Original subtitles

♪The moon sinks, ripples dance, violet stars awaken♪

♪As time dissolves without a trace♪

♪Frosted memories scatter; silk cannot veil the past♪

♪Fate is drifting in silence♪

♪Let winds and sands accompany the road ahead♪

♪Looking back, joys and sorrows linger, no regrets remain♪

♪Breaking free from the depths of darkness♪

♪Like pearls of tears, we swirl with fate's embrace♪

[Adapted from "The Legend of Kunshan Jade" by Tan Tianyin]

[The Story of Pearl Girl]

[Episode 5]

Before you bargain with me,

consider carefully

what value you hold,

and what leverage you have.

I have no leverage.

I'm merely a slave.

As a noble master, you broke your promises

and made things hard for a slave.

What's your purpose?

You really don't want me leaving the ship?

What's wrong?

Afraid of losing?

What else?

I want off the ship.

You're that desperate to leave?

Getting off the ship is my chance.

Fine,

I'll allow it.

But the others?

No, they cannot.

Do you ever feel

like you've walked right into a trap?

What trap could there be?

If it works, the convoy profits.

If it fails,

I'll get a chance to punish her.

She was right.

You, a noble master,

why bother with a slave?

You think she's a slave, too?

What kind of slave defies her master daily?

She just wants her mother's keepsake.

Since when

have you gone soft?

Haven't you noticed?

She's like you were when you first ventured into Black Dragon Cave,

knowing nothing, helpless,

just driven by sheer will,

and risking everything.

That's why I was bloodied and beaten.

Just like me,

you also clawed your way out of that pit.

You know what that blood-stained pearl

represents.

I asked you to tell Master Zhang

if you were with me that day,

or saw Cui Ding.

I haven't seen Cui Ding.

Duanwu, are you all right?

I'm free to leave now.

Then are you going

to sell that waste?

Right now, I can only try my hand at it,

though...

I still don't know

how to get that waste.

Eighteen cash a jin,

Mr. Cao must have pocketed a nice cut.

He won't make it easy for us.

What about Cao's superior, Assistant Pang?

He manages sales.

He should have the authority, right?

He's in cahoots with Mr. Cao, not exactly trustworthy.

Besides, we don't even know him,

and he's unlikely to trust us.

There's one other person

who truly cares about the convoy.

But I don't know if she'd help.

Um...

Duanwu, I can't hold it anymore.

I, Duanwu, a lower-deck slave, request to see Accountant Wei.

If it's an issue, go find Mr. Cao.

This issue concerns the trading convoy.

Reporting with overstepping

will lead to punishment.

What if I suggest a potential oversight in your accounts?

Please hear me out first, and then punish me as you will.

Come in.

Greetings, Accountant Wei.

Speak. What account?

Accountant Wei,

this is waste from the trading convoy.

Mr. Cao currently sells it at eighteen cash per jin.

But look, Accountant Wei,

within this waste,

if we extract all useful materials,

then refine it further,

it could

be sold to herbal shops

and used for medicinal ingredients.

Each batch could then earn two extra cash.

Twenty cash per jin?

Correct.

Twenty cash.

A hundred jin only makes 2000 cash.

That's barely enough

for a day's meal for lower-deck slaves.

So, you're giving me a number breakdown?

But our convoy handles

a lot of jewelry,

and thus, lots of waste.

Accountant Wei, I've observed

the Master's shipments.

Each transfer produces over two hundred jin of waste.

Conservatively,

at twenty cash per jin,

that gives us 4000 cash.

I've been with the convoy for two weeks now,

shipping at least three times already.

That amounts to 12000 cash.

Calculate it...

three times a month,

and thirty-six times a year.

With thirty-six times,

it amounts to a total of...

It's 144,000 cash annually.

The convoy can easily handle

thirty shipments.

Our convoy's route from the West Regions to the South Sea

passes various ports.

the Master purchases and sells jewels each time.

Recently, the Master held the pearl auction,

boosting our convoy's reputation.

