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 34]

How shall we deal with this situation?

I will launch an investigation.

I'll definitely catch

the traitor.

Fan Xian is the key here.

Since it has come to this,

we have no choice.

We can only side with Li Chengze

and Li Yunrui.

We mustn't hand over

the Three Great Workshops.

To who?

To Fan Xian!

We can't hand them to Li Yunrui

or Li Chengze either.

We need to make them

fight for it.

Only then will the Ming family

be able to survive through their struggle.

We need to keep

the Three Great Workshops.

You may stop now.

Mother, thank you for your grace.

Hand the needles to me.

Now, I'll go

and keep Li Chengze in check.

He won't stay for long.

Once he leaves,

Jiangnan

will still belong to the Ming family.

You're the head of the family.

You may decide that yourself.

Yes, Mother.

Mother, you need to take your nap.

I shall stop

bothering you.

Your Highness, sorry for the wait.

The Ming family is truly resourceful.

You guys even have palace offerings here.

It's just that you guys need to learn the rules better.

Have you made your decision?

Your Highness, the Ming family

will stick with you to the end.

There's no one else here.

Mother is indeed taking her nap.

Get up.

Did she not suspect you?

Not yet for now.

But she told me to investigate the family

to see who's serving you in secret, Your Highness.

I do have to think of a solution.

I have to see who's a suitable scapegoat.

I don't know the Ming family well.

Use a distant relative as your scapegoat.

They aren't suitable.

When it comes to scapegoats,

those brothers of mine are suitable candidates.

No humans are born without feelings.

When I think about the fact

that I have to push my siblings off

a cliff,

I feel disheartened somehow.

It's good to treat people nicely.

I do treat people nicely when I feel like it.

But sometimes, giving them a good outcome

and making them look grateful is more than enough.

Yes, Your Highness.

You mustn't take it to heart.

Everyone has their own destinies.

You can sigh all you like.

I'll return to the Capital now.

Your Highness, you're leaving already?

Why should I remain here

when my task is completed?

But Your Highness, we need you

to oversee the situation in Jiangnan.

The Capital is keeping a close eye on me as well.

Everything will be over if His Majesty finds out

that I'm in Jiangnan.

Your Highness, if you can't remain here for long,

regarding Eldest Princess...

Aunt is visiting her friends. She won't be able to come.

Fan Xian has all the power in the world.

If both of you aren't around,

I'm afraid the Ming family can't compete against him.

Xie Bi'an will remain here.

Understood.

I shall ask for Mr. Xie's opinion

before I act in the future.

No need for that. You may decide that yourself.

What if I lose against Fan Xian?

That's normal too.

Don't overthink it.

Defend the Three Workshops.

Just do your best.

Don't worry.

I'll keep my word.

Once this is over,

only the head of the Ming family will remain.

The old madam will be history.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Misters, take a break.

Have something to eat.

They're giving us buns!

There are buns here!

Take a break. Let's eat first.

Slowly.

Everyone will get a share.

All of you will receive food.

Slow down.

If you didn't have your fill,

why don't you have another bowl?

May I?

Sure.

Thank you.

Get him another bowl.

Mister, slow down.

We have extra food there.

What do you want to ask me? Ask away.

Are you Mr. Fan, who came from the Capital?

That's right. I'm Fan Xian.

Thank goodness!

Mr. Fan!

Wait here.

Guys,

this is Mr. Fan!

We got the right ship!

Thank you!

Thank you, Mr. Fan!

Thank you, Mr. Fan!

Thank you, Mr. Fan!

Please have it slowly.

Thank you.

Initially,

we were afraid that we got the wrong ship.

We would've caused trouble for that poor soul.

So, how do you guys get rewarded from raiding our ship?

Someone on the shore is watching us.

As long as we hit the ship with our tools,

we'll be rewarded.

So, does that mean

you guys will receive the money

after going ashore?

We'll be executed.

There's no turning back.

Why did you guys still come when you knew

that you would be executed?

We're raiding a government ship.

We'll definitely be executed.

I don't understand something.

Don't you guys want money?

What's the use of getting money when you'll be executed?

Please don't worry about that.

Our family members will get the money.

We just hope for them to stay safe.

If we earn money for them,

they'll be able to lead a better life

back in Jiangbei.

What about you guys?

Aren't you guys going to head back?

We do wish to head back.

But it's impossible.

