Original subtitles

♪Who gazes at the stars in the sky?♪

♪Heading towards the shore in a broken boat♪

♪This time, I'll hold onto fate and never give in♪

♪Family bonds are hard to maintain♪

♪Who will take me to the fearless dream?♪

♪As the wind and rain come and fade♪

♪A lone sail sways♪

♪A flower blooms alone amidst the thorns♪

♪Its petals are pierced by thorns♪

♪Yet it turned into a pair of wings flying against the wind♪

♪Everything grows through the heart♪

♪Even if dreams are lost♪

♪Smoothing out the surging 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 embraces the thorns♪

♪Everything grows through the heart♪

♪Having the courage to resist♪

♪Embracing the chant of destiny♪

[Blossoms in Adversity] ♪Only love brings light♪

[Adapted from the novel of the same name on cmread.com]

[Episode 12]

I'm just worried that you might not be able

to find the right people for the job,

so I even brought you

my son.

His father owes it to the Hua Family.

He should be helping you.

You've found the men I need already?

Fifteen men,

all former servants

who worked here before.

They came all the way here.

Please don't look down on us!

Look down on them?

Fifteen men blocking the doorway.

They're clearly trying to force me

to hire them.

If you are willing to help us,

my entire family will be grateful.

But let me make it clear beforehand.

We're no longer the same as before.

We've been cutting the budget on everything.

So I'm afraid that your monthly allowance

can only be half of what it used to be.

Lady Zhi,

as long as you're willing to take me back,

I have no reason to say no at all.

Besides,

the Hua Family

is renowned for being nice to servants

and you are such a good person.

A lower monthly allowance doesn't change anything.

Alright.

As our guardian,

regarding your responsibilities,

I believe you're clear about everything.

Lady Zhi,

allow me to boast a little.

I, Li Gui, am born to do this.

I know what I should do.

Tell them to pack things up.

Don't frighten the others.

Let Madam Xia take a look at them.

Alright.

Thank you, Lady Zhi.

This is Ms. Qin's dressing table.

Why is it here?

Are you blind?

Madam Xia!

Madam Xia, I'm here.

I'll remove it right away.

I've been calling you for ages.

The room next door is quite clean.

Go have a look.

Madam Xia,

I want...

I...

Don't hum like a mosquito!

Just say what you want to say!

I want to move to the west wing across the way.

I'm here to ask for your permission.

Why is that?

Well, you and Ling

and Duo don't just live here,

you also need to work here, right?

Every day,

people come here to report expenses or collect tokens,

so many of them!

Before,

your assembly hall was huge.

I know we're not rich anymore,

but you should at least have a room.

I feel bad about taking up the space.

You think I don't know

what you really want?

I suggest you

give up as soon as you can.

It's not that I don't want you to go.

Go and take a look at the west wing.

Yingzhen's two kids,

Ms. Qiu,

and Rong and Qin as well,

along with Huilan's boy.

And there's a bunch of maids.

Where will you live?

There is a room.

It's a woodshed,

small

but quiet!

The others don't want it because it's too sunny.

I have rheumatism.

It's the perfect place for me.

Is everything ready?

Go ask her.

If she says yes,

I'll let you go.

Zhi,

I want to move to the west wing.

I just want the smallest room.

You mean the one opposite

the room of Aunt Qi and Boli?

Yes.

I like that room.

Then you can have it.

Thank you, Zhi!

Thank you, Madam.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam.

Thank you, Zhi!

Zhi,

you really don't understand, do you?

Mother,

where should I put these?

Put them in the cabinet over there.

Sir,

we captured a total of sixteen rebels this time.

They set seven meeting spots inside and outside the Imperial Capital.

As spies from the Zhao Empire,

they bribed Zhang Shenqing from the Court for Dependencies

and Wang Fu from Palace Domestic Service

and secretly exchanged information.

Eighteen have been executed.

Go on.

Some of them haven't been dealt with.

Wang Mingli, the Director of Studies,

gave the mother of Defender-in-chief Chen

a gold Buddha statue

and three one-chi-long crystal ruyi scepters.

Also, there were eighteen

red-gold dragon bracelets,

because Defender-in-chief Chen

has seventeen concubines

and a wife.

Bring them in for questioning.

