Joy of Life (2019) s02e11 Episode Script

1
(Joy of Life Season 2)
(Episode 11)
It doesn't matter if he enters the ancestral hall or not.
His surname is still Fan.
As for the troubles he got into, I'll educate him on it.
If he does get in trouble, I'll bail him out.
Your Majesty, that's how he is.
Your Majesty, you're the only one who can tolerate his temper.
I have been understanding and considerate toward all of you,
but
who has been considerate toward me?
What does Your Majesty mean?
Fan Xian and Cheng Ze caused such a commotion in the court,
yet none of you even
tried to mediate.
Why?
They accuse him of smuggling, but they have found no evidence.
Instead, they turn to investigate corruption.
You're all assisting each other.
Is it really about investigating corruption?
You are
investigating my son.
Do you think I have no regard for our family ties?
I didn't say a word.
It was all Chen Ping Ping backing them up.
Your Majesty, I believe that
since this dispute has arisen, we might as well escalate it.
He is my son.
He is also the prince of the Qing Kingdom, Your Majesty.
Prince Cheng Ze has been intelligent since young.
He has managed the affairs for many years. Now he is fully fledged.
There's nothing wrong with him.
But there are many with ill intentions around him
who should be cleared out.
Cleared out?
You are trying to clear out my son.
Only Fan Xian can help Your Majesty purge the corrupt officials.
I'm just worried he may not be valued once the threat is eliminated.
That won't happen, Fan Xian is smart.
He will only use others as tools.
You saw in the court today
how the crown prince's followers fanned the flames.
Fan Xian shouldn't be dragged into such conflicts.
It wasn't the crown prince.
They were clearly the crown prince's men.
It wasn't the crown prince.
They work for the crown prince. If not him, then who?
The Qing Kingdom has strict laws.
I take pride in that.
What's that supposed to mean?
Today in the court, there was a sentence that displeased His Majesty.
Which sentence?
Your Majesty, you're the ruler of the kingdom.
There's nothing you shouldn't review.
However, as I lead the Six Ministries,
I'm responsible for sharing your burden with you.
Your Majesty, if you're troubled because of this,
and if this continues,
I'm afraid the Six Ministries will slack off,
and no one will respect the law.
There is nothing wrong with those words.
The one who incited the crown prince's followers
was Chancellor Lin.
He wants to provoke a fight between the princes.
But how does he
benefit from this?
He wants to see
who the future ruler of the Qing Kingdom will be.
His vision
is too far-reaching.
It's not just about vision.
It's about overreaching.
Was the list of corrupt officials in the court
really compiled by the Overwatch Council?
Of course.
I guess the people on that list
were not the Overwatch Council's primary targets
but were personally selected by you.
Your Highness is so smart.
You admit it?
Why not?
It's our duty to root out traitors, regardless of affiliation.
My personal efforts are nothing more than a part of the Council's honor.
All those on that list are under my patronage.
You're really good at picking.
Your patronage?
Your Highness, please forgive me.
As you know, I haven't been in the capital for long.
If I may ask,
among the six ministries, nine courts, and various provincial offices,
where exactly does your personal patronage belong?
And what is their official rank?
Personal connections.
Just
friends.
That's fine.
Your Highness, don't worry.
Having poor taste in friends does not violate the law.
I'm so glad to hear that.
Your Highness, please be more cautious in the future.
My carriage is ahead.
Walk with me a bit.
No problem.
Walking isn't against the law either.
In good conscience, ever since you came to the capital,
I've always admired you, even to the point of confiding in you.
In what? I didn't catch those two words.
Even at this stage, I can still take a step back.
I don't mind that you investigate those on the list.
I hope it stops here.
One should not go too far.
Your Highness' statement about not going too far is going too far itself.
The method and scope of the investigation are in accordance with the law.
It cannot be negotiated.
If you don't believe me, ask the censors in the Censorate.
You're pushing me to death.
You didn't violate the law. What are you afraid of?
- I'm not afraid of death. - You are so brave.
Everyone in the capital could die,
but not me.
Your Highness, mind your words.
Those who live forever and never die
are hard to kill.
Lord Fan, you're in high spirits these days.
I abide by the law, so naturally I can live in peace.
It's just that you haven't been in the capital for long.
If you've stayed for a longer time,
you will naturally gain more connections.
Your Highness is right.
I came late and had no connections.
Fortunately, I always have some official duties.
No matter what, I won't be alone.
I know you sent Fan Si Zhe up north.
