Original subtitles

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

♫ 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 6]

Shopkeeper.

Mis, it's you again.

I won't tease you this time.

There are dozens of people in our family waiting to be fed.

Even if you pawn yourself, you are still not able to feed them all for long.

Don't worry.

Shopkeep, please do me a favor. Make it more, please.

All right, let me see.

Miss, how about 120 wen?

Thank you, Shopkeeper.

Okay.

[Yongchang Pawnshop] This year's new rice!

This year's new rice!

Baoxia, whether you buy it or rent it, get a table and a chair quickly.

We won't return to the manor?

No, we won't. I'll buy some red paper and ink.

It'll be Chinese New Year's Day in two days.

Sir, please come inside.

What is this for?

This young lady looks quite charming.

I recognize her. Isn't she the young lady from the Hua Family?

That day, when she got off from the carriage, I saw it very clearly.

I remember now. It's the Hua Family whose house was confiscated.

- Right, exactly. - The Hua Family with four scholars.

It's her.

What is this for?

This is...

It turns out she is drawing Spring Festival couplets.

- Spring Festival couplets? - What a pity!

My house's Spring Festival couplets for this year have already been hung.

- Young lady, just writing characters won't do, will it? - Exactly.

Do you have any other special talents?

Show them all. Let us all have a look.

That's right!

- Show it off a bit. - Sing a tune.

Do you know how?

With your little face and petite figure,

- can you dance or not? - Right.

Come and show us. Let me have a look.

Let's go back. I would rather starve to death than suffer this humiliation.

There's no shame in making money through our skills.

Keep grinding.

Isn't that so?

Why be so shy when you're out in public?

- Exactly. - That's right.

[Ruifu Restaurant]

Chinese New Year is approaching.

Couplets? What are Spring Festival couplets?

Young lady, write one for me to see.

How do you spell "Spring Festival"? And how do you spell "couplets"?

Why buy Spring Festival couplets if you can't read? Get lost.

You've got quite a sharp tongue.

Why bother listening to him?

Well, write another one for everyone to see.

- Yes, indeed. Let us have a look. - Let us have a look, will you?

- Write one. - Write one.

Excuse me. Excuse me.

Where did this person come from?

Who is this?

A modest tip for your work. I hope you will not reject this.

Where did this guy come from?

What characters would you like, Mister?

I'll leave it up to you, Miss.

Where should it be hung?

To hang it outside my study room.

What can she write?

Actually, it is quite well-written.

Not bad.

- She really has some tricks up her sleeve! - Yes, indeed.

A good phrase. Fine characters.

What a magnificent aura.

The brushwork even bears the style of masters.

You flatter me, Master.

I am grateful for your generosity in bestowing on me your calligraphy treasure.

I look up to your elegant style. It's my honor to take it.

- I was here first. - I was here first.

- Me first. - Don't fight me for it.

Let me do it! Let me.

- I was here first. - Get out of the way.

- Why the pushing? - Back off.

- I was here first. - Me first, me first.

What nonsense!

Why did you tear it? After all, it was bought with money.

I was just joining in on the fun. Just to take a look at the young lady.

The Hua Family is so unlucky.

I certainly don't want to hang it in my house. Do you dare?

However, if she would agree to be my concubine,

then I could possibly consider it.

- That makes sense. Fine, I don't want it, either. - Yes.

Getting involved with the Hua Family

could only bring us a plague deity instead of good luck.

- Let's go. - Hey!

I...

What's wrong?

Take a look at the floral cloth.

Take a look.

You want one? Then I'll want one.

I'll sell this cheap.

Stop writing.

They're just bored and playing tricks on you.

Come take a look at this!

They do it out of boredom. I do it for money.

Isn't this the best of both worlds?

Are you going to buy it or not?

If you're not buying, don't get in our way to watch the young lady.

- Yeah. - Exactly.

- Exactly. - We are still waiting for it.

Today, I have learned another lesson.

You said the other day that we have no relation to each other.

That's not the case. I admire you and respect you.

Since the first time we met at the coppersmith's, it has always been this way.

Even if you are not a member of the Hua Family, even if you are not a girl,

I still want to be your friend and your confidant.

Of course.

Are you going to let her do business or not?

- He left. - Isn't he causing trouble?

Exactly.

Such deep affection and loyalty.

Sir, we got a message.

[Suspicion of financial collusion between the Shen and Hua]

From now on, you don't need to send me such gossipy news anymore.