Alright.

Who wrote this?

Hou.

The kid doesn't know how to shorten words.

Go on.

Pang Sanxing of the Directorate for Armaments

colluded with the enemy and secretly sold weapons

1,030 pieces in total

and two hundred military tents.

Without question,

just kill him.

Yes.

Shen Zhongxing, the minister of the Court of the Imperial Treasury,

bought two dancing girls

and sent them to Lord Xian's Mansion the other night.

Did he accept them?

No, he did not.

Go on.

The women and children of the Hua Family

moved back to the capital yesterday.

Sir?

He rejected?

Father,

I'll convert it all into gold coins

and give it another try.

Lord Xian won't accept your gift

just because you send it twice.

Grandfather,

Father.

Grandfather, you want to see me?

Qi,

you need to do me a favor.

Come here.

You're a common citizen.

Use your name

to send out an invitation,

asking Lord Xian

to come here for tea.

Both your father and I are officials.

It's inappropriate for us to issue the invitation.

Why do we want Lord Xian here?

You don't understand.

The Hua Family has been raided,

which makes everyone in the court feel unsafe.

Becoming friends with Lord Xian

will bring our family

a bit of protection.

Scholar Hua was wronged,

which is known to everyone.

Lord Xian ordered the Court of Judicial Review

to torture Master Hua for a confession.

Even the prison guards

couldn't bear watching.

Don't you know that?

What are you talking about?

What do you suggest we do?

Cut ties with Lord Xian?

At least, we don't have to fawn on him.

You brat!

You're a member of the Shen Family.

Your food and clothing

are all provided by your grandfather and me

who live in fear every day,

providing our services at court.

And you act like this has nothing to do with you.

Qi,

just tell me,

will you write this invitation or not?

Come on.

[Hua Mansion] Who are you?

Why are you

walking around here?

Li Gui,

this is my friend.

She likes you very much.

When you were together,

I saw her happy.

Because she likes you,

just like I like you.

A modest gift.

Congratulations on moving back.

How kind of you.

I now feel embarrassed

to raise the fee for food and lodging.

You weren't

going to ask for a lot, were you?

Shaoyao has been wanting to see you.

Just get in.

I'm impressed.

She's not married yet

and she's bringing a man into the house.

Let me carry it.

No need, this is empty.

Still heavy.

You hold this.

Your guardian is quite cautious.

He seems like an expert.

You moved back into the capital.

Many people know about this.

They say that you're in business,

making a fortune every day.

Do you know what that sounds like?

A child carrying gold, walking in the bustling market.

I've already been

looking for some reliable help.

I haven't found the right ones yet.

Anyway, just be careful.

If there's any way I can help,

just let me know.

Don't worry.

Shaoyao

is safe here.

What I said

is not just about Shaoyao.

What is this?

This is a silent sleeve dart,

for self-defense.

Thank you.

Yanxi.

What have you been up to?

I've been working.

I'm free today.

And I'm here to see you.

I haven't seen you since we moved here.

How about tomorrow I take you to the night market?

Is that okay?

Zhi has been busy.

She can't go.

Poor her. I'll accompany her.

What should we do then?

I want

the two of you

to go with me together.

You sure are thoughtful.

Alright.

I'll go to the kitchen for some berries.

I have to get back to the stall soon.

Take your time.

Shaoyao,

remember.

Don't tell Zhi

about my work.

Did he leave?

He just left

along with Lady Zhi.

That tall young man was here again?

We had just moved back here

and he followed right after.

He sure came quickly, didn't he?

After all, Shaoyao lives here.

What's so funny?

I think

you should be careful.

He said he came to see Shaoyao,

but every time, he only

talked to Zhi.

When have you seen him

talking to Ling or Rong?

Exactly.

Could it be...?

Could it be...?

Perhaps you need to make

some larger shoes

for Zhi to give away.

[Shen Mansion]

Qi.

You're carrying so much stuff.

Where are you going?

Dinner will be ready soon.

You're not running away, are you?

Why?

Where are you heading?

Aren't you afraid that our father will get mad?

No.

I've found a quiet place

to prepare for next year's imperial examination.

Without spending the family's money,

I don't have to do things against my will.

If our father doesn't have to see me,

he won't get angry all the time.

