Translation and Timing by the Joy of Life Team @ Viki.com
♫ Have you ever heard of ♫
♫ the snow mountain’s cliff ♫
♫ Once left people with lingering enchantments ♫
♫ Legend has it ♫
♫ that there are treasures on it ♫
♫ But there is also a hidden abyss ♫
♫ The smart, foolish ♫
♫ and kind people ♫
♫ are all people you’re familiar with ♫
♫ On the mountain slope, on the cliff ♫
♫ on the cloudy peak ♫
♫ on this secular world ♫
♫ Let the snowflakes swirl and flutter ♫
Joy of Life
Episode 24
It's been a long time since we've met. Madam still looks beautiful as always.
You are still as good with words as you were before.
Who would like to meet our Xian'er today?
Those who have seen the Princess grow up
would all like to meet Master Fan.
The Dowager Empress would like to meet him too
but that'll have to wait until after lunch.
Where should we go first?
Since you're here, we should go to see Concubine Yi.
What about the Empress?
The Empress is not feeling well today, so there's no need to meet her.
This way, please.
I know you've gone to the royal study before, but this is the real inner palace.
Keep your eyes to yourself. Someone might accuse you of having no manners.
Do you know Concubine Yi?
Concubine Yi is my cousin.
The royal family has always looked upon my family with favour.
So why did you agree to marry my father?
- I was willing! - I get it. True love!
Don't be too arrogant later.
I've got it. I've shouldn't embarrass my stepmother.
Concubine Yi is the mother of the third prince; she has to be treated with respect.
Isn't the third prince the Crown Prince?
According to the custom of our dynasty, the Crown Prince's position is separate from the rest of the princes.
Although Concubine Yi's son is young,
he's counted as the third prince.
So this means that
the Crown Prince doesn't have the right to have family or brothers.
You dare say something like that?!
How long has it been since you've seen Concubine Yi?
- Four years. - That long?
Once she entered the palace, she lost touch with much of her family.
Concubine Yi is aloof?
The Liu family is well-established.
If we keep entering the palace, we might raise suspicions of plotting.
So that means that the palace walls have become a sort of prison for her.
Who says it isn't?
You all could really bear to leave me in the palace and forget about me.
I don't even have anyone to talk to.
The Liu family are part of your extended family, we have to avoid suspicion.
You're already part of the Fan family.
Why do you need to worry about these things?
Haven't I come today?
If it wasn't for your Master Fan marrying Wan'er,
I don't know when we'd be able to meet.
You are Fan Xian?
Your nephew, Fan Xian, greets Auntie Liu.
Master Fan! You have to call her Your Highness!
He is a good boy.
Fan Xian has already reached Concubine Yi's residence.
Has Liu Ruyu entered the palace?
Yes.
After not having seen her for many years, Concubine Yi must be very happy.
I heard that Fan Xian ignored the protocol and called her Auntie Liu.
It made Concubine Yi laugh,
and she still hasn't let Fan Xian leave.
After getting so used to protocol, one starts to long for intimacy.
Fan Xian's clever to address her in this way.
Where is he going next?
I've asked. He's going to Concubine Shu's and Concubine Ning's.
After lunch, the Dowager Empress will meet him.
If we get the timing right and arrange for a palace maiden to be bathing,
and let Fan Xian run into her,
what do you think?
I'm joking. It's too easy to trace, and isn't that interesting.
Send someone to follow him. Listen to what he says.
Why isn't the third prince here?
He's a shy child, he doesn't like to meet people.
I don't know what to do with him.
When I was a kid, playing was the most important thing in the world.
I wouldn't have wanted to spend time meeting strangers either.
At least you're sincere!
You must be the first one to say he's sincere!
Auntie Liu has a good eye!
You!
Concubine Yi, Concubine Shu and Concubine Ning are waiting.
After lunch, the Dowager Empress wants to see Master Fan too.
Auntie Liu, how about I first make a move?
We're all relatives, I can come to see you often.
You can go.
You stay and chat with me.
This...
They want to meet Fan Xian. It's all right.
Stepmother can stay with Auntie Liu, I can go myself.
