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♪

[Based on novel The Story of Pearl Girl by Tan Tianyin]

[The Story of Pearl Girl]

[Episode 7]

So much money!

Don't speak.

However,

this Sea God Festival's treasure pool is filled with hidden swords.

Danger lurks everywhere.

It's a matter of life and death.

Anyone volunteering to go first?

Anyone willing to step up?

If no one goes forward,

then we'll draw lots.

Whoever draws the red lot

will be the one to go.

Who will draw first?

Assistant Pang,

I heard Duanwu used to dive for pearls.

She must be a good swimmer.

Why don't we let her go first?

Good swimmer?

Duanwu, why don't you draw first?

Please.

Sister...

Congratulations!

Reporting to Master, Duanwu drew the red lot.

Why are they all red lots?

You're trying to set us up, aren't you?

You're tricking us, deceiving my sister!

I really didn't know!

I had no idea!

Mr. Cao,

Leave!

Yes.

It doesn't count.

We'll draw again.

Master,

I'll go.

You?

Today, we have to send someone.

I'm a good swimmer.

I'll go.

Fine. My trading convoy

always rewards courage and loyalty.

Since you volunteered,

your bravery is admirable.

If you win the competition,

I'll give you an extra million.

If I win the Treasure Hunt,

could you officially allow me to join Yan's Trading Convoy?

Deal.

If you win the Treasure Hunt,

I'll let you join the convoy.

Thank you, Master.

Master, any instructions?

During tomorrow's competition,

wear this.

What's special about it?

It'll keep you from dying in the water.

My life or death...

does it matter?

It doesn't.

But you must succeed in the hunt.

Understood.

But don't worry, Master.

I've done this since I was young.

Tomorrow's situation will be unusually dangerous.

Can I raise the price further?

No.

I know my life is worthless,

but your jewels are valuable.

Don't I deserve a better price?

They are, but you have no choice.

In truth, if you give up on the blood-stained pearl now,

you could walk away

and wouldn't need to wade into this mess.

If I don't get the pearl back,

I won't find my father.

Enough.

Go now.

Thank you, Master.

Great!

[Temple of the South Sea God] Awesome!

Very well!

Excellent!

Good!

Wonderful!

[Calm Seas for Safe Travels, Fortune and Prosperity Gather] Amazing!

We're honoring the Sea Goddess at this Temple of the South Sea God,

praying for calm seas,

abundant catches,

and safe travels for traders.

Today, we encircle the sea into a pool

for the Treasure Hunt.

We invite all good-hearted souls to show benevolence

for peace and prosperity.

For this Sea God Festival,

we have chosen

the emerald presented by Yan's Trading Convoy

as the prize for the Treasure Hunt.

Let the servants enter.

Participants in this Treasure Hunt

include Yan's Trading Convoy from the West,

the Cui family from Yangzhou,

Bohai Lake Merchants and the Mingzhou Merchant Group.

The Sea God Festival's Treasure Hunt

begins now!

Great!

Once they enter the water,

their lives are at stake.

With them involved,

it was never going to be simple.

Ready!

Hold on!

The Sea Festival is a local tradition,

passed down for over a century.

Its purpose is to bring blessings

and a bountiful harvest to all.

Such brutality now

goes against its original intent.

As the Special Envoy of Treasures,

I absolutely forbid such cruelty

within my jurisdiction.

Therefore, I propose

we move this contest to the shore.

Let each team compete,

and just determine the winner.

In plain view of all,

with justice and transparency.

One stick of incense for time.

Whoever snatches the treasure wins!

Light the incense!

Time starts now!

Stop her!

Yan Zijing, what are you aiming for?

Victory.

But Duanwu is innocent!

No one is innocent.

Mr. Zhang, you have a heart to save others

but lacks the power to do so.

It's because you've never known

the suffering of this world.

This world suffers because of people like you.

That's why there's hardship.

I said no one is innocent.

Don't worry.

She won't die.

My junior brother

seems to care quite a bit

for that pearl diver.

For that pearl diver,

he spent a fortune at the pearl auction to cheer her on.

Then he even revealed his identity with the gold willow leaf.

He's young yet

and needs more tempering.

He has some attachments.

That's easier to manage.

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

I'll take her away.

The servants are after the treasure,

and Master Yan, you intervened personally.

What's your purpose?

This is what you meant by "just determine the winner"?

I thought this Treasure Hunt,

was supposed to be a sincere ritual

for the well-being of the people.

Otherwise, I would never

have offered my priceless emerald.

