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 27]

Inspector Zhang.

I'm in this look again.

Apologies for the trouble, Inspector Zhang.

You used yourself as bait to lure out Zheng Zhixing.

It was too risky.

I know it was risky,

but Zheng Zhixing left no evidence.

To clear Lady Huan's name,

this is the only way to break the case.

There's no other way.

But your current evidence

is just Zheng Zhixing's own confession.

He could still say you forced him.

At least this will bring him to justice.

I trust you, Inspector Zhang.

Rest assured,

I will do everything I can to protect you

and bring you justice.

Inspector Zhang,

this isn't about my justice.

It's about justice for Lady Huan.

She's suffered too much in life,

betrayed by her lover.

Even after her death,

she's still accused of trafficking stolen goods.

This is not justice.

I'll gather evidence soon

and start the trial.

Take care of yourself.

Inspector Zhang,

could you hold a public trial?

Mr. Xu, please help me!

I was deceived...

I never imagined

that you'd be locked in such a tiny cell.

No one's troubling you, right?

It's all your fault.

You betrayed the family,

conspiring with that wretch Su Muzhe to harm me!

Si,

watch what you say.

These days, if I'm not at the Governor's office,

I'm wandering between the old house and the villa,

nowhere else.

Oh, you're saying

the news I passed to you?

It's all nonsense from Garuda,

completely mistaken.

Si, don't worry.

I'll give him a proper scolding!

You...

Seeing you in good spirits,

I can leave with peace of mind.

Si, don't worry.

The family is doing everything to get you out.

Is there anything you'd like me to tell Father?

I've given everything I have,

risking severe punishment.

Father won't abandon me.

Zheng Wu, you're overthinking this.

Si, don't worry.

I'll pass on

exactly what you said to Father.

Here's all your favorite dishes,

still hot.

I am the legitimate son,

the true heir of the Zheng family!

Mr. Xu,

is there really no other way?

He's nothing but a worthless fool,

easily provoked by Su Muzhe

and spilling the truth right away.

That disgrace...

Master, Lady Shijiu of the Cui family seeks an audience.

I won't see her!

Let her in.

Understood.

Greetings to you both.

Master Shijiu, you always favored men's attire,

but you have a unique charm

in women's clothing

Are you thinking of becoming Lady Shijiu again?

Mr. Xu, you jest.

Whether I'm dressed as a man or a woman,

it's all for others to see.

I have only one true identity,

Cui Shijiu.

Cui Shijiu, why have you come to see me?

I've come here today

first, to issue a warning

and second, to offer advice.

Speak.

In Lady Huan's case,

the mastermind behind it all is Yan Zijing.

I'm sure I don't need to remind you both of this.

However, Mr. Xu,

you only know

how Yan Zijing stirred up chaos in Guangzhou.

What you don't know is, back in Wuling,

he played the weak in front of Master Eight,

but uprooted everyone behind the scenes,

all to expose Master Eight's secret dealings

with the Black Dragon Bandits.

So what?

What befell the Cui family long ago

is now about to happen to the Zheng family.

Nonsense!

Whether it's nonsense, you both know in your hearts.

I'll say no more.

But given the current situation,

with both Lady Huan's case and the smuggling scandal,

someone will have to take all the blame

and sever every link.

Only then will they let go.

Cui Shijiu,

did Zheng Wu instruct you to say this?

Zheng Wu doesn't know I'm here.

I'm offering this advice solely based on the situation.

Mr. Xu, Mr. Zheng,

that's all I have to say. Farewell.

This Cui Shijiu, since leaving Guangzhou,

has toned down much of her fierceness.

She's steadier but more ruthless now.

Do you know why Prince Ying sent me to Yangzhou?

He feared seeing you like this,

hesitant to make the tough decisions.

Master Yan,

if Mr. Qin or the Baicaojing House

has offended you in any way,

I apologize on their behalf.

He didn't offend me.

You did.

Why did you set up Su Muzhe?

Master Yan,

I truly don't understand.

You don't understand?

It was Zheng Si!

He gave me the witness and blood-stained letter.

And?

