1
00:00:18,340 --> 00:00:24,460
♪The moon sinks, ripples dance,
violet stars awaken♪

2
00:00:25,220 --> 00:00:28,820
♪As time dissolves without a trace♪

3
00:00:29,580 --> 00:00:35,860
♪Frosted memories scatter;
silk cannot veil the past♪

4
00:00:36,700 --> 00:00:41,300
♪Fate is drifting in silence♪

5
00:00:42,460 --> 00:00:47,340
♪Let winds and sands
accompany the road ahead♪

6
00:00:48,020 --> 00:00:52,820
♪Looking back, joys and sorrows linger,
no regrets remain♪

7
00:00:53,860 --> 00:00:58,460
♪Breaking free
from the depths of darkness♪

8
00:00:59,580 --> 00:01:04,140
♪Like pearls of tears,
we swirl with fate's embrace♪

9
00:01:23,780 --> 00:01:26,780
[Adapted from "The Legend
of Kunshan Jade" by Tan Tianyin]

10
00:01:26,780 --> 00:01:29,740
[The Story of Pearl Girl]

11
00:01:30,300 --> 00:01:32,940
[Episode 2]

12
00:02:59,980 --> 00:03:00,890
Not bad at all.

13
00:03:19,620 --> 00:03:21,840
In the rising tower,
jade pendants sway in the breeze,

14
00:03:23,060 --> 00:03:24,470
while pearls glisten

15
00:03:25,310 --> 00:03:26,700
under the stars.

16
00:04:16,940 --> 00:04:18,100
Wonderful!

17
00:04:18,100 --> 00:04:19,500
Bravo!

18
00:04:27,470 --> 00:04:28,990
Presenting today's highlight:

19
00:04:30,270 --> 00:04:31,660
a blood-stained Tridacna pearl.

20
00:04:32,150 --> 00:04:33,190
It wards off all evil

21
00:04:33,190 --> 00:04:34,340
and weighs five maces.

22
00:04:35,190 --> 00:04:36,590
Its starting bid is three million maces.

23
00:04:37,270 --> 00:04:39,500
Tridacna pearls are precious.

24
00:04:39,500 --> 00:04:41,500
What does she mean by "blood-stained"?

25
00:04:42,140 --> 00:04:43,270
This pearl hostess

26
00:04:43,270 --> 00:04:45,510
speaks not a word of truth.

27
00:04:46,300 --> 00:04:47,510
Pearl hunting is tough,

28
00:04:48,110 --> 00:04:49,950
and so is selling them.

29
00:04:51,580 --> 00:04:53,020
Mr. Zhang, you're truly a kind soul.

30
00:04:58,140 --> 00:05:00,830
Mr. Peng, with your confidence
and grandeur,

31
00:05:00,830 --> 00:05:03,110
this treasure should go to you.

32
00:05:03,740 --> 00:05:05,860
Mr. Peng, are you interested in bidding?

33
00:05:05,860 --> 00:05:08,110
A blood-stained Tridacna pearl
is indeed rare.

34
00:05:08,110 --> 00:05:10,420
I'll offer two million maces.

35
00:05:10,420 --> 00:05:12,390
The starting bid is three million maces.

36
00:05:12,390 --> 00:05:14,740
Surely you jest, Mr. Peng.

37
00:05:15,460 --> 00:05:15,990
Steward Cui,

38
00:05:15,990 --> 00:05:17,350
what Mr. Peng means

39
00:05:17,350 --> 00:05:19,300
is that this pearl is flawless,

40
00:05:19,300 --> 00:05:21,140
and he's willing to raise the bid
by two million.

41
00:05:22,390 --> 00:05:23,460
Isn't that right, Mr. Peng?

42
00:05:23,460 --> 00:05:24,700
I see.

43
00:05:25,740 --> 00:05:27,180
Thank you, Mr. Peng.

44
00:05:29,180 --> 00:05:30,180
Thank you, Master Yan.

45
00:05:31,270 --> 00:05:34,620
However, this pearl isn't flawless.

46
00:05:35,460 --> 00:05:36,740
Are you talking down your own item?

47
00:05:36,740 --> 00:05:38,350
It has an extraordinary flaw,

48
00:05:38,350 --> 00:05:39,510
the blood from a living person.

49
00:05:39,900 --> 00:05:41,900
I obtained this pearl myself,

50
00:05:42,300 --> 00:05:44,830
and the wound from gathering it
won't heal.

51
00:05:45,620 --> 00:05:47,150
As I said,

52
00:05:48,420 --> 00:05:49,790
a Tridacna pearl, tainted with blood,

53
00:05:50,260 --> 00:05:51,710
wards off all evil.

54
00:05:52,420 --> 00:05:54,180
That's what makes
this pearl so precious.

55
00:05:54,180 --> 00:05:55,990
Tridacna pearls are rare for sure,

56
00:05:55,990 --> 00:05:57,790
but can they really ward off evil
after being tainted with blood?

57
00:05:57,790 --> 00:05:58,620
Exactly.

58
00:05:58,620 --> 00:05:59,230
It sounds made up.

59
00:05:59,230 --> 00:06:00,260
I've brought you here

60
00:06:00,260 --> 00:06:01,790
to see this pearl auction as promised.

61
00:06:01,790 --> 00:06:03,180
Now, about our wager...

62
00:06:04,300 --> 00:06:07,030
I was indeed overconfident.

63
00:06:08,590 --> 00:06:10,030
Mr. Zhang, you're truly
a man of your word.

64
00:06:11,670 --> 00:06:14,300
I'm not really keen on this pearl,

65
00:06:15,300 --> 00:06:16,420
but this box

66
00:06:17,620 --> 00:06:20,470
isn't something ordinary folks own.

67
00:06:20,470 --> 00:06:21,230
Thanks a lot.

68
00:06:24,180 --> 00:06:25,620
Since you're so gracious,

69
00:06:26,060 --> 00:06:26,820
in return,

70
00:06:27,910 --> 00:06:29,790
I'll help you lend a hand
to that pearl hostess.

71
00:06:31,110 --> 00:06:33,260
The Tridacna pearl is one
of the seven treasures of Buddhism.

72
00:06:33,620 --> 00:06:35,740
An ordinary Tridacna pearl is ominous.

73
00:06:36,180 --> 00:06:37,350
Gathering it brings misfortune.

74
00:06:37,860 --> 00:06:39,420
But if it bears human blood,

75
00:06:39,910 --> 00:06:41,620
it gains the power to ward off evil

76
00:06:41,620 --> 00:06:43,150
and can truly be called
a talisman pearl.

77
00:06:43,550 --> 00:06:44,940
I am willing to bid

78
00:06:46,150 --> 00:06:46,970
six million maces.

79
00:06:47,340 --> 00:06:48,500
Six million maces?

80
00:06:48,910 --> 00:06:50,910
However rare it is,
it can't be worth that much.

81
00:06:50,910 --> 00:06:51,740
Exactly.

82
00:06:51,740 --> 00:06:53,260
No one's ever bid this high before.

83
00:06:53,260 --> 00:06:54,060
What,

84
00:06:54,060 --> 00:06:55,420
can it really ward off evil?

85
00:06:55,770 --> 00:06:57,430
Can it really repel all harm?

86
00:06:57,430 --> 00:06:58,390
- Can it?
- Really?

87
00:07:00,270 --> 00:07:02,070
Even if it could,
it's still not worth six million maces.

88
00:07:19,230 --> 00:07:20,790
Take the offer while you can.

89
00:07:26,350 --> 00:07:27,550
Thank you for your kindness, sir.

90
00:07:30,180 --> 00:07:31,260
But I'm wagering my life here,

91
00:07:33,360 --> 00:07:34,670
not just a pearl.

92
00:07:48,500 --> 00:07:49,790
Only six million maces?

93
00:07:51,670 --> 00:07:53,110
Master Yan, such a price hardly honors

94
00:07:53,110 --> 00:07:55,260
this one-of-a-kind treasure,

95
00:07:55,260 --> 00:07:56,380
the Mermaid's Tear.

96
00:07:57,550 --> 00:07:58,550
Steward Cui,

97
00:07:59,030 --> 00:08:01,740
this pearl hostess of yours
is full of lies.

