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 8=

(Happiness)

(Save lives; Practice revolutionary humanitarianism; Mao Zedong)

Qiufang,

let's get a divorce.

What are you talking about?

I've thought it through.

This is

the best for you.

Rest a little longer.

Close your eyes.

Good morning.

Let's find some time

to visit Weimin.

Even countries can break the ice,

and we're not mortal enemies.

How should we visit him?

Go openly and honestly.

His family won't welcome me.

Our families are sworn enemies.

How big can the grudge be?

Is it bigger than the grudge between Yang Bailao and Huang Shiren?

I'm here for you.

For Qiufang's sake, you should go see him.

You have been good friends for years.

Weimin.

What are you here for?

We came to see you.

You don't need to.

Leave.

- Weimin. - Get out.

Tang Weimin,

you've made sacrifices for the revolution.

I admire you for being a real man.

But if you keep going like this,

I won't respect you.

You think I care about your respect?

Sooner or later, I'll fight you.

I'll be ready anytime.

I can still beat you even like this.

Do you believe it?

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

What's going on?

Get out.

- Get out! - Mom.

Get out.

Mom.

Get out!

- Sit down. - Weimin, are you okay?

Help him sit down.

Don't get angry.

It's not worth it to be mad at people like that.

Jiali.

(Silence)

Jiali, why are you mad?

We're here to see the patient.

Why say those things to provoke him?

I want to provoke him.

I want him to snap out of it.

He just lost his foot.

Revolutionary soldiers gave up their lives

on the battlefield,

but now he's acting like he can't live without a foot.

I can't explain it to you.

What's there to explain?

You've got a nosebleed. Tilt your head up.

Are you okay?

On the battlefield,

it wouldn't even count as an injury.

That was before.

Now you have a family.

Taking care of yourself means taking care of me.

Got it.

I actually admire Weimin.

He's going against the current and doesn't fear divorce.

What do you know? Don't talk nonsense.

Mom, this is what we call "no pain, no gain".

Weimin can't stand his pride being hurt.

Look how superior he used to be.

He's a revolutionary soldier,

and he's been to Beijing.

But now? He's left with one foot.

Qiufang will have to take care of him

for the rest of her life.

Weimin doesn't want to be pitied,

so divorce is the only option.

It's better this way.

They'll be both free.

There's an old saying:

Husband and wife are like birds in the same forest,

but when disaster strikes, they fly separately.

I don't think they'll get divorced.

It's their matter.

We don't need to worry about it.

One wants to divorce,

but the other doesn't.

So in the end, it might just be...

I won't divorce.

Qiufang,

listen to me.

It's not the time of virtuous women anymore.

You've only been married for a short time

and don't have kids.

A divorce doesn't mean much.

Besides,

the neighbors all know why,

and they won't gossip.

You can't ruin the rest of your life,

can you?

What kind of mother advises her daughter to divorce?

I'm just handling this

as an exceptional case.

So what do you want to do?

Now Weimin has a crippled leg,

he might not be able to take care of himself,

let alone work.

His family never made him do anything before.

You just keep being stubborn.

I don't care.

It's just one missing foot.

What's the big deal?

You'll have a harder life ahead.

Mom,

you don't understand.

(Happiness)

Qiufang.

Mom, Dad.

Qiufang.

How's Weimin?

I'll go see him.

Have you thought it through?

Yes.

Tomorrow,

let's go and take care of the paperwork.

I don't agree with the divorce.

I don't want to drag you down.

We're just legally married.

There's nothing else.

I've married you.

I'm not afraid of being dragged down.

Besides, you're not a burden to me.

My heart was never with you before,

and now, with one foot missing,

do you still want to be with me?

I do.

I don't.

Weimin.

Anyway,

it's my fault.

I don't care what you think

and who you love.

Now I'm your wife.

This is our fate for this life.

That's it.

What's there that you can't get over?

You just lost one foot.

