Joy of Life (庆余年)

You make it sound like

I'm going to go against His Majesty.

This is out of your control.

Uncle... - Enough chit-chat.

You've said your goodbye outside the city,

doing it again is too much.

Take good care of Wan Er.

I'll take responsibility for the palace guards' outing this time.

What does my palace guard drill have to do with you?

Drill?

I recently realized

that the palace guards haven't had enough drills over the years.

How can they handle real battles if this goes on?

Today's trip out of the capital is a practice

of marching over long distances and breaking through obstacles.

Thank you. - For what?

I'm just training my soldiers.

It has nothing to do with you.

Cheng Ru, why are you with him?

We just ran into each other.

Is something wrong?

Is it about my father...

We just had a small problem.

I wouldn't call the Black Cavalry charging a small problem.

Fortunately, his status as the chief inspector helped.

Everything is well now?

This is all thanks to His Highness's help.

No need to thank me. The Black Cavalry doesn't respect the palace guards.

Only you could have resolved today's danger.

Thank you, Cheng Ru.

We're family. No need for that.

Even though there's no need for thanks between us,

this concerns my father's life.

Fan Xian,

I owe you a life.

Husband and wife are as one.

Your life is my life.

We aren't married yet.

Where do you think you're going to run off to?

His Majesty has summoned Prince Cheng Ru and Fan Xian to the palace.

So soon?

If Father is furious, just blame it on me

and say it was my idea to see Chancellor Lin off.

No way. - That's defying an imperial decree. You can't handle that.

His Majesty's decree was for Chancellor Lin to retire to the countryside.

I haven't heard of any other decree.

Take Da Bao home when he wakes up.

Don't worry, I'll be fine.

I'll come to the palace with you.

Then we're done for.

Allow me to guide you there, gentlemen.

Where is Father waiting for us?

In the Imperial Study.

This way, please.

If it's grave offence,

the Ministry of Justice will be waiting to apprehend you.

Since he's not meeting us in the hall, it's a good sign.

Eunuch Hong.

Can I have some of the food?

Halt.

You're quite relaxed.

If His Majesty wants to behead me,

I can't die hungry.

Want some?

One of us full is enough.

Think about what to say later.

I'm not afraid.

I've already died once.

What's wrong?

He might have twisted his ankle. It's all right, you go ahead.

I'll help him fix it.

After His Majesty learned the news, he showed no emotion.

He ate two or three pieces of the pastries

sent by the imperial kitchen earlier.

His Majesty never touches pastries

when he's angry.

That's brave of you to tell me.

Aren't you afraid of being executed?

I haven't forgotten your kindness to me.

Your Majesty, they're waiting for you.

Summon Prince Cheng Ru.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Highness, His Majesty has summoned you.

Father. - I heard you've been close with Fan Xian recently.

Yes, it's true.

I want to know,

are you here to plead for him

or to excuse yourself?

I want to plead for both of us.

Why do you want to plead for him?

I find him agreeable.

Agreeable?

Come.

Sit.

Sit.

Why do you find him agreeable?

He values loyalty and righteousness.

He values loyalty and righteousness, but what about others?

Many officials in the capital prioritize fame and profit,

few value loyalty.

Your Majesty,

Minister of Revenue Fan Jian requests an audience.

Let him wait. - Yes, Your Majesty.

You said few officials value loyalty.

Do you know why?

No, I don't.

Li Cheng Ru,

you're an honest man.

It's better you don't understand.

I've spent years stationed at the border,

so my vision and knowledge are limited.

Limited is good,

it keeps you at peace.

You may go.

Yes, Father.

Bring in Fan Jian and his son.

Yes, Your Majesty.

President, can I stop wiping now?

Keep wiping.

We've been waiting for too long, President.

Your Majesty, I've come to apologize.

What wrong have you done?

Leaving the capital without permission and mobilizing the Black Cavalry.

Your Majesty,

this is the roster of Chancellor Lin's former retainers and acquaintances,

handed over to me before he left for his hometown.

I present it to Your Majesty.

Fan Jian,

why have you come here?

Well, I...

What do you have up your sleeve?

What do you need a ruler for?

Fan Xian defied the imperial decree.

He left the capital and mobilized the Black Cavalry without permission.

I was so furious when I heard about it.

The Fan family has always served loyally.

How did we produce such a rebellious son?

How do you intend to punish him?

I intend to discipline him

with family punishment.

Granted.

Beat him.

You rebellious son!

You rebellious son, you're driving me mad!

I'm going to beat you to death today!

I'm going to beat you to death today!

You rebellious son!

Fan Jian.

If I don't beat you to death today,

how can I face His Majesty? You...

That's enough. You can drop the act.

President Chen.

All right, that's enough.

Fan Xian is fine.

Fan Xian is fine.

Really?

Why have you been looking so grim then?

You scared me.

A word of advice,

don't be presumptuous.

I'll keep it in mind.

I'll go back and wait for Lord Fan then.

Since you're here,

run an errand for me before you go.

What is it?

Someone from the Sixth Bureau was killed?

Yes, I'll have to trouble you to go check it out for me.

It's no trouble,

but given the distance from here to the capital,

shouldn't our local colleagues handle this?

That's true,

but we're short-handed now, and you're experienced.

Just take a look for me.

Is there something special about this case?

I'm waiting for you to come back and tell me.

I'll go right away.

Leave from the south gate.

Someone will be waiting for you at Liujiapo.

I'll be quick.

I don't care

about Chancellor Lin.

I summoned you

to tell you something.

Fan Xian,

it's time for you to get married.

Pardon me? - It's time for you, Fan Xian, to get married.

You mean my marriage with Wan Er?

Do you want to marry someone else?

No, Wan Er is fine.

Good.

You will marry in three days.

Three days?

Is that enough time?

Get the money from the Ministry of Rites.

We'll make up for it afterwards.

Your Majesty, this isn't in accordance with the rules.

Fan Jian, Fan Xian,

listen carefully.

This marriage isn't just your family matter,

it's a kingdom affair.