Original subtitles

Proletarian internationalism is built on the notion of seeking truth from facts.

Only when you stand firmly,

insisting on seeking the truth from facts

can socialist modernization

move forward.

We can now enter university!

What has been undergoing, as a practice, is the only discussion we will have to examine the truth.

More practically, the core argument is to emancipate the mind.

Whether or not...

[Like a Flowing River]

[Episode 1]

Timing and subtitles brought to you by The River of Life Team @Viki

My calculation is right.

Xiao Hui!

Xiao Hui!

Sister, why did you come here?

Our college entrance exam results are out.

Did we pass?

Anyway, I passed.

Well... what about me?

What's wrong? Still not happy with being placed first in the county?

Do you need to be first in the province?

Then what about the rest of us who have only studied until high school?

Sister, did I really come first in the whole county?

I saw the exam results myself!

You really did place first in the county.

Xiao Hui, if you want to laugh, then laugh. If you want to shout, then shout.

There is no one else on this mountain.

Sister, look.

"Leading cadres at all levels should support young people in applying for college."

"During the political review, focus will be placed on individual performance."

"Choosing talents for the establishment of the four modernization plans." [Chinese national project in the 1970's and 1980's to modernize agriculture, national defense, science, and technology]

"This concerns our country's grand undertaking that will last for ages to come."

This is a news report on People's Daily.

When you read it for me,

I memorized it.

Xiao Hui, we have passed.

We have gotten into college!

Let's go!

Let's go! Time to eat!

- Mother! - Mother, we're home!

- Go and wash your hands - It's so hot! So tasty. - You child...

- I'm hungry. - Seriously...

Ping Ping, if you still didn't come, your younger brother would be eating everything.

You're still eating with your hands! You're almost a college student. Be careful of getting laughed at by other students once you're in college.

It hurts!

Dad.

- Ping Ping. - Yes?

- Bring me some alcohol. - Okay.

- Dad. - Thanks.

Sister, you told me to wash my hands but why haven't you washed yours? Come and wash your hands!

Wash... Let's all wash.

Come.

Let's eat, let's eat!

- Xiao Hui. - Yes.

Drink some alcohol with me today.

Quickly go and get your dad a cup.

Okay.

Here, Dad.

Lift your cup up.

You did well on your exams.

Ping Ping, you did well, too.

- Quickly eat some vegetables. - Quickly eat some rice.

Xiao Hui will only drink that much. Don't let him drink anymore.

Today, when I went out, everyone kept telling me that our family was blessed.

We simultaneously have two college students in this house.

They still don't know that Xiao Hui came first in the county. If they knew,

I don't know how jealous they would be.

You didn't tell anyone else, did you?

I didn't tell anyone in town. I just told the women's director of the Back Mountain Brigade.

She is usually quite nice to Xiao Hui. When she heard the news, she was so excited!

- That's good then. - Is Xiao Hui home?

Director Yang!

- The whole family is eating together? - Yes.

- I came at a wrong time. As if I deliberately came to have a free meal. - Come eat with us.

Ping Ping, go and get a bowl for Director Yang.

- I'll go get the food. Xiao Hui, can you go next door to get a chair? - Okay.

Ping Ping, don't bother. I have to go to a meeting in town soon.

I came to give you Xiao Hui's materials for the political review.

- Quickly hand it in this afternoon. - Thank you, Director Yang.

Xiao Hui, once you're in college, remember to come to visit us at the Back Mountain Brigade.

- I will! - Okay then, just continue eating.

I have to go now.

- You're leaving already? - Yes.

- Director Yang, travel safely. - Slow down.

- Goodbye! Goodbye! - Thank you, Director Yang!

Director Yang is very nice.

Dad.

[Archives]

Okay. I'll go to the town's revolutionary committee to submit it.

Dad, no need. I will go and deliver it this afternoon.

I think it's best that I go.

Dad, I will go with sister this afternoon to hand it in.

Don't worry.

You're Song Jishan's children?

With your family background, you still want to go to college?

Universities that are pro-social democracy were not established for people like you.

But both of us got grades beyond the required minimum.

My little brother is number one in the county.

Who knows if you cheated to become first place.

- I didn't. - Enough.

- I have no time to explain things to you two. Just go. - But—

Remember this. For universities that are pro-social democracy, you can't enter.

Who's your dad?

Go!

Xiao Hui, you go back first.

What about you?

I'll find a way.

I'll accompany you.

No need. I can do it on my own.

Give me your political review documents.

Go home first.

- Sister... - Don't worry.

Go.