I don't think

it's about this quiet place.

It's all

because of Hua Zhi.

You're just cross with our father.

Don't run away.

You're the future

of our family.

Unlike me

who knows nothing but to spend family money.

A family like this,

I can't be a part of its future.

No.

Then when I don't have money,

whose tab can I put my expenses on?

Qi!

Here you go.

Thank you.

Come back for more.

This place is nice,

I've dined here before.

That one is ready.

Here, take it.

Alright!

Shen Qi?

Where are you going?

I've found a quiet place to study

and prepare for the exam.

Are you moving?

Let me help you.

No, no need.

You don't have to, Hua Zhi.

Didn't you say we're friends?

It's fine.

Let's go.

I'll do it.

You are that...

This is Yan Xi.

We met at the copper shop before.

And we ran into each other again.

Right, good to see you.

Are we going or not?

Let's go.

Baoxia, take care of the stall.

Let's go.

Come on, get in.

Please have a seat.

I'll go get some water.

Shen Qi,

how can you live here?

Were you deceived?

I know quite a few rental houses.

Why not look for another one?

No need.

This place is good enough to live in.

I don't want to spend more of my family's money.

If you need anything

or any help,

be sure to tell me.

Yanxi, thank you.

I really don't know how to repay you.

No need to thank me.

Thank her instead.

After all, you two are friends.

Let's go.

Right, let's go.

I'll walk you out.

Shen,

no need to see us out.

Yingchun,

go and buy some clothes,

food, bedding,

and some fine

brushes, ink, and paper.

Also, get one guan.

Send them to the house at the very end

of Zaoshu Alley.

That place is...

Shen Qi lives there.

From now on, send those to him every month.

Alright.

What if he asks?

Tell him it's from my grandmother.

You go first. I'll follow.

Bolin,

have you finished school?

The teacher had a family emergency,

so he told us to go home.

Please let me go.

What are you doing?

Boli.

You were sneaking around here too

last night.

I get it.

Are you trying to steal something?

Boli,

how would I steal from you?

I don't believe you.

This is not mine.

I bought this.

I meant no offense.

I just want you

to take it with you to the academy.

Is that okay?

Whatever brush I want, my mother will buy it for me.

I don't want yours.

Boli...

You better leave,

or I will shout on my mother.

I'll leave.

Alright, tell me.

Why did you skip school

and even take Boli with you?

I just don't want to go!

They all laughed at us!

Why?

They said our family is down on luck and cursed.

They said studying is useless for us.

They also said

you're a clown girl,

selling little things.

So what?

I can't hear them anyway.

But even the teacher ignored us.

It was really unbearable staying there,

so we left.

How could you skip school?

Who did you learn it from?

Bolin?

I will go find him.

What has it got to do with him?

I just don't want to go to that academy.

Boli,

you used to

love studying the most.

Tomorrow, go with Mr. Zhong to the academy,

okay?

I'm quite fine studying by myself.

Don't you always say

that you want to be like your grandfather

and become the top scholar?

Which top scholar

passed the exam

by merely reading books on his own?

Can I really become the top scholar?

Of course you can.

You'll wear the golden flower, walk down the Imperial Street,

and earn a noble title for your mother!

You've been saying that since you were little.

Have you forgotten it?

You're lying!

They all said

that Bolin and I are descendants of criminals.

Let alone becoming the top scholar,

we can't even become scholars at all!

Who... who said that?

Who said that?

They all say that.

Once we walked into the classroom,

they all started laughing at us,

saying we have no shame.

Don't believe what they said!

They were all lying!

We've asked the teacher.

Even the teacher said so.

He said that for our whole lives,

we can never become the top scholar.

Even if that's true, you still have to study!

Tomorrow, go to the academy with Mr. Zhong!

No!

You must go!

You must!

I won't go!

I just won't go!

Then from now on,

don't call me mother anymore.

I don't have a son like you!

Mother.

Shut up!

Mother, don't do this to me.

Boli,

I'm not forcing you.

You're the best kid.

Good boy.

I like you

when you study well at the academy.

You only like the boy

who goes to the academy.

You only like the boy

who studies hard!

Boli.

Boli!

That's not true!

No.

Boli...

I love you so much.

