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 18]

Fudong.

Young Lady.

I've heard all about it.

I don't want to be a concubine of the Song Family.

Even if it were to be the Madam,

I wouldn't go.

Fudong, get up.

Come on.

I've been sold from here and there like animals

since I was young.

Finally,

I feel like a human now.

I'd rather spend my whole life

working like a horse here

than go to serve the Song Family.

Who said you had to go to the Song Family?

Who said you had to work like a horse?

When Madam Xia wanted to sell some of you the other day,

I made you a promise.

Whether it's you,

Yingchun, or Baoxia,

as long as you want to be by my side,

I will protect you.

So,

you can rest assured

and do your duty in the kitchen.

If Auntie Hua Jing comes to you again,

I will deal with her.

Young Lady is here, so don't worry.

Sir,

you haven't drunk any water

since last night.

Drink some hot water.

Mind your health.

Sir.

Xiao took her own life.

Died as a matched pair with you,

I won't envy the immortals.

I have said it.

Don't disturb my meditation

unless it's important.

Yanxi, you are back.

This meditation room

is a quiet place in the mansion.

No wonder

you want to stay here all day long.

If you like it,

you can come and join me

in meditation and reciting scripture.

Just now,

the Security Bureau came to deliver a message,

saying that Consort Xiao...

I knew.

You already knew?

Since Xiao has already died,

why didn't you send someone

to retrieve her body?

I don't want to have anything to do

with such a treacherous woman.

How can I allow her

to put shame

on our family?

And right now,

your mother

has already been vindicated.

From now on,

you and I

must recite scripture more often

to pray for your mother.

Okay.

There's something I want to ask you about.

Does His Majesty know

that you conspire against him

with the help of the Zhou Family?

Did Xiao tell you about that?

You believe her?

She must have told the truth

since she was dying.

She has written it all down.

[Died as a matched pair with you, I won't envy the immortals.]

You got panicked.

You figured out I'm the Security Bureau Commander,

so you think

this is her testimony against you.

Too bad.

She didn't say a word until her death.

She protected you until she took her last breath.

And I just drew you out.

So?

Do you want to tell on your own father?

Do you recite scripture every day

just to make yourself

feel more at ease?

Back in the day,

the Zhou Family had command over the whole army.

You took my mother as your wife

so you could contend for the heir to the throne.

When my uncle ascended the throne,

you were afraid that His Majesty would distrust and retaliate upon you.

So you convinced my grandfather

and my uncle to declare a war,

but the army was defeated overnight

and the entire Zhou Family was executed.

You got away scot-free,

and every one of my mother's clan was dead.

And you used Xiao,

who was madly in love with you,

to kill my mother for you.

She wasn't cruel enough though,

because she didn't

kill Ms. Chen's entire family.

She was not as cold-blooded as you

when it came to that.

Because you wouldn't even spare

your own daughter.

Dong Da wanted to tell on you,

and you killed him.

If Shaoyao wasn't so lucky,

she would have died in the fire.

I guess

you stopped coming after her

because you realized that the assassins you sent

all failed.

You figured out I am the Security Bureau Commander.

Besides, Shaoyao

didn't know anything.

Otherwise, after I brought her home,

she wouldn't chat with you

so calmly,

right?

The Security Bureau

is always infamous for wronging the good people

and using schemes and tricks.

Now even you

become one of their kind.

Right.

All that I've said just now

was just to frame you.

How could you, the noble Lord Ling,

possibly get your hands dirty

and kill your wife just to save yourself?

Shut up.

How could you make Xiao,

a weak woman,

willingly

become a murderer?

I am your father!

I would rather

never have a father like you.

Your Highness.

The eunuch Changqing from the Palace is here.

Greetings, Your Highness.

His Majesty heard

Consort Zhou has borne her guilt for many years,

and today her name has been cleared.

He thought you would feel sad,

so he wanted to invite you to come over to the Imperial Palace.

