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 19]

Kang Ju.

Wake up!

We escaped. Wake up!

Wake up!

Stay alive. I'll take you away...

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

I know

you care about me the most.

Wherever you are,

nothing feels hard.

Wherever you are,

that's home.

♪Two stars shine bright, facing each other from afar♪

♪Sighing over the vast sea, my longing unfulfilled♪

♪Can't escape destiny's grasp♪

♪From withered memories, new years sprout♪

♪Shattered, yet never destroyed...♪

Wherever my leader is, I am too.

I, Cao Da,

am absolutely loyal to the convoy,

never abandoning it.

♪Guarding your final light...♪

My name is Loud.

What?

Loud.

Duanwu.

I'm not leaving.

You can speak now!

Yes.

Really?

♪Stars and moon turn, waxing and waning in time...♪

First time in a carriage?

Wishing you two, when you raise your glasses,

may you have all you desire!

With a clink of glasses, gold pours in!

With a toast, wealth abounds!

♪The mortal path rises and falls♪

♪Meetings and partings are beyond our control♪

♪From withered memories, new years sprout♪

♪Shattered, yet never destroyed♪

♪The purple star has no regrets, as it reflects in the lake♪

♪Guarding your final light♪

♪Seasons shift, winter fades to spring, flowers bloom and fall♪

♪The page of fate leaves us unread, unknown♪

♪The mortal path rises and falls♪

♪Why count gains and losses along the way?♪

♪Alas, life always leads to death...♪

Why?

Yan Zijing,

why on earth?

You must be hungry. Have something to eat.

Alright.

Duanwu...

Duanwu...

Duanwu...

Kang Ju...

Here, have some water.

Where's Duanwu?

Where's Duanwu?

Have some water first.

Where's Duanwu?

Where's Duanwu?

We barely managed to escape.

I... I couldn't look out for her.

Don't...

Don't move.

I'll go find Duanwu...

Don't...

Don't move! You're covered in wounds!

Don't move!

I'll save her.

I'll save her.

Go quickly...

I'm going to find her.

I left the water here.

Here's some food.

Duanwu...

Your two teams will form a pincer,

make sure the enemy doesn't break through here.

Carry out the order.

Yes, sir!

General Pei.

Mr. Zhang went to find the convoy.

Was there any trace?

Not yet.

How did you hurt your hand?

Should we have Doctor Liu take a look?

I'm fine.

I'm just worried

about Duanwu and Mr. Zhang's safety.

Soldiers

are licking blood off the blade

and fighting on the battlefield.

Sometimes,

no news is better than any news.

Jinran is brave and quick-witted.

Duanwu is blessed.

They'll be fine.

Report, General!

The Black Dragon Bandits have appeared at Langhuan Dockyard.

Langhuan Dockyard? Shouldn't they be at Piti Spring?

Quickly, send the order:

Dispatch two teams,

one to Piti Spring and one to Langhuan Dockyard.

Ensure the safety of Jinran and the convoy!

Yes, sir!

Lady Shiqi, don't worry.

Reinforcements will arrive soon.

I have military duties to attend to.

Don't worry.

Farewell.

Why hasn't Yan Zijing arrived yet?

Could he have backed out?

What's the situation?

There's no sign of anyone nearby.

But we received intel

that bandits have set an ambush in Langhuan Dockyard.

The convoy suffered heavy losses.

The information might not be accurate.

No.

Yan Zijing wouldn't be this late.

The convoy must have been ambushed by bandits

at Langhuan Dockyard.

Quick,

let's head to Langhuan Dockyard immediately.

Yes, sir!

[Langhuan Dockyard]

Hurry, help out!

- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!

Where are the members of Yan's Trading Convoy?

Where are they?

The convoy members are over there.

And over there!

Go check on them!

Yes, sir!

Excuse me, sir.

Excuse me, sir.

I am Yuchi Wuyi, master of Langhuan Dockyard.

May I ask who you are?

I am Zhang Jinran, a chancellor from the Institute of Literary Studies.

Yan Zijing is my old friend.

What happened to Yan's Trading Convoy?

The Black Dragon Bandits ambushed Langhuan Dockyard.

Zijing led the convoy in a fierce fight to defend us.

Only then could I lead the merchants to escape.

But everyone in the convoy died in battle.

What did you say?

And what about Duanwu?

And Yan Zijing?

Both of them...

there's been no word.

Quickly, send someone to find General Pei.

Tell him to send more people here

to help with the aftermath.

Master Yuchi, I'll take some men to keep searching.

If you find any clues,

contact me immediately.

You take care too.

And if you find any clues,

please inform me as well.

Any luck?

No.

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

Duanwu...

Duanwu, where are you?

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

- Duanwu! - Duanwu!

Duanwu!

- Duanwu! - Duanwu!

Duanwu!

How's it going? Did you find her?

Yes, we found her. Don't worry.

Then why didn't you bring her back?

She was rescued by some herders.

I ran into a few Black Dragon Bandits on the way.

