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 29]

You are the Commander of the Security Bureau?

Yes, I am.

Take him down!

Let's go!

Let them go first.

Yanxi,

be careful.

- Good. - Good.

- Good. - Good.

Good.

Jin'e,

why isn't Zhi here yet?

I'll go find her.

Madam, there's no need to worry.

Miss Zhi is with a guest upstairs.

She's here!

Aunt Xia!

Come on!

Take the family and leave!

Leave now!

Mr. Bai,

we must close Tangxi Restaurant now!

Something huge has happened!

There's no time to explain.

Everyone should hurry up and leave!

What?

Everyone, leave quickly!

What?

Sorry, everyone!

We're closing!

Everyone, please leave!

Hurry, move!

Out of the way!

Zhi!

Move, everyone must go!

Boli!

Boli!

Move!

Make way!

Step aside!

Out of the way!

Come on, Zhi!

[Tangxi Restaurant]

Gu Yanxi,

why brought your men here?

I am a lord of the current dynasty.

Are you committing insubordination?

Insubordination?

I'll take the blame for this crime!

Take him down!

Stay away from me!

Stay away!

Catch him!

Catch the Sixth Prince!

Quickly, get the Sixth Prince!

Hurry up, go!

Stop them!

Hurry up, move!

Zhi!

Jian!

Jian!

Jian!

Jian!

Come here!

Come on.

Let's go.

Are you okay?

It's not safe here.

Leave quickly.

Let's go.

They are good people.

Take a few men with you to protect them.

Yes.

Let's go.

Come on!

Come.

[Tangxi Restaurant]

Jian,

can you tell me

why those people want to kill you?

Then tell me

where you come from.

It's very important.

This may save many people's lives,

and also yours.

In the Palace,

one night,

I was playing in the garden.

I saw that person,

the one you killed,

meeting with an eunuch.

They saw me

and tried to kill me.

Then,

I ran away.

What were they doing?

The one wearing a hat

gave the eunuch

something.

What was it?

A needle.

The tip of the needle is black.

Chen Qing, pull over!

Go and tell Yanxi

that someone is planning to assassinate His Majesty!

Look carefully.

That's Lord Xian!

Who exactly is trying to capture

Lord Xian, huh?

Stay out of this!

Gu Yanxi,

Just because we share the surname Gu,

it doesn't mean we are equal.

I am a prince

and you

are nothing but a lackey!

What are you talking about?

Traitor.

Now he's still breathing.

But have you thought about the future?

Arrest him!

I am waiting for you to come to me,

apologizing on your knees!

Commander,

Miss Hua asked me

to deliver a message to you.

How is His Majesty?

I am sorry.

Is there really no hope at all?

Sir,

I'm afraid

His Majesty may not survive the day.

Your Majesty.

Changqing,

remove the robe of my uncle.

Young Lord?

Do it quickly!

Physician Zhang,

examine His Majesty's body carefully

for any signs of needle marks.

Sure.

I'll do it now.

Madam.

What shall we do, madam?

Lady Zhi!

My lady.

[Hua Mansion]

Zhi,

our home is gone.

What should we do?

Mother,

as long as we are all safe.

As long as everyone is still here.

We tried so hard

to finally have a place to live.

What are we going to do now?

Are we moving back

to that crappy bamboo building outside the city?

Miss Hua,

how about Tangxi Restaurant?

Those people have all left.

They didn't come

for Tangxi Restaurant,

nor for the Hua family.

Miss Hua,

what kind of a person do you think I am?

At such a time when your lives are at stake,

how could I still care about the business?

I was thinking

that the restaurant is now safe

and there're a few rooms on the second floor.

Given the current situation,

maybe you

and your maids

can stay there temporarily.

Then you can take your time to look for a new place.

We'll do as you said then, Mr. Bai.

There are still some things left in the house.

I'll go get them.

I could use some help.

I've examined the entire body of His Majesty,

but found nothing.

The needle,

where could it be?

Let me ask you this.

Lord Xian has shown you no favor,

nor has he offered you any reward.

Jixiang,

why did you try to assassin His Majesty for him?

Why did you commit such a crime that can get your entire family killed?

You're right.

Lord Xian bears me no favor.

But I hold a grudge against the emperor.

I have no family anyway.

I was an orphan.

That year, His Majesty started a draft.

He forcibly conscripted our grains for horse feed,

which led to the death of my foster parents.

