The ongoing Wuxia C-drama Joy of Life Season 2, starring Zhang Ruoyun, released its first set of episodes on May 16, 2024. It is a sequel to the popular 2019 series Joy of Life. Fan Xian (Zhang Ruoyun) is the illegitimate son of a minister who has vague memories from a distant time. The story follows him as he attempts to establish himself as worthy of the capital. Episode one focuses on the aftermath of Fan Xian’s death.
As Professor Ye sits at the library, working on some historical documents, she is approached by several people, asking her if Fan Xian has truly passed away. The repeated questions make her agitated. She takes her frustration out on Zhang Qing, who has come to visit her. Zhang Qing presents her with the finished draft that will answer all her questions.
Fan Xian and Yan Bing Yuo (Xiao Zhan) attempt to protect Mr. Fei and are surrounded by assassins. But in a complicated turn of events, Yan Bing Yuo, his trusted companion, stabs him in the back, leaving him to die. The news of Fan Xian’s untimely demise causes huge turmoil in the capital. The capital receives the news that he has passed away from illness and has already been cremated.
When Fan Jian, the Minister of Revenue, hears about his son’s alleged death, he demands to see his body. He blames the president for putting his life in danger. Furthermore, he blames him for making him take over the overwatch council and sending him to Northern Qi. The president vows to punish the guilty and serve justice. The emperor falls silent in sorrow after hearing about Fan Xian’s death. Meanwhile, he receives a second pigeon post that reveals the actual reason behind his passing.
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Joy of Life Season 2 ep 1: Zhang Ruoyun’s death causes a stir in the capital
Meanwhile, Yan Bing Yuo immediately cremates Fan Xian’s body as he fears that Mr. Fei’s autopsy will reveal the truth. He justifies his action by saying that he had to kill him to protect the Qing Kingdom. Fan Xian deserved the punishment for opposing the prince.
Several members of the court, including the president and the second prince, suspect that Fan Xian is faking his death to escape. The emperor had sent the tiger army to protect him. So, it does not make sense why Gao Da did not arrest the perpetrator immediately. The president announces that Fan Xian’s action will be considered treason. The second prince believes that Fan Xian has hidden his tracks and will return to the capital.
But in reality, Fan Xian did not die at all. Yan Bing Yuo had conspired with him in secret to fake his death. They had used a flexible sword and chicken blood to make it look real. Furthermore, Qi Nian dug a tunnel underneath the cremation chamber to get him out. Also, Yan Bing Yuo, a loyal servant of the emperor, schemes to take out the second prince, Li Cheng Ze. He is a traitor whose intentions are harmful to the kingdom.
Joy of Life Season 2 is available for streaming throughout the week on Tencent Video, Disney Plus, and Viki.
