The ongoing Wuxia C-drama Joy of Life Season 2, starring Zhang Ruoyun, released episode 15 on May 23, 2024. The episode focuses on the censorate member’s death. As Fan Xian and Chen Ping Ping had planned earlier, Fan Xian accuses him of trying to bribe him. Chen Ping Ping presents the piece of ornament he allegedly tried to give Fan Xian. It turns out that it was given to him by none other than the emperor. Seeing that Ping Ping has no respect for his present, the emperor looks visibly displeased. Fan Xian then interrogates Chen Ping Ping about the manor he has been living in temporarily. Ping Ping proudly says that it has been given to him by the Majesty. He vouches that he is not a swindler and that the source of all his fortune can be traced.
Meanwhile, Lai Ming Cheng from the censorate appears in front of the emperor. He accuses the Fan family of illegally owning the moon-embracing pavilion. He claims that it is wrong for imperial officials to own a brothel. Next, Lai Ming Cheng points out the connection between the second prince, Cheng Ze, and the murder that took place at the brothel. Although Fan Jian apologizes for his younger son’s actions, he argues that it is not against the law to open a brothel since he is not an official. Ming Cheng holds him responsible for abusing his power.
Ming Cheng demands that the emperor demote both Fan Jian and Fan Xian as a punishment, but Chancellor Lin opposes the proposal. He convinces the emperor that investigating the murder should be the first priority.
Ming Cheng next targets Cheng Ze for being an accomplice in a murder. The murders of the prostitute were caught by the Overwatch Council and were awaiting justice. Wu Jiu, Cheng Ze’s trusted bodyguard, murdered them in broad daylight.
Joy of Life Season 2 ep 15: Did the emperor demote Zhang Ruoyun?
Cheng Ze falls to his knees and apologizes for trusting a traitor. But he refuses to be an abettor of Wu Jiu’s actions. Besides, Wu Jiu has already admitted to committing the crime on his own. He demands that Ming Cheng can’t hold him responsible, as there is no solid evidence.
Then, in the episode, Ming Cheng presents a list containing the names of the corrupt officials of the kingdom. He claims that Cheng Ze uses the money obtained from smuggling to bribe these officials. He demands a thorough investigation, but the emperor turns down his proposal.
Meanwhile, Fan Wu Jiu takes poison from the cover of the book given to him by Bi An. He starts to bleed from his nose and passes away inside the prison.
The emperor finally breaks his silence and announces his verdict. He grounds Cheng Ze for half a year to reflect on himself. Furthermore, he punishes Fan Xian and his father by reducing their half the year’s wages.
But Ming Cheng is still not satisfied. He also accuses Ping Ping and the Overwatch Council of having unclear laws. He demands that the six ministries handle the laws together. This proposal receives mixed reactions from the officials at the court. Ming Cheng crosses all lines when he accuses the emperor of being inattentive.
This creates turmoil at the court. The imperial officials curse at him and physically attack him. Only Fan Xian and his father stand up for Lai Ming Cheng. The emperor punishes Ming Cheng with flogging. As Fan Xian continues to urge him to reconsider, he instructs that he watch as the censor is flogged.
Fan Xian rushes over to save Lai Ming Cheng. He instructs the executioners to stop beating him, but before he can do anything, Ming Cheng passes away in the pillory.
Joy of Life Season 2 is available for streaming throughout the week on Tencent Video, We TV, Disney Plus, and Viki.