He has known already?

Your Highness.

Changqing.

I will go with you.

His Majesty only asked for His Highness to go to the Imperial Palace.

I can't stop you if you want to go.

It's just that I don't know

if His Majesty is willing to see you.

I know.

Let's go.

Alright, go on.

You can leave.

Your Highness.

His Majesty doesn't want to see me?

I was told by His Majesty

to take you to the Shen Pavilion

for you to reflect in confinement.

Please come with me, Your Highness.

Xi.

You're still too young.

The turmoil of that year

was the biggest secret and scandal of the royal family.

That is an old scar.

I am not the only one

who wants to bury it.

That one in Chenglu Palace

probably is even more reluctant to reveal the past.

Yanxi.

Yanxi.

Yanxi.

Shaoyao.

You were dreaming.

Zhi,

I dreamed about my brother.

He was crying,

but later he laughed.

I'd never seen him like this.

Dreams are often the opposite of reality.

I...

Why doesn't he want me anymore?

Why didn't he come to see me?

I'm scared.

Yanxi.

Where are you now?

Yanxi.

Do you realize your mistake?

I'm not aware, Your Majesty.

I didn't punish you because you did something wrong.

It's that you didn't realize

what was the meaning of being father and son.

Even if Lord Ling did wrong,

he is still your birth father.

If you have no moral principles

and you can go against your father like that today,

maybe you will do the same to me one day.

I have heard about what happened to Consort Xiao.

You have investigated the cause

and she has paid with her life.

It was many years ago.

Let it end here.

Will that do?

Yes.

Endurance is never easy.

You are the son of Lord Ling,

and also the commander of the Security Bureau.

You can't let emotions take over your judgment.

You have to put up with it

no matter what happens.

I will keep it in mind.

Stay in the Shen Pavilion for the next few days.

Think about what I said.

I hope you can come to understand.

I will come to see you in a few days.

[Hua Mansion]

Young Lady.

The fruit grower of West Mountain

delivered this to you early this morning.

He said that with this tree, you'd know how many apples

on the mountain

have ripened without getting out of the house.

By then, you can go buy apples from them.

That's very thoughtful.

Baoxia.

Go find some oil paper.

[Wealth]

Young Lady.

Can these characters really

be affixed to the fruit?

Yes.

When these fruits get bathed more under the sun,

they will all turn red.

Only the places covered by these papers

will remain green,

And the characters will show on the apple skin.

That means each apple

will have a character on it.

When the fruits are ripe,

we can put them into a box.

If the buyers get lucky,

they will get an apple with a character on it.

This is a great idea.

When our apples

are ripe with characters on them,

there'll be no competitor for us on the market.

Once we finish pasting this,

we can finish the rest of them in the courtyard.

Then I'll paste the characters "fortune, prosperity, and longevity".

When it's time to pick them,

I can let Madam Hua have a taste.

I will write the character "leading" for Boli.

For good luck.

Why does the character

contain so many strokes?

The scissors are kind of blunt.

Yingzhen,

let me help you.

Cut out a "peace" character.

How's that?

Okay, I write it down first, and you do the cutting.

♪The light sheds in an instant♪

Peace.

Young Lady.

Everyone has cut out their characters.

You can do one for good luck.

♪Making dreams vivid♪

[Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity]

♪Outlining the contour of freedom♪

[Leading]

♪To speak with courage♪

[Peace]

[Smooth]

♪Chase the light♪

♪Just go stubbornly♪

♪Just go♪

[Yan]

Zhi,

I miss Yanxi too.

[Yan]

Come on, place your bet.

Big!

Small!

Mr. Shen.

You were spacing out.

Place your bet!

Gambling isn't much fun.

I have a novel gadget here.

Take a look.

This is called elephant chess.

A new game I just learned.

Place your bet.

Can't you afford to lose?

Open.

Mr. Shen.

