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 21]

Duanwu.

I wonder if your lady likes gold accessories.

If she does,

we could create a gold-inlaid jade piece,

a brand-new design.

But if you want it flawless,

that won't be possible.

My lady does like gold accessories.

As long as you can fix it,

adding some gold is no issue.

Are you sure you can fix it?

Fix it according to this design.

Duanwu, the heat's just right.

Good.

Be careful.

This clasp needs to be a bit smaller.

Right here, it must be smaller.

Fill in this seam.

Mm, okay.

Who's crowding around the Zheng' Mansion gate?

Oh, you're here, Jin Xian.

I specially invited the two of them

to repair Lady Yu's bracelet.

Zheng family has their own Jubao House,

so why trouble outsiders?

Can't you get them to work?

With this spare time,

you should focus on your own household.

With such a sharp tongue,

you should go comfort your lady more often.

What nerve you have?

How dare you speak ill of our lady!

I didn't.

I advise you to tone down the arrogance.

The lady and concubines each have their place.

We Zhengs aren't one of those unruly families.

All will be revealed in time.

What's with blocking the doorway?

Once you're done, leave quickly.

Bah!

Let's see how long your pride lasts!

Miss,

who was that just now?

What's it to you?

Go back to fixing the bracelet!

We've caused you trouble.

We're new here,

afraid we might break some taboos,

so we asked a bit more just because of that.

No harm in telling you.

She's the maid of the primary wife, Lady Cui.

Her name is Jin Xian.

The Cui family in Zhenlang Pavilion?

Who else would it be?

But now that the Cui family has fallen,

let's see how long her pride lasts.

What are you standing around for?

Get back to fixing that bracelet!

I've been waiting forever.

Almost done.

It's finished.

- Here you are, Miss Zhegu. - Miss, take a look.

Is it to your liking?

You do have some skill.

Thank you, Miss Zhegu.

How do you know my name?

I heard

that you're Lady Yu's most trusted aide,

and also quite beautiful.

Seeing you today,

you truly are extraordinary.

Miss, which pair of earrings did you fancy just now?

This one.

Our Miss does have an eye for these.

Miss Zhegu,

these earrings

are the finest we've ever made,

and they suit you perfectly.

Very well.

We heard that the Qionghua Festival is coming soon.

Could you put in a good word for us?

Of course, we wouldn't dare

to aim for those famed songstresses,

but maybe their maids

could take a liking to our jewelry.

Don't push your luck too far.

We're only being bold

because you seem so kind.

It's our first time in Yangzhou,

and it hasn't been easy.

Please say a few good words to Lady Yu

on our behalf.

Hey...

Thank you, Miss.

Alright.

You may leave for now.

I'll first report to Lady Yu.

Thank you, Miss.

My lady, look!

Those self-important old folks at Jubao House

can only make old-fashioned gold-inlaid jade.

This can't be their handiwork.

You have a sharp eye, my lady.

There are two girls at the back door,

specializing in selling and repairing jewelry.

They made this piece.

What did they charge?

They didn't ask for money.

They only wanted to use your name

to connect with some of the songstresses' maids,

so they could sell a few trinkets.

Clever plan, indeed.

At least they know their place.

Let's see what kind of people they are.

If they're decent, I'll place them in Jubao House

to be Fifth Young Master's eyes.

Those old ones won't dare act against him.

Smart thinking, my lady.

What's Fifth Young Master been up to lately?

Why haven't I seen him around?

I heard he's been with Lady Shijiu from the Cui family...

Enough of that!

He and Shijiu grew up together.

Remember,

they're like brother and sister.

The Cui family fell on hard times,

so he's just helping her out.

Understood.

Off you go.

Yes, ma'am.

Oh, Fifth Young Master,

don't you dare do anything foolish.

Lady Shijiu,

look who's here.

Master Shijiu!

Lady Shijiu!

Tong!

Tan!

- Master Shijiu! - Lady Shijiu!

Tan!

Master Shijiu!

Lady Shijiu!

Master Shijiu!