98
00:08:01,740 --> 00:08:03,230
One moment it's a talisman pearl,

99
00:08:03,230 --> 00:08:04,990
and now it becomes the Mermaid's Tear?

100
00:08:06,150 --> 00:08:07,740
In "In Search of the Supernatural,"

101
00:08:08,110 --> 00:08:10,060
it's said there are merfolk
beyond the South Sea,

102
00:08:10,820 --> 00:08:11,940
living like fish in the water

103
00:08:11,940 --> 00:08:13,110
and weaving tirelessly.

104
00:08:13,710 --> 00:08:14,860
When they cry,

105
00:08:15,500 --> 00:08:16,790
their tears become pearls.

106
00:08:24,590 --> 00:08:25,180
Everyone,

107
00:08:25,710 --> 00:08:27,500
Master Yan is an esteemed guest
from the State of Kang.

108
00:08:27,910 --> 00:08:29,710
Since he has bid six million maces,

109
00:08:30,670 --> 00:08:31,670
this pearl should go

110
00:08:31,670 --> 00:08:31,910
to Yan...

111
00:08:31,910 --> 00:08:32,860
Steward Cui!

112
00:08:32,860 --> 00:08:35,420
When the mermaid cries,
her tears turn into pearls.

113
00:08:36,710 --> 00:08:39,110
A Mermaid's Tear is worth a life.

114
00:08:51,710 --> 00:08:52,550
Mr. Zhang,

115
00:08:55,790 --> 00:08:57,670
I ask you to appraise it.

116
00:09:01,590 --> 00:09:03,670
Sell it for seven million,
and you're free.

117
00:09:04,030 --> 00:09:05,820
If you fail, you will die.

118
00:09:14,470 --> 00:09:16,060
If this pearl is so precious,

119
00:09:17,740 --> 00:09:18,870
then I bid

120
00:09:20,820 --> 00:09:22,030
seven million maces.

121
00:09:22,790 --> 00:09:24,060
Seven million?

122
00:09:25,710 --> 00:09:27,690
Even if it wards off all evil,
that's too high!

123
00:09:27,710 --> 00:09:28,590
Mr. Zhang,

124
00:09:28,860 --> 00:09:31,790
seven million maces is no small sum.

125
00:09:34,790 --> 00:09:35,710
Thank you, sir!

126
00:09:46,110 --> 00:09:48,910
This pearl, bid at seven million
by Mr. Zhang,

127
00:09:49,260 --> 00:09:51,230
now belongs to him!

128
00:10:09,950 --> 00:10:12,660
This gold willow leaf isn't something
an ordinary person can possess.

129
00:10:13,950 --> 00:10:15,380
It seems I was presumptuous.

130
00:10:24,990 --> 00:10:25,950
Steward Cui,

131
00:10:27,140 --> 00:10:27,950
I hope

132
00:10:29,190 --> 00:10:30,470
you'll keep your word.

133
00:10:34,540 --> 00:10:36,380
Revealing his identity so easily,

134
00:10:37,020 --> 00:10:38,140
he's unfit for bigger responsibilities.

135
00:10:39,900 --> 00:10:41,710
It's precisely his sincerity
and kindness

136
00:10:42,110 --> 00:10:42,860
that makes him

137
00:10:43,350 --> 00:10:44,660
trustworthy for this task.

138
00:10:45,110 --> 00:10:46,830
Shall we continue
with the original plan, then?

139
00:10:47,590 --> 00:10:48,230
Yes.

140
00:10:49,950 --> 00:10:50,620
By the way,

141
00:10:52,190 --> 00:10:53,620
just now, I saw a woman

142
00:10:54,070 --> 00:10:55,540
with a scar on her face.

143
00:10:56,380 --> 00:10:57,350
Find her for me.

144
00:10:58,260 --> 00:10:59,190
An old acquaintance?

145
00:11:00,110 --> 00:11:00,740
Yes.

146
00:11:05,020 --> 00:11:05,860
Mr. Zhang.

147
00:11:10,590 --> 00:11:13,500
Greetings, sir.
I'm Duanwu, a pearl diver.

148
00:11:13,500 --> 00:11:14,540
Thank you, sir.

149
00:11:14,540 --> 00:11:15,310
Duanwu?

150
00:11:17,990 --> 00:11:19,350
As in early midsummer.

151
00:11:19,900 --> 00:11:21,020
It's a fine name.

152
00:11:26,070 --> 00:11:27,020
In early midsummer,

153
00:11:27,540 --> 00:11:29,470
the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon
rise to the southern sky

154
00:11:29,900 --> 00:11:31,780
reaching the centermost position.

155
00:11:32,430 --> 00:11:33,710
I didn't know that.

156
00:11:33,710 --> 00:11:35,310
Mr. Zhang, I came here

157
00:11:35,310 --> 00:11:36,710
to thank you

158
00:11:36,710 --> 00:11:38,140
and express my gratitude.

159
00:11:38,140 --> 00:11:39,710
Your kindness means the world to me.

160
00:11:40,780 --> 00:11:42,230
It was just a small gesture.

161
00:11:42,620 --> 00:11:44,070
To you, sir,

162
00:11:44,500 --> 00:11:45,620
it may have been,

163
00:11:47,260 --> 00:11:48,350
but to me,

164
00:11:49,590 --> 00:11:50,590
it's of great significance.

165
00:11:51,860 --> 00:11:53,310
Please don't misunderstand me.

166
00:11:53,780 --> 00:11:55,020
I only want to say

167
00:11:55,020 --> 00:11:56,950
that if you ever need my help,

168
00:11:56,950 --> 00:11:58,470
I'll be there,

169
00:11:58,470 --> 00:11:59,500
no matter what it takes.

170
00:12:01,070 --> 00:12:03,140
Then I'll look forward
to your assistance someday.

171
00:12:03,710 --> 00:12:04,620
Until we meet again.

172
00:12:04,620 --> 00:12:05,590
Until we meet again.

173
00:12:13,020 --> 00:12:13,620
By the way,

174
00:12:18,430 --> 00:12:19,590
this is actually my first time here.

175
00:12:20,860 --> 00:12:23,500
Would you mind showing me around Hepu?

176
00:12:25,590 --> 00:12:27,140
If it's an inconvenience, never mind.

177
00:12:27,140 --> 00:12:28,230
That's not what I mean.

178
00:12:28,780 --> 00:12:30,070
But to be honest, Mr. Zhang,

179
00:12:30,070 --> 00:12:31,500
I've never been to Hepu myself.

180
00:12:31,990 --> 00:12:34,140
As a pearl diver, I wasn't allowed
to leave the pearl farm.

181
00:12:35,500 --> 00:12:37,140
You've never left the pearl farm?

182
00:12:41,230 --> 00:12:41,950
Well, in that case,

183
00:12:42,900 --> 00:12:45,350
why don't you
show me around the pearl farm instead?

184
00:12:45,350 --> 00:12:46,780
Already getting cozy, those two.

185
00:12:48,780 --> 00:12:50,430
Are you happy about winning the bet?

186
00:12:51,070 --> 00:12:51,990
Of course.

187
00:12:51,990 --> 00:12:53,350
Now I can finally leave the pearl farm.

188
00:12:53,350 --> 00:12:54,660
So, what are your plans for the future?

189
00:12:56,380 --> 00:12:59,500
I plan to take a close friend with me,
leave Hepu,

190
00:12:59,830 --> 00:13:00,950
and sell goods while traveling.

191
00:13:02,380 --> 00:13:03,620
Just a small-time peddler?

192
00:13:03,620 --> 00:13:05,500
No, a free and unrestrained

193
00:13:05,900 --> 00:13:06,950
grand merchant.

194
00:13:10,070 --> 00:13:12,350
Will Steward Cui give you a hard time?

195
00:13:13,380 --> 00:13:14,500
I'll be careful.

196
00:13:19,350 --> 00:13:20,900
By the way, Mr. Zhang,

197
00:13:21,540 --> 00:13:23,020
where are you from?

198
00:13:23,020 --> 00:13:23,620
Me?

199
00:13:24,990 --> 00:13:25,950
Chang'an.

200
00:13:25,950 --> 00:13:27,830
The faraway Chang'an?

201
00:13:27,830 --> 00:13:29,140
Three thousand li

202
00:13:29,140 --> 00:13:29,990
from here.

