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 14]

How's it going?

It seems like he has a cold.

But I'm not sure.

Is he poisoned?

No.

What does he have?

I don't know.

Out of the way.

What are you doing here?

If he doesn't take this decoction,

he will not survive for two hours.

Why do you have the decoction?

The Cuis have a strange illness.

The onset time is different

depending on the constitution.

I know how to make it.

I've never heard of it.

It's the Cui family's secret.

We don't tell outsiders.

Well.

Only I know the recipe for this decoction.

Besides, I am the principal of Wuling.

You have to listen to me.

Master Shijiu.

Do the Cuis have this weird illness?

My father mentioned it to me before.

Master Eight is allergic to lantanas.

Once he touches it, he develops the symptoms of a cold,

wheezing, and fainting.

You asked me to find this flower

as soon as we arrived at Wuling.

You had a plan then.

You're brilliant.

You and the other stewards are fine after drinking this wine.

Only Master Eight is sick.

They couldn't find anything.

Fortunately, Master Eight recognized

the family head's token in front of them.

Otherwise, it's all for nothing.

Wuling is dangerous.

Only with the ownership of the mine and the family head's token

can I convince them.

We should tread lightly.

Yes.

About Heishan,

he's not a man to be trifled with.

Heishan is easy to deal with.

He's loyal to Master Eight.

Besides, Master Eight's life

is in our hands.

He doesn't dare to do anything.

Every steward in Wuling is not easy to deal with.

We must get the mine title deed as soon as possible.

[Shaozhou Inn] Caning was too good for you.

When we get to Wuling,

you should make amends.

Okay.

I'll listen to you.

I'll do whatever you want me to do.

Come on.

Come on.

Put this on top.

Put it there.

Duanwu.

What's wrong?

We're not going with the trading convoy.

The Master said the trading convoy was going to the west,

the return date was uncertain

and just told him if you were homesick.

We...

We're homesick.

Don't worry.

The Master gave us a lot of money.

When we return to our hometown, we can buy a dowry

and marry a good man.

Okay.

It's better to live a peaceful life in the countryside

than live a life of fear

in the trading convoy.

Thank you for taking care of me all this time.

I wish you

all the best.

Take care of yourself.

Mm.

Take care.

All right, just go.

Just go.

Hit the road.

You won't be able to go if it's too late.

Let's go.

Are you homesick?

Home is where you are.

Duanwu.

I'm not leaving.

You...

You can speak.

I'm all right.

Are the carriages loaded?

Yes.

Let's go.

I'll go first.

My sleeves are fragrant.

I can't send the flower to my lover far away.

The flower is not rare.

I just want to use this flower to express my sorrow.

Forget it. She left early in the morning.

She didn't say goodbye to you.

It's all right. We'll catch up with them.

Are you worried about her?

Sort of.

From the Cui's Pearl Farm to the Yue family of Shaozhou ,

he never miscalculated.

It was as if he were weaving a huge net,

driving his prey into a corner,

and hanging them in it.

Who is his next prey?

You mean Yan Zijing?

What do you think?

I don't think so.

Then, you should eat more to replenish your brain.

Don't add tea leaves until the water is boiling.

Okay.

Don't drink the first boiling water. Pour it away.

Don't drink the first boiling water. Pour it away.

Pour it away.

Don't drink the second boiling water.

Pour it into a boiled water vessel.

When the tea blends with water,

and the water is boiling,

it is the third boiling.

It is ready.

The water is boiling.

Third boiling.

Wait.

Wash the teaware with the second boiling water.

Is there anything wrong?

No.

Master.

I didn't know

you were so picky.

It's a long way.

I don't have anything to do.

You don't have anything to do.

Is that why

you're teasing me?

I'm not teasing you.

I'm teaching you how to make tea.

It would have been perfect

if you had baked the tea cake before.

I learned to make tea.

But what I want to learn is jewelry, business,

or...

Anyway, I don't want to learn to make tea.

I told you I would teach you.

You should learn

how to make tea first.

I told you.

You didn't bake the tea cake. Start over.

Why don't you drink this pot first?

The tea is precious.

Don't waste it.

You have a cup.

I'll pass.

It's too precious.

Master, please.

Master, please.

Master, please.

Master, please.

You...

It's good tea.

You should drink more.

Duanwu has been in the Master's carriage

for a long time.

Maybe Master Yan wants to talk to her.

