Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitle brought to you by ❤️ Love Blossoms In Adversity 🌸 Team

"Solitary Flower Among the Thorns" - Curley Gao

♫ Who gazes at the stars in the sky ♫

♫ Heading towards the shore in a broken boat ♫

♫ This time, hold onto fate and never bow your head ♫

♫ Family relationships are also difficult to maintain ♫

♫ The fearless dream is waiting for someone to save it ♫

♫ The wind and rain gather and disperse ♫

♫ A lone mayfly sail sways ♫

♫ A solitary flower blooming among thorns ♫

♫ It's bright colors pierced ♫

♫ Yet the uncrossed border, it grew an outline that flew against the wind ♫

♫ All things grow through the heart ♫

♫ Even if the dream is confusing ♫

♫ Calming the raging waves ♫

♫ Breaking through the tumultuous sounds of the heart ♫

♫ Having the courage to resist ♫

♫ Embracing the chant of destiny ♫

♫ Only love brings light ♫

♫ Only love is wanton and sharp ♫

♫ All things grow through the heart ♫

♫ Having the courage to resist ♫

♫ Embracing the chant of destiny ♫

[Blossoms in Adversity] ♫ Only love brings light ♫

[Adapted from a novel with the same title in MIGU]

[Episode 1]

[Report]

Sir, we'll arrive in Qiongzhou tomorrow. [Lord Hua, Hua Yizheng]

The rain causes such a bumpy journey. Why don't you write the report tomorrow?

Each day brings its own set of tasks.

Watch out, Sir!

Zhong, go check on Zhi.

Yes, sir.

Someone else, climb up there!

The sail rope is tangled and I can't get down.

What a huge sail!

The one in the cabin is an imperial censor from the Imperial Capital.

And you're slacking off?

Whether he is an imperial censor or not has nothing to do with us poor folks!

If we can't lower the sail, we'll all die!

Pay up. If you don't pay, we'll quit.

Right?

- Yeah. - Let's go.

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

Come back. Come back!

Come back. Come back!

Where did the child come from? Hurry back.

Get back in there!

Don't leave!

Zhi! Zhi!

Zhi! Zhi, it's dangerous!

Zhi!

Zhi, it's dangerous!

- My Lord. - Don't shout.

Don't distract her!

Many years later, I still remember that scene.

The storm sewed the sky and the sea together.

The heavy waves were as tall as Mt. Tai,

getting split by the purple lightening and falling back into the sea.

That was the most splendid scene I'd ever seen when I was young.

I recalled it over and over that scene during years of my unpleasant life.

[Hua Zhi, the eldest granddaughter of the Hua Family]

Miss Zhi, the Shen Family will send the betrothal gifts tomorrow.

- How can you...? - Baoxia.

How can you still have the mood to spend time on these craps of copper and iron?

My parents arranged the betrothal. What does it have to do with me?

[Baoxia, Hua Zhi's maid] You don't even know if the man is tall or short, fat or skinny.

Aren't you curious?

Grandfather says he's nice. And you have seen him for me.

He's quite handsome, indeed.

But handsome is not good enough to earn a living.

Miss Zhi, this is a lifelong event. You should think it over.

My parents have made the decision, so what's the use of me thinking it over?

Let alone it's just a decision. Even if after the marriage,

I'll still be doing my own business, and you'll do yours.

As long as I don't care, it's no big deal.

Be careful!

Tell them to make this area a bit nicer.

Yes.

You two hurry up. Be careful!

- Yes. - Yes.

Miss Zhi, what are you looking at?

This courtyard, does it look like a cage to you?

No, it doesn't.

I've seen Brother Lin's cages for birds.

They're round with lids on top.

Our courtyard doesn't have a lid.

Still, you can't fly out of it.

Miss Zhi.

As per the annual convention, the royal family is bestowing Spring Festival couplets.

The madams are all in Cheng Garden waiting for them.

- Why don't you go take a look, too? - Everyone is there?

On my way here, I happened to see

the other girls heading to the garden too. [Yingchun, Hua Zhi's maid]

Let's go, to the west side gate.

