Film and Television: The Villain's Life Begins with Joy of Life

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Fan Xian's desire to become Zhou Cheng is merely an exaggeration.

But he couldn't deceive himself.

Every word Zhou Cheng had ever said to him had come true.

Thinking of this, his heart turned cold.

The autumn sun shone in from outside the corridor, casting interplay of light and shadow on his face, but it did nothing to warm him.

At this moment, Zhou Cheng walked up to him, stopped, reached out, and patted him on the shoulder.

"I greatly admire Lord Fan for his compassion and concern for the world," Zhou Cheng said, nodding as if acknowledging his admiration.

"Whether Shijia Town exists or not in the future, I am willing to give Lord Fan a gift based solely on his sincere heart."

He withdrew his hand, tucked it into his sleeve, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"You wanted evidence of the Second Prince's smuggling, didn't you? I'll deliver the evidence to your residence in a few days. Whether you burn it or keep it, it's up to you, Lord Fan."

"Your Highness has a very clever plan."

Fan Xian gritted his teeth and stared at him, his voice barely audible, "You clearly have evidence in your hands, yet you wait until they make their move before giving it to me. You want to have evidence against the Second Prince, and also find something on the Crown Prince—what a clever scheme to kill two birds with one stone! Your Highness reaps the benefits while using me as a tool!"

Zhou Cheng looked at him, not annoyed, but just smiled.

"Yes, I'm using you as a weapon." His tone was frank. "This kind of thing isn't suitable for me to do myself. Didn't you see how His Majesty was furious and wanted to depose me after I made a joke in front of him? If I were to expose this scandal, who would be guilty—me or Second Brother? That's hard to say!"

Fan Xian's breath caught in his throat upon hearing this.

He recalled Emperor Qing's reaction at the family banquet earlier.

Zhou Cheng was right. Regardless of right or wrong, his status being involved in such matters would be considered "unfilial" in Emperor Qing's eyes.

But he was different; he was a subject, the Director of the Censorate, and investigating cases was his duty.

"Isn't Your Highness afraid I'll tell the Crown Prince what you said?" Fan Xian stared at him, his voice tinged with a hint of probing. "Maybe saying that will make him change his mind!"

Zhou Cheng chuckled, a hint of disdain in his smile.

"Fan Xian, Fan Xian, although you are our brother, you have had too little contact with us, and you know too little about the Crown Prince." He shook his head. "Just because you believe me doesn't mean the Crown Prince will. His paranoia is exactly the same as our Emperor's. If you really go to his door, he will only make things worse."

He paused, tapping his fingers on his arm, his tone tinged with amusement.

"However, if you go to the Crown Prince, you can easily save Shijia Town. Just kill the Crown Prince, and all the trouble will be over. But, do you dare?"

Fan Xian opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a word.

Honestly, he wouldn't dare!

If he didn't have to pay the price himself, he would naturally choose the people over the crown prince.

But he couldn't bring himself to pay the price for the sake of a few thousand strangers, risking his future and his life.

Zhou Cheng chuckled and glanced at the constantly changing expressions on his face. Without waiting for his reply, he turned around and slowly walked away.

Fan Xian stood still until Zhou Cheng's figure disappeared before he gritted his teeth and moved.

……

Upon leaving the palace, Fan Xian mounted his horse and rode without stopping towards the Fan residence.

The horses' hooves clattered rapidly on the bluestone slabs.

Upon returning to the Fan residence, servants immediately approached, saying that the master wished to see him. Fan Xian paid them no heed, quickly dismissing the servants with a few words. He then chased away all the servants near his room before closing the door and calling out in a low voice:

"Uncle! Are you there? Uncle!"

Before the call could be made a second time, a dark figure silently fell from the roof beam and landed in front of Fan Xian.

"I am here."

Upon seeing Wu Zhu, Fan Xian breathed a long sigh of relief.

"Uncle! How does your travel speed compare to that of a flying pigeon?"

"Flying pigeons?" Wu Zhu tilted his head, as if pondering something. "Never tried. But if I see one, I can catch up and shoot it down. However, if it's just about getting somewhere quickly, flying pigeons are faster than me."

"Ah!" Fan Xian's face was immediately filled with disappointment.

But then Wu Zhu changed the subject: "However, pigeons travel by day and rest by night, so they need to rest. I don't need to. If the journey is long enough, I should be able to travel faster than pigeons."