203
00:13:30,500 --> 00:13:31,830
What's it like in Chang'an?

204
00:13:32,500 --> 00:13:34,140
You've asked the right person.

205
00:13:34,950 --> 00:13:36,190
In Banzheng Ward,

206
00:13:36,190 --> 00:13:38,230
shops are filled
with countless books and ancient texts.

207
00:13:38,230 --> 00:13:39,620
And in Fuxing Ward,

208
00:13:39,620 --> 00:13:41,430
you'll find the best-baked flatbread.

209
00:13:41,430 --> 00:13:42,380
Baked flatbread?

210
00:13:43,380 --> 00:13:44,860
If you ever go to Chang'an,

211
00:13:45,110 --> 00:13:46,860
you must try
the water basin mutton there.

212
00:13:47,900 --> 00:13:49,380
In the West Market, you'll see Hu people

213
00:13:50,020 --> 00:13:51,380
with high noses and deep-set eyes,

214
00:13:52,070 --> 00:13:53,500
and Hu women are all skilled
at singing and dancing.

215
00:13:54,260 --> 00:13:54,860
Oh,

216
00:13:55,190 --> 00:13:56,710
there's also this local custom.

217
00:13:56,710 --> 00:13:58,890
We write our wishes on a wooden plaque

218
00:13:59,190 --> 00:14:01,590
and hang it on a blessing tree.
This way, the wishes will come true.

219
00:14:01,590 --> 00:14:03,500
What does a blessing tree look like?

220
00:14:06,990 --> 00:14:08,070
Unfortunately, there isn't one here.

221
00:14:08,540 --> 00:14:09,710
Of course not.

222
00:14:12,140 --> 00:14:13,070
No worries.

223
00:14:13,950 --> 00:14:15,110
Sincerity is all that matters.

224
00:14:15,110 --> 00:14:15,780
How about

225
00:14:16,900 --> 00:14:17,990
we use this tree right here?

226
00:14:22,070 --> 00:14:23,990
Come on. What's your wish?

227
00:14:36,710 --> 00:14:37,590
Freedom.

228
00:14:39,660 --> 00:14:40,830
I want freedom.

229
00:14:45,230 --> 00:14:45,900
Alright.

230
00:15:04,950 --> 00:15:05,710
"Freedom."

231
00:15:11,230 --> 00:15:12,140
Is that all?

232
00:15:12,140 --> 00:15:13,110
Make your wish first.

233
00:15:13,500 --> 00:15:14,740
Then I'll put
the plaque up there for you.

234
00:15:30,860 --> 00:15:32,020
Thank you, Mr. Zhang.

235
00:15:36,860 --> 00:15:40,020
[Freedom]

236
00:15:40,020 --> 00:15:42,350
May your heart stay
as clear as a mirror,

237
00:15:43,260 --> 00:15:44,500
and may all your wishes come true.

238
00:15:59,740 --> 00:16:00,620
Steward Cui.

239
00:16:02,780 --> 00:16:03,780
Master Yan?

240
00:16:10,020 --> 00:16:12,710
What brings you here so late at night?

241
00:16:13,620 --> 00:16:15,500
I'm here for my 15-millimeter pearls,
of course.

242
00:16:17,140 --> 00:16:17,950
You may go.

243
00:16:17,950 --> 00:16:18,710
Yes, sir.

244
00:16:25,350 --> 00:16:26,350
The goods are ready.

245
00:16:26,590 --> 00:16:28,740
But didn't we agree
to complete the deal tomorrow?

246
00:16:29,190 --> 00:16:30,380
I need to leave tonight.

247
00:16:31,020 --> 00:16:31,900
So,

248
00:16:32,660 --> 00:16:33,900
let's settle it now.

249
00:16:33,900 --> 00:16:35,590
Why the sudden rush?

250
00:16:40,380 --> 00:16:41,900
Steward Cui, don't play dumb.

251
00:16:42,780 --> 00:16:44,540
Gold willow leaves aren't something
ordinary folks can possess.

252
00:16:44,540 --> 00:16:45,660
You should know that.

253
00:16:45,660 --> 00:16:47,140
Otherwise, you wouldn't

254
00:16:47,140 --> 00:16:49,470
still be here at this hour,
waiting for news.

255
00:16:51,230 --> 00:16:52,620
I can also tell you

256
00:16:52,990 --> 00:16:55,710
that Prince Ying's sworn brother left
the capital and headed south recently.

257
00:16:56,260 --> 00:16:58,890
Although he's just
a scholar at Xiuwen Pavilion,

258
00:16:59,110 --> 00:17:00,990
it's said he's highly trusted
by both Prince Ying

259
00:17:01,350 --> 00:17:03,260
and the Emperor.

260
00:17:03,590 --> 00:17:04,350
What's more,

261
00:17:05,470 --> 00:17:06,550
his surname is Zhang.

262
00:17:08,780 --> 00:17:09,990
Is he the man from today's...?

263
00:17:11,020 --> 00:17:12,380
I didn't say anything.

264
00:17:12,780 --> 00:17:14,380
I'm just a businessman.

265
00:17:14,990 --> 00:17:18,350
To me, what matters most
are money and safety.

266
00:17:18,350 --> 00:17:19,990
But you brought him here.

267
00:17:20,710 --> 00:17:22,350
What are you talking about?

268
00:17:22,350 --> 00:17:23,740
Mr. Peng was on that ship too.

269
00:17:23,740 --> 00:17:25,380
I only found out
about this myself recently.

270
00:17:25,710 --> 00:17:26,780
I've also heard

271
00:17:27,780 --> 00:17:28,710
that Prince Ying

272
00:17:29,710 --> 00:17:32,380
and Prince Tan
are in fierce conflict these days.

273
00:17:32,380 --> 00:17:34,590
Your family has always
served Prince Tan, hasn't it?

274
00:17:45,540 --> 00:17:48,860
Besides the 15-millimeter pearls,
I'll also take

275
00:17:50,710 --> 00:17:54,020
all the remaining pearls

276
00:17:54,260 --> 00:17:55,350
from the pearl auction.

277
00:18:03,380 --> 00:18:04,710
You think you can buy

278
00:18:05,990 --> 00:18:08,190
all the pearls in the Pearl Tower
with just this bit of gold?

279
00:18:12,710 --> 00:18:13,500
Steward Cui,

280
00:18:14,470 --> 00:18:15,900
who else but I

281
00:18:16,620 --> 00:18:18,660
would dare buy your pearls now?

282
00:18:20,500 --> 00:18:22,860
The quantity of the tribute pearls
has already been submitted.

283
00:18:23,430 --> 00:18:26,070
Yet Cui's Pearl Farm still has
this much stock.

284
00:18:26,070 --> 00:18:26,860
Does that seem reasonable?

285
00:18:27,590 --> 00:18:28,380
Besides,

286
00:18:29,710 --> 00:18:31,470
selling tribute pearls privately

287
00:18:31,900 --> 00:18:33,470
is a capital offense.

288
00:18:35,580 --> 00:18:36,580
Moreover,

289
00:18:36,580 --> 00:18:38,540
I know more about what's happening
in Chang'an than you do.

290
00:18:38,950 --> 00:18:41,670
Recently, many unfamiliar faces
have shown up in Hepu.

291
00:18:41,670 --> 00:18:42,500
You know that, right?

292
00:18:43,390 --> 00:18:45,540
As for their identities,

293
00:18:46,300 --> 00:18:47,870
they're easy to find out.

294
00:18:48,580 --> 00:18:50,390
If Prince Ying is really
looking into this,

295
00:18:50,390 --> 00:18:52,430
I'm not sure if Prince Tan
will be implicated,

296
00:18:53,020 --> 00:18:55,340
but the Cui family will probably
end up as the scapegoat.

297
00:19:07,870 --> 00:19:08,910
Come with me to get the goods.

298
00:19:12,580 --> 00:19:15,060
You actually sold the pearls
at such a low price?

299
00:19:15,060 --> 00:19:16,820
How dare you!

300
00:19:16,820 --> 00:19:19,100
Mr. Peng, given the current situation,

301
00:19:19,100 --> 00:19:21,470
it's wise to trade pearls for gold.