You lose.

At this time,

the dancers of Chunliu House should be dancing.

Shall we go there?

Let's go.

Let's go.

Go.

Let's go.

[Pawn] There is a character engraved on this.

What are you here for?

I want to see if you have recovered from your wounds.

I'm recovered.

That medicine you gave me last time

was quite effective.

What is this thing?

I've never seen it before.

It's just a game.

Played by two people.

You don't have anyone to play this with?

Who says that?

Those people just left.

I'll play with you.

Teach me.

I'll pass.

You should go home.

In case

your brother beats me up again.

My brother

hasn't been home for a long time.

He won't be able to beat you.

Where has he gone?

I don't know.

I miss him so much.

This is called elephant chess.

It's quite difficult.

Let me make it clear.

I'll only teach you once.

If you can't learn it, that's it.

I am a fast learner.

Shaoyao.

What is your relation to the Hua Family?

I don't know.

Anyway, Zhi said

that I'm part of her family.

Grandmother also said

that I was just born into the wrong family

and that I was meant to be

her granddaughter.

Zhi.

What's the matter?

Do you know elephant chess?

Yes, I do.

I've learned how to play it.

That's impressive.

Shen Huan gave me this.

He wanted to thank me for the medicine I gave him.

Zhi.

Play the game with me.

I need to finish this first.

You can go to Baoxia.

Baoxia.

Play elephant chess with me.

I don't know how.

I've heard this is quite difficult.

I can teach you.

Don't bother.

I...

I'm thirsty. I'll go drink some water.

Then I...

I'll find someone else to play.

Young Lady.

Fudong made a batch of honey cakes.

They have sweet osmanthus in them.

Please have a try.

How is it? Tasty?

It tastes good.

Send a box to Ms. Qin.

And send a box

to Shen Qi from Jujube Tree Alley as well.

Send a few boxes

to the Security Bureau.

Them too?

We should send a few more.

Don't let just the leaders share them.

Their subordinates should also have a taste.

We can afford it.

Alright then.

Then I'll call Baoxia to come along.

That place is too frightening.

Young Lady. Please eat more.

[Yuexiu Tavern]

Ms. Qin.

Lady Zhi asked me

to bring some things over.

Try this box of cakes while they're still warm.

The money is for your daily expenses.

There are also some clothes.

Try them on later to see if they fit.

Is everyone okay

in the family?

They're doing well.

Does Qin still

cry a lot?

And...

And Boli.

You are not in our family now.

You should worry less

about those children.

Madam Qi and Madam Xia

will take care of everything.

Don't worry.

I'm leaving.

Take care of yourself.

What are you doing?

Is the pastry for us?

Lady Zhi told us

to bring you these.

You can have two, sir.

I have only seen people

throwing stones at our doorstep.

It's the first time

someone brought us pastry, huh?

What are you doing?

Baoxia.

Chen.

The Hua Family sent us some pastry.

I thought

it was something rare.

Then don't eat that.

I...

I am afraid it might be poisoned.

I would only poison you.

Why are you so annoying?

We put a lot of effort into making these.

And you are just being rude.

I'm just kidding.

Come on.

Everybody has his share.

We can't turn down

Baoxia's kind gesture.

Everyone, come on.

Baoxia.

You're leaving?

I can show you around.

Come anytime.

Chen, why did you take two?

Little kid, you know nothing.

I take it for someone else.

Young Lady.

Here, have some tea.

Did you see any acquaintances

at the Security Bureau?

I did.

I saw that evil-looking big fool

that searched silver on our master

that day.

There's another one.

Round-faced, big fatty.

Young Lady.

Auntie Hua Jing is here again.

She has even brought her husband.

Hua Jing

really has some nerve.

Last time, she yelled so loud in Madam Hua's room

that all of us could hear her.

And today, she acted like nothing happened

and even brought that man to our house.

Last time, Fudong refused to go with her.

