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 23]

Bravo!

So, this is Lady Yan's original Water Sleeve Dance.

Quite innovative!

Does she aim

to become Yangzhou's "Silk-Washing Beauty"?

[Endless Forest Snow, World's Top Beauty]

- Fine poem! - Indeed!

Bravo!

Tonight, I, Yan Fenfen, dedicate this poem and painting

to the Qionghua Festival.

No starting bid.

All donations raised

will go entirely to support the needy in the city.

I'm wishing only for the people's well-being!

Well done!

Isn't that Lady Yu's outfit

from her victory 20 years ago?

Combining poetry and painting in dance is Lady Yu's signature style.

If that's the case,

isn't this stealing?

So, Lady Yan is no "Silk-Washing Beauty".

She's more like "a blind imitation".

Ladies and gentlemen.

Here, Songstress Yan Fenfen creates

a poem and painting through her dance.

Wealthy patrons, please place your bids.

I'll start with ten cash.

Ten cash?

Ten cash?

Lady Yan's dance skills and artwork

are exactly as they say, "a blind imitation".

They're worth exactly ten cash.

Nonsense!

Songstress Yan Fenfen donates ten cash!

Bai Niao indeed has some talent.

Ten cash?

A songstress worth only ten cash!

Pardon me, Lady Yan.

It's not that I refuse to sell,

but Lady Bai has already laid claim to this piece,

and declared it

to be reserved.

It's only reserved,

not yet purchased.

I have cash,

and can pay in full.

Well...

Hongzhu.

Sir, please accept this.

Lady Yan, you're mastery in poetry, painting, and dance.

Once you put on this red gown,

you're sure to win the top beauty title at the Qionghua Festival!

Poetry,

painting,

and dance.

Lady Bai, it's your turn.

Next, let's welcome Songstress Lady Bai!

Lady Bai truly stands out!

- Wonderful! - Amazing!

- Lady Bai is breathtaking! - Awesome!

Beautiful!

Beautiful!

Truly magnificent!

Duanwu, Lady Huan!

Lady Bai descends from above, playing the pipa.

I've never seen anything like it before!

And she's playing so fast,

so brilliantly...

Lady Bai,

if you wore these mother-of-pearl press-on nails to play the pipa,

you'd surely shine at the festival.

What's wrong?

She got injured, perhaps?

If her nails hadn't broken,

she might have finished the piece

and become the top beauty.

Indeed.

Such a pity.

Yeah.

How did this happen?

Is this Duanwu's trick?

She brought this upon herself.

It happened so suddenly.

I'm afraid she may not finish this pipa piece.

Quite a disappointment for everyone.

Such a shame.

Just her costume alone

is worth a small fortune.

So, let's start the bidding at 500,000 mace.

Gentlemen, please place your bids.

Esteemed guild directors,

who's interested in buying this attire?

This is a rare chance.

Place your bids now.

Zheng Wu

certainly enjoys stirring up excitement.

It's not just about jewels in this charity auction,

it's also a showcase of talent.

After all, we're not here just to shop.

Such a pity she couldn't finish that pipa piece.

Kang Ju.

Two million mace!

Two million mace!

Anyone with a higher bid?

Songstress Bai Niao donates two million mace!

Bravo!

Next up, we have Songstress Xue Liniang!

Isn't that the long-lost Xiangji Dance?

Pity it's performed without music.

It's lacking a bit of flair.

Indeed.

Isn't that Lady Huan?

Lady Huan?

Songstress Xue Liniang's Xiangji Dance,

accompanied by Lady Huan's pipa,

who could possibly compare?

Absolutely!

Simply marvelous!

- Well done! - Splendid!

Excellent!

- Amazing! - Outstanding!

Truly exquisite!

Lady Xue,

did those dance shoes fit comfortably?

Thank you.

Much appreciated.

Lady Xue, why not try on this pair?

These are?

Jing shoes.

Paired with your dancing skills,

they're sure to dazzle.

And how is this different from Bai Niao?

Lady Bai's intent was to hinder others,

while we are merely protecting ourselves.

What do you mean by that?

I've already lost?

If you're willing

to perform with Lady Huan,

it'd be hard to tell who's first in Yangzhou.