What are you worried about?

Shiqi, you don't know.

I'm worried

Master is plotting against Duanwu.

Why are you laughing?

Master Yan is not that kind of person.

I'm afraid they'll fall in love with each other.

Fall in love?

Mm.

Who fell in love with whom?

Don't pry.

All right. I'll tell you.

The Master fell in love with Duanwu.

Maybe Duanwu fell in love with the Master.

That's what I'm worried about.

If they love each other,

isn't it a good thing?

They don't fit.

Mr. Zhang and Duanwu fit.

Why?

The Master treats Duanwu badly.

But Mr. Zhang is completely different.

He's educated, reasonable, and tender.

Most importantly, he's nice to Duanwu.

Mr. Zhang is the best for Duanwu.

Is the right person the best?

Love me tender.

Love me long.

It's important that they love each other.

It's important if they fit.

Don't fall in love with the wrong person.

Love with the right person lasts.

It's aurin.

It's native to Kuran.

A delicate texture without cracks is preferred.

Aurin.

This one is called fire bead.

Many dignitaries like it.

The gentiles would tribute it to the imperial court.

Fire bead.

This one.

This one is called emerald.

It has a long history.

But very few people know about it.

Emerald.

Yes.

It's so clear.

And it's deep green.

It gives me a bottomless feeling.

Master.

Emeralds are similar to you.

What is this?

It's a moonstone.

It's clearer.

It's bright.

A gentleman is like the moon.

The moonstone

is more like

Lady Shiqi.

It's also similar to Mr. Zhang.

They are like it.

The moonstone goes well

with the emerald.

I don't think so.

You're right.

The emerald is too eye-catching.

It makes the moonstone look unremarkable.

What about this?

If you use a Nanyang pearl

with a moonstone...

They don't fit.

What do you mean by that?

One is from the deep sea.

The other one is from the mountains.

They don't go well together.

Is there such a thing?

Of course.

Western Regions colored stones don't go well with Central Plains jewelry.

Look.

The Nanyang pearl and the moonstone

are pure.

They complement each other

and go well together.

It has

a hazy feeling.

It's nice.

In that case,

why don't you

use an emerald with a pearl?

It's even better.

Better?

It's more eye-catching.

They set each other off very well.

In that case,

I'll give you a question.

Make an ornament

with emeralds and Nanyang pearls

and bring it to me tomorrow.

Pearl.

Aurin.

Well. Ask Kang Ju to stop.

We're camping here tonight.

Do it.

Supervisor Kang.

The Master wants to go to the toilet. We're camping here tonight.

Okay.

You did it on purpose, didn't you?

Do you want more tea?

I'll make it for you.

Put it in that tent.

Move this over.

Okay.

Hurry up.

Mr. Zhang.

Duanwu.

I didn't have time

to say goodbye to you in Shaozhou.

I didn't expect to meet you here.

Are you going back to Chang'an?

No.

I'm going to travel around.

I don't have a destination in mind.

Travel around.

Where are you going?

We're going to Wuling.

Wuling?

Wuling is a great place.

Maybe I'll go there.

Mr. Zhang, are you interested in Wuling?

I'm traveling around.

I'll go wherever I want.

It's a big world.

But we met here.

Duanwu.

We have a connection with Mr. Zhang.

Mr. Zhang, are you leaving later?

Of course not.

Since you're also going to Wuling,

we can go together.

Would you like

to have some wild foods with Duanwu and me tonight?

Okay.

Supervisor Kang, awesome. You didn't miss a shot.

Mr. Zhang, do you want to give it a try?

Take this one.

You got it.

Mr. Du, you're awesome, too.

It's easy.

Duanwu, you told me you wanted to learn archery.

I'll teach you today.

Is that okay?

Try it yourself.

Shrimp, how about it?

Duanwu, you were so close.

That chicken was running fast.

Come on.

You don't have enough strength if you don't want to kill it.

I'll teach you.

Hold it up.

Straighten your arm.

Raise your elbow.

Pull the string.

Okay.

Aim at the prey.

Do you see it?

Duanwu, you got it.

Duanwu, awesome.

Let me see.

Duanwu, we have a lot of chickens to eat tonight.

You don't have to show your teeth

in everything.

It's only about archery.

Mr. Zhang, I hope

you'll do your own thing.

I hope you'll work for the people

and punish injustice.

That's what you should do.