- The soup is ready. - Fudong.

- Where are you going? - Just leave it here.

[Fudong, Hua Zhi's maid] What about the soup?

Just leave it. We'll have it when we get back.

Mr. Zhong. Sorry for the wait.

My mother and the others have gone to Cheng Garden for the show. Let's go.

- Zhi! We have to come back when it gets dark! - Sure.

Yingchun, guard the side gate.

- Okay, you take care. - Let's go.

Take good care of her.

Zhi, make sure to shut the window.

Don't let any stranger see you.

You useless thing!

You can't even settle such simple accounts?

Get yourself back and settle it properly before you report to me.

Yes. I'm on it right away.

Madam Xia, the ones from the suburb, Mr. Guo and Mr. Liu have arrived.

They've all been seated outside.

This is the recent tenancy agreement list.

The characters are so tiny. Read it out for me.

Yes.

Shahe Village, twenty hu of white glutinous rice,

ten hu of green glutinous rice...

Wait.

All these charcoal braziers. Why place them in front of me?

As if there isn't enough smoke.

[Madam Xia Jin'e of the Hua Family] Madam Hua will arrive any minute. She will be sitting here!

[Madam Xia Jin'e of the Hua Family] Madam Hua will arrive any minute. She will be sitting here!

Open your eyes wide and look around.

The winter in the south is nothing like in the north.

Even in the twelfth month, the trees are still lush.

Hurry up!

[Madam Zhu Yingzhen of the Hua Family] [Madam Qi Huilan of the Hua Family]

I can't even breathe.

Let's go out for some fresh air.

Sister-in-law, Madam Hua will be here any minute.

It's better not to go far.

Yuniang, are you feeling hot too?

[Madam Wu Yuniang of the Hua Family] Second Sister-in-law, are you feeling hot?

Yes, a little.

Zhegui, open the window. Didn't you hear the madams?

Yes.

Open it quickly. Didn’t you hear?

This is nice. It's best to have a breeze sitting in front of a brazier.

It was so hot just now, I was bored making steamed cakes.

Now its much better.

The old lady is here.

- Let me see your cricket. - No.

Let me see your cricket.

Stop running!

All flustered. If you trip and hurt your face,

you can forget about taking the imperial exam.

Go play somewhere else.

[Lin Wan, Wife of Lord Hua]

Madam, don't worry about them.

They're just naughty. A fall will help them grow.

Are the ones from the palace here yet?

Not yet. I'm afraid we'll have to wait until night for the couplets to arrive.

I'm sorry that you have to keep waiting along with us.

I'm old. I don't need much sleep. It's okay.

You really have the spirit of the queen mother. We can't compete with you.

You're really good at sweet talk.

This year, the second master and the third master have all been promoted by His Majesty.

So I hired a great troupe that has performed for His Majesty.

People are waiting in line to hire them.

It's to wish you good luck during the New Year.

Come and have a look!

[Bronze Ware]

Zhi! We're here.

Uncle Zhong, the bronze crow I ordered the other day, please get it for me.

- Then hand this to the coppersmith, and ask him to cast it. - All right.

If he has any questions, come to me immediately.

This is the deposit.

All right.

We're ordered to search this place. Everyone, stand still!

Accept interrogation!

You. Don't move!

You two, come here.

Sir, what are you doing?

- Sir. - Sir.

- Get away! - Sir, what are you doing?

Where are you going?

They're patrol officers.

I think they're searching, maybe for a thief.

No. Look, there's another one back there.

- Come here. - You've got the wrong guy!

- Let's go. - You, this way.

[Security Bureau Guard, Chen Qing] Come over here.

- No. I haven't done anything. - Who's that? How come he's not doing anything?

He's an inspector from the Security Bureau.

- Behave yourselves! - Get everything clear!

Get everything clear!

When I was a child, once I cried, my mother would say "The inspectors are coming"!

Now I have truly seen one for myself.

They usually don't show themselves, and only work for the royal family.

Don't our lord and his sons all work for the royal family?

Please let me go!

- You. - Go.

My cabbages!

