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 29]

Is it held every three years?

It has become a tradition.

This is the very opportunity

for those with evil will.

This place is heavily guarded, and the defense is airtight.

There were assassins in the past,

but not in recent years.

Assassination here is more difficult than in the Capital.

Who are they?

These are the builders of the Hanging Temple.

This is common.

They will be sent away

before the festival

to ensure no unnecessary people during the festival day.

They return here

after the festival.

Never mind them.

Let's go up.

Why are they chained?

This is an important royal place.

It's never wrong

to be cautious.

Mr. Fan,

here we are.

Can these builders go home?

Mr. Fan,

this must be a jest.

They are confined to this place for life

because of a flower festival held every three years.

After all, this concerns His Majesty's safety.

Sacrifices can't be avoided.

Mr. Fan,

any more questions?

No more.

Let's get our things done.

His Majesty said

your flower pot

should be put here.

That's all.

Let's head back to the Capital.

What happened?

Is anyone up here?

No.

After the builders left,

the temple

becomes empty.

Did you notice someone?

I heard noise from here.

Footsteps?

No.

It sounded like someone walking on tiptoe.

But no one could hide up here.

Could it be

birds perching on the roof?

That's possible.

Don't worry.

The Imperial Guards take over afterward.

They will examine every corner thoroughly

to make sure no danger lingers.

Nice view.

The Imperial Chrysanthemum Festival is held here every three years

for this magnificent view.

I haven't come to the Capital yet three years ago.

Your speedy promotion

is rare.

Come, let's go back.

All right.

Your inner qi flow is out of order.

I'm good.

My techniques get out of control sometimes.

I'm better now.

I shouldn't ask

what techniques you practice,

but the qi flow issue

is not a good sign.

You should ask your master.

No one taught me this.

I learned it myself.

How did he learn that by himself?

To be honest,

Mr. Fan,

His Majesty treats you especially well.

Postponing the flower festival for a subject

has never happened before.

You surely have a bright future.

You flatter me, Commander Gong.

And so,

you have to take care of your body.

You mustn't be careless

about that technique issue.

Thank you for your concern.

Mr. Fan,

you have a promising future.

I'm just trying to leave a good impression on you.

[Fan's Residence]

Well, I win again.

Thank you so much.

Ruoruo, your money isn't enough.

I lost all my money.

You have to pay me even though we are siblings.

I have no money.

I can't continue.

I don't have money to continue.

Wan'er, you can take my place.

It doesn't matter who sits here.

It won't make any difference. Here.

Shuffle. Let's start.

[Imperial Inspectorate]

Why am I chained?

Take them off.

Are you deaf?

I'm going to poison you.

I will poison you.

They are your men.

Do you bear

to poison them?

Mr. Chen,

never mind us.

I will finish these brats.

This is my order.

Go easy on them.

You locked me up?

Eat them while they are hot.

Why did you lock me up?

Eat.

Was it done

by Mr. Wu?

When you are at this age,

you have to be careful

with anything you eat or do.

I only came back to the Capital

for one thing.

I want to hunt the murderer down.

But I'm a little confused.

We tracked down the murderer in Jiangnan,

but he disappeared after arriving in the Capital.

And the Imperial Inspectorate didn't find anything about it.

Who is protecting him?

Tell me in advance what you want to eat.

Mr. Chen,

what are you up to?

I will deliver the food to you.

Wan'er,

you don't seem like a beginner.

I wasn't allowed to go out when I was sick back then.

So I always found myself something to play with.

Come, let's continue.

What are they doing?

Fan Sizhe said goodbye to Father when he returned home this morning.

He said he wanted to go northward.

That's why he wanted to play the last game

before leaving?

It wasn't his idea.

It was Father's.

Father suggested to play this?

Father doesn't want him to leave.

No wonder

Father prepares a lot of silver taels this time.

He keeps taking out more every time he loses.

The game isn't his intention.

He wants to keep Sizhe.

But he feels awkward to tell him that,

so he suggested the game.

But why did Madam Liu advise him to leave?

I don't get it.