"Damn it! Are you kidding me, Uncle!" Fan Xian's eyes widened, and he excitedly hugged Wu Zhu tightly, patting his back hard before letting go. He said urgently, "Uncle! I need your help! There's a town called Shi Family Town over on the border..."

He quickly recounted the whole story. Wu Zhu listened, simply nodding without asking a single question.

"I'll go," he said.

"It's all up to you, Uncle!"

As soon as Fan Xian finished speaking, Wu Zhu nodded and disappeared from the spot.

Fan Xian watched the figure rapidly shrinking outside the window, still feeling uneasy but also relieved.

He has done all he could. He has done what he could. He has done right by his conscience.

He dragged his weary body to the table and poured himself a glass of cold tea.

Despite not being in a duel with a master, a family dinner left him feeling more physically and mentally exhausted than if he had faced a real expert.

Fan Jian's voice came through the door, filled with resentment:

"You came back to the capital and didn't even go home, instead you went straight to Prince Cheng's residence. You brat, do you even respect your father?"

Fan Xian slapped his forehead and stood up with a bitter face.

……

One hour later.

Fan Jian sat in the study, his eyes still red.

Fan Xian had just told him about Ruoruo's time in Northern Qi, and also said that he would always be surnamed Fan, never Li.

Upon hearing this, Fan Jian burst into tears, and the unease he had felt vanished in that instant.

Fan Xian had to use all his persuasion to convince Fan Jian to go back and rest.

He had just closed the door and was about to lie down and catch his breath—

"Young Master, someone from Prince Cheng's residence has arrived," a servant announced from outside the door.

Fan Xian sat up abruptly, his face turning ashen.

"Damn it! Can't a person even breathe? This lunatic's never going to stop!"

He grumbled as he put on his outer robe and strode outside.

We arrived at the gate of the mansion.

A luxuriously decorated carriage was parked on one side of the gate, bearing the insignia of the Prince Cheng's Mansion.

Fan Xian stood on the steps and shouted irritably at the carriage:

"Your Highness, is there something you haven't finished saying in the palace? Why have you come here?"

He's in a bad mood right now.

Considering his adoptive father's feelings, he really didn't want to have much contact with any of the princes.

However, Zhou Cheng's carriage blocked the door, making it impossible for him to refuse to see him.

Just as Fan Xian thought Zhou Cheng would emerge from the carriage, a strange female voice rang out from inside. It was clear, charming, and carried a hint of embarrassment.

"Yes...you are Lord Fan, right? I am His Highness's...concubine. I heard you brought back a girl surnamed Shen from Northern Qi. May I ask where she is?"

Fan Xian was taken aback.

He hadn't expected that the person who arrived would be Zhou Cheng's woman. He subconsciously glanced at the carriage; the curtains were drawn, obscuring the person inside.

A girl surnamed Shen?

Fan Xian frowned.

He did indeed bring back a woman surnamed Shen when he returned from Northern Qi.

It was none other than Shen Wan'er, the younger sister of Shen Zhong, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard of Northern Qi.

Yan Bingyun infiltrated Northern Qi to carry out espionage activities, and Shen Wan'er fell in love with him at first sight.

Even after Yan Bingyun's identity as a spy was exposed, she remained devoted to him.

He exploited Shen Wan'er's feelings for Yan Bingyun to obtain crucial information, which provided him with a key breakthrough in bringing down Shen Zhong.

Before his death, Shen Zhong entrusted him with taking Shen Wan'er to the Qing Kingdom to settle her down.

Shen Wan'er's existence was a secret within the delegation, known only to a few people, including her confidants Wang Qinian and Gao Da.

Teng Zijing didn't accompany him on this mission again, and he couldn't understand where Zhou Cheng got the information from!

"What is your relationship to Miss Shen?" Fan Xian asked.

Since they've already come knocking on my door, denying it probably won't do any good. He was more curious as to why Zhou Cheng's concubine would come looking for Shen Wan'er.

"I... I'm someone she knew... uh, a friend. Anyway, you don't need to worry about it, just tell me where Wan'er is!"

The sounds from inside the carriage were somewhat urgent, and the curtains swayed slightly, as if the people inside couldn't sit still any longer.

The person in this carriage was none other than Zhan Yuanyuan.

Shen Wan'er was her best friend whom she had grown up with since childhood, and one of her few closest friends.

She only came to find Shen Wan'er because she heard from Zhou Cheng that Shen Zhong had died and that Shen Wan'er had followed Fan Xian to the capital of Qing Kingdom.