I don't mind.

You're my husband.

I will always respect and support you.

I will never leave you, no matter what.

Weimin,

let's live a good life together.

Do you pity me?

I don't pity you.

I like you.

I love you.

Listen.

Listen.

What a good woman.

Don't take your blessings for granted.

When your mom and I are gone,

dead,

she will always be our daughter-in-law.

(Newlyweds' Banquet; Groom: Tang Weimin, Bride: Zhang Qiufang)

(Huainan Foreign Trade Bureau)

(Huainan Foreign Trade Bureau)

Jiawen.

Jiawen.

Go tidy up that chicken at the door.

Okay.

Put it there.

Jiali and Jianguo have been at the hospital for so long.

How come they're not back yet?

Mom.

Dad, we're back.

- Jiali, you're back. - Jiali.

Jiali, you're back.

How's everything?

It's good.

- Everything's normal? - Yes.

- It's great. - Good.

- The doctor said everything's fine. - Sit.

- Help Jiali sit down. - No need.

Dad, you even killed a chicken today?

Let's celebrate properly.

Let's drink today.

- Jiali. - Sure.

Look at this. It cultivates the spirit.

Jiali, how about I sing you a song?

Let the nephew get some artistic exposure too.

Sure.

Jianguo, let me do it.

No need, you sit. I'll do it.

Jiali.

Sit in this chair.

This chair is comfortable.

Jiahuan is so considerate.

Is Jiali having a baby brother?

A brother?

How could it be your brother?

It's your nephew.

Jiali will give us a nephew.

We won't have a brother,

but we'll have a nephew.

We don't know if it's a boy or a girl yet.

- Either is good. - Jianguo.

Have you decided on a name for the baby?

How to name it without knowing its gender?

Just pick a name

that works for both a boy

and a girl.

I've thought about it.

How about Xiangdong?

- Zhang Xiangdong. - Xiangdong.

That's a nice name.

Zhang Xiangdong.

Dad, I have an idea.

Our first child should be a He,

so it's He Xiangdong.

This can't be decided recklessly.

You must be kidding.

We're

not just having one child,

so for the first child, no matter the gender,

we'll name it He Xiangdong.

For the second child, no matter the gender,

it'll be named Zhang Xiangnan.

Then won't the third be Zhang Xiangxi?

The fourth would be Zhang Xiangbei.

Why didn't you

discuss this with me first?

I knew you'd agree,

so I didn't report it to you in advance.

You just knew

Dad would be happy today.

Look how excited he is.

Actually, the surname doesn't matter.

It's our child,

continuing our bloodline.

Besides,

it's their grandchild, so it should be a He.

It's not a problem, right?

You must've long planned this, huh?

Do you remember I told you

we need to fulfill a wish for them first?

Oh, you meant this?

What were you thinking?

Nothing.

What do you want to eat?

I'll cook it for you every day.

I'm craving fried dough twist soup.

Fried dough twist soup?

Alright.

The rain's getting heavier.

Mom.

Why hasn't Dad come back yet?

Someone passed along the message.

They said he went to Shangyao to help them.

Shangyao?

That's far. Why go there?

They said the wall of the Yao River Floodgate collapsed.

It injured a lot of people.

Some even died.

The year's been bad.

I feel like something bad will happen this year.

- Mrs. Zhu. - Meixin.

You don't know, right?

- What's wrong? - Listen.

A big thing happened.

Mrs. Zhu,

you always bring bad news.

No, you don't know.

Last night,

there was an earthquake in Tangshan.

Where?

Tangshan, Hebei.

What are you going to do?

Going up to the hills to grab some land.

Hurry up.

They've started it.

- Okay. - I'm going.

We'll go together.

- I'm going. - Come on.

- Let's go look. - Let's go.

Let's go take a look.

- Close the door. - Take everything.

♪We workers have strength♪

You brought it.