I think

Madam Liu is trying to let go

so that Sizhe

can experience life alone and grow.

Besides,

I have caused many incidents in the Capital recently.

Sending Sizhe away at this time

may keep him safe.

Father,

you see,

all the tiles are drawn.

Let's stop here.

It's getting dark now.

Then, we will have dinner

and continue afterward.

I can't stay for dinner.

I have got roads to cover.

You don't have to go now.

I will have to leave anyway.

You have been northward before.

That's enough training.

He is all grown up and has a mind of his own ideas.

Just let him go.

How about this, Father?

We will play the last game.

If I lose, I leave.

Well, both of you are out.

We will decide the game.

How so?

Didn't I say it just now?

I would play the last game.

If I lose, I leave.

If you lose, you leave.

If you win, should we continue?

We will see.

Besides, the game can't continue even if I win.

You lose all your silver taels.

Father, please don't indulge in gambling.

Last time, you left to avoid trouble,

but you don't have to go now.

You have become mature

after this trip.

I will be honest with you.

Previously, I engaged in business

because I wanted to prove myself to you.

I didn't want you to think

I was a useless son.

I wanted to make you proud.

So I tried everything to impress you.

I'm impressed.

But this time is different.

I'm doing this for myself.

I want to go to Northern Qi

and establish an unprecedented business

connecting its national prospects with wealth.

So this time,

I'm pursuing my own dream.

Sizhe

has all grown up.

Fine.

I will do as you say.

This will be the last game.

It will end when all the stakes finish.

Father.

Should I win or lose?

Wan'er,

you are disrespecting your opponent.

It's not like you can decide this game.

I win.

Fine.

And now I lose.

Wan'er, can you do that again?

Uh...

Wan'er,

you can do magic.

I used to play this with myself when I was sick.

I practiced a lot, and my fingers move faster.

What an eye-opener.

Um,

should I win, or should I lose?

The game should end anyway.

Father.

Mother.

I'm leaving.

Xian.

Ruoruo.

Please take care of Father and Mother.

Go on.

Xian,

can you tell Wan'er to teach me that when I come back?

Don't look.

What's going on here?

Mr. Fan.

It's moving so slow.

Please go inside.

It's dusty out here.

Why are there so many carriages?

All officials of every rank in the Capital

are heading to the Hanging Temple.

There aren't as many during regular court sessions.

Only certain ranks of officials

are eligible for the court session.

Those from lower ranks

can't attend.

As for those who do,

some choose to walk instead of using carriages.

They can grab some breakfast on the way.

But the journey to the Hanging Temple is different.

Everyone has to travel in carriages.

So it's congested.

Not everyone is eligible for the court session,

but everyone goes to the flower festival.

Everyone shares the joy of this event.

All officials can go.

You are saying this

as if everyone were an official.

What about those commoners?

They can't go, of course.

Everyone shares the joy,

except for commoners.

The officials enjoy it

on their behalf.

Is vicarious pleasure part of their duty?

That's why officials

have so many things to take care of.

Officials below the third rank go straight.

Officials below the third rank go straight.

Officials below the third rank go straight.

Third rank and above use this way.

Third rank and above use this way.

Third rank and above...

Don't envy them. Let's go this way.

Officials below the third rank go straight.

Officials below the third rank go straight.

Except for Mr. Fan Xian.

Except for Mr. Fan Xian.

Except for Mr. Fan Xian.

Except for Mr. Fan Xian.

Except for Mr. Fan Xian.

Third rank and above use this way.

Third rank and above use this way.

Officials below the third rank go straight.

Officials below the third rank...

This road

is indeed smooth.

Why am I the exception?

His Majesty values you.

Impossible. If it's His Majesty,

he will definitely get me stuck on the government road.

Hurry.

Something seems amiss.

Let's go!

Don't panic, Mr. Fan.

If there is danger, I will run first.

I have good light body skills.

It's convenient to seek reinforcement.

Thanks a bunch.

Of course you should.

Mr. Fan,

I heard a lot about you.

[Ye Zhong] I'm

[Grand Commandant of the Capital]

Ye Zong.