Two loads of cabbages!

Oh, my goodness! I'd rather die!

My cabbages!

Here, take the money, and go home.

Your kindness will be rewarded. It'll be rewarded!

[Shen Qi, the eldest son of the Shen Family]

Be gentle. Be gentle, this...

Where did you get this?

That old man who just left.

- Stop him! - Go!

[Bronze Ware]

Get off!

Sir, it's our young lady inside the carriage. She hasn't got married yet.

It's inappropriate for her to show herself.

Old man, you see what's going on?

Even the princesses or all the other noble ladies will have to cooperate.

- Guards! - Yes!

Can anyone tell me among the 537 articles in the criminal law of Great Qing,

which specific one I have violated to make you march through the street to get me?

In all my years of service, this is the first time I've heard

someone daring to argue with the Security Bureau about the criminal law.

So you're from the Security Bureau.

I heard Minister Hua, the imperial censor,

has presented three reports this month, complaining about you guys.

Now I see you're well-deserved.

How did you know that?

Wait! Who are you to criticize court affairs?

Did you draw this?

Passing such bizarre items in secret,

it seems like you're plotting something, or even attempting to rebel!

You could've asked me about it. But instead, you charged me.

So ridiculous. Get off the carriage, now.

I will be asking questions.

- All right. - Don't!

I am Shen.

Lady, do not be afraid. I'll reason with him.

You actually have the audacity to force an unmarried girl to show her face in public.

Where did this young man come from? He's likely to get in trouble.

Mister, please stand back.

I am innocent. I'm not afraid to confront them.

Absolutely not. I just heard you talk about the laws that were unknown to me.

I am deeply impressed.

As a man, if I can't protect a defenseless woman,

what kind of face do I have left in the world?

I was wondering who you were.

So you're Mr. Shen, son of the minister of the Financial Department.

Exactly.

Miss Zhi, it's Shen Qi. The eldest son of the Shen Family!

No wonder this voice sounds so familiar.

Is he the one who's going to bring us betrothal gifts tomorrow?

Since you're Mr. Shen, I must treat you with respect.

Guards, throw this Mr. Shen here out.

- Yes! - Yes!

Let's go. Let me go!

Let me go!

There's even no justicein the Imperial Capital nowadays?

Below the royal family, the Security Bureau is the justice and the law.

Such a disgrace to society!

Today, unless you step over my dead body,

or I'll never let you humiliate this lady!

Who are you?

So, it's a bronze crow.

How does he know?

What is this?

Just an instrument. It measures the wind direction and predicts the weather.

What bronze crow? Nonsense.

Here it is, the bronze crow.

You don't look like a soldier or a hunter.

You're not a local herein the capital, are you?

I'm a local indeed.

I've been in the military for years. Now I'm on my way to visit my family.

A soldier? Where's your certification?

I'm a registered soldier, but I don't have any certification.

You're quite calm.

All right. They don't seem involved in a rebellion, but you do.

Guards, search him!

- Okay. - Okay.

The blade is sharp. Sir, be careful.

Take him back for interrogation.

- Yes. - Yes. Stop!

What crime has he committed? Why are you taking him away?

Mr. Shen, listen carefully.

There are people forging weapons privately, suspected to be spies from the Zhao Empire.

His Majesty ordered us to search for them.

This man's background is unclear, and is carrying a sharp blade.

Are you going to vouch for him?

To my surprise,

now it's the turn of the Security Bureau to run amuck in the Imperial Capital.

Take him!

Let's go.

I'll vouch for him!

I will come with you. No need for a big fuss.

Do you know what kind of place the Security Bureau is?

No matter how strong you are, you'll get tortured and even die in there.

Mister, I see frostbite on your hand.

I guess you're from the north of Kun Mountain, a land of extreme cold.

This lady is smart.

You have calluses on your thumbs and the webbing of your hand.

These are the proof of pulling reins and drawing bows, left by your habits as a soldier.

I think you are definitely good at both archery and riding.

You flatter me.

People from the Zhao Empire usually pull the bow string with three fingers.

Their scars are different from yours.