He instructed

that the moment I hear of Lady Huan's death,

I should take the witness and evidence to the Governor's Office.

Master Yan!

Qin Mu can't endure this kind of punishment!

Please, release him!

Master Yan...

if you want to save your brother,

you should know what to do.

I'm willing to testify against Zheng Si.

I'll go and testify against him!

Kang Ju.

Mu...

Tomorrow, if you dare say a single wrong word,

the whole of Yangzhou will know

Qin Mu is your brother.

By then, the former top beauty,

and the Baicaojing House will both be a laughingstock.

But by that time,

it won't matter for your brother,

as he'll already be dead.

Don't worry, Master Yan,

I won't say a single wrong word,

as long as...

you release my brother.

After the task is done tomorrow,

come back and take your dear brother.

When Lady Huan died,

she was holding a torn sleeve.

Zheng Zhiheng,

someone accused you of owning that sleeve.

Do you have anything to say?

In response to Inspector Zhang,

I own many clothes.

I genuinely don't remember.

Someone must have framed me.

I trust Inspector Zhang will see the truth.

Is there anyone who can prove

you weren't at the scene when the incident occurred?

I can prove it.

Cui Shijiu?

This isn't Cui Shijiu.

At the time of the incident, Zheng Wu was with me.

A man and a woman alone, meeting in secret.

It's not exactly respectable,

but

it's not a crime either.

Su Muzhe,

someone reported that at the time of the incident,

you were seen in Riverside Alley.

Do you have anything to say?

In response to Inspector Zhang,

I went to Riverside Alley to look for Lady Shiqi.

She had gone to sell jewelry and hadn't returned for a long time,

so I brought Gaoshou with me to find her.

By the time we arrived at the small courtyard,

Lady Shiqi had fainted,

and Lady Huan was already gone.

So, you two were the man and woman who fled?

That man was carrying something heavy,

which must have been Miss Yue beside you.

Inspector Zhang,

the situation is clear.

First, Bai Niao accused Su Muzhe

of killing for profit,

and just now, she admitted

they were all at the scene during the incident.

In my opinion,

these three are undoubtedly the culprits behind Lady Huan's murder.

Mr. Xu...

I have a report to make!

Mr. Xu, Inspector Zhang.

Before this,

the blood-stained letter and the witness accusing Ms. Su

were both brought to me by Zheng Si!

But I never expected

that after Zheng Si was imprisoned,

the witness disappeared.

Only then did I think

to examine the blood-stained letter carefully,

realizing it wasn't written by Lady Huan at all.

Zheng Si is from a noble family,

and I always knew he was close with Lady Huan,

so I assumed he was seeking revenge for her.

Foolishly, I believed him,

and this led to my grave mistake.

I ask for your mercy, Mr. Xu, Inspector Zhang.

Bai Niao, making false accusations is a serious crime.

I was misled by others

and misunderstood Ms. Su.

Zheng Zhixing,

do you have any further confessions?

Zheng Zhixing,

you can remain silent,

but remember,

in Lady Huan's embroidery chamber,

you personally admitted to tricking her into trafficking stolen goods

and then mercilessly killed her.

I heard it,

Mr. Xu heard it,

and even more soldiers heard it too.

Zheng Si,

I'll ask you again,

did you instruct Bai Niao

to frame Su Muzhe with the forged blood-stained letter?

The Zheng family

will do everything to protect you.

After all, your mother is still the lady of the Cui family.

But if something happens to the Cui family,

then...

In the Zheng family,

anyone could be sacrificed

for the sake of the Zheng family.

For the Zheng family!

Yes.

I admit it.

I killed her,

and I bribed Bai Niao

to frame Su Muzhe.

He confessed!

He killed Lady Huan!

What a heartless creature!

Lady Huan died for nothing.

So, he was the killer.

All these treasures,

upon investigation,

are loot from the Black Dragon Bandits of Hexi.

Lady Huan secretly hid them as clues

before she died,

proving that this stolen loot came from the Zheng family.

You Zhengs colluded with the bandits from Hexi,

fencing stolen goods to build wealth.