Me, second on the Qionghua list,

support a fading songstress?

One plays, the other dances.

Who is supporting whom?

These Jing shoes have silver bells.

I would add some jewels

to match your dance,

creating an utterly dazzling effect.

It'll be truly unmatched.

Lady Xue, wouldn't you like to give it a try?

You've invested in Lady Huan.

Why are you so attentive toward me?

My shop Clear Mind will open in Yangzhou.

Naturally, I welcome all esteemed guests,

bringing prosperity to all.

Just like you, already one of the best.

Clear Mind is new here.

Helping you benefits me,

and provides you more security.

Su Muzhe!

How dare you plot against me?

Plot?

When I showed you these mother-of-pearl press-on nails earlier,

it was only to display

the craftsmanship of their carvings.

Had you accepted my offer,

I would have gifted you

the finest mother-of-pearl pipa.

But you used

my unfinished press-on nails.

They're made from bamboo.

It's naturally thin by nature.

Pairing it with such intense music,

of course, it would break.

Blame yourself

if you must blame someone.

You...

My lady!

You... you dare strike me?

You!

Why wouldn't I dare?

You resorted to stealing,

utterly disgraceful.

Lady Bai,

act with restraint

at the Qionghua Festival.

Duanwu!

Lady Huan is up next. Hurry and come!

Coming!

My lady, let me see.

What shall we do about this?

Wonderful!

- Well done! - Bravo!

Absolutely beautiful!

Magnificent!

Truly exquisite!

Superb!

Amazing!

- Truly excellent! - Awesome!

Well done!

Absolutely marvelous!

I, humble and modest in appearance,

can offer only my dance to bring you joy.

I'm pleased to donate the Qibao necklace

for the peace and prosperity of Yangzhou!

Well said!

In my view,

this Qibao necklace

must come from your Jubao House.

Indeed.

Songstress Xue Liniang donates the Qibao necklace.

The starting bid is two million mace.

The Qibao necklace is exquisite,

but Xue Liniang herself isn't particularly remarkable.

Lady Huan's pipa performance still outshines hers.

Exactly.

Who could possibly say for sure?

Each has their own merits.

No need to judge her.

I'll bid 2,200,000 mace!

You're too kind.

I'll bid three million!

I'll bid 3,500,000 mace!

Four million mace!

Four million?

It keeps rising higher!

Any bids over four million mace?

Alright.

Songstress Xue Liniang donates four million mace.

She now holds the top bid.

Well done!

Quite impressive!

- Bravo! - Bravo!

Now we have Songstress Lady Huan.

The tune is "Seven Steps, Seven Kills" composed by my own hand.

The pipa is the mother-of-pearl pipa from Su's Clear Mind.

This pipa has a foundation of purple sandalwood,

inlaid with 36,000 mother-of-pearl pieces.

Such exquisite craftsmanship is the pinnacle of artistry.

Tonight, I donate this pipa,

wishing for the flourishing of art

and peace under heaven.

What a treasure, truly worth passing down!

Lady Huan donates the pipa.

The starting bid is four million mace!

Who could afford such a sum?

Four million...

I'll bid 4,200,000 mace!

I'll bid five million!

Five million?

Five million...

I'll bid six million!

Six million!

Six million?

Any bids higher than six million?

It appears

Lady Huan's pipa has no equal.

She truly deserves the title of top beauty!

Well-deserved!

Bravo!

My heartfelt thanks to you all.

Today, I've claimed the top beauty title.

It's unrelated to the Huan family or anyone else.

The Huan family deceived me, stole my dowry,

then a heartless man took advantage of my innocence.

But how fortunate I am

to have a friend who helped me wholeheartedly.

She's Su Muzhe from Clear Mind.

- Clear Mind? - Su Muzhe?

I've never heard of it before.

Today, I would like to inform you all:

Lady Huan is retiring from the stage,

never to perform again.

Such a pity!

Indeed, such a great loss!

Farewell!

See you at Clear Mind!

Clear Mind...

I'll certainly visit one day.

Duanwu, this is wonderful!

Lady Huan has won!

She also spoke her heart out.

Lady Huan has retired.

She has brought fame to our shop Clear Mind.

We...

can finally open our shop.

Wonderful! We can finally open!

What?