Why are you still not going out to eat?

Director Li.

I'm done writing the explanation material you asked me to do.

Come, please take a look.

You have been part of the rebel faction and did a lot as one for so many years.

You were able to explain everything with just one page?

Right...

All these are just a generalizations.

There are still a lot of details.

I'll write them all down in the coming days.

Go home and write it then.

Okay...

Director Li.

My little brother and I both passed the college entrance exam.

I came to deliver the political review documents.

You've passed the college entrance exam? Who are you?

I'm from our town. My name is Song Yunping.

My little brother Song Yunhui got the county's top spot.

I heard that our town got the top spot in the county. So, it's your little brother.

You need anything?

I have to trouble you to help us submit these materials to the county.

Okay. Just leave it there.

[Archives File]

Thank you, Director Li!

Xiao Hui?

Sister.

Why are you still here?

I'm worried about you.

- How did it go? - You guess.

- You've submitted it? - Yes.

Director Li didn't say anything

and just accepted our materials.

That person who wouldn't accept our materials

must be one of the three types of person that have lost power as said in the broadcast.

He himself is even writing a self-criticism.

Sister, you're really capable.

- Let's go home. - Let's go.

Sister.

Why are you running away?

I'm running?

We are in a pro-social democracy country.

I came from a poor and lower-middle peasant background.

I'm running away?

Why would I run?

What do you want to do?

We're not afraid of you.

Look at how arrogant you are.

Director Li said that you yourself have issues to explain.

You still want to bully people?

Everyone, don't let him get away.

Why do you like saying empty brags?

You're bullying people!

You still want to bully people until now?!

Let's go.

Move!

Song Jishan, look at the good children you've raised.

I'll go help mother cook first.

Dad, we didn't do anything wrong today.

It's true. It was that person.

That person wants to harm us.

Which person?

What does that person do?

That bad person who wouldn't accept our political review materials.

You don't even know what his name is.

You already assume that he's a bad person.

That person's surname is Lei. He's our town's cadre.

A few years ago, he managed all the major and minor matters of our town.

He's the fiercest when it comes to arguments.

As the old saying goes, "Villains are hard to offend."

Our family can't bear to offend a person like him.

Dad, what era is it already? Why are you still afraid of a person like that?

Still answering back?

Xiao Hui, how can you speak to father like that?

Dad.

He's insensible, so are you.

You think I don't know? Xiao Hui isn't that bold.

If you didn't take the lead, would he create such huge trouble?

Xiao Hui, would you be going back to the Back Mountain Brigade today?

- I've prepared a sack of sweet potatoes. Take them back with you later. - Okay.

Go and eat first.

Ping Ping, you eat first, too.

Husband, let's eat.

When you're back at the brigade, focus on working.

All of them there are quite nice to you.

We must know to repay kindness.

I got it, Sister.

I also didn't want to answer back to father today.

I know.

If you are unhappy about anything from now on,

just tell me.

Sister, we must enter university

and lead father and mother out of this town.

In the future, we'll go to Shanghai.

Go to Shanghai. We surely can.

Okay already, Sister. Just walk me until here.

Travel slowly.

Go back now.

Old Macaque!

I heard that you got treated unfairly in the town center today.

- Which eye of yours saw me being untreated unfairly? - Still being hard mouthed.

We all heard about it.

Indeed.

- Get lost. - We all heard about it.

Cadre Lei.

- You know me? - I do.

Before,

I'd heard of you.

I also recognize you, Song Jishan.

Why did you seek me?

Not convenient to say it here? Then, let's go.

- Let's change to some place more private. - Okay.

Just say it.

I still haven't eaten.

Cadre Lei,

today, those two children of mine...

were insensible. They didn't know to speak properly and offended you.

Please do not put it to heart.

The children were insensible,

but is the adult insensible, too?

These are two sets of herbs.

It can help to nourish your body.

What herbs?

I can see that you have dark eye bags

and your hair is thinning out.

Although I haven't checked your pulse, just by observing, you seem to

have a weak spleen and kidneys.

These are Chinese foxgloves, Cornelian cherries,

and tuckahoes. Pair them with some Chinese yams.

Cook it every day and drink it. It will be good for you.

Thanks then.

Cadre Lei, regarding the matter today,

please have mercy and don't lower yourself to the level of those children.

Additionally, don't file a complaint about them in town.

I beg you.

Okay already.

You think I will make a big fuss about those children?

Go now.

I still haven't eaten.

Xiao Hui!

Director Yang!

Busy?

You're here so early.