Ruoruo can stay too.
Have some tea and eat some snacks.
I'll go with my brother.
Then be careful.
Don't be so casual before the other concubines.
It's not about being casual, I think this boy is just earnest.
You've been fooled by him!
Now we're going to Concubine Shu's residence.
She's the mother of Second Prince.
Second Prince is a very interesting character. I wonder what his mother is like.
Concubine Shu is the most strict out of those we're meeting.
But I'm the least worried about her.
You'll be fine meeting her.
Why?
Because you're a genius!
Miss, where is Master Fan?
Over there.
At least I know why she is known as Concubine Shu. (T/N: "Shu" is also the word for "book".)
- What? - Nothing.
Master Fan, please take a seat.
Concubine Shu will be here any moment.
Greetings, Concubine Shu. Fan Xian is here.
Sit.
Put this book in the second bookcase on the left, on the second shelf.
Your poem was good.
"Miles away from home, many years away as a guest, catch up with the sad autumn".
Concubine Shu, you flatter me too much.
You've opened a bookstore?
Do you have the one and original version?
They're just novels. We don't sell classic texts.
I heard that you wrote "Red Chamber"?
Actually it was a Master Cao who wrote it.
I just came across it and wrote it down.
Which Master Cao?
I've read all sorts of classics.
Why haven't I encountered him before?
The book is written well.
Thank you, Concubine Shu, for your praise.
What have you been reading these days?
You write the books, I'll run the shop.
We'll split the proceeds 60-40. What do you say?
- Account banks. - Going down the business path.
It's ultimately vulgar work.
Concubine Shu is right.
Wan'er grew up in the palace.
We all treat her as a daughter, which is why we want to meet you.
Cheng Zhe keeps praising you.
Who is Cheng Zhe?
Oh... the Second Prince!
My son has a high opinion of himself.
It's rare for him to praise someone.
Second Prince and I get along very well, as if we've known each other a long time.
You must have been fooled by him.
His character runs deep; he never gets that close to anyone.
I won't say more about him.
You'll understand once you get to know him better.
There's something you might not know.
I... like reading books.
I know, I know. I can tell.
You're from the younger generation.
I should give you a present for coming to see me.
I don't like giving cheesy gifts. Maybe I'll give you some classic texts?
I don't know which you like.
- Actually I... - And I might not bear to give you the ones that you want.
So maybe I should choose a few for you?
Either way is fine!
It'll be a hassle to carry it around.
I'll send someone to deliver it to Concubine Yi's
so you can bring it with you when you leave. All right?
Concubine Shu makes sense.
Is there anything else?
Then... then... then I'll make a move.
- This way. - Okay, this way.
I never thought her character would be so different from her son's.
Concubine Shu is very aloof, she doesn't usually like to speak.
It's because you have a reputation for being a genius, that's why she was willing to pay attention to you.
It was really hard to follow the conversation.
It's Concubine Ning next. The mother of the oldest prince.
The oldest prince is leading the army on the border.
If he wanted to fight for the Crown Prince's position, wouldn't he be at an advantage?
Don't worry. If you don't tell, no one will know!
The oldest prince won't fight for the position. He can't.
Why?
Concubine Ning if from East Yi City.
The emperor brought her back from his conquests.
He was injured on the battlefield.
Concubine Ning cared for him day and night. That's how she got out of servitude.
Then she entered the palace and gave birth to the oldest prince.
So this oldest prince is half of foreign blood?
That's why he can't succeed to the throne.
This is also way Concubine Ning isn't favoured by the Empress Dowager.
She was original an Imperial Concubine.
Many years ago, for some reason,
she was reduced in rank.
The old lady is pretty petty.
I say, Master Fan...
I haven't lived enough yet!
Don't worry, I won't say this to her face!
Master Fan!
You were thinking of saying it to her face?
You have to be careful all the time!
There are so many old ladies, who would know that I'm referring the Empress Dowager?
Ning Cairen, Southern Qing.
You are Fan Xian?
Yes, Madam.
You don't even have a beard!
What?
Your arms a little too thin too.
A guy like you could kill Cheng Jushu?