Still want to kill me?

You're not worth it.

Ms. Su,

congratulations.

With all your scheming

backing up Lady Huan,

were you only aiming to be a merchant?

If that was your goal,

you've achieved it.

Today, I waited here for you

just to tell you this:

I've made up my mind

to settle down in Yangzhou.

But right now,

you don't have the ability to go against me.

But today, I won.

I trust you know

what I'll be doing next.

And you should also know

that I won't give up easily.

If you keep getting in my way,

don't blame me for not giving you a chance.

Although you won today,

you know

that with my resources,

I can afford to lose countless times

and keep going.

But you

just one loss

would be your end.

I'm already beyond redemption.

Then do as you please, Ms. Su.

- Let's have some more drinks! - Sure!

Here!

Cheers!

Try this.

Here!

Cheers!

To us

and Clear Mind!

These hands truly are worth a fortune.

Thank you, Lady Xue.

Yes, indeed.

- Let's add a little more. - Yunxiu here will be

our future Master Artisan of Clear Mind.

Master Artisan?

What is a Master Artisan?

A Master Artisan is one who oversees all drawings and craftsmanship.

Everyone

will respectfully call you Master Artisan.

Master Artisan?

Duanwu, can I really do it?

Yunxiu,

you are

the most talented Master Artisan I've ever known.

Master Artisan!

Come on, Master Artisan!

A toast to our Master Artisan!

Lady Huan.

I never expected you to retire like this.

Such courage is truly admirable.

Here!

Yingtao, eat up.

Thank you, Yunxiu.

People like us,

no matter how charming we seem,

are ultimately just playthings of the wealthy.

When favored, we're praised to the skies.

When not, we're trampled into the mud.

All these years,

we've kept smiling, welcoming and bidding farewell,

seeming prosperous on the surface,

but in reality, we're all alone.

Muzhe,

say a few words?

Would you all like a fallback option for the future?

I plan to open Clear Mind with Lady Huan,

as you all know by now.

Part of the capital

comes from Lady Huan,

and the rest from Mr. Zheng.

I'm willing to give each of you a share in Clear Mind.

All you need to do is invest.

Each year, you'll receive dividends.

That will give you a sense of security.

How about it?

What do you think?

Really?

Of course it's true.

But

such a good deal doesn't come so easily.

In return, I'll need you all to promote Clear Mind.

Thank you!

With Ms. Su's Clear Mind in place,

we will finally have something to rely on.

- Wonderful! - Just wonderful!

- Amazing! - Truly wonderful!

How wonderful.

- Come on! - Come on!

Let's toast to Clear Mind!

Let's toast to our Clear Mind!

Clear Mind!

Cheers!

- Cheers! - Here, cheers!

Sit down and eat, Miss.

My lady,

may I work at Clear Mind?

Is it because I scolded you and hurt your feelings?

No, my lady.

If not for you,

I would have starved long ago.

But I'm not suited for this.

I'm no good at pipa or dance.

I'd only be a burden to you.

Have you thought it through?

Then go ahead.

Ms. Su,

is there a need for help at Clear Mind?

Of course, we need more hands.

Then, could Yingtao

go with you?

I don't know if Clear Mind will succeed or fail,

yet you'd still follow me?

Good or bad,

I'm willing to try.

Then come to Clear Mind.

Thank you, Ms. Su!

Thank you, Lady Huan!

Come on, let's drink!

My lady...

- Let's drink! - Let's drink!

Come on!

Come quickly!

Let's drink!

Cheers!

These...?

These are all Black Dragon Bandits' loots.

Could it be they fled south

after Hexi's crackdown?

These people act as desert bandits

and also as water pirates.

No wonder they look suspicious.

This ship is heading for Yangzhou,

so there must be someone fencing their loot.

So, we've boarded a pirate's ship by chance.

By chance,

or is someone using my name

to slip through undetected?

Who knows?

Shall we seize them all in one go?

For now, hold our positions,

and see who they're meeting.

To help Lady Huan win the top beauty title,

you really do have some skill.

Sign this contract before you.

Once Clear Mind opens,

I'll grant you a position as a steward.

"Su Muzhe willingly sells herself as a servant

to Zheng Zhiheng in Yangzhou."

You're courting death!