But I didn't expect

that the Sea Festival rules could change at will,

or that some people would use such low tactics

to turn a holy ritual

into a violent struggle.

The Sea God Festival's Treasure Hunt has long been a tradition.

Whether it's held in the sea or onshore

is merely a matter of form.

When Special Envoy Xu announced the rules earlier,

I didn't hear you object.

Now that you've lost, you argue.

My servant

claimed the treasure just as the incense burned out.

The Cui family is victorious.

Yan's Trading Convoy operates worldwide

on a foundation of honesty.

Reputation is what we value.

Today, I lost.

I accept that.

Master Yan, don't forget

the promise we made.

Now that I've won this Treasure Hunt,

you must give up

the pearl procurement rights in Lingnan.

You're a man of your word.

You won't go back on it, will you?

Naturally, I won't.

Everyone,

today, the Cui family has won.

We will prepare the ritual offerings

to honor the Temple of the South Sea God,

praying for favorable winds and rain,

and safe journeys for all traders.

This is all I can do.

What comes next is up to you.

We'll need more help from you.

Yan Zijing is just a merchant,

hardly a real threat.

I've taken care of your biggest worry.

And you?

Rest assured, Special Envoy Xu.

Zhang Jinran is here without protection.

He likely won't leave Guangzhou in one piece.

Whether he can leave Guangzhou or not is not my concern.

Prince Tan's birthday banquet is approaching,

and regarding the Pearl Lotus Terrace...

Do I need to remind you?

Understood.

Let's go.

[Hefu Hall]

You're awake, Duanwu.

Feeling any better?

Here,

take this medicine first.

Thank you, Mr. Zhang.

Feeling better?

Mr. Zhang, where is this place?

This is the medical hall.

The doctor just said,

you had some old injuries from before,

and the Treasure Hunt added a few new ones.

Fortunately,

you were wearing this soft armor,

which saved your life.

You must rest well from now on,

or these injuries could become chronic.

Duanwu,

A female doctor treated you.

Thank you, Mr. Zhang.

Duanwu,

I won't ask

why you helped Yan Zijing with the Treasure Hunt.

I only know you can't treat yourself like this,

risking your life recklessly.

At this point,

I can't give up any opportunity.

I chose to join the Treasure Hunt.

But what kind of opportunity is this?

What opportunity is worth risking your life?

What's the difference between this and diving for pearls?

Staying close to Yan Zijing isn't the only future for you.

How can you get blood

from a stone?

I'll tell you the truth.

Yan Zijing sent you to the Treasure Hunt

merely to settle a bet with Cui Shijiu.

All he wants

is to control all the pearls in Guangzhou.

But he lost this time.

Come with me to Chang'an.

The Directorate of Construction there has the finest skills of the Tang.

Here's my letter of recommendation for you.

There,

you could learn a craft to support yourself.

If I go with you to Chang'an,

wouldn't that mean

I'd be even further from my freedom?

Mr. Zhang,

I lost the Treasure Hunt.

But I've already brought my partner into the Mirage.

There's no way I can simply leave.

You have been so kind to me,

so kind

that I dare not accept it.

But one day, if I'm able

and find a way to repay your kindness,

I'll surely return the favor.

Alright.

Then I'll wait.

But for now,

you should accept this kindness

as a way

to leave yourself an escape.

I'll wait outside for you.

I'll take you back later.

[Ancestral Tablet of the Yan Family]

[Late Father's Memorial Tablet]

[Late Mother's Memorial Tablet]

Pull the strings downward.

Watch your hand's movement.

Enough.

Take a break.

Once we successfully

deliver the Apsaras statue tribute for the State of Yan,

not just Yangzhou's jewelry guild,

but the entire jewelry industry

will look to the Yan family.

Kill them all!

Protect the statue!

Yes, sir!

Leave no one alive. Kill them!

Go!

Alright!

Quick, go!

Move!

Take Zijing and go first!

Let's leave together!

No, go now!

You go first!

Dad!

Hurry! Go!

Dad!

Dad!

Go!

Come back!

Dad!

Dad!

Dad!

Dad!

Dad!

Are some things too hard to forget?

Why force yourself to remember?

If I forget even this,

then what's the point of living?

Your mother barely escaped with you,

only to be intercepted by Cui Ding.

But their deaths

were meant to give you a chance to live well.

Only when I've avenged them

can I truly live in peace.

Here.

Treasure Hunt is naturally dangerous.

Putting all your trust in one young girl,

you should've anticipated the risk.

Are you saying

I've staked everything this time?