302
00:19:21,780 --> 00:19:22,950
I know

303
00:19:22,950 --> 00:19:25,710
the profits from the pearl auction
are meant for Prince Tan's big plans,

304
00:19:26,150 --> 00:19:27,990
but safety comes first.

305
00:19:28,500 --> 00:19:30,300
We control the entire sea around Hepu,

306
00:19:30,670 --> 00:19:31,740
and we'll have pearl divers

307
00:19:31,740 --> 00:19:33,230
for generations to come.

308
00:19:33,230 --> 00:19:34,540
We can collect

309
00:19:34,540 --> 00:19:36,540
as many pearls as we want in the future.

310
00:19:36,540 --> 00:19:37,580
Mr. Peng,

311
00:19:38,100 --> 00:19:40,630
you're an invaluable aide to Prince Tan.

312
00:19:41,020 --> 00:19:43,300
Caution is what keeps us thriving.

313
00:19:48,500 --> 00:19:51,020
It's an honor for my family

314
00:19:51,020 --> 00:19:52,820
to have Prince Tan's trust.

315
00:19:54,020 --> 00:19:57,100
As long as the court doesn't question
the quantity of the tribute pearls,

316
00:19:57,100 --> 00:19:58,950
we'll still be able to make a fortune.

317
00:19:59,580 --> 00:20:01,060
Please don't be upset, Mr. Peng.

318
00:20:01,060 --> 00:20:04,060
Shall I send over
that pearl hostess from the auction?

319
00:20:07,430 --> 00:20:09,150
I'll make the arrangements.

320
00:20:13,500 --> 00:20:16,390
Have Lady Eight dress up Duanwu

321
00:20:16,390 --> 00:20:17,190
and bring her here.

322
00:20:17,580 --> 00:20:19,580
But that Mr. Zhang said...

323
00:20:19,990 --> 00:20:21,190
I agreed to let her go,

324
00:20:21,190 --> 00:20:23,230
but what Mr. Peng does
is out of my hands.

325
00:20:24,580 --> 00:20:26,910
By the way, tell her

326
00:20:26,910 --> 00:20:28,230
Mr. Zhang is here waiting for her.

327
00:20:39,150 --> 00:20:40,060
Duanwu!

328
00:20:41,100 --> 00:20:41,820
Listen,

329
00:20:41,820 --> 00:20:43,260
I got the Manumission Documents.

330
00:20:43,630 --> 00:20:44,390
We'll leave in two...

331
00:20:44,390 --> 00:20:45,910
No, tomorrow.

332
00:20:45,910 --> 00:20:47,190
We'll leave tomorrow.

333
00:20:47,780 --> 00:20:48,430
Alright.

334
00:20:48,430 --> 00:20:49,190
Duanwu.

335
00:20:49,910 --> 00:20:50,740
Come with me.

336
00:20:53,580 --> 00:20:54,950
I promise I'll get you out of here.

337
00:21:26,430 --> 00:21:27,710
What's this about?

338
00:21:28,780 --> 00:21:30,910
Mr. Zhang and his people
are leaving tomorrow.

339
00:21:30,910 --> 00:21:32,430
He said he needed to talk to you.

340
00:21:37,580 --> 00:21:39,060
I've seen Mr. Zhang.

341
00:21:39,990 --> 00:21:41,230
He didn't mention anything about this.

342
00:21:41,670 --> 00:21:43,540
Don't ask questions when you shouldn't!

343
00:21:44,580 --> 00:21:46,330
You must always be fully prepared.

344
00:21:46,670 --> 00:21:49,580
Some things can be useful

345
00:21:49,580 --> 00:21:50,870
when the time is right.

346
00:21:52,100 --> 00:21:54,670
That Mr. Zhang
is obviously a well-read man.

347
00:21:54,670 --> 00:21:55,540
He's gentle, polite,

348
00:21:55,540 --> 00:21:56,500
and poised.

349
00:21:56,910 --> 00:21:57,760
You'd better

350
00:21:57,760 --> 00:21:59,610
keep your temper in check
in front of him.

351
00:21:59,740 --> 00:22:00,950
Don't offend this important guest.

352
00:22:02,670 --> 00:22:03,430
Understood.

353
00:22:04,540 --> 00:22:05,190
Go on.

354
00:22:13,020 --> 00:22:14,540
Go up there on your own.

355
00:22:22,190 --> 00:22:23,500
Lala,

356
00:22:23,500 --> 00:22:25,230
serve me well,

357
00:22:25,230 --> 00:22:27,780
and there'll be
plenty of rewards for you.

358
00:22:31,430 --> 00:22:32,260
Lala!

359
00:22:35,990 --> 00:22:37,710
You're finally here.

360
00:22:38,260 --> 00:22:39,710
Duan... Duanwu.

361
00:22:43,340 --> 00:22:45,370
- Duanwu, don't blame me!
- Let's go.

362
00:22:45,670 --> 00:22:47,190
- Let's go!
- I didn't want this to happen!

363
00:22:47,190 --> 00:22:47,820
Come with me!

364
00:22:47,820 --> 00:22:51,060
The man who got
the Manumission Document is dead.

365
00:22:51,540 --> 00:22:53,780
There's no way out for us.

366
00:22:53,780 --> 00:22:54,470
Come with me.

367
00:22:54,470 --> 00:22:55,300
Lala,

368
00:22:55,820 --> 00:22:57,740
convince her to join us,

369
00:22:57,740 --> 00:23:00,150
and I'll take both of you to Chang'an.

370
00:23:00,150 --> 00:23:02,430
Let's go!

371
00:23:02,430 --> 00:23:05,060
Little pearl hostess,
you do have some charm.

372
00:23:05,060 --> 00:23:07,820
Serve me, and you'll have a good life.

373
00:23:09,580 --> 00:23:11,020
Come on. Stop resisting.

374
00:23:15,020 --> 00:23:16,190
You cheap slave!

375
00:23:19,500 --> 00:23:21,300
How dare you, a harlot,

376
00:23:21,580 --> 00:23:23,470
hit me?

377
00:23:39,870 --> 00:23:41,670
Die!

378
00:23:56,780 --> 00:23:59,990
Quick, kill this insolent slave!

379
00:24:00,670 --> 00:24:03,740
You wretch, how dare you
offend Mr. Peng!

380
00:24:06,430 --> 00:24:07,670
Someone's killed!

381
00:24:07,670 --> 00:24:10,780
Someone's killed!

382
00:24:18,230 --> 00:24:19,780
Hurry. Come with me.

383
00:24:20,300 --> 00:24:22,150
Come on. Let's go!

384
00:24:22,150 --> 00:24:23,670
Let's go, now!

385
00:24:28,740 --> 00:24:31,020
Help!

386
00:24:31,870 --> 00:24:33,470
Someone's dead!

387
00:24:35,150 --> 00:24:35,540
Hurry.

388
00:24:35,540 --> 00:24:36,950
What happened? Why the panic?

389
00:24:36,950 --> 00:24:38,670
Sir, Peng... Peng Wu is dead.

390
00:24:38,670 --> 00:24:39,430
What?

391
00:24:39,430 --> 00:24:40,260
Duanwu killed him.

392
00:24:40,260 --> 00:24:41,430
Lady Eight is helping her escape!

393
00:24:41,430 --> 00:24:42,230
Go after them!

394
00:24:42,230 --> 00:24:42,820
Yes, sir!

395
00:24:42,820 --> 00:24:43,430
Hold on.

396
00:24:44,430 --> 00:24:45,580
Kill them on sight.

397
00:24:45,580 --> 00:24:45,930
Understood.

398
00:24:45,930 --> 00:24:46,740
I'm coming with you.

399
00:24:47,300 --> 00:24:48,630
Let's go that way!

400
00:24:48,630 --> 00:24:49,300
Don't let them get away!

401
00:24:49,300 --> 00:24:49,780
Hurry.

402
00:24:50,150 --> 00:24:51,500
Get over here!

403
00:24:55,060 --> 00:24:56,020
There's movement here!

404
00:24:56,020 --> 00:24:56,990
Duanwu!

405
00:24:58,910 --> 00:24:59,950
No one's here.

406
00:25:00,500 --> 00:25:01,910
Let's check over there.

407
00:25:03,820 --> 00:25:04,540
Come on.

