entered the Capital,

did he offer his service

to you?

Not yet.

You may use this debt

as a term.

It's not too much to ask, right?

You can save his life.

Only a few will save you,

but many will hit you when you are down.

After all, the figure is enormous.

Are both of your eyes unable to read well?

No, only this.

It's presbyopia.

Aren't you worried

about the debt at all?

I'm not going to think about it

until my wedding is over.

Don't worry.

Regarding the debt,

His Majesty is aware of it. So am I.

I have no worries.

In fact, I didn't come here

only for this.

Wang Qinian told me about the serial killer.

Did you find out who the murderer is?

I thought you would come that day.

I don't think this can be discussed openly.

Otherwise, you wouldn't have tasked

Wang Qinian with that instead of me.

You have the potential to be an official.

Was it done by Mr. Wuzhu?

I don't know.

This person killed all his way from Jiangnan to the Capital.

Whoever saw his face was killed.

Did anything happen these days?

The Capital has been peaceful for the past few days.

It seems the murderer has disappeared.

If so, it wouldn't be him.

Wuzhu has forgotten many things.

What if this were to happen again

and he forgot you

and even attacked you?

What would you do?

I will figure something out

to treat your eyesight.

What would you do

if it's really him?

Will you come to my wedding?

It's your family banquet.

That's why I'm inviting you.

I have long lost my family.

You have me, no?

We will figure something out after the wedding.

Is this a wedding gift?

I can't go without gifts,

can I?

What's inside? So secretive.

I wish you a happy

and everlasting marriage.

What a beauty.

Mother.

Sit still.

Let me groom you today.

When did you come back here?

I returned secretly.

Without His Majesty's decree?

No.

You are defying the order.

Does that even bother me?

But this is a serious crime.

I don't care.

If I didn't come back

on your wedding day,

that would be a more serious crime.

Mother.

There is one thing

I'm sure of in my life.

What's that?

I'm the most beautiful woman

that ever walked the earth.

Though someone is blind and can't see me,

that's not my problem.

Who are you talking about?

Never mind that.

What I'm trying

to tell you is,

I must come to the Capital

to groom you personally.

In this world,

If I allow someone else to be prettier than me,

it must be you.

It must be today.

Since infancy,

you have been all alone

and unhappy.

Nothing can be done to compensate you even now.

But today,

please let me do my duty as a mother.

Let me see you

to the next journey of your life.

Mother.

No tears.

The makeup looks just perfect on you.

Mother.

Could you please stop fighting with Fan Xian?

Look at you.

So beautiful.

You are prettier than me, my daughter.

I have done

what I have to do.

Where are you going?

I came here secretly,

so I must leave secretly.

Wan'er,

I haven't lived a life like yours.

I envy you.

Stop right there.

From today on,

forget me

completely.

I'm so glad

that you came.

Where are you going?

Where else could I go?

Leave them alone.

I don't want you to worry,

so you are coming with me.

I can't fight.

If anything happens,

I'm all yours.

Why are all the horses here?

Go that way. Park the carriage over there.

Misters, would you mind

moving your horses forward?

All the carriages should be over there.

Go that way.

Misters,

please take the horses

over there.

Thank you so much.

Look at the grandeur.

Exactly.

How grand.

It must be someone important.

It must be.

Impressive.

Right.

What a grandeur.

Greetings, Your Highness.

He's the Crown Prince.

You are...

Wang Qinian.

Those who carry gifts, come with me.

I know what you are going to say.

This is a family banquet. No need to follow me.

Who has arrived?

- Move! - Well...

Move!

Move!

Clear the way!

An urgent missive from Northern Qi.

[Imperial Edict] Urgent missive from the border army!

Did Northern Qi intrude on the border?

No, it doesn't concern the warfare.

It's a letter for Mr. Fan from Northern Qi.

Is it appropriate

to send a private letter on an urgent delivery?

The sender is

the Emperor of Northern Qi.

There's no way the groom is serving us the liquor.

Do away with formalities in the family banquet.

What's wrong?

I'm the groom.

Why are you more nervous?

Fan.

Come with me.

Is Miss Ruoruo in?

Why?

You have already gotten drunk before even drinking.

News from the palace says

my wedding with Ruoruo is right after your wedding.

Ruoruo won't marry you.

Fan Xian,

this is the imperial decree.

It doesn't matter

whether or not Ruoruo and I want it.

But she doesn't want to marry you.

Is she trying

to defy the decree, then?

To be honest,

I have always liked Ruoruo.

Why don't we try to get along?

You know what I am like.

What about Yuan Meng?

Yuan Meng...

Yuan Meng

is only a silly past.

I'm not involved

in the Baoyue Pleasure House at all.

I believe you,

and I forgave you.

But Ruoruo won't marry you.

No one can defy

the marriage appointed by His Majesty.

Congratulations!

Your Highness.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Chengru.

Well,

carry the things to the yard.

Don't touch any bizarre thing you see there.

Did you hear me?

I just came here

to have a drink with my brothers.

That thing,

is it fixed?

Yes, it's fixed.

The little emperor of Northern Qi wrote you a letter.

Take a look at it.

Mr. Fan.

He is demanding updates.

What does that mean?

This little emperor enjoys reading "Red Mansion".

He only mentioned this in it?

There are more.

You may read it yourself.

One of the Four Grandmasters, Ku He,

intends to take

Ruoruo as his "closed door" disciple. [*Last disciple]

Isn't Haitang Duoduo his "closed door" disciple?

It says here,

"The door isn't fully shut,

so he's closing it again."

Does that even make a reason?

The our Grandmasters are exceptionally skilled,

their thoughts are extraordinary.