Given this,

there'll be large shipments.

You're sharp.

Are you saying

that I, Wei Yan,

overlooked this profit

under my own watch?

Not at all.

That's not my intention.

The accounts handled by you

are all major accounts.

This waste

is only known to us lower-deck slaves,

working with it daily.

Even adding

just 140,000 cash annually,

little by little,

over time,

it would accumulate significantly.

Isn't that right?

So, what are you hoping for with this?

I request permission from you

to handle the waste sales.

Accountant Wei.

She wants to sell the waste. You two can discuss it yourselves.

Take a seat.

Assistant Pang,

I'm Duanwu, a slave from the lower deck.

The Master has permitted me

to get off and sell waste when docked.

From now on,

I'll be relying on your help, Assistant Pang.

I see.

No problem. It's just waste anyway.

I recall

Mr. Cao handled it

at eighteen cash per jin before.

Since you're under Accountant Wei's guidance,

let's make it sixteen cash

to help you open business.

Thank you, Assistant Pang.

However,

considering it's all waste,

going back and forth is a hassle.

It's best to clear it all at once.

All at once?

Yes.

How much is there this time?

About two hundred jin, I believe.

Alright.

I see.

Can this really make money?

Duanwu, will the herbal shops buy it?

I'm not sure,

but I can give it a try.

There's a full two hundred jin here.

If we can sell it all,

it'll be a nice amount.

Duanwu, you're really impressive.

Barely here, and you're already allowed off the ship

to sell waste!

This used to be something

only Mr. Cao could handle.

Duanwu's amazing, of course!

When she makes big money,

we'll get you loads of dried meat, Loud,

and medicine for your throat!

Dear Hu,

we'll buy you twenty dresses!

Twenty?

Dear Xiu,

we'll get you shoes

encrusted with pearls!

Pearl shoes?

We're rich!

We're rich!

What wealth?

From a distance,

I could hear all of you yelling here.

It's the middle of the night.

Isn't there any order in the lower deck?

Duanwu,

not bad at all.

I hear

you're going to sell waste?

Mr. Cao.

I know,

you were handling this waste before,

and I appreciate your effort.

This time, I'll go for you.

Naturally, the money from the sale...

You're overthinking.

I never said that.

That's your imagination.

But about the money...

Oh, it's late.

All of you should head to bed.

Thank you, Mr. Cao.

Shrimp!

Cao's a greedy guy.

Clean this up.

You were coming to Lingnan.

Why didn't you tell me beforehand?

We could've traveled together.

Senior Brother,

I had no idea you were in Guangzhou.

If I'd known,

I would've told you.

Here.

Junior Brother,

why exactly

did you come to Hepu?

The beauty of the South Sea pearls

is too tempting.

So, I wanted to see Hepu for myself.

But once I arrived,

do you know what I saw?

Just pearl divers

leaping out of the water to escape man-eating sharks.

At the pearl auction,

esteemed guests abound,

yet it's built on the blood and tears of countless pearl divers.

I understand how you feel.

But,

The hardships of pearl diving

have always been this way.

We don't control that.

But before, the pearls

were for tributes.

Now look at the Cui's Pearl Farm,

they are recklessly abusing the divers,

treating lives like they're worthless.

Worse still...

Even worse than that?

Junior Brother,

don't hold back.

Just say it.

If what you say about the Cui's Pearl Farm

is true,

I'll make sure they don't get away with it.

On the second night of the pearl auction,

the Pearl Tower burned down.

Peng Wu, a merchant from Chang'an,

died inside.

Cui Ding fled with the funds,

and his body was later found in Guangzhou.

Peng Wu is dead?

Cui Ding fled with the funds?

The burning of Pearl Tower has caused

a huge stir in Hepu.

Cui Ding's body

is still at the Guangzhou prefecture.

You didn't know?

I was indeed careless.

Senior Brother,

do you know those two?

Regardless of my acquaintance,

if Cui's Pearl Farm did such evils,

as an upright official,

I won't let them get away!