Lady Shijiu!

Are you all right?

- I'm fine. - Are you all right?

Master Shijiu...

Lady Shijiu, forgive me!

Lady Shijiu!

Lady Shijiu!

Get up!

Forgive me, Lady Shijiu!

Those bandits were closing in on us.

Tan and I had no other choice

but to push you down.

I understand.

How...

How did you end up so badly?

Lady Shijiu, you don't know.

Those bandits wouldn't let up.

I ran for days,

finally got out of the forest and into town.

After that, I could only beg for food.

Fortunately...

Mr. Zheng saved us.

Master Shijiu, I've missed you deeply...

All right.

Tong and Tan must have gone days without food.

Let's get them something good to eat.

Clean yourselves up.

This courtyard is empty most of the time.

If you don't mind, you can stay here.

Garuda, arrange it.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

We've been friends since we were kids.

No need for thanks.

It's getting late.

Get some rest.

Lady Shijiu...

Lady Shijiu...

Get up, quickly!

Lady Shijiu,

now that the master is gone,

what are we going to do?

You still have me.

We are always

in the same boat.

But I'll need you to help me with something.

Who is it?

Lady Shijiu...

You...

Lady Shijiu...

It's so late. You...

Master Shijiu,

I'm sorry.

I must avenge the Cui family,

no matter the cost.

Most of the jewelry shops in Yangzhou

are now under Zheng's control.

If we want to find an opening,

we must start with the Qionghua Festival.

If we stand out at the Qionghua Festival,

it'll bring a handsome profit.

However,

all the famous songstresses in Yangzhou

have powerful backers.

Each of them is driven by self-interest.

No one can resist the lure of money.

Keep yesterday's jewelry for me.

I'll make use of it.

All right.

Miss, let me peel an orange for you.

Does this look nice?

I think the one you had earlier looked better.

Really?

It should be a bit greener.

It looks good.

But it doesn't quite match my outfit today.

Look at this color.

You haven't visited in so long.

Without your help,

Lady Bai can't pick jewelry she likes herself.

I've been so busy lately,

handling various matters.

Lady Yu, please, have a seat.

It's a rare pleasure to have you here at Baicaojing House.

Today, you must lend me your discerning eye.

Zhegu, stay nearby.

Yes, ma'am.

Why did she leave so quickly?

Surely Baicaojing House has some new treasures.

Greetings, Miss Zhegu.

As if we could afford anything here.

- Yours is quite lovely. - We'll just admire this one.

Let me try it on.

Miss, is there anything you like?

I feel what Zheng family gave me is enough.

I'll take this one.

Or maybe...

- This one is like Lady Bai's. - I'll buy it,

so you can wear it later.

- Then I want the pink one. - With my natural beauty, I don't even need it!

Look at them.

Baicaojing House's goods are simply the best.

Indeed.

Thank you, Miss Zhegu, for bringing us here today.

Miss,

look at our new mother-of-pearl jewelry,

Miss Zhegu's favorite.

So beautiful!

Such shallow taste,

you haven't seen quality things, I suppose.

Compared to Baicaojing House,

they're still far off.

Miss Zhegu,

who are they?

The one on the left is Yan Fenfen,

always second place.

Every day,

she's scheming to compete with Lady Bai.

The one with the flower in her hair

is Xue Liniang.

She's straightforward by nature,

and the youngest among the songstresses,

so naturally, she's rising fast.

So Xue Liniang should be in the top three, right?

Top three?

She only gained popularity this year,

not even ranked yet.

But this year, with the Zheng family backing her,

who knows who will win

the top beauty title?

Miss Zhegu, you're quite the expert.

Do you like these two?

Why hasn't Lady Yu come out yet?

Isn't the Zheng family supporting you this time?

Yes.

But why is she talking

with Lady Bai for so long?

Do you think something's changed?

How could that be?

Yesterday, they brought over the jewelry for me to choose from,

all top-notch pieces.

Liniang,

with the Zheng family behind you now,

Lady Yu

will surely give you some favor.

