Original subtitles

♪The sun rests on the sea♪

♪The sky steals the night and day♪

♪The waves tug at my heartstrings♪

♪That's the petals' curtain call♪

♪The wind is blowing on my face♪

♪I'm stroking the fragile film♪

♪Memories spread under the streetlamps♪

♪The stars linger in the Milky Way♪

♪I've sung every song♪

♪You remember it all♪

♪I cried, you laughed♪

♪You said you would be with me♪

=Six Sisters=

=Episode 4=

Hit it! Hit it!

Hit it! Hit it!

It's going down.

What's wrong?

A rat.

What's so scary about a rat?

It's not just any rat. It's big, like a little piglet.

Even if it's a pig, I'll take it down.

Where is it?

Over there.

Give me the basin.

Be careful.

Run!

Run!

Caught it.

Caught it?

Nice!

Really?

She really caught it.

This land should be about five to six mu.

(Growing in the vast land)

We were even planning to go to the orchard this afternoon.

Can we finish it before that?

Probably not.

This is too challenging.

Well, don't rest now.

Let's get to work.

Do as much as we can.

How about

we form teams?

Two to three people per team.

One team will hoe the land here,

and the other will go to the orchard.

Then we'll switch.

This way, we can avoid doing the same work for too long.

Good idea.

But

how do we divide the teams?

Well, how about the three of us girls

form one team to go to the orchard?

I think

it should be a mix of men and women,

so it's not too tiring.

How about the two of us as a team?

Then I'll team up with He Jiali.

We'll stay to hoe the land first.

Alright. Then let's team up.

We'll go pick fruit first.

Okay, we'll switch later.

- Okay, see you later. - Bye.

Okay.

I didn't agree to team up with you.

Do we need that?

We're naturally a team (couple).

Don't talk nonsense.

I'm talking about the working team.

So am I.

As my teammate, you can't slack off.

Mom,

it's windy.

I'll sit with you for a few more minutes.

Then let's go inside.

Since Jiali left,

I've felt empty inside.

Meixin,

I want to visit my hometown.

Why the sudden urge to visit?

It's been so many years.

I should go back and take a look.

When I left back then,

I handed everything over

to my younger sister.

I don't even know how she's been these years.

Back when I was running

around Beijing and Shanghai with your father,

Changsheng was looked after

by my younger sister for many years.

She's not in good health.

I want to go back and see her.

Alright, Mom.

If you want to go back, go ahead.

Everything is stable now,

so it's the perfect time to relax.

Look.

I want to go back, but I'm still worried about the kids.

It's fine.

Ms. Liu and the others can help with that.

Don't worry.

Just go back.

You can come back soon

in two or three months.

Don't worry. Just go.

It's so itchy.

I'm back.

Don't move. Didn't I tell you not to scratch?

I didn't scratch.

You even nicked yourself.

What's this?

A folk remedy.

Give it to me. I'll do it myself.

Don't move.

It hurts.

It stings a little.

This is wild mint.

It'll heal soon.

You know quite a lot.

(January 1970)

No. 14 Beitou Alley.

You have a letter, No. 14 Beitou Alley.

(He Jiayi, He's third daughter)

(Fortune)

Dad, a letter.

Whose letter?

Jiali's.

Let's see if she mentioned

when she plans to come back.

It's almost the Chinese New Year.

She won't be back for the Chinese New Year.

Jiawen, read the letter.

(He Jiawen, He's second daughter)

Dear Dad, Mom,

and my sisters,

I'm doing fine in Feixi.

(Don't worry.)

(I work during the day to earn work points)

(and help the locals at night.)

(I've basically adapted to rural life.)

(I won't be back for the Chinese New Year,)

(but I'll find a chance to visit you next year.)

(He Jiahuan, He's fourth daughter) (From Jiali, January 1970.)

Jiali.

Why are you here?

Here.

Let me help you wear it.

How is it? Does it fit?

It fits quite well.

Good.

You didn't go to pay New Year visits?

My family sent some things.

I thought you might like them.

Look.

There are even soybean cakes.

Wow, there are so many.

Mrs. Tang really cares about you.

Then I won't be polite.

