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 9]

First time riding a carriage?

Liquor!

Finest liquor!

It's gold bullion.

It's all gold bullion here?

We're carrying so much gold bullion to buy pearls?

Master has his reasons.

What's wrong, Accountant Wei?

My stomach aches...

I...

I'll tell the coachman...

No need!

This deal with Shi Nawei is too crucial.

If someone else beats us to it,

we won't be able to bear the blame.

Then, what should we do?

When we get there later,

you go ahead first.

I go alone?

The Master's deposit is more than enough.

There won't be any issues.

But...

You worthless scum!

After all this beating, you're still tough?

If you can't find Duanwu,

she'll be collecting your corpse!

Hit him harder!

Go find Duanwu!

No one's allowed to go...

Don't let she know.

Either kill me,

or wait till she comes back to finish you off!

I beg you...

Why beg me? Go beg Duanwu instead!

Please...

[Haiyang Hall]

The land of Great Tang is truly blessed!

I am Shi Nawei,

from a kingdom in the Southern Sea.

This welcoming wine of the Great Tang

is specially for honored guests from afar.

I am Cui Shijiu. Please.

Excellent wine!

You speak Tang's language fluently.

You must frequent Guangzhou.

I often sail this sea route

between Zhenla, Linyi, Funan

and Guangzhou.

I heard you've brought a batch of treasures

on this trip to Guangzhou.

Might we have a glimpse?

Nanyang pearl,

large and full,

perfectly round.

Truly remarkable.

Master Shijiu, you have a keen eye.

The Cui family dominates the southeast,

with unmatched wealth.

You've brought so many pearls.

If you wish to sell them all,

may I ask, aside from my family,

who else could buy them in one go?

Why not name your price?

Master Shijiu, you're truly bold!

Then let's...

Wait!

Yan's Trading Convoy

offers the highest price,

and place a deposit on the spot.

It's you again!

What,

isn't Yan Zijing's reach

over Lady Wu's Zhuobao House enough?

Now you want

to claim the pearls here, too?

Aren't you afraid you'll eat yourself to death?

Looks like running away from me

to be Yan Zijing's lackey

has really paid off for you.

Too bad, no matter how fine your clothes,

you still look like a maid.

Yan's Trading Convoy

offers the highest price,

and place a deposit on the spot.

Mr. Shi, what do you say?

I brought the deposit today.

Is the deposit too heavy

or are you embarrassed to take it out?

What is the meaning of this?

It's just a deposit.

How could Mr. Shi even care about such a small sum?

An idea just came to me,

With your pearls, Mr. Shi,

they're certainly valuable as they are.

But if made into jewelry,

they would fetch

twice the price.

For instance,

hairpins beloved by ladies

adorned with your pearls,

they would be a unique sight.

Mr. Shi,

- Don't listen to her... - Hold on.

This idea is quite interesting.

But talk is cheap.

How can I be sure you can make

beautiful pearl-adorned hairpins?

Yan's Trading Convoy offers

a wide variety,

over thirty styles.

If you're interested,

you may return with me,

and I can show them to you.

There are actual pieces?

Yes, finished pieces.

Craftsmen, skills, styles, designs...

Yan's Trading Convoy provides them all.

If you can bring samples tomorrow,

and they are as promised,

we've got a deal.

Perhaps we can sign a contract now.

Duanwu,

you have neither a deposit nor samples,

yet you still wish to make a contract?

Rest assured, I'm a person of my word.

As you Han people say,

a promise is worth its weight in gold.

As long as I'm satisfied with the samples,

I'll sign the contract immediately.

Master Shijiu,

- this... - Fine.

It's a deal.

You're back so early today?

Duanwu.

What's wrong?

I...

Shrimp...

I'm sorry.

Duanwu...

Duanwu...

Who did this?

Tell me, who did this?

Who did this!

Pang Song and Cao.

Why?

They knew you were out on business,

and they caused trouble,

using Shrimp to threaten you.

I begged him... Duanwu!

Duanwu!

- Duanwu! - Duanwu!

Duanwu!

Let me go!

Duanwu...

Shrimp is awake.

Duanwu...

I'm here...

Don't go...

Don't go...

Does it hurt?

You worked so hard to get here.

I know how much you've suffered.

