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 the novel The Story of Pearl Girl by Tan Tianyin]

[The Story of Pearl Girl]

[Episode 8]

Duanwu, this place is great.

There are big windows, and we can see the sea.

It's much better than the bilge.

Even the blankets smell good.

The smell of the sun.

Duanwu, you're amazing.

l can finally get a good night's sleep.

Duanwu.

You work too hard, so take a break.

I can only rest easy if I work all the time.

We've already entered the upper cabin, joined the trading convoy,

and lived in such a big house,

so what's not to worry about?

Shrimp, let me ask you.

If you were to enlist the help

of a friend you've just met,

what do you

think the success rate would be?

Basically zero.

You've always taught me

not to make unreasonable requests

when befriending someone

and not to expect friends

to give freely without regard

to their own interests.

That's true.

Friends should be mutually beneficial.

No one is obligated to help others.

Duanwu.

Has Master sent you on another mission?

That's hard,

but I have to do it.

This is the finest Zui Ling Long

I've ever gotten.

I brought it as a gesture of goodwill.

It's good wine.

Assistant Pang.

I don't know if I can drink

with you again after this.

What are you talking about?

I'm about to lose my job

because of that girl.

That girl does have some skills.

She beat you once with scraps,

sold Coral Pearl like hotcakes,

and can risk her life for Shark Hunting.

She's tough.

It's true that I'm not as good as that girl

when it comes to these shenanigans,

but I'm loyal to you.

Absolutely.

If there's any benefit,

you'll be the first one I think of.

Speak cautiously.

What are you talking about?

You should be loyal to Master.

That's right.

Assistant Pang is loyal to the Master,

and I'm loyal to Assistant Pang.

Different ways with the same goals.

No difference.

Anyway,

I will work for you in my life,

so you can't watch me die.

You've worked for me

for so many years,

so how could I treat you badly?

Don't worry. There's a long way to go.

I want to see how big a storm

this girl can create.

Look at this.

Yeah, look.

This is good, look.

Take the ledger.

Duanwu.

Sister Wu.

Why didn't you come to me until now?

I missed you.

I came to you today

because I have something to tell you.

Is this hairpin unsellable?

If yes,

let me take it back so it won't

take up space in the display case.

Who said it's not selling?

Look.

I put your hairpin

in the most prominent place

because it sells so well.

It's the ace of my store.

It's unique and low-priced,

so all the girls in Guangzhou

are clamoring to buy it.

You don't have to comfort me.

I can make another one.

Why should I comfort you?

I've asked my men

to take down the orders.

Lan, the ledger.

Wait a minute.

Look.

Let me turn to a random page.

Look.

This and this

are the orders for the hairpin.

You're now.

my cash cow.

By the way...

Looks like I'm just in time.

Look.

I've just made these recently.

It's beautiful, Duanwu.

I'll take them all.

What were you going to tell me?

There's something I want to ask you.

How about this?

I'll buy you a cup of tea. We can take our time.

Tea?

No problem.

I'm rich nowadays,

so let me treat you.

What's the difference between my treat and yours?

We don't need to argue about that. Let's go.

Don't worry. Let me treat you.

Come on, Shrimp, let's go eat something good.

Let's go.

They make a great Cherry Dew Ball.

You must try it.

Cherry Dew Ball?

[Qingsong Inn] That's enough.

Get outta here.

Get outta here.

Please.

Sorry.

If you guys don't leave,

we'll go out of business.

Please.

Sorry.

Please.

Mr. Zhang.

Sorry for the trouble.

What happened?

- Mr. Zhang. - Mr. Zhang.

Duanwu.

Because he pissed off Sea God.

Look what they've done to our hotel.

Pissed off Sea God?

Duanwu, don't worry.

That's enough. Go away.

Did Yan Zijing give you a hard time after you went back last time?

Mr. Zhang.

Master didn't give me a hard time,

and Shrimp and I joined the trading convoy.

Mr. Zhang, you...

It's unfair for my master.

After the Sea God Festival, he just composed a poem,

but some people say

my master angered Sea God.