Of course.

I'll do it.

That would be the best.

Duanwu.

You're fetching water.

Mr. Zhang.

Let me help you.

No need.

- Let me. - Let me help you.

I'm almost done.

Okay.

I have some good news for you.

The Cui family was ordered to pay a high amount of compensation.

They can't turn the situation around.

They deserve it.

This is good news.

Thank you, Mr. Zhang.

I thought of a story today.

What story?

Would you like to hear it?

Okay.

Once upon a time, there was a scholar.

He traveled by boat.

But he encountered a storm.

Fortunately,

he was saved by a beautiful mermaid.

From then on,

the scholar told the mermaid stories

about the world.

The mermaid

told the scholar stories about the sea.

They fell in love

at first sight.

But the mermaid couldn't leave the sea.

The scholar couldn't live at sea.

The sea separated them.

From then on,

the scholar looked everywhere for medicine

that would make the mermaid grow legs.

He wanted to be with her forever.

Done.

Mr. Zhang, why do you think

it's a sad story?

I don't think so.

The mermaid couldn't leave the sea.

The scholar couldn't live at the sea.

Why do they force it?

In that case,

their meeting was a mistake.

I don't feel sad,

but regretful.

Besides,

The scholar wanted the mermaid to grow legs.

But he didn't think

about finding the medicine to turn himself into a merman.

It's a pity.

Let's go.

Go.

Duanwu.

What if the scholar wanted to become a merman?

Mr. Zhang.

Life is not a story.

There is no such medicine in the world.

Right?

Yes.

Let's go.

I'll get water.

I'll go first.

Are you happy?

What are you doing here?

There's no meat in your meal.

I got some for you.

Eat it.

You're ungrateful.

You had a good time.

You've been sitting on a cushion

in a carriage these days.

What about me?

I've been sitting in a trailer.

It was bumpy.

I...

I'm falling apart.

How could you face me?

Are you going to comfort me with a few pieces of meat?

I never did anything wrong to you

or to the Yue family.

You should

blame yourself for all this.

What?

I worked hard

just to get you to marry a good man.

Did I do anything wrong?

Look at you.

You joined them

in bullying me.

You wanted to sell me.

You didn't do it for me

but for the Yue family.

What was wrong with that?

Think about it.

Where did I get the money

to spoil you?

It was all from the Yue family.

You should return the favor.

Have you thought about me?

I am human,

not a product.

Should I be sold

just because I'm a girl?

Let me ask you.

What am I to you?

You wanted to cut off my hand for money.

I didn't want to bring it up.

You knew

I had no other pursuit in my life

than to carve jade.

You even wanted to take it from me.

Don't talk about gratitude.

You...

How dare you!

I'm your father. How could you talk to me like that?

If it weren't for me,

you would have been thrown into a well

and drowned.

I...

I'd rather drown

than have a father like you.

You...

You...

You...

You...

Shrimp, does it smell good?

Smell it.

It smells great.

You have the first bite when it's done, okay?

Supervisor Kang.

That's very nice of you.

Shrimp, do you want a flatbread?

Okay.

You didn't put it in.

It tastes good.

- Who's there? - Stop it.

Come out.

He looks like...

Cao Da.

It's me.

I saw you in the morning.

But I couldn't believe my eyes.

I see you again.

Why do you look like this?

What are you doing here?

After I was kicked off the boat,

I didn't know where to go.

I walked here.

Then, I met you.

Master,

it was my fault

for betraying the trading convoy.

I was wrong.

I was wrong.

Please forgive me.

The book says

it's better late than none.

It's "It's better late than never."

Yeah, it's better late than never.

Please give me a chance.

I'll do whatever you want.

I can do everything.

I was promoted

because of my strength.

Duanwu, you punished him.

You decide

whether to let him stay or not.

Master, I...

Duanwu.

I know you are cold on the outside,

but you are kind on the inside.

Duanwu, you're kind.

I broke your trust.

No. Pang Song broke your trust.

No. It's all my fault.

I'm at your disposal.

I'm begging you.

- Please let me stay. - Wait.

Get up. Don't do that in front of so many people.

Are you willing to do anything?

Yes.

Are you willing to start at the bottom?

Yes.

Here's a chicken leg.

Eat a chicken leg first.

We'll roast chicken feet for you later.

Come on.

Duanwu, thank you.

Let's go eat chicken feet.

