Joy of Life (2019) s02e08 Episode Script

1
(Joy of Life Season 2)
(Episode 8)
Does President Chen intend to retire?
It's not just Chen Ping Ping.
I wish to retire too.
It's time to hand the Overwatch Council
to youngsters like you all.
Your retirement doesn't matter.
However, President Chen cannot retire.
What are you saying?
No one in the Overwatch Council is as important as President Chen.
Do you know that
your trip to Northern Qi
was actually part of Chen Ping Ping's plan?
It's my honor to serve the country.
He anticipated you'd say that.
Did he ask you to ask me about this?
He has one more question:
Would you accept any order he gives?
Certainly.
What if his order is for you to stop following orders
and live by your own choices?
What does that mean?
Here, help me up.
You should spend more time with Fan Xian.
Is there a task?
Make friends with him.
Making friends is a task?
You need to learn from him.
Sometimes, there needs to be a balance between emotion and law.
He's better at doing that than you.
How should I balance them?
Those are two different matters.
It's like when you brought Shen Zhong's sister back to the capital.
I disobeyed orders.
I'm willing to be punished.
Forget about whether it's an order or not.
Forget about whether it's right or wrong.
Your action showed that you followed your heart.
How can we disregard right and wrong?
There's no rush.
Let's go home first.
I'll gradually hand over the tasks in the Fourth Bureau to you.
I've been working hard for so many years.
It's time for me to enjoy life.
Sure.
For your sake,
in the future,
I'll try not to deceive His Majesty.
Should I kick you out of the Yan family
before I enjoy life?
Is that a task too?
Take it slow.
Lord Yan.
Come on.
- You really came. - Slow down.
President Chen wants me
to show you around to help you get familiar with the place.
Give me that.
- Hurry up! - This place, then.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
This way, please.
Give me a hand.
It's quite lively here.
The First Bureau interacts with all the officials in the capital.
After Zhu Ge's death, this place has become more chaotic.
Come here, right.
Put this here.
Careful.
Come, put it over there.
Put it over there.
Come on, let's take a look inside.
You go yourself.
I'm too lazy to look at them.
There's a good show inside.
I guarantee it'll be lively.
We just walk in, and no one questions us.
Yunmeng Fish?
- You know this? - It's a fish species
exclusive to Great Lake in the south.
It's known for its exquisite taste.
- The south is quite far, right? - Yes.
What about these ice cubes?
They were cut from the northern border last year
and preserved until now.
It must be for these fish.
They were transported urgently over 800 miles to the capital.
From the extreme south to the extreme north, spanning 800 miles,
just for a taste of the fresh fish?
What are you three doing?
Qi Nian?
Zhu.
Young Master Yan. Chief Inspector.
- You know me? - Everyone in the Council knows you.
You're usually so busy.
What brings you to the First Bureau today?
Zhu.
President Chen made an announcement.
As Chief Inspector, Lord Fan
will temporarily handle the affairs of the First Bureau.
That's great news.
I'll go inform everyone.
Tell me.
Zhu, right?
Who
sent these Yunmeng Fish?
Well
I just came back from a business trip, so I'm not sure.
Fine. Then I'll ask someone else.
Lord Fan, I'll inform everyone to come out to greet you.
No need.
I'll greet them myself.
One Bamboo.
- Six Character. - Green Dragon.
Six Bamboo.
- Two Bamboo. - One Bamboo.
Come on.
- South Wind. - Eight Bamboo.
- So close. - Four Character.
- Quick! - Green Dragon.
It's your turn.
He's about to Pong.
Pong!
Do you all know me?
Put them away!
Impressive. It's quite spectacular.
The mahjong tiles are made of amber.
My Lord, it's fake.
I'm fake?
No, My Lord.
The amber is fake. It just looks like it.
- Who sent it? - The Imperial Treasury.
They sent a set to each of the Eight Bureau.
My Lord, when we have official duties,
we definitely won't play Mahjong.
It's just been quiet lately.
My Lord,
please forgive us.
What about those fish outside?
Who sent them?
What fish?
Yunmeng Fish, the urgent delivery from 800 miles away.
I don't know much about it.
Who's in charge here?
You don't know this either?
My Lord,
all the supervisors are on leave.
None of them show up?
We haven't had much to do lately.
How come you don't have much to do?
There are quite a few daily files and cases to be reviewed and archived.
Who's handling it?
The registrar in our bureau.
He handles all these chores.
- Where is he now? - He's in the side courtyard.
I'll go get him.
No need. I'll go to him myself.
You guys
continue playing.
Enjoy yourselves.