Yes, sir.

Go there and buy a pair of couplets.

It's for Chinese New Year's Day.

Yes.

Please wait, sir.

Step back.

Could you tell me how to get to the pharmacy?

You don't recognize me?

You are the one who confiscated my family's property.

Then why do you ask me?

The Hua Family bears the guilt.

When I ask them, either they dare not speak or they just deceive me recklessly.

So I can only ask you.

Aren't you afraid of me?

Right. You are not afraid of me every time.

Our family have become like ants and weeds.

The Security Bureau investigates cases by imperial decree and has been closely watching us.

You won't bother to kill me and are unable to kill me.

It seems that your profit is quite substantial today.

Look over there. Along that alley, turn left, and when you see the stone lion, you're there.

I heard that Master Shen was engaged to you.

Now that the marriage is off,

you've started to appear in public and given up on yourself.

If appearing in public equals giving up on oneself,

then you, who cover your face all day long and avoid people,

shunning even the daylight,

must be the world's foremost paragon of virtue and propriety.

I just saw Master Shen coming to buy your couplets.

What a pair of misfortuned mandarin ducks. (Mandarin ducks signify marriage)

Quite a sigh-inducing pair.

I have nothing to do with the Shen Family.

Master Shen bought one. Everyone in town also bought one.

Could they all be related to the Hua Family?

Why are you in such a hurry to explain your relationship?

You want to protect him?

Do you hate me?

From a private view, you and I are strangers.

From a broader view, you and my grandfather both serve as court officials.

You enjoy the Emperor's grace. The Hua Family bears the Emperor's wrath.

I'm just uncertain about whether this wrath of fury will fall upon you or not.

What do these couplets mean?

Can't you read?

- I only recognize half of them. - What do you mean, "half"?

I recognize the first half of the sentence.

It's a fine verse by Song Yanqing.

"Descending Mount Song, my thoughts are manifold.

Accompanied by a beauty, our steps linger.

Among the pines, the bright moon is always like this.

When will you roam again?"

With such a scene, complemented by your latter half, all elegance is gone.

We don't have a bright moon or a beauty.

Sir, is your carriage broken?

Why does it travel so slowly?

Anyway, you shouldn't have left our miss behind and let her come back alone.

How come I can't make you understand?

She asked me to come back first to bring you food.

You always blame me.

Our miss is back.

Miss!

Let's unload them.

Miss, are you all right?

We've got everything for food and necessities. And also the medicine for Grandmother.

So why do you still look so down?

Zhi'er.

These...

These...

All of these were earned by you?

At least we don't have to go hungry on New Year's Eve.

Come on, hurry and unload them.

Old Madam, have some more hot soup.

There's meat in today's soup.

Everyone, eat up.

In the past, even our dog wouldn't eat it.

But now, it has become a rare delicacy.

Boli, there's meat today. Eat more of it.

It's really delicious.

Isn't it?

Now, just by smelling the meat, I feel like ushering in the New Year.

Second Aunt, are you confused?

Tonight is indeed New Year's Eve!

Is it?

I wonder whether Father and our husbands

will be able to have a warm meal.

I really want to have another reunion dinner.

Even if it's just a poor life,

as long as the family is together, that's good enough.

Then let's eat up.

Don't waste Zhi'er's effort.

Eat up now.

- Eat. - Eat.

Eat.

Zhi'er, you must be exhausted.

Fourth Aunt, I saved up five wen today to buy something for you.

What is it?

Fried plums.

[Jin's]

There is some candy for Old Madam's medicine left.

I tried frying the haws you brought back last time with some sugar.

Fourth Madam, please have a taste.

Delicious, Hua Zhi. Try it.

- It's too sour. - It's not. I'm not kidding.

Fudong, you really have a knack for this.

Delicious!

If you ask me, this is even tastier than Jin's fried plums.

Those plums cost five wen per pack.

Now you know they cost five wen.

If Fudong puts her heart into it, I'm afraid Jin's would have to close.

If Fourth Madam likes them,

I could actually try to make some according to Jin's flavor.

It's just that I don't know where the haws come from.

To the east, three li from this manor, there's a grove, filled with haws.

If you go to pick them again, remember to take some food along

to give it to the old widow living there.

Okay.

With only an old woman and a child, they cannot pick them or sell them.

That's why they're left until winter to let us get such a good deal.

There are truly many pitiable people in this world.

And now our big family is included, too.