Xiao Hui, I heard about something. I rushed to tell it to you.

I heard that

regarding the matter of you and your sister passing the college entrance exam, someone filed a complaint about it in the town center.

Who?

I also don't know.

Don't bother with who filed the complaint first.

Quickly go to the town center and ask if the political review materials

have been submitted already or not.

Okay. I'll go after feeding the pigs.

Don't feed them anymore. I'll tell my eldest son to feed them instead.

Quickly go.

Thank you, Director.

Xiao Hui,

you should mentally prepare yourself.

Leading cadres at all levels should support young people in applying for college.

During the political review, focus will be placed on individual performance.

Choosing talents for the establishment of the four modernization plans,

this concerns our country's grand undertaking that will last for ages to come.

You need anything?

Are you Director Li?

I am. You need anything?

I want to ask if our political review materials have been submitted to the county.

Who are you?

My name is Song Yunhui. My sister is Song Yunping.

Our college entrance exam grades this year both passed the limit.

We'd submitted our political review materials two days ago.

- You're Song Yunhui? - Yes.

How old are you this year?

I would be 19 years old by the end of this year.

You're part of the Back Mountain Brigade, right?

After graduating middle school, I didn't study high school and just directly joined the brigade.

Say, you've received poor and lower middle peasant education

for quite a long time already. Why are you still so insensible?

Director Li, I... What did I do wrong?

Letting what kind of people to enter college,

allowing which people to enter college,

the higher ups have a policy, superiors have arrangements, the organization can take responsibility for it.

Are these things that you can meddle with?

Regarding if your political review materials have been sent to the county or not,

is it up to you to ask me questions like that?

But our grades have passed the required limit.

And I even got the number one spot in the county.

So what? Just because you have good grades, you come to threaten your superior?

You're impossible to comprehend.

"On October 21, 1977, an editorial was published in People's Daily—"

What are you mumbling about?

You're cursing a lead cadre while in the revolutionary committee office?

You're quite bold.

"On October 21, 1977, an editorial was published in People's Daily

requesting that leading cadres at all levels should support young people in applying for college."

"During the political review, focus will be placed on individual performance."

"Choosing talents for the establishment of the four modernization plans."

"This concerns our country's grand undertaking that will last for ages to come."

I wasn't cursing you.

I've already said earlier that this isn't your business.

Even if you recite the newspaper or some documents, it won't help.

Even if you recite it a hundred times, it won't work. Got it?

It's currently noon break. I'm going to eat.

"Regarding the 1978 college entrance examination,

central authorities documents pointed out

that enrolling students mainly depends on two aspects."

"One is focus will be placed on individual performance."

"Second is enroll only those who are outstanding."

"Regardless of your family background,

as long as you love the party, love the country,

and you are law abiding, that's enough."

"On October 21, 1977,

an editorial was published in People's Daily

requesting that all leading cadres at all levels should support young people in applying for college."

"During the political review, focus will be placed on individual performance."

-" Choosing talents for the establishment of the four modernization plans." - What are you looking at?

- What are you looking at? Go back! All of you go back! - "This concerns our country's grand undertaking that will last for ages to come."

What are you doing?

You said that reciting 100 times won't do. I'll recite it for 101 times then.

Song Yunhui, what do you really want?

At such a young age, you've mastered the art of making a scene and being shameless?

I want to attend university.

I know you want to go to university.

But I told you, who goes to university depends on

the committee. The superiors have arrangements. My words don't matter.

"According to the 1978 college entrance exam,

the central authorities documents pointed out enrolling students mainly depends on two aspects."

"One is focus will be placed on individual performance. Second is

- enroll only those who are outstanding." - Fine. If you want to recite then continue.

It's an official document?

I'm telling you. Not just one hundred times, even if you say it a thousand times, it won't work.

Then, I'll recite it one thousand and one times.

You're a Community Party member. You ought to listen to the party.

"Regarding the 1978 college entrance examination,

central authorities documents pointed out

that enrolling students mainly depends on two aspects."

"One is focus will be placed on individual performance."

"Second is enroll only those who are outstanding."

"Regardless of your family background,

as long as you love the party, love the country,

and you are law abiding, that's enough."

"On October 21, 1977,

an editorial was published in People's Daily

requesting that all leading cadres at all levels should support young people in applying for college."

"During the political review, focus will be placed on individual performance."

"Choosing talents for the establishment of the four modernization plans."

"This concerns our country's grand undertaking that will last for ages to come."

Song Jishan! Song Jishan!

Hurry up and go mind your son.

What's the matter?