You always keep a backup plan.

But what if I told you

that this time, I really have no fallback,

that I truly staked it all?

Master, Mr. Zhang escorted Duanwu back to the ship.

Mr. Zhang, thank you for today.

[Fuxu Port] I'll head back now.

You're unwell.

Let me escort you up.

No need. I can manage.

It's fine.

Let's go.

Oh, Mr. Zhang's here.

You're truly considerate, huh?

Escorting my servant girl to the doctor

and even bringing her back.

I'm humbled by your courtesy.

Is this what you call

"humbled"?

I only just recognized you.

Besides, boarding the ship at this late hour,

who knows if it's friend or foe?

What if it were someone coming aboard to steal?

Duanwu.

Mr. Zhang, my apologies.

I'll take my leave now.

Thank you for today.

This is a peace token granted by His Majesty.

Wear it day and night,

it will ensure your safety.

I don't need it.

Wear it.

Mr. Zhang, I truly cannot accept it.

Take it.

I really shouldn't.

Duanwu!

Don't worry, Mr. Zhang.

I'll be fine.

Three, two,

one.

Master.

What?

Are you scared?

Mr. Zhang only brought me back out of kindness.

Have you forgotten your days at the pearl farm?

There aren't that many kind-hearted people in this world.

Mr. Zhang is a good man.

So I'm the bad one?

Do you know what punishment awaits you

for losing the Treasure Hunt?

I believe if you're willing,

Mr. Zhang would take you away.

I won't go with him.

All for the blood-stained pearl?

The ransom is only three million.

Mr. Zhang could cover that with just a gold willow leaf.

I can get the pearl back myself,

without anyone's help.

Then I'll punish you.

Will you accept it?

I'll accept it.

Come in.

Mr. Zhang asked me to treat you kindly,

and I'll give him that respect.

So I'm giving you two choices.

The first,

from now on,

you'll have nothing to do with trading convoy business.

You'll come to the upper deck to serve as my attendant,

serving only me alone.

Naturally, forget about ever getting the pearl back.

Fine.

I'll take the second.

You'll be lashed twenty times

and sent back to the lower deck.

If you want to rise in the convoy,

you'll have to climb step by step.

I accept the punishment.

Kang Ju,

do it.

Master,

the punishment is decided.

Then,

what will you reward me with?

Why would I reward you?

I accept that I lost the Treasure Hunt,

but through my desperate effort,

I earned fame for Yan's Trading Convoy.

Don't I deserve a reward?

This time, Western colored jewels

have made a grand impression before all Guangzhou merchants.

This jewelry market

should bring in a good profit.

How do you know that?

When I boarded just now,

I saw with my own eyes

that the servants were moving goods in and out of the ship.

That's when I realized,

congratulations, Master,

the stock has been cleared out,

and new goods have arrived.

You think you're so clever, huh?

I had already signed a contract with Guangzhou's guild lead.

This campaign

was merely to speed up the sales process.

But don't forget,

you cost me

the right to purchase all the pearls in Guangzhou.

Yan's Trading Convoy can't buy pearls,

but what about other merchants?

Previously, we sold coral pearls to Zhuobao House.

Could we

have Zhuobao House procure pearls on our behalf?

With so many businesses in Guangzhou,

why Zhuobao House?

Zhuobao House is Guangzhou's largest jewelry house.

And I heard

Feng's Jewelry and the Guangzhou Guild

have some subtle ties.

Feng's Jewelry never works with local merchants.

They have their own system.

But with a century-old reputation,

no one dares to interfere.

You had long been planning this move,

intending to sell coral pearls to Zhuobao House

and establish ties with them.

It's just that Mr. Cao failed to handle it.

By accident,

I made it. Isn't that right?

So what makes you think

Zhuobao House will definitely help us?

I know Lady Wu of Zhuobao House.

I can ask her.

All your dealings with her are just minor trades.

Will she help you?

Through the coral pearl collaboration,

she considers me a friend.

I trust she'll help me.

Even blood relatives keep clear accounts.

Haven't you been tricked enough?

Lady Wu isn't like that.

I want all the pearls in Guangzhou.

Understood.

Not a single one will be missing.

But I'll need an advance from you, Master.

Once Zhuobao House places a deposit,

we'll monopolize all the pearls in Guangzhou.

When Cui Shijiu scrambles to gather tribute pearls,

she'll have to buy from you at any cost.

I won't sell her a single one.

So...

about the cooperation with Zhuobao House,

is it feasible?

It's feasible.

Could I have a clear title?