Of course.

Why didn't you go to the villager's house?

I had something to do.

What's that?

I'm weaving something.

But you're bad at that.

What are you weaving? Let me see.

No.

It's too ugly to show me?

Tang Weimin.

Come here.

Take a look. Is it ugly?

This is for me?

I opened the gloves sent from home

and added some more yarn.

I've been knitting for such a long time

that my hands are sore.

Let me rub them for you.

No need.

Try it on.

Alright.

How does it look?

It seems a bit short.

Will it keep the wind out?

It's warm.

It warms my heart.

But this color makes you look a bit dark.

It's not the scarf's fault.

I'm glad you like it.

Are you talking about the scarf?

I'm talking about me.

Who likes you?

(Wishing you good health)

(Ward)

Meixin.

Ms. Liu.

You're here! Come on.

Don't move.

- Don't move. - It's fine.

Have a seat.

Sit.

Have an orange.

How's it going?

It comes and goes.

I'm used to it.

You know,

if that boy had survived back then...

Don't think too much.

It was fate, right?

Yes.

Heaven doesn't disappoint those who try hard.

Let me do it. Let me.

Here, try it.

How's it?

It's sweet.

Try another one.

Something's off.

Alright, I'll go.

Doctor, doctor!

(Operating) Liu Meixin's family.

The baby's head is too large,

and the mother is weak now.

What?

What do you mean?

The baby's head is too large.

Even forceps can't help get it out.

How's the mother now?

She's lost too much blood.

We need to be quick.

She needs a C-section.

- OK. - You should discuss it.

Hurry and decide.

C-section?

Just sign it.

Will this work?

What do you mean? It has to work.

If you don't sign, she could die. Hurry!

I'll sign.

Hurry up.

(Informed Consent for C-section)

Doctor, please help her.

Alright, alright.

(Operating)

Sit there and wait.

Don't worry.

Changsheng,

a C-section sounds scary,

but it's not that bad.

Listen, a lot of people get C-sections now.

That accountant at our workplace

had one.

She recovered really quickly.

When this is over,

let her eat some northern snakehead,

and the wound will heal fast.

You haven't eaten yet, right?

Here.

Have an egg.

What was the baby in its former life?

Does it want to kill its mother?

Don't talk nonsense.

Meixin is a lucky person. She'll be fine.

Just eat and don't talk.

Hurry up.

(Labor Ward)

What if

the surgery doesn't succeed?

What if something happens to Meixin?

Look at yourself.

Do you even look like a man now?

You're even crying now.

What if...

Nothing will happen.

Stop talking.

(Operating)

Liu Meixin's family.

It's a girl.

How's the mother?

The mother and daughter are safe.

I knew Meixin would be fine.

The mother and daughter are safe. Did you hear that?

What did she say she gave birth to?

Come on.

(For the people; Cafeteria)

He, congratulations.

You have five daughters now.

Changsheng will be blessed when he grows old.

What do you mean?

What does that mean?

His sons-in-law

will fight to take care of him.

Right.

Right.

The more sons-in-law,

the more blessings.

(For the people; Cafeteria)

Talk properly at home.

With Dad's mindset

and Mom's personality,

whenever a new sister is born,

it feels like there's an earthquake.

Your family can't do without you.

Your family too,

especially your dad.

He keeps making things worse. So annoying.

My dad's opinion is outdated.

Besides,

what's there to resolve

between our two families?

There's nothing to resolve, huh?

Give me my bag. I don't want you to carry it.

Fine. I'll resolve it.

I'll think of something.

You have to.

I really don't know

how to talk to my family about us.

The future is bright,

but the road is winding.

We'll find a way.

You're quite optimistic.

Captain, thank you.

- You're here. - Captain.

You're welcome.

Well, I'm leaving now.

Safe travels.

Sit tight.

- Be careful. - Okay, slowly.

Are you cold?

Do you need the scarf?

I have gloves.

I'll pick you up when you're back.

Jiali,

is farm work tiring?

Is there anything fun to do?

That's farm work.

What's fun about working?

Dad, Jiali's back.

Dad's back.

Jiali.

Why did you come back?