This morning, paint was thrown on the aluminum tubes,

so they won't allow us to stay here.

There must be something strange about this.

Someone must be behind this.

The owner is just being used.

So what now?

Why don't you

let me find you a place to stay?

Guangzhou is so big,

so how can I not have a place to stay?

As the saying goes,

I can use the sky as my blanket

and the earth as my bed.

It's a good thing

to have the sky and the earth as my shelter, isn't it?

Mr. Zhang, you are so funny.

Duanwu and I are going for tea,

so you want to join us?

Right.

Lady Wu said

she'd take us

to Cherry...

Dew Ball.

Right.

Do you want to join us?

Yeah. Let's go together.

- Come on, Mr. Zhang. - Let's go.

Let's go.

I'm even stuffed today.

Don't eat so fast.

I said you should eat slowly.

Have some tea.

Feeling better?

Mr. Zhang.

What's Chang'an like?

Duanwu.

Do you remember what I told you?

Baked flatbread of the West Market.

There's something better than that.

Inside the West Market in Chang'an,

there are merchants

and stalls everywhere.

Stores run by girls

abound.

Can a woman do business

as a merchant in Chang'an?

In some cases,

women are even better.

For example, the largest silk store

in Chang'an's West Market.

Its owner is a female embroiderer.

It gets better than that.

In Chang'an's West Market,

there is a famous winery.

It's a popular destination

for the rich and famous.

At first, we thought

it was owned by a man,

but no one realized

it was a determined

and business-savvy woman.

Mr. Zhang, you are very insightful.

I must learn the ways of business

from my father

to open Zhuobao House in Chang'an.

You can do it.

When you get to Chang'an,

you will be one

of the top merchants

in the West Market in Chang'an.

At that time...

You'll have a good man.

Don't be ridiculous.

I found a place on the west side.

It's getting late, so do you want to check it out?

Sure.

Girls.

I'm gonna go check out my place.

Excuse me.

Mr. Zhang, let me go with you.

Okay.

I'll see you off.

Duanwu.

For you, Mr. Zhang seems...

Don't joke.

Mr. Zhang is a gentleman

and nice to everyone.

He's been

helping me

since we first met.

Mr. Zhang is a good man.

But

when he was worried about

your situation after Shark Hunting,

he had a very concerned look,

so I'm afraid he wasn't just helping you.

In fact, I think

Mr. Zhang would be a good choice

if that's what he's trying to do.

You're joking again.

That's Mr. Zhang.

How can I be compared to Mr. Zhang?

Sister Wu.

I grew up on a pearl farm

and lived in degradation all my life,

so I wanted to escape one day

to be free and travel around.

Now that I'm out,

I want

to experience

the world for myself.

Duanwu.

You're so smart and strong,

so you will have whatever you want.

Before, I was trapped in my fate

and was sad every day

until I met you,

In fact,

the lies of the fortune tellers you uncovered for me

were not crucial.

What really changed me

was the power you gave me.

Not me,

but yourself.

You have the power.

Sister Wu.

There's something I want to ask you.

Please.

Can Zhuobao House

purchase pearls for Yan's Trading Convoy?

I know

this is a difficult matter for you.

There's a lot at stake here.

If you take this deal,

you will be involved

in a fight between Cui's Pearl Farm

and Yan's Trading Convoy,

and Cui's Pearl Farm may turn against you,

so I understand

your concern.

You don't have to force yourself.

Duanwu.

Tell me.

Are you already involved?

Yes,

but don't worry,

I have another way.

This will not affect me.

I will help you.

Zhuobao House has always been non-aligned,

but I don't care what Yan's Trading Convoy is.

As long as it's from you,

I'll take the deal

and convince my father.

Don't worry.

You've been so good to me.

How should I thank you?

We don't need to discuss this.

Sister Wu.

Your friendship with me is one thing,

but Zhuobao House and Yan's Trading Convoy are another.

I've requested from Master

that 10% of the turnover

will be used to compensate Zhuobao House.

I won't let you lose out.

OK.

Let's make

a lot of money together.

Jia's voice in the night heralds prosperity.