I got castrated and entered the Palace

just to seek an opportunity.

Lord Xian

granted me this opportunity.

Mr. Bai.

Miss Hua.

Is everything fine?

Yes, everything has been settled.

Earlier today,

your maids carried out all those

gold and silver from within the ruins.

The commoners who saw that were so shocked

that they even called you "Goddess of Wealth"!

Now you have this restaurant.

In the future,

you'll be making a serious fortune.

Mr. Bai,

I must thank you

for escorting my family today.

You're welcome.

That was nothing.

Who doesn't have a family to care for?

Speaking of which,

I have a favor to ask.

How can I help?

Just like what we said

when we first met here,

be it a contest or a competition,

it was all for making this restaurant

famous in the Imperial Capital

and known to everyone.

Indeed.

In this way,

Tangxi Restaurant would become renowned throughout the capital.

Whoever ends up winning it

can enjoy this fame.

Therefore, Mr. Bai, I would like to ask you

to run this restaurant together with me.

We combine finances and resources

to complement strengths and make up for weaknesses.

Fudong will be in charge of the kitchen

and you will hire the head shopkeeper.

Well...

Miss Hua, your help in my hour of need

will forever be remembered!

You're welcome.

Back then,

when we had nothing,

it was you who extended a helping hand

and supported us

with Yunlai Restaurant.

Zhi.

Aunt Xia.

What's the matter?

We wanted to ask you this yesterday.

The others are too embarrassed to say it.

So they let me be the one.

What is it?

Come here.

Yesterday,

Mr. Bai sent us home, right?

On our way,

we saw

the inspectors from the Security Bureau

arresting and killing people.

The scene was chaotic.

And that leader...

Maybe I saw it wrong,

but he looked like,

like...

Mr. Yan?

Just pretend I didn't ask.

I mean,

how could someone as honest as Mr. Yan

serve in the Security Bureau?

He's the Commander of the Security Bureau.

He, he...

He is...

The...

Aunt Xia,

just pretend you don't know this.

Do not tell my mother and the others.

It would scare them so badly.

Then...

Then you and him...

The two of you...

My mother was right about one thing.

No one can predict the future.

He and I only

have the present.

Gu Yanxi,

it has already been a day and a night.

I...

His Majesty arrives!

Your Majesty.

Changqing,

help His Majesty up.

Yes.

So that's how it is!

I always thought it was poison

that put His Majesty in a coma.

But I didn't expect

that someone

inserted a needle into the skull of His Majesty!

The needle has now been removed.

What will happen to His Majesty?

Uncle?

Your Majesty!

Lord Xian,

are you surprised

to see me?

Father,

I made a mistake!

Rise.

Changqing.

Father,

how did we

end up in such a situation?

You still regard me as your father?

And when have you treated me as a son?

In this world,

only you are revered.

The rest of us

are merely bricks and tiles laying your throne

and dogs and horses that fight and bite for you.

We are like trivial specks of dust.

Fate destined me

to be born into the royal family.

Even beasts know to lick their calves

and wolves protect their young.

But I

was born in the Palace.

For twenty years, I have been vigilant day and night,

like treading on thin ice.

And what terrifies me the most

is actually my own father.

Isn't what's happening today

the result of your own doing?

Well said!

It was all my own fault.

So be it.

Dying today

is better than endless torment to come.

Yanxi.

Father,

you didn't expect this, did you?

I am already

a captive without any weapon,

yet I still won't let you

do whatever you want to me!

I, Gu Yangong,

swear to heaven

that if there is a next life,

I'd rather be born as a pig, a dog, a bug,

a bandit, or a beggar.

My only wish for every coming life

is to never be born into the royal family!

Your Majesty,

please return.

Yanxi,

there is one more thing that needs you to do.

Uncle, just give the order.

Though Lord Xian is dead,

this case cannot be closed just yet.

Who instigated him

and who supported him?

And if he succeeded,

who would have benefited from this?

The Security Bureau must investigate thoroughly.

Yes.

Lord Xian's followers

must all be punished severely.

There is no tolerance

for either the royal family members

or the courtiers.

You don't need to have any reservations.

Just go ahead and dig out everyone involved.

I will do as commanded.

Now, this entire Daqing Empire

must rely on your tireless efforts.

Your Majesty, after the serious illness,

are you feeling comfort?