♪We workers have strength♪

♪Every day, we're busy working♪

♪Every day, we're busy working♪

♪We built high-rise buildings♪

♪We built railways and mines♪

♪We've transformed the world♪

♪We started the rumbling machines♪

♪We lift the ringing hammers♪

♪We plow and produce♪

♪We make guns and send them to the front line♪

Dad, we're out of nails.

No more nails.

Go ask Mrs. Zhu.

- Okay. - Jiali.

Jiali, I'm hungry.

Wait a moment. It's coming.

When are we eating?

Mrs. Zhu, do you have nails?

- Yes. - Yes.

- Give me some. - Over there.

- I'm hungry, Jiali. - Hungry?

Jiali, when can we eat?

- Okay, soon. - Right.

Dad, the nails are here.

Mom,

I'll go back and get them some food.

Okay.

We're almost done for today, right?

Let's keep walking.

There's still treasure.

How about we go

behind Big Tang's shed and take a look?

That spot hasn't been dug yet.

Let's go.

What's this?

This notebook is nice.

It's probably the bride's.

Let me see.

Heart of a Young Girl.

He, you're back.

Dad.

Look, this is the treasure I dug with Jiaxi.

Yes.

This little deer,

and my little sandbag.

You dug so many treasures.

Where did this notebook come from?

We picked it up.

Where did you pick it up?

Behind Tang Zhenmin's house.

Yes.

Have you looked at it?

There are many words I don't recognize.

Good thing you don't recognize them.

(Tang)

Don't tell anyone about this.

Got it?

Don't talk about it.

(Today's menu: luomo, scallion pancake, beef noodles, beef soup)

Hurry up and eat.

Do we need this between us?

We still need to eat.

What's wrong?

It's nothing specific.

After so many years of dealing with you,

I know you well.

I know how many tricks

you have up your sleeve.

The moment you move,

I know what you're up to.

You can join the Party,

but you need to behave well.

The most important thing is

you have to withstand the test of the organization.

Taking shortcuts?

No way.

If you want to take the wrong path,

you will be defeated.

You're overthinking it.

Tang,

the district is conducting a strict investigation.

What do you mean?

I walk the right path and sit straight.

If people find out

about some things,

and if people see certain things,

it'll be a big deal.

What things?

What did you see?

Do you have something on me?

(Tang)

It's yours, right?

This hand-copied book

is a banned book.

(Tang)

Don't let anyone see it.

Hurry up and hide it.

Don't worry.

I'll pretend

I don't know.

Hurry, or it'll get cold.

Changsheng, Meixin,

when you read this letter, it's as if I'm before you.

I've been away from Huainan for over seven years,

and I think of you every moment.

Sadly, my sister has been ill for a long time.

I've been taking care of her,

so she's now in good health.

We've relied on each other since childhood.

After suffering from the war,

her body has been weak.

She's my sister.

It's my duty to take care of her,

so I can't share the joy of family with you for now.

I'm sending this letter through someone else.

My sister is now seriously ill in bed,

and I fear she won't survive long.

She misses Changsheng

and Meixin.

She asked me to invite you to return home

to ease her longing.

You have to come.

So it seems

we need to go back to Jiangdu.

I'm worried. If we leave,

what will Jiali do?

Jianguo is so busy right now.

Who will take care of you?

I don't need anyone to take care of me.

I can take care of myself.

Besides, we have Jiawen and Jiayi.

What about meals?

Three meals a day,

and so many mouths to feed.

I can cook.

You can cook?

Jiawen and Jiayi can manage too.

Dad, Mom, don't worry. Go ahead.

Alright.

Then I'll give you living expenses,

food coupons, and vegetable coupons.

Jiawen,

stick close to Jiali.

Got it.

Jiayi, Jiahuan,

you'll buy groceries and cook.

Xiaoling, Jiaxi,

be good and help out.

Don't wander off.

Got it?

Yes.

Every day, check back at home.