Still, you should be cautious.

Don't be too naive.

Otherwise, someone scheming

might steal your good fortune.

These jewels are indeed fine,

worthy of Lady Bai.

But why would I need to appraise them?

Please.

It's rare to have your esteemed presence.

A chance to chat with you

is worth more than a thousand clever tricks.

Absolutely.

Just listening from the side, I've learned a lot.

The Qionghua Festival is near.

In previous years, the guild lead hosted it personally.

I wonder if that's still the case this year?

Our master is humble and low-key,

unlike Mr. Cui, who loves the spotlight.

So,

all these bothersome matters fall on me.

I'm so busy.

No one would be more fitting to host it than you.

The people of Yangzhou

still admire your charm from back then.

Mr. Zheng just took the seat this year.

If you could help Jubao House produce a top beauty,

wouldn't it be perfect?

A cherry on top, even.

Speaking of the top beauty title,

Lady Bai has won it two years in a row.

This year, if your Zheng family joins forces

with my Baicaojing House,

why worry about winning three in a row?

How could I take the one Baicaojing House has backed?

What are you saying?

We're joining forces.

It's not poaching.

I appreciate your good intentions,

but the Zheng family's journey is just beginning.

If we're supporting someone, it'll be a younger talent.

Xue Liniang would be a fine choice.

Miss Xue is indeed promising.

But...

she's young and impulsive.

She may not handle big responsibilities well.

You have a keener eye than Mr. Zheng.

You're kidding!

How could I compare myself to the guild lead?

Backing one or two

makes no difference.

There's no conflict.

I heard

Miss Xue was recommended by Mr. Si.

Both Si and Wu are Zheng family men,

wholeheartedly for the Zheng family.

Of course.

Both are outstanding individuals,

trusted deeply by Mr. Zheng.

The Zheng family prospers

with capable heirs to follow.

Miss Zhegu,

may I ask if all the songstresses here today

are attending the Qionghua Festival?

Of course, who do you think?

Only Lady Huan didn't show.

Lady Huan?

Why didn't she come?

With that pride of hers,

even if invited, she wouldn't come.

Maybe

she doesn't want to be a living sign for Baicaojing House.

With Lady Bai around,

who needs her as a sign?

She lost to Lady Bai two years ago,

and didn't even show up last year.

If she didn't come last year,

why come this year?

Who knows?

Maybe she's plotting something.

And you'd know, would you?

After all,

Lady Huan was once a famous songstress,

and now there's a tough rival.

Someone might lose sleep over it.

The Huan family relied on the Cui family for business.

Now that the Cui family has fallen,

what do they have to live on?

So, the Huan family will step back?

How come I didn't know?

With your humble family background, you know nothing.

I...

Miss Zhegu, born of a noble family,

you truly know more than the rest of us.

How are your preparations for the Qionghua Festival?

Have you practiced enough?

Lady Yu is here!

Lady Yu has arrived.

The Qionghua Festival is near.

All of you should practice diligently,

and don't indulge in comfort.

Only then will you honor the hardships of your training.

Yes, ma'am.

Miss Xue, mind your posture.

Learn more from Lady Bai.

If you don't perfect this dance,

the Zheng family can replace you at any time.

Our Zheng family supports only the best.

Yes, ma'am.

Zhegu.

Here!

Let's go.

Step aside.

Lady Bai, don't be angry.

I...

Su Muzhe greets Lady Bai.

This Su Muzhe came with Lady Yu.

Are you from the Zheng family?

To answer Lady Bai,

I am not from the Zheng family,

but our jewelry has caught

Lady Yu's eye,

which brought us here to Baicaojing House

for a visit.

Lady Yu is not easy to please.

What skill do you have to earn her favor?

Lady Bai, look.

The jewelry we crafted

is quite different from what's found in Yangzhou.

I've heard your pipa playing is famous far and wide,

but at the Qionghua Festival,

other songstresses play equally well.

If you wore

these mother-of-pearl press-on nails while playing,

you would surely shine at the festival.