He's an expert of the eighth rank.
I don't believe it.
Madam... many people saw us fight in the street.
You should bulk up more.
Either way, you can't be like what you are now.
Forget it.
Since Wan'er likes you, then so be it.
That's it?
That's right! I just wanted to take a look today.
At the end of the day, Wan'er has the last word about whether she's satisfied or not.
Madam is wise.
All right, off you go.
Madam, the Empress Dowager can only see Fan Xian after lunch.
All right, I'm not stopping you!
But... looking at the time...
Oh, you're here for lunch!
No, no, I...
You sit too.
I wouldn't dare.
I don't follow this protocol here.
We're on different levels, I really wouldn't dare.
Suit yourself.
I've heard that the Fan family's daughter is beautiful and talented.
Have you been betrothed?
Not yet.
I have a son. He's a good one.
Do you want to meet him when he's back in the capital?
Huh? I haven't thought of getting married.
What are you nervous about? I'm not forcing you.
Come, let's eat.
Where's the staple?
Madam, I don't need it.
It's for your brother.
This much?!
Don't hold back.
As a fighter, you need to eat your fill.
I'm not being polite...
Eat. If it's not enough, you can have more.
All right, try this meat.
Eat!
He ate that whole big plate?
He left quite a lot behind.
Don't you think this Fan Xian is pretty interesting?
If Your Highness thinks he's interesting, then he is.
Thinking about it, I'm Wan'er's mother.
Since he's in the palace, why isn't he coming to see me?
Have you forgotten, Your Highness?
You said you didn't want to meet him, because you thought you'd be annoyed by him.
But now I think it would be interesting to meet him.
Is he with Concubine Ning?
At this point... he must be at the Empress Dowager's palace.
I want to see him.
Wait.
For such an interesting event, we can't just have Fan Xian.
Ask Xiaoyi to come by too.
Yes.
Ask him to bring his bow and arrow.
Did you remember everything?
I remembered everything from the gate to the royal bed chamber.
Go back and draw a map.
Master Fan, why don't you kneel here?
Empress Dowager wants to meet you.
- Kneel here? - Yes.
We are not going through that door?
Empress Dowager is telling you to kneel.
I don't even kneel when I meet His Majesty.
Please kneel.
Forget it, seeing that she's older than me.
Empress Dowager only wants Master Fan to kneel.
I will accompany my older brother.
I'm kneeling here. Is she looking down on me?
This is...
Watch what you say. It's Eunuch Hong,
Who are the four Grandmasters?
There are two from Qing State.
"Flowing Clouds Scattered" Hand Ye Liuyun.
There's another who's very secretive.
I heard he's hidden with the royal palace.
Someone speculated that he's an old eunuch in the royal place.
Head Eunuch of Southern Qing, Hong Sixiang.
Empress Dowager said, You shouldn't be kneeling because of her age.
You are kneeling here because it's the your duty.
Empress Dowager also said, When you meet His Majesty in the future,
you must go down on your knees too.
She could even hear me from in there?
It was you who heard me.
When you talk and act in the palace, it's best to be careful.
I wonder who has such a good pair of ears.
Empress Dowager wants me to tell you to treat Wan'er well.
Don't hurt her.
I fear you will need to use your life in exchange for this.
Please tell Empress Dowager
what she just said, it's opposite to what she wishes.
On the contrary, it will make me afraid to get close to Wan'er.
Afraid now?
I treat Wan'er well because it's from my sincere heart.
I protect her not because Empress Dowager tells me to.
Remember what you said.
Escort him out from the palace.
Eunuch Hong.
Are you one of the four Grandmasters?
That kid is somewhat unhappy
but he said that he will be sincere towards Wan'er.
I think he's speaking the truth.
Such sincere creature,
how long will it last?
Empress Dowager didn't see him.
He's considered smart.
I saw him from a distance. I don't like him.
Why?
I can't say why.
I keep feeling that I have seen him somewhere.
It's right that you shouldn't meet him.
Is that so?
Perhaps, we are not fated to meet.
Let him go.
Today is considered to have gone well.
Master, from the look of today, regarding the marriage between you and the princess,
there's really no problem now.