Zheng Zhixing,

do you acknowledge your crime?

The Black Dragon Bandits!

- Zheng family's trafficking... - Inspector Zhang,

the matter of the Black Dragon Bandits hasn't been fully investigated.

Don't jump to conclusions.

It's not the Zheng family.

It's the Cui family.

The Cui family is responsible!

You're lying...

The Cui family gave me those jewels.

The Zheng family knew nothing of it.

I had no idea where those jewels came from,

or anything about the Black Dragon Bandits.

The Cui family is my mother's side,

and my uncle, Cui Jingchu, gave them to me before he died.

This has nothing to do with the Zheng family.

I confess.

I am willing to face death.

Zheng Zhixing has confessed

to murder and trafficking.

Guards,

take him away to the death row to await sentencing!

Mr. Xu, Inspector Zhang,

Lady Huan was innocent in this.

She was deceived by Zheng Zhixing

and shouldn't be linked to the crime of trafficking.

I ask you to clear her name today

and remove her unjust charges.

Of course.

Take Zheng Zhixing away!

Yes, sir.

Thank you, Inspector Zhang.

Thank you, Mr. Xu.

Bai Niao,

you made a false accusation,

but you were misled and deceived

by others.

This time, your only punishment is a fine of ten million mace

to cover Lady Huan's funeral expenses.

Thank you, Inspector Zhang.

Su Muzhe and Zheng Zhiheng are innocent.

Besides, Su Muzhe risked his own life,

baiting Zheng Zhixing into confessing publicly.

Such noble action deserves commendation.

She is to be released immediately!

Mr. Xu, what do you think?

Agreed.

Court is adjourned!

Rise quickly.

Inspector Zhang and Mr. Xu are wise indeed,

fair and just.

The legitimate son of the Zheng family actually did such deeds!

And the Cui family is involved in fencing!

This time, we failed to convict the Zhengs.

You don't seem too pleased.

I'm just an observer.

What's there to be pleased about?

Yan Zijing,

your Yan family's old case still has a chance to be cleared.

Don't let this opportunity slip by.

Everything should be resolved within the law.

You believe in the law,

but I do not.

Many people, driven by selfish gain,

are undermining the very foundation of the law.

You may have captured these lawless criminals,

but can you truly expose those working behind the scenes?

How do you know I wouldn't dare?

Xu Nanying, sitting there in the hall,

was once Prince Tan's man,

but then he switched sides to Prince Ying

and quickly gained favor.

Do you know why?

Black is black,

and white is white.

I will always uphold justice.

If one day you break the law,

I will treat you the same.

How can you stay seated?

That's ten million...

Ten million mace!

You said following Xu Nanying would bring us wealth and fame?

But without Mr. Xu's support,

we wouldn't have opened such a large shop.

He had no choice but to rule that way.

I don't have the money anyway.

Don't worry,

I can still afford the ten million mace.

I've got some jewelry here.

Take it and melt it down.

After paying the fine,

use the rest to find a good craftsman

and buy some fine white jade and gems.

Will that be enough?

Mu, you need to think long-term.

Take that Clear Mind for example,

they don't sell particularly valuable jewels,

but their designs are fresh and unique.

You should learn from Su Muzhe.

Don't mention Su Muzhe to me.

Just hearing her name gets me mad.

We worked so hard to make a name for ourselves.

You have to manage it well.

With Mr. Xu's support,

I believe Baicaojing House

will be renowned across the land one day.

Alright, I get it.

Don't worry.

I'm heading out now.

Father.

Wu, you're back.

Yes.

From now on, the Zheng family's responsibilities will rest on you.

The Red Leaf Crown commissioned by Prince Ying for the Empress Dowager,

we must not delay it.

This task is yours to handle.

Go to Zhenlang Pavilion and find Yan Zijing,

and secure ruby first.

Father,

what if he demands a high price?

Agree to it for now.

But remember,

he is the Zheng family's great enemy.

I'll remember, Father.

Wu,

you are my son,

just as Si is.

For the sake of the Zheng family,

he took everything upon himself.

Don't hold onto past grudges.

Understood, Father.