I was afraid of drawing their attention,

so I didn't dare to show myself.

Don't worry. How are you?

I'm fine.

Her safety is all that matters.

Take me to see her. Let's go!

Let's go.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Wait.

We can't go.

We can't go.

What's the Black Dragon Bandits' movement now?

Li Kui ordered them to hunt you down.

They're searching the whole city for you.

Alright,

find two people

to spread the word that I have the blood-stained pearl.

That way, Duanwu will be safer.

Understood.

Later, I'll take some men to fetch her.

No need.

I can't see her.

The witch doctor is dead now,

so I don't have long to live.

In this final time, I just want

to avenge my Yan family.

Cao Da, Shrimp, Loud,

Wei Yan,

and all those people in the convoy.

They all died for my revenge.

I can't let Duanwu

keep getting caught up in this danger.

You can't blame yourself for this.

We walked right into an ambush.

When I take the men and fight back,

explain everything to her.

She'll understand.

You have to tell Duanwu,

or she'll hate you.

Let her hate me, then.

At least she'll be safe.

Miss, you're awake!

We saved you.

My mother thought you wouldn't make it.

Mom!

She's awake!

She's awake?

You're awake!

Here, have some hot water to warm up.

Miss, you're lucky. No vital injuries.

Here.

Miss, what's wrong?

Where's your family?

Alright, it's okay.

I won't ask anymore.

Dear, now that you've survived,

live on with all your strength.

The setting sun fills the ground,

Deep feelings best forgotten.

Blood stains my clothes, tears drench my chest.

In the chill of dusk, grief soaks my bed.

White bones lie buried beneath wild grass,

Yellow sands linger in the shadowed old city.

Duanwu!

- The convoy guards are trying to kill us! - How can I bear

- Run, Duanwu! - to recall those days?

Only a lonely soul chants a bitter song.

Yan Zijing, why?

The world twists and turns, hard to foretell,

And the human heart is a mystery as well.

A tune of "Sorrow's Veil" fills the air, pouring out tales of heartbreak and despair.

♪I hope we've been through all the hard times♪

♪Although life is short, it's beautiful...♪

Miss, it's time to eat.

Master.

Duanwu traded with the herders for money and food.

I searched a few places along the way,

but there's no sign of her.

Any leads?

Yan Zijing is seriously injured. He can't have gone far.

Track him down!

The news that you have the blood-stained pearl

has already spread.

Now the Black Dragon Bandits are all out searching for you.

Duanwu

should be safe.

We need to leave as soon as possible,

otherwise,

we might not get out.

With Duanwu's nature and skills,

she'll be alright.

♪Looking back at the snowy peak, how many travelers shed tears?♪

♪Twin stars shine across the endless road♪

♪Sighing over the vast sea, my longing unfulfilled♪

♪Can't escape destiny's grasp♪

♪From withered memories, new years sprout♪

♪Shattered, yet never destroyed♪

♪The purple star has no regrets, as it reflects in the lake♪

♪Guarding your final light♪

♪Seasons shift, winter fades to spring, flowers bloom and fall♪

♪Joy and sorrow, union and parting—such is life♪

♪Stars and moon turn, waxing and waning in time♪

♪May we reunite someday♪

White bones lie buried beneath wild grass,

Yellow sands linger in the shadowed old city.

How can I bear to recall those days?

Only a lonely soul chants

a bitter song.

The world twists and turns, hard to foretell,

And the human heart is a mystery as well.

A tune of "Sorrow's Veil" fills the air,

pouring out tales

of heartbreak and despair.

"Sorrow's Veil"...

"Sorrow's Veil"...

Even heartbreaking matters

must eventually end.

Yan Zijing,

I will surely find you.

I'll make you explain to me in person.

[Yuelai Inn]

Anyone here?

Anyone here?

Anyone here?

Who is it?

Can't a person sleep at night?

Got any water?

No.

I need a room.

I have money.

Go upstairs and find a room yourself.

Wang Yu!

Keep your voice down!

There's fresh goods here.

We captured her from the desert.

Someone nice arrived upstairs too.

Alright, let's go.

Madam, you've worked hard.

What are you looking at?

Miss, you're looking so fresh and delicate,

weak and sickly.

You want to talk to me, huh?

Alright,

talk.

Help me!

Don't scream!

Scream all you want, it's useless.

There's no one here.

Tomorrow, I'll sell you,

and you'll sing ditties

to earn money for daily essentials.

Upstairs, there's another girl,

also quite pretty.

We'll pair her up with you.

We're sure to get a good price.

We're striking it rich today!

You just want money?

Please, let me go.

I work with jade.

I can get you gold and jewels.

Please, let me go.

I'm begging you.

Gold and jewels? I'll take them.

And you... I'll take you too.

Duanwu!

Duanwu!

You are coming right to us.

We're rich!

Let her go!

Duanwu, I'm scared...

Don't be afraid, I'm here.

The city gates are already closed.

Let's just stay here for the night.

Finding Duanwu is more urgent.

Anyone here?