Come here. Come.

First Miss, do you have a moment right now?

Third Madam, please go ahead.

You can leave for now.

It was only yesterday that I found out the jingle of coppers

sounds like the voice of the gods.

You know that Ling's writing was counted as the best in the mansion before.

Next time, bring your younger sister along to write couplets together.

I won't go. What do you expect me to do?

It's a wonder you were born into a family of poetry, etiquette, and hairpins

Even my two maids are ashamed to do such scandalous things as selling goods on the street.

Today, I will make things clear.

I would rather starve to death than earn this filthy money.

Reading a few lines of text makes you able to live on air?

How did I give birth to a stubborn and greedy girl like you?

You won't write it, will you?

There're ready-made ones?

Mother, this is my Early Spring Creek Journey painting. Don't touch it!

- Don't touch it! - What Journey?

After eating dust bunnies for so many days, when has this thing ever filled our stomachs?

You might give it to your elder sister to sell for a good sum of money.

At least it will stave off hunger.

Give it to me!

Give it to me! You...

Today, I'd rather burn it than sell it.

Fine. Go ahead and burn it.

Burn it!

Burn it! Go ahead and burn it!

If you have the nerve, then burn them all.

If I don't put an end to these things today,

I'm afraid that in the future, you will focus all your attention on these trivial matters.

Trivial matters?

You used to boast to everyone about how talented I was.

No matter how I tried to persuade you, you would not listen.

Today, you have finally spoken the truth.

You have never truly thought that I had any strengths.

You only used me to show off in front of others!

You...

Third Madam, today marks the end of the New Year's celebration.

After the festival celebration, whether it's couplets or calligraphy,

most will lose their appeal.

I just took advantage of the fanfare of our family.

Once it wears off, I fear no one will show interest.

This is not a long-term solution. Hua Ling doesn't need to get involved.

That stubborn girl.

No matter how much we earn, every coin counts.

New Year's Day has passed, but what will we eat in the future?

There are many ways to make a living.

I'm just afraid you won't agree.

Zhi, before I got married, I was used to handling the abacus.

The trades I handled outnumber than the streets you have ever wandered through.

A young girl like you need not advise me.

It's just that engaging in trade is considered a vulgar trend.

It's all right for a temporary fix, but if it's taken as a long-term plan,

I'm afraid it's resigning ourselves to a lower status.

If you say so, then so be it.

Miss, Master Shen has arrived.

- Master Shen, you have come. - Third Madam.

The news I just received is that the Court of Judicial Review has concluded the trial.

All of them are not in danger for their lives.

Heavens bless!

Following the conclusion, the male members of your family

will be escorted in batches to be exiled to the northern land.

The side branches have already set out today.

In three days' time, early in the morning, the masters are to be escorted out of the city.

Outside the Wansheng Gate, there's a Shili Pavilion.

All those who are exiled will stay for a moment in the pavilion for identity examination.

If you wish to meet them, then it shall be here.

But not many can go. At most two or three people.

Otherwise, I'm afraid the officials won't allow the meeting.

All right. Thank you, Master Shen, for informing us.

I will go and discuss it with Old Madam at once.

Hua Zhi, I can't stay here any longer.

Three days from now, early in the morning, I will wait outside the bamboo forest

to take three ladies along to Shili Pavilion for the meeting.

If there's anything you wish to send to them, take it all along.

I've heard the dripping water in the North turns to ice.

The snow has yet to melt in the fourth and fifth months.

My husband has always been sensitive to the cold.

Now, going up north in this season, how will he endure it?

Let alone Father.

Zhi'er went shopping yesterday, and I remember she brought back some fabric.

Yes. Spring is upon us,

and I intended to have clothes made for everyone.

No. Bring all that fabric here. Make them into padded jackets.

Remember, they must be made larger.

And bring those previously purchased by Master Shen as well.

Take them apart, take out the cotton batting, and stuff it into heavy clothing.

Bring along a few maids to buy more needles and thread.

The sturdier the better.

Yes.

Besides our own men,

the collateral male relatives must not be forgotten, either.

Their families are mostly without news.

There's not much they can prepare.

Within three days, no matter what,

we must produce forty-three pieces of cotton clothing.

No man from our Hua Family should freeze to death out there.

Yes, Old Madam.

Don't use up all the cotton batting.

Lay it out thinly in three layers and leave a layer inside.

Otherwise, the men won't freeze to death, but we will all be frozen. Do you understand?