I felt as if I had just slept,

dreamless

and thoughtless,

awakening to find a son lost.

Yanxi,

go get your wound treated.

Congratulations!

What great news!

Congratulations.

So good!

Congratulations!

[Zhiming Restaurant]

- Good. - Good.

- Good. - Good.

Congratulations!

- Good. - Good.

Congratulations!

Zhiming Restaurant is opening today!

Your support is greatly appreciated!

- Good. - Good.

Today is the opening day.

All dishes

are half price!

Excellent!

Okay, okay.

Please come in.

Please come in.

Please come in.

Half price today!

Let's get in.

[Zhiming Restaurant] Please come inside.

Congratulations!

Are you blind?

The Security...

Madam Xia,

are you alright?

Mr. Yan,

you're here!

I'm screwed.

I have screwed him.

And I once asked him

to buy hair oil for me.

You're here to see Zhi, right?

I'll go get her for you.

[Zhiming Restaurant]

Aunt Xia,

go check the kitchen for me

to see if they can still manage the workload.

I'm going.

I'm going.

You still know your way back?

I'm fine now.

His Majesty is fine as well.

Since we came back from the northern land,

you've suddenly become cold.

Is it because of Lord Xian?

They were going after you.

Lord Xian was targeting His Majesty.

You were afraid of implicating me,

causing me to lose my life.

That's why you refused to see me.

I'm sorry.

Gu Yanxi,

I can protect myself now.

And I can protect others too.

I'm not a child anymore.

If you didn't protect the Sixth Prince

and find out the truth this time,

the consequences would have been unimaginable.

I owe you an apology.

If there's a next time,

I won't forgive you so easily.

There won't be a next time.

Does it hurt?

It's nothing.

The pain faded as soon as I saw you.

But there is one more thing

I want to ask you about.

Who exactly is Jian?

Zhi,

did you call us here

for something important?

Mother, aunties,

I called you all here

to talk about

whether we should keep Jian.

Oh, that.

You brought him home.

It's up to you.

Such a little boy

won't be a heavy burden to our family.

Jian has

an unusual background.

I'm not sure keeping him here

will be a blessing or a curse for us in the future.

I was thinking

that this family belongs to not only me,

so we should talk about it.

What do you mean by unusual?

Is he

from a wealthy family?

Aunt Xia,

I can't tell you.

If the word gets out,

I'm afraid there will be great misfortune.

I wasn't so worried until you said that.

If this really causes trouble...

I mean

we can't take the risk!

Zhi,

our family

has barely survived a disaster.

We're still trying to protect ourselves.

Now that you're in charge,

about all this,

you must think it through carefully.

If we don't keep him,

what will happen?

He'll never be free.

Perhaps he'll die soon.

Why...

Why? Why is that?

I was wondering

why he acted like a little mouse,

hiding from everyone.

So, what do you think?

Zhi,

I am also a mother now.

He's so little.

If we abandon him,

he will fall back into the lion's den.

I cannot do it.

People often say

that fortune or misfortune hinges on one's actions.

But who can truly foresee

whether this is fortune or misfortune?

Right now,

if we keep this child,

it will be his good fortune.

Now you are in charge.

Your word is final.

Jian,

what are you doing here?

Zhi,

will you kick me out?

Do you want to go back to the Palace?

I don't.

Then you'd better think it over.

We don't keep idlers at home.

Tomorrow, I'll take you to the kitchen

and teach you how to help with the work.

What do you think?

Thank you, Zhi!

Alright.

Go and play. Don't worry.

Father.

I, Yangong, pay my respects to you.

Recently, I have been practicing calligraphy

and have gained some insights.

Therefore,

I'd like you to take a look at my work.

Father.

I, Gu Yangong,

swear to heaven,

if there is a next life,

my only wish is to never be born into the royal family!

Uncle.

Yanxi,

come

and sit next to me.

Your Majesty,

Lord Hui

has come to ask after you.

I'm not seeing him.

Yanxi.

Is there any news of the Sixth Prince?

This time, if it weren't for that boy,

I might not have made it.

Yes, there is.

Where is he now?

Tell me, Yanxi.

I can handle it.

Your Majesty, rest assured.

He is still alive.

Staying in this Palace,

you probably feel stressed sometimes.

I heard there's a new restaurant

opening in the Imperial Capital,

serving very innovative dishes.

If you trust me,

I will take you there to relax a bit.