Father,

I also visited brother in prison.

Do you think we should

find a way to get him out?

Remember.

Pieces on a chessboard are neither black nor white.

It's the player who decides.

The Zheng family's century-old legacy

has never done anything wrong.

Those who fight us

are challenging the hand that plays.

They will be crushed sooner or later!

Forgive me, Father.

I understand.

The Cui family has fallen completely,

and Cui Shijiu is unworthy to be your wife.

Don't get entangled with her anymore.

Don't worry, Father.

I know what to do.

Ms.

- Duanwu! - You're finally out!

Alright, why are you crying?

You don't know,

every night while you were away, we prayed for you,

especially Yunxiu.

I was worried she'd fall ill.

I'm fine.

Let's go home.

Oh, right!

What's this?

Come on, Ms.

Wait, what's this about?

- Come on... - Step over it.

Step over it.

Quickly!

Take it slow.

Great!

After a great disaster, blessings are sure to come!

Exactly!

Ms. Su, fate protects the blessed!

Come on.

[Clear Mind]

- Greetings, Inspector Zhang. - Greetings, Inspector Zhang.

You're back.

Duanwu, you chat with Inspector Zhang,

and we'll go inside and tidy up.

Let's go.

Thank you, Inspector Zhang.

Since when

do we need to say "thank you" between us?

And you called me "Inspector Zhang."

This is just part of my duty.

Once Clear Mind reopens,

I'll definitely invite you for a drink.

If you want to invite me for a drink,

do you have to wait until it reopens?

I haven't been back in so long,

everything's changed.

If it's messy or dirty,

we can wipe it clean.

Just like...

what's past has scattered with the wind,

leaving no trace in the heart.

That's true freedom in this world.

Come on, let me help you.

You'll help me?

Let's go.

Ms. Yingtao.

Mr. Gaoshou.

Today,

you must be exhausted from helping us.

Not at all!

Then...

please, sit.

Ms. Yingtao, this isn't proper...

Your mustache is fake!

Let me see what you look like without it.

Now you look even more handsome!

Well, my buddies did say

I look decent.

Then why do you wear a fake mustache?

Don't you think it makes me look tougher?

I don't think you look tough at all.

You mean

my efforts were all in vain?

Outsiders might think that,

but I never thought you were tough.

If my Ms. Yingtao thinks it's fine,

then it's fine.

So you're called Gaoshou,

Does that mean...?

Gaoshou is indeed just a nickname.

What's your real name?

My real name is

Gao Daliang.

Gao Daniang?

It's "liang," not "niang"!

Gao Daniang?

Ms. Yingtao,

you can call me

however you like,

just don't let others know.

Is this also fake?

[Wei Yan's Memorial Tablet]

Huan,

you've never been to my Clear Mind.

These are my dearest ones.

From now on,

Clear Mind is your home.

This whole life,

you were bound by the obligations of the Huan family,

unable to follow your own heart.

Yet you were so genuine and passionate,

and trusting the wrong person.

Your radiant youth

ended in tragedy.

I feel your life was unjust.

Though our time together was short,

I felt such a deep bond.

In my life,

meeting you

was truly worthwhile.

Huan,

in your next life,

may you find peace,

comfort,

and be your true self.

Where's Yan Zijing?

He's not here.

What's your business with me?

How did you get Bai Niao to change her testimony?

I held her brother hostage.

Are you trying to say

that I've always preferred

using such despicable tactics?

So, it was your doing.

Now Zheng Zhixing has taken the fall for the Zheng family,

something you didn't anticipate, did you?

This time I failed,

but there will be a next time.

I have only one goal in this life,

and I will achieve it.

But from now on,

the Zheng family will be led by Zheng Zhiheng.

Good luck to you.

The Zhengs wish to dominate Yangzhou alone,

uncaring if the Cui family was ruined over the tribute pearls.

Little did they know

that it was actually done by the Yan family of Yangzhou.

What are you trying to say?

Stay out of this matter.

Years ago, the tribute convoy was ambushed,

and my father died because of it.

I want to know the truth.

