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 11]

Mr. Zhang, you really have a warm heart.

You always personally escort my convoy's assistant back.

So, I've prepared fine wine

to celebrate your brush with death.

Truly fine wine!

If I'm not mistaken,

it must be the famous Yangzhou Qionghua Dew.

You're truly worthy of an imperial scholar.

Your wine appreciation is impeccable.

As they say, "a pot of wine, a legacy of timeless elegance."

Mr. Zhang, you are indeed well-read and talented.

I don't deserve such praise.

No matter how knowledgeable,

in Master Yan's eyes,

I'm just another chess piece.

I never intended to draw you into this game.

You walked into it yourself.

And on the ship at Hepu,

it was you who used tribute pearls to lure me...

I never expected

I'd be countered by Master Yan's trick.

But you got something too,

the priceless Mermaid's Tear.

And perhaps the greatest gain

is meeting Duanwu, who was then

a pearl hostess.

You gave me the Cui family's ledger, didn't you?

I'm not that generous.

But all this was part of your plan.

Ever since Cui's tribute pearls were destroyed,

you've used poetry to gain fame,

then forced Cui Shijiu to hunt treasure with you.

Then, using the Feng family's hand,

you bought all the pearls in Guangzhou.

After that, you used South Sea merchants

to drain Cui Shijiu's wealth.

Right here,

you and Accountant Wei staged a fake death.

Now the Cui family's fortune is gone,

lacking the means to recover.

Mr. Zhang, you're truly insightful.

Observing the details,

and calculating everything precisely.

Not as much as you,

useing any means necessary,

leaving no stone unturned.

All of this didn't need me.

Why did you involve me?

Since you didn't want to be someone else's weapon,

you must have your own motives

in this game.

Why seek the ruin of the Cui family?

Does the Cui family not deserve it?

Do you hold a grudge against them?

An irreconcilable one.

I told you before,

in business, it's like a battlefield.

It's either you or me.

Of course, it's a grudge to the death.

I've secretly sent Cui's ledger to Chang'an.

Cui's downfall is inevitable.

Does this fulfill

your wish?

I've just entered Tang,

my grand ambitions yet to unfold.

How can my wish be fulfilled?

What else do you plan to do?

Are you concerned for me?

I have been acting on a whim.

I do whatever I want.

For now, I haven't decided.

Fine.

Then tell me,

where are you planning to go next?

Are you worried about me again?

Not worried about me,

just someone else.

Yan Zijing, let me warn you,

don't involve her in your revenge.

All of this is her own choice.

Since we're parting today,

let me give you a gift.

Before the Yan's Trading Convoy was seized for auction,

a man named Yue approached Cui Shijiu.

Since then, the Cui family has given him ten taels of pearls annually.

Are you saying the tribute pearl case has more to it?

I'll say no more.

The rest is up to you to investigate.

[Yu Shi]

Yu Shi?

Why would Mother keep his belongings?

Could he be my father?

Has the Zheng family in Yangzhou heard about affairs in Guangzhou?

Yes, they have.

Fifth Master Zheng Zhiheng from the Zheng family has already set out.

United by profit, separated by profit.

Back then, the Zheng and Cui families conspired

against my Yan family for gain.

Now, once again for profit,

they're at each other's throats.

It's fitting.

Let the Zheng family see the Cui family to their end.

We'll set out for Shaozhou tomorrow.

Isn't this

the same piece of jewelry

Cui Shijiu gave Shi Nawei?

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.

Why would Mother have the Yangzhou Yan family's designs?

Mother worked at the Cui's Pearl Farm,

and Yan Zijing is determined to destroy the Cui family.

What about the Yan family in Yangzhou now?

What's the connection between them?

Why did the ship start moving?

Why did we set sail all of a sudden?

Mr. Zhang and Wu

have helped me so much,

and I didn't even get to say goodbye.

Life is like a journey by ship.

Sometimes, missing someone means they're gone for good.

What you need to do

[Yan] is to follow your heart firmly.

Move forward

without looking back, without lingering.

Mr. Zhang gave me a parchment yesterday,

said it belonged to my mother.

The hairpin designs on it

are identical to the seven hairpins

Cui Shijiu gave Shi Nawei.

Cui Shijiu said they're from the Yan family in Yangzhou.

I don't know much about the Yan family in Yangzhou.

Master, do you know?

They're all dead.

Then why would they be with the Cui family?

Naturally, it's because the Cui family are thieves.

What about Yu Shi?

Master, do you know who Yu Shi is?

I saw the name Yu Shi signed on the parchment.

Do you know where Yu Shi is?

Yu Shi,

seems you won't reveal the location of the blood-stained pearl.

Then, you can go die.