By the way, when you're done having fun,
distribute those fish outside among yourselves.
If they are left outside for too long, they will spoil.
Stay put.
Are you really going to keep playing?
- What should we do? - I don't know.
Anyone here?
Qi Nian.
Zi Yue.
Registrar of the Overwatch Council, Deng Zi Yue,
at your service, My Lord.
You know him?
An old acquaintance.
Deng Zi Yue.
Yes, I am.
Do you know me?
We've never met.
Then why are you kneeling?
My Lord,
everyone in the Overwatch Council knows that
Lord Wang Qi Nian is always by your side.
Besides, judging from your exceptional demeanor,
your stunning appearance, and your commanding presence,
if I couldn't tell your identity, I'd be blind.
Young Master Yan.
All right, Zi Yue.
Lord Fan will take charge of the First Bureau for the time being.
- Really? - Yes.
My goodness!
That's fantastic news. Right?
If Lord Fan can come to the First Bureau
If you oversee the First Bureau,
then
The First Bureau will finally have a mainstay.
I feel as though
I've found an oasis in the desert,
or met an old friend in a faraway place.
All right, enough with the pleasantries.
He's just like you.
My old acquaintance.
Deng Zi Yue, stand up.
Zi Yue, get up.
Thank you, Lord Fan.
Lord Fan is different from others.
Tell me, who sent those Yunmeng Fish outside?
(Registrar of the First Bureau, Deng Zi Yue)
Don't tell me you don't know.
Just tell him.
My Lord,
they were sent jointly by the Vegetable Inspection Office
and Ministry of War.
Even the Ministry of War is involved in this basket of fish?
Only the Ministry of War could rush fresh Yunmeng Fish
to the capital from 800 miles away.
What about the Vegetable Inspection Office?
These fish are usually first sent to the Vegetable Inspection Office,
sorted by quality,
and then distributed to the inner courtyard of the imperial palace
and the six ministries residences.
The Vegetable Inspection Office and Ministry of War will keep a portion
and send some here.
- You all ate the fish? - These fish are precious.
Thus, some ate them, some sold them.
Where were they sold?
To the Vegetable Inspection Office.
Great.
The fish were delivered by the Vegetable Inspection Office
and then sold back to them.
What an easy deal.
It must be a profitable trade.
Perhaps
they didn't want to waste them.
Why do the Vegetable Inspection Office and Ministry of War send us gifts?
Just tell the truth.
Is there anyone else in the room?
No.
Then say just it.
My Lord,
it's not just the Vegetable Inspection Office.
The other six ministries also send gifts.
Are we so popular?
You see, we're the First Bureau.
Our job is to monitor all the officials in the capital.
Naturally, no one wants to offend us.
So, they send the First Bureau gifts to stay on our good side.
And you dare accept these gifts.
No, he
The one monitoring
are accepting gifts from those being monitored.
How absurd.
Young Master Yan, please calm down.
If you want to talk about them,
it's not like they have a choice but to accept the gifts.
So this absurdity actually makes some sense.
How can they not have a choice?
You see,
we're all officials.
Everyone is living here in the capital.
I think you understand
how complex the connections between the officials in the capital are.
It's like a dense cobwebs.
We're not just talking about major matters.
Even in trivial matters about basic necessities, food, and clothing,
you can't avoid these connections.
If you don't accept the gifts,
it shows you're unwilling to be in cahoots with them.
In the future, I'm afraid it will be difficult to get anything done.
You seem to have a clear understanding of the realities
of being an official, Registrar Deng.
There are numerous cases in the First Bureau.
Have you been handling them recently?
I've always been handling them.
Okay.
Please take care of the First Bureau.
Lord Fan, I am just the registrar.
There are many supervisors above me.
There are no more supervisors.
From today onward,
Wang Qi Nian and Deng Zi Yue
shall assist me in handling all matters in the First Bureau.
My Lord, what about the remaining supervisors?
Those who aren't here today won't be needed in the future.
I'll inform the Overwatch Council to assign them elsewhere.
Hurry up.
Hurry up.
Listen to this,
I, Fan Xian,
the chief inspector of the Overwatch Council, takes over the First Bureau.
I'm not the main point.
The main point is this person.
Yan Bing Yun.
He returned from Northern Qi.
You can imagine how cruel and ruthless he is, right?
In other words,
does he look like someone who will show respect?
Look at his eyes,
he's bloodthirsty.
What does his presence here mean?
It means he is willing to live and die with me.
He's such a ruthless person,
there's nothing he can't do.
- Do you understand? - We understand.
- We understand. - We understand.