[Hua Mansion]

What...

What happened?

Boli.

Boli!

Why is he running away?

Let's go tell the Madam.

What should we do?

Zhi!

Zhi!

Help!

What's wrong, Aunt Qi?

Boli ran away!

I couldn't find him anywhere.

What happened?

It was all my fault.

All my fault!

All my fault.

Boli!

- Boli! - Boli!

Madam,

have you seen a boy

about this high?

No, no.

Boli, where are you?

A boy this tall,

have you seen him?

Boli!

Sir, have you seen

a boy about this tall?

- Boli! - Boli!

Boli!

I don't want to go to the academy.

Why do they make me?

Is the academy really that good?

I just like to play.

I just don't like going to the academy.

Where are you, Boli?

- Boli! - Boli!

- Boli! - Boli!

Have you seen

a child this tall?

No.

Really?

Really not.

Thank you.

Help, help!

Boli?

Is that you?

Ms. Qin!

- Boli! - Boli!

Boli!

He's here! Come on!

Is there anyone who can swim?

Quickly get down and save him!

Let's go!

Boli!

- Madam. - Mother!

Boli.

Are you alright?

Mother.

Are you alright, Boli?

I'm fine.

Mother.

It was all my fault.

If anything happens to you,

I'll die.

I'll die, Boli.

Boli.

He's fine.

Good, good.

Let me see him.

My child.

- Mother. - My child.

My child!

Mother.

Shut up!

What are you saying?

Have you lost your mind?

Zhegui,

let's go!

Madam!

Stop talking.

Help them inside, hurry!

Stop looking at them. Just go!

Get back, go.

Hurry up.

Get back, all of you.

Stop looking at them.

My child.

My child.

My child.

My child.

What's the use of murmuring?

We, as concubines,

are simply not destined for better.

My child.

My child.

My child.

Qin.

Tell me, if my mother loves me,

why did she force me to do what I don't like?

If she doesn't love me,

why did she cry for me?

Your mother?

The one lying in the woodshed

is your real mother.

Qin, what are you saying?

How could my mother be in the woodshed?

Do you know

why Ms. Qin doesn't live in a proper room,

but stays in the woodshed?

Do you know

why she always looks at you secretly?

Do you know

why she risked her own life to save you,

while knowing

she can't swim?

Yeah, why?

Because you are her son

and she is your birth mother.

If that's really the case,

I can't keep her here.

Of course!

But, we need to talk to Zhi

and Madam Hua about this.

No!

I know what you're thinking.

She's from your quarters.

You're still trying to protect her!

Boli is safe and sound now.

She has played a part in that after all.

But now,

Boli knows everything.

He is all I have.

She dares try to steal my son!

No matter what,

I won't let her get what she wants!

Then tell me

what we should do.

Sell her off!

The contract has been burned.

Then just kick her out!

Have her go begging on the street!

Whatever!

In any case,

we can't keep her in the family!

Alright, alright.

Jin'e,

I, Qi Huilan,

have never asked anyone for anything.

Just for this one thing,

I'm begging you.

You are not me.

You don't know how anxious I am.

I really can't wait,

not even for another second!

Let's do it right now.

Right now!

Huilan.

Hurry up.

Pack up some of my clothes

and take them to the door.

Yes.

[Hua Mansion]

Mother!

Mother.

Madam Xia, Madam Qi,

I'm begging you.

Get up.

Please don't kick my mother out!

Get up.

Madam Xia, Madam Qi.

Mother!

Mother!

Look.

She looks so pitiful.

Please don't throw her out!

Please!

What's going on?

What in the world is going on?

Ms. Qin has broken the rule.

We can't let her stay.

She just saved your son

and suffered such injuries.

What great rule did she break

to deserve such punishment?

Zhi,

don't blame me for showing you no respect.

If you truly want to keep her here,

I will try everything

to kill her!

Zhi,

I'm begging you.

Please save my mother!

If she goes out like this,

she'll die!

Zhi,

please!

Please save my mother!

Madam,

I'm afraid

you need to say something.

I am in charge now.

Regarding this matter,

I should have the final say.

Then say it.

The Yuexiu Tavern

is now our major client.

The manager over there

has asked me several times

for someone clever.

I think Ms. Qin is the one.