Deliver it to the palace for His Majesty to decide.

I will see to that now.

Well,

please take a seat.

Fan.

Fan.

How did you manage this?

Do you think this marriage will continue?

If the Four Grandmasters are involved,

I'm afraid this marriage won't proceed as planned.

With the Four Grandmasters above the monarch,

do you think this is a good sign?

But it has been the fact.

I was just saying. Don't take it too seriously.

Hurry and take a seat. The cold dishes will be served soon.

Why is the street empty?

Exactly.

Why, indeed?

You don't have to hold my hand.

Xie Bi'an isn't here.

I can only rely on you if assassins show up.

I'm only at ease

when I hold your hand.

I will protect you.

But do keep your word,

don't ruin Wan'er's wedding.

If you can't believe me,

kill me, then.

Look, I'm all alone and don't have martial arts skills.

You can easily

kill me.

If you talk nonsense during the wedding,

I will kill you.

That's a deal, then.

What deal?

Either you protect me

or kill me.

My life

is in your hands now.

Now that you have married Wan'er,

we are considered relatives.

We are one family now.

Chengru, to be honest with you,

I'm so worried about him

that I can't sleep for nights.

What should we do

about the debt of the Imperial Treasury?

Surely, you are merciful.

One more thing.

I can see that Northern Qi regards you highly.

But then, the deep debt

is our own state affair.

We can't fill up the hole

with money from another state.

This is a big no.

Don't overthink, Your Highness.

Even though this little emperor loves "Red Mansion",

he won't pay the debt of over 20 million.

No one in this universe would demand updates like this.

True, though.

Speaking of which,

what should we do about the debt?

Today's Fan Xian's wedding.

Let's not get into this.

All right, let's drop it.

One more word.

Fortunately, that fellow is grounded.

I can't image how trouble it could be

if he comes.

Mr. Fan,

the Second Prince has come.

[Fan's Residence]

Luckily, I came without guards.

Otherwise, they couldn't fit it here.

He is not like you. He's afraid of dying.

I'm afraid of dying too,

but that's not my greatest fear.

What's your greatest fear, then?

I fear

an uneventful situation.

It's boring.

You're unbelievable.

Mr. Fan

invites you in.

Today is a big day.

Everyone is welcome.

That's wonderful.

I was worried he might shut me out.

Please come in, Your Highness.

Everyone is here.

Greetings, Your Highness.

No need for that, Chengze.

You didn't bow.

You see,

Chengze came personally for Fan Xian's wedding.

You are indeed all heart.

But if His Majesty reprimands you

for having defied his decree,

we brothers

will bear it with you.

Are you talking about the confinement?

I asked for his permission.

What...

I requested

a decree

to attend Wan'er's wedding.

That's great.

I was worried for nothing.

My bad.

I shall drink to that.

Me too.

Well, what do you know?

Such brotherhood does exist.

Your wedding gift.

Thank you.

Open it.

I prepared jewels at first.

But I thought

you had lots of those at home.

So I chose something more direct.

500,000 taels.

This is too much.

This barely makes a dent

in the 20 million debt.

I'm so worried for you.

You two are truly brothers.

Pardon?

His Highness was worried for me too.

I can never compare to His Highness' compassion.

Let's talk about the real business.

You have a lot of things to take care of

after taking over the Imperial Treasury.

You need to venture into business.

But it won't be easy for me due to the debt.

Don't worry.

I have contacts with many merchant families.

They will humor me

and offer help.

Indeed.

Chengze has a good intention.

I sense a but.

Merchants

are profit-driven.

If you take advantage of them now,

how are you going to deal with them later?

If everyone meddles in the Imperial Treasury,

it will be troublesome.

That being said,

Chengze is different

from those profit-driven merchants.

Of course he bears a good will.

You have a good assessment of people.

But we can't let the Imperial Treasury be ruined

in the hands of Mr. Fan.

Exactly.

How could we not help our brother-in-law?

Even blood brothers

want to kill each other.

Your Highness,

do you plan to cover the debt?

If I could afford 20 million taels,

this would be a trouble.

Why did you even bring this up, then?

If you have time

tomorrow or the day after,

come to my residence.

We can think of solutions.

Wonderful.

From then on, the Imperial Inspectorate and the Imperial Treasury

will be in your pocket.

Chengze, this is no joke.

I wouldn't dare fraternize with officials

like you do.

You should consider me too.

You don't have to serve me.

This is just favor trading between us.

Yes, favors trading

could bring endless threats.

It's better than being a lackey.

Oops, it slipped again.

I just keep one.

50,000 taels will cost me

at least seven impeachments from the Imperial Procuratorate.

Don't jinx me on my big day.

Your Highness, have you heard of "honeymoon"?

Is that a dessert or something?

No.

It means

Wan'er and I will be on a hiatus after the wedding

without any official business.

I appreciate your offer, but I won't visit

the Eastern Palace.

How do you plan

to clear the debt without help?

I don't want to talk about this on such a fine day.

Gentlemen,

today is my first time doing the wedding ritual.

The auspicious hour is arriving soon.

Why don't you all join us

for the ceremony?

The auspicious hour has arrived!

Shouldn't the matchmaker be holding this?

I insisted.

I must witness this important moment.

Bonding twain hearts with a tie,

and they shall never part.

Wan'er, I want to tell you something.

Young Master,

you can tell her when the ritual is over.

No.

I must say it now.

Wan'er.

There is something

Father wants me to tell you on your wedding day.

What's it about?

He wants

you

to look after Dabao.

All right.

I will.

I'm done.

Very good.

I'm done!

Yay! I'm done!

Dabao is done.

Yay!

All right.

Shall we start?

♪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♪