Yes, big brother.

How could I possibly know?

[Yan]

Master, do you truly have no ties

to the Yan family in Yangzhou?

[Yan]

The Yan family in Yangzhou was completely executed,

not a single one survived.

How could I be related to them?

Where are we headed next?

First, we'll take a stretch by water,

then switch to land and head to Shaozhou.

From there, we'll travel north to Hexi.

Hexi is in the west,

close to the Western Regions.

You want to visit the Western Regions?

Why?

There are Gobi's sands

and rare jewels.

Who wouldn't want to see?

Fine.

Then,

since we're going,

could you teach me the writing of the Western Regions?

There are many small states with various scripts.

Just for border crossings, there are Han,

Sogdian, and even Persian scripts.

Could you take a look at this?

What script is this?

This is...

Kharosthi script.

Kharosthi?

Yes, it's been lost for a long time.

Then can you teach me?

So I can know what it says.

Work well for me,

and I'll surely teach you.

[Yan]

The wind's strong. Get back to the cabin and get to work!

Master, take it slow.

Father.

Everything is prepared?

Yes.

Let's set off.

Father, let me go instead.

This matter is too important.

I need to take care of it myself.

Father.

Father!

Your health can't handle the journey anymore.

Let me go, please.

Shijiu,

you're very clever.

I knew this from your childhood.

But you're still a woman,

and there are some burdens you shouldn't have to bear.

But Father,

I'm a member of the Cui family.

This mistake was mine,

and I must do everything to make it right!

Do you understand what you're facing?

Prince Tan once suggested that I join his household.

Sometimes, it's even better to be a woman.

Fine.

Since you've made up your mind,

go then.

Father.

I'm leaving now.

Thank you, Father.

It's not that I forbade you.

It's that the world doesn't allow.

[Fuxu Port]

Be careful.

The ship sailed off at dawn.

No one knows where it's headed.

At least we got a proper farewell.

The Guangzhou chapter has ended.

We can finally go home.

My sworn brother sent a message,

saying he'll continue investigating the Cui's Pearl Farm case.

Now, Xu Nanying fled overnight,

probably seeking Prince Tan's protection.

Yan Zijing told me

the Cui's Pearl Farm

gives ten taels of pearls to the Yue family in Shaozhou each year.

The Yue family in Shaozhou?

They're renowned for jade carving.

So...

We're heading to Shaozhou as well.

Prince Ying tasked us to investigate.

We've finished the investigation.

But I intend to investigate Yan Zijing.

[Fuxu Port]

Are you truly after Yan Zijing

or can't you let go of Duanwu?

[Yan]

[Yan]

This way, please.

Okay.

- This way, please. - It's all new designs.

Madam Tang, I've prepared the jewelry you requested.

Duanwu,

you left without a word.

Was it because of some issue?

May you have fair winds and smooth sailing.

When we meet again, don't forget me.

Wu,

this farewell is rushed.

Who knows when we'll meet again?

May you stay safe and sound,

with wealth and abundance.

When we reunite,

let's rekindle our sisterhood.

[Yan]

I don't know why,

but seeing this makes me think of that pearl diver.

How am I different from her?

Both of us struggling in this world,

just trying to grasp our own fate.

But this time,

I have no power to resist.

That pearl diver...

I almost envy her.

Lady Shijiu, are you really joining Prince Tan's household?

That would make you a concubine.

The Cui family has suffered such a disaster.

If we need Prince Tan's mediation,

there will surely be a price.

This time, I fear there's no easy way out.

Isn't this Lady Shijiu?

- How dare you! - Master.

It's the fifth master from the Zheng family.

Pardon my boldness,

Master

Shijiu.

Dressed like this,

how will you marry into my Zheng family?

Do you think I care to marry into your Zheng family?

A mere illegitimate son...

lt's not your place to worry.

True.

But now, I'm afraid

it's not about whether you care or not.

With such trouble in the Cui family,

whether you can marry at all

is rather uncertain.

Oh, by the way,

I have a small villa on the west outskirts.

Perhaps...

Reckless fool!

My master would never be anyone's mistress!

Yes.

But after all, I intend to marry Lady Shijiu.

Remember this,

there is no Lady Shijiu in this world.

Our Cui family's matters are none of your concern.

Instead, worry about your Zheng family,

and how to weather this storm in Guangzhou.

After all, your Zheng family

is much more entangled with Xu Nanying's dealings.

That is beyond

a mere illegitimate son's concern.

I came to Guangzhou this time

just to enjoy the scenery,

drink fine wine, and admire beauties.

Running into the great beauty of the Cui family today

makes the trip worthwhile.

Garuda.

Fetch the Qionghua Dew Cui sent me

and my worthless grapes.

