Episode Summary
The episode focuses on the pressures of the Gaokao, family conflicts, and tragic loss. Ma Siyi deals with her grandmother's death, while Xie Wang realizes his family's financial struggles. Shao Xingchi rebels against his abusive father, destroying his exam ticket. The Gaokao results bring joy for some, but Ma Siyi submits a blank paper. A devastating accident leads to Ge Siwei's death, leaving Ma Siyi heartbroken and the community in shock.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 19 of "Northward" is filled with emotional turmoil and life-altering decisions as the characters grapple with loss, academic pressure, and uncertain futures. The episode opens with Ma Siyi reeling from the death of her grandmother. She's withdrawn and lost in thought, but Chen Rui, ever the supportive friend, finds a way to help her express her grief. He takes her to a classroom where they write their deepest, most unspeakable feelings on the blackboard, a cathartic release that finally brings a smile back to Siyi's face.
As the national college entrance exams (Gaokao) approach, the pressure mounts. Xie Wang and his friends are deep in study mode, with Xia Fenghua even having a breakdown from the stress. The day they receive their exam admission tickets is somber, marking the end of their high school years and the beginning of divergent paths.
At home, Xie Wang discovers his father, Xie Tiancheng, has taken down the honorary banner and obtained a truck driver's license. He realizes the financial burden his education has placed on the family. Xie Wang apologizes to his father and vows to buy him a big boat one day when he's successful.
Meanwhile, a violent argument erupts in the courtyard between Shao Xingchi and his father, Shao Bingyi. Shao Bingyi's manuscript about Flower Street was rejected for a cultural project grant, and he learns that the only spot went to Chen Bo. Shao Xingchi lashes out, accusing his father of jealousy. He reveals his deep-seated resentment for his father's abusive behavior when drunk, tearing up his exam ticket in a desperate act of rebellion. The scene is shocking, and Liu Yuling, Shao Xingchi's mother, faints from the stress.
After Liu Yuling recovers, Shao Xingchi tries to convince her to leave Shao Bingyi and come to Beijing with him. However, she refuses, citing a sense of obligation to Shao Bingyi. Shao Bingyi, overwhelmed with remorse, is seen weeping by the river, where a nearby homeless man offers him a tissue.
Later that night, Siyi's mother brings her soup and probes her about her future plans. Her mother's materialistic focus on getting into a top university, settling in a big city, and financially supporting her younger brother repulses Siyi.
On the morning of the Gaokao, Luo Zhimei makes a surprise return from out of town, and Zhou Yanlin prepares special "Zhuangyuan" (top scholar) cakes for good luck. The Zhou and Xie families want to see the boys off to the exam, but the brothers decline, wanting to support Shao Xingchi. As expected, Shao Xingchi is waiting for them, singing "Beijing Welcomes You" with a mix of hope and tears.
When the Gaokao results are announced, Xie Wang and Zhou Haikuo are the only two students in the entire school to score above the cutoff for key universities. Mr. Xu, the teacher, announces the good news over the school's broadcast system, filling the principal and students with pride. Shao Xingchi sits in the classroom, lost in thought, until Xie Wang and Zhou Haikuo come to talk to him, and the three write their future aspirations on their desks.
Chen Rui achieves the top score in liberal arts in the entire town, but he decides to follow Ma Siyi and apply to Honghuai Normal University. However, Gu Alian reveals that Ma Siyi submitted a blank exam paper. Chen Rui is shocked, and Siyi's mother is furious, immediately planning to sell Ma Siyi's grandmother's old house.
This leads to a heated argument between Ma Siyi and her mother, attracting the attention of the courtyard neighbors. The neighbors criticize Siyi's mother for her heartlessness, and Ma Siyi threatens to sever ties with her. Chen Rui defends Ma Siyi, leaving Siyi's mother speechless. She then forcefully takes Ge Siwei, Ma Siyi's little brother and leaves.
Ge Siwei, crying and unwilling to leave, sees Xie Wang and the others by the river and calls out to them. Siyi's mother yells at Ge Siwei, and in his fear, he runs and jumps into the river. A cargo ship approaches, and despite Xie Wang and the others' efforts, they can't save him in time. The water turns red with blood.
The police recover parts of Ge Siwei's body. Siyi's mother blames Xie Wang for her son's death. Ma Siyi, upon learning of her brother's death, collapses in shock. Although Xie Wang is not at fault, he is consumed by guilt. Everyone worries about Ma Siyi, and Xia Fenghua stays outside Ma Siyi's window.
Soon, Ma Siyi opens the door and lets Xia Fenghua in with a bowl of wontons. She eats silently, trying to appear strong despite her grief.
