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 25]

Hurry up!

Keep a close watch on this shipment.

Yes, sir.

Huan.

Huan.

Huan.

Huan.

I've already retired now.

I don't wish to be disturbed anymore.

Please go back, Mr. Zheng Si.

Huan,

why are you treating me this way?

Have you forgotten how deeply I feel for you?

Have you forgotten all these years we spent together?

Don't you trust me anymore?

I don't trust you.

Whatever you say, I won't believe it.

Go back.

Huan.

Look,

I had no other choice.

Zheng Wu

reported me.

My father beat me harshly.

I had no choice, Huan.

I agreed to it,

only then did my father let me out.

I had no other way to see you.

You must believe me, Huan.

What about the letter?

What was that letter about?

I was forced.

My father found out our relationship.

He...

forced me to write it.

If I didn't comply,

he would've locked me up.

During those days he kept me locked away,

I thought about you day and night, Huan.

You must believe me, Huan.

You must believe me.

Huan, please believe me.

My father...

he's forcing me to marry a noble's legitimate daughter.

I swore I'd never obey.

I...

I, Zheng Si,

will openly and honorably bring you into the Zheng family.

You're the only one I want in this lifetime, Huan.

I want to take you far away.

I want the whole world to know

that you are my wife.

Huan,

I'm afraid I can't believe you anymore.

Is everything you say

really true?

Of course it's true.

Huan, you must trust me.

Huan,

I have even better news for you.

My mother has accepted you.

You know,

after the Cui family fell,

life hasn't been easy for her in the Zheng family.

She still has some dowry left to sell off

to raise some cash.

She mainly wants to leave us a way out.

My mother also said,

the price isn't important,

just don't let the Zheng family find out.

Huan, could you maybe

ask some of the songstresses around you?

I can look into it,

but I need to see those jewels first

before I make a decision.

Alright.

I will listen to only you in this life.

Huan...

The Zheng family?

Yes.

I followed the family servants to the Zheng estate

and met the man they called Steward Zheng.

On your journey to Yangzhou,

you carry a heavy duty.

If you have an urgent need,

you can seek aid from the Zheng family.

They've managed the Yangzhou Jewelry Guild for years.

They're a model of generosity and integrity among merchants.

From smuggling stolen goods on official ships to the Black Dragon Bandits,

the Zheng family

and Xu Nanying...

Prince Ying,

are you truly involved in this?

Go to Zhe Chong Fu overnight to request reinforcements.

Tomorrow, we'll enter Yangzhou.

And this one?

What does it mean?

This is...

♪Longing for distant shores♪

♪Aware this moment may tear my heart apart...♪

Keep your elbow level.

Pull it back.

Good.

♪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♪

♪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♪

♪No blame for the stumbling path, only that our time has run out♪

♪Looking back, the years are already gone♪

♪I'd face endless trials without return♪

♪If only I could keep you safe♪

♪Between life and death, I raise a lone sail across vast waters♪

♪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...♪

Tell me,

how long do I have left to live?

[Clear Mind] Today, I'll visit two more families.

Yes. Ms. Su,

today's gifts are two more than yesterday.

Alright.

Duanwu,

I'm waiting for good news from you.

Be careful, Ms. Su.

Alright.

Off you go.

I still have some stock in Zhenlang Pavilion.

You're welcome to use it for now.

Since when has Mr. Yan become so generous?

Partnering with the Zheng family

is like trying to get blood from a stone.

If this fails,

you'll have no place left in Yangzhou.

Do you want me to stay in Yangzhou

or not?

I don't understand what you want anymore.

And I won't bother guessing.

Thank you for your kindness.

Where are you taking me?

Right here.

It's right here?

Yes.

Mr. Si.

Well done.

Huan, it's alright.

How could there be so much jewelry?

After all, my mother is a legitimate daughter of the Cui family.

It's natural her dowry was generous.

These pieces are fine enough,

but...

But what?

In big families' marriages,

dowries are always in matching pairs.

Why is Lady Cui's dowry collection

so mismatched?

Cui and Zheng families were allied,

but my mother was a second wife.

Whatever the Cui family gave, she wore.

How could she dare to choose?

Huan,

I heard Su Muzhe is buying old jewelry.

There's a notice posted at Clear Mind.

You might as well call her here.

Let's not.

Don't I know how much money she has?