You've endured so much hardship,

so much pain,

just to reach this day.

Don't lose it all

over me.

I worry about you.

Good Shrimp,

you're so sensible.

I know,

and I won't let you get hurt for nothing.

Duanwu...

Master, why did you bind me?

You betrayed the convoy, and still deny it?

Don't you know what kind of person I am?

Still trying to argue?

Duanwu, you're here just in time.

Today, you'll see the price of betraying the convoy.

Master,

I didn't!

I...

Master, perhaps this needs further investigation.

Accountant Wei may have been framed

by someone...

I found this deed in her room.

It's from the Cui family.

The deed is for

one of the top jewelry shops in Yangzhou.

Seems Cui Shijiu spared no expense on you.

Guards!

Yes, sir.

Take her away and execute her.

Yes, sir!

Wait!

Master,

this matter needs further investigation!

Speak up! Say something!

Stop!

Yan Zijing,

why show such disregard for life?

This is my convoy.

When they boarded the ship,

they signed a contract.

Their lives belong to me.

But this is Tang territory,

under Tang law.

If you persist,

I'll have no choice but to report you.

Fine.

Zhang Jinran,

I'll give you a bit of courtesy today.

Wei Yan betrayed the convoy.

Throw her into the sea.

Banish her from the convoy!

Yes, sir!

Thank you, Master.

Accountant Wei...

Accountant Wei!

Everyone, clear out.

See you, Master.

Hurry, let's go!

Quick, move!

When did you discover Wei Yan's actions?

Last night.

Then why not deal with it last night?

If I'd dealt with it then,

how would I play today's game?

If you had acted last night,

things wouldn't be like this now.

I could have sealed the deal with the Southern Seas traders.

That's far from enough.

Far from enough?

Buying pearls in Guangzhou is a big matter,

yet you sent me,

someone that Cui Shijiu considers as a mere pearl diver.

And you pretended not to see

Wei Yan's dealings with Cui Shijiu

make her feel too comfortable.

You showed me jewelry and the hairpins

to tempt Shi Nawei

into making pearl hairpins.

But it would be best if he made this deal with Cui Shijiu.

This way,

once pearls become hairpins,

they can't be tribute pearls,

and she'll need to spend a fortune.

You have planned everything.

You're growing smarter by the day.

We're just pawns on your board.

You're not wrong.

Duanwu,

this is what you called

hope?

It hurts...

- Let me blow, and the pain will go away. - It hurts...

I'll cover it for you.

The pain will go away.

Loud, speak louder.

This is as loud as I get.

Louder, like me.

This is the loudest I can go!

Duanwu, where did you go just now?

I went to get you something tasty.

Does it still hurt?

No, it doesn't.

If it hurts, tell me. Don't keep it in.

Do you regret it?

Regret what?

Running away with me.

No regrets.

I know you care for me most.

Wherever you are,

it's not hardship.

Where there's you,

there's home.

I'm sorry.

But I promise you,

I'll make a home for you

and protect you well.

Don't bother with Pang Song and Cao,

those petty people.

I believe that one day,

I'll make sure those scoundrels

won't dare to harm us anymore.

Don't worry about it.

Master,

we couldn't find Wei Yan.

Nice.

Let's finalize the contract right away.

Hold on!

You wish to sell pearls as hairpins,

but do you know Guangzhou's market?

Where will they be sold?

What are the preferences and taboos in selling hairpins?

Do you know, my honored guest?

You don't know.

You urged him to enter this business,

so, do you know?

I don't know.

I only know that Yan's Trading Convoy's jewelry

is the finest there is.

Not necessarily.

These are Yan's hairpins from Yangzhou,

once popular among royal families,

highly fashionable at the time.

The design catalog now rests

with my family, the Cui.

Much of the craftsmanship is lost to time,

and only my family can recreate it.

Opening the market with seven unique hairpin designs

wouldn't be better?

This lacework is quite intricate.

Yan's Trading Convoy sincerely wishes to work with Mr. Shi.

Besides designs and craftsmen,

we're also willing to invest thirty percent

as a gesture of goodwill.

Thirty percent?

We will offer forty percent.

Are you willing to risk everything to fight Yan Zijing?

I must acquire

this batch of pearls.

Mr. Shi,

additionally,

I'll add another five hundred in deposit,

and we'll split the profits fifty-fifty.

