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 35]

Come again soon.

Thank you.

Have you seen him?

Sir, two buns, please.

Sure thing.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Buns! Hot and fresh buns!

Buns!

Two buns, please.

Sure, our buns have thin skins and big fillings.

They taste amazing!

Here you go.

Sir, you've given me too much money!

Zheng Wu...

It's me.

Wu...

What are you wearing?

Where did you get these clothes?

- Why are you dressed like this? - Sit down.

My old clothes caught too much attention,

so I changed into these.

But you can't just run around like this.

The whole city is after us right now.

It's really dangerous.

I thought you were caught. I was scared to death.

Hurry, eat them.

Where did you get the money?

I sold my ring. Now eat.

You didn't need to sell it.

I've got some jewelry here too.

Use it for travel expenses.

We just need to get through tonight.

The city gates will open tomorrow.

Eat now. We need to conserve our strength.

You eat some too.

I already ate on my way here.

I saw him hide inside.

Go report it right now!

Got it.

Inspector Zhang, there's movement at the Zheng household.

Two carriages left the Zheng house.

One wandered around the city.

The other went into Lotus Lane.

Quickly, gather the troops and follow me!

Yes, sir!

Inspector Zhang, something happened in the prison.

What happened?

Mr. Wang forcibly took away Mr. Xu.

He had an imperial token.

What?

Mr. Wang, where are you heading?

Zhang Jinran, what are you trying to do?

I was ordered to summon Xu Nanying,

yet you've privately mobilized soldiers to stop me.

Do you still respect the imperial laws?

His Majesty has granted me the authority to command troops.

I should be asking you.

Where did you get the nerve to privately use guards

and oppress me, the Inspector of Huainandao?

Insolence!

Let's see who dares to act!

You've trespassed into the Grand Governor's Office.

Why wouldn't I dare?

Open your eyes.

The seal of the Court of Judicial Review is here!

Who dares make a move?

The Court of Judicial Review does not oversee me.

I won't question where you got that seal from.

Leave now, and I'll let this slide.

Otherwise,

we won't just detain Xu Nanying!

Today, I must take Xu Nanying away.

Kill anyone who stops me!

An imperial decree has arrived!

The Emperor decrees:

To Zhang Jinran, Inspector of Huainandao, tasked with overseeing Yangzhou,

correcting misconduct, and removing corruption.

Previously, you reported Xu Nanying of Yangzhou's Governor's Office

for bribery and abuse of power.

This weighs heavily on my heart.

Despite Xu's high position,

the grievances of the people cannot be ignored.

I hereby grant you the authority to preside over this case.

I, Zhang Jinran, accept the decree!

What's wrong, Mr. Wang?

Do you feel dissatisfied with this imperial decree?

I wouldn't dare.

Inspector Zhang,

His Majesty's decree only permits you to preside over Xu Nanying's case.

Don't think you can act recklessly.

Let me tell you this:

If I can impeach Xu Nanying,

I can impeach you too.

Take Xu Nanying back!

Shijiu!

Shijiu!

Father.

You still dare to call me Father?

Where is it?

Father,

I'll give you the beryl stone.

Just let us go.

So, this was your plan all along?

To steal the funds and run away?

Zheng Wu,

I raised you as the family heir

and planned everything for you.

Yet for this woman,

you heartlessly betrayed me!

Are you being fair to me,

fair to the Zheng family?

This has nothing to do with Cui Shijiu.

Let her go.

I'll take full responsibility for everything.

Can you even bear the consequences?

When you did this,

did you think about your mother?

Mother?

Where is Mother?

If your mother saw you like this,

how heartbroken would she be?

You know very well,

her greatest wish was for you to lead the Zheng family!

You're wrong.

All she ever wanted was for me to be safe and happy.

Foolish child!

Zheng Wu,

come with me.

I will arrange your escape route.

Father,

what are you planning to do with me?

Well...

isn't this a ready-made fall guy?

When Prince Ying arrives,

I'll find a way to clear your name.

Zheng Wu, at this critical moment,

don't let emotions cloud your judgment. Act!

Father,

I would rather die

than let anyone hurt Cui Shijiu.

Zheng Wu, I know you can't do it,

so I'll do it for you.

Master!

You dare hurt your father?

You've lost your mind!

I told you,

no one touches Cui Shijiu today!

Zheng Wu,

you are now the Zheng family's only heir,

the future of this family.