The Grand Commandant of the Capital.

You are Ye Ling'er's father.

Who is in charge of security during the festival?

It's my marital brother, Ye.

Ye?

It's

Mr. Ye Zhong.

Ye Zhong, the Grand Commandant of the Capital.

Is he your martial brother?

We learned from the same master.

Did my junior fight with you before?

We didn't fight. Just one move.

My daughter always talks about your great martial skills.

I'm flattered.

Since you have sparred

with my junior and my daughter,

you belittle me

if you don't spar with me.

That doesn't make any sense.

Just one move.

Not bad.

Not bad.

Have you reached the ninth level?

I'm still new.

The young generations are catching up.

Withdraw!

Mr. Ye, did you come here

just for a spar?

May I have a word?

You,

stay here.

Mr. Fan,

I would like to trouble you

to take care of the Hanging Temple.

What does this mean?

His Majesty

restricted the Imperial Guards from disturbing the festival.

The area around the Hanging Temple is heavily guarded.

However,

there are only palace guards inside the Hanging Temple.

We are short of manpower.

Do you think there would be an assassination?

No.

I'm just worried.

Why don't you stand guard inside the temple?

Of course I do.

The thing is,

we are short of manpower.

Why do you ask of me?

You are the only official who fights

in the entire festival.

Is Eunuch Hong Sixiang not coming?

Only His Majesty would know that.

I'm in no place to ask.

What about Commander Gong Dian?

If he were still here,

I wouldn't have trouble you.

Mr. Ye, I suppose this is our first meeting.

I'm the Grand Commandant

who defends the Capital.

Unless you commit treason,

we won't meet.

Have you ever considered that I said no?

I did.

What's this?

I heard that you are in deep debt.

Just a little help.

If nothing happens,

remember to return this to me.

Return this to you?

Of course.

You rarely do this,

don't you?

First time.

Are you doing this for your career prospects?

That doesn't matter to me.

Because you are a loyal subject?

Have you heard of this saying?

It's about the wind and green and things like that.

What are you talking about?

These people are my soldiers.

If anything goes wrong,

they suffer the most.

There is a saying, "When strong wind blows,

only insignificant ones collapse."

"An insignificant wind stirs a gale."

Right, that's the one.

But you can't use it this way.

As long as you get it.

This isn't enough?

You can give it to me if anything really happens.

Is that

a yes, Mr. Fan?

Don't worry, Mr. Ye.

Nothing has happened in the Chrysanthemum Festival so far.

Accidents

don't just happen commonly.

Mr. Ye.

Mr. Ye.

[Hanging Temple]

Mr. Fan,

we have arrived.

Well, stop the carriage here.

Shouldn't we go inside to admire flowers?

I'm too lazy to go.

Besides,

can you see flowers from that high?

What else can we see

if not flowers?

Mr. Qin.

Hi, Mr. Fan.

Where is your father?

He is taking a nap at home.

Did your father go up?

I suppose so.

He should be

on that level.

How did you know?

His Majesty is on the highest level.

Every level below is arranged

according to the official rank.

Don't worry. The walkway is sturdy.

You won't fall.

Chengru.

Little boy, are you afraid of heights?

I wasn't old enough

to come here three years ago.

I didn't expect this place

to be so scary.

What's there to be scared of?

Look at me.

You can see further only if you stand higher.

That's how a royal overlooks from above.

Come on.

I dare not do this.

Everyone is different.

Not everyone wants to stand higher

like you, Your Highness.

Are you afraid of heights too, Chengze?

It doesn't matter how high you stand.

It's more fun if you fall off.

If I stand firmly,

no one can push me off.

Are you sure?

Just standing firmly isn't enough.

You need someone to hold you steady.

You look panicked.

Thank you

for saving my life.

No problem.

May you remain healthy and safe, Your Majesty.

May the Qing State forever prosper.

Long live Your Majesty!

People are classified

into different levels.

They can climb higher when there are distinct classes.

Like you said,

when one stands high up there,

what they see isn't flowers

but the ladder

to the topmost rung.

Mr. Fan.

