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 15]

Zhi.

Don't go!

Let's make friends!

Let's hang out!

Let's go!

Hurry up.

Who are they?

They're like our chicks and ducklings,

following us and quacking.

Don't go!

They're worse than our chicks and ducklings.

They thought

that you are Zhi.

They're trying to bully us.

Hurry up, let's go.

They're bullying Zhi?

She stopped!

Does she fall for you?

Go to her!

Right!

Go.

What's going on here?

Are you...

It hurts...

It hurts...

Shaoyao...

Shaoyao!

Shaoyao...

Shaoyao?

You...

You're not Hua Zhi?

Listen carefully,

my name is Shaoyao.

If you try to bully Zhi again,

I'll not let you off!

Help!

She's gonna kill us!

Idiots.

Are you alright?

Are you alright?

The needle is bent.

He...

What if he comes back

to cause trouble for Zhi?

What should we do?

Just stab him with the needle.

I'll poison him to death.

Alright,

let's go.

Don't make Young Lady worry.

Don't be angry.

Come on, let's go.

They're not following us, right?

Shen Huan,

you said

there would be a great show.

It hurts!

Oh my.

This is so funny.

Exactly.

[Hua Mansion]

We earned 159 in the day,

and spent 32 at night.

What's the profit?

127.

That's right.

Young Lady,

they saw me

talking to everyone.

They don't want to lose out to others,

so they're now competing to lower prices.

The final prices

are over 50 percent lower than before.

This coffin shop right here

gave the lowest price.

Their house is newly built.

No need to choose.

I want all three of them.

Go find someone

to knock down the walls

and turn the three shops into one.

On the side next to the river,

there will be a window.

Okay.

♪Stars fade and the dawn breaks♪

♪Before the window, a white steed passes by♪

♪Ink falls on the rice paper♪

This is a big move.

Indeed.

♪Every line written down is about my persistence♪

♪The light sheds in an instant♪

♪I'm trapped by shadows♪

♪Farewell to the cold corner♪

♪Making dreams vivid♪

♪Memories turned warm in the wind♪

♪Outlining the contour of freedom♪

♪For some stories, I'm finally qualified♪

♪To speak with courage♪

♪If the heavy rain falls once more♪

[Baoxia]

♪I won't awkwardly dodge♪

It's Bao,

not Ben.

You fool.

Try again.

♪I will set out facing the sunset glow♪

♪Having passed through so many twists without looking back♪

♪Winding into a splendid galaxy♪

♪So much beauty finally no longer escapes me♪

♪From the fingers with ease♪

♪If time could have a color♪

Young Lady.

Do you think this would be better?

Yeah.

♪Chase the light♪

♪Just go stubbornly♪

♪Just go♪

If those letters

really have something to do with the Fengxiang Palace,

His Majesty would never spare the Hua Family.

I have already failed Hua Zhi.

At this time, I can't

hit her when she's down.

After Hua Zhi gets through the busy period

and has some rest,

I'll dig deeper into this.

I must find a way

to help the Hua Family.

Let's go.

The new shop in the front has opened.

- Great! - Great!

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

[Hua Shop]

- Great! - Great!

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

Here you go, gifts!

Congratulations!

Thank you all for coming.

Zhi, I am really impressed.

Every few days,

there are new kinds of pastries.

Many of them

were taken off the shelves before I had my fill!

At first, I felt sorry

for your pastry chef.

But I didn't expect

that your shop would be so well-stocked!

From now on,

you will have the newest flavors in your restaurants,

so the customers can try them as soon as possible.

If they want the previous flavors,

they can come to my shop.

Isn't that good for all of us?

Thankfully,

Zhi isn't an accountant.

Otherwise,

We'd all go broke!

You...

You are both capable

and smart.

No more joking.

Please come inside.

Let's go.

- Please. - Sure, let's get in.

So exquisite.

Come, this way.

These are our new products.

I like this one!

I'll have the square-shaped cake!

Coming.

Here's the money.

- Here you go. - Just a moment.

Okay.

Our chef was inspired by flowers

when she made these.

Eat slowly.

Slow down.

Be careful.

Please,

come here.

Please send this to the guest over there.

Everything here is freshly made.

Come on.

Mother, it's delicious!

Lady Ling.

Lady Ling!

Over here!

Help, please.

Please come in!

- Here you go. - Thank you.

Excuse me!

Excuse us!

These are the gifts from the Yunlai Restaurant.

Osmanthus cakes!

I've been sewing all the time

and my hands hurt now.

Yingzhen,

you should take a break.

