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 8]

Just lie down.

When your injury heals, you can wash the quilts and give them back to us.

Just lie down.

Come on, be careful.

Gentle.

Does it hurt?

The way you lost your temper just now was quite impressive.

Now you feel the pain?

Don't move. I'll take off your bloodied clothes and wrap up the wound.

The wound has been wrapped.

How is she now?

The dressing has been changed. She's asleep now.

You should get some sleep too.

Do you think I'm getting senile?

I actually agreed to let her go alone.

She's young and strong. She'll be fine.

Don't get too worried.

Oh, the tonic pills we brought from home, are there any left?

Yes. Just not much.

They'll last a few more days for you.

I don't need them. Send them to Zhi.

Well...

She is young. She has to recover fully.

Indeed.

She is thoughtful.

This time, I'm afraid it was more than her body that was hurt.

Zhi'er,

it was all my fault.

First Sister-in-law, it was all my fault.

I'm sorry, to you... and to Zhi.

Second Sister-in-law, it's okay. It's over now.

Earlier today, I was too proud

to say something nice.

Zhi has reasons to feel aggrieved.

Don't be sad.

Ask yourself.

Are you acting like a young lady from a government official's family?

You must be careful on the road.

If you can't catch up with them, then let it be.

Trading is a lowly profession after all.

If you take it as a long-term solution, I'm afraid it is to degrade yourself.

Miss Zhi!

Where did all these quilts come from?

Just lie down. Why are you asking so many questions?

Give this to Boli, save him from being forced to study.

Poor child.

Stop this nonsense.

You, an unmarried girl, how can you bargain with those merchants?

You will never give me any money again. I will never take money from you again.

You will never give me any money again. I will never take money from you again.

Either way, it was my fault.

Just lie down.

When your injury heals, you can wash the quilts and give them back to us.

They are all secluded women.

They have no real abilities indeed.

But when something happens to you,

at least you'll have someone waiting for you at home, worried about you.

Sometimes, the closer you are, the deeper the rift between you.

As if there's a sheet of paper between you two.

Only when the paper is torn, can you see each other's true heart.

As long as you find the right star,

you can reach your destination.

Grandmother.

Zhi, are you feeling better today?

Much better.

There's something I want to discuss with you.

What if I don't agree?

Do you want to get rid of your mother and Third Aunt and work on your own?

I want to take charge of the household and manage things.

But why?

I have an idea. Perhaps it'll work.

It'll save us and Grandfather and the others.

Tell me about it.

According to the Daqing Criminal Law, Article 65 of Volume 29,

apart from the ten abominations,

flogging, beating with sticks, penal servitude, exile, and execution can all be redeemed.

Depending on the severity of the punishment, redemption can be made with money.

How much money is required?

200,000 a year for penal servitude, 300,000 for a two-thousand-li exile,

and 500,000 for a three-thousand-li exile.

As for hanging and beheading, that'll be 1.2 million.

Forty-three people, half a million each.

21.5 million in total.

♫ Calming the raging waves ♫

♫ Only love brings light ♫

Over twenty million?

Zhi, I know that you're knowledgeable and you are filial to the family.

But that number is...

I'll just be honest with you. That's a fool's dream.

Not to mention our current situation,

even back then, by selling all our properties,

added with the salaries of Father and his sons,

we still couldn't get so much money.

Yes.

Zhi is too young to understand the hardship of managing a household.

My dear, nowadays, for a common family in the Imperial Capital,

if the husband and wife work day and night, they can earn up to 2,000 per month.

After buying the food and clothing, they'll have nothing left.

Making thousands is already quite a feat.

My parents' family gets by on just five hundred a month.

Indeed. Right now, the whole family needs to be supported.

And we need to raise Bolin and Boli.

How can we possibly save so much money out of nothing?

Old Madam, Zhi'er means well.

Please don't blame her.

Zhi'er, you are too young to...

Let her speak.

Indeed, if you ask me for the money now

or to provide a way to make this much at once, I can't do that.

Let alone you, not even the Deity of Wealth can conjure up this much.

But there is still a way.

As long as the goal is set, I'll figure out a way to reach it.

What way?

Zhi'er, this is nothing like the last time.

Last time, you relied on your courage.

But now, not to mention money,

even for this month's food, you can't conjure them up.

This morning, when I made porridge, there was not a single grain left.

Baoxia, take Yinzhu and Chanlu, get the carriage and go to the city

to buy everything we need for this month.

The rest of the money, according to the old standard,

give twenty percent to the servants as their wage.