We can look at the handsome boy on the other side of the river.

Later, let's go to Chang'an together.

That's right.

[Fuxu Port]

Excuse me, please.

Duanwu.

Mr. Zhang.

You're...

Is the place on the west side bad?

Can you take me to your master?

I want to stay at The Mirage.

The Mirage?

Didn't you say

you were looking for a place for me?

I can take you to Master,

but I can't decide

if you can stay at The Mirage.

Thank you very much.

Please.

You're back.

I heard you were very skillful.

You can sell a lot of pearls

and make men fall in love with you

like a mistress.

Seeing you today

is a real eye-opener.

Mr. Zhang, I'm sorry.

Please.

Everything you've done will be known.

I've been asking around.

At Cui's Pearl Farm,

that friend of yours

always gets laid with men.

What did you say?

Mr. Zhang.

It's crowded here.

You guys...

Please.

Come on.

Go to work.

- Go to work. - Mr. Zhang.

Go...

Go away.

Damn, Duanwu.

She colluded with Zhuobao House

and is now seducing Mr. Zhang to make him work for her.

Assistant Pang.

If you don't do something,

she'll step on your head soon.

Idiot. Get to work.

Mr. Zhang.

Master.

Hello, Master Yan.

You've finally come back.

I thought you'd never come back.

How's it going?

Have you eaten?

Mr. Zhang.

Come on. Sit down.

Mr. Zhang,

what brings you

to The Mirage so often?

Your place

is very elegant.

I can listen to the waves

and watch the current from here,

so

I'd like to stay at The Mirage.

Just say you want to stay here.

You don't have to make it so pleasant.

But how can a man

of Mr. Zhang's talent live here?

Master.

There are rooms available in The Mirage.

Is it your turn to talk?

Don't forget who you are.

It's ungenerous

for a man

to take it out on a girl.

Everything she has is from me.

What's the point

of Mr. Zhang's sweet talk?

You're staying in my place,

so where's your dignity as a man?

It won't matter if I don't have that,

but it'll be best if I do.

Plus,

you'll be able

to return the favor

of my entering Cui's Pearl Farm for you.

Since you're using me as a tool,

you should use it well.

A cunning rabbit dies. A good bow will be hidden.

The cunning rabbit

is not yet dead,

so you need not be in such a hurry

to part with the good bow.

Good tea.

I don't understand

what you're saying,

but

I'll allow you to stay.

Kang Ju, arrange a good room

for Mr. Zhang.

Thank you, Master Yan.

Master.

Lady Wu agrees.

If there's nothing else,

I'll leave now.

This is a small token of Master Shijiu's appreciation.

You're worthy of the one who's traveled the world

with Yan's Trading Convoy and seen great things.

You really don't care

about ordinary jewelry.

This is one of Cui's Pearl Farm's

eighteen jewelry houses.

Master Shijiu would like to give it to you to manage.

Your ambition and skills

can be utilized here.

This is Master Shijiu's sincerity.

What do you think?

Come in.

Mr. Zhang.

You're cheekier than I thought.

In that respect,

I am no match for you.

A Xiuwen Pavilion scholar

has taken up residence at The Mirage

because he just wants an answer.

Go ahead.

You attracted the attention of Guangzhou's jewelry houses with the Poetry Gathering,

enlisted the guild lead to enter the Guangzhou market

with the colored stone,

and then used the help of the guild lead

in Guangzhou to acquire pearls for you.

You failed in Shark Hunting,

but you secretly went

to Lady Wu's Zhuobao House

and asked them to buy pearls for you.

At this point, the Cui family, waiting to be saved by the pearls,

was at the end of their rope.

Under your plan,

they will not be able to acquire any pearls

or have a chance to get back on their feet.

You did all this

so that the Cui family would die.

So what?

What does the Cui family, having prospered for a hundred years,

have against you

that you would kill them all like this?

What's so strange about that?

The business world is like a battlefield.

Everyone fights to the death,

so the fewer rivals the better,

but Mr. Zhang,

you're just a civil official

and not a businessman,

but what were you doing at Cui's Pearl Farm?