My hands hurt too.

But I'm happy about it.

To my surprise,

our income

has been so high!

Look!

These stacks

and volumes

are not just paper.

That's all money!

Huilan,

you're becoming just like Jin'e!

Yingzhen,

where is Zhi?

She's over there.

Zhi,

I heard from Ling

that the alley

is jam-packed

and the shop

is filled with people.

Why are you

still doing the accounts here?

You should hurry back

and keep an eye on the shop.

This is our first day.

I have to make sure everything is clear,

so I'll know tomorrow's expense and income.

These sticks of yours

won't get the job done.

I'll do it.

This is...

Before I married,

none of my brothers

could defeat me when using an abacus.

When I got married,

I secretly put this abacus

in the case of my dowry

and brought it here.

From then on,

it had been at the bottom of the case,

serving only as a souvenir.

I didn't expect

that I'd use it again!

Your Aunt Xia

does have foresight.

When we got raided,

she didn't only stash money

but also an abacus!

It's certainly more useful than your shoes and socks.

Don't you think so?

Indeed.

Nianqiu,

from now on,

you'll learn

how to use an abacus from Aunt Xia.

Aunt Xia,

I'll leave this to you.

I'll go check on the shop.

Go on, hurry.

Go.

I am leaving.

Come on.

Take these away.

Take a look.

Yingchun.

[Hua Shop]

With so many shops opening at once,

we can hardly keep up with the work.

Even I have to come here

join in this hardship.

Lady Ling.

Today's the opening day

and it is truly overwhelming.

We won't trouble you tomorrow.

Ling, try this!

This chestnut cake is really delicious.

Zhi!

Let's go take a look at the other side.

Someone fainted over here!

Someone has fainted!

Come over and take a look!

Someone has fainted!

Go take a look.

What's going on here?

What exactly happened?

He suddenly fainted.

Right.

He is not dead.

He's just too hungry.

Yingchun,

go get some food.

Help him up.

You two, come here.

Slowly, take it easy.

Come on.

What a good poem, Zhi.

Look.

The sovereign shall serve for the people.

He has read Grandfather's writings.

How did such a talented man

end up like this?

What else could possibly happen?

If he used such compositions

in the imperial examination,

I'm afraid

he would never get a pass.

If His Majesty read this,

I fear

he would end up

like Grandfather.

You're awake.

Are you feeling better?

Thank you.

I'll take my leave.

Don't you want your poetry?

The tall branches lack charm.

What's the harm if the fallen leaves still carry the chill.

Did you write this?

May I ask for your name?

I'm Zheng Zhi.

Thank you for saving my life.

I now own nothing

but a few scrolls of poetry and essays.

They're important to me.

Please give them back.

Where do you live, Mr. Zheng?

And Where are you working?

I'm just a useless scholar,

with nowhere to live

and nowhere to work.

May I have a word with you?

Mr. Zheng,

my family is hiring

a teacher who is good at poetry and literature.

You are highly talented.

I wonder if you are willing to give it a try.

I am poor,

but I do not wish to accept charity.

Thank you.

I will take my leave.

How is this the charity?

You are so weird.

Although we have newly opened a shop,

we're not rich people.

We are a sinful family.

Grandfather has a collection of thousands of books.

If you like,

you can borrow them.

My family name is Hua.

You are...

I was so rude just now.

My apologies!

Let alone family academy,

I will do anything for you!

If it's for Master Hua,

I am willing to risk my own life.

Mister, you've been too polite.

Please, rise.

You're willing to accept charity now?

That villain is here to bully Zhi again.

Fortunately, I have been prepared.

Mister, this way!

Can I help you?

Are you looking for someone?

No, not really.

Of course, I'm here

to look for that fierce silly girl.

Well, please check out

if there's something you would like to try.

Then, I'll have

this one

and that one.

Could you get them for me?

Sure.

Mister,

is there anything else you need?

Just get me one of each.

Sure.

Whose horse is running away?

Whose horse is it?

Whose horse is it?

My horse!

Horse!

Horse!

My horse!

My horse!

Hurry up! You've lost your horse!

You!

This guy...

Slow down!

Be careful!

I can do it myself.

This is the first time that you have ridden for so long.

I'm worried about your waist

and your legs.

When you learned to ride,

was it like this as well?

I was too young at that time,

so I can't remember clearly.

You learned to ride horses when you were little?

Are you trying to say

that the families in the Imperial Capital

that can afford to have their children ride horses

are either rich or noble?

If I really came from such a background,

why would I join the army

and work for you

as a master of martial arts?