Let me first congratulate and praise you.
You...about this, I'm truly happy for you.
I'm also truly thankful.
I will accept this then.
Grand Princess wants to see Fan Xian.
This was never mentioned before.
In the past, she didn't want to. She wants to see him now.
If it's regarding Wan'er's future, of course, I will see her. Please show the way.
Her Highness only wants to see you.
The both of them can continue to go to Imperial Consort Yi's place.
Older Brother...
After you.
What? Grand Princess wants to meet only Fan Xian?
She should meet him. After all, she is Wan'er's birth mother.
What's the problem with that?
In the palace, the Grand Princess has always seemed delicate.
It's just that...
Except what?
It's just that, after having known her for a long time,
I keep feeling that she's hiding something behind her face.
How do you explain this?
It seems like there's another person inside her
that's been suppressed inside, screaming soundlessly.
Although I can't hear it but it makes me anxious.
Standing next to her, I keep feeling there's a beast in inside her
that will break out anytime.
- I'm going to find older brother and get him back. - Wait!
This is being too rude.
Perhaps, I'm just speculating. Don't be too anxious.
Don't worry. What can happen in the palace?
Her Highness is waiting for you. Master Fan, please go in.
Greetings, Grand Princess.
I heard your teacher, Fei Jie, is an expert in medical skills.
Wan'er's illness has been getting better now.
I just happen to know some remedies.
Are there any remedies for healing headaches?
There are many reasons for headaches.
Teacher taught me how to take care of headaches too.
There really aren't any good methods?
Those massage techniques which I learned from my Teacher,
may be able to relief headaches.
Try it on me.
I fear it's not convenient.
Master Fan, why are you so old fashioned?
After a few days, you will become my son.
Since the elder has given the order, I will do it.
Has it started?
Did you learn this technique from Fei Jie?
It's the acupoint passed down by Teacher.
I definitely feel much better.
The important point is blood circulation.
If there isn't enough blood flowing to the brain, you'll also get headaches.
When did Fei Jie taught you this?
It happened when I was young.
I didn't imagine,
the Fan family and the Inspection and Control Bureau had such close ties.
Maybe it's just because Father and Teacher have some personal relations.
They definitely knew each other then.
By the way, how's your Grandmother doing in Danzhou?
She's in good health.
That's good then.
I loved her the most.
I used to love following her.
Grandmother has always protected her family.
I heard you opened a bookstore.
Danbo Bookstore. So foolish of me.
At least it is safer than being involved in politics.
Did the assassination at Cow Pen Street scare you?
I remember it.
I heard your guard died.
His name was Teng Zijing.
He was not only my guard, he was my friend too.
Life and death is inevitable.
You are right.
Did I say anything funny?
You didn't
. I was thinking about how interesting your words sounded just now.
- How is it interesting? - Someone who was almost assassinated,
is here to console the person who arranged for the assassination. Isn't it laughable?
I arranged for the assassination at Cow Pen Street.
This also means, your friend
died under my hands.
Isn't this funny?
Why did you stop massaging?
Did you make the arrangement alone?
You are asking whether the Crown Prince knows about this, right?
Yes, although I support the Crown Prince but I wouldn't tell him this.
Lin Gong secretly worked for me.
The Crown Prince didn't know.
Talking about this, Lin Gong was an obedient person.
But it's a pity he died too early.
I heard you have been thinking of ways to take revenge for that guard.
His name is Teng Zijing.
There's no need to remember a dead person's name.
Will you still take revenge?
There won't be anyone in Guangxin Palace.
Do whatever you want to do.
Why are you still hesitating?
Didn't you always wanted to take revenge?
Could it be that my status scared you?
Or should I say, that friend of yours died in vain?
I missed an acupuncture point just now.
Do you feel better now?
You massage very well.
I only feel a little unwell now.
Let me massage you further then.
I would like to thank you.
Thank...thank me?
Thank me for killing you?
Thank you for enlightening me.
I have been wondering who keeps trying to kill me.
Don't mention it.
I want to ask another question. That assassination in Danzhou...
It was me too.