The vest he's wearing is made from red bear hide.

The Zhao people revere bears as sacred beasts, and would never skin them for clothes.

All these can prove that he's from the Northern Land of Great Qing

instead of the Zhao Empire.

That makes sense. That makes sense.

We must not wrong this righteous man.

If you kill an innocent to get credit,

someone might file another complaint against you tomorrow.

This is ridiculous.

You... Who the heck are you?

She is the legitimate granddaughter of Minister Hua,

the eldest daughter of Secretary Hua, a lady from a true noble family.

How dare you even...

Ask about her name.

You see, this is a huge misunderstanding.

You're from the Hua Family! No wonder you have such discerning eyes.

Yes. I'm such a fool.

So, will you still arrest this man?

Please, Miss Hua, such a nobody is not worthy of that.

Oh, I still have work to do.

There are several streets to search. I'll just take my leave.

You should get back on the carriage. Don't let people keep staring at you.

Let's go.

Move, quickly. Come on!

Make way!

Thank you.

It is I who should thank you.

Hua...

She is the eldest daughter of the Hua Family?

Mr. Shen, Miss Zhi asked me to thank you.

It's terribly cold. You should hurry back.

Miss Zhi, what do you think of Mr. Shen?

He is indeed a person of honesty.

As long as you like him.

Uncle Zhong, faster.

Mister, why aren't you riding the horse?

This horse is old.

It has accompanied me from the north to the south.

I rushed back this time. It got injured on the way.

Walking like this is easier for it.

On your way back here, did you cross Tuotuo Mountain and the Kushui River?

At this time, the river must be a brilliant blue.

Even if you passed by hurriedly, you wouldn't forget it.

The Kushui River has been dry for years.

People from the Northern Land barely know about it now.

Crossing the river like you said, that was something years ago.

Yes.

Miss, you're supposed to stay home.

How do you know so much about the Northern Land?

I was not born to hide behind the door.

I shall take my leave.

Miss Zhi, have you truly seen the frozen river where the carriages cross?

I mean, in here, even the leaves in winter are still green.

It's warm here because we're located in the southeast.

If you go north past the river, you'll see the river water freeze.

And if you go west, there'll be deserts, snow, with no one there.

Since I returned to the Imperial Capital four years ago, I've not seen snowfall again.

- Wow, amazing! - Awesome. [Hua Bolin, the eldest son of the Hua Family]

[Hua Boyu, eldest son of the Third House of the Hua Family] I want to be an acrobat, too.

Silly child.

If it weren't for extreme poverty,

who would want their kids to be acrobats?

Second Sister-in-law, why be so strict with Boli?

He's not allowed to watch the show or to play.

Even the maidservants are plain-looking.

Are you expecting to raise a sage?

Third Sister-in-law, you don't understand.

There is a difference between the noble and the lowly.

Our Boli must stay far away from these people.

I don't want him to marry a lowly girl in the future.

Father, you've worn these clothes for far too long.

Let's pick a new one.

I can wear it a few more years.

Father, you've been on trips as a Censor all these years. There are things you don't know.

At New Years, all the officials' families in the capital hire troupes.

You never changed your old accent,

but you've learned a lot of extravagant habits here.

We only get to celebrate during these few days. [Hua Pingyu, eldest son of the Hua Family]

We didn't spend too much money.

Apart from my little brother, the three of us are now serving in official posts.

Father, we don't need to be too frugal.

There's another thing. These couple of days, were there any gifts sent to us?

I strictly followed what you taught me.

Whether in the court or the city, no matter whether the gifts were pricy or not,

and under whatever names, I rejected them all.

None of them was sent here.

Only the tenancy agreements from our estates have been brought in.

And your students, Yu Zhengyao and Chen Zhi,

have sent cards.

I have told them to only send cards.

The eldest son of the Shen Family hasn't sent a card yet.

Perhaps tomorrow, he'll send it along with Zhi's betrothal gifts.

Father.

It's getting dark.

His Majesty summoned us at this hour,

could it be about the matter of naming an heir?

It's said when His Majesty was young,

he often discussed state affairs with the officials at night.

