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 17]

Why are you bringing me here again?

Didn't you say you liked it here during the day?

So,

I had Kang Ju

buy the whole place for us.

Bought it all?

Do you like it?

I do.

They'll say I'm bullying you again.

Only you can bully me.

Wait a moment.

You pinned a flower in my hair today.

Let me return the favor.

Okay.

It's not easy to pin.

Well...

At night, the streets

of Bianjing are completely empty.

It's so late, of course there's no one.

The... the moon isn't out either.

Yeah, no moon.

Right.

It's just you and me.

What's wrong?

Did you bump into something?

No... it's nothing.

Here?

Does it hurt?

Does it hurt anymore?

Duanwu,

can I kiss you?

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

♪Longing for distant shores♪

♪Aware this moment may tear my heart apart♪

♪How can we endure the binds of longing?♪

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

I'll think about it...

♪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♪

♪The world's bitterness still accompanies my dreams♪

♪Drifting afar on the shore of your life, quietly watching over you♪

So this is the great desert.

Mr. Cao

Grab him!

Shrimp!

Be careful, you guys!

Stop!

It looks like someone lives over there.

Okay.

Tonight, we'll set up camps over there.

So this is what home feels like.

It's so nice.

We can have a home too.

We can?

Of course.

How about it?

Then it's settled.

I once heard a story in the desert.

In the vast desert,

there's a purple star.

It was once a wandering star in the desert,

until it met another wandering star

above the Lake Zijing.

From then on, they stopped wandering.

The two stars stayed together every day.

They say that as long as two lovers

stand beneath Mount Zijing

and witness the meeting of the two stars,

they will be lifelong lovers.

So,

I want to take you there.

Is that okay?

Do you really believe in the purple stars,

and if two people see them,

they'll stay together?

That's just a story for kids.

Before, I didn't believe it either,

but now...

I want to believe.

Alright.

Well then,

if you believe,

I'll believe too.

How about I make some purple star bracelets

and then we wear them together

to see the purple stars at Lake Zijing?

Sure.

Then it's settled.

[Langhuan Dockyard]

Look, there it is.

Shrimp.

Duanwu,

is Langhuan Dockyard nestled in these mountains

like a pearl farm?

No, it's underground.

This place used to be crawling with bandits,

so the Master of Langhuan Dockyard

built an underground city here.

Unexpectedly,

it became a trade hub between the Western Regions and Tang.

You could call it a sanctuary.

Master Yan, Master Yuchi invites you inside.

Please, lead the way.

Let's head in.

Kang Ju, take care of the convoy.

Shrimp.

- Look at that! Have you ever seen anything like it? - Look at this one.

So pretty.

Keep up.

Take a look.

Take a look!

So beautiful!

Come take a look! Silver necklaces!

Sparkling necklaces!

Boy, have some roast chicken!

Loud!

Loud!

Fragrant roast chicken!

Take a look!

Stop sniffing. If you want it, just buy it.

Just buy it.

Yes.

Shrimp,

there are so many tasty treats over there. Let's go!

Wait for me!

Be careful!

Go have fun with them.

Shrimp, wait up!

What's this?

Here, look at our pearls!

Take a look!

Here are our pearls.

These are pearls from Persia.

Persian pearls.

Made into jewelry,

they'd be perfect on you.

We also have

gemstones.

This one is ruby.

Ruby?

Thank you.

Take another look.

Don't you like it?

We have others.

Thank you.

Look at our gemstones!

Hello, is this crystal?

No.

It's glass.

It's kiln-fired.

Kiln-fired glass?

So clear and bright.

Let me see.

Sure, take a look.

See here,

under the light,

you can see the traces from firing.

So beautiful.

The craft of kiln-firing glass is difficult.

But back in the day, our Yan family

had quite the reputation

for our glass-making skills,

famous near and far.

You know how to make it?

I, of course...

don't know.

But I watched them make it when I was little.

Maybe

we can study it together sometime.

Thank you.

Not buying one?

No need. Why would we buy that?

Alright. Thank you.