On the 10th, 20th and 30th of each month,

she must come back

to report to me in person.

The rest of the time, she may not return home.

Madam Qi, are you satisfied?

This will work!

Since Zhi

has said so,

we, as elders,

should show her some respect, right?

Mr. Zhong,

take her to be settled.

Okay.

Let's go.

Mother.

Mother.

Mother.

[Hua Mansion]

Have you checked on Shaoyao?

What's the matter?

Who made you

unhappy this time?

Yesterday, Aunt Xia told me

about something.

About what?

It turns out that

Ms. Qin is Boli's real mother.

Aunt Qi and Uncle Pingyuan didn't have children,

so they adopted him.

You never knew?

Apart from my youngest sisters,

everyone knows

but me.

You just didn't care.

You're right.

I used to

live in my own world.

I didn't feel

so close to them.

I didn't like talking to them.

I knew nothing about their lives.

They were

like strangers to me.

After we lost Hua Mansion,

we supported each other as a family.

It was then I truly got to know them.

No need for self-blame.

Actually, that's how a family is.

Life is short.

There are many related to you by blood.

But how many of them

can you truly form a connection with?

In that case,

I'm glad I went to the copper shop that day.

Fortunately, you didn't leave a step earlier

or later.

Otherwise, we would not have met.

No.

I was the one who was ordered to raid the Hua Mansion.

We would have met.

But if that was the case,

I'd be your enemy

whom you hate very much.

Every time after our talk,

I felt much relieved.

Please don't find me bothersome.

The scent of burning and the smell of decay.

These four seasons revolve without ceasing.

...should be harmonized.

Yangtze River, Yellow River, Huai Rive and Ji River.

These five elements...

Mount Tai, Mount Hua,

Mount Song, Mount Heng in Shanxi and Mount Heng in Hunan.

These are the Five Great Mountains.

Scholars, farmers, artisans and merchants.

These four classes of people are the pillars of the nation.

Mother,

I will study hard.

Good boy.

Level tone, rising tone, falling tone and entering tone.

These four tones should be harmonized.

Madam Qi.

How can an outsider enter this place?

That's against the rules.

Madam Qi,

my son

saved Boli.

We owe it all to you then.

Madam Qi,

I carried a basket of berries for Madam Wu

the other day

and she rewarded us for it!

Thank you.

Please

keep looking after Boli.

Sure thing.

Madam Qi,

see you later.

Grandmother,

this paper is so beautiful.

It even has floral prints on it.

The writing is better than mine.

Who wrote it?

An old friend of mine.

Before I was your age,

we already knew each other.

That's wonderful.

You have old friends.

I...

I haven't been seeing Zhi lately.

She doesn't play with me anymore.

What is she busy with?

Lady Zhi said

that since the academies outside

don't want our boys,

we should set up our own family academy.

These days,

she's traveling around the Imperial Capital,

trying to find a good teacher.

I'm afraid it's going to be hard.

I asked her about it yesterday.

She hadn't found one yet.

Lady Zhi

has been working so hard

that she even lost weight!

Madam,

do you think this family academy is necessary?

Judging by how hard she tries,

you should know.

What's between Huilan and Ms. Qin,

the matter of Guardian Li,

and even the business,

none of those is as important as this.

I understand.

As the old saying goes,

making money is like picking up soil with a needle

and spending it is like waves crashing against the sand.

If the boys can't study in an academy,

how would they build their careers?

In that case, no matter how much money we make,

it won't last.

If they can't study in an academy,

the Hua Family would no longer be itself.

[Yao Mansion]

[Fan Mansion]

Young Lady,

we offer such good pay.

How come no teacher wants it?

Scholars, farmers, artisans and merchants.

We're just too lowly in their eyes.

Then, shall we keep trying tomorrow?

Yes, we shall.

Aren't there still

two teachers on the list we haven't visited yet?

Zhi, we're home.

Mr. Zhong.

Hua Zhi,

Mr. Yan is here.

Your timing is not so good.

Shaoyao is taking her nap

at my grandmother's place.

It's okay.

Are you free right now?

Are you putting me to hard labor?

The weather has warmed up.

I want to buy Shaoyao

some fabric for clothes.

But I'm not sure what color to choose.