She's used to getting something for nothing.

We shouldn't let her have it cheap.

With so many fine jewels here,

if we lower the price just a little,

people will be eager to buy.

You're absolutely right.

Keep an eye on things.

I'll head out for some matters and be back soon.

It's blood!

Mr. Si,

how long will it take to sell all this?

We can't afford any delays.

The longer it takes, the greater the risk.

I'll find a way

to lure someone from Clear Mind.

The jewelry guild joins forces to suppress Clear Mind.

Why would you feed her?

Do you not know

who's backing Clear Mind?

Mr. Si, are you targeting Mr. Wu...

Steward Zheng,

after handling these matters for my father all these years,

aren't you afraid?

There always needs to be someone to blame.

Figure out a way to get the word to Clear Mind.

What's wrong?

Do you like it?

If you like it, then wear it.

Here.

Does it look good?

It looks beautiful.

Anything you wear is beautiful.

Then I'll look around some more.

Yunxiu, take a break.

We haven't had many customers these days.

Why keep wiping everything over and over?

Without new stock in our store,

it's hard to attract people.

We're not closing down, are we?

I feel like my life is just starting to look up.

What do we do?

Stop it!

Alright.

Stop saying such unlucky things.

I believe in Duanwu.

She's been through so much hardship.

We'll find a way.

Yes,

I was just complaining.

Lady Shiqi!

Shou!

You came by yourself?

Where's your leader?

He went to help my father move.

He's really such a good guy.

I'm here

because my leader has a message to you.

He said there's a family by the Riverside Alley selling jewelry.

They want you to take a look.

Really?

Here's the map he drew.

[Map]

Look,

here's our opportunity.

Didn't we say

to leave such tasks to the servants?

What if you tire yourself out?

You keep saying that,

but I'm locked up here every day

with someone following my every move.

If I don't find something to do,

I'd be bored to death.

It's only for your safety.

Don't go wandering around for now.

But with so much inventory,

how long will it take to sell it all?

I'm going crazy.

It won't take long.

The big customer is coming.

Apologies, Master.

I heard there's jewelry for sale here,

so I came to take a look.

Where are you from?

I'm from Clear Mind.

From Clear Mind? Please, come in.

You keep explaining nothing.

I don't care, I'm going out for a stroll.

Tell your people not to follow me.

Shiqi!

Miss, Here.

Feel free to look around.

This is Hetian jade?

Yes.

Yes.

Such carving patterns are rare in Yangzhou.

Don't shout.

Don't shout.

These as well.

Here, take a look.

How is there so much jewelry from the Western Regions?

Don't worry about whether it's from the Western Regions or the Tang Empire.

It's cheap, anyway.

Didn't I say not to involve Clear Mind?

Why shouldn't I?

Because these things have a questionable origin!

Huan,

let's not spell it out.

Just help me dispose of these things quickly,

and I'll take you far away.

You're deceiving me into fencing stolen goods for you?

What do you take me for?

What do I take you for?

I should be asking you that.

Why did you accept Zheng Wu's support for the top beauty title

and even invest in Clear Mind?

You know full well that this illegitimate son

is always competing with me for the family assets.

I invested in Clear Mind because of Su Muzhe.

It has nothing to do with Zheng Wu.

Let Lady Shiqi go.

No.

You won't do it, right?

Fine, I will.

Huan!

Miss.

That's our manager.

Seems like he's upset again.

Here, look at this.

There's more here.

Miss, did you bring money?

I didn't bring money today,

but I can sign a contract.

You actually planned

to smuggle jewelry out through a food container?

Why?

Huan.

I'm sorry...

I'm sorry...

Why?

Why did you hide them?

Why did you lie to me?

Enough. Stop acting!

I'm going to report you.

Report!

Is that Lady Huan?

I trusted you again and again,

but what are you doing?

What are you making me do for you?

I did all of this for you.

I wanted to marry you into the Zheng family quickly.

Marry me?

How many times have you said that over the years?

Ask yourself honestly.

Do you even believe yourself?

From now on,

I won't believe you anymore.

I can't stand watching you do these dirty deeds.

I'm going to report you!

Huan.

Huan.

Do you think I don't want to marry you?

What...

What choice do I have?

You know full well

this is a deal we both agreed upon.

You're the one living in a dream.

Speak up,

where did you hide the items?

How much did you hide?