Yes, I'll get the carriage and set off immediately.

Go.

Where does this banknote come from?

That was ten taels of silver! How can you just give it to the servants?

Quickly call them back!

Not just them. Grandmother, aunties, even the younger ones will all receive a monthly allowance.

There will be more next month.

From now on, we will have pocket money.

Well... You can't do this.

Hurry up and apologize to your third aunt and ask her to take charge again.

Quickly.

Grandmother, as long as I'm in charge of this family, I can guarantee the monthly expenses in the future.

Three months.

If I fail, I'll hand the account book back to Third Aunt with both hands.

The sun is out.

It was cloudy yesterday.

Perhaps last night, the wind blew the clouds away.

Zhi'er, come here.

Grandmother, I have said what needed to be said.

As for other matters, I truly don't know at the moment.

I wasn't going to ask more questions.

Since I've allowed you to be in charge, the result and consequences will be your responsibility to bear.

Since I've allowed you to be in charge, you will be responsible for the success or failure of the family.

However, there is one thing I need you to make a decision about.

The marriage with the Shen Family?

My granddaughter...

Grandmother, please write a letter for me to break off the engagement.

From now on, we will make our own way without relying on other people.

And I will take a good care of my family in my own way.

I'm not writing it for you.

I will personally take you to them to break off this engagement.

Zhi'er, let's go.

Grandmother, I'm not skilled at driving a carriage.

You might find it bumpy.

That's fine.

For dinner, I'd like an extra bowl of rice.

Before, our carriages were always covered.

The window was tiny, and it felt stifling sitting inside.

But today, I get this wide view.

My mind is also broadened.

[Shen Mansion]

Madam Hua comes to visit.

Okay, just a moment.

We should stay away from them. How could you let them in?

What do you know?

Who doesn't know the Hua Family?

If they kept standing at our door, we'd be in trouble.

Honey, I can't see them myself.

Later, whatever they want, just send them away.

- I... - What's the fuss?

- Mother. - Mother.

Are they man-eating tigers or what?

An old woman and a girl have scared you like this.

If you want to hide, then hide.

I'll entertain Madam Hua.

Madam.

Old Sister.

Old Madam.

Old Madam, this must be your eldest granddaughter.

Indeed.

Madam, many blessings.

Old Sister, my son is still at work.

There are only us left at home. We apologize for any neglect.

Your son has been promoted. His Majesty relies heavily upon him.

Naturally, he's too busy to meet with casual guests.

This is good, though.

Without the men, we girls can do the talking the way we want.

Please.

Living in the manor must be hard for you, it must be no better than living in the city.

If you need anything, I'll send them to you.

Or you can carry them back using that cart.

Life in the manor is humble indeed,

but with my granddaughter here, we have everything we need.

I have heard about it. Miss Zhi has been selling couplets on the street.

In this Imperial Capital, words have spread everywhere.

I've also heard about it.

Thanks to Qi'er for helping us.

He's truly an upright and kind-hearted child.

Back then, my husband arranged this engagement.

He made the right choice.

Qi is preparing for the imperial examination next year.

Now, he's been studying hard.

This engagement...

Let's... cancel it.

Old Sister...

I apologize for the intrusion today. We shouldn't be here.

But I feel we should finish what we started.

The day you went to the manor, was due to emotional ties,

but I can't pretend to be deaf and dumb.

Nowadays, our two families are on different paths.

This marriage is inappropriate.

Today, I'll make the decision on behalf of my husband to annul this engagement.

Our families have been friends for generations.

It is us who let you down.

It's just that times have changed.

However, there's one more thing.

The betrothal gifts you sent to us,

along with the betrothal letters back when we arranged the engagement,

have all been confiscated.

Now, we can't pay you back.

Don't mention it.

Debts must be repaid.

We can't pay you back now, but it doesn't mean we won't be able to do so in the future.

Zhi'er.

Please, take a look. Is anything missing?

With embarrassment, I have written this letter of debt.

Please keep it safe. [Letter Of Debt]

Sister, you're going to make me ashamed to death.

A debt is a debt.

Love is love.

Zhi'er, we won't disturb them any longer.

Take good care of yourself.

Please don't see us out.

Hua Zhi is here?

She came to break off the engagement.

Qi'er!

Hua Zhi.

Master Shen?

I just wanted to tell you a gentleman's word is his bond.

No matter what my grandmother, father, or mother said,

I, Shen Qi, will keep the promise, never to leave or forsake you.