She definitely won't give up.

I saw Zhi was already in there.

Zhi is still a young lady after all

and also a junior.

This might bewilder her.

Let's go.

Since she brought her man here,

as Madam Hua's daughters-in-law,

we should help entertain the guests.

You'd better not go.

It's bad for the baby if you get angry.

Go back and rest.

Zhi, it's good you're here.

I came here last time

because I wanted

to take in Fudong who serves you

as a concubine of our family.

You can decide for her today.

Let her come over right now

and have your uncle

take a good look.

A few days ago,

I caught a glimpse of her

at your shop.

There were many people,

so I didn't see very clearly.

Aunt,

Fudong is busy in the kitchen.

I'm afraid she can't come over here.

She's just a maid

and yet you treat her

like someone precious.

We even don't get to see her now?

It's nothing like that.

Fudong

was bought by my mother.

If you want to buy her,

I certainly cannot

do a money-losing business.

Let me do the calculation for you.

Just for this month,

Fudong made seven kinds of pastries.

With the cost of materials and labor deducted,

she can earn about 15 guan every day.

By the end of the month,

it would be 450 guan.

And I didn't even count the pastry she made before.

If you want to take her in, uncle,

at least,

you need to offer the amount of her one-year earnings

as a betrothal gift.

Then we can talk.

How could you?

How can you treat this like a business?

Aren't you afraid

of ruining our family's reputation?

Jing, that's not right.

What reputation has been left

for our status now?

We just make a great fortune every day

with those shops.

We've got nothing else.

Be careful

when you come here.

Don't let us

ruin your reputation

and integrity.

Normally,

you're a blood relative of the Hua Family,

so we shouldn't intervene

as daughters-in-law.

But something you said

was quite right.

We can't ruin

the Hua Family's reputation.

Let your niece's maid

become her uncle's concubine?

If this kind of thing gets out,

we will become the laughingstock of Imperial Capital.

There's one thing you need to know.

Fudong is one of Zhi's maids, that's correct.

But her indentured servitude has already been burned,

so she is a free person now.

She can do whatever she wants.

Don't take it personally,

but she's under nobody's control.

You put on quite a show.

This is how they treat the firstborn daughter of your father?

Chengzu.

Get lost.

Do you need a hand?

Mother.

See?

All of them

treat me so badly.

You...

You ruined my life.

Fine.

I can see now.

You're in charge

of the entire Hua Family

and everything has to go through you, isn't it?

I don't even have a place

in this family, huh?

Fine.

I will leave.

I want to see

how long you can still live such a well-off life.

A bunch of snobs.

Chengzu.

You can leave.

I'm tired.

Madam Hua, you're coughing up blood.

Don't tell them.

Zhi will get worried.

It's nothing.

It's nothing.

Sui'an.

How's your study going these days?

You didn't cause any trouble for your aunts, right?

No, Mother.

Come on, let me take that.

Go see Madam Hua.

Why did you show up

all of a sudden?

And you brought so many things.

Go pack your things.

Jin'e, let's sit down first.

I heard

my mother has not been in good health recently.

I can't leave the house as I want.

Take this money

and buy her some tonics for me.

You...

What are you doing?

I know

your life has been much better

these days.

But you are a bunch of women,

and running a family needs a lot of money,

let alone you have to raise those children.

Keep the money.

It's always a good thing to have money in hand.

Don't turn me down,

okay?

How much private money can you have?

The dowry Madam Hua gave you

has all been taken by the Yang Family.

Besides,

you've been wearing this robe

for so many years,

not to mention you don't have a decent piece of jewelry

on your head.

I won't take this money.

Take it back.

Anyway,

you should go meet Madam Hua

since you're already here.

It will give her peace of mind.

No.

I...

I cannot see my mother today.

Keep the money.

I will take you to her.

It...

That monster hit you again?

I'm fine.

I fell and got this bump

a couple of days ago.