- Yes. - Yes.

If we knew which ones were for the masters, I'd lay them out extra thick.

My sister, you're confused.

The ones for the masters are naturally sewn by the madams.

When will it be our turn to do that?

The work we do is mostly for the male relatives.

Yuzhu, Honglei, and Lianyou. You three, come with me.

- Yes. - Yes.

Where is everyone?

Don't you all have eyes? Come and help quickly.

Madam, what nice things have you gotten again?

So much food! It smells so good!

Those men are about to set off.

Whether they can return is not certain.

We can't let them go on the road on an empty stomach.

I went into town and bought Zhang's roasted mutton, Sheng's roast chicken,

and a few jars of Tusu wine.

Mother, where did you get the money to buy all this?

I sold Yuzhu and your two maids.

What?

Lianyou and Honglei have been with me for so long.

What gives you the right to sell them without my consent?

Why are you all staring at me like this?

These maids were originally bought by me and I hold their indentured servitudes.

Now that we are driven to a dead end, what's wrong with selling them?

After much thought, I've come to an understanding.

Rather than suffering together,

with some stealing and some running away,

it's better to hand them over to a broker.

The money earned by selling a maid

can support an entire household for half a month.

What are you all gathered here for? Move it inside!

Fudong, you belong to me, not to Madam Xia. Don't be afraid.

But my indentured servitude deed is still with Madam Xia.

Young Lady, I've been sold through several hands.

Luckily, I met a fine lady like Madam Zhu, a kind mistress.

And that's how I've survived up till now.

If I were to be sold again, I would surely not survive.

Come.

Let me do it.

Shaoyao, are you happy today?

I've talked to Father about it.

There will never be a physician here again.

Even they won't come anymore?

Even them?

If the physicians come, I can at least argue with them.

If they don't come, who can I talk to?

I...

The cat can't talk.

- Yes, indeed. - Isn't that so?

Aunt Xiao is so busy.

She probably doesn't have time to accompany you.

What about those maids then? Is there anyone you like?

Then, after I'm done with my work,

I'll come to keep you company every day. Okay?

How much time can I accompany her daily?

Mercy, please!

Spare my life!

Don't be afraid.

I'll go and have a look.

- Greetings. - What's the matter?

These maids have been disrespectful to Consort Zhou.

I've been ordered to rectify the household.

In what way disrespectful? And whose orders are you following?

I wouldn't dare repeat these petty gossip and discussions.

It's Consort Xiao who really couldn't stand it anymore,

and thus she had me deal with it.

You can go now.

Yes.

Blood...

Sir, that's Prince Ling's mansion.

You can come and go as you please. But if we get caught, then...

Then just don't get caught.

You go tonight. Do as I say.

Yes.

[Hua Boyu]

Boyu is growing up so fast.

I don't know how long the clothes will fit.

Third Sister-in-law, I still have some cotton padding left here.

Let's add it to Boyu's clothing. The child can't catch cold.

Take it.

Where...

Where did this orange come from?

I went to town to shop yesterday. I saw a vendor selling oranges.

I originally wanted to buy a few to take home,

but I was reluctant to spend the money.

I felt upset inside.

So I followed that vendor and walked a long way.

Guess what?

From his load, an orange fell out.

I quickly picked it up.

Back in the mansion, who would fancy oranges?

Let's not talk about this anymore.

Eat it quickly.

No, no. Why would I eat it?

You foolish girl, you think I don't know?

You are always with Zhi, sneaking around

and vomiting behind people's backs.

I'm experienced in that.

This is just a matter of getting familiar with repetitions.

Quickly eat it.

Third Sister-in-law, I really don't want it.

Fudong made me quite a few fried haws. They are enough to eat.

Duo'er is the youngest. Let her have it.

She's losing her baby teeth. She can't eat sour things.

Third Sister-in-law, I truly won't eat it.

Thank you, Third Sister-in-law.

Not until you recite a passage from Mencius tomorrow can you eat one.

They were brought out of the mansion with difficulty.

After this, I don't know if there will be any more.

Come in.

Second Sister-in-law, give it to Boli.

He is pressured to study all day. Such a poor thing.

First Sister-in-law, your Bolin is older than Boli, so I have to give it to Boli.

It's all right.

He's a younger brother.

Even if he studies diligently all night, it's just as it should be.

No need.

Take it.

[The Last Autumn in Dongting]

First Sister-in-law.