Anyone here? We need a room!

Who are you?

Why are you tied up here?

We were wronged by two vile women!

Those brats...

If I catch them,

I won't let them off easy!

Sir!

Please save us.

Please, help us!

Sir!

It's Duanwu's arrow.

Sir!

It's Duanwu's arrow!

Quick!

Free us first!

Duanwu!

- Duanwu! - Duanwu!

Duanwu!

Come out!

I'm Zhang Jinran.

Duanwu!

Sir!

Out here in the middle of nowhere,

where will you look for her?

The blood on the arrowhead hasn't dried.

She couldn't have gone far.

- Move aside! - Sir!

- Sir! - Move aside!

If Duanwu wants to hide,

you won't be able to find her.

Judging by the situation here,

she should be safe.

Since she was around here,

they're likely heading to the city.

Tomorrow, we'll go to Bianzhou City

to look for them.

Duanwu.

Did you sleep well?

It's been so long since I've slept this soundly.

Let's have breakfast.

Duanwu.

I have good news for you.

Look!

My hands are healed.

Weren't you staying with Mr. Zhang?

How did you end up kidnapped?

In the camp, they said something happened to you,

I was terrified.

Mr. Zhang never came back,

so I went to the desert to find you.

But I couldn't find you anywhere.

Thankfully, I found you now.

Now we can stay together forever.

Yunxiu,

I've already paid the inn for a month for you.

Just settle in and rest.

If you feel unwell, just tell the innkeeper.

And here's some money,

enough for your journey.

Take this money,

go to Chang'an if you wish,

or look for Mr. Zhang.

I told you,

once your hands are healed,

you can make a life for yourself anywhere.

Duanwu, I don't want money.

I won't go to Chang'an.

I won't go looking for Mr. Zhang.

I just want to stay with you!

You can't stay with me.

Why?

Why can't I stay with you?

I won't go to Chang'an.

I won't go looking for Mr. Zhang.

Why can't I stay with you?

Yunxiu.

Shrimp is dead.

Shrimp is dead.

I failed to protect him.

Cao Da is dead too.

Be good,

take this money, go to Chang'an or anywhere.

Be obedient.

Duanwu!

Duanwu.

Shrimp and the others are gone,

but you still have me.

My hands are healed now.

I'll protect you!

Don't leave.

Duanwu, trust me.

Duanwu,

I would give my life to protect you.

Don't leave.

Let's buy some cakes for the journey.

Freshly baked cakes!

Get some cakes.

Alright.

Make sure they're warm, thanks.

Sure thing.

Thank you.

Four cash.

Let's go.

Cakes! Freshly baked cakes!

Come and take a look!

[Bianzhou City]

We've searched all over Bianzhou.

There's no trace of her.

Maybe Duanwu have left the city.

They must be nearby.

I will find her.

But Prince Ying

has repeatedly urged you to return to Chang'an.

If you delay any longer, it may not go over well.

Don't worry. I'll assign men to keep looking.

Alright.

Hyah!

Hyah!

I didn't expect such a pleasant surprise on the way.

These three young ladies

all look quite nice.

For these ones,

we'll have to negotiate separately with the buyer.

Don't worry.

We'll discuss once we reach Yangzhou.

Run!

Don't let them get away!

Stop!

Don't run!

- Chase! - Run, Tan!

Stop!

Don't run!

Stop!

Stop!

Don't run!

Don't run! Catch her!

Quick!

Don't run! Didn't you hear me?

Master Shijiu!

Don't run!

Over there!

Tong!

Chase!

Hurry!

Over there! Chase them!

Stop!

Stop!

This way.

Prince Ying!

Zhang Jinran.

Let me have a good look at you.

You look so travel-worn.

You've been all over.

It must have been at least a year.

Thanks for worrying about you.

When I heard you were returning to Chang'an,

I was overjoyed.

I prepared a table for you

with all your favorite dishes.

Enjoy it.

You've been so considerate.

You may all leave.

I'll handle it.

Now that you're back, don't go wandering again.

What's the matter?

Still not settled?

The position of Secretariat Drafter awaits you.

His Majesty has mentioned you many times.

This time, I went to Hepu,

then traveled from Lingnan through Shannan to Hexi.

I saw hardships and suffering

like I've never seen in my life.

So, I don't wish to take up the post.

I want to see this through to the end.

So, you're still entangled

in the Yan family's tribute case?

It's not just about solving one case.

I want to bring justice for those caught in the middle,

whose lives and fates

were beyond their control.

But their lives and fates

are beyond your reach.

Stay in Chang'an,

and you'll be the youngest Secretariat Drafter,

His Majesty's favored young talent.

Your writings will depict a golden age of culture,

not the bloody harshness of punishment.

No.

Justice in punishment,

like a clear mirror held high.

Isn't that what a golden age truly is?

Enough.

I've always known your nature.

I can't sway you.

His Majesty is holding a banquet at the palace today.

Join me for it first,

then decide if you stay or go.

Tong!

Tan!

Tong!

♪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♪