She stayed in Kyoto with Zhou Cheng and was quite happy every day, but sometimes she couldn't help but miss the people and things in Qi.

Upon learning of Shen Wan'er's ordeal, she first felt heartache, and then a sense of excitement.

Because Shen Wan'er is here, besides Si Lili, she can now have another fellow villager and best friend by her side.

As for Shen Wan'er's so-called tragic love affair with Yan Bingyun—hey, let that irresponsible scum get out of here!

Knowing Yan Bingyun's attitude and actions towards Shen Wan'er, Zhan Yuanyuan looked down on him a thousand times over!

"Just friends?" Fan Xian descended the steps to the carriage. "You should know Miss Shen's identity. To be her friend is no simple matter! I'm entrusted to take care of Miss Shen. If you don't clearly state your background, please forgive me for not being able to comply!"

He began to probe indirectly.

To be honest, the fact that the other party claimed to be Shen Wan'er's friend made him curious.

Shen Wan'er is, after all, Shen Zhong's younger sister, and not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry is qualified to be her friend.

The appearance of a friend of Shen Wan'er in the capital of Qing Kingdom, who even claimed to be Zhou Cheng's concubine, is quite intriguing.

He suspected that the woman in the carriage was involved in Zhou Cheng's business dealings with Northern Qi.

He wanted to find evidence of the Second Prince's smuggling activities with Northern Qi. If he could also find evidence of Zhou Cheng's dealings with Northern Qi, he wouldn't let the opportunity pass.

"Ugh! Why are you so annoying!" The voice from inside the carriage rose a few decibels, clearly impatient. "Just let Wan'er come see me! Once she sees me, she'll come with me. No need for Lord Fan to take care of her!"

Fan Xian's lips twitched.

Is a concubine really that temperamental?

After Zhan Yuanyuan finished speaking, she seemed to realize that her tone was a bit harsh.

After Zhan Yuanyuan finished speaking, she seemed to realize that her tone was a bit harsh.

Her voice sounded somewhat embarrassed:

"Lord Fan, please do me a favor! His Highness said you're a good person, so he certainly won't make things difficult for me! I just want to meet Wan'er! Once we meet, I won't harm Wan'er; let her choose for herself. But if you, Lord Fan, prevent me from meeting Wan'er, and she finds out later, she might hold a grudge against you!"

Fan Xian frowned and thought for a moment.

He didn't care that Shen Wan'er blamed him. After all, he was the one who killed Shen Zhong, and Shen Wan'er already harbored hatred towards him.

He just felt that letting Shen Wan'er choose for herself wasn't unreasonable.

He could also take advantage of the meeting to find out the identity of the visitor.

With that in mind, he agreed.

Shen Wan'er followed the delegation to the capital and is now temporarily settled in the Observatory.

The thought of having to rush to the Censorate again made Fan Xian sigh inwardly.

Since he stepped into Kyoto, he had barely stopped, not even having time to catch his breath. However, his trip to the Censorate would be a good opportunity to meet Chen Pingping.

He didn't see Fan Jian immediately upon his return, and Fan Jian was full of complaints. Chen Pingping had treated him well, so it wouldn't be right not to meet him sooner.

"Let's go," he sighed. "I'll take you there."

He summoned his own carriage and led the way. The two carriages, one after the other, sped towards the Imperial Censorate amidst the rumbling of their wheels.

……

The inspection office, the back courtyard wing.

Shen Wan'er followed Yan Bingyun with her head down, step by step, like a soulless puppet.

Since she took a sword for Yan Bingyun, Yan Bingyun's attitude towards her has improved. Although he is still neither warm nor cold, he is no longer as aloof as before.

But now that his attitude has improved, she feels conflicted and extremely upset.

Her beloved older brother, Shen Zhong, died because of Yan Bingyun. And she, in pursuit of so-called love, caused the death of her brother.

She felt remorse and confusion. For the past month, she had not known how to face Yan Bingyun, nor how to forgive herself.

Yan Bingyun walked ahead, arranged accommodation for her, and had bedding and toiletries prepared.

He glanced back at her and saw her with her head down, her face blank and helpless. Even her usually cold eyes couldn't help but show a hint of affection.

No matter how hard-hearted he is, how could he refuse a girl who is willing to give everything for him, even her life?