Look over there.

Is it on fire?

Fire!

It's on fire.

Look for the water source.

Get some water.

Hurry! Put the fire out.

Quick!

Hurry up!

Hurry. Go up.

Use sands.

Quick.

Make haste.

Hurry.

Come on.

Faster.

Mr. Fan, hurry and protect His Majesty.

Wang, assist Mr. Ye in looking for the fire source.

Yes.

Coming.

Your Majesty!

Get some water.

I, Fan Xian, request an audience.

Your Majesty,

someone set fire!

You set the fire?

I came to protect you.

Protect me?

Where is the fire?

It's put out.

If so, who are you protecting?

I'm worried about you, Your Majesty.

Spoilsport.

Come in.

Examine every corner thoroughly

for flame.

Look at this flame stick.

A flame stick?

Someone set the fire.

Something is strange about this fire.

If there were really assassins,

the cliff side has a poor defense.

Your Majesty, please return to the Capital to avoid danger.

I have encountered all sorts of things throughout my life.

Look how you fuss

over an extinguished fire.

Throughout 43 assassinations in the past,

His Majesty has never backed off...

Your Highness, are you not heading back?

You aren't convinced?

Not at all.

You are defying the order.

It's not that I want to defy your order.

Seeing as what has happened today,

I believe everyone here will do the same.

I... I won't.

You are the ruler of the Qing State as well as the people.

Your safety concerns the country.

Now that with this assassination risk,

we will be disloyal to you

if we accept your order

and not return.

Loyalists

will protect the emperor

even if it means to resist the decree.

"Chrysanthemum isn't my favorite,

but all flowers pale in comparison

to it in full bloom."

How spectacular.

Nice view.

Thank you.

Come.

What a beautiful sight.

Your Majesty, why don't you ask the princes

if they agree with what I said?

Father, Fan Xian does have a point.

Your safety concerns the country.

We must investigate this thoroughly.

Are you still grinding on this?

We speak up sincerely.

This is strange.

How come Fan Jian

has brought up a son like you?

Your Majesty,

I grew up in Danzhou

without anyone guiding me.

You suffered a lot when you were little.

But your journey has been smooth

ever since you came to the Capital.

So

the elders don't owe you anything.

You are right, Your Majesty.

Well,

stop being a spoilsport.

Today is a fine day.

Let's drink and enjoy the good view.

Come.

Let's

drink.

Long live Your Majesty.

I have put Li Chengze in confinement for half a year.

Are you satisfied now?

I wouldn't dare.

Go

and drink with him.

Your Highness,

it's not a personal grudge between us.

The one who would be satisfied is the state law,

not me.

We have to make an end anyhow.

I'm looking forward to that.

It would take some more time.

Any time now.

Your Majesty, we have finished drinking...

Assassin!

Assassin!

Protect His Majesty!

Protect His Majesty!

Hurry and protect His Majesty!

Protect His Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Take him away.

I heard that Sigu Jian has a younger brother,

who left home at a young age.

Hunt him down.

I would like to see

if these two brothers

are both mentally impaired.

Protect His Majesty.

You are careless.

Assassin!

Protect His Majesty!

Hurry and protect His Majesty!

Protect His Majesty!

Your Majesty.

Why did Fan Xian chase after the assassin alone?

Why aren't you worried about me?

You are fortunate.

Naturally, you would survive danger.

But my son...

Don't worry.

The Imperial Guards sealed the mountain. Fan Xian will be all right.

But...

Come.

Let's admire the flowers.

Mr. Fan,

are you not tired?

Why didn't you go straight into the forest

but instead try to return to the Capital?

You were breathing down my neck.

You didn't deny when I said

you returned to the Capital.

It means you have been in the Capital.

You were talking nonsense,

so I just played along.

Why would I deny it?

You are right.

I was talking nonsense.

But seeing how you react,

I can confirm

that you have been hiding in the Capital.

Does it matter?

You know very well about where Imperial Guards lay their defense.

Why?

Because

I didn't mean to hurt you in the first place.

Are you Sigu Jian's younger brother?

♪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♪