If you tell me,

I'll spare your life.

Huan...

Huan...

Huan...

What happened?

Quickly, move the goods.

Clean up the place. Hurry!

Yes!

Get up, come with me.

Come on, get up!

Don't stay there. Come with me!

Move! Hurry!

Yingtao.

Shiqi.

Ms. Su, you're back!

Have all the gifts been delivered?

Finally, some good news today.

We're not shut up anymore.

That's great.

Ms. Su,

did you see Yunxiu

when you passed by Riverside Alley?

Gaoshou said there were people selling old jewelry there,

so Yunxiu went to take a look.

That's good news,

but I didn't see Yunxiu.

How long has she been gone?

Half a day.

She's been gone half a day?

I need to go look for her.

When I'm not around,

Yunxiu never leaves the shop for this long.

Hey...

How did it go?

The Zheng family received a shipment from the west.

It's been hidden in a residential house.

Lady Huan is selling that batch now.

Zhang Jinran arrived in Yangzhou this morning

and visited Zhe Chong Fu.

Seems like he's mobilizing troops.

Lady Huan...

What about Duanwu?

I don't know.

Are you worried Duanwu might...

go buy that jewelry?

If she buys that jewelry,

she'll be dealing in stolen goods.

We must find her immediately.

Is this the place, Gaoshou?

Yes, this is it.

Anyone here?

Yunxiu!

Yunxiu!

No one's here?

Could they have already left?

Don't worry, Ms. Su.

I'll go in and check.

How will you get in?

Don't worry.

Gaoshou!

Yunxiu!

Yunxiu!

Yunxiu!

Ms. Su, don't worry.

She's just unconscious.

It's alright. Don't worry.

Yunxiu...

Shiqi. Yunxiu. Wake up!

Ms. Su,

there's another lady lying over there.

Yunxiu...

Yunxiu...

Ms. Su,

come and look.

She doesn't seem to be breathing.

Go take a look.

Hurry, take a look.

Lady Huan...

Lady Huan...

Lady Huan...

Wake up, Lady Huan...

Gaoshou, quickly, call for help!

But...

she... she's not breathing.

Ms. Su...

Lady Huan...

Seal off this courtyard.

Search!

Yes, sir!

Huan...

We have to go!

Ms. Su, we really have to go!

The guards are here. Ms. Su, let's go!

Search!

We have to leave now, Ms. Su.

It's just the two of us left alive here.

If we don't leave,

we couldn't clear our names!

Let's go!

Quickly, let's go!

Inspector Zhang, we found a woman's corpse.

Sir, looks like they escaped through the window.

It's not Duanwu.

Take it away.

Yes.

Send out everyone. Duanwu must be found.

Understood.

What's going on?

Are you close with that lady?

Listen,

put Yunxiu down now,

and just leave.

This has nothing to do with you.

No way.

I can't leave.

Lady Shiqi went there to buy jewelry

because of me.

I have to handle this!

This is no trivial matter.

Someone has already died.

I still can't leave!

I can't just abandon the two of you ladies here.

This isn't something I can ignore!

Inspector Zhang, what an honor!

Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner.

No need for formalities, Mr. Zheng.

Please, this way.

Before I came to Yangzhou,

Prince Ying kept mentioning you.

He said the Zheng family of Yangzhou

is a model of generosity

and integrity among merchants.

Prince Ying truly flatters us.

The Zheng family hardly deserves such praise.

Inspector Zhang, your visit is sudden.

May I ask what brings you here?

If there's anything you need,

please say the word.

The entire Zheng family is at your service.

Well, Mr. Zheng,

I do indeed have a matter today.

Please go ahead.

Take a look at this.

Earlier today, at a residence in Yangzhou,

Lady Huan, the top beauty of the Qionghua Festival, was found dead.

Lady Huan is dead?

This was found in her hand.

So, I thought,

perhaps you could provide some insight.

After all, not just any family

could afford such material.

Inspector Zhang, based on just this sleeve,

I see no particular clues.

Of course.

But I asked the tailor,

and he said that Zheng Wu

specifically chose this material

for the edges of his sleeves.

Did the tailor say

that only my son Zheng Wu used this material?

Not exactly.

However, the lead is there.

I'm newly appointed, and it's my duty to investigate.

I have to look into it.

I hope you understand.

It's only right to cooperate.

Then, forgive me for any offense.