Are you going to destroy yourself

over this woman?

Zheng Si was also the family heir.

How did he die?

We were nothing but pawns in your game!

- Pawns! - What nonsense are you spouting?

You and Zheng Si are my sons!

I am your father!

We're family!

How could I harm you?

A family like this is not worth keeping!

I am Zheng Zhiheng,

and I will no longer live for this family.

This time,

I will live for myself.

How could you be so selfish?

You disobey me,

just to carry the label of a criminal

and run forever?

Do you think you can escape Yangzhou?

If I can't escape,

then I won't run.

You're the one who's committed countless crimes.

You're the one who colluded with bandits.

You're the one who sold stolen goods.

Why don't you confess to your crimes?

Why do you always make your son take the blame?

Father, what exactly does a son

mean to you?

Master!

Zheng Wu...

Zheng Wu...

Zheng Wu...

Zheng Wu!

Zheng Wu...

Zheng Wu...

I only have you as a son.

If you die,

how will I live?

How will I live?

Open your eyes and look at me!

Zheng Wu...

Cui Shijiu, it's you...

you killed my son!

Bring me a torch.

Bring me a torch!

Torch!

Master, the officers are here!

Cui Shijiu,

my son can't die in vain.

You'll accompany him in death!

The officers are here. We must leave, master!

If we don't go now, it'll be too late!

Master! Go now!

Burn everything here! Hurry!

Master, let's go!

Shijiu...

I'm here for you...

♪Memories whisper, longing burns across a thousand miles...♪

Zheng Wu!

Zheng Wu!

You won't die!

- You won't die! - Shijiu...

Shijiu...

Listen to me...

Listen to me...

Don't speak.

You must go.

I... I can't make it.

You need to go. There's no time left...

Go now...

Leave!

Don't speak.

Shijiu!

It's too late...

Don't talk. Let's go.

We'll go together.

We'll leave together.

Together...

We'll be fine...

This way.

It's okay...

Shijiu...

No!

- Shijiu... - No!

- Cui Shijiu... - Don't die...

Don't die.

Listen to me...

Shijiu...

take care of my mother for me...

Don't speak.

Don't speak.

Don't speak.

I left something for you in the other courtyard.

I...

I promised you something...

I might not keep it...

Shijiu...

- Shijiu... - Don't say it.

- Shijiu... - Don't say it.

Don't die!

Don't die!

I want to ask you one question...

♪I can't get your love...♪

Was your love for me real...?

♪My heart struggles, love runs deep; time must not waste our bond♪

♪Old dreams linger, yet we walk different paths♪

♪Through joy and sorrow, I journey for you alone♪

♪Costing my all to protect you♪

♪Tears fall silent, love speaks no words, hoping to be by your side...♪

Shijiu...

Shijiu...

Live well...

Put out the fire!

Yes!

Mr. Zheng, please come with me to the Grand Governor's Office.

Why?

Zheng Wu was found dead

in an old residence on Lotus Lane.

Our people saw your carriage entering the scene.

Mr. Zheng.

Zheng Wu committed a mistake and was chased by Inspector Zhang.

I tried to persuade him to surrender,

to explain everything clearly.

But he wouldn't listen,

and instead, he injured me.

I was planning to report this to the authorities tomorrow morning...

Regardless,

since you were present at the crime scene,

you must be involved in this case.

Take him away.

Change me into formal attire.

[Time is precious]

Zheng Shiyuan,

how did your son Zheng Zhiheng die?

I tried to persuade him to confess and face the law,

but he stabbed me with a knife.

A guard of mine, in protecting me,

accidentally killed him.

And where is the guard now?

He has committed suicide.

Committed suicide?

Zheng Wu was the only heir of the Zheng family.

He was filled with guilt,

and I couldn't stop him.

Now I must ask you, Inspector Zhang,

why did you issue a warrant for my son,

forcing him to a desperate end?

How dare you!

Merchant Kang Ming

reported that some goods at Jubao House were stolen property.

Your son Zheng Zhiheng was involved in fencing them.

And in his residence and carriages,

we found a large amount of evidence.

I know nothing about this.

Where did the stolen goods come from?

I believe someone will know.

Bring her in.

Cui Shijiu.

Just now, Zheng Shiyuan claimed

that Zheng Zhiheng stabbed him,

and his guard, in protecting him,

accidentally killed Zheng Zhiheng.