Since you're involved,

I can rest assured.

As long as I'm here,

I won't let those villains

run wild in this just world!

Here.

Just leave it to me.

This drink is for you, Senior Brother!

Master, the guest has left.

Do you think my junior

has already set his sights on me?

Master, you've always been cautious,

leaving no trace.

Besides, Peng Wu and Cui Ding are dead.

Zhang Jinran

surely won't find proof.

You don't know my junior brother.

Once he's set on something,

he won't easily let it go.

Otherwise,

why would Prince Ying send him to Hepu?

Prince Ying...

Could it be over Prince Tan?

Cutting off trade is minor,

but if we're exposed,

we might

meet a fate worse than Cui Ding.

Master, Lady Shijiu sent an invitation,

requesting a meeting tomorrow.

Why does she keep pestering?

Tell her I won't meet her!

Yes, sir.

Special Envoy Xu refused your invitation.

He's eager to distance himself,

not to investigate someone,

but afraid of being investigated.

It seems we'll have to find a way

to handle the tribute pearls ourselves.

Go, contact the Guangzhou banks,

gather all available silver.

Contact every jewelry shop here.

We need to buy pearls.

No matter the cost,

bring back every last one

they have in reserve.

Yes, sir.

Cui Jia.

Master Shijiu.

You said at the pearl auction,

Zhang Jinran and Yan Zijing

bid against each other over a mere pearl diver?

Indeed.

Mr. Peng said

Yan Zijing

met Zhang Jinran on the ship.

Seeing Zhang as a poor scholar,

unworldly,

Yan brought Zhang along.

He can spend gold willow leaf at an auction.

You call him a "poor scholar"?

He's the fourth son of Minister Zhang,

and a companion to the Emperor.

You call him a "poor scholar"?

Their meeting can't be a coincidence.

Investigate for me.

Find out who Yan Zijing truly is.

Understood.

[Fushu Port]

Come on, unload the goods!

Take it slow.

Duanwu,

should I try asking Supervisor Kang again?

I'll go with you.

You can't carry this load alone.

No need.

Don't worry. I got this.

Duanwu,

this batch is top quality.

It might even be sold for twenty cash a jin!

We'll be rich then!

Keep your voice down.

Rich or not,

let's wait until I actually sell it.

But I promise,

I'll give it my best.

I believe in you, Duanwu.

You can do it.

Shrimp, tell me,

is it really like you said,

just bring the goods to a herbal shop door,

let them inspect, and that's it?

My third uncle used to do it this way.

If one shop doesn't want it, go to the next.

This batch has been sold!

Someone's bound to want them.

Duanwu,

if he can do it, so can you!

I'm off.

Hurry up, keep moving!

Thanks for your hard work!

You can't go ashore.

I know, Mr. Cao,

but I'm not on land, am I?

Look, is this shore?

Get on the ship, you brat.

Shrimp.

I'll bring you some treats back!

Got it, Duanwu!

Safe travels, Duanwu.

May business be booming!

Foolish.

At least she's bold.

Bold and foolish.

Do you know the consequences?

A quick death.

And what about a nasty one with a sharp tongue?

Then he'd live a thousand years.

We should get off too.

What for?

Every place has its own boss.

We're making money on their turf.

So we should pay our respects to the head of Guangzhou's guild.

Take it slow.

Take your time, sir.

Take care.

Pardon me.

See you.

Sir.

Sir.

I have jewelry scraps,

including lapis, mica...

all available for inspection.

Take a look.

What shop are you with?

Yan's Trading Convoy.

I never heard of it.

Move along.

Yan's Trading Convoy came from the West,

and we recently bought a large batch of pearls

from Cui's in Hepu.

Our goods are guaranteed good quality.

I can show you.

Miss,

this is a herbal shop, and we deal in medicine.

I can't take such a risk.

Understood.

But I assure you, our quality is top-notch.

Just take a look, you'll see.