Would that be alright?

Alright.

Go make the arrangements.

Yes.

[Zhiming Restaurant]

Come here.

I like this one!

Try this.

It smells so good!

Have a taste!

It's really lively out here.

Just walking and looking around like this,

even my vision became much clearer now.

If you like this place,

we can come here more often.

I'll keep you company.

Good.

Changqing, did you see this?

Without Yanxi,

how could I possibly enjoy all this?

Mister, this good nephew of yours

was taught by yourself

single-handedly.

Yanxi,

apart from the dishes today,

is there anything else special

that you

want me to see?

Uncle, I'll let you know

when you finish your meal.

You've learned to play mind games, huh?

The Hua Family

truly has some clever descendants.

They've devised a good livelihood.

Unlike Hua Yizheng,

so stubborn.

Yanxi,

earlier,

you brought me pastries from the Hua Family.

And today you took me here to their restaurant.

This can't be a coincidence, can it?

In this restaurant,

there is someone you wish to see.

Bolin picked a lot!

So did Boli!

And Rong.

And our Jian...

What?

You only picked...

I mean, for such a long time,

you only picked two?

Can you work seriously?

- Can you? - Yes, I can!

That's the Sixth Prince!

What is he doing here?

He ran out of the Palace,

mingled among the young beggars

with nothing to eat or wear.

The Hua family happened to find him and take him in.

Now, they're keeping him here as an apprentice.

Apprentice?

Does it mean

an apprentice waiter?

Order one more plate of green beans

and have him bring it up!

Yes.

Help!

Help!

Help!

Help?

Am I going to kill you?

So now,

after staying out here for a few days,

you've even forgotten how to greet your father?

Don't kill me!

I'm not going back!

I'm not going back!

I will ask you this only once.

Will you go back with me to be a prince,

or stay in this restaurant

waiting tables and doing odd jobs?

I'm not going back!

I'm not going back!

Think carefully before you answer!

There is no chance for regrets!

I'm not going back!

I'm not going back!

I'm not going back!

Let me go!

I'm not going back!

So be it.

The frail and foolish ones

are unworthy to be my son

and even less worthy

to be a descendant of the Gu Family!

Uncle!

Henceforth in the family book,

your name will no longer appear.

[Zhiming Restaurant]

Coming!

Hurry up!

Hurry up!

Over here!

Over here!

Shaoyao is here!

Here, here!

What...

What happened?

Poor Jian!

Don't, don't

Here's some ointment.

I'll apply it well.

There won't even be scars left.

Yanxi,

I was wrong.

The one who saved my life

wasn't the Sixth Prince.

It was you.

No matter whether someone

saw that needle or not,

the only one who's willing to risk his life

for me and for this empire,

is you.

Uncle...

Don't talk to me

about these pleasantries.

I'm going to reward you.

Tell me.

What do you want?

Anything.

The credit for this rescue

doesn't belong to me alone.

I dare not to hide this from you.

If it weren't for the Hua family's shelter,

I'm afraid he would have already...

In that case, I wouldn't be able to accuse Lord Xian,

nor would I know

how to wake you up.

We wouldn't have captured Lord Xian

if Hua's men didn't risk their lives

to cooperate.

It's indeed rare

for them to be this thoughtful.

In order to find the boy,

Lord Xian burned their mansion down.

Now, those women and children have nowhere to live.

Your Majesty,

please give back their old residence.

Please show immense grace

and reward them for being so loyal.

Alright.

I'll do what you said.

Thank you, Uncle.

However,

that

cannot be considered as a reward for you.

Go back and think carefully.

Then write me

a list of rewards you want.

Yes.

[Security Bureau]

Let's get in.

Let's go.

Can't believe we're back here.

[Reflect Carefully and Practice Earnestly]

Why cry?

We should be happy.

Do you remember the last time when we moved,

you even fought me for a room?

Why are you crying now?

All this time,

[Resolve and Purpose] we've been through so much.

Before we got used to a new home,

we had to leave

for the next one.

Now, as we finally came back here,

I actually feel so sad.

If Madam Hua was still alive,

seeing this,

how happy she would be.

Yingzhen,

as long as all of us

are still together,

wherever we go,

that place is home.

Now we're back home.

Madam Hua will definitely see us

in heaven.

Where is Zhi?

Didn't she come here

one step ahead of us?

♪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♪