But I want all your future pearls.

Fifty-fifty?

Yes.

Deal.

Then, young miss,

we'll do business another time.

Let me remind you,

if it sells for less than ten million,

it'll be a losing deal.

I heard someone's dead!

Someone's dead!

Hurry!

Someone's dead!

Let's go and look!

Someone's dead!

Someone's been killed!

Who was it?

She's been killed!

She's dressed nicely.

I heard she's from the ship.

I don't know her.

How did someone end up dead like this?

I have no idea.

It's so frightening.

Accountant Wei!

Someone reported to the Governor's Office.

They claim to have seen a murder by the river.

I led the men in searching for a body along the river,

and sure enough,

we found it.

There's a reward for any informants.

There's a reward!

Do you know her?

I don't know.

I don't know her either.

Law officer,

it's him!

He killed by the riverside last night!

He killed her?

That man?

That tall one?

Yesterday, someone saw with their own eyes

that Yan Zijing threw his accountant Wei Yan overboard.

Today, a fisherman confirmed

that Yan Zijing killed Wei Yan by the river.

Guards, search his ship top to bottom.

Don't overlook any clues!

Yes, sir!

Make way!

- Make way! - Move aside!

Step back!

Step aside!

Special Envoy Xu, what brings you here?

Master Yan is a distinguished merchant from Kang.

With such an incident,

how could I not come to see for myself?

It doesn't matter who he is,

whether noble or common,

we follow the rules.

Special Envoy Xu, rest assured.

Naturally, we should enforce the law fairly.

Then,

I won't interfere further.

Go ahead and handle the case.

Law officer, there's blood on this knife.

With both witnesses and evidence,

what else do you have to say?

Take him away!

Yes, sir.

Hold on.

Master Yan has extensive dealings with Guangzhou's jewelry industry.

If he's taken away,

perhaps the government

should keep the cargo on this ship in custody.

Once the case is resolved,

you can decide what to do with it.

What do you think, Law Officer Zhou?

The murder case isn't closed yet,

so why are you seizing our convoy's goods?

How dare you!

The government is handling this case.

It's not your place to meddle!

Law Officer arrives,

then right after, Special Envoy Xu,

rather convenient timing.

Surely you're not here just for the jewels on the ship?

Miss, that's not quite right.

While Yan's Trading Convoy is indeed distinguished,

knowing the law doesn't mean he can break it

or put himself above the rules.

Besides, with both witnesses and evidence,

the case is ironclad.

Ironclad, you say?

Senior Brother, you're here.

Junior Brother.

Securing assets requires an inventory check first.

We can't handle it carelessly.

Moreover, the case hasn't even been formally tried.

Even if it were closed,

the goods would need to go through official auction

and be distributed as per contract,

including compensation for the victim's family.

You're right, Junior Brother.

But what if

someone on board tries to smuggle goods and escapes?

What should we do then?

I can assure you,

not a single person from our convoy will flee!

Right,

no one from the convoy will run.

If you're still concerned,

we can seal everything first

as a preventive measure.

And to show the government's impartiality,

I'll personally seal the goods.

Master Yan,

what do you think?

With Mr. Zhang's guarantee, I'm at ease.

Very well, then.

With Junior Brother's assurance,

I am at ease too.

I have other matters to attend to.

Farewell.

Safe travels, Senior Brother.

Let's go.

Then I'll leave it to you, Mr Zhang.

I'll take the suspect back.

Thank you.

You, take four men

and assist Mr. Zhang with the seals.

Yes, sir!

Let's go!

My goodness...

What should we do?

Duanwu,

he won't be captured so easily.

I know.

Thank you, Mr. Zhang.

Steward Zhao,

they mentioned official auctions earlier. What does that mean?

The "official auction"

is when the government takes charge, and brokers organize it.

They'll auction off the convoy's valuables.

However,

most of the buyers allowed to bid are insiders.

So, the final sale price will be quite low.

He said this is what you deserve.

Take it and leave the convoy.

Would he really be that kind?

It was a direct order from him.

When did he give it?

Before killing Wei Yan, or after?

Could he have foreseen this outcome?

He said it as they took him away.

As they were taking him,

he still thought of me?

Duanwu,

sometimes you're just too clever.