We understand.
I repeat, starting from today,
all previous supervisors of the First Bureau are dismissed.
Wang Qi Nian and Deng Zi Yue are my right-hand men.
Everyone, I'm done.
Who agrees and who opposes?
Supervisor Wang, Supervisor Deng.
Thank you.
In the future, let's support each other.
Be more gracious. They're calling you supervisors now.
Yes. Let's help each other out.
I will certainly do my best.
I will do my best at work.
Let me ask one more question,
do you all still remember
the oath you took when joining the Overwatch Council?
What is the first sentence?
"Everything for the sake of the Qing Kingdom."
You said it, but it has turned into everything for the sake of living.
Have you all forgotten the oath?
We didn't forget.
What is the purpose of the First Bureau?
What is the purpose of the Overwatch Council?
To ensure clean governance and protect the peace of the people.
Have you fed your original intentions to the dogs?
I don't care how you lived before.
From today on,
you are not allowed to live like that.
No more accepting gifts.
I know what you're going to say.
Not accepting gifts will make life difficult in the capital, right?
Life is always difficult.
Look at the people on the streets.
Look at those people.
They don't complain about difficulty! Do you have the face to complain?
But don't worry, everyone.
I am actually
easy to get along with.
Just be careful
not to make any mistakes and get caught by Young Master Yan.
That would be truly miserable.
The First Bureau is not within my jurisdiction.
We're from the Overwatch Council.
Everything is for the sake of the Qing Kingdom.
All right, I've said enough.
It's time to do some work.
Deng Zi Yue.
My Lord, what task should I handle?
I saw the fish at the door.
I don't think they're fresh.
The fish aren't fresh?
What does it mean if the fish delivered aren't fresh?
It means the Vegetable Inspection Office looks down on the First Bureau.
Who can tolerate that?
- Deng Zi Yue. - Yes, My Lord.
Close down the Vegetable Inspection Office immediately!
My Lord.
My Lord, please understand that
Eunuch Dai from the Vegetable Inspection Office
is favored by Noble Consort Shu.
I know, Li Cheng Ze's mother.
She likes reading. I've met her.
My Lord, should we reconsider?
What are you afraid of?
Do as I say and seal up the place.
Even if we were to close it down, what's the charge?
There are so many files here,
has the Vegetable Inspection Office never made any mistakes?
If you put it that way, of course they did.
What are you waiting for? Take your men and seal the place.
My Lord, I'm new here. I can't convince them.
And my position isn't enough to suppress the Vegetable Inspection Office.
Then shall we trouble Young Master Yan to lead the team?
The First Bureau's task is none of my business.
We're all part of the Overwatch Council serving the kingdom.
Thank you, Young Master Yan.
If I lead the team to seal the Vegetable Inspection Office,
what will you do?
Invite people.
The stage is set. We need an audience for the show, right?
Who are you inviting?
The Great Immortal!
- Fan Xian, you're here. - Slow down, don't fall.
Quick Sword has also returned.
I told you, this person is too cold and rude.
Naturally, he can't compare to Your Highness.
I have to scold you too.
You've been in the capital for some time, and this is your first visit.
Yes, it is indeed my fault.
I've come to visit you personally
and apologize.
What is this?
Have you heard of Yunmeng Fish?
Yunmeng Fish?
They are known for being fresh.
Let's have a few drinks first.
I'll have someone steam the Yunmeng
Where's the fish?
I've searched the whole city, and there's no fish.
I appreciate the thought. You came all the way to send a bucket of water.
The sentiment is what matters most.
Is that so?
I'll give it to you then.
Bi An.
Clean it up.
But I know where you can find the fish.
So?
So, let's go fishing.
You're asking me to go fishing with you?
Your Highness, are you busy?
I told you,
the most interesting person in the capital
is you.
I agree.
I've always said,
you can neglect the other offices in the capital,
but you must serve the Overwatch Council well.
Have I ever said that?
Have I?
You've said that.
Eunuch Dai, we dare not slack off.
We've been sending gifts regularly,
and today we even sent Yunmeng Fish.
Then why are they sealing us up?
We don't know.
Which supervisor came?
None of them came. The leader said his surname is Deng.
He's a registrar.
Get up.
What are the charges?
Just some petty embezzlement.
That's not even a crime.
They're just here to extort us.
Should you go see for yourself?
A mere registrar? He's not worthy of my presence.
The Overwatch Council is influential in the capital,
but who gives them the power?
It comes from the palace.
If you don't go, it will stay sealed.
How should we handle this?
Let them seal it as long as they want.