408
00:25:14,260 --> 00:25:15,780
Everything is set.

409
00:25:15,780 --> 00:25:17,150
They're waiting for your command.

410
00:25:17,150 --> 00:25:18,390
Have you found her?

411
00:25:18,390 --> 00:25:19,430
Yes.

412
00:25:19,430 --> 00:25:20,230
She's a Accountant on the farm

413
00:25:20,230 --> 00:25:21,150
and also keeps the books.

414
00:25:21,150 --> 00:25:21,820
Her name is Lady Eight.

415
00:25:21,820 --> 00:25:23,020
Bring back a ledger,

416
00:25:23,740 --> 00:25:24,870
and bring her back too.

417
00:25:45,260 --> 00:25:48,020
Father!

418
00:25:48,990 --> 00:25:50,780
Father!

419
00:26:02,660 --> 00:26:03,580
[Pearl Tower]

420
00:26:08,120 --> 00:26:09,030
Fire!

421
00:26:09,360 --> 00:26:10,320
Come put out the fire!

422
00:26:10,320 --> 00:26:11,710
Come on. This way.

423
00:26:11,710 --> 00:26:12,750
Come put out the fire!

424
00:26:12,750 --> 00:26:14,560
Hurry and put out the fire!

425
00:26:14,840 --> 00:26:15,430
Over here!

426
00:26:15,430 --> 00:26:16,360
Let's go that way!

427
00:26:18,080 --> 00:26:18,750
Stop right there!

428
00:26:18,750 --> 00:26:19,360
Stop running!

429
00:26:19,360 --> 00:26:19,710
Hurry.

430
00:26:19,710 --> 00:26:23,080
I didn't kill him.

431
00:26:23,230 --> 00:26:25,840
Duanwu did!

432
00:26:27,800 --> 00:26:30,670
Everyone's just looking out
for themselves.

433
00:26:30,880 --> 00:26:32,470
- Duanwu, you're no different!
- Let's go.

434
00:26:32,470 --> 00:26:33,320
Come on!

435
00:26:33,470 --> 00:26:35,160
If you don't leave, you'll die here too!

436
00:26:48,840 --> 00:26:50,270
It was a nice building.

437
00:26:50,710 --> 00:26:52,230
[Pearl Tower]
It's a shame to see it burn.

438
00:26:53,840 --> 00:26:55,400
Everything the Cui family has touched

439
00:26:55,990 --> 00:26:56,710
is tainted.

440
00:27:02,700 --> 00:27:06,870
[Pearl Tower]

441
00:27:11,840 --> 00:27:12,430
Stop right there!

442
00:27:12,430 --> 00:27:13,160
Stop running!

443
00:27:13,160 --> 00:27:13,930
Stop!

444
00:27:13,930 --> 00:27:14,540
Over there!

445
00:27:16,320 --> 00:27:17,120
Come back!

446
00:27:17,800 --> 00:27:18,710
They're over there!

447
00:27:19,030 --> 00:27:19,510
Go after them!

448
00:27:19,510 --> 00:27:20,470
Let's go!

449
00:27:20,470 --> 00:27:20,980
Hurry.

450
00:27:22,450 --> 00:27:23,080
Freeze!

451
00:27:23,270 --> 00:27:23,710
Come on!

452
00:27:23,710 --> 00:27:24,230
Stop right there!

453
00:27:24,230 --> 00:27:25,750
- Freeze!
- Don't run!

454
00:27:25,750 --> 00:27:26,470
Stop running!

455
00:27:26,470 --> 00:27:28,560
Stop right there!

456
00:27:28,560 --> 00:27:29,530
Freeze!

457
00:27:29,710 --> 00:27:30,710
Stop!

458
00:27:30,950 --> 00:27:31,760
Stop!

459
00:27:31,760 --> 00:27:32,750
Stop running!

460
00:27:32,750 --> 00:27:33,430
Stop!

461
00:27:33,430 --> 00:27:34,360
Stop running!

462
00:27:34,710 --> 00:27:35,750
Freeze!

463
00:27:35,750 --> 00:27:36,320
Come on.

464
00:27:36,320 --> 00:27:37,430
That way. Let's go!

465
00:27:37,430 --> 00:27:38,230
Stop running!

466
00:27:38,230 --> 00:27:39,030
Hurry!

467
00:27:39,750 --> 00:27:40,880
Stop them!

468
00:27:41,190 --> 00:27:42,360
This way!

469
00:27:42,360 --> 00:27:43,670
- Stop!
- Come on!

470
00:27:43,670 --> 00:27:44,840
Don't let them escape!

471
00:27:45,360 --> 00:27:46,190
This way!

472
00:27:46,600 --> 00:27:47,470
Freeze!

473
00:27:48,750 --> 00:27:49,400
Hurry!

474
00:27:49,400 --> 00:27:50,430
Stop her!

475
00:27:50,750 --> 00:27:51,840
Hurry up!

476
00:27:51,840 --> 00:27:52,710
Faster!

477
00:27:54,430 --> 00:27:56,120
The boat's here. Get on!

478
00:27:56,120 --> 00:27:57,230
Why are you helping me?

479
00:27:57,840 --> 00:27:59,360
Because I'm your mother!

480
00:28:04,160 --> 00:28:06,470
Now go. Hurry!

481
00:28:09,430 --> 00:28:12,160
Wait. What did you say?

482
00:28:12,160 --> 00:28:13,230
I don't understand.

483
00:28:13,230 --> 00:28:15,120
- Wait!
- Get on the boat, now!

484
00:28:15,120 --> 00:28:16,510
Just do as I say!

485
00:28:16,510 --> 00:28:18,230
What trick are you trying to pull?

486
00:28:22,750 --> 00:28:23,710
Sweetheart,

487
00:28:25,510 --> 00:28:26,990
I really am your mother.

488
00:28:27,430 --> 00:28:28,710
Your adoptive father's surname is Wei.

489
00:28:29,430 --> 00:28:31,640
He later had a daughter named Xiazhi.

490
00:28:31,990 --> 00:28:34,160
Before you were taken to the pearl farm,

491
00:28:34,470 --> 00:28:35,990
you were supposed to leave with them.

492
00:28:36,360 --> 00:28:37,640
I arranged everything

493
00:28:38,320 --> 00:28:39,990
so they could take you away,

494
00:28:40,600 --> 00:28:43,120
but you were still captured
and brought to the farm.

495
00:28:44,600 --> 00:28:46,750
It's an honor to be a pearl diver.

496
00:28:46,750 --> 00:28:47,710
You'll have food, drink,
and a comfortable life.

497
00:28:47,710 --> 00:28:48,840
What more do you want?

498
00:28:48,840 --> 00:28:49,880
Take her away!

499
00:28:51,230 --> 00:28:53,430
I tried everything I could

500
00:28:53,430 --> 00:28:54,880
to help you escape,

501
00:28:55,320 --> 00:28:56,470
but nothing worked.

502
00:28:59,990 --> 00:29:01,360
My dear daughter,

503
00:29:02,400 --> 00:29:04,160
it's my fault.

504
00:29:05,920 --> 00:29:09,230
This was the only way
I could protect you.

505
00:29:12,510 --> 00:29:13,710
Sweetheart,

506
00:29:15,030 --> 00:29:16,710
I'm so sorry.

507
00:29:16,710 --> 00:29:18,120
My dear daughter...

508
00:29:27,120 --> 00:29:27,920
Stop there!

509
00:29:27,920 --> 00:29:28,640
Come on!

510
00:29:28,640 --> 00:29:29,470
Don't leave!

511
00:29:30,360 --> 00:29:31,230
Stop right there!

512
00:29:31,640 --> 00:29:32,920
Hurry!

513
00:29:33,640 --> 00:29:34,640
Hurry!

514
00:29:35,840 --> 00:29:37,640
This was left by your father.

515
00:29:37,990 --> 00:29:40,510
Keep it safe, and go find him
in the Western Regions.

516
00:29:40,510 --> 00:29:41,430
Remember, sweetheart,

517
00:29:41,430 --> 00:29:42,800
go to the Western Regions to find him.

518
00:29:43,400 --> 00:29:45,080
- Shrimp, hurry.
- Duanwu.

519
00:29:45,080 --> 00:29:46,470
Get your sister out of here.

