Episode Summary
Family tensions reach a boiling point as Chen Ling schemes for compensation, pitting the Dong brothers against each other. Grandma Dong takes a bold stand to support Dong Dalin, while Feng Qiulan runs away after another round of unfair pressure. Her disappearance forces the family to confront their loyalties. Amidst emotional reconciliations, Grandpa Dong reconsiders his stance, but Chen Ling still manages to squeeze out a loan. Dong Dalin, staying true to his values, continues working hard on his green farming project.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 12 of Green Hills Are Home dials up the family tension and small-town scheming, with money, land, and loyalty all on the table.
Chen Ling’s Deal and Grandma Dong’s Power Move
Chen Ling is out for compensation money and she’s not playing fair. She promises high returns to Dong Yan to get her on board as a lobbyist. Dong Yan teams up with Dong Erlin, and together they put pressure on Feng Qiulan. Things escalate when Dong Erlin offers Grandpa Dong a tempting five percent interest rate, which definitely gets Grandpa’s attention.
But Grandma Dong isn’t having it. She’s been in this game too long to get played. In a surprise twist, she pulls out two bottles of fake sleeping pills to scare everyone off and makes it clear she’s standing firmly with Dong Dalin and his wife, Feng Qiulan.
Divide and Conquer – Dong Family Style
That night, the Dong parents go their separate ways to visit their sons. Grandma Dong tells Dong Dalin and Feng Qiulan that she’ll do whatever it takes—including giving them money—to support their green farming dreams. Meanwhile, Chen Ling and Dong Yan are whispering in Grandpa Dong’s ear, trying to convince him that this farming plan is a financial disaster waiting to happen. Dong Erlin jumps in and drags Grandpa Dong off for another round of persuasion.
When Dong Dalin takes Grandma Dong home, the rest of the family shows up at his place. They don’t beat around the bush—Dong Erlin wants money, arguing that Dalin has taken the land and left nothing for him. Grandpa Dong backs him up, saying they just want to make some money through Chen Ling’s connections.
Feng Qiulan is not impressed. She calls out the unfairness—both sons are family, so why is Dalin the one who always has to compromise?
Exhaustion, Manipulation, and a Midnight Escape
Despite the pressure, Feng Qiulan refuses to give in. Chen Ling starts treating this like a war of attrition, sending people one after another to wear Dalin down. And it works—he gives in again, worried about his parents’ health. Qiulan, heartbroken by his constant surrender, packs her bags and leaves that very night.
Her disappearance sets the family into a frenzy. Dalin tries calling—no answer. Dong Erlin rushes to Grandma Dong’s house for answers. She holds her ground, telling him he’s not getting a cent unless Qiulan agrees. Erlin goes back home to find Qiulan still gone, and Chen Ling accuses the couple of faking the whole thing. That’s when Dong Peng, silent until now, finally snaps.
The Search and the Ultimatum
Dalin and Dong Peng rush off to find Qiulan. It’s Dong Peng who eventually spots her on the road to Wangjiagou and brings her home. Meanwhile, Assistant Zhao gives Jiang Menglian some bad news: the headquarters’ policies aren’t changing. If Dalin wants their investment, he needs to come up with 2 million yuan—no exceptions.
Qiulan calls Dalin after Dong Peng finds her, but Dalin’s passive attitude just adds to her frustration. Dong Yan tries smoothing things over with Grandma Dong, who’s still fuming from the night’s drama. Chen Ling, still scheming, is literally dreaming about continuing her manipulations tomorrow.
Reconciliation and Regret
Qiulan has a nightmare and, feeling sorry for Grandma Dong being stuck in the middle, decides to return to Yagou Village. She brings Dalin water and they finally reconnect, hugging tightly. The next morning, they return home together. Seeing Grandma Dong’s tired face, Qiulan tearfully convinces her to hand over the bank card to Grandpa Dong.
This gesture hits Grandpa Dong hard. He starts to feel guilty, realizing just how supportive Dalin and Qiulan have been. Chen Ling, catching wind of the bank card transfer, gets excited—but Grandpa Dong shuts it down. He says he’ll only give her 300,000 yuan, tops, and advises her to learn from Dalin and Qiulan's integrity.
Chen Ling, of course, smiles and promises the world. Grandpa Dong ends up lending her 500,000 yuan. First thing Dong Erlin does? Buys himself a shiny new car and struts around the village like a big shot.
Meanwhile, back in the fields, Dong Dalin and his brothers are hard at work, sticking to their green farming dream. It’s not glamorous, but it’s honest—and they believe it’ll pay off in the end.
Final Thoughts: Episode 12 is a masterclass in family politics—full of tension, manipulation, quiet sacrifices, and emotional reunions. Chen Ling’s scheming is far from over, but Dalin and Qiulan’s resilience is what really gives this episode its heart.