It's better

to sacrifice our lives

for our children's future.

It's better than dragging them down on our way back.

You guys won't be able to survive.

Why didn't you guys address your grievances?

What?

Actually, you guys don't need to raid our ship.

As long as you stop our ship and address your grievances,

Mr. Fan won't ignore you guys.

Sir, it was a natural disaster.

We have no grievances to address.

Old mister,

the Ming family was cornering you guys.

Don't you guys feel that it was unfair?

Mister,

you mustn't say that.

They saved us.

We would've starved to death

had it not been for the Ming family.

Let's forget about them for now.

You guys weren't able to survive.

Why didn't you guys seek help from the government?

It's not their fault.

We aren't from Jiangnan.

They have to protect their own people.

It makes sense when you think about it.

After hearing that,

I feel like no one is at fault here.

It was a natural disaster.

Who can we blame it on?

Mr. Fan?

Don't you agree?

I agree.

Do you wish to steal power from her?

Or do you want her dead?

My mother has managed the Ming family for several decades.

She's highly revered within the clan...

Understood.

Do you wish to do it yourself?

Mothers and sons are of one mind.

It's best if I don't do it.

You're quite particular.

The mother swallow feeds its young with affection.

Say,

between humans and animals,

which of them do you think cherish their bonds more?

I prefer animals.

Just look at me.

I got carried away from chatting.

I need to get to work now.

They're keeping an eye on us.

I have to hit you.

All right.

You can hit me.

I'll do it now.

Let's move over here.

They can see us better.

It's good that they can see us.

I'll go ahead, then.

Mr. Fan,

why aren't you avoiding my attack?

You need to hit me, right?

It's just an act.

I already raised the stick just now.

You guys could've

just retaliated and finished me off.

Why are you guys staring at me?

Mr. Fan,

pirates are everywhere in Jiangnan.

These bodyguards

of yours,

they're pretty mediocre.

You have to get better bodyguards

so that they can protect you.

All right.

I'll get better bodyguards after this.

You must do it, okay?

I'll do it again.

Remember.

Tell them to draw their swords

and slash me for real.

Why don't we have another bowl of porridge first?

I...

I guess that works.

Let's have another bowl.

Thank you.

Thank you.

What'll happen to Jiangnan if the Ming family no longer exists?

Mr. Fan,

it'll be the same.

Without the Ming family,

you still have the Zhang family, the Zhao family, and the Li family.

The Three Great Workshops

are treasure troves.

The one in charge of them

will be the next Ming family.

That's right.

The result will be the same as long as

I return to the Capital.

Even if the Ming family doesn't exist,

the other families will do the same.

Wang.

Yes, Mr. Fan.

Give them some money and send them ashore.

Understood.

Guys, don't stop accepting the gifts.

Accept whatever gifts they provide.

Yes, Mr. Fan.

Mr. Fan.

Are you sending us back?

You should go home. Everything will be fine.

Mr. Fan, that won't do.

We already damaged your ship.

You didn't fight us.

And now, you're sending us back?

What about your authority and pride?

You'll be humiliated!

The pride of an official comes

from serving people like you all.

This is a family heirloom.

Descend the carriage.

The head of the Ming family is here as well.

That's right.

Isn't this...

Yours is pretty good too.

Look.

Mr. Ming.

Greetings, Mr. Ming.

I didn't expect the head of the Ming family to be here.

Mr. Zhao, your gift is more precious than mine.

That's right.

Mr. Ming, you're here as well.

Mr. Fan will arrive in Suzhou today.

The officials from the yamen will come to receive him.

I dare not be absent.

Indeed.

We should be here.

Most of the officials in Suzhou have arrived, huh?

We have to receive him after all.

Mr. Fan accepted all the gifts he received.

He's finally arriving today.

Suzhou can't afford to lose to the other prefectures,

don't you think?

Mr. Fan!

How dare these peasants join us?

These fools are getting bolder and bolder!

Mr. Fan!

Mr. Fan!

Has Mr. Fan left the ship?

Get down!

That's the one!

That's Mr. Fan's ship!

Get down!

Mr. Fan!

Buddy, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Mr. Fan!

Mr. Fan!

Mr. Fan!

Why hasn't he arrived yet?

He's not here yet.

Are you here to receive Mr. Fan?

That's right.

Listen.

I couldn't sleep last night

when I heard that Mr. Fan was coming.