Your Highness knows everything.
You are so cruel. It's freezing cold there.
How could you send your younger brother to suffer in Northern Qi?
I am soft-hearted and cannot bear to see siblings separated.
That's why I sent my men over.
By now, they should have brought him back.
Your Highness is sentimental.
If only you were more careful in choosing friends, it would be perfect.
My carriage is ahead.
No need to see me off.
Let's meet again when Si Zhe returns.
- Goodbye. - We have plenty of time.
My Lord,
if they really bring back Young Master Si Zhe,
it would be troublesome.
- Bi An. - Yes, Your Highness.
You were right.
- What? - There needs to be a response.
We can't appear to be weak.
What should we do?
I heard there was a murder in Moon Embracing Pavilion.
Moon Embracing Pavilion?
No, there wasn't.
You just heard of it.
I understand.
(Moon Embracing Pavilion)
Help!
Help!
Help!
Help!
What happened?
- Quick, let's check on her. - Hurry!
- Let's go! - Go!
(Censorate)
According to the list,
there are quite many corrupt officials in the capital.
They are all parasites that deserve the death sentence.
Do we really investigate?
As I look at the list,
many of them have some connections with Prince Cheng Ze.
He's just a prince.
As censors, we should have the courage to even accuse His Majesty.
Investigate. Investigate thoroughly.
Let His Majesty see that
it's not only the Overwatch Council that can get things done.
There's been a murder!
There's been a murder!
There's been a murder!
- Where? - It's a brothel called Moon Embracing Pavilion.
Someone beat a courtesan to death at the entrance.
That's the Judicial Bureau's business.
It has nothing to do with us.
The manager of Moon Embracing Pavilion went missing.
But she left a letter to the Judicial Bureau,
saying that the owner of Moon Embracing Pavilion is Fan Si Zhe.
Fan Si Zhe?
Fan Jian's son?
Fan Xian's younger brother.
The Fan family runs a brothel?
It is said that they forced women into prostitution.
That courtesan's death might have something to do with this.
Has the Judicial Bureau looked into it?
Not just the Judicial Bureau, Fan Xian also went there in person.
Fan Xian?
He's trying to interfere with the Judicial Bureau's investigation.
My Lord.
This woman
was beaten to death.
Many people witnessed it.
The coroner is on his way here.
There should be no deviation in the cause of death.
Also,
Yuan Meng is missing.
The Judicial Bureau is looking into it.
My Lord!
My Lord!
Yuan Meng left a letter,
saying that the owner of Moon Embracing Pavilion is Fan Si Zhe.
And that the Pavilion forced women into prostitution and often abused them.
This letter was also sent to the Judicial Bureau.
Who is the victim?
She's a courtesan from the Pavilion.
This is the girl from the Jin family.
Why is she in Moon Embracing Pavilion?
Didn't I give her a contract to release her from servitude and return home?
My Lord.
Once a girl enters such a place,
she'll be branded by the brothel for life.
Moreover, with Old Man Jin gone,
she has no family to return to.
The murderer
deliberately chose her.
My Lord.
The guard who witnessed the crime said that
after the three men entered the Pavilion,
they never asked or selected anyone.
As soon as they saw Miss Jin,
they attacked her.
They didn't even ask who she was until they beat her to death.
They just randomly picked her?
Perhaps they didn't care who died.
Right there.
Where is the murderer?
My Lord.
They left after the murder.
We're tracking their whereabouts.
Don't let the murderer leave the capital.
Don't worry, My Lord. We will never let these murderers escape.
Qi Nian.
Didn't I order you to have someone guard Moon Embracing Pavilion
and forbid anyone from entering?
I did, My Lord.
The murderers are extremely skilled.
They want to link this matter to you.
We are totally defenseless.
Because in their eyes,
human life is as insignificant as grass.
It doesn't matter who dies.
Heaven must be appalled.
Deng Zi Yue, spare no effort in capturing Yuan Meng.
Yes, My Lord.
Running a private brothel
already damages the reputation of court officials and scholars.
Now, they forced women into prostitution and caused a murder case,
it's intolerable.
I'll draft a report.
Report Fan Si Zhe?
It's not just Fan Si Zhe,
but also Fan Jian and Fan Xian.
The Fan family has committed such heinous acts.
There must be an explanation.
The corruption investigation is still ongoing,
and many people are already implicated.
Are we really going to drag the Fan family into this?
It is our duty to investigate all officials.
Regardless of who they are,
we will not back down.