If my mother were to see this,

it would break her heart.

Once I'm healed,

I'll go see her.

You're just too kind-hearted.

That's why people

walk all over you.

Here.

Aunt Xia, where did you get this?

It's from your Auntie Hua Xian.

Her life is tough,

but she still thinks of Madam Hua.

Aunt Xia,

please tell me

what exactly happened

to Auntie Hua Xian?

She was young with bad judgment

and married a monster.

Every time she comes back with bruises.

Her husband did that to her?

I'll go ask her.

Silly girl.

Don't go.

She cares about her reputation,

and Sui'an is her only child.

If this thing gets out.

how could Sui'an continue his studies then?

She doesn't want to fight for herself.

It doesn't change a thing

for us to worry about her.

If you spill it for her,

that would only make things harder for her.

Bolin.

Come here.

Zhi.

Aunt Xia.

Take this money.

You are acquainted with Sui'an,

and you know his size.

You go and buy him

some clothes and shoes.

Just say your mother made you these,

but they don't fit you,

so you gave them to him.

Understood.

Go.

Zhi.

I think

you do look like a lady in charge now.

Chunxing.

How dare you serve me rancid food?

Please forgive me, Madam.

The master has said that in the next few days,

you should move out of the main house.

Ms. Chen is with a child now,

and she is waiting to move in.

Chunxing.

Chunxing.

Come here,

let me kiss you.

Master, you're so naughty.

All of them are nothing

but some self-serving snobs.

Did you upset Father again, Mother?

Hao,

can't you hear?

Now you're blaming me instead.

When the Hua Family

was still in the period of prosperity,

your father was always compliant with me.

Now the Hua family has hit a downfall,

and look how bad and harsh

they treat me.

Now that wretched woman is already pregnant

with your father's child.

When the time comes,

it's hard to tell

if you will inherit

your father's estate.

You can't keep my father.

Why take your anger out on me?

I'm the one that who would suffer

in the end anyway.

At the end of the day,

it's all Hua Zhi's fault.

If she had handed Fudong to me

and let your father get what he wanted,

how could I

end up so miserably?

Hua Zhi.

Let's wait and see.

Ms. Qin.

Mr. Yang.

You cried all night again, didn't you?

I have a box of scented powder.

Take it.

Cover up a little.

Your eyes are all swollen.

Mr. Yang.

This...

It's fine.

What are you doing here?

I...

Madam.

Say no more.

Get lost.

If I see you here again,

I will not let you off lightly.

Madam.

Go.

Ms. Qin.

Mr. Yang.

Mr. Yang.

My heart hurts so bad.

Perhaps this is my destiny.

I have a son and a daughter.

But now I don't even get to see them.

I have nothing left.

Ms. Qin.

Alcohol can always make the sadness go away.

It's a bit cold today.

How about we have a few drinks together

to warm up the body?

Ms. Qin.

These dishes

are all made by my own hands.

I'm not sure if they suit your taste.

I am separated from my own children,

so even the most exotic delicacies

are tasteless to me.

You are the only one

who still cares about if I feel like eating.

Ms. Qin.

You are still young.

You don't have to be so miserable.

Living a life this way,

there's no hope for the future.

Ms. Qin.

I don't think so.

I've heard

your indentured servitude has been burned.

So,

if you are willing to marry again,

you can be my wife.

After we get married,

we can have our new kids.

I... I am leaving.

Ms. Qin.

Where are you going?

Isn't this your room?

I...

Ms. Qin.

I am all alone

in the Imperial Capital.

I feel lonely on my own.

We...

We are the same, all alone now.

No, no, I can't.

Ms. Qin, are you okay?

I...

Ms. Qin.

You can't do this.

You seem dizzy.

Stay away from me.

Let's lie down and rest.

Stay away from me.

Sir.

Stay away from me.

Ms. Qin.

You can't do this, sir.