Nuts! Big, fragrant, and crunchy nuts!

Nuts!

Nuts!

Sir, buy some nuts!

Big, fragrant, and crunchy!

We just finished the nuts we bought last time.

I didn't expect to find them here too.

How abut we buy some here?

Get as many as you want.

After all, the Master is treating.

Yes, let's get them!

I'll take this bag.

This one's good.

This one's the best!

We'll take them all!

Got it! Thank you, sir!

How much?

A hundred and fifty cash.

A hundred...

A hundred and fifty cash.

That's not too pricey,

just a bit more than in Guangzhou.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Accountant Wei.

Let's go enjoy some wine and meat.

With these nuts as a side,

it'll be perfect.

We just got here,

and there's still a lot of business to handle.

Let's move on.

Miss, the Master is treating!

Just listen to Accountant Wei.

Trust her.

That's right.

Trusting her is always the right call.

Accountant Wei, try these nuts.

They're really good.

Look at these nuts,

full and crisp with every bite,

perfect for snacking while you're working

on the books.

Thank you.

And look at these walnuts,

good color, full meat.

When you're up late doing accounts,

they're perfect to fuel up with, right?

What's that supposed to mean?

Are you saying I'm slow at doing accounts?

Don't worry,

I remember your accounts very well.

You're the one who should boost your brain.

Well, I mean...

If I didn't owe the convoy money,

I wouldn't even bother with you!

[Wuyi Residence]

Yuchi!

Long time no see!

I hear you've made something of yourself,

got your own trading convoy now.

Hardly.

These are just small trades.

How could they compare

to the grand setup you have here?

And this is?

Come on, let me introduce you to each other.

This is Master Yuchi.

This is Duanwu.

Your girlfriend?

With you by his side,

I feel relieved.

If he ever bullies you,

just let me know,

and I'll set him straight!

Greetings, Master Yuchi.

Miss Duanwu,

why do you look so familiar?

Have we met somewhere before?

We shouldn't have.

I was in Hepu before,

then I joined the convoy,

following him all the way.

We would've had no chance to meet...

Hepu?

Do you know the Cui's Pearl Farm?

Yuchi,

Duanwu

is Yu Shi's daughter.

Back then, I...

Pass down the order:

make sure every guest is well treated.

Yes, sir.

Miss Duanwu, please come with me.

Let me take you somewhere.

Don't worry. Let's go.

You guys settle in first.

Be careful.

Please, this way.

This is the room your father used to stay in.

Seeing it would bring back memories,

so I haven't opened this door for years.

Your father and I

were both apprentices in Gandhara jade carving.

Later, I injured my hand,

and couldn't continue refining my craft.

I could only assist our master

with odd jobs.

But your father was very gifted.

He went to Tang to showcase his talents,

and there he met your mother at the Yan family.

We parted ways

and hadn't seen each other for many years.

Until later,

when he accompanied the Master of the Yan family

on a treasure-guarding mission to Kang.

He fell ill along the way

and stayed here for a while.

It was then

that I found out your mother was expecting.

But I never imagined

that your father and the convoy

would be attacked by the Black Dragon Bandits, perishing in the desert.

Your mother also disappeared without a trace.

I never thought

that years later,

I'd see you here.

It seems fated.

This is the glasscraft technique of our Yan family.

Yan family glass?

Thank you, Master Yuchi,

for telling me all this.

It's all in the past now.

Let's not dwell on it.

Keep her company here.

I'll go make some preparations.

Since you're here, stay a bit longer.

I'll take good care of you.

No need to bother.

We'll only be here for a few days.

It wasn't easy for you to come here.

Stay a bit longer.

We have urgent business in Kang.

You're going to Piti Spring?

Yes.

The Black Dragon Bandits are ruthless.

Do you know how many convoys

have gone mising in recent years?

We've already made up our minds.

Recently, the Black Dragon Bandits

have become even more violent, committing all kinds of evil.

They can block the Hexi route at will.

So many souls have perished by their blades,

and countless people have been left homeless,

families destroyed and torn apart.