520
00:29:46,560 --> 00:29:48,190
- Duanwu.
- I'll hold them off.

521
00:29:48,220 --> 00:29:51,210
- Let's go, Duanwu!
- Wait!

522
00:29:51,320 --> 00:29:53,080
Wait, hold on!

523
00:29:53,470 --> 00:29:54,470
Come with me.

524
00:29:54,840 --> 00:30:00,230
Come with me!

525
00:30:00,230 --> 00:30:01,640
I'll hold them off.

526
00:30:01,640 --> 00:30:03,190
Come with me!

527
00:30:03,190 --> 00:30:04,080
I'll hold them off!

528
00:30:04,080 --> 00:30:07,360
Come with me.

529
00:30:07,840 --> 00:30:09,750
Come with me.

530
00:30:11,430 --> 00:30:12,640
Come with me.

531
00:30:13,190 --> 00:30:15,640
If you don't go now, it'll be too late.

532
00:30:17,270 --> 00:30:18,880
Come with me, please.

533
00:30:19,840 --> 00:30:21,920
Alright,

534
00:30:22,470 --> 00:30:24,080
I'll go with you.

535
00:30:24,470 --> 00:30:25,710
I'll go with you.

536
00:30:26,030 --> 00:30:27,560
- Let's go.
- Hurry!

537
00:30:27,560 --> 00:30:28,640
They're up ahead!

538
00:30:28,640 --> 00:30:29,750
Stop them!

539
00:30:29,750 --> 00:30:30,030
Hurry!

540
00:30:30,030 --> 00:30:31,160
Stop them!

541
00:30:31,160 --> 00:30:31,950
Stop right there!

542
00:30:31,950 --> 00:30:33,510
Duanwu, hurry!

543
00:30:33,510 --> 00:30:34,230
Duanwu!

544
00:30:34,640 --> 00:30:35,320
Come on!

545
00:30:35,320 --> 00:30:35,950
Stop them!

546
00:30:35,950 --> 00:30:36,470
Hurry!

547
00:30:36,470 --> 00:30:37,160
Catch her!

548
00:30:37,160 --> 00:30:38,270
Over there!

549
00:30:41,230 --> 00:30:42,160
Stop right there!

550
00:30:42,160 --> 00:30:42,710
Hurry!

551
00:30:42,710 --> 00:30:43,600
Stop!

552
00:30:43,600 --> 00:30:44,400
Hurry, Shrimp!

553
00:30:44,400 --> 00:30:45,640
Row the boat!

554
00:30:45,640 --> 00:30:46,510
Hurry!

555
00:30:47,320 --> 00:30:48,400
Hurry!

556
00:30:49,470 --> 00:30:50,470
Hurry!

557
00:30:50,800 --> 00:30:52,430
Row the boat, Shrimp!

558
00:30:53,400 --> 00:30:54,470
They're right over there!

559
00:30:54,470 --> 00:30:55,640
- Leave! Go!
- Stop there!

560
00:30:55,640 --> 00:30:57,160
Go now!

561
00:31:06,100 --> 00:31:11,060
♪Snow flies over distant mountains.
How many tears have travelers shed?♪

562
00:31:11,700 --> 00:31:16,060
♪Two stars shine bright,
facing each other from afar♪

563
00:31:16,800 --> 00:31:17,950
My dear daughter,

564
00:31:18,750 --> 00:31:20,230
survive.

565
00:31:21,190 --> 00:31:23,360
You must survive.

566
00:31:27,430 --> 00:31:28,400
Don't go.

567
00:31:32,020 --> 00:31:36,980
♪Broken, yet never destroyed♪

568
00:31:37,540 --> 00:31:42,500
♪The purple star, without regret,
shines on the lake♪

569
00:31:45,360 --> 00:31:46,230
Yu,

570
00:31:46,640 --> 00:31:47,920
I'm not leaving.

571
00:31:48,360 --> 00:31:49,430
If I leave, you're coming with me.

572
00:31:49,430 --> 00:31:50,640
You're pregnant.

573
00:31:50,640 --> 00:31:51,880
Return to Hepu first.

574
00:31:51,880 --> 00:31:53,270
I wonder if the master
and the others are...

575
00:31:53,270 --> 00:31:55,230
They'll be fine.

576
00:31:55,230 --> 00:31:56,710
You must take care of our child.

577
00:31:56,710 --> 00:31:58,270
Yu!

578
00:31:59,840 --> 00:32:01,030
Steward Yan has returned.

579
00:32:01,030 --> 00:32:02,190
He said everyone
in the Yan family had died,

580
00:32:02,190 --> 00:32:03,600
and that the Cui family
owned the pearl farm now.

581
00:32:03,600 --> 00:32:05,320
What should we do, Lady Yan?

582
00:32:06,510 --> 00:32:07,270
Lady Yan!

583
00:32:07,270 --> 00:32:09,160
Are you alright, Lady Yan?

584
00:32:11,140 --> 00:32:16,100
♪Life is just
love, hate, and desire on repeat...♪

585
00:32:17,840 --> 00:32:19,360
Listen up!

586
00:32:19,360 --> 00:32:21,470
This pearl farm
now belongs to the Cui family!

587
00:32:21,470 --> 00:32:23,270
Defy us,

588
00:32:23,750 --> 00:32:25,190
and you'll end up like this!

589
00:32:25,190 --> 00:32:26,120
Do you hear me?

590
00:32:27,420 --> 00:32:30,980
♪Meetings and partings
are beyond our control♪

591
00:32:30,990 --> 00:32:33,990
Lady Yan, why did you do this?

592
00:32:34,430 --> 00:32:35,880
This is the only way

593
00:32:36,920 --> 00:32:39,880
I can bring her into this world safely

594
00:32:40,950 --> 00:32:42,640
and protect her.

595
00:32:44,120 --> 00:32:46,160
I don't want her
to end up a pearl diver.

596
00:32:46,950 --> 00:32:48,640
She was born on the fifth day
of the fifth month.

597
00:32:49,030 --> 00:32:50,470
I'll name her Duanwu.

598
00:32:50,920 --> 00:32:51,880
Please,

599
00:32:52,320 --> 00:32:53,880
promise me you'll take good care of her.

600
00:32:53,880 --> 00:32:55,430
- Rest assured.
- Rest assured.

601
00:32:57,190 --> 00:32:58,360
Duanwu.

602
00:32:58,360 --> 00:32:59,130
Duanwu.

603
00:32:59,140 --> 00:33:03,140
♪New years grow
from withered memories...♪

604
00:33:03,600 --> 00:33:04,320
Your name?

605
00:33:04,920 --> 00:33:07,320
My name is Zhaohua.

606
00:33:09,080 --> 00:33:10,950
Your name? Speak up!

607
00:33:11,800 --> 00:33:14,270
My... My name is Duanwu.

608
00:33:14,300 --> 00:33:20,180
♪Guarding your final light♪

609
00:33:21,900 --> 00:33:26,900
♪A mortal life can be summed up
in just a few fleeting words♪

610
00:33:27,180 --> 00:33:32,140
♪Fierce winds and rushing rain
cannot quench my flame♪

611
00:33:32,580 --> 00:33:37,500
♪Alas, love and hate
will both find their end♪

612
00:33:37,860 --> 00:33:42,820
♪Why count gains and losses
along the way?♪

613
00:33:43,140 --> 00:33:48,100
♪Alas, life always leads to death♪

614
00:33:48,380 --> 00:33:57,300
♪May we meet again someday♪

615
00:34:12,510 --> 00:34:13,470
The pearl...

616
00:34:13,470 --> 00:34:14,400
Duanwu,

617
00:34:14,400 --> 00:34:16,370
I think someone picked up the pearl

618
00:34:16,370 --> 00:34:17,360
Lady Eight gave you!

619
00:34:28,640 --> 00:34:29,230
Let's go.

620
00:34:49,950 --> 00:34:51,320
The ledger has been delivered.

621
00:34:52,470 --> 00:34:54,750
This pearl farm in Hepu
is a den of filth and corruption.

622
00:34:55,710 --> 00:34:56,710
This ledger

623
00:34:57,320 --> 00:34:59,400
should make a fine gift for Prince Ying.