Even with our century-old legacy,

we can't afford the risk of selling fakes.

No way. How could it be fake?

Give me the lowest price.

I guarantee.

Just give me the lowest price you offered before.

How about it?

Then let me ask you,

once you sell this load, where will you go?

What about this? Take a look.

I don't know.

And if there's an issue with the goods,

who do I go to? Where would I find you?

There can't be an issue, sir.

Really, see for yourself.

Our shop already

has its own suppliers.

If I buy your load,

when they deliver their goods,

how would I explain it?

Miss, you'd better move along.

Wait, sir...

Leave, hurry up!

We told you, we can't do this deal.

I'll leave right away.

Go on, quickly now.

Move along.

We're not doing this business.

Wait...

We're not doing this business. Now, leave!

[Baifu Hall] Move along!

Honestly. Don't come back here!

Sir, come on in!

This way!

Trinkets here, take a look!

Sachets, charms, small items here!

[Prosperity in Business] I didn't expect the head of the jewelry guild here

to be such a young master.

My apologies and respects.

Your Pearl Poetry Gathering gained fame overnight.

I'm deeply impressed.

You flatter me.

Please, appraise these jewels for me.

What...

not interested in Lingnan pearls?

Not at all.

But as the head of the guild,

you must know

that rarity drives value.

Merchants all know

the more, the cheaper.

Everyone hopes, of course,

to stock rare goods to sell.

Lingnan pearl ornaments

are famous far and wide.

But over the years,

imitators abound,

with similar designs everywhere.

To keep customers,

each guild

has had to lower prices.

This competition

is inevitable.

But our craftsmanship,

especially the quality of our pearls,

is top-notch.

How could they compare

with mere imitators?

We both know

that exhausting fortunes to battle imitators

isn't sustainable.

Besides,

Hepu's pearl farm is now destroyed.

In three months, there'll be no supply.

When that time comes,

what will you all do?

Yes, what can we do then?

We can't eat through our fortune.

Master Yan, with your insight,

you've uncovered the truth.

Please, enlighten us.

These are colored stones

my master brought from the West.

Please, take a look.

Truly, Master Yan,

these are rare treasures.

I'm amazed.

These here

are gifts for everyone.

In giving such precious gifts,

I wonder, Master Yan,

what you seek in return?

I seek mutual prosperity

and wealth through harmony.

Within three months,

I'm willing to bring Western Regions colored stone

your esteemed jewelry guild lacks

into the Guangzhou's jewelry industry,

becoming the first to do colored stone business here.

We'll provide the raw stones

and the techniques.

Guangzhou's jewelry guild

will supply artisans

and manage the sales.

What's the profit split?

Seventy-thirty.

Master Yan, you drive a hard bargain.

I believe you'd rather

not eat through your fortune.

We can promise your guild

exclusivity in Guangzhou,

supporting you

as the only Western Regions colored stone supplier.

Fine,

I accept your terms.

But I have one more request.

My mother

dearly loved Hepu's South Sea pearls.

Her death anniversary is in a few days.

I hope you can gather some pearls for me.

Of course,

only the best.

Rest assured, Master Yan.

I'll get them for you.

Thank you.

Sir, take a look!

Step right up!

Where are you staying?

I'll have it sent over.

Sachets, charms!

Miss,

I've seen you pushing this cart

around the streets all afternoon.

Are you selling something?

These are scraps from our trading convoy,

including mica, lapis, all kinds.

Local herbal shops won't buy

from traveling merchants.

Their suppliers

are all local connections.

Yes.

It's tough to sell this way.

Since you're struggling,

I can offer you some advice.

I have channels to help you sell.

But, I'll need a commission.

How much?

Zhao Three,

scamming people again?

Oh, I just remembered,

I have something to do at home.

I'll take my leave.

You scoundrel!

That Zhao Three

just scams outsiders for their goods.

He...

Miss, since you're new here,

stay on your guard.

Thank you.

These are scraps from our trading convoy,

meant for the herbal shops,

but the locals won't take them.