The world isn't supposed to be this way.

But, Yuchi,

my mind is set.

Keep her company.

These are your father's things from back then.

I never met him,

so I don't know

what he was like when he was alive.

But coming here today,

I understand now

why my mother taught me so much.

It was for this.

Your father

was a very gentle and refined man,

and also very talented.

When I was little,

I often went to his workshop to find him.

He would always

show me his proud creations.

And he was the only one

who didn't treat me like a child.

Later, when he was with your mother,

they lived very happily together.

So that means,

they fell in love at the Yan family in Yangzhou?

That's right.

Back then, I always saw this scene:

your father focusing on his jade work,

and your mother quietly sitting beside him,

sewing new clothes for him.

Perhaps my mother never imagined

that I would end up here.

If you hadn't been lucky enough to meet me back then,

by now,

you'd probably have been buried underground for years.

You're still so reckless,

knowing it's poisonous but still taking risks.

I think you

just don't want to live long.

You're too kind.

The water in Black Dragon Pool is toxic.

The medicine I gave you before

can only suppress the poison,

keeping it from flaring up.

But to cure it completely

is very difficult.

Controlling it is good enough.

But...

maybe there's a way.

What way?

A few years ago, when you treat the poison here,

I got curious about its properties.

As they say, everything in the world has its counter.

And now,

I believe I've found an antidote to neutralize the poison.

Give me a little more time,

and maybe the poison inside you

will gradually be dispelled.

Really?

Believe it or not.

Of course I believe you.

Only, the price...

Price is no issue.

I don't mind parting with my gold and silver.

A few years ago, when you came to me,

you looked like someone

ready to gamble with his life.

But now,

you actually value it.

[Jewelry Designs]

Duanwu,

thank you for the hairpin you made for me.

I really like it.

If you like it, I can make you another.

Thank you!

Accountant Wei!

- Give it back to me! - Accountant Wei!

Mr. Cao went to great lengths

to bring you this pot plant.

Cao Da! You...

What are you fussing about?

I searched high and low for something this cute

to give to Accountant Wei.

Why make a fuss...

You're giving her a cactus?

Why?

Do you think I'm interested in her?

How could that be?

I'm not interested in you either.

By the way,

when will pay back what you owe the convoy?

Accountant Wei, I was wrong.

Please give me three more months.

Three months?

Can you pay it back in three months?

If I can't pay it back in three months,

I'll pledge myself to you.

Are you crazy?

What nonsense are you spouting?

No, I meant...

I'll find you a suitable groom,

so you can pledge yourself.

Thanks, but no thanks.

Cao Da,

with the people you know,

how could any of them be a match for our accountant?

Exactly!

Your friends are all good-for-nothings!

None of them are worthy of our accountant!

Hurry up, pay back the money!

Leader...

Don't give me that puppy-dog look.

Accountant Wei, rules are rules.

The convoy has its principles.

Hand it over.

You used convoy money to go drinking.

What's that about?

Hurry up, hand over the money!

- Yeah, pay up! - Well...

I really don't have any money on me.

If I had money, I would've paid you.

Shrimp.

Stop scratching me!

- I'm not scratching. Hold still! - Hurry up!

Alright, fine.

Forget it.

Master.

Master.

I just said,

forget it.

Forget what?

Your debt to the convoy.

Thank you, Master!

I wish you and leader

harmony and happiness every day.

Are you cold?

I'm alright.

You're always together, never enough, huh?

Come on, let's go.

Time to eat!

My treat, let's go eat.

I'm not going with you guys.

What's wrong?

What's with you? You're acting strange.

Strange?

It's nothing. The Master said to forget it.

Something good's happening,

but I can't tell you today.

Why not?

Just can't tell you.

Tell me quietly.

Quietly tell you?

It's that now I have you.

Actually, there's something I wanted to discuss with you.

Why so serious? Discuss what?

What's it about?

Master Yuchi said

going to Piti Spring is extremely dangerous.

If we take Shrimp and the others,

I don't feel confident.

