Cast & Character List
Mei Ting as He Jiali
He Jiali is the cornerstone of the He family. As the eldest sister, she embodies resilience and unwavering determination. After the tragic death of their father, He Changsheng, Jiali steps up to become the family's primary caregiver, taking on the responsibility of her mother, grandmother, and five younger sisters. She's the epitome of "eldest sister as mother," sacrificing her own aspirations to ensure the well-being of her family.
Jiali's marriage to Zhang Jianguo, a soldier, is both a practical decision and a testament to her values. She sees in Jianguo a man of responsibility and commitment, someone who will stand by her and the family. Despite facing constant misunderstandings and pressure from her mother, Liu Meixin, Jiali remains a steadfast and silent pillar of strength. She navigates the complex dynamics and conflicts among her sisters, always upholding her principles and ultimately serving as the unifying force that binds the family together.
Lu Yi as Zhang Jianguo
Jianguo is a military man, known for his uprightness and unwavering determination. As an orphan, he cherishes the He family as his own, and he stands by Jiali in supporting her younger sisters. He's a steadfast and reliable presence, the rock of the family during times of crisis. His military career often keeps him away from home, but his love for his wife and the extended family is undeniable. He proves himself to be an indispensable "half-son" to the He family. Jianguo and Jiali's relationship is one of mutual respect and deep affection, navigating the challenges of his military commitments and their shared responsibility for the family.
Vivian Wu as Liu Meixin
Liu Meixin is the matriarch of the He family, a woman deeply rooted in traditional Chinese values. After her husband's death, she is burdened to raise her six daughters. Because she never had a son, which was her desire, she is strict with her eldest daughter, He Jiali, and overly indulgent of her youngest, He Jiaxi. Liu Meixin is a hard-working and resilient woman, but her traditional mindset often leads to clashes with her daughters, who are growing up in a rapidly changing China. Throughout the series, she grapples with her children's life choices and the evolving family dynamics. Eventually, after experiencing several hardships and family conflicts, Liu Meixin begins to re-evaluate her own beliefs. Through illness and introspection, she comes to a deeper understanding of the importance of familial love and connection, ultimately seeking reconciliation with her daughters.
Xi Meijuan as He Wen
He Wen is the wise and resilient grandmother of the six He sisters and the mother of He Changsheng. As the family's spiritual leader, she embodies traditional Chinese values and provides unwavering support through generations. Having endured many hardships, including the early death of her husband, He Wen uses her wisdom and compassion to maintain family harmony. She navigates conflicts between her children and serves as the emotional anchor for her grandchildren. He Wen represents the enduring power of family and heritage, and even as she nears the end of her life, her guiding principle of "harmony brings prosperity to the family" continues to influence her descendants.
Liu Jun as He Changsheng
He Changsheng is the patriarch of the He family and the father of the six sisters. A hardworking and simple entrepreneur, Changsheng relocates his family from Yangzhou to Huainan to support China's national development efforts. He is married to Liu Meixin. While he holds some traditional views, including a preference for sons, Changsheng deeply loves all six of his daughters. He imparts the importance of "home", a teaching, and value that guides his daughters throughout their lives. His untimely death in a car accident marks a turning point, forcing his daughters to confront adversity and grow stronger together.
Wu Qian as He Jiahuan
He Jiahuan is the fourth daughter in the He family. She is known for her sharp intellect and independent spirit. Jiahuan is the only member of her family to attend university, and she is determined to pursue her own personal and professional goals. This often puts her at odds with her more traditional mother, leading to frequent clashes due to Jiahuan's strong-willed personality. Her marriage to Fang Tao, a divorcé, was initially met with disapproval, but Jiahuan ultimately finds a way to balance her career aspirations with her family life. She represents a modern woman striving for self-fulfillment in a rapidly changing society.
Gao Lu as He Jiawen
He Jiawen is the second-oldest daughter of the He family. She is known for her grounded and self-sacrificing nature. Although she had the opportunity to attend university, she chose to forgo higher education to support her family. Jiawen later marries Chen Weiguo, but faces the hardship of his death, leaving her to raise their young child alone. Her personality is gentle and she is good at mediating. She often acts as the "peacemaker" within the family, resolving conflicts and maintaining harmony. In the end, she finds happiness again in her later years through remarriage with Lao Fan. Jiawen's life embodies the quiet strength and resilience found in everyday life.
Ying Er as He Jiayi
He Jiayi is the third daughter in the He family. A spirited and restless soul, Jiayi is full of passion and curiosity. She's a go-getter who loves life and always strives to be the best. Jiayi possesses a vibrant energy, tackling everything with a competitive spirit and a refusal to ever give up.
Defying her family's wishes, she marries Ouyang Bao, a man without wealth. However, Jiayi's sharp business acumen allows her to become the first in her family to achieve financial success. Although rebellious, she is deeply devoted to her family and uses her success to support them, demonstrating the strength and determination of an independent woman.
Cao Fei Ran as Liu Xiaoling
Liu Xiaoling is the fifth daughter in the He family. Rebellious and impulsive, Xiaoling's personality is deeply affected by her mother's favoritism, leading her to take on the surname Liu. She's sensitive and prone to suspicion. After a failed marriage, Xiaoling initially spirals into self-abandonment. Her struggles and eventual growth highlight the challenges faced by children seeking their own identity within traditional family structures.
Jackie Li as He Jiaxi
He Jiaxi is the youngest of the six sisters, often referred to as the "baby" of the family. Spoiled and indulged by her mother from a young age, Jiaxi has developed a selfish streak. This becomes evident when she clashes with her sisters over property ownership, creating a rift within the family. However, a serious illness forces Jiaxi to confront her flaws. Through the support of her family, she begins a journey of repentance and growth, ultimately learning the true value of familial bonds and the importance of cherishing those closest to her.
Dong Jie as Zhang Qiufang
Zhang Qiufang, the best friend of He Jiali, is a woman of quiet grace, but beneath her gentle exterior lies a core of steel. She harbors a long-standing, secret love for Tang Weimin. A pivotal, and controversial, moment occurs when Tang Weimin, mistaking her for He Jiali, has physical contact with her. Zhang Qiufang, citing damage to her "purity," uses this incident to insert herself into the Tang family, ultimately forcing them to propose marriage.
Despite Tang Weimin's strong resistance, even resorting to a hunger strike, Zhang Qiufang marries into the family as she wished. Her life takes another dramatic turn when Tang Weimin suffers a tragic accident, resulting in the amputation of his leg. Through it all, she remains steadfastly by his side, evolving from a seemingly "scheming girl" into a weathered, resilient matriarch. Her story is one of enduring hardship and quiet rebellion against the constraints of her time.
Dong Jie's performance masterfully captures the tragic essence of Zhang Qiufang, a woman crushed by the weight of societal expectations. The actress utilizes subtle details, such as a hunched posture and a sallow complexion, to convey the character's deep-seated sorrow. Zhang Qiufang is presented as both a victim of outdated feudalistic views and a pragmatic player in the game of survival, offering a stark contrast to the life trajectory of her friend, He Jiali.
