Episode Summary
He Jiali and Tang Weimin's relationship develops, while family drama unfolds with the birth of He Changsheng's fifth daughter and Liu Meixin's near decision to give her away. The episode ends with Liu Meixin visiting He Jiali, concerned about her relationship with Tang Weimin.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with the arrival of the young zhiqing (educated youth) at Feixi. As they unpack and search for beds, chaos erupts in the men's quarters. Three of the guys are sent into a frenzy by a large rat, jumping and screaming. It's He Jiali who steps up, trapping the rodent with a washbasin, earning the admiration of everyone present.
Initially, the work is divided equally, three men and three women. However, Tang Weimin, eager to spend more time with He Jiali, suggests a "men and women work together, not tired" approach. Meanwhile, He Wen, sits alone in the courtyard, contemplating a trip back home but worried about leaving her children. Liu Meixin reassures her, saying that two or three months will fly by.
The story jumps to January 1970. With the Spring Festival approaching, He Jiali writes home, explaining that she won't be able to return this year but will try to visit soon. Her relationship with Tang Weimin has blossomed, marked by the exchange of gifts like gloves and a scarf, signifying their growing affection.
Liu Meixin, pregnant again, is admitted to a health clinic early. Her labor is difficult, requiring a C-section due to heavy bleeding, causing He Changsheng considerable anxiety. Thankfully, both mother and baby girl survive, though it's another daughter, dashing He Changsheng's hopes for a son.
Upon hearing the news, He Jiali rushes home. Before leaving, she complains to Tang Weimin about the long-standing feud between the He and Tang families, unsure how to broach the subject of their relationship with her parents. Tang Weimin is optimistic, believing they'll find a solution. He sees her off, waiting for her return.
Back home, He Jiali cooks a large meal. The initial joy gives way to a somber atmosphere. Compared to his previous daughters, He Changsheng is cold towards his fifth daughter, both because she's a girl and because her birth nearly cost Liu Meixin her life.
Liu Meixin, upset that her husband hasn't named the baby, spitefully declares the child will take her surname, calling her Liu Xiaoling. The next morning, Liu Meixin leaves with Liu Xiaoling. He Jiali discovers a letter from a relative in her mother's room, revealing Liu Meixin's plan to give the baby to a childless relative. She races to the Nanjing train station.
In a moment of relief, Liu Meixin, unable to part with her daughter, returns with the baby. He Jiali, seeing her sister safe, is relieved, knowing her mother is all bark and no bite. Despite the averted crisis, He Jiali worries and urges her mother never to give away any future daughters. She even declares that when she marries and has children, they will all take the He surname, regardless of gender.
He Jiali returns to Feixi. He Changsheng and Liu Meixin reconcile. Tang Weimin waits for He Jiali by the roadside, helping her with her luggage. Months pass, and Liu Meixin plans to travel with the propaganda team to Shou County and Feixi, intending to visit her eldest daughter and celebrate her birthday.
Tang Weimin and He Jiali's relationship deepens. As her birthday nears, he catches a large rabbit as a gift. Seeing a newlywed couple ride by on a bicycle, He Jiali expresses a hint of envy. Tang Weimin jokingly suggests they could have their own wedding if she likes, making her flustered.
Liu Meixin arrives at the zhiqing settlement but finds her daughter out working in the fields. She meets Xiao Huang, who is resting due to a sprained ankle. Liu Meixin goes to draw water from the well and overhears He Jiali and Tang Weimin talking sweetly in the barn, causing her concern.
Liu Meixin confronts He Jiali, reminding her that she's eighteen and should be mindful of her reputation, worried about her and Tang Weimin getting carried away. Liu Meixin had bought a hairpin as a gift, but it's lost by the well. He Jiali, however, has already found it. After a brief visit, Liu Meixin leaves, shouting "Happy Birthday" to He Jiali as she departs.