Were you worried about the authority over the Inner Treasury?
- From the start, yes. - Subsequently?
Subsequently, I found you interesting.
It's more interesting to kill someone who's interesting.
You have good foresight. I think I'm interesting too.
Just now...you didn't think of taking actions?
I did.
Why did you stop?
I want to make a bet with you.
Speak.
If I were to take action just now,
today will be the day of my death,
right?
Okay, you can come out.
You are very smart. I think you are getting more interesting.
If there's nothing else, I'm leaving now.
If there wasn't anyone lying here in ambush, would you have killed me?
Don't be anxious. The days are still long.
You already know the answer to this.
I will wait.
I'm leaving.
It's interesting.
We meet again, Commander Yan.
We will still meet again.
Jingdu
-Mr. Zhuang is here! -Mr. Zhuang! Mr. Zhuang!
Mr. Zhuang! Take me as your student!
Mr. Zhuang! Mr. Zhuang!
Mr. Zhuang! Take me as your student!
Mr. Zhuang! Mr. Zhuang!
Take me as your student, Mr. Zhuang!
-Stop it, move aside! -Mr. Zhuang!
Take me as your student! Take me as your student!
Mr. Zhuang! Mr. Zhuang!
Move aside! Move aside!
Take me as your student, Mr. Zhuang!
The Northern Qi envoy has entered the capital.
Zhuang Mohan is among them.
Many scholars in the capital rushed to the gates to greet him.
All the scholars in the world want Zhuang Mohan as their teacher.
He probably came to try and affect the results of the arbitration.
The emperor will decide how the talks will go. Scholars aren't useful.
Is there something else?
These days, there is hidden unhappiness within the bureau.
I received news that many people
want to ruin the arbitration.
They want to reignite the war and flatten Northern Qi?
You are intelligent.
Your first division is in charge of the capital. Keep a careful watch.
What if the instigator is within the bureau?
This is the country's matter. There is no room for emotions.
I understand.
The Northern Qi envoy has arrived.
If Honglu Temple is really in talks with them,
who knows how long we have to wait to rule the world?
Don't panic.
If the envoy dies in the capital, naturally there is no arbitration to speak of.
They can send more envoys of these die.
Northern Qi is continuously losing their wars.
They would never dare to reignite warfare.
What if the world's best scholar Zhuang Mohan also dies in Jingdu?
If...if Zhuang Mohan was killed,
warfare is unavoidable.
The emperor can continue sending soldiers and completely defeat Northern Qi!
When that happens, the Young Master can also return from Northern Qi.
He won't have to face danger anymore.
I'm not doing all this to save my son.
It is for our Qin State's grand future!
So that one day, we can see the world united as one.
Lord Yan is truly profound.
The Grand Princess admitted to it?
Now that I think about it, it all lines up.
Li Yunrui didn't want me to enter the capital to marry Wan'er.
Nor did she want the Inside Treasury to fall into my hands.
That's why she faked an Inspection and Control Bureau order to have me die in Danzhou.
But you didn't die.
So at Niulan Street, she tried again.
Now she wants to kill me again, but it's not for power.
Then why?
Prime Minister Lin said something right.
Isn't the Grand Princess Wan'er's mother?
That woman...is crazy
A normal person wouldn't tell me the truth.
Nor would she use her own life to lure me to make a move.
This woman...is indeed crazy.
Crazy? Isn't a crazy person easy to fight against?
She's different. The crazier she is, the more dangerous she is.
-Should we tell the emperor? -It's useless.
There's no evidence. Even if she admitted it, there's no other witnesses.
Then what should we do?
If we want to fight against the Grand Princess, we can't rush.
We should deal with the matters in front of us first.
Do you still remember the path around the inner harem?
-Yes. -Drawn it.
Young Master Fan Xian. The Old Master has summoned you to the library.
You draw first. I'll go see what's going on.
- Lord Fan. - You were looking for me?
Lord Fan! I have long heard of your intelligence!
Upon seeing you today, you are truly full of youthful spirit.
Look at you! Such an imposing manner!
Who are you?!
I'm the Deputy Head of from Honglu Temple, Qin Qiwu
Deputy Head from Honglu Temple?