Help me.

Baoxia, I'll go out for a while.

Alright.

Let's go.

[Hua Mansion]

What color does Shaoyao like?

Before,

she wore whatever was given to her.

If she could choose,

she would probably pick the light colors.

Why?

Because our mother loved wearing them.

She passed away many years ago.

She must be very beautiful.

That's why Shaoyao is so charming.

Yes.

[Clothes Shop]

Welcome.

What kind of fabric would you like?

We have everything.

Come in and have a look.

Here, take a look.

These are

newly arrived all from Lin'an.

And here,

a sample gown newly made.

It suits you well.

You should try it on!

No need.

It's not for me.

You're the same size as Shaoyao.

Try it on for me.

It fits very well.

Of course.

I have

very sharp eyes.

It fits you perfectly!

Also,

it matches your vibe.

Miss,

take another look at this color

and feel this fabric.

Shaoyao is a bit shorter than me.

Madam,

do you have anything

shorter?

I'll take this one.

All right.

I'll also have some of the fabric

for making a shorter one.

Okay!

It suits you very well.

He's right.

You're so pretty

and your body shape is perfect as well.

I really wish I could tailor

hundreds of sets for you!

I want you to wear my clothes

every single day!

You can take a look around.

I'll go pick out the fabrics for you.

You'll pay for Shaoyao's cloth.

As for this one, I'll pay for it myself.

You have been taking care of Shaoyao

for so long.

I need an opportunity to thank you.

That's not the same thing.

If you see it as a debt,

maybe I need to buy you

tens of pieces of cloth.

That's not what I mean.

I won't buy you that many,

but one piece is fine.

Try this?

Oh my, you look good too!

These two gowns

are made from

the same piece of fabric.

Look.

The pattern even matches!

Let me take it.

This is...

All the knowledgeable teachers

in the Imperial Capital

are on this list.

I want to hire them

to teach in my family academy.

Have you already

crossed a big half of them?

How did they offend you?

For the time being, there are no teachers

willing to come.

The notices for hiring teachers

have been posted

all over the capital.

But no one comes.

Don't worry.

There will be a way.

The way you said it

sounds like you're about to kidnap some of them.

Don't talk nonsense.

I am a law-abiding citizen.

My friends.

Shen Qi, come here!

Let me read this for you.

Come, take a seat.

Because we vowed to rebuild our family academy,

we sincerely hire virtuous scholars

to enlighten the youngsters of our family

and enable them to acquire knowledge and know the world.

This is a new poem I recently wrote.

Please take a look.

The Hua Family has prepared everything,

awaiting respectfully to greet you.

Everyone, listen to this!

A house full of women and children can easily attract gossip.

Despite the generous pay,

it is not an ideal place to go anyway.

Exactly.

Even if Confucius was alive today,

in the Hua Family,

he still wouldn't be able

to teach anyone of them to become a scholar.

There's no grown man left in that family.

What's so funny about that?

A family without a grown man

is dangerous.

For instance,

if you were to teach there,

you'd be living with a houseful of young ladies

and charming women.

For someone as gorgeous as you,

who knows what kind of rumor would there be!

In that case,

if someone like you

goes to work for the Hua Family,

there'd be even more gossip!

A gentleman cultivates himself,

corrects his heart within and presents himself rightly without.

If one really attracts rumor,

he should reflect on himself!

We are all scholars.

How can we say something

so shameless?

What are you angry about?

Arguing with me is meaningless.

A decent scholar

will never go to that house.

Don't you

understand it at all?

♪Not a patch of land is wasted♪

♪No tea plant is left withered♪

♪The sky drops rain, birds eat worms, and chickens leave manure♪

♪Using effort and sweat to water and nourish♪

♪The tea leaves may be rustic♪

♪But the taste is of spring♪

♪Ah, in the early spring, we pick the tea leaves♪

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

♪Not a patch of land is wasted♪

♪No tea plant is left withered♪

♪The sky drops rain, birds eat worms, and chickens leave manure♪

♪Using effort and sweat to water and nourish♪

♪The tea leaves may be rustic♪

♪But the taste is of spring♪

♪Ah, in the early spring, we pick the tea leaves♪

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

♪Ah, in the early spring, we pick the tea leaves♪

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