What's the matter with Xiao Hui? Did something happen to him?

He's been at the revolutionary committee headquarters all afternoon, challenging Director Li.

He's infuriated Director Li into hurling dishes at him.

Hurry up and go take a look. At this point, it looks like he still refuses to go home.

- Dad. - Hurry, go see what's going on.

- Hurry, Ping Ping! Hurry! - Okay.

It's all right. It's all right. Sit down. It's all right.

"Regarding the 1978 college entrance examination,

central authorities documents pointed out

that enrolling students mainly depends on two aspects."

"One is focus will be placed on individual performance."

"Second is enroll only those who are outstanding."

"Regardless of your family background,

as long as you love the party, love the country,

and you are law abiding, that's enough."

"On October 21, 1977, an editorial was published in People's Daily

- requesting that all leading cadres at all levels should support young people in applying for college." - Hey!

- You all over there! Disperse! - "During the political review, focus will be placed on individual performance."

- This is the Revolutionary Committee Headquarters. Not some performance stage. Disperse! - "Choosing talents for the establishment of the four modernization plans."

Director Li, this child is the top examinee in the whole county.

If he becomes an official in the future, he might be of higher rank than you!

Right?

Indeed!

Director Li, look at this child. He's been basking under the sun all day.

- I'm afraid... - What's there to be afraid of?

I'm a cadre of the country. The words I say and the things I do

are according to the principles of the party. What's there to be afraid of?

Song Yunhui, why are you not reciting anymore?

Don't stop. Continue reciting.

See if after reciting it for 1,001 times,

you might be able to convince me.

Continue reciting.

"Regarding the 1978 college entrance examination,

central authorities documents pointed out

that enrolling students mainly depends on two aspects."

"One is focus will be placed on individual performance. Second is enroll only those who are outstanding."

"Regardless of your family background,

as long as you love the party, love the country,

and you are law abiding, that's enough. On October 21, 1977,

an editorial was published in People's Daily requesting that leading cadres at all levels

should support young people in applying for college."

"During the political review, focus will be placed on individual performance."

"Choosing talents for the establishment of the four modernization plans."

"This concerns our country's grand undertaking that will last for ages to come."

Let me pass. Let me pass.

"On October 21, 1977,

an editorial was published in People's Daily

requesting that all leading cadres at all levels

should support young people in applying for college."

"During the political review, focus will be placed on individual performance."

- Sister. - Xiao Hui.

Let's go home.

I haven't finished reciting it for 1,001 times.

This won't work, Xiao Hui.

I'm reciting.

Okay. You recite.

I'll be here to accompany you.

How many times have you recited?

183 times.

You continue. I'll count it for you.

"Regarding the 1978 college entrance examination, central authorities documents pointed out

that enrolling students mainly depends on two aspects. One is focus will be placed on individual performance."

"Second is enroll only those who are outstanding. Regardless of your family background,

love the country, and you are law abiding, that's enough. On October 21, 1977,

an editorial was published in People's Daily

requesting that all leading cadres at all levels should support young people in applying for college."

"During the political review, focus will be placed on individual performance."

"Choosing talents for the establishment of the four modernization plans." [Jingling County Revolutionary Committee Document]

"This concerns our country's grand undertaking that will last for ages to come."

"Regarding the 1978 college entrance examination, central authorities documents pointed out...

Move aside!

- ...that enrolling students mainly depends on two aspects. One is focus will be placed on individual performance." - Is our Hongwei Town still pro-social democracy?

These two rascals from a poor family background,

you dare cause trouble here in the Revolutionary Committee Headquarters?

What are you trying to do?

Everyone, you all saw it.

They've blocked Director Li to the point that he's unable to come out already.

This is threatening him.

You are spouting slander.

It's you. You're the one who filed the complaint behind our back.

It is indeed me. But that wasn't complaining behind your back.

I can say those words in front of anyone.

If you two enter college,

not only me,

all the revolutionary people here in Hongwei Town would be filled with righteous indignation.

If the both of you get to go to college,

what about people like us who were from better families?

Old Macaque, do you still have a conscience?

I indeed offended you,

but my father has already went to your house to apologize.

He even gifted you two packs of medicines.

Old Macaque, you've accepted the gift of others and still harmed them behind their back?

Indeed.

They wanted to win over a corroded revolutionary cadre.

What good intention can Song Jishan have for gifting me medicines?

Vomit them all out then.

I'll vomit them out. He even said that my kidneys are weak.

In my opinion, he was just using the gift as a chance

- to curse me! - Shut up!

Aren't you embarrassed to make a scene here?