The rain finally stopped.
I hate rainy days.
By the way,
what's the name
of the dead courtesan?
I don't know.
Shall I go find out?
Forget it. It doesn't matter.
Who will remember her anyway?
Tell me,
how many ants
will die in this rain?
Your Highness, everything is arranged.
When those three murderers are captured, it will be the end of Fan Xian.
- Fan Xian. - What brings you here, Your Highness?
I swear to God,
I really don't know where Yuan Meng went.
I have nothing to do with this matter.
Don't worry, I will investigate thoroughly.
I won't falsely accuse anyone.
Fan Xian.
I know you're investigating this case.
Could you please not mention my relationship with Yuan Meng?
After all, it's a murder case and my reputation is in jeopardy.
Fan Xian, wait a moment.
Please pass my message to Ruo Ruo.
Since our marriage was bestowed upon us,
I have never met Yuan Meng again.
Your Highness.
Stop working for Li Cheng Ze.
I don't want the day to come when I have to personally arrest you.
- You wanted to see me? - I've heard about
the incident at Moon Embracing Pavilion.
I've caused trouble and implicated our family.
Why talk about being implicated? We're a family.
You've done nothing wrong. You don't need to apologize.
But don't worry, Fan Si Zhe was sent away in time.
There's absolutely no connection between him and the incident.
They are not trying to get rid of Fan Si Zhe.
Indeed.
Lai Ming Cheng from the Censorate is preparing another report.
- It's his job to do so. - You're not angry?
These censors from the Censorate
are actually not bad.
We could be friends with them.
How do you plan to respond to this accusation?
I won't respond.
Before the culprits are caught,
I won't attend the court.
It's unreasonable.
Dad.
Do you
trust me?
What do you think about Fan Xian's matter?
Be frank.
Is Your Majesty talking about Moon Embracing Pavilion incident?
Anything.
Okay.
I think
there's something fishy about it.
While the court is investigating corruption,
suddenly this Moon Embracing Pavilion incident popped up.
In my opinion,
it seems like a setup.
I can't hear you.
I believe it's a setup.
Do you really think so?
That day,
the people who cheered for Lai Ming Cheng in the court
were from your faction. Why?
Your Majesty.
I swear,
I didn't know about that.
You're getting flustered over such a small matter.
Come.
Sit.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Are you seated firmly now?
Remember,
you must always handle matters with composure.
It's important to be composed in life,
but as a crown prince,
it's even more crucial.
Do you understand?
Are you pretending not to understand?
Go.
Go back and ask your mother.
His Majesty asked you to come and see me?
Yes.
But even if His Majesty didn't,
I wanted to come and visit you too.
As a matter of fact, His Majesty
doesn't care whether you visit me or not.
In His Majesty's heart,
as his queen,
I am probably just a distant memory.
He asked you to come here
because he's afraid you didn't understand him.
Tell me.
What did he tell you?
What else can we say?
Fan Jian and his son got sick together.
Who would believe this nonsense?
No one believes it.
But they said they're ill, we can't force them to attend the court.
If this gets out, it will make us look too harsh.
- What about Fan Si Zhe? - They said he's not in the capital.
Where did he go? Find out for sure and bring him back for questioning.
We don't know where he went. They are ill and not seeing guests.
They can't stay sick forever.
So what should we do now?
Wait.
After all, the murderers of Moon Embracing Pavilion case
haven't been caught yet.
In the meantime, we'll continue investigating corruption.
We won't spare the Fan family or corrupt officials.
Yes, My Lord.
The Moon Embracing Pavilion incident has spread among the people.
There are quite a few suspicions about the Fan family.
Yet, Fan Xian is known as a poetic genius.
Many speculate there's more to this than meets the eye.
It's nice to be able to write poetry.
- Should the murderers be caught? - No rush.
Catching them too soon would seem too contrived.
The Fan family said they are sick.
They are not seeing guests or attending the court.
This can't go on forever.
Are they trying to delay until they catch the murderers?
But if they're ill, they need treatment.
Treatment?
Get the best physicians from the Imperial Hospital
to visit the Fan residence
and check on them.
Will they refuse to see the physician?
If they're really sick and refuse treatment,
it sounds a little unreasonable.
If they're found not to be sick,
they would be deceiving His Majesty.
I'll take care of it.
Why are you defending the Fan family?
Did he ever say he wanted to join your faction?
No.
But after all, he's going against Cheng Ze.
Let them fight it out.
You just watch and stay out of it.