Now, when you have a chance to leave, you won't.

Someday,

when you regret it, you won't be able to.

Hurry up!

[Guangzhou]

[Governor's Office, Guangzhou]

Law officer, everything is here.

Yan Zijing has confessed to killing Wei Yan.

I am here under orders to seize

all assets of Yan's Trading Convoy.

Take everything away!

Yes, sir!

Steward Zhao, did Master really commit murder?

Now that he's convicted,

and the convoy's goods are confiscated,

what should we do?

Is our convoy going to break up?

Can we all leave now?

How are we supposed to go? There's nothing left to us!

What about our contracts?

Everyone, keep calm!

Stay calm!

Don't worry!

I'll find a way to see Master

and get everyone a satisfactory answer.

Go back and rest.

Just go back and rest.

How did it come to this?

Just go back for now.

What else we can do?

Steward Zhao,

regarding the official auction...

Does that mean

we also have the right to buy our things back?

Technically, yes,

but we don't have the money for it.

We have money! The Master...

Quickly, speak.

Wait.

[Governor's Office, Guangzhou]

Shi Nawei's pearl shipment is expected tomorrow.

We can finally breathe easy

about the tribute pearls.

That's your family's business, the Cuis.

Yes, sir.

I heard Yan Zijing's ship cargo

will go up for an official auction soon.

He had a large quantity of pearls,

all of fine quality.

If we could secure them,

not only would the tribute pearl issue be solved,

but we could also quickly complete

the Pearl Lotus Terrace for Prince Tan.

Plus, we'd profit considerably.

Though Yan Zijing has confessed,

those goods are under government seal,

outside my jurisdiction.

But, after all, it's jewelry at the auction,

and Officer Zhou doesn't know how to handle it.

How many pearls

to put up for auction...

isn't it all up to you, Special Envoy Xu?

Ordinarily,

it wouldn't be a problem.

But recently, Zhang Jinran has been watching me closely.

I can't afford to be careless.

But Zhang Jinran is still just your junior,

merely a scholar.

Surely you have ways

to keep him in check.

Having him as a junior isn't very important.

But not having him

as a junior right now is crucial.

Yes, sir.

Since this official auction

involves tribute pearls and the Pearl Lotus Terrace,

your Cui family

should be well-prepared financially

to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Naturally.

Very good.

That old fox Xu Nanying wants me

to pay for the auction,

all while raking in countless benefits!

Master Shijiu, no need to worry.

Once Shi Nawei's second shipment of pearls arrives,

the tribute pearl issue will be resolved.

Then, we won't have to let that fox drain us dry.

Let's go check on Shi Nawei's shipment.

Yes, sir.

The pearls might not arrive? What do you mean?

There was a storm at sea.

When will they arrive?

Even I couldn't say for sure when they'll arrive.

But we signed a contract.

Are you trying to back out?

You paid a high price upfront.

I should compensate double.

However,

as clearly written in the contract,

sea transport is unpredictable,

and delivery depends on circumstances.

Master Shijiu, don't be upset.

Although this shipment hasn't arrived,

the next one is coming soon.

Master Shijiu, my goal

is to work with you long-term.

Then when will the next shipment arrive?

It's already on its way,

estimated to take over two months.

Two months?

The tribute deadline is in less than ten days.

What are we supposed to do?

Don't worry, Master Shijiu.

I knew you'd need this batch urgently,

so I had the pearls

pre-drilled and inlaid.

Once they arrive,

your craftsmen can start right away.

Drilled?

Who gave you the authority to drill them?

What use do I have for pre-drilled pearls?

Pearls made into jewelry need to be drilled, don't they?

Master Shijiu, I was helping you.

Unless you had other plans for them?

What I intend to do is none of your concern.

I have no use for these drilled pearls.

Hey...

Master Shijiu, this is the head of the Yue family from Shaozhou.

He has been waiting here for a while.

Shaozhou's Yue family?

The Yue family from Shaozhou,

renowned for jade carving, has a history with our family.

Greetings, Master Shijiu.

I am Yue Xun, head of the Yue family.

My father never mentioned you.

State your business.

Traditionally, around this time each year,

the Cui's Pearl Farm would send ten taels of pearls

to the Yue family.

But this year, they never arrived,

so I personally went to Hepu...