Today is different.

Where are your brothers?

The carriage is ready. They are waiting at the door.

All right.

Madam, it's the New Year festival.

Tomorrow, the Shen Family will come to set the betrothal.

It will be another bustling day.

Yinzhu, get the box for the betrothal letters and bring it here.

- Yes. - No need.

As long as you made sure they're ready.

It's Hua Zhi's betrothal and her auntie has been doing all the hard work.

Thank you. If there's anything I can help...

What can you do?

You're bad at talking and weak.

You can't even command the servants.

You're not helping at all.

First Sister-in-law leads a life of leisure. She doesn't worry about anything.

Unlike me, doing all the hard work,

prestigious on the outside, suffering on the inside.

One child after another.

Looking after these kids is endless.

Hua Zhi is like her mother, naturally blessed.

In this house full of girls, she's the eldest one,

[Hua Ling, eldest daughter of the Third House of the Hua Family] so she gets the best of everything.

The Shen family, for example, [Hua Qin, daughter of the Concubine of the Third House of the Hua Family] [Hua Rong, daughter of the Concubine of the First House of the Hua Family]

we have been close with them for generations.

They worked so hard to raise Shen Qi into a great man.

And now he's going to be Hua Zhi's husband. Isn't she blessed?

Ling is talented, Qin is skilled in embroidery,

and Rong has a charming face, but all those are useless!

Indeed.

I heard Miss Ling's poetry is well-known in the city.

Those scholars, after reading her work,

[Concubine Qin, a concubine of the Third House of the Hua Family] are all immensely impressed.

Who cares about men's compliments?

That's why I said Zhi is blessed.

If born into an ordinary family, a girl like her,

who knows nothing about cooking and needlework,

would probably be difficult to get married off.

But we're the Hua Family. We're noble.

I'm worried after she gets married, she might suffer hardship.

Madam Hua, don't worry.

You see, when Yuniang first came here,

wasn't she incapable of all the housework?

Now, she can do anything.

Except for giving her husband a son.

Madam Hua, I'll surely guide Zhi well.

Stop placating me with nice words.

If you could guide her, how would she turn out to be like this?

Where is she?

I saw her at the west side gate this afternoon.

She went out.

When she comes back, tell her to come and see me.

Yes.

Minister Hua.

- Lord Shen. - Lord Shen.

Minister Shen, why the panic?

[Shen Zhongxing, minister of the Financial Department] Minister Hua, we should both be careful tonight.

I hear His Majesty is furious.

He's summoned not only all the officials but also the princes.

Furthermore, there's a rumor,

even Prince Ling's son from the north has been secretly called to the capital.

That man is the late emperor's grandson.

It seems something big is happening tonight.

[Hall of Supreme Harmony]

Your Highness.

[Gu Yanxi, son of Prince Ling]

His Majesty is waiting for you at the Chenglu Palace.

Your Majesty, the prince has arrived.

Uncle.

[Gu Chengtao, Emperor of Great Qing] Yanxi.

You've grown taller than me.

There's something I want you to know.

Tonight, all ministers have been summoned to the palace for two matters.

One, to name an heir;

and two, the case handling by the Security Bureau regarding illegal weapon-forging.

The year isn't over yet,

and the reports you sent suggesting that I name an heir

almost collapsed my desk.

It seems that Prince Xian is quite popular,

and Prince Hui is not far behind.

I have no idea about this.

[Gu Yanrui, Prince Hui] I don't intend to fight with my brother.

I implore Your Majesty to discern clearly.

[Gu Yangong, Prince Xian] What do you mean?

The selection of the crown prince is entirely a matter of His Majesty's consideration.

It has nothing to do with our intentions.

So, how do you think naming an heir and the weapon case are related?

I will thoroughly investigate this case

to set Your Majesty's mind at ease and to reassure the court.

What is the Security Bureau for?

I don't need a prince to investigate the case.

You two may step aside now.

It is rather strange, though.

Minister Hua has always been outspoken.

He often directly points out my errors.

How come about this weapon case, you have not written a word to me?