624
00:34:59,400 --> 00:35:01,990
Prince Ying and Prince Tan
are locked in fierce conflict.

625
00:35:02,270 --> 00:35:03,900
If Zhang Jinran could truly expose

626
00:35:03,900 --> 00:35:05,510
Prince Tan's embezzlement
of the tribute pearls,

627
00:35:05,510 --> 00:35:08,640
the Cui family would be doomed.

628
00:35:08,640 --> 00:35:10,190
This is just the beginning.

629
00:35:11,360 --> 00:35:12,920
Did you find the person
I asked you to locate?

630
00:35:13,190 --> 00:35:14,120
Not yet.

631
00:35:16,230 --> 00:35:17,120
Leave two people here

632
00:35:17,840 --> 00:35:18,800
to keep looking.

633
00:35:18,800 --> 00:35:19,470
Understood.

634
00:35:23,470 --> 00:35:24,880
Is the illness acting up again?

635
00:35:32,880 --> 00:35:33,640
It's nothing.

636
00:35:35,710 --> 00:35:36,710
Put it out!

637
00:35:37,840 --> 00:35:39,280
Hurry. Get more people to help!

638
00:35:39,280 --> 00:35:39,590
Yes, sir.

639
00:35:39,590 --> 00:35:40,280
Hurry!

640
00:35:42,110 --> 00:35:43,840
Duanwu didn't start this fire.

641
00:35:43,840 --> 00:35:46,240
The Pearl Tower and the pearl farm
caught fire at the same time.

642
00:35:46,240 --> 00:35:47,760
Someone must have
planned this in advance.

643
00:35:47,760 --> 00:35:48,800
There's more fire over there!

644
00:35:48,800 --> 00:35:49,630
How are the books?

645
00:35:49,630 --> 00:35:50,800
The counting house burned down.

646
00:35:51,200 --> 00:35:53,590
The account books
are probably all destroyed.

647
00:35:53,590 --> 00:35:54,240
Good.

648
00:35:55,840 --> 00:35:56,950
It's better they're burned.

649
00:35:56,950 --> 00:35:58,430
How should we
explain this to the master?

650
00:35:59,030 --> 00:36:01,150
Steward Cui,

651
00:36:01,760 --> 00:36:03,800
Master Shijiu's ship is about to dock.

652
00:36:03,800 --> 00:36:04,800
What's she doing here?

653
00:36:04,800 --> 00:36:06,240
Could she be here for her dowry?

654
00:36:06,760 --> 00:36:08,360
That girl

655
00:36:08,360 --> 00:36:10,760
always dresses like a man.

656
00:36:11,110 --> 00:36:12,800
I doubt she's here for a dowry.

657
00:36:13,760 --> 00:36:15,400
She's here to deal with me!

658
00:36:15,510 --> 00:36:18,990
[Cui]

659
00:36:18,990 --> 00:36:21,110
This year, the farm
produced 43 Qizhen pearls

660
00:36:21,110 --> 00:36:22,110
and 2.3 sheng of small pearls.

661
00:36:22,110 --> 00:36:24,110
Among the tribute pearls, there are
ten Qizhen and nine Babao pearls.

662
00:36:24,110 --> 00:36:25,200
We also have 5.3 sheng of smooth pearls

663
00:36:25,200 --> 00:36:26,470
and 11.2 sheng of rolling pearls.

664
00:36:26,470 --> 00:36:27,840
- Altogether...
- I recall

665
00:36:28,360 --> 00:36:30,360
that last year, we had 56 Qizhen pearls

666
00:36:30,360 --> 00:36:31,760
and three sheng of small pearls.

667
00:36:31,760 --> 00:36:34,240
Among the tribute pearls, there were
12 Qizhen pearls and 12 Babao pearls.

668
00:36:34,800 --> 00:36:36,990
Why is there so much less this year?

669
00:36:40,190 --> 00:36:45,550
[Ledger]

670
00:36:47,810 --> 00:36:50,000
Cui Ding really treats Cui's Pearl Farm

671
00:36:50,000 --> 00:36:51,600
like it's his own,

672
00:36:52,560 --> 00:36:54,640
scheming at every turn.

673
00:36:59,210 --> 00:37:00,120
Master Shijiu,

674
00:37:00,120 --> 00:37:01,560
with so many merchants
attending the pearl auction,

675
00:37:01,930 --> 00:37:04,370
there isn't a dock available right now.

676
00:37:04,690 --> 00:37:06,600
I ask for your patience, sir.

677
00:37:06,600 --> 00:37:07,810
Outrageous!

678
00:37:07,810 --> 00:37:09,410
How dare you make my master wait?

679
00:37:09,410 --> 00:37:10,290
I wouldn't dare,

680
00:37:10,730 --> 00:37:11,330
but...

681
00:37:11,330 --> 00:37:12,370
Just dock.

682
00:37:12,960 --> 00:37:14,560
Dock the ship.

683
00:37:14,560 --> 00:37:16,810
But there are small boats everywhere.

684
00:37:16,810 --> 00:37:19,850
Sink anyone who stands in the way.
I don't care if they live or die.

685
00:37:19,850 --> 00:37:23,640
Get moving. Stop bothering my master.

686
00:37:24,290 --> 00:37:25,560
Why are you still standing here?

687
00:37:25,560 --> 00:37:27,160
Hurry up and do it, now!

688
00:37:49,690 --> 00:37:50,560
Duanwu!

689
00:37:51,480 --> 00:37:53,250
We're safe, Duanwu!

690
00:37:57,770 --> 00:38:00,560
Wake up, Duanwu!

691
00:38:02,210 --> 00:38:03,080
Duanwu?

692
00:38:07,160 --> 00:38:08,120
Hold it here.

693
00:38:08,120 --> 00:38:09,890
Move this finger down.

694
00:38:09,890 --> 00:38:11,440
Yes, grip it tightly here.

695
00:38:11,440 --> 00:38:13,290
Lower your hand a bit.

696
00:38:15,480 --> 00:38:18,000
Sit up straight. Relax your shoulders.

697
00:38:19,370 --> 00:38:20,330
You moved it there again.

698
00:38:20,330 --> 00:38:22,120
You made the same old mistake.

699
00:38:22,120 --> 00:38:24,160
How many times have I told you?
Should you have moved it here?

700
00:38:25,930 --> 00:38:27,200
Three ge from the old stock

701
00:38:27,200 --> 00:38:28,560
plus three ge newly collected.

702
00:38:28,560 --> 00:38:30,120
What's the total?

703
00:38:42,640 --> 00:38:44,010
You are lucky

704
00:38:44,010 --> 00:38:45,120
to come back alive.

705
00:38:45,120 --> 00:38:46,330
Have the medicine.

706
00:38:55,560 --> 00:38:57,560
You must always be fully prepared.

707
00:38:57,560 --> 00:38:58,680
Some things

708
00:38:58,680 --> 00:39:01,120
can be useful when the time is right.

709
00:39:27,770 --> 00:39:29,010
Who sent this?

710
00:39:29,010 --> 00:39:31,010
When we were rushing
to escape the fire,

711
00:39:31,010 --> 00:39:32,370
someone bumped into me.

712
00:39:32,370 --> 00:39:34,160
Later, I found this ledger in my bag.

713
00:39:34,560 --> 00:39:35,680
This ledger

714
00:39:36,080 --> 00:39:38,080
details the pearl farm's harvest,

715
00:39:38,080 --> 00:39:39,850
but it's vastly different
from the tribute pearl records.

716
00:39:40,160 --> 00:39:41,520
What should we do next?

717
00:39:44,640 --> 00:39:45,770
We have material evidence

718
00:39:46,370 --> 00:39:47,450
but no witnesses.

719
00:39:48,970 --> 00:39:49,850
Anyone could've written

720
00:39:49,850 --> 00:39:50,890
these accounts.

721
00:39:51,290 --> 00:39:52,680
Now that the Pearl Tower is destroyed,

722
00:39:52,680 --> 00:39:54,770
the pearl farm could use this opportunity
to cover up their crime.

723
00:39:54,770 --> 00:39:58,010
Cui Ding has probably
figured out your identity, sir.

724
00:39:59,200 --> 00:40:00,330
Who could be pocketing the money

725
00:40:01,680 --> 00:40:03,370
from the private sale of tribute pearls?