I shall enjoy them with this beauty.

[Guangjiang Inn]

The Western Regions are thousands of miles away,

yet these fresh grapes made it here.

Are you showing off to me

the Zheng family's shops span the world,

with goods flowing freely?

I wouldn't dare.

Besides, they aren't anything of value.

Master Shijiu, are you here at Guangjiang Inn

planning to return to Yangzhou?

What does it matter to you?

You're still my fiancée on paper,

yet every day, you dress like a man.

It's truly...

an embarrassment for me.

Master Zheng,

perhaps you're forgetful.

Have you forgotten

I've already broken off the engagement?

Broken it off? I never agreed.

Your engagement cancellation means nothing.

In the future,

whether you agree or not won't matter.

I truly don't know what you're after.

Your family provides you with everything,

yet you insist

on running around, dressing as a man.

Besides, you don't even look the part.

If you'd visit Yangzhou more often,

I could teach you how to be a man.

Then, at least,

people wouldn't see you

as some strange, gender-mixed creature.

Mr. Zheng!

How dare you speak to our master like that?

Exactly!

Our Master Shijiu

is dashing and charming, admired by all.

Fine, go find a songstress now.

Let's see if she chooses Master Shijiu

or my servant Garuda.

You...

Do you want pearls?

So, it's true.

Only pearls

can sway our Lady Shijiu now.

Come back to Yangzhou with me.

Afraid I'll poison it?

I'll drink first to put you at ease.

Why are you helping me?

You're my fiancée on paper.

How could I not help you?

Your filthy tricks from the brothels,

why bother using them on me?

So lowly.

Who would believe you?

Truly Lady Shijiu,

my future, impressive wife.

Mere illegitimate son, foolish dreamer.

And what if you are the legitimate daughter?

You still have to marry me, an illegitimate son.

Your father's well into his years,

yet he's still marrying concubines,

bearing sons.

And you?

After all your hard work,

it'll end up benefiting your little half-brothers.

They?

Why do you mention them, you wastrel!

When have they ever shown the slightest concern

for the family's affairs?

And what if I am a woman?

As long as I succeed this time,

I'll bring change to the Cui family and the Yangzhou jewelry industry!

Even if the Cui family and the Yanghzou jewelry industry change,

what does that have to do with you, Lady Shijiu?

[Guangjiang Inn]

Master Shijiu!

Cui Jia! Tan!

Master Shijiu!

Tan!

Master Shijiu!

The Cui family is truly doomed.

They even sent such treasures to Chang'an.

If Cui Jingchu knew

that the Pearl Lotus Terrace ended up in my hands,

he'd probably be furious.

Just let Cui Shijiu go?

The Pearl Lotus Terrace is gone,

and the Cui family is doomed.

Let her live.

She already knows you stole the Pearl Lotus Terrace.

Do you think she'll let you go?

Isn't it amusing to have a young lady

constantly thinking of me?

Besides, without the Pearl Lotus Terrace,

she no longer needs to go to Chang'an.

She swore she'd rather die than marry you.

Have you traced the source of our informant?

Not yet.

Keep investigating.

Be careful not to become someone else's pawn.

Yes, sir.

This time, we've helped see the Cui family off.

In the future, the Yangzhou jewelry industry

will be my Zheng family's domain.

Let's go back to Yangzhou.

How did it get so damaged?

What's over here?

This Kharosthi script...

I can't recognize a single word.

Perhaps I could...

[Yan]

His foot slipped.

Seems it's the same move as before.

What was that move called?

His strength isn't as great as mine.

Thank you for yielding.

Awesome!

This move...

Impressive!

Nice hit!

Thank you for yielding.

I'm heading back now.

Duanwu, don't leave!

Master said whoever wins the contest today

will get that whole table of food.

Look, there's even top-grade venison on it.

Just looking at it makes me hungry.

Loud,

aren't you strong?

Give it a try.

Not today.

I have a stomach ache today.

Shrimp, can you do it?

I'm just a kid.

Can I even manage it?

I don't dare!

You two are both useless.

I'll go.

Duanwu...

Don't worry.

Be careful, Duanwu.

- Duanwu! - Duanwu,

be careful!

Master,

I heard Shrimp say earlier

that whoever wins today's contest

gets this entire table of delicacies.

No joke.

Then I'll give it a try.

But if I win,

the delicacies on this table

should be shared with all the servants.

Duanwu, you're amazing!

Deal.

We're all counting on you!

Go for it!

Go, Duanwu!

- Please. - Duanwu, you can do it!

Grab a suitable weapon!

The shorter, the closer the risk.

Wait a moment!

Hold on.

That's shorter.

Maybe you should use this one.