Could we leave them here

and pick them up when we return?

You're thoughtful as always.

But...

I've actually been wanting to ask you.

Will you agree

to stay here with them

and wait for my return?

I can't let you take this risk alone.

But this journey is full of danger,

even I'm not fully confident.

Precisely because it's dangerous,

that I want to face it with you

Just this once, can you...

Walk by your side.

I'll be right by your side.

Didn't I say before?

I can be your shield.

Alright then.

In that case,

I'll rely on you for protection.

If we leave Shrimp and the others here,

will Master Yuchi mind?

What are you thinking?

Don't worry.

Yuchi is a good man,

very kind.

And I can tell,

he seems to like Shrimp quite a bit.

Don't you like him too?

If he were a bit quieter,

I'd like him even more.

I'll go tell him.

[Duanwu]

Good!

Almost as good as mine.

Here,

I'll reward you with a glass bead.

Guess which hand it's in, and it's yours.

Which hand?

This one!

Nope.

Guess again.

Yuchi!

Oh, you're here!

Shrimp.

Duanwu, Master!

Look! I wrote this!

You wrote it?

The Master taught you?

Thank you, Master!

Shrimp has been with me for so long,

but he's never learned to write.

He's actually very smart.

Shrimp,

your writing is really good.

But I feel like Mr. Cao could write as well.

[Duanwu] He can't write. I'll have to teach him.

Then go on.

Well then,

Master Yuchi, I'll take my leave.

Come, sit down and let's talk.

Come on.

- Sit. - sit.

Come on.

Yuchi,

I...

have a favor to ask.

Just tell me.

Duanwu and I were thinking

this journey will surely be dangerous.

So, we'd like

to leave Shrimp and the others

in your care.

We just wanted to check with you, Master.

If it's too much trouble,

we can find another way.

To be honest,

I've long grown tired

of these old faces here.

Your arrival

has brought me so much joy and help.

As long as you're willing,

I'd be more than happy to help.

That's great.

Thank you.

Zijing,

don't think I'm nagging.

Your parents' spirits above

wouldn't want you risking your life either.

It's been so long already,

when does revenge end?

I understand everything you're saying.

But this vengeance

is not just for the Yan family.

Langhuan Dockyard may seem prosperous and peaceful,

but many here have been torn from their families.

All of this

is because of the Black Dragon Bandits.

So, the day the Black Dragon Bandits are gone,

life will improve.

Tang's tea, porcelain, and silk

will flow to the Western Regions,

and Western gemstones and jade

will reach Tang.

Then Hexi

will flourish like never before.

All these years,

you haven't changed a bit.

Alright.

Then I wish

you both a safe journey.

May you return soon.

I'm still waiting to drink your wedding wine.

Master,

it's best not to tell Shrimp and the others about this.

Understood.

Here,

to your safe return.

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

Were you trying to scare me?

No, I wasn't.

I just wanted you to try this candied fruit.

Thank you, Duanwu.

Take it with you.

By the way,

did you make this?

Why?

Isn't it beautiful?

Really beautiful.

You really made this?

Look,

there are two stars here, right?

If you wrap them like this,

they'll connect together.

What are you thinking?

They're just like you and my brother-in-law.

Shrimp,

you're a little adult now.

You have to look after Accountant Wei

with Loud, Cao Da, and the others.

By Master Yuchi's side,

you'll need to do everything,

and learn everything you can.

The more you learn, the better.

But,

writing is really hard.

When Master Yuchi plays with me,

he's really nice.

But when he teaches me writing, he's so strict.

If I make even one mistake, I get punished.

Shrimp, you're the smartest.

I know

you'll learn a lot.

You need to learn all the things

you never learned before.

Then, when the time comes,

should we open a shop here?

You like it here?

Of course!

Then, Mr. Cao, Loud, and I

will work for you.

Lady Shiqi will carve jade for us,

and

Mr. Zhang will write the sign for our shop.

Accountant Wei will do the books,

and the Master will greet guests outside.

You'll draw the designs.

That lineup would be grand!