Typically, mother-of-pearl

is used on dowries or large items.

But you defy convention,

using it on such a small press-on nail.

The craftsmanship is exquisite,

and the thought behind it is clever.

So, your response?

Lady Bai, if you wish to win the top beauty title,

Zhenlang Pavilion is willing to support you fully.

Zhenlang Pavilion?

Is it you

who's replacing the Cui family?

Exactly.

But hoping to win Yangzhou's top beauty title

with just ten press-on nails

is rather naive.

Consider this a token of introduction from Zhenlang Pavilion,

a small gesture.

Lady Bai...

Lady Bai, I'm awaiting your response.

Miss Su, while the mother-of-pearl is exquisite,

it still can't match Zhenlang Pavilion's influence.

Apologies.

Serve tea.

Master Yan, please, have a seat.

No need.

I want you to win the Qionghua Festival,

no matter the cost.

Certainly.

You're welcome to choose from any of Zhenlang Pavilion's jewels.

Thank you for your generosity, Master.

Master Yan,

I will do my utmost.

But I do have a small request.

I'm fond of Baicaojing House,

so I wonder if you could...

Of course.

I'll look after Baicaojing House.

After all,

it was founded by your younger brother.

Master Yan...

Duanwu, how did it go?

Shall we look elsewhere?

I saw plenty of songstresses earlier.

Yunxiu,

do you recall them mentioning

Lady Huan?

Lady Huan?

Women are so short-sighted,

selling themselves out for a set of jewels.

You saw Lady Yu's attitude toward us.

There's no way she'd turn to our Baicaojing House.

I just don't understand it.

How is Xue Liniang any better than you?

If Lady Yu is out of reach,

let's aim for Zheng Wu instead.

After all, no cat can resist the fish.

Invite him out for drinks a few times,

then, once he's had enough, you...

What are you talking about?

I'm your elder sister!

Clearly, the older you get, the more sensitive you become.

I can work with Yan Zijing.

Even if he doesn't approach me,

I'll find a way to get close to him.

Why?

Don't ask. Just focus on managing Baicaojing House.

I will pave the way for you.

Fine, I'll do as you say.

Yan Zijing...

Madam, Mr. Zheng has arrived.

Mom.

You were looking for me?

You're never home.

Can't I call on you without reason?

Mom,

I brought you some honey jujube cakes.

They're from Yichun Teahouse.

Don't think I don't know

where you've been.

Yichun Teahouse is in the other courtyard.

What were you doing there?

Mom...

Stand straight!

Wipe that grin off your face.

Turn around.

I'm not a child anymore.

Cui Shijiu is the legitimate daughter of the Cui family.

Marrying her was a great advantage before.

But now that the Cui family has fallen,

she's nothing but a burden to you.

With the lady's influence waning,

this

is the perfect opportunity for us.

Or do you want to remain a concubine's son forever?

Don't forget,

the lady is Cui Shijiu's own aunt,

and Zheng Si is her cousin.

Be careful not to let this woman ruin you.

Mom, don't worry.

I know what I'm doing.

What were you doing last night? Didn't sleep well?

Tell me the truth.

I slept just fine, really.

The Qionghua Festival is approaching...

Here,

- have some tea, Mom. - Zheng Zhiheng, listen to me!

Be cautious with the Jubao House.

Watch out for Zheng Si's schemes behind your back.

By the way,

I recently found a suitable candidate,

quite skilled.

I'm planning to place her in Jubao House

as an informant for you,

so those old folks won't disrespect you.

Take some time to check her out.

If she has your approval,

her skills must be top-notch.

Sachets and pouches...

Move on.

Have a look!

Weren't they supposed to bring me jewelry?

Why haven't they arrived?

Are they playing me?

Who's playing you?

Mr. Zheng. No one.

Where did you get this?

It's...

it's from Miss Su.

Is she the craftsman my mom recently met?

It's her.

What's her name?

She's called Su Muzhe,

just a little peddler.

Where does she live?

[Yunsheng Inn]

Sir,

Su Muzhe isn't here.