Don't you think it's ridiculous?

Do you know Fan Xian?

I don't.

But he's my idol.

I idolize both his poems and personality.

What about you? Are you the same?

Don't you know him?

Should I know him?

You're not from Suzhou, aren't you?

No.

I'm Xu.

I'm the record keeper of Fuchun County.

You're just a record keeper.

How dare you join this event?

As a record keeper,

you should pay attention to your appearance.

Look at you.

This is highly improper.

Enough already.

Do they all come from Fuchun County?

No.

They come from different counties in Jiangnan.

Do you guys think you're worthy enough to join us?

We have official business here.

What kind of official business?

Listen...

Mr. Fan is here!

What are you doing? Get down!

How dare you do this?

Is that Mr. Fan?

Look! He's here! It's Mr. Fan!

He's finally here.

Greetings, Mr. Fan.

Make way!

Guys, make way.

What are these?

There are a few carts of them.

This chest

is filled with jewelry and accessories.

These are gifted by Mr. Yao Qinglian, magistrate of Shazhou.

This cart

contains the gifts gifted by the officials.

The names of all the officials

were recorded in a book.

There are that many gifts?

I brought this cart here

from the Capital.

There's a total of 138,888 taels.

All these money

represent our travel expenses

and aspirations.

I'm wealthy.

That's why I'm confident.

As for the gifts given by the officials,

all of these are evidence of their crime.

Initially,

I thought

of targeting each of the names

one by one after returning to the Capital.

But on my way to the South,

I saw one thing.

I don't understand

why you guys couldn't see it either.

After I witnessed that,

I changed my thoughts.

These 130,000 taels

and the gifts sent by all the officials

were counted as travel expenses

to send the disaster victims of Jiangbei home.

Everyone,

I'm new to Jiangnan.

I'm not familiar with the place.

I can't accomplish this task

by myself.

However, I can't leave it

to you guys either.

You guys shouldn't ask me

why I couldn't leave it to you guys.

It's just like I don't ask you guys

why you could put in effort just to receive me here

when you couldn't see that the people were suffering.

We should

retain some dignity

for each other.

Since I can't leave this task to you guys,

I have no choice but to overstep my boundary

and use another method

to accomplish this task.

Where are the record keepers of all counties?

Over here!

Over here!

Over here!

I'm the record keeper of Fuchun County!

I've responded to your invitation!

Greetings, Mr. Fan.

[Record keeper of Fuchun County] Our county magistrate sends his regards.

Your county magistrate?

Who is he?

He's Mr. Yang Wanli.

Mr. Fan, he's your student.

Yang Wanli is already a county magistrate?

He just assumed the post not long ago.

Mr. Yang wanted me to relay this message to you.

As per your quote,

one should be a good person

and a good official.

He never forgot a single word.

Right now, the disaster victims of Jiangbei still stand a chance

all thanks to you, Mr. Fan.

Don't thank me.

These gifts came

from those officials.

We have to thank them.

Thank you, those officials!

I believe all of you

won't be stingy as well.

We have to thank these officials.

Thank you, these officials.

The gifts

were gifted by the officials.

Everyone,

we have to avoid suspicion.

Therefore, I acted on my own initiative

and invited the record keepers of all counties in Jiangnan

to Suzhou.

I'll hand the money to them

so that they could distribute them and relieve the disaster victims.

Dear parent officials,

what do you guys think?

Excellent.

Excellent.

Excellent.

Excellent.

Mr. Fan, you're meticulous indeed.

We'll certainly spare no effort to help.

That's right. We'll spare no effort to help.

We'll spare no effort to help.

Record keepers, come forward.

Everyone,

record keepers aren't officials.

You guys are closer to the people.

I'll leave it to you guys

to distribute the money.

Mr. Fan, we won't disappoint you.

Mr. Fan, we won't disappoint you!

I'll say this first.

If any one of you is greedy

or intends to do dirty deeds,

you guys better hold it in for now.

You guys can also ask yourself

whether you can pass the Imperial Inspectorate's inspection.

What's your surname?

My surname is Xu.

I told my men to prepare some ledgers.

However, you guys are the local record keepers.

Act accordingly to the situation each county is in.

Mr. Fan, don't worry.

We'll definitely accomplish the task.

If you all wish to join in this grand endeavor,

I welcome all of you.

But don't hand the money and gifts to me.

Hand it to them.

That's all I have to say.