That's right. Lord, in future we all belong to Honglu Temple.
- We should look after one another! - No, no.
Aren't I the Music Official?
Lord, in future you will be in Honglu Temple!
For now, just go to Honglu Temple to carry out your task.
For such an important matter, you must do things carefully.
What am I doing?
He doesn't know yet?
The Northern Qi and Dongyi envoys have entered Jingdu City!
I know.
Northern Qi has come to ask for a truce.
Dongyi came to apologize.
What does that have to do with me?
Our state is going to arbitrate with Northern Qi.
Lord, you are to be the Vice Envoy!
-Me?! -Yes, it's you.
The emperor already gave the order, how could it be false?
So I hurriedly came here to invite you to go to Honglu Temple.
Let's go and get ready!
It's true.
Honglu Temple
My Lord, please. Take a look.
This is where we are going to arbitrate with the Northern Qi envoy.
When the time comes, we must rely on Lord's stylish bearing.
Wait.
-I still don't know what's going on. -What's confusing?
I have no experience in these things! Why was I chosen to participate?
Look, look. Aren't you asking the obvious?
Talk properly!
Of course, the crown prince and Prime Minister Lin recommended you.
The crown prince and Prime Minister Lin?
Yes. They created many twists and turns just to let you
to smoothly win recognition for our name.
If you feel like anything is lacking,
please let me know! I will fix your problems for you.
Lord Xin. You are Rank Four, I am Rank Eight.
For you to run after me calling me 'Lord', isn't it quite unbecoming?
This...isn't there a saying?
It states that a person's ability does not lie in their ranks.
Is there a saying like that?
Yes! Of course!
You are so young and talented, right?
And you have the crown prince and Prime Minister Lin's support!
Your future is limitless!
Also, let me tell you something.
I am also on the crown prince's side!
Even I didn't know that I'm on the crown prince's side.
My Lord, you can't be like this! You're joking around with me again!
If you weren't on the crown prince's side, how could he support you like this?
Let's talk about the arbitration.
Okay.
My Lord, it's like this.
In the opposing envoy, there is one called Zhuang Mohan.
Besides him, you don't need to be nice to anyone else!
Zhuang Mohan?
What are you looking at?
Look at that cloud.
You must be feeling really bored and leisurely today.
Doesn't it look like a coin?
It is indeed your style.
Say, if I brought this pile of coins home,
my wife and daughter would be so happy!
We're going back to the manor, right?
Wang Qinian. Have you heard of Zhuang Mohan?
Translation and Timing by the Joy of Life Team @ Viki.com
♫ Life goes round and round ♫
♫ In the long river of time ♫
♫ Layers of memories, of many lives over ♫
♫ Get stacked up ♫
♫ In an intoxicating river of stars ♫
♫ Before you know it, spring is over and it's almost fall again ♫
♫ The swallows are gone to their wintering grounds ♫
♫ Who can give up the chance ♫
♫ To spend this life with you? ♫
♫ You have been walking around in your dream for so long ♫
♫ The flowers fall from the boughs quietly ♫
♫ Year in and year out, we are on the road ♫
♫ Counting the remaining days of the year ♫
♫ Even if we will never meet again ♫
♫ Even if the bond is broken ♫
♫ No complaints ♫
♫ It's a cold world and I still think of you as I did before ♫
♫ The moon is sleepless ♫
♫ Leave a warm heart ♫
♫ To look after the rest of the year ♫
♫ Even if I have to cross a thousand mountains ♫
♫ Through the fire of war ♫
♫ You are always there for me ♫
♫ The flowers leave the boughs, quietly ♫
♫ Year in and year out, we are on the road ♫
♫ Counting the remaining days of the year ♫
♫ Even if we will never meet again ♫
♫ Even if the bond is broken ♫
♫ No complaints ♫
♫ It's a cold world and I think of you as I did before ♫
♫ The moon is sleepless ♫
♫ Leave a warm heart ♫
♫ To look after the rest of the year ♫
♫ Even if I have to cross a thousand mountains and through the fire of war ♫
♫ You are always there for me. ♫