Back then, it was a conspiracy between the Cui and Zheng families.

So how could I not be involved?

Aren't you supposed to be a merchant now?

Look at the state of your Clear Mind.

Take care of yourself first.

No need to worry about me.

Shijiu,

you risked your reputation to testify for me,

and I, Zheng Wu, swear

never to let you down in this life.

I'm the proud legitimate daughter of the Cui family.

Now I become your concubine.

You must feel triumphant.

Except the title,

I can give you everything.

Then yesterday, when Zheng Si slandered the Cui family,

why did you stay silent?

Because there's no one left in the Cui family,

so we can bear all the blame?

It all happened so suddenly.

I didn't expect it to turn out this way.

But it was the only way to save the Zheng family.

Only by saving the Zheng family

can I

and we have a future.

Although Father favors me,

Zheng Si is still the legitimate son.

Even he was so easily abandoned.

What if it were me instead this time?

How is our situation any different?

I am also my father's legitimate daughter.

I would still be beaten

and abandoned just the same.

You're right.

We're the same.

Shijiu,

we only have each other.

But you will have your legitimate wife,

and where will that leave me?

Wu, I want

a shop of our own,

so I can have a fallback in the future,

no longer living at the mercy of others.

What do you think?

We'll have it.

Mother!

Where are you going so late?

I'm going to see off Lady Cui.

Actually, you're good enough.

But alas, in this life,

you're destined not to be Zheng Wu's legitimate wife.

A wise woman

knows her place.

Zheng Shiyuan has lost a son,

and all the loot was confiscated.

Now he has no choice

but to buy ruby from you at a high price.

These setbacks have cost him dearly.

On top of that,

Zheng Shiyuan gave up on Zheng Si so easily,

which will surely disappoint Zheng Zhiheng in his father.

The fall of the Zheng family

is only a matter of time.

Will I live to see that day?

Whether you do or not,

you'll just have to wait.

You must live well.

What did she say to you today?

With ears as sharp as yours,

didn't you hear it all?

I didn't hear it.

She was so calm

that doesn't seem like her usual self.

And to her,

I'm just an enemy.

She already knows the Zhengs are linked to the Black Dragon Bandits.

Why are you still hiding it from her?

Do you really want her to hate you for life?

Even if I told her, what would that change?

Right now, all she cares about is Clear Mind.

I think that's for the best.

Besides, if I told her it was the Black Dragon Bandits

and that Li Kui killed Cao Da and Shrimp,

how do you think she would react?

Are you really not thinking about yourself at all?

The Black Dragon Bandits have been rampant for so many years,

and even the authorities couldn't do anything about it.

So,

even we don't know

if we can defeat Li Kui.

Why involve her

and let her risk her life?

Lady,

what will we do from now on?

Even the Master...

decades of loyalty, yet he still...

I'm paying my respects to you one last time, Lady.

You should feel fortunate.

Master is a man of sentiment.

Otherwise, instead of sending you to the convent,

he would have sent you away entirely.

Zheng Shiyuan is hypocritical and heartless.

My son sacrificed himself for the Zheng family,

and so did I.

But now it's your turn

and your Zheng Wu's.

What goes around comes around.

That day will come.

Is everyone dead?

What are you standing there for?

Let's go back, Lady.

That day will come!

- Don't push! We can walk ourselves. - Lady,

don't listen to her nonsense.

From now on, you're the lady of the Zheng family.

My Zheng Wu

finally doesn't have to suffer anymore.

Yes.

Why did Zheng Zhixing

and Zheng Yuqing die in prison?

They broke their bowls

and used the shards to take their own lives.

Not even immortals could've saved them.

I've already punished the jailers severely,

but this is as far as it goes.

Their deaths are not that simple.

Prince Ying has decreed

that the Black Dragon Bandits have been wiped out.

The era of bandits ravaging Hexi is over.

Don't stir up any more trouble.

Jinran, listen to my advice.

Let the past stay in the past.

There...

there's a white figure up ahead.

Could it be Lady Huan's spirit returned?

Lady Huan just passed away.

Let's see who's pretending to be a ghost here.

♪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♪