You three go to the director's office to wait for me.

Quickly go!

Let's go.

Disperse now! Just go do what you should be doing!

Not leaving, is that it? Fine.

Next time, when there are irrigation or road projects,

I'll give you all more work. Anyway, you people have so much energy without anywhere to put them in!

Disperse!

Director Li.

I ask you. Did you accept their bribery?

No, Director Li.

I don't give any importance to their medicines.

I can return all of them now.

I just wanted to find out what evil intentions Song Jishan was harboring.

See what evil counter-revolutionary scheme he was plotting.

Honestly, if he didn't give me those gifts, I wouldn't have been sure

of the evil schemes his family has.

We don't have any evil schemes.

We just want to go to university.

Is what happened today still not considered to be an evil scheme?

This is a well-schemed and well-planned act of attacking the Revolutionary Government.

Enough. Stop acting so lofty.

Don't forget your identity.

Later, truthfully write down everything

that you've done today. Don't hide anything.

Then, submit it to me.

You're not needed here anymore. Just go back now.

Okay. I'm leaving then.

Looks like the sky of pro-social democracy will be changing.

Someone's supporting the rascals now.

I still haven't submitted

your political review documents to the county. But this wasn't decided by only me.

The committee agreed on it.

"Regarding the 1978 college entrance examination..."

Enough. Haven't you recited enough?

Even I can recite it now.

"Central authorities documents pointed out that enrolling students mainly depends on two aspects."

"One is focus will be placed on individual performance."

Your little brother is a stubborn man that just won't turn around if he didn't crash into a wall.

Director Li, don't be mad.

My little brother is an introvert. He doesn't know to talk properly. He's a coward.

He's still a coward? You're a coward?

Okay already. You two have convinced me today.

I am agreeing to deliver the materials to the county.

- Thank you, Director Li. - Don't be so worked up to thank me first.

This matter won't be that easy.

I have to report everything that happened today.

And Old Lei and the others are objecting you two from getting into university.

I also have to truthfully

report that to the county. As to how the county will decide, I don't know anymore.

I'll go to the county with you then.

I'll recite to them the central authority document and People's Daily editorial.

Aren't you acting wildly?!

If you do that, you're going to bring disaster to yourself and your family.

Understand?!

Okay already. It's getting late.

Go back now. When you go home, remember to talk to your little brother. You hear me?

- I hear you. - Go now. Go now.

Could he be just brushing us off?

I still want to go to the county with him; or else, I won't be at ease.

Let's go home. I'll just ask him again tomorrow morning.

- I'll come over with you then. - You can't come.

When you speak or act, you easily gets impulsive. Just go back and focus on your work.

I'll immediately tell you once the result is out tomorrow morning.

Xiao Hui, don't go home first.

Directly go to the Back Mountain Brigade.

Dad and mom are currently angry.

What about you, Sister?

Don't worry. I'll explain it to them.

Then, once the results come out tomorrow...

Once the results come out, I'll immediately tell you.

- Be careful. Don't burn yourself. - Okay.

Husband, it's time to eat!

Mom, I won't eat anymore. I'll get going now.

People haven't still gone to work. Why the rush?

I'll go to the Revolutionary Committee Headquarters and wait.

Director Li.

Where are you rushing to go at this early morning?

I'm going to the Revolutionary Committee Office to wait for you.

I'm a bit worried with what happened yesterday.

I know that you surely won't be at ease.

Let's talk inside your house.

Director Li, you're here!

Quickly come in! Eat with us!

I won't eat anymore. I need to talk with Song Yunping.

Quickly go inside.

Timing and subtitles brought to you by The River of LifeTeam@ Viki

♫ Flowers quietly bloom in the spring ♫

♫ Looking forward to the big and ripe golden fruits of Autumn ♫

♫ Those seeds of hope that our predecessors sowed ♫

♫ will be reaped by their successors ♫

♫ The proud sun of summer burns like fire ♫

♫ Emerging layers of waves are still warm ♫

♫ Push open windows, let the breeze blow past, ♫

♫ as if spring has come to visit ♫

♫ The wind and snow of winter sweep past ♫

♫ Bringing songs of harvest during autumn ♫

♫ When did the rain fall? When did the wind stop blowing? ♫

♫ Telling stories of the past ♫

♫ The spring breeze continues to blow, still looking forward ♫

♫ to the flowing rivers of age; time fleetingly passes by ♫

♫ A journey of difficulties and loud songs ♫

♫ All belong to us ♫

♫ Smilingly watch as time passes by ♫