Sure.

I'll bring Shrimp along with me.

Approved.

Then the deposit...

Go ask Accountant Wei for it.

I should ask Accountant Wei?

How would she ever give it to me?

Then use your head.

Anything else?

Master,

about those twenty lashes...

can they be postponed?

They can.

But if you don't accomplish this task,

you'll receive double punishment.

Off you go.

Having Zhuobao House procure pearls for you

is your backup plan?

Take a guess.

I won't guess.

Whether I'm right or wrong, it won't end well.

This Duanwu...

is becoming more and more like you.

Sister, you're finally back!

Shh.

You worried us to death!

I'm fine. Why aren't you asleep yet?

Sister,

are you really okay?

Let me see.

I'm truly fine.

You saw through their schemes.

Why did you still agree?

If today, we escaped

the Treasure Hunt,

what about next time?

As long as we're on this ship,

they'll keep coming.

So the only way is to make Master

recognize us as part of the convoy.

This way,

we can be protected on this ship.

Do you understand?

Shrimp,

actually, with today's Treasure Hunt,

I was gambling, too.

I was betting that Master

would come to save me.

I didn't expect

that I was right.

So at the very least,

now, on this ship,

we're safe.

We're protected.

Staying on this ship

is not just about getting the pearl back.

There's one more thing.

I want to learn the trade,

and the ins and outs of this business.

Do you remember

I said I'd take you to be a peddler

or to open a shop?

But we need to understand the trade for that.

So staying here to learn

isn't wrong.

Sister, can we really open a shop?

Why are you so excited?

I want to open a shop with you!

By then,

our shop will be so big,

much bigger than this lower deck!

Every day, I'll polish the counter

until it's spotless.

And on opening day,

you'll have to wear bright red!

And there'll be firecrackers at the door,

so everyone in town comes to see.

Why do I have to wear bright red?

So your shop will flourish!

Where'd you get that idea?

Alright,

we can do that.

Then I'll...

wear a bright red dress.

What?

It's a deal.

Childish.

Why bother with this?

Alright,

it's a deal.

I'll wear a bright red dress.

And we'll set off firecrackers. Don't forget it!

Yan Zijing lost the Treasure Hunt.

He won't let it go so easily.

Send someone to get close to his convoy members.

Greetings to Steward Zhao, Accountant Wei.

Greetings to Steward Zhao.

Greetings to Accountant Wei.

Greetings to Steward Zhao, Accountant Wei.

Shrimp...

I heard that Steward Zhao

has a photographic memory.

Did you know that?

Yes!

I finally got to see it today.

Truly an eye-opener.

The Master has entrusted Steward Zhao

with managing all affairs on this ship.

That shows how much he trusts him.

We should learn from him.

So young,

and you've already moved up from the lower deck to the convoy.

You really do have some impressive skills.

I'm flattered.

I'll still need guidance from you in the future.

I heard you sold off scraps,

recovered the money, and made an extra 800 cash.

How did you do it?

It had nothing to do with me.

It was all thanks to Assistant Pang.

And this time,

even more thanks to Accountant Wei.

Yes, indeed.

Thank you for the advice.

I didn't advise you at all.

It's your own skill.

It has nothing to do with me.

I saw your transaction records with Zhuobao House.

The accounts are clear and organized,

with accurate details and no errors.

I've never heard Accountant Wei praise anyone before.

Reporting to Accountant Wei,

when I was at the pearl farm,

I learned bookkeeping from the steward.

But it's just basic knowledge,

nowhere near your level.

And you, Accountant Wei,

have the books in hand

and numbers in mind.

I could never reach that level

in my lifetime.

Yes, indeed.

It's all part of the job.

Yes.

Here's 1,000 cash.

The Master instructed me to give this to you.

Use as you see fit.

Sign the receipt.

Hu, Xiu,

This...

please take this.

What's this?

Loud!

So much money.

You've been so kind to us.

Thank you!

Duanwu,

you're lucky to have survived.

I heard the Treasure Hunt was dangerous.

But seeing you safe now,

I must congratulate you.

In all my time here,

it's the first time I've seen

a servant make it to the upper deck.

Yes.

Congratulations, Duanwu.

In the future, we'll rely on you.

There's no need to be so formal.

Once Shrimp and I are on the upper deck,

if you ever need any help, just ask us.

Alright, let's eat.

My sister went

all around Guangzhou to find these treats.

If you don't eat,

- I'll starve just looking at them. - Try some!

Chicken legs!

Sister, have this.

Who sent this?

♪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♪