Master Shen, it's not like that.

It's my own decision to break off the engagement. No one is forcing me.

You don't want to marry me?

Shen Qi, you are a truly good person.

No matter who in the future ends up marrying you, she'll be counted as lucky.

Thank you for your generous help and for buying my couplets.

Thank you for coming after me to tell me that.

I will remember all these for the rest of my life.

Hurry back now.

Miss Zhi, then...

are we...

still friends?

Of course. See you.

- Let me do it. - I can handle it.

Sir, no wonder the lady from the Hua Family doesn't want the wedding wine anymore.

She broke off the engagement with the Shen Family today. I kept watching her all the way.

Shen Qi was limping along after her. The two were inseparable.

I don't know what they said, but they ended up crying.

- She cried? - Not her!

A grown man crying over a young lady.

That really is...

Sir, since you have instructions about the wine, I believe it's important.

I think keeping it in the shop is inappropriate, so I let them bring it back.

Fudong's pastry gets tastier every day. I've been spoiled.

You try.

Delicious!

Zhi'er, you really gave me a scare today.

What on earth happened?

Where did all this money come from?

I pawned the wedding wine Fourth Uncle prepared for me.

This is half the money. Take it.

This is your dowry.

What use does it have when the marriage is called off?

Fine, I'll keep it for you for now. Let me know when you need it.

Okay, whatever you say.

Zhi'er, is it worth it for this family?

Fourth Aunt, actually, I'm not that selfless.

I've just come to understand,

rather than hiding, it's better to move forward.

I want to protect those I love, and do what I want to do,

not just for you all nor for Grandfather.

It's for me.

Only by taking this step out can I walk further.

The farther I walk, the happier I feel.

Perhaps one day, I will attain true freedom.

Without relying on Grandfather, I'll still be able to travel the mountains and rivers, to explore the world.

When that time comes, you must write to me

and tell me what the mountains and oceans are like.

All right.

Let's not talk about the far future. Just tell me about your current tasks.

The wine money will be spent in less than half a year.

What exactly is our way out?

Right here.

No, no.

Why not? Fourth Aunt said it was delicious. Bolin and Boli both said the same.

I just fumbled through it myself. The craftsmanship is not presentable for a table.

There is no place to prepare a table right now.

Wait until there is a grand banquet for us to serve, then you can worry.

Since you said so, I'll give it a try.

If it doesn't work...

It'll be okay. I have plenty of ideas.

Yingchun and Baoxia, pick haws every morning, pluck stems, and select the best.

Yinzhu will be in charge of rinsing.

Chanlu and Miqiu, remove the seeds and pick off the bad ones.

Zhegui is responsible for the firewood.

Fudong will do the cooking.

Finish your work before taking a rest.

The weather is still cool. Washing fruits with cold water?

Why don't you ask your own maids to do it?

Fine, Yingchun and Baoxia, you two will be in charge of rinsing.

And you pick the haws.

Starting from today, anyone who does a good job will be paid double,

and if you make mistakes, your monthly pay will be halved.

Everyone, get to work!

- Yes. - Yes.

She's so young, but so good at giving orders.

Let her be.

Just treat it like a child playing house.

I'll get a few days of leisure myself.

Once she encounters difficulties, she will realize how hard it is to support a family.

Such a large amount of money. I wonder where she got it from.

I'll tell Baozhu to ask her later.

If this money comes from an improper source, we could be in trouble.

I just have these endless worries.

Let's go get some more sleep and put off this discussion for late.

Where is the hemostatic medicine?

Let's go. I'll take you to find some.

It hurts so much!

When all these haws are rinsed, my hands will have frozen off.

This is nice!

Stop, stop, stop!

Baoxia, you're spoiling them!

The fire is too strong! The honey is burnt!

My job used to be preparing pens and ink for Boli.

I have never done this sort of work!

Forget it. Just get some rest. I'll make the fire myself.

That would be the best. Thank you, Fudong.

This girl Zhi really knows how to destroy things in various ways.

It tastes as good as always.

What's good about it? It's so sour!

No, no! It's too sweet!

You'll get sick of it when you have a bit more.

Why are you all idling around? Where are the haws?

Miss, I just went for Yinzhu and Chanlu.

They said the work given by Third Madam hasn't been finished yet. So they haven't come back yet.

There's no one to carry the haws.

Then I'll deduct a day's wage for everyone.

Yingchun,

from today onwards, you no longer need to rinse berries.

You'll be the supervisor.

If anyone slacks off or makes any mistakes, report it to me.