I'm just

a profit-seeking businessman,

but I can see

you're ambitious,

so

do you want to gain power?

Peace is only possible

when everyone is settled.

So did you get the answer you were looking for?

That depends on what clues

you'll give me.

Clues

are like kites.

Sometimes, you think the thread is broken,

but in fact,

it may be right next to you.

Master Shijiu, it is indeed as you said.

Zhuobao House is secretly buying pearls in bulk.

How much money can an obscure jewelry house have for stockpiling?

Keep an eye on them.

But they're offering

more than double the market price

and threatening to buy as many as they can.

How can a jewelry store have so much money?

There must be someone behind the scenes.

Yan Zijing?

Yes.

By the way,

we've kicked Zhang Jinran

out of the inn as you ordered.

We wanted to take the opportunity to do that,

but Zhang Jinran

stayed at Yan Zijing's The Mirage.

Cui Jia can't find an opportunity now.

It's better that he has no chance.

With Zhang Jinran's status,

we can't do anything to him.

The sly jerk Xu Nanying wants

to use us to remove a thorn in his side,

but he's pushing us into trouble.

Tell Cui Jia

there's no need to rush things.

Yes.

Sir.

We've recently checked

Special Envoy Xu's tracks and connections.

He's only been receiving

small favors from Cui's Pearl Farm.

Can that pay for itself?

Will a small favor

make Cui Shijiu keep coming after us?

Then we'll invite him

and set a trap for him.

I want to know how much my senior

is willing to contribute.

Is this clerk

so frightened by Cui Shijiu that he

doesn't want to leave the ship?

He is waiting

for me,

Cui's Pearl Farm, and Xu Nanying.

He knows it's time to finish it.

He wouldn't hesitate

at the first opportunity.

Urgent.

Urgent, sir.

Why are you in such a panic?

Tell me.

There's official word

that Zhang Jinran has called for a fast horse

to get back to Beijing immediately.

I heard they'd got

Cui's Pearl Farm's ledgers

and a witness.

Zhang Jinran isn't dead?

Cui Shijiu drove him out of the inn

by some means,

but not long after, he checked

into The Mirage in Yan Zijing.

After that, they didn't stand a chance.

I'll leave this

to you.

Understood.

Throw him out of the inn?

Cui Shijiu, were you so perfunctory?

Sir, are you alright?

Yes, go after him.

Master.

The pearls have all been counted.

Tomorrow,

a merchant from the South Sea will arrive in Guangzhou.

I will also acquire

the pearls he brought.

Even this batch of pearls?

What's the problem?

Master is not in business, I'm afraid.

You're in no position to speculate on my mind.

Come with me.

Come in.

[Yan]

The people of the Central Plains

only know white jewels

but not colored stones,

such as these.

Red Huo Qi.

Blue Se.

Yellow Naosou Pearl.

As well as crystal, aurin,

amber, and glaze.

All from the Western Regions.

Why are you showing me this?

To open your eyes.

Don't move.

When you meet the client tomorrow,

dress up well

so you won't lose your grace.

Make an offer with Wei Yan,

but remember

I want

all the pearls.

Master.

Mr. Zhang is back.

He seems to be injured.

Mr. Zhang, this is Duanwu.

May I come in?

Come in.

What happened?

Why are you hurt?

Don't worry.

It's just a scratch.

Are you hurt anywhere else?

No.

Let me help you.

I can...

Hold on.

There you go.

Why haven't I seen Mr. Du?

He had some work to attend to.

You didn't go to Hepu

just for fun, did you?

That's right.

For Cui's Pearl Farm

or Yan's?

Maybe there's no difference.

Don't you think Yan Zijingd's purpose is not business?

What do you mean?

I told you before

you should stay away from him.

I don't know

what your intentions are

or what you want to do.

And I don't want to know.

When I get what I want,

I'll leave.

But when is that?

You said before

that you just wanted

to be a free peddler.

I haven't forgotten.

That's what I've always wanted.

At first, I only came to the ship

to get back my mother's relics,

but now,

I think I can

see hope on this ship.