Come back before dark.

Got it.

Jiawen, you're responsible

for making sure everyone's in bed by night.

Okay?

You all have to listen to Jiali.

Don't make her angry.

If anything happens to Jiali,

I'll make you regret it when I get back.

Jiali, you're full?

Jiayi, Jiahuan,

what's wrong with you?

It's always radishes and cabbage.

Jiali needs nutrition right now.

Is it because there's no money?

We don't mind.

Don't worry.

Who doesn't care about Jiali?

We're at this point.

Everything should go to Jiali first.

What are you cooking?

Fish and meat for Jiali.

Why are you so happy?

Because I can do something for Jiali.

Don't run.

You can't catch me!

Candles.

There are matches.

We can have fun lighting candles.

Hurry up.

Light one.

This is fun.

What's that smell?

It smells like meat.

I saw Jiayi come back with meat earlier,

so we'll have meat tonight.

Jiayi.

Jiali, we have fish and vegetables tonight

to nourish you.

You've worked hard.

- It's fine. - Let's take the food to the shed.

Jiali, you don't need to move.

We can carry

these dishes.

Something's wrong!

It's on fire!

It's on fire!

- It's on fire! - Where's the fire?

Our shed

is on fire!

Oh, my.

Let's go see it.

Let's go.

- Hurry up! - Hurry!

Less water. Pour it first.

Pour water on the fire.

That's too much to pour.

Pour over there.

Pour it on the fire.

On the fire!

Careful!

- Hurry up! - This place has the biggest fire.

- Hurry up! - Hurry up!

The fire is the biggest over there.

Hurry up!

How do we explain it to Dad and Mom?

Who was in the shed this afternoon?

I was out.

Qiulin can vouch for me.

What about Xiaoling and Jiaxi?

I was digging radishes with Xiaoling.

Yes, I was digging radishes with Jiaxi.

Did the shed catch fire by itself?

It wasn't me!

Don't move. Stay here.

Jiali, I'll go too.

Hurry, hurry!

All the furniture in the quake-proof shed

was burned up in one fire.

I think we should call the police.

It's too late now. Why call the police?

But we still need to know

whether it was accidental or intentional.

Arson is a crime.

We can't let any bad person get away with it.

Right.

Xiaoling, Jiaxi,

before we call the police,

you two tell us.

Did you play with fire in the shed?

She lit the candle.

She struck the match.

That's the basic story.

Jianguo and I didn't want you to worry,

so we didn't send you a telegram.

We're glad you're all safe.

The district gave us some furniture,

and Jianguo took care of the rest.

Let's go home.

(February 1977)

Just postpone the rural trip if you can

to see how things go.

I want to find a job.

There are three options:

be a worker, a cadre, or an officer.

Jiawen, hurry and call the nurse.

I feel something's wrong.

Okay.

(Labor Ward)

When your mom gave birth to Jiali,

I was as nervous as you.

(Operating)

Jiali is healthy

and very lucky.

She will get through this.

Dad,

I heard people say

giving birth is a near-death experience.

Yes, that's what the old saying goes.

Giving birth is really tough for women.

But now, the conditions are much better.

When Jiali was born,

there was nothing like today.

We didn't go to the hospital.

Back then, women gave birth at home

with a midwife.

Jianguo,

I've long had a question for you.

Tell me the truth.

If Jiali gave birth

to a girl,

what would you do?

I don't care whether it's a boy or a girl,

as long as Jiali is fine.

Good.

My daughter picked the right man.

(Operating)

He Jiali's family?

Yes.

It's a boy.

Doctor.

Doctor,

how is the mother?

They're both safe.

Thank you.

They're both safe.

He looks just like you.

I think he looks like Jianguo,

doesn't he?

He sounds so loud.

Changsheng,

give him a name.

His father is here.

Well...

What will he be called?

We agreed on this, right?

He'll be He Xiangdong.

He Xiangdong.