I just came to have a look.

Grandma said I should help more at home.

You're cooking now?

Yes.

You've learned to cook?

Good for you.

Wait to eat the meal I make.

Do you need any help?

No need.

Good girl.

Dad,

my little sister looks so much like you.

Look at her eyes and nose.

Hold her.

I won't.

I...

If I do, she'll cry.

Just hold her.

She's not crying.

How nice. I'll go wash her diaper.

Look at her big head.

Look, it's not squashed at all.

Yes, she looks great.

Dad,

she doesn't have a name yet.

Give her one.

I can't think of one.

What do you mean?

Can't think of one?

Can't think of one, huh?

Then let her take my surname.

She can take your surname if you want.

What's the big deal?

She'll take my surname.

She'll be a Liu.

She's Liu Xiaoling.

Mom, if she's Liu Xiaoling,

does that still count as my sister?

Remember:

Liu Xiaoling is your real sister.

Got it?

I'll sleep with Jiali tonight.

I'll sleep in the middle.

Alright, alright.

Don't make a fuss.

Jiali will sleep here.

Dad,

I want to buy some pork ribs tomorrow morning

and make soup for Mom

to help her recover.

Did you go to work or to learn to cook

in the countryside?

You can even make soup now?

I wouldn't say I can make it.

I just learned a little.

Jiali, I heard that.

There will be meat tomorrow.

We'll have to ask Dad if there are any extra meat coupons.

Only then can I buy more meat.

Dad, just buy some meat.

I don't want lean meat.

Fat meat is better.

You're not stupid.

Who doesn't know fat meat smells good?

The coupons are with your mom.

You can ask her for them.

Alright.

Is this blanket enough to warm you?

I won't get cold,

but isn't this your blanket?

What will you use?

I'm going to work the night shift.

You should go to sleep.

- Okay. - Tidy up and sleep.

What time is it?

You didn't even call me.

Jiali, your snoring is so loud.

How could we call you?

I don't snore.

We were too noisy last night,

so I wanted you to rest a little longer.

Where's Mom? I need to get meat coupons.

I wonder if the market

still has meat at this hour.

Mom seems

to have left early.

Why do I feel so uneasy?

Jiali, what are you worried about?

Where's Jiahuan?

She usually runs to eat the fastest.

Jiahuan.

Where did you go?

What's that?

Why throw it around?

Where did this paper come from?

It's from Mom's pillow.

Meixin, hello.

I heard you recently had another girl.

I've been married here for several years

but still haven't had children.

If it's allowed, could you take the child to Nanjing?

Let's discuss it.

Just give her away.

Oh, no.

Jiali, where are you going?

Jiawen, take care of them.

(Nanjing)

(Exit)

Take out the ticket.

Take out the ticket!

Ticket, ticket!

Meixin,

your child is so beautiful.

Ticket.

Take out your ticket.

(Long live the great Communist Party of China)

(Long live the unity of the world's people)

(Long live the People's Republic of China)

My child's head

is a bit flat here.

When she sleeps, turn her head often.

Don't let her head shape turn out badly.

Meixin, don't worry.

We're relatives.

I'll take good care of her.

Besides, I've been married here for years,

but I just couldn't get pregnant.

If I don't find a child to raise,

I won't have a place here.

How about I hold her for a bit?

Alright.

Make sure to give her

lots of rice soup

and milk.

- Alright. - She can be a bit fussy at night.

Oh, I know. Let me try.

Be careful.

So cute.

When you're holding her,

make sure to support her.

- Let me soothe her. - She feels a bit heavy.

Your hand needs to support her here.

You have to remember that.

Gently sway her,

like swaying a small boat.

Meixin, let me try again.

Let me try again.

Come on.

Little darling.

Meixin, it suddenly occurs to me I have to go now.

I'll leave now. Okay.

Don't let her catch a cold.

Alright, you can relax.

- Relax. - Be careful.

Alright, don't worry.

Take it slow.

Mom.

Wait.

I'm sorry,

but I'll have to take care

of this child myself.

Sorry.

- Meixin... - I'll write to you later.

Haven't we agreed to this?

Does Dad know?