Well now,

how much do you have?

Over here...

more than two hundred jin.

I am the shopkeeper of Wu's Herbal Shop.

By chance, we need just this batch.

Meeting you is fate.

Follow me.

This way.

Where?

[Wu's Herbal Shop]

Goods are here!

Master Wu.

Oh,

Miss,

what's your price?

Will twenty-five cash a jin do?

How about twenty-three?

Let's settle at twenty-four a jin.

Everything extra goes to you.

I know it's tough for you, Miss.

Deal, twenty-four cash.

Inspect the goods!

Understood!

Got it!

I'll handle it.

The quality looks good.

Alright.

Okay.

Master Wu, in total, it's 202 jin.

Two jin extra?

Consider it your gift to me.

Take it, please.

Alright, unload it out back.

Yes, sir.

I'll come back for the cart later.

Miss...

This is...

This is "flying cash".

"flying cash"?

Well,

no counting house around here

carries that much cash.

Just walk a bit down

to the Jie's Money House.

You can exchange this "flying cash" for cash there.

Thanks, Master Wu.

Alright. Go quickly now.

Thank you.

Quick, now.

[Flying Coin] Sir,

are there any shops around

with things kids like,

treats, toys,

or maybe cloth?

I see many shops here...

This "flying cash" is fake!

It was issued by Wu's Herbal Shop.

It couldn't possibly be fake!

Check again.

See this seal?

It's obviously a fake!

A fake is a fake.

I don't care where you got it.

You're here to scam me?

No, I'm not...

Get lost!

I'll go ask.

I'll go ask.

Leave!

Unbelievable.

[Wu's Herbal Shop]

Master Wu!

Master Wu!

What's the shouting for?

Master Wu is meeting with guests.

Do you need something, Miss?

I need to see Master Wu.

I must see him!

Let me report to him first.

Go quickly.

Duanwu, what are you doing here?

Mr. Cao, I'm looking for Master Wu.

Go get Master Wu!

This is Master Wu.

No, not this Wu.

There's only one Master Wu.

I've known him for years.

We were just catching up this afternoon.

By the way,

weren't you here to sell goods?

Where are they now?

Are they all sold?

No, it's not this Wu.

There's another Wu

who gave me this "flying cash"

to exchange for cash at the bank ahead.

I gave him everything,

and he took all the goods.

But it wasn't this Wu.

Wait a moment.

You must be talking about Wu Xiang.

He used to deliver for us,

but he's neck-deep in debt from gambling.

He hasn't shown up in ages.

What's going on?

Today, we needed some jewelry scraps.

Wu Xiang said he had some.

That's my batch!

He said he had goods,

so he brought them over.

We checked the batch,

and the payment was settled.

Payment's already gone to Wu Xiang.

But...

Wait a second.

Take me to Wu Xiang!

Hold on!

Are you saying

you lost the goods?

Those weren't yours.

They belonged to the convoy!

I know!

Do you realize

how long it took to gather

that 202 jin of scraps?

If I were handling this,

it'd be done by now.

But you messed up your very first deal...

How did you know it was 202 jin?

Mr. Cao, how do you know

it was exactly 202 jin?

Enough with the questions.

You lost the goods. There's punishment for that.

Take her away!

Mr. Cao...

Mr. Cao...

How did you know it was 202 jin?

You set me up!

Mr. Cao!

Master,

the ten lashes are done!

Giving up greater profit for small gains,

blind confidence, and trusting others too easily,

those are grave errors in business!

Starting now,

you're back to the lower deck.

Continue as a slave.

A nobody deserves only to be trampled.

Master,

may I have a chance to redeem myself?

Still unwilling to yield?

Please, Master, give me one chance.

And if you fail again?

If I fail,

you may do as you wish.

Fine.

Complete your task

by tomorrow afternoon.

What are you going to do?

Where's Wu Xiang?

What are you talking about? I don't know...

Where's Wu Xiang?