There's no need to prepare a welcoming feast for me.

Please do as you like.

Please look after yourselves as well.

I'm Ming Qingda, the head of the Ming family.

Greetings, Mr. Fan.

I've heard of your family even when I was in the Capital.

My family is ordinary.

There's nothing noteworthy about it.

Mr. Fan, please wait a moment.

Mr. Fan,

this is my mother.

Are you two here to welcome me as well?

The Ming family of Jiangnan

is here to apologize for our crime, Mr. Fan.

What crime have you committed?

Mr. Fan,

Jiangnan was filled with rumors related to the Ming family and a bounty,

causing you all to be obstructed throughout your journey.

My mother and I

had to come and apologize to you the fastest we could

in order to diminish the guilt we feel.

Rumors?

The bounty

didn't exist.

The Ming family only heard about it

after it had happened.

Trying to assassinate a government official

is equal to breaking the law of Qing State.

If it's false,

the case cannot be concluded without a culprit.

Mr. Fan, the Ming family will definitely locate the culprit

on your behalf.

We need to have a time limit somehow.

What about today?

Mr. Fan, if you're willing to grace our residence with your presence,

we'll give you an account

before sunset.

It's decided, then.

Mr. Fan, the entire family

will wait for your arrival.

I'm looking forward

to your account.

Mr. Fan, we won't disappoint you.

Do not squeeze!

What's your name?

Do not squeeze! Come!

What's your name?

All right.

Sir, you're highly prestigious.

Seems like the Ming family is going to join you soon.

Do not jump to conclusions.

Let's just wait and see.

What is this?

You need to pay if you wish to buy something on the streets.

Take it and play on your own.

This is great.

Mr. Fan, Wanli is able to help you out now.

He's not helping me out.

He's helping the disaster victims.

Yes, Mr. Fan. You're right.

I just feel sentimental.

Right now, Wanli

has surpassed me.

You can save people too.

One's status isn't important.

Learning how to be a decent person, that's the important thing.

Yes, Mr. Fan.

I dare not forget your teaching.

It's just that I still have a question.

Ask away.

Sir, you didn't believe in the officials.

That's why you arranged for those record keepers to distribute the money.

However, they aren't

necessarily kind people.

What if they take the risk

and make a profit from the operation?

These record keepers

most likely want to become

officials as well.

Making them help the disaster victims out

is not just a task,

but it's also an opportunity for them.

That's why they have to do a good job, right?

I understand now.

However, aren't we letting the corrupt officials off too easily?

Initially, they were supposed to be arrested.

But now, they've contributed to the cause instead.

Even if we don't arrest them now, that doesn't mean we won't do it in the future.

We have their names.

We'll settle the debt later, huh?

Sir, I've learned my lesson.

Where's Wang?

He went to order some dishes in the restaurant ahead.

He said you tried to look cool

by skipping the welcoming feast.

He thought you must be starving.

I think he's the one starving.

I paid them enough.

That's why the second floor is empty.

Here.

Try their yogurt.

The things in Suzhou are more exquisite.

There are fruits in the yogurt they serve.

It's better than the ones in the Capital.

Looks like there are plenty of experts looking for me today.

Is that so? Where are they?

Look.

That guy, that guy,

this guy,

and this guy, all of them are martial arts experts.

Sir,

what do you mean?

Those two over there are swordsmen.

As for him, I think he's hiding a spear in the basket.

As for him,

since he has no weapons,

I assume he's a brawler.

All of them are at least eighth-grade masters.

There are that many experts here?

I've never witnessed such a scene before.

Your Highness, you're something else.

You don't cower in the face of danger. You're pretty gutsy.

We're talking about Mr. Fan here.

I'm sure he expected this to happen.

Am I right, Sir?

It's not like I can predict everything.

This guy over here.

I failed to predict his appearance.

This is a ninth-grade master.

And, he's one of the top ninth-grade masters.

Why would someone like him appear in Jiangnan?

He's not fishing.

That's a sword technique.

A ninth-grade blademaster, huh?

There are only a few of them.

If so, who is he?

Mr. Ming!

Mr. Ming!

Mr. Ming!

Fan Xian is resting at a restaurant,

but he's surrounded by martial artists.

Descend the carriage.

Mother.

Mother,

I'm sure Second Prince left Xie Bi'an here

for a purpose.

If Xie Bi'an doesn't tell us anything,

we can pretend to be ignorant.