Sorry.

You didn't even ask the question.

What's there to apologize for?

Besides, we've known each other for so long

and you've never asked me any questions.

Actually, since I met you,

I've been curious.

It's just inappropriate for me to ask.

If I ask questions now,

you might overthink it.

You're being so polite to me.

It seems

that we're still distanced.

It's not like that.

I feel that if you want to tell me

about yourself,

you will tell me someday.

My mother passed away when I was little.

My father remarried.

I was raised

by my uncle.

He taught me to ride

and read.

Later, I joined the army

to repay his kindness.

Actually, I want to tell you more

about myself.

Hopefully someday,

I can

tell you everything.

But for now, let's just

ride the horse

and feel the breeze,

right?

Alright.

It's getting late.

Let's head back.

I'm afraid that when I tell you the truth,

we'll never

be together like this.

Mr. Yan, you are back.

Mr. Yan,

well...

Where...

Where's Zhi?

Mr. Zhong, don't worry.

I have taken her to the shop.

She will be back later.

Thank you, Mr. Yan.

She's been

so busy!

Mr. Zhong,

did you serve Master Hua before?

That's right.

Ever since I was young,

I have been by Master Hua's side.

I have served him

for almost my whole life.

I heard when the scholars

travel around,

they usually have pages prepare ink and ink brushes for them.

So the page who served

Master Hua along with you

must be

close to him too, right?

There's no such a person.

It has always been just me.

In this case,

you've worked very hard.

It's nothing.

Mr. Zhong.

Zhi.

You don't need to do this.

The others

will sweep these leaves away.

It's okay.

I just

want to get some exercise.

Zhi.

Well...

How do you know Mr. Yan?

He's a friend of mine.

What's wrong?

Yesterday,

he asked me

about Master Hua.

Zhi.

You can't read his mind.

So we must be cautious.

Rest assured.

I know

what kind of person he is.

Alright then.

Perhaps I am overthinking it.

Alright, Zhi.

Don't let me keep you.

I will take my leave.

Today's lesson

will be taught

by Mr. Zheng.

From now on,

on all odd-numbered days,

he will take my place

to give you enlightenment lessons.

Yes.

Greetings, Mr. Zheng.

I thought

he's a strict one.

It turns out he's not.

I forgot to mention earlier

that during the enlightenment class,

you can't chat,

mess around

or be distracted.

In this class,

we will study the Thousand Character Classic.

The darkling skies and yellow earth.

The darkling skies and yellow earth.

Amid great chaos had their birth.

Amid great chaos had their birth.

Look at me!

It's amazing?

No talking!

Before the end of today's class,

I'd like

to introduce myself to you.

You're Mr. Zheng.

We already know.

Before I came here,

I wasn't Mr. Zheng.

I was born in a remote area.

My family was dirt poor.

When I was four years old,

my father died from a disease because we couldn't afford a physician.

My mother remarried and moved away.

From then on, I lived with my aunt.

My aunt couldn't afford my education

and there weren't any literate people in the village.

I had to walk barefoot for miles

to a teacher's place

and kneel outside his door

to beg him to lend me books.

Later on,

I became his favorite student.

And after that,

I was finally able to take the exams.

After passing the provincial exam,

I supported myself

by copying books and writing letters.

By walking,

I came to the Imperial Capital.

Perhaps,

the provincial exam is as far as I go.

When I first

saw this academy,

I had a dream that night.

In my dream, I was still

as young as all of you,

sitting here

with paper and ink brushes.

I could learn anything I want.

I was too happy,

so I laughed and woke up.

After I became a teacher,

your families often came to visit me,

bringing gifts and concerning about you.

They want me to be strict with you.

What I want to say

that you are young

and do not waste your time.

Isn't that strange?

A couple of days ago,

I secretly

went to the academy.

I saw those naughty kids

actually sitting there

and reciting along with the teachers.

Could it be

that Mr. Zheng knows how to cast spells?

It seems I should give Mr. Zheng

a pay rise.

Right!

With him and Master Mu teaching,

we don't need to worry about the kids anymore.

Yesterday,

Boli came back and told me

that today he will have a day off

and he wants to help in the shop.

I was really surprised.

Before,

he'd ask me for some pocket money

and go out playing all day.

I'll treat you to some pastries!

Great!

Let's go, time for pastries.

What's wrong?

It's my treat. Take whatever you like.

This one looks good.

This one is super crispy.

This one?

Yes, exactly!

Hua Bolin?

Right, it's him!