You were there at the scene.

Is Zheng Shiyuan telling the truth?

Yes.

Then, were you aware that Zheng Zhiheng

was involved in fencing stolen goods?

I wasn't aware.

Inspector Zhang,

Zheng Wu acted rashly

and handled goods of unknown origin.

We truly knew nothing about it.

Please, Inspector Zhang, discern the truth.

However, he stole seals

and misused the Zheng family's private assets, which were not stolen.

Please return them to us.

Otherwise, the entire Zheng family,

the hundreds of craftsmen employed at Jubao House,

and the numerous merchants relying on our trade network

will all be ruined.

Yangzhou's jewelry industry will fall into chaos.

The law is strict.

Stolen goods are stolen goods,

and private assets are private assets.

Once the case is thoroughly investigated,

they will be returned to the Zheng family.

Inspector Zhang,

the Zheng family might last three to five more days,

but these hundreds or thousands of people

who rely on us for their livelihoods

cannot afford any delays.

Could you kindly allow me to return

and handle these affairs?

Whenever you need me,

I will be at your service.

The case is not yet resolved,

and you are still a suspect.

But considering the many craftsmen in your employ,

you may return to handle your affairs.

However, listen carefully,

you are not allowed to step outside your private residence.

Thank you, Inspector Zhang.

You were there at the scene.

What exactly happened?

Master!

Where is my Zheng Wu?

Where is Zheng Wu?

Master, tell me,

they were lying to me.

Everything they said is false.

Say something!

Take Lady Yu back to rest.

It's you!

You're the one who harmed him!

You committed these crimes.

Why did you take my son's life?

How could you be so heartless?

Give me back my son!

Bring back my son!

Zheng Wu is gone.

I feel the same pain as you.

But if you dare spout nonsense again,

don't blame me for being ruthless.

Take her away!

Zheng Zhiheng is dead?

People often say "Blood is thicker than water".

I never expected Zheng Shiyuan to be this cruel.

Back then, Zheng Zhixing

also died mysteriously in prison.

For some people,

profit matters more than anything,

even more than family.

Truly, the human heart is unpredictable.

But Cui Shijiu escaped the flames.

She must know something,

yet she refuses to reveal it.

Zheng Zhiheng is dead.

As for Cui Shijiu...

[Zhenlang Pavilion]

[Zhenlang Pavilion]

Still awake?

I'm just thinking about something.

What are you thinking about?

I'm thinking about the past.

You know what?

That shop on the street corner,

Zhang's Fabric Store,

was once owned by the Yan family.

Back in the day, Yan family thrived in Yangzhou

through business.

We owned seven stores at one point.

People even came all the way from Chang'an because of our reputation.

Although those stores look different now,

I can recognize them at a glance.

And that street in front of Clear Mind,

when I was a child,

my mother always took me there to play.

My father would carry me on his shoulders.

Back then, my mother

never let me eat sweet things.

I never understood why.

But as I grew older,

I understood even less.

Why are you suddenly recalling

the happy times of childhood?

Because I'm not done with revenge yet.

But now,

you are also something that makes me happy.

What about you?

Would you risk everything

to avenge Shrimp and the others?

I would.

If given the chance, I would never let Li Kui go.

But people aren't meant to live for hatred.

I know I shouldn't tell you to let go of your hatred,

but life goes on.

Still,

you should live your own life.

Have you thought about what you'd do

if your revenge is fulfilled?

Have you thought about making a home here in Yangzhou,

strolling through its streets,

and watching the lights of homes?

My whole life, honestly,

has been focused solely on revenge.

I've lived just to avenge.

So,

could I really live that kind of life?

I'll be with you.

Alright.

Don't catch a cold, silly.

Don't go...

What's wrong with you?

Where am I going?

Oh, right...

I'm really going to take you somewhere,

a place just for the two of us.

Once we get there,

there will no longer be Zheng Wu,

and no longer Cui Shijiu.

We can live a life of our own.

By then,

you'll have to give me a big, healthy boy.

No, wait, also a girl,

one who looks like you...

Zhuohua...

Your name is Cui Zhuohua.

You're more than just Cui Shijiu.

Remember that.

[Zheng Zhiheng's Memorial Tablet] Yan Zijing and Su Muzhe

conspired to take Zheng Wu's life.

This is a slap to the face of the Zheng family!