I'll tell you, Mr. Cao,

if I fail, I'll die for it.

And before I die, I'll take someone with me.

I'll tell you...

He's at... the Sanqi Garden.

[Sanqi Garden]

What a fool girl.

Stop...

Are you Wu Xiang or Master Wu?

Xiang.

Where are my scraps?

Sold.

Where's the money?

I... lost it all.

Don't...

I have it...

I sold them for 4000 cash. The money is all here.

My goodness...

Are you here looking for me?

Assistant Pang.

This is...

Two hundred jin of scraps,

as previously agreed,

I bought them from you at sixteen cash a jin.

They were sold for 4000 cash.

You actually brought the money back.

This little slave is truly something!

Four thousand cash...

Here are 3200 cash.

I'll take the excess.

It's my share.

You got the accounting all sorted out.

You've got potential!

What's wrong?

We got it wrong?

No. Assistant Pang's figures

can't be off.

They let a sure thing slip away!

Move it along.

You're slow as molasses!

I got the money back.

Wu Xiang's tied up at Sanqi Garden.

Want me to bring him in?

What you said before...

My words count more than yours.

But I'm just a small slave.

I'll still need Mr. Cao's guidance

here on the ship.

Name your terms.

Letting slaves ashore.

Absurd...

Do you know how many slaves are on this ship?

If they were all ashore,

the Master would have my head.

Seventy-eight slaves on board,

divided into three shifts.

Registered each time they get off,

and watch one another.

The Master is merciful.

He provides good food and shelter.

The slaves outside

have no papers, no means to survive.

Why wouldn't they return?

You're thorough in your planning.

Your choice.

But remember,

after all that scheming to rise up,

don't let Wu Xiang trip you up.

I...

Dad,

when will we reach the State of Kang?

First by water,

then by land,

still a long way to go.

Mom,

when will we return to Yangzhou?

Likely in October.

By then,

my little sister will have grown up.

That's right.

Then from then on,

we can bring her with us wherever we go.

Of course.

From then on, she'll be always with us.

Our family

will always stay together.

Master,

I've gotten the money.

Tomorrow, report to Accountant Wei for punishment.

This month,

half of your wages are cut.

I took the lashes,

and I got the money back.

Why still take punishment?

You broke the rules.

Shouldn't you be punished?

But I was set up.

You already knew that?

So what?

Is there fairness in Yan's Trading Convoy?

This began with you taking

Mr. Cao's business by force.

Besides,

your recklessness

nearly hurt the convoy.

Are you not at fault?

Shouldn't you be punished?

So, for Mr. Cao,

he's neither punished

nor scolded?

We just let it slide?

In Yan's Trading Convoy, the rule is:

everyone does their duty, and everything serves its purpose.

Mr. Cao may be vile,

but if he gets his job done,

I'll use him.

And as for fairness,

if you want it,

you'd better start thinking

about making yourself useful.

Then,

you'll have the right to talk about fairness.

This

is the rule of the world.

Everything serves its purpose,

and everyone does their duty...

♪Life flows like a boat, navigating joys and woes♪

♪Longing for distant shores♪

♪Aware this moment may tear my heart apart♪

♪Better to roam alone♪

♪Many depart, none return♪

♪How can we resist gazing at each other amid the blooms?♪

♪Your face glows like lanterns in the night♪

♪Love fades on the stone bridge, yet bonds remain♪

♪How can we endure the binds of longing?♪

♪Like a grand dream, a lone cup of wine♪

♪May this world hold♪

♪Both sorrow and warmth♪

♪To hide a broken heart away with laughter and tears♪

♪A debt across time awaits♪

♪A simple tale unfolds♪

♪Nothing compares to soft rice and sweet tea♪

♪May this fate intertwine♪

♪Half in regret, half in longing♪

♪Radiant memories tint your gaze♪

♪The world's bitterness♪

♪Still accompanies my dreams♪

♪Drifting afar on the shore of your life♪

♪Quietly watching over you♪