Search!

Master Zheng,

may I ask where your son Zheng Wu is now?

Zheng Wu, he... he should be...

Where were you?

Reporting to Father,

feeling bored and alone,

so I went to the lakeside pavilion for a few drinks.

Were you... alone?

Master, I was with Mr. Wu.

Wu, if there was indeed someone else present,

you should say so now.

Today, Inspector Zhang is here

investigating a murder case.

Murder?

I was simply drinking with Garuda.

How could this have anything to do with a murder?

Zheng Wu, look closely at this garment.

Do you recognize it?

Responding to Inspector Zhang,

I have dozens of pieces,

worn or unworn.

I give away quite a few as well.

This one...

I don't remember it.

It was found at the crime scene,

and it was found in your trunk.

Do you dare say you don't recognize it?

I...

Inspector Zhang, Father,

maybe some thief secretly wore it.

How could Zheng Wu be a murderer?

So, you mean to say someone is framing him?

Maybe it's a misunderstanding.

But given the severity,

Master Zheng, since the Zheng family is implicated,

I still need an explanation.

Master!

Master!

Master!

Master, bad news!

Two of the elders are causing an uproar in the ancestral hall.

Seems to be about Mr. Wu committing murder.

This matter hasn't been resolved yet.

What are they trying to do?

Father,

perhaps the elders

have been misled by outside rumors.

The Zhe Chong Fu handles cases

without leaking a trace of information.

Yes.

Master Zheng,

I shouldn't interfere in your family matters,

but since the two elders are here over this case,

might I visit the ancestral hall?

The ancestral hall is sacred ground.

Outsiders typically aren't allowed.

But as the Inspector of Huainandao,

you're both an esteemed official and honored guest.

This case is significant,

and it concerns the Zheng family.

Please, help us uphold justice.

Much obliged, Master Zheng.

After you.

Here they come.

The Zheng family has maintained its good name for centuries.

We can't let it be ruined by an unfilial son!

Brother, lower your voice.

This is hardly a point of pride.

This scoundrel,

who else could it be?

We don't know the full story yet,

and here you are making a scene in the ancestral hall.

Are you trying to give Inspector Zhang a show?

Inspector Zhang.

No need for such formality, elders.

Eldest Brother,

the inspector is here.

If Zheng Wu is convicted,

what will people think the Zheng family,

the head of Yangzhou's Jewel Guild?

Second Uncle, please calm down.

Inspector Zhang is here.

Until we get to the bottom of this,

let's not speak recklessly.

For my father's sake,

please, you and Third Uncle, return for now.

Elders, please stay.

I'm puzzled by one thing.

Why did you arrive

right after Inspector Zhang?

Have you planted informants

in the government?

You...

How dare you slander your elders!

Zheng Wu wouldn't commit murder!

- Master. - Mom.

You can't let outsiders falsely accuse our son!

A mere concubine,

how dare you trespass in the ancestral hall

and call the family elders "outsiders"?

Such insolence!

Guards, drag her out!

Don't touch me!

I'm a rightful concubine!

Your Cui family committed fraud with tribute pearls.

Now that your family has fallen,

can you claim to be spotless?

You... such insolence!

Drag her out, now!

- Master... - Don't listen to her nonsense!

Enough, all of you!

Inspector Zhang is still here.

Do you realize how disgraceful you're acting?

Zheng Wu...

I believe you didn't commit murder.

But do you dare swear it before our ancestors?

Why wouldn't I?

By the honor of my ancestors,

Zheng Family's Zheng Wu...

Eldest Brother!

- The ancestors are angry! - By the ancestors...

The ancestors are angry!

The ancestors are expelling this illegitimate son!

Yes, indeed!

What should we do?

Eldest Brother,

make a decision!

This is a grave matter!

What should we do?

Quickly,

fetch the other elders!

Okay.

Ancestors, calm your rage!

Master Zheng, this is of utmost importance.

Since the Zheng family is all gathered here,

seal the doors.

I'll question each person, one by one.

Master, Mr. Xu from the Grand Governor's Office is here!

Jinran,

you've come to Yangzhou,

why didn't you inform me beforehand

so I could come greet you?

You see, I had to search high and low.

Something came up along the way,

so I've been in Yangzhou for two days.

This is the ancestral hall of the Zheng family, right?

Let's talk elsewhere.

♪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♪