Why bother to get personally involved?
We're somewhat allies after all.
That's why he's saying this to you.
He asked about where you stand
because he wanted you to understand the details of their conflict.
He wanted you to sit firmly
because he didn't want you to interfere
even after comprehending the situation.
Just sit on the sidelines
and watch them fight.
Only by staying aloof from things
can one embody the wisdom to navigate complex situations.
He's teaching you
how to be a crown prince.
Must he make people guess?
Can't he just say it directly?
The emperor's mind is deep and unfathomable.
As for
those who supported Lai Ming Cheng in the court
His Majesty actually knows
it wasn't my idea.
He just wanted to confirm it again.
Who else could it be?
After all, Fan Xian is Chancellor Lin's future son-in-law.
Lin Ruo Fu?
You figured it out?
I know about it.
His Majesty
knows about it too.
You actually understood
His Majesty's advice just now.
You didn't have to ask me.
It's always a pleasure
to hear Mother's teachings.
Since you understood it,
why pretend to be confused?
Mother.
Isn't it a sign of wisdom
for a crown prince to be a little obtuse?
You're the crown prince,
but you're also his son.
In fact, you look a lot like him.
People tend to harm their own kind.
How can you use that phrase here?
In my opinion,
this phrase
will apply sooner or later.
It's been hard for you.
I am the crown prince,
residing in the Eastern Palace,
admired by all,
and envied by my brothers.
How is it hard?
Zi Yue.
Try one. Suit yourself.
My Lord's pastry
is delicious.
Here, it's hot.
It's Ba Ba's favorite.
Come, sit down and eat.
- You don't have to. - Come.
Why aren't you eating? It tastes better when it's hot.
My Lord, I'm on duty.
I'll take it back for a more thorough taste.
Deng Zi Yue, you're still holding back.
You don't trust me?
I'm sorry, I was wrong.
I see.
You still want to see it.
You want to see for yourself if I'm the person worth waking up for.
- Get up. - Yes, My Lord.
Is everything in order in the First Bureau?
Everything is arranged.
The colleagues in the First Bureau are itching to go.
They are all fired up.
Since your confrontation in the court,
everyone has felt immense respect for you, especially me.
I feel like I've found a guiding light.
They don't respect me.
They respect President Chen who is siding with me.
I'm too young to earn their respect.
Maybe for others, but I'm different from them.
- How are you different? - You see,
your leveraging of the Censorate is truly brilliant.
You used the Censorate
to combat corruption.
That's genius.
You're truly resourceful and full of strategies.
Then eat this pastry first.
I think I'll go back and eat.
Pursuant to the rule of the Overwatch Council,
anyone on duty can't eat food from outside the office.
Is that the rule?
Are you afraid of breaking the rules?
Yes.
You've mastered all the bows and niceties,
but you're fixated on a rule that no one cares about.
Deng Zi Yue, you live a very contradictory life.
I'm foolish.
I'll eat at home.
You
Qi Nian, look at him.
If I tried to learn from him, you'd be fed up with me long ago.
We are both pillars of the kingdom.
Indeed.
Xian.
- Xian. - Catch your breath before you speak.
The imperial physician is here.
May I know which physician it is?
Who cares which one it is?
Xian, he said Prince Cheng Ze is worried about the Fan family's illness
and asked him to check on us.
Aunt is leading the way to Dad's room.
- What should we do? - I'll go stop him.
Why would you stop him?
He has to stop him.
Dad looks healthy.
It doesn't look like he's sick.
That's where you're wrong.
Are you upset that our Dad is not sick?
Xian.
Don't worry, Dad will be fine.
When it comes to illness, all you need is sincerity.
Physician Li.
It's not a big deal.
You don't have to come personally.
It's my duty to do so.
Come on, please come this way.
Mind the steps.
Madam, what are you looking for?
Nothing.
Is Minister Fan in the room?
Yes, he is.
I'll check on him.
Would you like some tea first?
No need. Checking on his health is more urgent.
He didn't even come out to stop us.
At least say something.
Nothing. This illness came on suddenly.
We're caught off guard.
Diseases come on horseback. Madam, don't worry.
I'll check on him.
Since the imperial physician is here, it seems the timing is about right.
Let's have the First Bureau leak the news.
Yes, My Lord.
He looks so bad.
Is he terminally ill?
Please calm down.
Xian, is Dad sick?
No. Dad is healthier than me.
Then what should we do?
What if the physician finds out something?
If he's not sick, that's even worse.