Garuda,

get out.

I said

I would manage your assets.

When did I ever agree to be a servant?

Then tell me, what do you want?

Lady Huan has signed the partnership agreement with Clear Mind.

Other songstresses are also willing to invest in Clear Mind.

Now it's not me asking you to join Clear Mind.

Clear Mind doesn't lack investors.

It's you, Mr. Zheng,

who lacks someone truly capable of managing

and growing your assets.

Isn't that?

A retired top beauty,

and a group of nameless songstresses...

You're all taking yourselves too seriously.

If you were the only son of the Zheng family,

it might be impossible.

But alas,

you have an older brother.

Su Muzhe,

are you out of your mind today?

Calm down, sir.

Hear me out.

Right now, the income from Jubao House

only barely covers the Zheng family's expenses.

No matter how wealthy you are,

it's all from Master Zheng's hand.

Once Clear Mind opens,

if it succeeds,

would you still depend

on Master Zheng's small handouts?

Lady Yu's position in the Zheng family will also be much more secure.

Aside from Clear Mind,

what better option do you have?

None.

Forty percent shares,

five million mace,

annual dividends.

It may be more,

or less.

Since you have

the discerning eye to recognize a top beauty,

why don't we

make a longer-term deal?

What do you say?

Tell me where you plan to open the shop first.

Clear Mind rose to fame at the Qionghua Festival

thanks to Lady Huan's performance.

If it's to open,

it should be at the most prominent location.

Very well.

I'll give you a chance.

Where will it be?

A place you'd never expect.

Good.

From Hepu to Guangzhou,

then from Guangzhou to the Great Desert,

time has flown by,

and it feels everything has changed.

Now I go by the name Su Muzhe,

after many twists and turns, I've come to Yangzhou,

and finally established my own shop Clear Mind.

In this chaotic world,

I now have a small place to call home.

Dear Wu, we parted hastily in Guangzhou,

but not for a moment did I forget our bond.

I still remember our ambitious words from those days.

How we listened to the Hu flute and watched wealth pour in,

gazed across the river at the dashing young men of Qujiang.

Awaiting the day

when we would share wealth and fortune,

to fulfill the promise we made back then.

Clear Mind in Yangzhou, Su Muzhe.

Lady Feng.

Lady Feng.

How much is this piece of jewelry?

This one's 2,600 mace.

But for a loyal customer like you,

let's make it two thousand.

I'll take it.

Alright.

What's got you so cheerful?

Did some young gentleman write you a letter?

What young gentleman?

It's my dear friend.

She's opened a shop in Yangzhou.

Look, all the jewelry on my counter,

including this piece of yours,

they're all designed by her.

Yangzhou?

That's a wonderful place.

Absolutely.

One day, our branch of Zhuobao House

will open in Yangzhou as well.

Then, the two of us will dominate

the jewelry industry in Yangzhou.

And we can choose any gentleman we like.

Then congratulations to Lady Feng in advance.

Take care.

Congratulations,

Su Muzhe.

All hardships will pass,

may you move forward with all your heart

with no mountains or seas to hold you back.

- Duanwu! - Shrimp!

Why are you still sleeping in today?

Duanwu, you're amazing!

Duanwu, you really wore red!

When have I ever lied to you?

Does it look nice?

Duanwu, you look stunning!

Where's Loud?

I'm here!

Coming!

Why are you still so late today?

Is it heavy?

No worries.

Where did Cao Da go?

Cao Da's over there, slacking off.

He's munching on chicken feet!

Just because I stepped away, you blame me?

It's opening day.

At least hide the chicken feet for now, will you?

Sure. Leader, it's almost opening time.

How about a little raise?

All you think about is money.

Earn it first before you spend it!

I'm just saying it in advance.

I didn't say I need it now.

Duanwu, don't give him money.

Later, you need to buy me some candied hawthorn.

That's your plan?

You silly.

When I have money, I'll buy you candied hawthorn myself.

Make sense?

Fine, I'll raise it.

Alright. thanks, Leader.

Where's the Accountant Wei?

Look.

She's bringing back firecrackers.

Duanwu, what's wrong?

Let me look at you one more time.

Go on.