Baoxia, come with me to pick haws.

Sir, men from the branch family of the Hua Family have all been escorted out of the city.

As what you said, the person we're looking for should be around 17 or 18 years old.

I've questioned all the young ones among them.

None of them has been to Lord Ling's mansion as a child.

If that page is not among those exiled, he must be one of the servants.

Now most of their servants have been disbanded.

Trying to find him is probably like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Hua Zhi has been back for two days. I wonder if she has recovered.

What a coincidence.

Why are you here?

I remember you. You're that soldier.

So I shouldn't be here, huh? I can't listen, can I?

On the way back that day, you seemed restless.

Did you encounter any trouble afterward?

Not at that time, but now there's a lot.

Is that so? Then is there anything I can help with?

Yes, there is. I still have so many haws to pick.

It seems you ultimately couldn't get off the boat (xiachuan). Did you think things through?

Get off the bed (xiachuang)?

All thanks to your good words. I'm now temporarily in charge, taking the helm and steering against the wind.

It's just trivial at the moment, but I'll have to take risks in the future.

He's not a soldier?

So, does he sell boats or beds?

Lady, you're picking haws here?

Granny Lin.

Fudong has made some snacks.

Take them. They're very soft.

You're offering us more tasty food?

This...

Just hurry home and have a good meal.

I'll bring you more in a few days.

- Thank this lady. - Thank you.

Go home.

Thanks a lot.

Do you know them?

They're all struggling to make a living.

How can I not help them?

Her daughter and son-in-law both died of illness.

Baoxia, let's go.

How come you girls are working out here? Where are the male servants?

They all ran off.

The old and the young ones, all of them?

What do you mean?

You want to come to my house to make a living? I can't afford to pay you.

In that case, when you can afford to pay me, let me know.

I'll come over immediately.

It seems that your trip to the capital didn't get you a suitable job.

You're right. There is nothing suitable about being a thug for others, pretending to be a fox and a tiger all day long.

But don't worry, I'll survive.

There's still a long way to go. Things will eventually go your way.

Then I also wish you a smooth sailing.

I'm leaving.

Let's go.

Miss, judging by that scar on his face, I don't think he's a good man.

I disagree.

Yinzhu, Third Madam has so much work for us to do,

yet you have the time to do extra jobs.

I'll go right now.

Zhegui, come here.

Third Madam said anyone who wants to help can come.

Okay.

Is there something special?

The madams always need to be taken care of even if they have nothing to do.

Do I have to tell you every detail?

Chanlu, your monthly allowance is paid by First Miss.

Sister Yingchun, please don't make it hard for me.

My servitude deed is with Third Madam.

Fudong, Third Madam said Old Madam wants round-grained rice porridge for lunch.

- She wants you to make it now. - All right. I'll make it now.

It's still early, no rush.

Miss, I heard from Yinzhu that Third Madam complained about too many maids here.

She's annoyed by all the noises.

She also said we maids spend all day in the kitchen stealing food.

She said she wants to sell a few more of us.

Miss!

How very strange, the girl in charge brings me the meal.

I have something to ask of my grandmother, so naturally I have to be more attentive.

I anticipated as much. Tell me about it.

Grandmother, try this pickle first.

It's light and refreshing.

Fudong picked these from the backyard and figured out how to make them delicious.

Such a clever girl. She's from your quarters, isn't she?

If you want to say something, just say it.

Grandmother, I want the maids' indentured servitude deeds.

Otherwise, Fudong will be sold by Third Madam.

How can that be allowed?

- Why? - I don't know.

Zhi, why did you call all of us here?

Boli hasn't finished studying yet.

You'll know when Third Madam gets here.

Zhi, since ancient times, there have been many ships that do not block the road,

instead you are reaching your hand into my pocket.

Third Madam, don't worry. No one can take advantage of another today.

Zhi, these are important. It's better to let Aunt Xia keep them.

Mother, don't worry. We don't need them anymore.

All your indentured servitude deeds are here.

Since we lost everything,

all the maids and madams have been supporting each other.

We all witnessed that.

You've had a tough time these days. I'm aware of it all.

Now, since I am in charge, I won’t pretend to be deaf and dumb anymore.

No matter it's Old Madam, Third Madam, or me,

we can control your actions but not your feelings.

If deep down, you hate this place and don't want to work,

we have no reason to keep you.

First Miss, please, don't sell me!

I will never be lazy again.

Yes, please, don't sell us. We will work harder!