Are you implying Cui Ding colluded with you

to steal our family's pearls?

Master Shijiu, I knew nothing of this.

This was a promise made

by the head of the Cui family years ago.

What's this nonsense?

On what grounds did my father promise you ten taels annually?

Lady Cui, are you aware that the Cui family has a lotus terrace,

- and there was an apsaras statue... - Master Yue,

I won't give up a single pearl

without a signed certificate from my family

or my father's confirmation.

If everyone came asking

for ten taels of pearls,

our family would be drained dry by now.

I have no time for idle chatter.

See him out.

You... you little girl!

You truly don't understand who you're dealing with!

I'll go speak to Cui Jingchu myself!

What's wrong with Master Shijiu?

Shi Nawei's second shipment can't arrive.

Master Shijiu,

if worse comes to worst, we still have the official auction.

Though that old fox Xu Nanying is greedy,

the most pressing issue now

is resolving the tribute pearl problem.

We still have the official auction...

Yan Zijing still has pearls.

But, Master Shijiu,

we've already invested heavily

in jewelry with Shi Nawei.

There's barely any money left in our accounts.

With so many shops in Guangzhou,

surely we can gather enough funds.

We've raised all we can.

Raising more

could ruin all of Guangzhou's businesses.

Master Shijiu, please,

inform the head of the family!

- Master Shijiu, I beg you! - Yes, please!

Only the family head can resolve this now.

- Just speak with him... - Master Shijiu...

No!

What am I supposed to tell my father?

What should I report to him?

He is old,

and his health is poor.

The tribute pearls burned,

and the pearl farm was destroyed.

Such disaster has befallen the Cui family,

and none of my brothers helped.

They're just waiting for him to pass,

eager to divide the inheritance.

What am I supposed to tell him?

That even though I tried my hardest,

I've lost everything,

with no way out?

What am I supposed to tell him?

If the tribute pearls are compromised,

the entire Cui family will be executed!

Yes, Master Shijiu...

- Master Shijiu... - Master Shijiu...

Please think it through, Master Shijiu.

Otherwise, we'll all be doomed!

- Please, inform the family head! - Master Shijiu!

- Master Shijiu... - Master Shijiu...

- Master Shijiu... - Master Shijiu...

Master Shijiu,

I beg you...

Be gentle!

Quick!

Be careful!

Careful!

Assistant Pang!

Look, we found it!

Turns out they were hiding jewels!

It's a pity there's so few,

but it's still not bad.

The authorities have taken everything they needed.

So having these left is pure luck.

It's enough for us to enjoy ourselves!

Supervisor Kang, spare us!

The Master isn't here.

That doesn't give you the right to steal from the convoy.

Supervisor Kang, have mercy!

Assistant Pang,

what's the punishment for stealing

from the convoy?

Now I get it.

You set us up!

What of it?

You said there were treasures in the Master's room...

Yes, I did.

But,

did I force you to steal, Assistant Pang?

We only intended to check the Master's room

to see if anything valuable was left.

Right.

Right.

Shrimp.

Everyone, look at Pang Song and Cao's actions!

They took valuables before the seizure.

They wrapped them in oil paper,

tied them to stones, and threw them into the sea.

They planned to retrieve them later.

Look, everyone!

Nonsense!

Steward Zhao, you see!

Cao did it all!

I had no part in it!

You're lying!

I've never seen this before!

And I only took a small cut of the profits,

and the rest went to him!

You're lying!

You're slandering me!

You're the one slandering!

Duanwu, listen,

we have no grudge between us!

Shrimp's suffering was all Cao's doing!

I knew nothing of it!

You're just jealous

that Duanwu gets to do big business with Accountant Wei,

so you had me scheme against Shrimp!

You...!

- Well deserved! - Well deserved!

You two colluded

in Master's absence,

stealing from the convoy.

Well said!

As head of the convoy's attendants,

you exploited them,

stealing their hard-earned money!

You also colluded with Wu Xiang

to steal scraps to frame me.

Well deserved!

Hit him!

And you,

you hit my partner.

he's just a child.

Enough!

- Mr. Zhang, save me! - Save me!

Duanwu,

abusing your power like this,

how are you different from Yan Zijing?

They're despicable people.

Why do you bother with them?

How have you come to be like this now?

♪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♪