How did you still have money?

It's no big deal for us to suffer a little.

Even if we have to beg, we'll survive.

These taels I saved up painstakingly are for the men.

They all say that a poor family has a road to wealth.

With high mountains and long roads,

they at least should have some money by their side.

So, I was thinking

to sew the money inside their clothes and send it to them.

You have some, too?

The other day, Zhi'er gave them to me.

That's all we two have.

Then, should we let them know?

Absolutely not.

Mother asked us to hand over our money before,

but we kept it a secret.

Now, if others find out,

what should we say then?

Second Sister-in-law, I'll follow your advice.

Your Highness, you really were a kind person.

Every wrong has a perpetrator. You must absolutely never come to me.

Absolutely...

Is this the Hall of King Yama?

Spare my life! Spare my life!

Chen Qing, go outside and keep watch.

Don't let anyone in.

Yes.

Y-You are...

You are the son of Prince Ling?

Since you recognize me, you must be someone from our mansion.

What is your name?

Your Highness, please spare my life.

I am surnamed Dong. I work in the mansion's kitchen.

Why were you in my mother's courtyard, burning paper, lighting incense,

and even spilling dog blood?

I...

I have failed Lady Zhou...

I have grown old and I will have to leave the mansion next year.

But over these years, I have had nightmares every night,

fearing Lady Zhou's wronged spirit might come to claim my life.

Having no other choice, I resorted to such despicable acts.

Explain it clearly. How have you failed her?

That day, it was the Lantern Festival.

The mansion was filled with people.

It was bustling until late at night.

Only Consort Zhou's residence was quiet and deserted.

I stole some silverware.

With nowhere to hide it, I came to the outside of Lady Zhou's courtyard,

intending to bury it there first and dig them up later to sell.

But then I suddenly heard a loud noise from the courtyard.

Just like a small firecracker had gone off.

Immediately after, flames erupted in the courtyard.

I heard Lady Zhou crying for help.

When the fire had just started, no one was aware.

I wanted to run to the courtyard entrance to see what was happening.

- Put out the fire! - But I saw quite a few people coming over.

I was scared to death then.

I could only run away.

Later, I heard Lady Zhou didn't make it.

I kept thinking afterward, if I hadn't run away at that time, she would...

Later, there was a heavy rain, and only then was the fire put out.

Lady Zhou's residence was burned to a pitch black.

I was guilty.

After some days had passed, I went to pay respects with incense and candles.

However, I saw a layer of white frost on those pitch-black tiles.

That must be Lady Zhou's restless spirit. She has shown her spirit.

I will let you go today.

But there's one thing.

Think carefully about the past.

If you remember anything, pull this, and someone will bring you to me.

If the clue is useful, I will reward you handsomely.

Thank you, Prince!

I'll keep it in mind.

Guards, take him out.

The first bow.

The second bow.

The third bow.

[In Memory Of The Late And Venerable Lady Zhou]

The family expresses gratitude.

Wipe it off. Your snot has dripped onto your clothes.

Here you go.

I came with Censor Hua.

Just now at the memorial hall, I watched for a long time.

All those officials were pretending to cry,

only you were truly shedding tears.

I really can't understand it.

Consort Zhou was such a good person,

but except for you, there's actually no one willing to shed tears for her.

You know her?

That night, I got lost in the garden and blundered in here.

Consort Zhou did not blame me, but sent an old nanny to escort me out.

My mother has always lived alone with no nanny by her side.

You are mistaken.

Is she your mother?

That child could come to Prince Ling's mansion with Hua Yizheng.

Either he's really a child servant or a young relative of the Hua Family.

He should be about eighteen or nineteen now.

He had seen that so-called nanny.

Sir, I have sent him away.

I will have Hou keep a close watch on him.

The Hua Family's men were exiled today.

- When do they set off? - At the hour of Mao. (5:00 - 7:00 a.m.)

First Sister-in-law, I asked Bolin for a pair of shoes. You must bring them to Boyu.

The child's feet are tender. Walking such a long distance is unbearable for him.

- Thanks a lot. - Don't be.

- Handle it carefully. - Yes, Madam.

Once Master Shen's carriage arrives, Huilan and Jin'e, you two come with me.

- Yes. - Yes.

You troublemaker!

I used to turn a blind eye to what you've been up to.

But today, you actually want to bid farewell to Hua Yizheng?

Do you want to drag down your grandfather and me until we die?

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 ♫