You're drunk, so let me help you rest.

You can't do this, sir.

You can't do this.

Sir, please don't.

Please don't, sir.

Ms. Qin.

Ms. Qin.

How dare you!

You...

You...

Madam Hua Jing.

Please spare my life, Madam Hua Jing.

Do you realize

how serious adultery is?

Madam Hua Jing, please spare my life!

Madam Hua Jing.

Mr. Yang.

You are unbelievably

disrespectful

of the Hua Family now.

Madam Hua Jing, please spare my life.

Madam Hua Jing, please spare my life.

Madam Hua Jing.

Please spare my life!

Please don't tell anybody about this.

If Madam Xia finds out,

she will surely have me killed.

I'll be dead.

Madam Hua Jing.

I'm begging you, Madam Hua Jing.

Madam Hua Jing.

Madam Hua Jing.

Fine.

After all,

we are all members of the Hua family.

Now that this has happened,

I would save your life, of course.

If you want to live,

I do have a way.

[Hua Mansion]

You...

Why are you here again?

Mr. Zhong.

Um...

Is Madam Qi at home?

She left early...

She left early in the morning

and hasn't come back yet.

Where are you going?

You...

The stars are all spread out in the sky.

Winter goes and spring comes.

The universe is in its vast desolation.

Winter goes...

Boli.

Boli, let's have some pastry.

Come on.

Boli, eat first.

You can finish this later.

The stitches here are all crooked.

Make it straight.

Ms. Qin.

What brings you here?

Is Zhi in her room?

She went out early in the morning

to visit the apple orchards on the West Mountain.

What's the matter?

I just got my monthly allowance

a few days ago.

And I bought her

some trinkets

as my thank-you gifts to her

for looking after me these days.

Ms. Qin, that's very nice of you.

Then give them to me.

I'll pass them on to her later.

It's my thanks to her,

so I hope

I can give these to her in person.

I don't know

when she will be back.

You can wait for her here

if you have nothing else to do.

If you need to go back to the shop,

then give it to me.

I'll definitely tell the Young Lady

this is from you.

Thank you.

I...

I will wait.

Alright.

Have a seat.

Don't bother.

Get back to what you were doing.

Please.

Okay.

Is this correct?

I must have eaten something bad during the midday meal.

I want to go to the restroom.

Ms. Qin, if it's really bad,

you can go to the west wing.

It's too late.

My stomach hurts.

She can't go up to the west wing.

Madam Qi and Boli are there.

We can't let them see her.

Ms. Qin.

What about that way?

You can tell she can't hold it.

See how fast she runs.

Yeah.

Look at my newly embroidered tiger-head shoes.

I wonder whether it's a girl or a boy

in Madam Wu's belly.

Zhi has been exhausted

for this family.

Ms. Qin has broken the rules,

so she can't stay here anymore.

Now I am the one in charge,

so I should make the call.

This Yuexiu Tavern

is now our major patron.

That shopkeeper

has asked me several times

for a smart helper.

I think Ms. Qin is just perfect.

Ms. Qin?

What are you doing

in the Young Lady's room?

I...

What are you hiding?

Nothing.

Let me have a look.

I don't, you...

You...

Someone!

We got a thief!

Someone!

We got a thief!

Someone is stealing from us.

Don't think about leaving.

Stop right there!

Someone!

Go!

What happened?

Young Lady.

You're finally back.

She's been

acting all sneaky.

She said she wanted to go to the restroom,

but what she really wanted was to steal things from your room.

And she stole this.

What did you steal it for?

Can you even wear it?

Ms. Qin.

Why did you steal this?

Zhi.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so awful.

Lady Zhi, what happened?

Baoxia made a mistake. It's nothing.

You can go now.

Close the door behind you.

Alright, I'm glad you're okay.

We're just doing our job.

Dismiss.

Zhi.

Why didn't you call them

to report me to the authorities?

♪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♪