Please don't sell us. Don't sell us!

Don't sell us!

When did I say that I was going to sell you off?

I'm holding these indentured servitude deeds because I want to set you free.

Really?

Zhi, wh-what are you even talking about?

In this world, we're all equal. No one is born to serve others.

They're just unlucky to end up like this.

If they can gain their freedom, who would wish to be a servant?

I will keep my words.

I...

I...

I have worked so hard to discipline these girls.

Now, finally, they're not running away.

With just a few words, you've given all that away!

Third Madam, from now on, you don't need to work that hard.

But if you release the maids, who'll comb my hair and dress me?

Sister Hua Ling, you have so much skills. You can draw and embroider.

Are such simple tasks like getting dressed and doing hair so hard for you?

Baoxia, give these to their owners.

Everyone, come and get yours!

- Where's mine? - Mine?

- Take this, this is yours. - Is this really mine?

You silly girl! Have you lost your mind?

You all...

​♫ Ink and brushstrokes on rice paper ♫

- This is yours. - Slow down, slow down.

- Take it easy. - Look, this is yours.

Aunt Qin!

- This is yours. - Take it.

Throw the servitude deeds into the fire and let them burn into ashes.

From now on, all of you are free to come and go.

I also promise you all, I will never report to the authorities.

If you want to leave, leave quickly.

If you want to stay, you can think of yourself as a hired worker.

I'll still pay you monthly.

But everyone must think carefully.

This relates to your future. I don't want you to regret it.

♫ Speak with courage ♫

The future is not going to be easy. We are all in the same boat.

Only by working together can we find a way to survive.

Baoxia.

You...

You!

♫ If the lone boat doesn't drift ♫

Today, at my age, I have witnessed something extraordinary.

Zhi, well done!

♫ In the midst of chaos, you passed by ♫

♫ And then my world lit up with fireworks ♫

♫ Flowers finally bloomed in the desert of my heart ♫

Miss, I've made up my mind. I won't go anywhere. I want to be with you.

I-I won't leave either. I'll still work in the kitchen. Okay?

Okay.

♫ Speak with courage ♫

​♫ If time had color ♫

♫ My story would surely be vibrant ♫

♫ Go chase the light ♫

♫ Just go stubbornly ♫

♫ Just go ♫

Miqiu.

Are you leaving?

Miss, I'll never forget your kindness.

But I...

Get up.

If you're leaving, do you have a place to go?

My brother lives in Yongzhou. He owns a piece of land there, and my mother is there too.

Good. Go to Yingchun. She'll give you some money.

Be careful on the road.

Miss...

Miss...

If you want to go, just go. Why are you crying? Ridiculous.

Go.

Here.

Yingchun, you want to leave, too. Right?

What are you talking about?

You've always been smarter than us.

Even if not as a maid, you'll still have a good future.

But, what else can I do?

Get married.

You're pretty.

You can marry a farmer or a fisherman. You'll never starve.

If you can marry a merchant,

perhaps you'll get rich.

Yingchun, I'll take my leave.

You should hurry up and get ready, too.

Take care.

Is a bright future defined by marrying a good man?

Yingchun.

Miss, I've been wanting to ask,

we continually keep rinsing and frying haws for what exactly?

I was going to tell you later.

Baoxia and the girls don't know about this yet.

When Fudong finalized the recipe for the fried haws,

we'll start to sell them in the city.

Everyone there knows what haws are like.

No one likes them.

How could anyone be willing to pay for them?

Just make them delicious. It's their business if they want to pay.

Miss, what about the next?

A tower begins with a heap of bricks.

We start from selling haws, then expand the business step by step.

So, from now on, the whole family will be running a business together?

If poor people want to get rich, working is a better idea than farming,

and business is better than working.

If we want to save Grandfather, this is the only way.

Running a business is just like fighting a war.

In the past, you all worked only in the house.

But from now on, you must become leaders who command troops to win battles.

Together, let's carve out a path in the Imperial Capital.

All right, I'll do this with you.

And me!

Here.

Baozhu.

Baozhu, my clothes are torn.

Madam, just leave them there. I'll get the needle and thread as soon as these are ready.

Yinzhu, come and help.

Coming!

Come on, try these.

What do you think? Is it good?

- Really delicious! - So good!

Delicious.

This is delicious, Madam!

Little girl, smart move. She actually tricked me by using drastic measures.

Third Madam?

I always hear you coughing at night.

Aunt Su has poor hearing.

I'll sleep here for the next few daysto look after you.

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 ♫