♪The road ahead, wind and sands accompany♪

♪Looking back, joy and sorrow remain♪

♪Breaking free from the deep dark♪

♪Pearls of tears swirl with fate♪

♪Struggling through trials♪

♪This resilience will be forged into a song♪

[Clear Mind]

Friends and honored guests,

Clear Mind opens today!

Come in and take a look!

What does Clear Mind sell?

Our specialty at Clear Mind is mother-of-pearl jewelry.

We also carry a full range of gold, silver, and gems.

What is mother-of-pearl jewelry?

It's crafted from polished shells and mother-of-pearl,

and looks stunning under light.

Lady Huan's mother-of-pearl pipa at the Qionghua Festival

was from Clear Mind.

That's right.

The pipa Lady Huan played at Qionghua Festival

was recognized as a treasure by Mr. Xu.

In all of Yangzhou,

only Clear Mind carries mother-of-pearl jewelry.

Come on in and take a look!

Mother-of-pearl jewelry...

Is it expensive?

Our prices are very reasonable.

- The first ten pieces are just one cash each. - Let's go!

Limit one piece per person.

After the first ten, it's one hundred cash each.

- Grab yours while you can! -One cash each

Hurry and take a look inside.

- Come on in! - Alright.

A full selection of jewelry awaits!

Miss, come inside and have a look!

Come on, step inside and take a look!

Miss, welcome inside!

Miss, come shop with us!

Sir,

come in and have a look.

First ten pieces are only one cash each!

Welcome, everyone!

Come on, step in and have a look.

Welcome, everyone!

Look at this,

- these earrings - Are they wearable?

- are also inlaid with mother-of-pearl, - Look at this one.

- but they have a hint of green. - Take a look.

It complements the skin beautifully.

This is lovely.

We have a pair here.

Want to try them on?

This style is quite nice.

Do you have any others?

How about this one?

Yingtao, take care of them.

Alright.

Congratulations!

I thought you weren't coming.

It's been a while.

Wishing you a prosperous opening!

Our Clear Mind wouldn't be here today

without the help of you all.

We'll take a look around first.

Take your time. Let me know if anything catches your eye.

Alright.

What is it? Something caught your eye?

More than just caught my eye.

I'm overwhelmed with choices.

I've already told Yingtao,

anything you fancy today

will be a gift for you.

Really?

When have I lied to you?

Yingtao!

My lady is here!

I'll go over in a bit.

Is Yingtao helpful here?

Extremely helpful.

She's clever and hardworking.

I know you gave her up reluctantly,

letting such a good girl come to me.

Indeed.

Yingtao has been with me for years,

it was hard to part with her.

But she's happy here with you,

so I suppose I made the right choice.

It's your big opening day.

Where's Lady Huan?

Can't you guess?

Lady Huan's always been quiet and refined,

not one for large crowds.

With so many people here today,

she'd feel out of place.

But on such an important day,

she should come by to see me.

Ms. Su,

this is a gift from Lady Huan for your opening.

She won't be coming in.

Thank you.

Please tell Lady Huan

that it's windy today, and she should head back early.

Thank you, Ms. Su.

I'll go and put it away first.

Alright.

This bracelet...

If you like it, think it over.

But if I'm buying it,

I'll have to get the whole set.

It looks best as a set.

See...

A single bracelet doesn't stand out,

but a full set is truly stunning.

Agreed.

Su Muzhe has quite the eye for things.

I'll take it.

Wait!

I want the whole set.

That won't do.

When I spot a piece of jewelry I like,

I've got to act fast.

If someone else takes it first,

I'll regret it in the middle of the night.

Exactly.

Lady Xue is absolutely right.

Hand it over!

I haven't worn it long enough.

Yingtao!

There are so many pieces in the store

for you to try on.

Let this set go, won't you?

Yes.

Give it to me. Come on.

- Time to pay. - Okay

Why won't Master Yan see me?

My hand is like this,

and he won't even hear me out.

Lady Bai, you're a smart one.

Tell me,

does someone with no use

deserve to see Master?

Go home and tend to your injury.

Don't set foot in our Zhenlang Pavilion again.

Otherwise,

your other hand will be broken too.

Lady Bai, let's head back.

You really can't wait to admire it.

It's so beautiful.

Indeed.

Xue.

♪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♪