- Jianguo. - He Xiangdong.

That was not serious.

Are you really going to let him be a He?

Dad, Jiali and I have long planned this.

The first child will be a He.

That's the official name.

We still need a nickname.

Dad,

you name him.

Alright, I'll think of one.

She's your mom.

What should it be?

The Chinese New Year is coming.

How about Xiaonian?

Xiaonian.

- Good. - Good.

Alright.

Xiaonian.

- Xiaonian. - Xiaonian.

Xiaonian.

Do you know what will he call you?

No.

Aunt.

You're all aunts now. Do you know that?

That's great! We're aunts now!

Right!

- Xiaonian. - Xiaonian.

Look at her hair.

It's so thick.

She takes it after Weimin.

Good girl, you've worked hard.

Mom, it's nothing.

Mrs. Tang, you're too polite.

Well, being a woman,

this is bound to happen.

Look at that little nose.

She takes it after Qiufang.

Her face is just like Qiufang.

But I think the nose is big.

It really looks like Weimin's, right?

(Chairman Mao's Quotes)

(Be resolute, fear no sacrifice)

(Blessings)

I think you're nowhere near Jianguo.

He's organized and thorough

in his work.

He's much better

- than you. - No, no.

You flatter me.

- Jianguo. - Dad.

When I'm not around,

you're in charge of the family.

You make the decisions.

Well...

This is exaggerated.

Jianguo will take over.

No, no, Dad.

This is exaggerated.

- Jiawen, listen. - Okay.

When I'm gone,

everything, big or small,

will be decided by Jianguo.

Jianguo is the one in charge.

Alright, let's drink.

Stop drinking.

Dad, you're drunk again.

You can't let your mom

decide anything.

If your mom were in charge,

this family would be a mess.

Would you dare say that in front of Mom?

You call her over.

I'll say it to her face.

Is he hungry?

Yes, Xiaonian's hungry.

- Drink less. - Alright.

- Come on. - Mom said no drinking.

- Let's stop. - Xiaonian might be hungry.

- OK, let's stop. - Go ahead.

Hungry? Here, eat something warm.

It's cold. Don't eat that.

This is fun!

So much fun!

Be careful, everyone.

Got it.

Do you dare make a loud noise?

- No. - I dare not.

Let me show you how to make a loud noise.

- Go. - Come here.

Jiahuan, be careful.

Got it.

Jiahuan!

Jiahuan!

- What's wrong? - What happened?

Dad, Mom, Jiahuan got blown up!

Time to eat!

Xiaoling, go eat.

Got it, Jiali.

You don't want to eat now?

I'll bring the food to you?

Still won't come out?

Still crying.

She needs more time.

Will it leave a scar?

I looked. It's much better.

It's not that serious.

She is never that pretty anyway,

and she has a bad temper.

What if the scar stays?

How will she get married later?

There's always a solution.

Is it ready?

I'll bring it to her.

It's ready.

Use a little sesame oil.

Don't add soy sauce

to her dish.

Be careful. It's hot.

Hurry up.

School starts today. Don't be late.

- Jiali, we're going to school. - OK.

Jiali, I'll go check the job postings.

Okay, you go.

Jiahuan, are you going or not?

I'm not going.

As you wish.

Jiahuan, your scar is much better now.

You should go.

I still won't go.

Are you going to hide here for the rest of your life?

Dad won't allow it.

You still have to go to school and work.

Just leave me alone.

(Zhang Qiulin) Jiali, has Jiahuan left?

That's it. Come here.

You came at the right moment.

She hasn't left yet. Go talk to her.

Look at this.

What's this?

I made it myself.

It's just a scar under your eye.

You can wear it. After the scar fades,

it'll be like before.

I'm afraid people will laugh at me with this.

I won't wear it. It looks bad.

This is so cute.

I'll wear it too.

We'll be a united front.

Look, it's so cute.

You look nice too.

♪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♪