Tell the Imperial Kitchen later that
the palace's vegetable supply is reduced,
especially the greens favored by some concubines
are gone.
How can we do that?
If the higher ups ask,
just say the First Bureau exercised their authority
and cut off the palace's food supply.
We at the Vegetable Inspection Office are powerless to resist.
Should we reduce the supply to His Majesty too?
How many years have you been in the palace?
How can you ask that question!
I apologize for my mistake.
Eunuch Dai.
What now?
Lord Fan Xian is on the way to the Vegetable Inspection Office.
Come forward to speak.
Lord Fan Xian is already at the Vegetable Inspection Office.
How did you provoke Fan Xian?
Eunuch Dai knows what to do.
You may excuse yourself.
Eunuch Dai should go.
How dare you! Who are you to tell Eunuch Dai what to do?
Wait.
Why should I go?
Eunuch Dai,
Fan Xian isn't alone in the Vegetable Inspection Office.
Prince Cheng Ze is with him.
Who are you talking about?
Prince Cheng Ze.
Eunuch Dai, please calm down.
I asked a few more questions.
Although His Highness is there,
he's only watching and isn't angry.
It's likely not a big issue.
That's good.
The Vegetable Inspection Office relies on Noble Consort Shu.
Since Prince Cheng Ze is there,
you should also show up
to avoid appearing neglectful toward His Highness.
That makes sense.
I have to go.
What is your name?
Eunuch Dai, I'm Hong Zhu.
New here?
I've been in the palace for a few years.
Okay.
You're sharp.
You should all learn from him.
Yes, Eunuch Dai.
Come with me.
Eunuch Dai, I won't be going.
How dare you!
How dare you disobey Eunuch Dai's orders!
Step aside.
Why are you defying my order?
Someone has to guard the palace.
If something goes wrong at the Vegetable Inspection Office,
- someone has to respond to it. - How to respond to it?
By seeking help from Noble Consort Shu.
You stay.
Eunuch Dai, don't worry.
The rest of you, don't follow me.
Yes, Eunuch Dai.
Eunuch Hong.
I have a matter I need your advice on.
With all the seniors here, I dare not give any advice.
Please, go ahead.
Should we still reduce the vegetable supply to the Imperial Kitchen?
Since Eunuch Dai is going over,
there might be a chance to resolve this.
At this time, as his subordinates,
we should seek less trouble
to find more opportunities for survival.
Eunuch Hong, you're right.
Don't do anything. We only have one word to remember: wait.
Yes, that's right.
Zi Yue.
Go check if he's arrived.
Yes, My Lord.
Mr. Wang, wait a moment.
We mustn't delay. Everyone is waiting inside.
- Indeed. - What are you doing?
Just a moment.
I've long heard that you are a wise and brave man,
but I've never had the chance to meet you.
What are you doing?
I heard that you are favored by Lord Fan.
So what outcome does Lord Fan want
from this situation today?
Eunuch Dai, you have long been sending fish to the First Bureau.
I appreciate
the affection.
It's just a small gesture.
But our Lord Fan didn't get to eat your fish yet.
Lord Fan has just arrived at the First Bureau.
Don't worry, I've prepared everything.
All right, let's go inside.
Wait a minute.
There's another matter.
There's another matter.
Why is Prince Cheng Ze also here?
There's another matter?
With Prince Cheng Ze here, it'll be easier to handle this matter, right?
After all, we all serve in the capital.
We must always abide by the rules.
I understand.
- Let's go. - Please lead the way.
Lord Fan asked me to check if you've arrived.
I'm here.
Everyone here gets a share.
Let's make money
and spend it together.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Rise.
Thank you, Your Highness.
I heard you have Yunmeng Fish here.
Yes.
I'd like to buy two.
Your Highness must be joking.
I'll have them sent to Your Highness' residence later.
You're on official duty.
You must charge for it.
As a prince, I cannot misuse my position for personal gain.
Do you understand this principle?
Yes, Your Highness.
I was confused.
Bi An.
Pay him the money.
That's not necessary.
I will treat Your Highness to the fish.
- No. - I'll pay for it.
- No, this - Record this in the accounts.
- I'll record it into the accounts later. - No, do it now.
We have a brush and paper here.
Record it immediately.
Okay.
Okay.
Don't record it in that book.
Write it down in this book.
Eunuch Dai, do you know Old Man Jin?
- Who? - Old Man Jin.
He's a vegetable seller who owes a lot of debt.
I think
- Can't quite recall? - I can't quite recall.
If Old Man Jin is related to you, I can write off all his debt.
No need. It's settled.
