Episode Summary
Tang Weimin recovers and marries Zhang Qiufang. He Jiali becomes pregnant, and Zhang Jianguo decides their child will take the He surname. A fire destroys the family's shelter, but they rebuild. He Jiali gives birth to a son, He Xiangdong. He Jiahuan is injured by a firecracker.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 8 of "Six Sisters" is packed with emotional turmoil and heartwarming moments, revolving around the He and Tang families. The episode opens with He Jiali, still reeling from the news about Tang Weimin's injury, finding it hard to adjust to married life. Her new husband, Zhang Jianguo, notices her distress and suggests they visit Tang Weimin at the hospital. However, the visit turns sour as Tang Weimin, upset by his condition, lashes out at Zhang Jianguo. Zhang Jianguo, a veteran, tries to give Tang Weimin some tough love, pointing out that soldiers on the battlefield risk their lives, and losing a leg shouldn't break his spirit.
Meanwhile, Tang Weimin decides to release Zhang Qiufang from their engagement, not wanting to burden her. Even Aunt Liu encourages Zhang Qiufang to consider her future happiness and break off the engagement. But Zhang Qiufang is resolute, determined to stay by Tang Weimin's side and care for him. Big Bro Tang and Matriarch Tang are deeply moved by her devotion, and Tang Weimin finally accepts her unwavering love. They celebrate a joyful wedding.
Happiness blooms for He Jiali as she discovers she's pregnant. The entire He family is overjoyed, and Zhang Jianguo makes a significant announcement: their first child will carry the He family name. He Changsheng, Jiali's father, is overcome with emotion, touched by this gesture. Zhang Jianguo explains that regardless of the surname, the child will be a continuation of both the He and Zhang families' bloodlines, and he wants to fulfill his in-laws' long-held wish.
Tragedy strikes during the rainy season when a wall collapses near the Sluice gate of Yaohe River, injuring many people. He Changsheng goes to help, and soon after, news of the devastating Tangshan earthquake arrives. The He family, along with their neighbors, build earthquake shelters. The He daughters find a forbidden book, "A Maiden's Heart," behind Tang Zhenmin's house. He Changsheng, concerned about the strict crackdown on such materials, discreetly hands the book to Big Bro Tang.
A letter arrives from Jiangdu, revealing that He Changsheng's second aunt is seriously ill and wishes to see him. He Changsheng decides to return home with Liu Meixin, leaving the daughters in charge. The second and third sisters, He Jiawen and He Jiayi, step up to care for their pregnant older sister, He Jiali. They worry about Jiali's nutrition, lacking oil and meat in her meals, and plot to find some.
In a disastrous turn of events, Third Sister He Jiayi cooks a rare meal, leaving the younger sisters, Liu Xiaoling (fifth sister) and He Jiaxi (sixth sister), in the earthquake shelter. The two girls play with candles and carelessly discard matches, causing a massive fire that engulfs the shelter and destroys all their belongings. Neighbors rush to help, but the fire is too intense.
Zhang Jianguo, advocating for an investigation, presses the younger sisters until they confess to starting the fire accidentally. The family is forced to swallow their anger and loss. Fortunately, the local government provides some furniture, and with Zhang Jianguo's help, they begin to rebuild the shelter. He Changsheng and Liu Meixin return, relieved that the children are unharmed, and choose not to scold them excessively.
The story jumps to February 1977. He Jiali is at the health clinic, about to give birth. She instructs her second sister, He Jiawen, to postpone going to the countryside, suggesting she explore job opportunities like factory work, government positions, or joining the army. As Jiali goes into labor, Zhang Jianguo waits anxiously outside. He Changsheng reassures him, but secretly worries that his son-in-law might be disappointed if the baby is a girl. Zhang Jianguo declares that he will love the child regardless of gender. Moments later, a nurse announces the birth of a healthy baby boy. Zhang Jianguo names him He Xiangdong, fulfilling his in-laws' dream of having a son carry the He name. Simultaneously, Zhang Qiufang also gives birth, bringing immense joy to the Tang family.
During the New Year celebrations, Zhang Jianmin brings He Jiali and their son to the He family home. While the men share drinks and conversation, the daughters play with firecrackers outside. Tragedy strikes again when the fourth sister, He Jiahuan, is injured in the face by a firecracker. Already self-conscious about her appearance, Jiahuan is devastated, fearing permanent disfigurement. Zhang Qiulin, showing kindness, makes two masks for her and reassures her that the scar will heal.