He doesn't want her anyway.

Dad's just playing tough.

Isn't a girl also human?

Isn't she a life?

Don't say that.

I know it's my fault.

I'm sorry.

Luckily, you stopped in time.

In the end,

I couldn't bear to part with you.

Mom,

don't worry.

I won't tell anyone

about this.

It'll be our secret.

But you have to promise me one thing:

If we have...

I mean if.

If we have another sister in the future,

you can't send her away.

You can't abandon her.

If you don't want to raise her,

I will.

You're making me sound like a bad person,

unfit to be a mother.

Mom,

you're really great.

Am I?

Your dad doesn't think so.

That's because he doesn't see it.

You've created

several successors for socialism.

What use is that?

The He family will die out.

There won't even be anyone to visit the tomb.

How can the family die out?

Well,

the kids I have in the future

will carry the He surname.

No matter if it's a boy or a girl.

You can't control that.

Who knows who you'll marry?

Right?

Mom,

Dad doesn't like Xiaoling

not just because she's a girl.

He feels bad for you.

You had a C-section for Xiaoling.

You were nearly gone.

He feels bad.

I told you.

Don't work right after the confinement.

With all the smoke,

it might damage your eyes.

Why does a man like you know this?

After having so many kids,

I've learned.

Go, go, go.

You should rest over there.

You're stir-frying potatoes, right?

Are you not mad at me?

When the couple is united,

nothing is impossible.

That's too exaggerated.

This is how it is for life.

Anyway, I'm the eternal sinner in your family.

Who dares say that?

You're our family's hero.

Let's change Xiaoling's surname back to He

to ease your mind.

No.

Liu Xiaoling

sounds pretty good.

Having a child with your surname

sounds nice.

This time I really have to thank Jiali.

She's grown up

and become a big girl now.

Since she came back,

has she told you anything?

She didn't talk much about the countryside.

But she did say

if she has kids in the future,

whether it's a girl or a boy,

they'll carry the He surname.

She said that?

Your mom is really great.

How many girls do you have in your family?

Including me, we have five.

Which one are you?

I'm the eldest, of course.

The eldest worries the most.

Captain, thank you.

It's okay.

- Weimin's here. - Thanks, Captain.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

- Bye. - Thanks.

- Bye. - Bye, Ms. Cuiying.

What are you doing here?

I've been waiting for you. I thought you wouldn't come back.

If so, someone will take care of me.

No need for you to manage.

Give it to me.

No need. I'm not some pampered lady,

I can handle it.

I know you're a revolutionary woman,

but you've had a hard journey.

So, how's everything at home?

It's going fine.

(A few months later)

This opportunity is rare.

I have to go with the publicity team to Shou County and Feixi

for struggle-criticism-transformation.

If you want to go, just go.

What about the kids?

Xiaoling is still so small.

It'll take only a few days.

It's just in Feixi.

I thought I could take the chance

to visit Jiali.

Her birthday is coming up.

She's alone in the countryside.

I don't know how to celebrate her birthday.

Don't always come to the girls' dormitory.

It's not appropriate.

Tomorrow is a special day.

What's going on?

Wait a minute.

Comrade He, happy birthday.

What do you mean?

Why give me a rabbit?

The rabbit's tail doesn't grow long.

That's not what I meant.

It's your birthday,

so I'm giving you a Moon rabbit.

I'm not Chang'e.

Besides, it's a gray rabbit.

There aren't any white rabbits in the fields.

Well, let's cook it later.

How can you eat rabbits?

What's wrong with rabbits?

It's healthy and hygienic, much better than rats.

You should be more virtuous.

I'll release it later.

What about your birthday then?

I'll skip it.

That won't do.

This year is special.

What's special about it?

It's your first birthday I'm spending with you.

If you like, we can also do that.

Do that? With who?

I can cooperate.

Annoying.

Are you serious?

Go away.

Tang Weimin, are you okay?

Something's wrong.

Something's wrong.

Something's wrong? Cut it out.

See you in the fields tomorrow.

You're really leaving? Leaving me behind?

Jiali.

Comrade, where is the educated youth office?

Turn right at the intersection.

Turn right?