Could it be that the whole world is wrong?

Is there really something that even Minister Hua dares not speak of?

Regardless of whether the two matters are related,

you only trust the Security Bureau.

Whether Prince Xian or Prince Hui is named your heir,

you simply consider it a private affair.

So, my advice makes no difference.

I established the Security Bureau.

Shouldn't I trust it?

Prince Xian and Prince Hui are my sons.

Is this not a private affair?

What time is it?

It has just passed the hour of Xu.

The couplets bestowed by the Emperor have not yet arrived.

That's not what I asked about.

Has your father gone to the palace?

Don't worry.

Father used to stay overnight in the palace.

Yinzhu, bring the warmed bird's nest soup to Madam Hua.

My eyelid keeps twitching.

Your Majesty, please calm your anger. My father misspoke.

Please forgive his rashness and see his loyalty.

Silence. Incompetent coward.

Compared to your father, you fall far short.

Minister Hua, go on.

The Security Bureau disregards the national laws

and indulges in private executions and arbitrary killings,

causing panic throughout the court and the country. The common people are trembling with fear.

The position of the crown prince has remained unsettled for too long.

The princes are in constant conflict,

and the officials conspire, each serving their own master.

Your Majesty, please think of the realm and the common people.

Please eradicate corruption and pests,

and name your heir decisively.

The world as the master, the sovereign as the guest.

What the sovereign manages is indeed the world itself.

How can one foster an ulcer to trouble the whole world

and regard worldly affairs as one's personal business?

Hua Yizheng!

Your Majesty asked me to speak. I dared not remain silent.

Having said that, I needed to finish.

It seems there's truly no word that you dare not say.

Hua Yizheng, do you know I have tolerated you for years?

Relying on your so-called stubborn integrity,

you incited scholars from all over to accept you as the leader.

But you forgot that the Gu Family rules,

not the Hua Family.

Today, I shall fulfill your wish.

Your entire clan shall be stripped of their positions,

and your family will be exiled to the north, [Hua Pingyuan, second son; Hua Pingyan, third son of the Hua Family]

never to be employed again.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Your Majesty, please rethink it!

We accept the edict.

Your Majesty, please show mercy!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, please show mercy!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, please show mercy!

Hua Yizheng is old now. He's incorrigibly obstinate.

Fortunately, there is a loyal minister who can speak the truth to me.

Do you know who I am talking about?

He knows each one of you very well.

In the fourth year of the Chengtian era, the ninth year, and the eleventh year,

five prime ministers, one after another,

were imprisoned and had their properties confiscated.

In the seventeenth year, Prince Qi plotted treason

and was demoted to a commoner.

Those, were all his achievements.

Today, I will let you meet him.

Changqing.

Summon Qi Ruhai, head of the Security Bureau.

I am Qi Ruhai, the Security Bureau envoy. Greetings, Your Majesty.

Is there a result for the weapon case?

I have found the mastermind behind it.

It's none other than Prince Ling's son, Gu Yanxi.

Timing and Subtitle brought to you by ❤️ Love Blossoms In Adversity 🌸 Team

♫ Not one patch of land is uncultivated ♫

♫ Not one tea plant is left to wither ♫

♫ Rain falls from sky, birds eat insects, and chickens leave fertilizer ♫

♫ The heart and soul are used to irrigate the land ♫

♫ The tea leaves may be coarse ♫

♫ But the taste is of spring ♫

♫ Ah, for a happy future, we pluck a few ♫

♫ Ah, let's enjoy the abundant spring together ♫

♫ Not one patch of land is uncultivated ♫

♫ Not one tea plant is left to wither ♫

♫ Rain falls from sky, birds eat insects, and chickens leave fertilizer ♫

♫ The heart and soul are used to irrigate the land ♫

♫ The tea leaves may be coarse ♫

♫ But the taste is of spring ♫

♫ Ah, for a happy future, we pluck a few ♫

♫ Ah, let's enjoy the abundant spring together ♫

♫ Ah, for a happy future, we pluck a few ♫

♫ Ah, let's enjoy the abundant spring together ♫