This chicken leg is a little burnt.

You forgave him?

If you don't want it, I'll eat it.

You taught me that.

Make the best use of things and men.

That's it.

Our trading convoy is short of hands.

Why don't we let Cao Da stay?

It's good for all of us.

Mr. Zhang, I've been looking all over for you.

The meat is ready. Let's go eat.

Why bother?

It's not going to work out with you and her.

Your future wife

will be a daughter of a good family.

If you marry her,

you have to go against your whole family.

Are you willing to marry her

as a concubine?

That's the reality.

Let's go back to Chang'an tomorrow.

We're going to Wuling.

There must have been something wrong with the national gift.

Yunxiu, here.

Be careful.

Mr. Zhang, have one.

Yeah. Have a taste. I made it.

It's delicious.

I'll have one, too.

Duanwu.

Duanwu.

It's burnt.

It's all right.

Here.

- Eat mine. - Eat mine.

I roasted these chicken feet for Cao Da.

Cao Da, eat chicken feet.

Okay.

Come on.

Thank you, leader.

Just eat mine.

Thank you, Master.

Eat a flatbread with it.

Okay.

Give me some.

Mr. Zhang, I heard you went to fetch water today.

But you got nothing.

You came first

but were not served.

Maybe you're in the wrong place.

Leader, I'm happy to be back in the trading convoy.

Let me dance for you.

Okay, I'll dance with you.

Come on.

Count me in.

♪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 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♪

It's time to go again.

If there's still a bumpy road ahead,

my butt can't stand it anymore.

My body is falling apart.

Hurry up, guys.

Come on.

Hurry up.

Come on.

Master Yan.

What is it?

Could you take care of my father?

He just got caned.

He can't stand the bumps.

Don't you hate him?

He raised me.

All right.

I'll get him a carriage.

Thank you, Master Yan.

This

is for you.

I think you should take it back.

Thank you.

I'll go back.

Okay.

Master.

Everything is almost packed.

We'll be ready to go in a minute.

Okay.

I told Yunxiu what happened in Shaozhou

and in the Yue's mansion.

Thank you for taking her with us.

You've thanked me for that.

If it weren't for me,

she wouldn't have gone through this.

If it weren't for you,

her hands would be broken.

If it weren't for you,

she would have been sold.

You saved her.

She will have new hope

with us.

I hope so.

What kind of dance is that?

- It is... - It's the hand-waving dance.

It is to drive away evil spirits,

diseases, and plagues.

Hand-waving dance...

It means

that they are praying for someone.

That's right.

Looks like someone in the Bafang Tower is sick.

He should be a big shot.

If I'm right,

it should be Master Eight.

Look.

They are giving away porridge.

Master Eight is a good man.

Master Eight is a member of the Cui family.

Wuling is famous for the Wuling Quarry.

The Wuling Mines

was created by the old master of the Cui family.

Then, it was handed over to the Cui's eighth son,

that is Master Eight.

Mr. Zhang, you know a lot.

I'm not as good as you.

I'm a businessman.

All I know is that someone owes me money,

and I have to ask for it.

Go.

We can't follow his lead.

He's waiting for us to make the first move.

But this is not the time.

Here.

Thank you.

Stay close.

Thank you.

Get away. Get in line.

Come here, Yunxiu.

Don't walk around.

This is different from the rumors.

Next one.

- Loud, keep an eye on him. - Why is this porridge so thin?

Can't you give me more?

Shut up.

- Leader, that guy is weird. - Next one.

I'll check it out.

Go.

Duanwu.

Where are you going to stay?

- We... - We'll stay at the Bafang Tower.

Mr. Yan, it would be amazing

if you could stay at the Bafang Tower.

Mr. Yan, don't worry.

With my relationship with Master Eight,

we can stay at the Bafang Tower.

Thank you, Master Yue.

Mr. Zhang, because of your identity,

you can't stay at the Bafang Tower.

You'd better find an official inn.

Don't worry about me.

Get in line.

Duanwu.

Take care.

Next one.

Mr. Zhang, take care.

Keep an eye on the Bafang Tower.

Yes.

Go.

I'll do it.

Can you do it?

Again.

Come on.

Come on.

It's okay. That's what they do.

When Master Eight sees me,

I promise...

Wei Yan, settle them down.

Yes.

Be careful.

Kang Ju.

Come with me to meet Master Eight.

Please.

♪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♪