That's for sure, that would be deceiving His Majesty.
Ruo Ruo.
Think about it. If he's too unwell to attend the court,
what else could it be
if not an illness?
Minister Fan.
Minister Fan, please stick out your tongue.
Minister Fan, have a good rest.
Minister Fan is not sick.
Oh no.
He was poisoned.
- Poisoned? - He was indeed poisoned.
That's good
Goodness.
Madam, you should be careful.
Thoroughly investigate suspicious individuals in the household.
Yes, you're right.
Let's go. I also want to check on Lord Fan.
You still want to see him?
Since I'm here, might as well.
All right then.
Did you poison Dad?
If we're going to act, we must be convincing.
- Does Dad know? - Of course. How could I keep that from him?
He didn't say anything?
Poison?
Don't worry. I'm a professional at this.
It's completely safe.
It just seems scary because it's very effective.
Smells good.
After all, it's for you.
I've specially formulated it for your tastes.
It's all about being gentle on the throat and effective.
Let me taste it first.
You can drink it when a physician really comes to our house.
Or else, it will be wasted.
It really smells great.
Dad really trusts you.
- Are you going to drink this poison? - Why would I drink it?
The imperial physician will also come to see you.
If I'm poisoned, no one would believe me.
Everyone knows I am Fei Jie's apprentice.
Would everyone suspect you poisoned him?
That's impossible.
A son poisoning his father? Who would believe it?
That's inhumane.
Am I scolding myself?
Not exactly.
You're a poet genius.
A transcendent is not a human.
If you are not a human, you cannot be insulted.
You're still insulting me.
You can even smooth this over.
Fan Xian.
The physician is here!
Are you awake?
Thanks for your hard work.
Thanks for your hard work!
You didn't even drink tea!
Fan Xian!
The physician is here!
Are you awake?
Fan Xian!
Get up and greet the physician!
He's here to treat you!
Fan Xian.
Fan Xian.
Madam, you may spare the formalities.
Lord Fan is ill.
He might have difficulty moving around.
Let's go inside.
Aunt, you're here.
Fan Xian.
This physician came all the way from the Imperial Hospital to treat you.
Thank
- Thank you. - My Lord!
My Lord!
You see.
You were supposed to rest in bed,
yet you insist on getting up.
You said you need to be respectful to your aunt
and show appreciation to the imperial physician.
But why don't you think about your own health?
Don't worry, he's still alive.
Please do what you can for him.
I will try my best.
This pulse
Is he poisoned too?
He's not poisoned.
Has Lord Fan been injured recently?
Has he?
What's wrong?
His energy is disordered.
It doesn't seem like an illness but more like a severe injury.
My Lord!
Have you eaten?
I haven't eaten yet.
Go home and eat.
He's got confused, right?
Who sent you?
Prince Cheng Ze.
Thank him for me.
I will pass on the message.
Aunt.
Make sure the physician eats before he leaves.
I'll inform the chef later.
My Lord!
Lord Fan is weak.
Quickly move him to his room to rest.
I'll write a prescription right now.
Okay.
Thank you.
It's my duty.
There are many good people in the Qing Kingdom.
Would you like to eat before you go?
To be safe, let's go over everything again.
- Come. - Have you ever heard of Moon Embracing Pavilion?
Yes. The one owned by Young Master Fan,
where someone was killed.
Someone saw that Yuan Meng was the manager of Moon Embracing Pavilion.
That's Madam Yuan from Liujing River.
I heard she's Prince Hong Cheng's lover.
Everyone,
make sure to spread this news to every corner of the capital.
This is serious. I'm counting on you.
For the sake of the Qing Kingdom!
For the sake of the Qing Kingdom!
Hurry up.
We have limited time. Don't make any mistakes.
Is that really what he said?
Yes.
The physician reported back that
Fan Jian was poisoned, and Fan Xian was severely injured.
He said, given his years of experience, he won't be wrong.
Fan Jian was poisoned
by Fan Xian.
Fan Xian? No way.
See, you don't even believe it.
How can we convince anyone else?
I get the poisoning,
but how did Fan Xian get injured?
My Lord,
are you really okay?
I'm fine. It's all an act.
What kind of act?
It means putting up a show.
A bit of sunshine will do me good.
Why isn't it sunny today?
Xian.
Here's the prescription from the physician.
The prescription is fine.
The physician knows his stuff.
How did you fool him?
We practice martial arts. Pretending to be injured is a piece of cake.
Awesome.