This is what Yan Zijing calls the law of the jungle.

Mr. Zhang.

People like us are weaklings

who could be eaten

by the strong anywhere.

There's nothing wrong with that.

I don't want you to become like Yan Zijing.

Remember to change your medicine tomorrow.

Master Shijiu.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

A merchant from the South Sea has recently arrived in Guangzhou.

He is selling pearls in large quantities.

Is this man trustworthy?

I can't confirm it, but...

Master Shijiu.

Xu Nanying tried to kill Zhang Jinran,

but Zhang Jinran escaped.

Zhang Jinran.

Where is Zhang Jinran?

Zhang...

He has returned to The Mirage.

Where is the ledger?

Have you seen the ledger?

Is that still with him?

At that time,

the killers only saw

Zhang Jinran and Du Ming

but no one

from Cui's Pearl Farm.

Did he not see

or did he not find

the ones you sent?

Why would we send someone

to kill him if there were not those two?

I...

No.

Not right.

Zhang Jinran was setting a trap.

The killers came back

and saw Zhang Jinran back at The Mirage.

Was he alone

or with someone else?

Zhang Jinran returned

to The Mirage alone.

The killer was followed.

We were exposed.

It was my fault.

Where is the killer now?

Right outside the door.

Get up.

Now.

Kill him

quietly.

Go.

Yes.

I followed the killer to Xu Nanying's place.

The killer

went to see Xu Lin.

It's really him.

Since he's so nervous

that he tried to kill you,

I'm afraid we're deeply involved in it.

Xu Nanying and I were fellows,

but now, he's become like this.

My master would be heartbroken

if he knew.

So what do we do next?

Send the ledger secretly to Beijing

and hand it over to Prince Ying.

When the matter of Cui's Pearl Farm's tribute pearls is irreparable,

take the opportunity to report it to the Emperor

and ask for a thorough investigation.

Yes.

[Sister, Yan Zilin]

The secret agent wrote back.

Back then, Cui Ding did pass

through Shaozhou after leaving Yan's house.

Any news from Shaozhou?

Not yet.

We have to step up our game in Guangzhou.

We can't stay here for long.

[Sister, Yan Zilin]

Be careful.

Hold it lightly.

Be careful.

Mr. Cao.

Take another count.

Okay.

Zai.

Today, Master gave Duanwu

a new set of clothes

and a lot of jewelry.

They're all very nice.

Why?

Don't you know this?

Duanwu is going to do something big with Accountant Wei.

Do something big with Accountant Wei?

Duanwu is really something.

Of course.

When we're done, let's get a drink.

No. I said I'd see Duanwu off.

Accountant Wei hasn't come down yet,

so we can come back after we get some water.

Okay.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Sisters.

Drink water.

We'll go down

and get some water.

Okay.

Take it easy.

Hurry up.

Okay.

Mr. Cao.

Follow me.

Be careful. Don't let Master find out.

Then

you can speak louder from now on.

What are you doing?

Ten catties of scrap you handled are missing.

How dare you

embezzle public property?

I didn't.

Don't argue. Arrest him.

- I didn't. You're wronging me. - Come on.

You're slandering me.

Let me go.

Let me go.

You're slandering me.

Duanwu.

Xiu.

Hu.

You look so pretty today.

This hairpin is so chic.

By the way, have you seen Shrimp?

I can't find him.

I think Shrimp

went to the bilge with Loud for water.

Right.

Duanwu.

Let's go.

Tell him

I'm going out and will be back as soon as I can.

Okay.

I'll bring you some goodies.

Nice.

These scraps were 100 catties,

and I weighed them in front of you,

so how can they be 110 catties

in the ledge?

Still quibbling? I'll...

You do it.

Mr. Cao, this is...

Not a misunderstanding.

Assistant Pang is here,

so who would frame him?

On this ship, whoever makes a mistake

has to receive punishment.

I didn't make a mistake.

Hit him.

Shrimp.

I'm going to Duanwu.

Don't go to her.

Duanwu has

a big day today.

♪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♪