Comrade.

Excuse me.

I'm looking for He Jiali.

Is she here?

She went to the fields.

She'll be back soon.

Who are you?

I'm her mother.

Hello, Mrs. He.

Come on.

Please, sit down.

Sure. Is the field far away?

It's not far. Please rest.

She'll be back soon.

- Okay. - Come on.

Thank you. I'll do it myself.

You hurt your foot?

It's sprained, so I can't go to the fields.

What's your name?

You can call me Huang. I'm an educated youth.

Is there any water? I'm a bit thirsty after walking.

Yes, yes.

Your hairpin is lovely.

Yes.

Jiali's birthday is coming up,

so I bought her a hairpin

as a birthday gift.

I'll get the water for you.

Thank you.

Mrs. He, sorry, we're out of water.

I'll go get some more.

No, no, no need.

Huang, no need.

I'll go myself.

- It's okay. - It's inconvenient for you.

Just tell me where it is.

It's by the haystack.

I'll go. You rest here.

Thank you, Mrs. He.

Huang.

Well...

Sorry, sorry.

Thanks.

You're really not celebrating your birthday?

No, I'm not.

How about

I go to Ms. Cuiying's house

and get her chicken...

Don't steal her chicken.

Is it cold?

Yes.

What's wrong?

I think someone's here.

I don't think so.

It could be a rabbit.

The one I gave you yesterday?

I already let that one go.

Who dropped this hairpin?

It's quite nice.

I'll ask around.

Jiali, your mom's here.

She even helped us get water.

My mom?

Mom, why are you here?

Is something wrong at home?

There's nothing wrong at home.

Sit down. Let's talk.

Did you just get back from the fields?

Alone?

I had company.

Where is he?

He went to the commune.

Are you getting used to being here?

Yes.

You know, educated youth are here

to learn from the working people

and become friends with the poor peasants.

Tell me. How many close friends

have you made here?

We're all revolutionary comrades.

Jiali,

you're a big girl now.

Mom, are you thirsty?

You're 18 now.

You can't be called a girl anymore.

You're a woman.

Do you know

what's most important

for a woman?

Reputation.

Once a woman's reputation is ruined,

it's ruined for life.

I don't want people to say

that our family has no proper upbringing

and that your parents didn't teach you well.

Mom, did you come all this way

just to say this to me?

Yes.

I'm your mom.

My responsibility is to warn you.

It's for your own good.

I know, Mom.

I'm not stupid.

This is a remote countryside,

and your parents aren't here to keep an eye on you,

so it's easy to make mistakes.

One misstep could lead to regret for a lifetime.

I understand.

You're in your teenage years,

experiencing your first crush,

and it's easy to act impulsively.

You're the eldest sister,

and you have several younger sisters.

You need to set an example.

Okay, I understand, Mom.

If it's fine with you,

I'll go to the fields,

or they'll deduct my work points.

I walked all the way here.

Is that how you treat me?

You misunderstood.

I just think you're tired.

I'll ask the captain to send you in a tractor.

I'll have some villagers bring you some things.

Mom,

there is plain boiled water,

eggs, and bread slices.

Eat it on the road.

And this hat.

You should wear it to protect from the sun.

- What about you? - I still have some.

Eat more. You've lost weight.

Take care of yourself.

Captain, go.

Go back. Don't worry.

Thank you.

I'm leaving now.

He Jiali,

happy birthday!

I just came to check on you.

Go back now.

♪Thoughts linger with snowflakes flying♪

♪Warm memories never fade away♪

♪Those past stories and moments♪

♪Find their peace in silent years♪

♪The memories buried deep inside♪

♪Gains or losses, hope you're fine♪

♪Time takes people away♪

♪Leaving their loved ones behind♪

♪What can I offer you♪

♪Mountains, rivers, and clouds♪

♪What can I give back to you♪

♪My heart is restless♪

♪What can I leave to you♪

♪There are no fireworks in the city♪

♪How can I tell you♪

♪Flowers bloom in distant corners♪

♪What can I leave to you♪

♪There are no fireworks in the city♪

♪How can I tell you♪

♪Flowers bloom in distant corners♪