If I don't avenge this,

I, Zheng Shiyuan, am unworthy as a father!

If any of you can take their lives,

I'll reward you handsomely!

You, go!

Master, I can't do it.

What? Is there no one capable in my Zheng family?

Useless! A bunch of useless fools!

Get up!

You, go!

Master, I can't do it...

Why can't you?

All these years,

I've done so much for you.

If not for merit, at least for the effort.

Why would you do that?

Mr. Zheng,

I was helping you.

If we could stall until Prince Ying arrives,

I could still see him.

Perhaps,

Zheng Wu still has a sliver of hope.

So...

you're only fit to be a guild head.

At least I wouldn't lose my son

or end up like a stray dog!

Do you realize if not for my decision,

where would your Zheng family be now?

If the situation hadn't spiraled out of control,

would Prince Ying have come to Yangzhou himself?

Do you really think everything Zhang Jinran did

was just aimed at your Zheng family?

I can't touch Zhang Jinran,

and I can't move Yan Zijing either.

We'll find their weakness,

and take our time to plan.

Inspector Zhang of Huainandao issued an announcement to the city:

Xu Nanying, an official of Yangzhou,

will stand trial tomorrow for embezzlement.

[Notice: Xu Nanying colluded with the Black Dragon Bandits...]

[The trial for Xu Nanying's case will be held tomorrow]

Zhang Jinran,

my health is poor,

and yet you still hold this trial?

The Qionghua Festival songstress auction

raised millions,

but only half a million was used to repair the ancestral shrine.

Where did the rest of the money go?

I wasn't responsible for managing those funds.

How would I know?

Then let me tell you.

The auction money was found in your secret chamber.

How do you explain that?

No one caught me red-handed.

Then let me ask you this.

You closed Yan's Zhenlang Pavilion on charges of fraud,

faked the inventory records,

and pocketed all the seized gold,

silver, and jewels.

How do you explain that?

Where's the evidence?

Someone,

read the ledger.

The treasury vault is two zhang high, two zhang wide,

and ten zhang deep. Inside are 100 chests of green coins,

each chest containing 100 strings of cash,

10 boxes of jewels,

3 boxes of gem-studded ornaments,

4 boxes of white jade ornaments, and pearls...

Zhang Jinran,

with just these,

you think you can convict me?

You embezzled and abused your power for personal gain.

Isn't this evidence enough?

Any official overseeing finances

who extorts wealth from those under their authority

shall not only be dismissed,

but stripped of their title.

From now on,

you are removed from office,

and the Xu family will no longer hold the status of gentry.

Zhang Jinran!

Xu Nanying,

if you want a reduced sentence,

confess what you know as soon as possible.

Keep dreaming.

I know nothing,

and I'll say nothing.

Senior,

I truly wanted to help you,

but since you're like this, so be it.

Duanwu, we're not opening today?

An important guest is coming, no business today.

Important guest? Who?

You'll know when they arrive.

I have big news to share.

[Property Transfer Document] The deal is finalized!

From now on, we'll own four shops in Yangzhou!

Really? Let me see!

Starting today,

the two of you should start thinking

about which shop you'd like to manage.

Of course, I'll stay at Clear Mind.

I get to be a manager now?

Then you'll be working under me from now on.

Duanwu!

Mr. Zhang!

I'll handle this...

Congratulations!

Back in Hepu,

you told me you wanted to be a peddler.

Now, you've finally achieved your dream.

And you've created a new world of your own.

Whether a peddler or a shopkeeper,

it's all the best.

Mr. Zhang, please.

Alright.

The broader the world,

the greater the freedom.

Of course, I also believe

your ambitions won't stop at Yangzhou.

I'll take that as a blessing from you.

Thank you!

You've thanked him already.

What about me?

Of course, I need to thank you properly.

As for the money from the beryl deal,

I'll hand it over as soon as I have it all together.

But I have an idea.

Do you want to hear it?

Sure.

How about the beryl money

becomes an investment in Clear Mind?

You won't lose.

So, not only do you refuse to repay the money,

but you also want to be my boss?

I see you've got nowhere to go,

so why not stay at Clear Mind?

The money's gone, the goods are gone,

and now I'm stuck doing chores for you?

You really know how to work the angles.

It's up to you.

Alright, I'll think about it.

Ms. Su!

The guest has arrived.

He's here.

Let's go greet him!

♪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♪