That's good.
Eunuch Dai, your calligraphy is quite decent.
You're flattering me.
It matches the previous records perfectly.
So you personally record these accounts?
I'm bearing His Majesty's grace,
I dare not slack off.
If I found any discrepancies in the accounts,
I'll have to ask you then.
The Vegetable Inspection Office
handles miscellaneous tasks for the palace.
The records can be quite intricate.
If you find them confusing, I can clarify them for you.
Intricate?
It's not about the minutiae,
it's about the big picture.
The Vegetable Inspection Office merely buys some vegetables.
What big picture could there be?
Eunuch Dai, do eunuchs bear some responsibility in the fate of the nation?
I think we do.
The Qing Kingdom just emerged victorious from a battle against Northern Qi,
thanks to the valor of our border troops.
Shouldn't the Vegetable Inspection Office show some appreciation?
The border troops' provisions are not under our purview.
Big picture.
Think bigger.
What do you mean?
- Is the Vegetable Inspection Office a part of the Qing Kingdom? - Yes.
- Isn't the victory in battle an honor for all? - Yes.
- The war against the Northern Qi cost us a hefty sum, didn't it? - Yes.
With this war settled, our court is facing a shortage of funds.
- Is that the case? - Yes.
- Should we stand together in this challenging time? - Yes.
- Should the Vegetable Inspection Office take some responsibility? - Yes.
What should I be responsible for?
Our national treasury is depleted,
and there's a shortage of money everywhere.
Instead of helping the kingdom alleviate its worries,
the Vegetable Inspection Office is finding ways to embezzle funds.
- Is this acceptable? - No, that's absolutely not true!
I've always been an honest person.
The sight of money makes me uncomfortable.
You must be mistaken, My Lord.
Honest?
You must've heard about
- the Overwatch Council, right? - Your reputation precedes you.
I bet you've also heard about how we handle cases.
You know if you've embezzled or not.
If these accounts are investigated,
what will be the outcome?
We are all short of money, Eunuch Dai.
Can't the Vegetable Inspection Office take responsibility
and share the burden?
Lord Fan, can we go to the back and talk?
It's okay, we all work together here.
We all work together.
Regarding the accounts,
there are some additional details here.
If you don't understand,
you can review them at your leisure.
One thousand, two thousand,
three thousand taels.
Three thousand taels.
Fair enough.
As I was saying, it's not easy for the Vegetable Inspection Office
to manage the daily vegetable purchases.
It's my duty to do so.
We all serve the same imperial court.
I can't be too overbearing.
- We must be kind to one another. - Indeed.
Lord Fan, you truly understand the ways of an official.
It seems that Vegetable Inspection Office has no major issues.
- I was too hasty. - No.
It's right to investigate.
- I'm glad we've clarified the misunderstandings. - Zi Yue.
Dismiss the troops.
Dismiss.
Nothing fun to see here. You should go home.
Don't forget about His Highness' fish.
I will have it delivered to Your Highness' residence.
Your Highness, should I have someone escort you back to your residence?
No need. See you around.
Sure.
We should get together again. I'll wait for your message.
Here's the fruit money I owed you for the past six months.
- Thank you. You remembered? - I should remember it and pay you back.
- The fruit is fresh today. Get some more. - Okay.
You pick.
This one is redder.
- You see. - This one is redder.
These will do.
Do you know what you are doing?
Taking bribes.
I will definitely report you for this.
One person isn't enough.
Get a few more to report me together.
What nonsense is this?
My Lord, have a pear.
- Have a pear. - No.
Which department
handles impeachment?
Besides the Overwatch Council,
it's the Censorate.
The Censorate.
The Censors.
Are you close with him?
What are you planning?
I told you, find more people to report me.
Thank you for your hard work. Please spread this news.
Others set traps for their political enemies.
But you dig your own grave.
Thanks.
If you fall, no one can save you.
Give this, along with the ledger,
archive, and all records to President Chen.
Yes, My Lord.
And this.
As you expected, it's from Eunuch Dai.
Record everything.
Yes, My Lord.
(Moon Embracing Pavilion)
Eunuch Dai doesn't remember Old Man Jin.
No one remembers him.
Actually, I haven't seen him much either,
but for some reason,
I can't forget him.
Qi Nian.
If no one stands up,
people like them
will have to endure and suffer their entire lives.
But who can stand up?
Who can show them what true justice is?
If no one ever sees justice in action,
who will still believe in it?
Do you think
I'm being overdramatic?
My Lord,
I too long to witness this legendary justice.
Then let's give the capital a show they'll never forget.