He opened his mouth, about to ask her if there was anything else she needed—

"Lord Yan! Someone is looking for Miss Shen outside!" A clerk from the Censorate hurried over, clasped his hands in greeting, and reported.

Yan Bingyun frowned almost imperceptibly and glanced at Shen Wan'er. Shen Wan'er looked up, also with a blank expression.

The two quickly followed the clerk to the gate of the Imperial Censorate.

Two carriages were parked outside the door, and Fan Xian was standing next to the luxurious carriage in the back.

Shen Wan'er naturally saw Fan Xian, but she didn't see anyone else.

She was new to the capital, and who would want to see her?

"Wan'er, it's me!"

At that moment, a voice rang out from the luxurious carriage, clear, charming, and filled with barely suppressed joy.

Shen Wan'er's body trembled violently, and her eyes widened rapidly.

That sound!

She stared incredulously into the carriage. The curtains were drawn, obscuring the people inside, but through the gaps, she could still make out a familiar silhouette.

"Father...father...father..."

Her lips trembled, and she could barely speak.

During her last few months in Qi, she never saw Zhan Yuanyuan.

She visited the palace several times, but the reply she received was always, "The eldest princess is unwell and cannot see anyone."

At that time, she thought it was because of Shen Zhong that the young emperor forbade Zhan Yuanyuan from seeing or interacting with her.

But to her utter surprise, half a year later, she found herself far from her homeland, in the capital of the Qing Kingdom, thousands of miles away, where she met her best friend!

"I...I'm not dreaming, am I?" Her voice was trembling, and her eyes instantly reddened.

She instinctively walked forward, wanting to get closer to the carriage.

Yan Bingyun grabbed her arm and stared warily at the carriage.

"Hehe! Surprised? Of course it's me!"

Zhan Yuanyuan slightly rose from inside the car, leaned close to the gap in the curtain, and revealed a pair of bright, playful eyes.

"But I can't show my face! Wan'er, get in the carriage and come with me. In Kyoto, I'll protect you!"

Shen Wan'er glanced at Yan Bingyun, then at Fan Xian, and then looked around. All she saw were unfamiliar faces, unfamiliar streets, and unfamiliar everything.

Shen Wan'er looked at Yan Bingyun one last time, just as Yan Bingyun was looking over as well.

The two stared at each other, Shen Wan'er biting her lip tightly.

"I can go with her, or I can stay..."

Yan Bingyun looked at her and remained silent for a moment. Then he released her hand without saying a word.

Shen Wan'er's eyes instantly reddened.

She knew that the other person had begun to slowly respond to her feelings.

Despite all she had given, even at this point, the man still couldn't firmly choose her.

She pursed her lips, lowered her head, and turned to get into the carriage.

The moment the curtain was lifted, Fan Xian's gaze swept across the carriage—a young woman, dressed in red like a sunset, with exquisite features.

The moment the curtain was lifted, Fan Xian's gaze swept across the carriage—a young woman, dressed in red like a sunset, with exquisite features.

He memorized that face.

Then he confirmed—he didn't know him.

But he had to admit that Zhou Cheng had a really good eye for women. Sang Wen, Si Lili, and now the woman in front of him were all rare beauties with stunning looks.

"It's really troublesome for you, Lord Fan! His Highness is right, you are truly a good person!"

Zhan Yuanyuan's cheerful voice came from inside the carriage, and then the curtain fell.

Fan Xian's face twitched involuntarily.

Instead of the joy of a long-awaited reunion, the carriage was filled with sobs and words of comfort.

The carriage started moving with a rumble and quickly disappeared into the setting sun.

At the entrance of the Forensic Academy, Yan Bingyun was still standing there, staring blankly in the direction where the carriage had disappeared.

Fan Xian walked over and patted him on the shoulder.

"They gave you a chance to stay, but you didn't say anything. Now that they're gone, what's the point of looking?"

Yan Bingyun turned around expressionlessly, her cold face conveying the message "keep away."

Fan Xian sighed, his tone carrying a hint of seasoned experience: "But don't be discouraged. That girl has already traveled all this way with you; she can't go any further! You should wait until Miss Shen is settled, then quickly find a way to arrange a meeting and properly appease her. At least let her see your attitude!"

He paused, then changed the subject, lowering his voice slightly.

"But before that, Lord Yan, I need to do you a favor. You saw Prince Cheng's concubine in the carriage just now, and I feel that woman is not simple. You know a lot about the intelligence of Northern Qi, so please help me find out her identity."