With Fan Xian's identity,

I'm afraid ordinary folks won't be able to take him down.

In this world, there are individuals who don't care about identities.

Don't tell me it's a grandmaster?

He offended the one in Dongyi City before.

You mean Si Gujian?

If,

he does kill him,

our preparation would've been for nothing.

But when I think about it,

if Si Gujian does leave Dongyi City,

the entire world will be in chaos.

It's likely

that it's one of his disciples.

I wonder

which disciple is he.

Yun Zhilan.

He's Si Gujian's eldest disciple.

We met him at Qinian Hall before.

He still has the same killing intent. It is him.

Yun Zhilan is hard to deal with.

Mr. Fan,

please tell me something.

The martial arts expert who always protected you all along,

he's here, right?

He vanished long ago.

Now, I only have the Black Cavalries.

Black Cavalries? That won't suffice.

If we do get into a fight later,

I'll use my Qinggong

to help us escape.

Let's decide on a venue first.

I'll rendezvous with you guys later.

Your Highness, you're courageous indeed.

Sir has been teaching me how to deal with situations.

Firstly, I need to identify the severity of the situation.

If so, how should we rate the current situation?

Yun Zhilan hates Sir.

That's severe.

I'm the prince of Qing State.

If a citizen of Dongyi City dares to attack the prince,

he won't be able to bear the consequences.

That's not as severe.

At least he doesn't dare to attack me directly.

Good.

Yun Zhilan,

I would've wanted to spar with you

had I not lost all of my qi flow.

Mr. Fan, what did you say? Did you lose all of your qi flow?

Wang,

actually, I forgot to tell you something.

You see, you're the most capable fighter

among us now.

You must be kidding me!

Glutinous rice cake for sale.

Give me two sets.

Why are you keeping your rod

when the fish hasn't taken the bait?

This...

Who's that?

Northern Qi Holy Maiden,

Haitang Duoduo.

No wonder Sir didn't dare to bring Madam here.

I was wrong.

I'm sure Sir has a clear conscience.

You still need to learn

how to be eloquent.

Who is that?

Northern Qi Holy Maiden,

Haitang Duoduo.

What are you guys peeking at?

I'm admiring the great view of Jiangnan.

I'll clarify one thing.

This has nothing to do with me.

I'm also curious

as to why she's here.

[Yun Zhilan, Disciple of the grandmaster, Si Gujian]

Why don't I buy you another rod?

Northern Qi Holy Maiden,

why are you in the Qing State?

Can't I go on a trip?

This has nothing

to do with you.

Leave.

I always wanted to test my strength against Si Gujian's sword technique.

Why don't we spar today?

Lord Shadow?

He jumped pretty high, didn't he?

All martial artists under ninth grade, you all may leave now.

Go back.

You mustn't go upstairs.

Get out of the way.

I know them.

She's one of us.

Miss, please.

Can I have a meal with you guys?

Please have a seat.

Who are they?

We're Mr. Fan's proteges.

Have a seat.

Come.

They're clean. You may use them.

The dishes look pretty exquisite.

The taste is pretty good too.

It's just that the portion is too small.

Did you come to Jiangnan on a business trip?

Didn't you tell me to come?

What do you mean?

Didn't you write to me

that we were going to do a martial arts exchange between the states?

I knew you were in Jiangnan.

I brought all the manuals here.

Give me a second.

Here you go.

[One Heaven Knack]

One Heaven Knack?

Isn't this the legendary skill of Northern Qi?

I did write to you

saying that we should hold an exchange.

But I didn't expect you

to deliver it to Jiangnan yourself.

You're a great friend.

I'll deliver one to you later.

What will you deliver to me?

My Dominant Qi manual.

What's wrong?

This is supposed to be an exchange.

I have to give you one in return.

Enough already.

Thank you so much.

It's been some time since we met. You're more dramatic now.

That's not it.

I know how precious

the One Heaven Knack is.

I never expected you to give it to me

even though I only wrote you a letter.

We're great friends indeed.

I heard that you got married.

You can take it as your wedding gift.

But this is too precious.

I thought so too.

I couldn't bear to part with it.

My teacher told me to deliver it to you.

Master Kuhe told you to deliver this to me?

You don't say?

Did you think I stole it from him?

Do all masters give out such precious gifts?

You're Ye Qingmei's son after all.

♪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♪