726
00:40:03,370 --> 00:40:04,370
I doubt Cui's Pearl Farm

727
00:40:04,370 --> 00:40:06,040
would have the nerve
to commit this crime alone.

728
00:40:07,370 --> 00:40:09,290
Cui Ding is definitely a key player.

729
00:40:10,850 --> 00:40:12,640
Keep a close watch on Cui's Pearl Farm.

730
00:40:12,640 --> 00:40:13,200
Yes, sir.

731
00:40:20,640 --> 00:40:22,370
That ship is heading straight
for the docks,

732
00:40:22,370 --> 00:40:23,520
and there's a small boat in its path.

733
00:40:24,850 --> 00:40:25,890
This is not good.

734
00:40:28,720 --> 00:40:30,240
Duanwu, wake up!

735
00:40:30,240 --> 00:40:31,520
A ship's coming our way!

736
00:40:31,520 --> 00:40:33,850
Stay back! There's a boat here!

737
00:40:33,850 --> 00:40:36,330
Duanwu, wake up!

738
00:40:36,640 --> 00:40:38,520
[Cui]
Don't come any closer!

739
00:40:39,330 --> 00:40:42,160
Stay back!

740
00:40:42,160 --> 00:40:43,410
Duanwu!

741
00:40:43,410 --> 00:40:45,560
Stay away!

742
00:40:48,150 --> 00:40:48,750
[Cui]

743
00:40:51,600 --> 00:40:53,240
Help!

744
00:40:53,680 --> 00:40:54,680
Is anyone there?

745
00:40:54,680 --> 00:40:55,450
Someone's fallen overboard.

746
00:40:55,770 --> 00:40:57,450
- Du Ming, rescue them!

747
00:40:57,450 --> 00:40:58,040
Yes, sir.

748
00:41:28,810 --> 00:41:30,040
Greetings, Lady Shijiu.

749
00:41:30,040 --> 00:41:31,040
Outrageous!

750
00:41:31,040 --> 00:41:33,640
How dare you
keep Master Shijiu waiting this long?

751
00:41:34,640 --> 00:41:36,930
Master Shijiu, welcome to Hepu.

752
00:41:37,560 --> 00:41:38,680
Please forgive me

753
00:41:38,680 --> 00:41:39,770
for being late.

754
00:41:40,330 --> 00:41:42,490
I heard you'd be getting married soon.

755
00:41:42,770 --> 00:41:45,520
Have you come to prepare your dowry?

756
00:41:52,290 --> 00:41:54,450
I see that you're here
on behalf of the master, Master Shijiu.

757
00:41:54,450 --> 00:41:57,520
Are this year's tribute pearls ready?

758
00:41:59,410 --> 00:42:01,330
They were all prepared

759
00:42:01,330 --> 00:42:02,890
and stored in the Pearl Tower.

760
00:42:03,240 --> 00:42:04,930
But there was a terrible fire today,

761
00:42:04,930 --> 00:42:07,450
and now the Pearl Tower
is nothing but rubble.

762
00:42:07,450 --> 00:42:09,160
It was truly a man-made disaster.

763
00:42:09,640 --> 00:42:11,890
There was a defiant slave
on the pearl farm named Duanwu.

764
00:42:11,890 --> 00:42:14,010
She secretly seduced Peng Wu,

765
00:42:14,010 --> 00:42:15,560
and somehow,

766
00:42:15,560 --> 00:42:16,890
she not only killed him

767
00:42:16,890 --> 00:42:17,970
but also colluded with Lady Eight

768
00:42:17,970 --> 00:42:20,240
to burn down the entire Pearl Tower!

769
00:42:20,240 --> 00:42:21,970
May I ask, Steward Cui,

770
00:42:21,970 --> 00:42:23,330
have you caught them?

771
00:42:23,330 --> 00:42:24,200
We're working on it.

772
00:42:25,240 --> 00:42:26,520
Once Duanwu is caught,

773
00:42:26,520 --> 00:42:27,970
everything will come to light.

774
00:42:30,080 --> 00:42:32,160
I don't care about the truth.

775
00:42:33,240 --> 00:42:34,200
Not a single pearl

776
00:42:34,930 --> 00:42:36,370
can be missing.

777
00:42:36,640 --> 00:42:38,810
But how could I possibly
get so many pearls now?

778
00:42:39,120 --> 00:42:41,160
Even if we have to cut you up
and sell the pieces,

779
00:42:41,160 --> 00:42:43,120
the job must be done.

780
00:42:43,120 --> 00:42:44,370
Otherwise,

781
00:42:45,720 --> 00:42:48,330
I'll throw you into the ocean
to feed the sharks.

782
00:42:48,600 --> 00:42:50,330
Would you prefer that, Steward Cui?

783
00:42:52,330 --> 00:42:53,080
Sir,

784
00:42:53,410 --> 00:42:54,970
there's a problem with the gold leaf.

785
00:42:55,450 --> 00:42:56,160
It's fake.

786
00:43:06,490 --> 00:43:07,850
This was left by your father.

787
00:43:07,850 --> 00:43:09,130
Go find him in the Western Regions.

788
00:43:11,430 --> 00:43:12,140
Duanwu,

789
00:43:12,220 --> 00:43:13,110
you're awake!

790
00:43:13,110 --> 00:43:14,300
You finally woke up!

791
00:43:15,950 --> 00:43:17,300
Duanwu, we've made it.

792
00:43:17,300 --> 00:43:18,780
Mr. Zhang saved us.

793
00:43:19,030 --> 00:43:20,660
We're on his ship now.

794
00:43:21,020 --> 00:43:22,250
He said he knew you.

795
00:43:24,620 --> 00:43:25,100
Duanwu,

796
00:43:25,470 --> 00:43:25,950
come on.

797
00:43:27,490 --> 00:43:27,870
Drink this.

798
00:43:29,730 --> 00:43:30,390
By the way, Duanwu,

799
00:43:32,970 --> 00:43:34,370
Lady Eight left this for you.

800
00:43:34,870 --> 00:43:36,510
She was the one who told me
to wait for you by the shore.

801
00:44:23,380 --> 00:44:30,020
♪Life flows like a boat,
navigating joys and woes♪

802
00:44:30,180 --> 00:44:35,660
♪Longing for distant shores♪

803
00:44:35,700 --> 00:44:39,220
♪Aware this moment
may tear my heart apart♪

804
00:44:39,220 --> 00:44:42,500
♪Better to roam alone♪

805
00:44:42,500 --> 00:44:46,260
♪Many depart, none return♪

806
00:44:49,420 --> 00:44:54,860
♪How can we resist gazing
at each other amid the blooms?♪

807
00:44:55,620 --> 00:45:00,380
♪Your face glows
like lanterns in the night♪

808
00:45:00,980 --> 00:45:04,180
♪Love fades on the stone bridge,
yet bonds remain♪

809
00:45:04,820 --> 00:45:07,740
♪How can we endure
the binds of longing?♪

810
00:45:07,940 --> 00:45:13,380
♪Like a grand dream, a lone cup of wine♪

811
00:45:16,060 --> 00:45:19,500
♪May this world hold♪

812
00:45:19,500 --> 00:45:22,900
♪Both sorrow and warmth♪

813
00:45:23,340 --> 00:45:27,500
♪To hide a broken heart away
with laughter and tears♪

814
00:45:29,100 --> 00:45:32,020
♪A debt across time awaits♪

815
00:45:32,540 --> 00:45:35,300
♪A simple tale unfolds♪

816
00:45:35,820 --> 00:45:41,020
♪Nothing compares
to soft rice and sweet tea♪

817
00:45:41,100 --> 00:45:44,180
♪May this fate intertwine♪

818
00:45:44,380 --> 00:45:48,100
♪Half in regret, half in longing♪

819
00:45:48,140 --> 00:45:53,620
♪Radiant memories tint your gaze♪

820
00:45:54,700 --> 00:45:57,140
♪The world's bitterness♪

821
00:45:57,500 --> 00:46:00,340
♪Still accompanies my dreams♪

822
00:46:01,300 --> 00:46:06,620
♪Drifting afar on the shore
of your life♪

823
00:46:07,940 --> 00:46:11,900
♪Quietly watching over you♪