Is it really Hua Bolin?

Isn't this Hua Boli?

Hua Boli is here too!

Hua Bolin, Hua Boli.

Are you selling food here?

Yeah.

What's wrong with selling?

It's not like stealing or robbing.

You two, come here.

I want to buy something.

How much is this one?

What would you like?

Go away.

I'm not talking to you.

I want to buy it from them.

Go away...

Why are you shouting?

Everyone, go home.

Or I'll go to your parents.

Hurry up.

Let's go.

Just leave.

Bolin.

You said that we did nothing wrong.

Why are you ashamed?

I'm not.

I...

I'm no worse than them.

Then why did you hide from them?

Alright.

Today you have one day off.

You two

don't stand here.

Come home with me.

We'll head back.

Go home.

What do you want for dinner?

I'll let the chefs know.

Here they are.

They're here!

Come on, move.

Little peddler.

Little criminals from the Hua Family,

aren't you selling anymore?

Poor you.

You got kicked out of our academy,

so now you have nowhere to go.

Get out of the way!

Don't look down on us.

We have food and clothing

and we have a place to study.

Our teachers

are much better than yours.

That's right.

Let's go.

Ignore them.

Let's go.

This is ridiculous!

Your family runs a shop

and sells food.

You made money

painstakingly.

Your sister has become

a joke in the Imperial Capital.

Shut up!

Little Peddler.

Shut up!

Go to the academy.

Shut up!

What should he do after school?

He sells cowhide candy!

Bolin!

Bolin!

Stop fighting!

Stop!

Stop fighting, get up!

I've told you that she's not bad.

Pretty, right?

This pastry lady is really pretty!

Move, I can't see.

I brought you here!

Right.

What are you doing?

Aunt Qi, why did you come back?

Zhi,

making money

is never-ending.

We are

not as wealthy as before,

but we have everything we need.

As a young lady,

you are running about all day

and showing up in the public.

This is inappropriate.

When this period is over

and the business is stabilized,

you might as well

leave it to a professional shopkeeper

and accountants.

Aunt Qi, did you hear

some kind of rumor?

Just now, on our way home,

your younger brothers

fought with the other kids.

They got nosebleed.

What happened?

It was nothing serious.

Just some

ignorant children

said that we're lowly merchants.

They also...

They also said bad things about you.

Bolin was so angry

that he started to fight with them.

Zhi,

I think

that the kids are studying hard

just to earn

a good social standing in the future.

If it's just for money

that we degrade ourselves

to the level of merchants and artisans,

won't that be wrong?

Do the boys think the same?

They are too young

to understand these things.

But think about it.

If they consider merchants as noble ones,

why did they try to hide from

their former friends?

Why did they get angry upon hearing just a few words

and even fight with the others?

Aunt Qi, what about you?

Are you shamed of me?

Are you ashamed because we're running a business?

You can't put it that way.

Before, when we had no food or clothing,

not to mention running a business,

even begging

was acceptable.

But now,

things are different.

But Grandfather and the others

are still in the Northern Land!

Forget it, Aunt Qi.

It's getting late.

The work here is almost done.

I'll go home with you.

Let's go.

Mother,

you should discipline your maids.

What's wrong?

They've been doing nothing

apart from repeating disgusting words

heard from the idle men out there.

What did they say?

Ling is angry for a reason.

Ever since Zhi

started the business,

there're people

talking about her every single day.

They're not talking about you.

Why are you mad?

Mother, you don't know.

Recently, some idlers

didn't just make up things about Zhi.

They actually...

They actually composed

a series of stories

about the ladies in our family.

They even gave us nicknames.

They gave Ling nickname?

Ling used to be

a well-known and talented

young lady,

so they called her

Lady Scholar.

Lady Scholar?

It sounds

quite decent, isn't it?

What do you know?

That was the pseudonym of Xue Hongdu from the previous dynasty.

That person gained a living in the brothel.

Those words are unpleasant to hear.

But,

they do no harm to you.

Don't talk to me about these things again.

I don't have the time

for your frivolous complaints.

There are a lot of things

about the shop

and the mansion

that are run by

Zhi and me.

You can't help,

but at least you should stop complaining

and let me have some peace.

You and Zhi are

getting so close now.

Don't you care about your own daughter?

You!

She was quiet before,

now she has suddenly wised up.

She's so popular now,

managing the house, opening shops,

and running the academy.

All the good reputations

go to her!

Ling.

Zhi!

Ignore her.

Let me tell you something.

These days,

I have been

so anxious

that I even got sores in my mouth.