They say she went on business.

Business?

Quite capable.

Let's go.

Zheng Wu?

Yunxiu,

you should head back first.

All right.

So, you are Su Muzhe,

the little peddler

who dares to target my mother?

In Yangzhou,

it's my first time

waiting for someone like this.

Greetings, Mr. Zheng.

Had I known you were waiting,

I'd have returned sooner.

Every year,

countless people try to ally

with the Zheng family.

I've seen too many like you.

Well,

since my mother recommended you,

there's an opening in Jubao House.

Let's see what you're capable of.

Thank Lady Yu for the opportunity,

and thank you for the recognition.

But with the Qionghua Festival near,

I ask you to return in a month,

by then you will certainly offer

a higher bid.

The Qionghua Festival has always been the domain of the jewelry families.

You,

a newcomer peddler in Yangzhou,

what can you pull off?

What can I pull off?

Just wait and see.

Fine!

Let's wait and see.

Lady Huan, come down!

Lady Huan!

Be careful!

Lady Huan...

Look.

Be careful!

- Please come down... - Who is that?

That's Lady Huan.

- What if you fall into the water? - She acts like that every day.

Lady Huan...

These songstresses,

- each has her own way. - Lady Huan...

- Just showing off - I beg you, come down!

Exactly.

Probably she's abandoned by the Huan family.

That's too risky!

Lady Huan, please come down.

Be careful not to fall into the water.

So what if I fall?

So what if I live or die?

Don't joke about this!

Please don't scare me.

When have I ever scared you?

When have I ever joked with you?

I wondered why Lady Huan stood here every day.

As expected,

the view from here

truly is different from the rest.

Free yet within bounds.

If you wish to jump in, then go ahead.

Why fear what others say?

Or perhaps,

you never intended to jump in at all.

If that's the case,

why not discuss a business deal with me?

Speak your mind.

Don't you want to be a songstress

or win the top beauty title?

Does it matter?

Gaining brings no joy,

and losing brings no sorrow.

Then what is it that you desire?

And you? What do you desire?

I came to Yangzhou after many close calls,

simply wishing to establish myself here.

I'm not like you.

What I seek

is to find a devoted heart

and never part till we grow old.

So, that's the reason you wish to retire?

But if you retire like this,

will those who once supported you

let you go so easily?

The Huan family promoted me

merely to be a living sign for their jewelry shops.

Those noble sons lifted me up

just because they liked my pipa's tune.

When Bai Niao used cheap tricks to win over me,

they suddenly decided

Bai Niao's pipa playing was the true melody of heaven.

This world is full of filth,

and I'm merely a puppet on strings.

Only he...

he promised to marry me.

He treats me differently

from everyone else.

If he's so good,

why hasn't he married you?

He has his own hardships.

But I trust him.

I believe

he will fulfill his promise.

And after you retire?

How do you plan to live?

I can do more than play the pipa.

I know my way around the kitchen, too.

At worst, I'll sell off the jewels

to support myself.

Living off savings

eventually leads to running out.

Would you like to have your own business

here in Yangzhou?

This way,

you won't need to bow to others.

And even if one day you wish to retire,

and live an ordinary life,

you'll have a place to shelter you.

If you rely only on the lover in your heart,

all is well in deep affection,

but once feelings fade,

you'll be as strangers.

Without a fallback plan,

you'll end up hurt in the end.

Perhaps what you say is right.

Lady Huan,

I can help you win the top beauty title.

In this Qionghua Festival, I am but a supporting role.

You want to help me win the top beauty title?

Not me helping you,

but rather, you helping me.

With your pipa skills,

paired with the craftsmanship of Clear Mind,

you will find it interesting.

Clear Mind?

I've never heard of it. Where is it?

It doesn't yet exist.

Actually, Clear Mind

is the reason I came to see you.

You want to open a shop in Yangzhou?

What is your name?

Su Muzhe.

Su Muzhe...

The Qionghua Festival is dull,

but you are intriguing.

I might just play along with you.

♪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♪