After much anticipation, the second season of Joy of Life has finally set its start date (May 16, 2024). The trailer was also released recently. Based on the original novel, the main storylines of the second season include the corruption scandal during the Spring Imperial Exam, the censors' impeachment, the assassination at the Xuankong Temple, and the Jiangnan mission to take down the Ming family. The teaser, which is two minutes long and packed with information, centers on these events.
The teaser opens with Emperor Qing running frantically. This scene follows the events at the end of the first season. After hearing that Fan Xian was stabbed to death by Yan Bingyun, the emperor's usual regal demeanor vanishes as he reveals his genuine fatherly concern for Fan Xian, demonstrating that despite all the pressures and conflicts, he has some real affection for him. However, this stabbing is likely an original plotline of the drama, orchestrated by Fan Xian himself to deceive Emperor Qing and Chen Pingping. As revealed by the Northern Qi Princess, he wasn't actually dead.
Lin Wan'er's festive makeover hints at her wedding ceremony with Fan Xian. In the novel, they were married before Fan Xian's initial journey to Northern Qi. This adaptation probably aims to use their wedding as a plot point to trigger conflicts.
In a scene where Fan Xian caresses a stone monument under the light, it is shown that Ye Qingmei personally erected it for the Overwatch Council. The inscription reads: “I hope that in this world, there will be no more oppression. All those born in this world should have the right to live, the right to freedom, and the right to happiness. May there come a day when all are born equal, with no distinctions between rich and poor. Protect life, pursue the light, live equally, and everyone will be as strong as dragons.”
A portrait of Ye Qingmei is also shown in the series, depicting her as a girl with a box, different from the compassionate figure in yellow standing by the riverbank in the novel. Fan Xian, understanding his mother's concerns over the floods harming the people, devotes himself to water management later on.
As in the first season, where the Crown Prince and the Second Prince's envoy petitioned at the banquet, Fan Xian becomes the chief examiner for the Spring Imperial Exam. This role allows Fan Xian to recruit his own students. On results day, candidates rush to see their scores. One of the names on the list, Hou Jichang, becomes one of Fan Xian's students. From the leaked photos, it appears that one of the four original students, Cheng Jialin, was omitted, possibly due to character overlap with Yang Wanli.
Initially, all these students admired Fan Xian, the “poet immortal.” In the novel, Yang Wanli later becomes an upright official overseeing flood management, Shi Chanli helps Sang Wen run Fan Xian's intelligence network at Baiyue Lou, and Hou Jichang eventually betrays Fan Xian after sensing a change in the political winds.
Fan Sizhe unveils two main topics: lifelong happiness and treasury bonds, seemingly in the same setting. It's likely that Fan Xian issued modern-style bonds for his wedding preparations with Lin Wan'er to address the deficit caused by the long-term embezzlement of the princess, who had controlled the imperial treasury for years, funding her private army and connections.
The much-discussed “Battle of the Immortals” from the teaser is likely the core plotline of the second season, referring to the Xuankong Temple assassination. What does it mean? When a well-orchestrated plan suddenly encounters unpredictable variables beyond logic, it creates a situation that even the gods can't control.
The assassination at the chrysanthemum banquet in Xuankong Temple was initially Chen Pingping's way to test Emperor Qing, suspecting him of being a grandmaster. However, various factions took advantage of the opportunity, complicating the assassination attempt. Ultimately, Fan Xian benefits the most.
The pitiable figure punished at the court with a cane is most likely the Censor Lai, played by Bi Yanjun. Stirred up by the princess's faction, the censors, including Lai, run to impeach Fan Xian in front of Emperor Qing, accusing him of colluding with foreign enemies and immorality. Emperor Qing plays along, and they kneel to plead, forcing the emperor into an awkward position.
The core issue is that this group, including the princess, still doesn't know that Fan Xian is Emperor Qing's son. In the end, the poor, outspoken Lai Censor is beaten half to death.
Let's fill in the gaps with some of the new characters previously not mentioned. Lady Wang is Wang Qinian's wife. In the novel, she's a fierce character, but not much is written about her. In the series, she's played by Gao Luo, a popular actress known for her “wife” roles, suggesting she'll have a significant impact on the plot.
Yu Ailei plays Deng Ziyue, who doesn't seem like a good guy at first glance. However, in the novel, he's the second-in-command of Fan Xian's team and a trusted confidant.
Wang Qingxiang portrays Ye Liuyun, who is expected to obstruct Fan Xian's Jiangnan mission against the Ming family. Despite being a grandmaster, supposedly detached from worldly concerns, he's connected to the Junshan Society organized by the Ming family matriarch. The novel ironically reveals that even grandmasters need to provide for their families and that their training requires money.
Fan Ruoruo is played by Song Yi, who reprises her role from the first season, much to the audience's delight. Her aiming with a bamboo rod is a clear indication that she will become a sniper trained by Wuzhu, providing crucial firepower for Fan Xian's revenge against Emperor Qing.
Emperor Qing is extremely cautious and suspicious. Although he's unaware of the Barrett MA821 sniper rifle specifically, he understands the power of firearms and suspects their connection to gunpowder. Throughout the series, Emperor Qing is often seen sharpening arrowheads and shooting arrows, testing the strength of his chest guard. This preparation helps him avoid a fatal injury from Ruo Ruo's sniper rifle.
With imperial tactics, grandmaster-level skill, and wisdom far beyond his time, Emperor Qing emerges as the most powerful man in “Joy of Life” and the most charismatic ultimate villain.