I can't even drink water.

Let's hurry and check the accounts.

Why didn't you ask Nianqiu for help?

I was going to talk to you about her.

Come on, let's go.

Come here.

Zhi,

this is the girl you've taught.

And these are the accounts she managed.

Yesterday,

I was so busy that I didn't even sleep.

I knew

that you were busy with the shop,

so I asked

for her help.

However,

it took ages for her to get here.

What's more,

today

she finally came,

but right under my watch,

she miscalculated several entries.

Such a troublemaker

should have been kicked out long ago!

We don't keep freeloaders in our house!

Seriously,

I know that she's pitiful

and you wanted to help her.

But she is

really not that smart.

No matter what I did to teach her,

she just couldn't learn!

If I keep her here,

she won't do any help.

Also, nowadays,

there's so much work to do in the shop.

With everything together,

so many details need to be managed

and countless transactions need to be recorded.

There are the expenses on food, clothing, and necessities.

All sorts of details as well.

I'm already exhausted,

yet I still can't finish the job.

I'm not going to

let this fool

piss me off to death!

In any case,

I don't want her anymore.

Please take her back

and do whatever you want with her.

I'm so angry.

Get up.

Why did you miscalculate?

The more scared I was,

the more mistakes I made.

The more mistakes I made,

the more scared I got.

Go to Shaoyao for applying medicine

and then take a rest.

Madam,

you've been working all night.

And that Nianqiu

couldn't help you.

If you keep pushing yourself like this,

you might fall ill.

That would be terrible.

What else can I do?

The better the business goes,

the more work for me to do.

Look,

the account books on this desk

are as high as mountains!

I have to check each transaction

and make sure that every number is correct.

I can't allow the slightest error.

I...

I'm having a headache.

It hurts.

Madam,

why don't you just

hand over these accounts

to Lazy Zhi?

Even I can't manage,

how would she cope with them?

Can she grow an extra pair of hands to do more?

But, nothing

is as crucial as your health.

I'm wondering

I used to be

in charge of the whole family.

How come I became so muddled now?

I shouldn't have been doing this alone.

Yinzhu,

make a trip

to the Xia family's cloth shop

and find Xia Ming.

Tell him

to come see me.

Who is Xia Ming?

A servant who was in my parents' place.

When he was little,

he learned accounting from me.

When I got married,

I even recommended him

to be the assistant-manager.

I heard he's been

doing great.

I myself can't cope with everything.

I need someone I can trust

to help me.

Right?

Otherwise,

I'm going to exhaust myself.

I'll go right now.

Yinzhu,

don't let anyone see you.

For now, don't let Zhi

and Madam Hua know,

in case they get suspicious.

I understand, don't worry.

As a young lady,

you are running around all day

and showing up in public.

This is inappropriate.

When this period is over,

and the business is stabilized,

you might as well

leave it to a professional shopkeeper

and accountants.

She was quiet before,

now she has suddenly wised up.

She's so popular now,

managing the house, opening shops

and running the academy.

All the good reputations

go to her!

This is the girl you've taught.

Right under my watch,

she miscalculated several entries...

It's so late that even the horses are asleep.

And there are no classes to attend.

I came here just to sit for a while.

Finally feeling tired?

The weather is nice today.

There are more stars than usual.

How long has it been since you last watched the stars?

I forgot.

I thought

I could be free,

doing whatever I want.

But I've been so busy

that I don't even have the time

to look up at the sky.

The last time I was sitting here doing nothing

was back when the disaster

hasn't happened to Grandfather.

You just forgot to rest.

I will remind you next time.

Are you cold?

Is there anything bothering you?

Nothing big,

but It's annoying.

Tell me.

Can I lean on you for a moment?

♪When all the lights were taken from the world♪

♪You are my only shimmering star♪

♪You save me with everything♪

♪Protecting me by my side♪

Gu Yanxi,

you have nothing to offer her.

If you go further,

there will only be more lies.

♪Just to seize♪

♪The light of hope♪

♪We walk with our backs turned♪

♪Always missing both night and day♪

♪Toyed with by fate for too long♪

At least, right now,

you can give her a moment of warmth.

♪Slowly permeating each other♪

So,

what happened?

If I tell you,

you must help me with some ideas.

Alright.

Today, Aunt Xia blamed Nianqiu again.

♪Waiting for you to illuminate my universe♪

The girls at home

have been secretly complaining.

♪You are my only shimmering star♪

♪You save me with everything♪

♪Protecting me by my side♪

♪Refusing to give up♪

♪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♪