Let's do it your way.

That sounds great!

Shrimp,

no matter where I am,

I'll always find you.

Our supplies have to pass through this route.

Generals, you must guard it well.

Yes, sir!

General Pei, Mr. Zhang requests an audience.

Shijie!

Jinran!

What brings you to Hexi?

It's been so long,

you're still as mighty as ever!

I received a letter from Second Brother

saying you're defending Hexi,

so I came specially.

His Majesty has plans for Hexi,

and sent me here

to reopen the long-closed Daqi Road.

And this is?

This is my friend,

Lady Shiqi.

Greetings, General Pei.

She injured her hand earlier,

and I heard your army has a military doctor

skilled in treating hand injuries,

so I brought her here for help.

Conditions in the army are tough.

It's a lot to ask of you, Miss.

Guards!

Take the miss to Doctor Liu.

Yes, sir!

Thank you, General Pei.

This way, Miss.

Over here.

Jinran, this time you're here

not just for this young miss, right?

Of course not.

I came here

on behalf of Tang

and of the people along the Western trade routes,

to ask you to lend me troops

to wipe out the Black Dragon Bandits.

Wipe out the Black Dragon Bandits?

This matter

has always been a sore point for me.

The Black Dragon Bandits are elusive,

stationed beyond Tang's borders.

If we rashly deploy troops,

it could

easily stir up border disputes.

You're defending Hexi.

Fighting bandits is part of that duty.

The Black Dragon Bandits often stay outside our borders,

but they frequently raid our lands,

attacking the trade routes.

The people suffer greatly.

You can't just sit back.

I know all of this.

But there are rules in the military.

Shijie,

aren't rules made to be broken?

Jinran,

you must have another clever plan in mind.

It's not much of a clever plan, really.

If I can lure the Black Dragon Bandits out,

and it so happens

that you are fighting bandits at the border...

Now that we happen to cross paths,

you won't just stand by, will you?

Jinran,

you always have the craftiest ideas!

Come on, tell me your plan.

Come on.

Our men are assembled

and ready to move at any time.

Good.

What about Mr. Zhang?

There won't be any issues on his end, right?

He's already arrived at Pei Shijie's camp.

There shouldn't be any problems.

What about supplies and weapons?

Don't worry. Everything will be arranged.

I'll go make further preparations.

It's alright.

Don't worry.

With you here,

I have no worries.

By the way,

I wanted to discuss something with you.

Let me hold onto the blood-stained pearl.

The blood-stained pearl

is the very thing the Black Dragon Bandits covet.

Keeping it with you is dangerous.

Plus, this time,

we're using it to lure out them.

I don't know

what's so special about this blood-stained pearl.

Why is everyone so eager to possess it?

Inside the blood-stained pearl

is a map to the treasures of Gulistan.

Gulistan?

Yes.

Back then, Kang discovered this vein of ore,

intending to present it to Tang through the Apsaras statue.

But word got out unexpectedly.

So what the Black Dragon Bandits covet

is actually the treasure of Gulistan.

But if you keep the blood-stained pearl,

won't you be in danger too?

Don't worry.

I told you,

everything is arranged.

Here, Jinran.

I toast to you and Master Yan.

You two, full of courage and wisdom,

risk your lives for the peace

of our borders.

I truly admire you both!

We still need your strong support

to restore peace for the people at the frontier.

That's for sure.

Come, cheers!

I heard from Du Ming

that you and Master Yan

both fancy the same young lady.

But in the end,

she went with Master Yan.

Tell me, Fourth Brother,

how did you lose to him?

That Master Yan...

what's so remarkable about him?

That Master Yan...

he's actually quite ordinary.

It's just that...

she's truly unique.

In my whole life, I've never met

a woman so extraordinary.

I get it.

A good woman can't resist a persistent man.

You're just too reserved,

too worried about saving face.

If you like her, just tell her directly.

She definitely won't turn you down.

I did tell her,

and she rejected me.

Duanwu,

it's time to set off.

Duanwu?

Kang Ju!

♪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♪