Thanks.

Duanwu, I want lamb hooves and venison!

Duanwu, be careful!

Be careful!

- Duanwu! - Duanwu!

Duanwu!

She's so small,

yet so fierce.

Admirable courage.

But her moves are completely unstructured.

To figure it out herself to this level

- is already impressive. - Duanwu!

Careful, watch out!

Duanwu!

Truly the first time.

A first, indeed.

Find her a proper short sword later.

Right now, she's suited to practice thrusts.

There's no time to teach her proper technique.

You seem to want her to learn everything.

She wants to stand on her own.

I'm simply helping her along.

Many people in this world are stuck in misery,

yet don't want to lift a finger.

She wants to save herself,

so I'll give her a hand.

Watch out for sneak attacks!

Be careful!

Thank you for going easy on me.

Well done, Duanwu!

Duanwu, you're amazing!

He lost gracefully.

Master,

what do you think?

Very well.

I'll have the kitchen prepare more.

Please, enjoy.

Thank you, Master!

Thank you, Master!

Duanwu, you're incredible!

Lamb hooves!

[Yan]

Thank you, Duanwu!

It's my first time having such a feast!

Shrimp!

Shrimp!

Come have some lamb hooves!

I want lamb hooves!

[Yan]

You can't reach me.

Look over there!

It's beautiful over there.

- So beautiful. - Yes, indeed.

Do you see it?

I've never felt the ocean like this.

The breeze feels so nice.

Duanwu!

Supervisor Kang.

Wait for me here.

Come on, Shrimp.

Thank you.

So comfortable!

Are you happy, Shrimp?

Supervisor Kang, what's the matter?

This is for you.

A nice short sword. Take a look.

Thank you, Supervisor Kang.

Wait a moment.

Hold on.

Look over there!

So beautiful!

Look at that!

Did you see that fish?

Supervisor Kang!

Here.

Here you go!

This is a little crossbow I made myself.

Don't be fooled by its size.

It can save your life when it counts.

I'm giving it to you.

Let's trade.

Duanwu,

this is the Master's intention.

The Master gives this sword to me?

But this little crossbow is quite interesting.

How should I use it?

Hold it, and I'll teach you.

First, put it on your wrist.

Tie it securely to your wrist.

Then look...

You can aim at any target.

Do you see?

Like there.

It's quite delicate and compact.

Duanwu,

practice close combat more.

It could save your life when needed.

Thank you for the short sword!

Shrimp!

Sit up. Be careful.

Well... that crossbow...

Here you go.

Could I borrow it for a few days?

Sure.

If you can't figure it out,

remember to come find me.

Okay.

[Yan]

♪The pearl fades, lost in a vast crowd♪

♪Memories whisper, longing burns across a thousand miles♪

♪I wish to be a faint light in the darkness♪

♪Shining across the shore, waiting just for you♪

♪My heart struggles, love runs deep, time must not waste our bond♪

♪Old dreams linger, yet we walk different paths♪

♪Through joy and sorrow, I journey for you alone♪

♪Costing my all to protect you♪

♪Tears fall silent, love speaks no words, hoping to be by your side♪

♪Dreams fade, fate ends, only the sorrow of parting remains♪

♪My unwavering longing turns to endless care♪

♪Ah, beyond words♪

[Yan]

Master.

Come in.

What's wrong?

Didn't you say you would teach me Kharosthi script?

Remember?

I have something to do now. Let's postpone it.

Though you're not a gentleman,

in business, a promise should be kept.

Fine.

Forget it. Maybe you can't read it.

Come here.

Let me see.

Thank you, Master.

Look...

Where are you going?

What does this mean?

This is...

the art of extraction.

The art of extraction?

And what about this?

Here.

This one...

This is...

Autumn Pomegranate.

What's wrong?

And this one?

Let me think.

This is...

Summer Lily.

You're just describing the shapes

and tricking me.

Come back!

I just haven't spoken Kharosthi in a long time,

so I'm a bit rusty.

Still pretending!

If you don't understand, just admit it!

Just wait!

Come here.

Sit down.

I don't understand?

Look for yourself.

Identical!

A replica?

What replica?

I, Yan Zijing, use replicas?

It's the real thing!

Really?

Of course!

Why do you have items from the parchment?

Isn't that normal?

A master's work ends up in the hands of the common folk.

What's so strange about it?

Master?

You mean Yu Shi?

Yes. Regarding Yu Shi,

he's the chief craftsman of the Yan family in Yangzhou,

exceptionally creative,

and skillful,

quite sought after.

When I asked you before,

you said you didn't know him!

I was just too lazy to bother with you then.

If that's the case,

Yu Shi is in the Western Regions?

♪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♪