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 39]

Hurry, notify the Inspector!

Move back!

Cui Shijiu!

I knew you were trying to play hard to get.

Well, perfect timing.

I ended up in this state today,

and it's all because of the two of you!

Leave me alone.

Kill him!

Shut up!

I'll kill Cui Shijiu first,

and then I'll take your lives!

Do you really think I care whether she lives or dies?

Do you still remember

what I taught you in the woods?

Keep your elbow steady,

pull back.

Zheng Shiyuan,

you're not getting away today, no matter what.

What are you doing?

Don't come closer!

Kill him...

Step back!

If you take another step, I'll kill her!

Don't force me.

Don't push me!

Stay back!

Cui Shijiu!

Cui Shijiu!

Quick, get a doctor!

Get a doctor!

Hurry, get a doctor!

Cui Shijiu...

Cui Shijiu...

[Ledger]

Su Muzhe...

today is a day worth...

celebrating.

Doctor!

Has the doctor arrived?

[Ledger] As expected,

Prince Ying, Yuchi Wuyi, and Zheng Shiyuan,

[Ledger contents] their alliance seems unbreakable,

but in truth, they're just using each other.

Especially the weakest one, Zheng Shiyuan,

who has been secretly holding back a card.

If Prince Ying is the mastermind,

and Yuchi Wuyi appears as the Master of Langhuan Dockyard,

but is actually the leader of Black Dragon Bandits Li Kui,

raiding trading convoys for Prince Ying,

then what about Zheng Shiyuan?

He's not just fencing stolen goods.

To Prince Ying,

Zheng Shiyuan isn't essential.

That old fox is so cunning,

so he must have a backup plan.

If we let him go,

Prince Ying, after these two lessons,

probably won't harm Zheng Shiyuan.

But Zheng Shiyuan

won't want to be our bait either.

So, he might

take the hidden evidence and flee,

or perhaps try to blackmail someone.

But this ledger only records that Jubao House

buys colored gems from Langhuan Dockyard each year.

[Ledger] Yet, Jubao House has never sold them,

not even treasures from the Western Regions.

Just like with the Red Leaf Crown back then,

they couldn't come up with enough ruby.

But Du Ming found a box

marked with Langhuan Dockyard's seal,

which matches this ledger perfectly.

If Yuchi Wuyi,

seemingly the Master of Langhuan Dockyard,

is actually Li Kui and raids convoys,

and Zheng Shiyuan fences the stolen goods for him,

while Prince Ying is the mastermind,

then the flow of money doesn't add up.

I think this money should go directly to Chang'an

into Prince Ying's hands.

So why did it go to Langhuan Dockyard?

I feel

it's not just about clearing Prince Ying's name.

What if Li Kui, after taking the stolen money,

transferred it directly to Prince Ying's needs?

Are you suggesting

Prince Ying's raising bandits to gain power, wealth, and troops?

It's very likely.

Perhaps with this ledger,

we can catch someone else.

That's right. I'll head there right away.

How is it going?

There's no time to lose.

I'm heading out now to capture Yuchi Wuyi.

He's the key figure. He must not be harmed.

Kang Ju,

what are you doing?

Don't worry about it!

Duanwu,

how are Cui Shijiu and Lady Yu?

They're safe.

I've sent them back to Zhenlang Pavilion.

Thank you for your efforts.

Freshly baked rice cakes!

Fragrant and sweet!

Freshly baked rice cakes!

Fragrant and sweet!

Freshly baked rice cakes!

- Wait for me. - Fragrant and sweet!

Two pieces, please.

Coming right up!

Here, sir.

Thank you!

Here.

Try some.

Are you hungry?

A little.

Is it good?

Not bad.

By the way,

Supervisor Kang seems a bit off.

Is there something

about Yuchi that I don’t know?

Kang Ju has always been quirky,

you know that.

Let's go.

Are you not feeling well?

I'm fine. I've got sand in my eye.

Let me take a look.

Feeling better now?

Much better. It's fine now.

Let's go back.

Let's go.

Inspector Zhang, His Highness isn't feeling well

and won't receive guests.

Please return.

Prince Ying is unwell,

so I wouldn't disturb him otherwise.

But last night, Zheng Shiyuan was attacked,

and there's a key figure

I must take back to the Grand Governor's Office for questioning.

Inspector Zhang!

His Highness is a royal prince.

Inspector Zhang, you're overstepping your bounds.

These past days, you rarely leave this residence

or see the light of day.

Are you unwell?

What did you do to me?

You poisoned me?

You're always so cautious,

eating only dry rations for every meal

and drinking only spring water you fetch yourself.

How could I possibly poison you?

You poisoned me with intoxicating incense.

You masked the scent with fruit fragrance.

Since your failed rescue of Xu Nanying,

returning injured and losing troops,

it seems you're not as sharp as before.

I finally fell for your trap.

I dare not offend Prince Ying,

but as for Yuchi Wuyi,

I must take him back.

There's no such person as Yuchi Wuyi in this villa.

Well, that's troubling.

Yuchi Wuyi must have infiltrated the villa,

and he's certainly a threat to Prince Ying.

Guards!

Here!

Anyone who obstructs my mission to protect Prince Ying...

kill without mercy!

Yes, sir!

Zheng Shiyuan is already dead.

Zhang Jinran is relentless.

Hand over the pearl,

and we can still work together.

Yuchi Wuyi,

you dared to assassinate Prince Ying!

Isn't it obvious?

We were just playing around?

Why make such a big scene?

I don't care if you two are joking around.

Today, I have a case involving the Black Dragon Bandits,

and it's tied to him.

I must take this man back.

Guards!

Stop!

Zhang Jinran, how dare you!

I don't care about your big case.

I guarantee he is not Li Kui.

So, Prince Ying, you know who Li Kui really is?

What if I do?

I assure he is not Li Kui.

The one I'm arresting today isn't Li Kui,

but Yuchi Wuyi, the Master of Langhuan Dockyard,

who colluded with the Zheng family to fence goods

for the Black Dragon Bandits.

Take him away!

Yes, sir!

Get up!

Move!

Go!

Hand over the item.

- Give me the antidote! - Kang Ju!

Are you even human?

Kang Ju, calm down!

Hand it over!

Is it worth sacrificing yourself for someone like him?

- Give me the antidote! - Quickly, take him away!

Move!

- Hand over the antidote! - Hurry up!

Kang Ju!

Kang Ju, what antidote?

Yan Zijing was poisoned.

He's the only one with the antidote.

Mr. Zhang.

What are you doing?

Mr. Zhang, I'm begging you.

Help me get the antidote.

I'll make sure to get it for you.

Thank you.

Not feeling well again?

It's fine.

Take a rest.

Take a rest.

How's it going?

How is it?

They've captured Yuchi Wuyi.

As long as he confesses, Prince Ying will have no escape.

And Zhang Jinran promised me.

He'll get you the antidote.

Who allowed you to tell him this?

If I didn't,

what would you do?

If Zhang Jinran gets played by Yuchi Wuyi

in his attempt to save me,

won't all our efforts be wasted?

Then what about you?

You can't go.

Kang Ju,

after all these years,

you should know

all I want is for him to die.

Yuchi Wuyi,

even now, you won't speak?

Then let me tell you this:

The Langhuan Dockyard you built

will be utterly destroyed.

Even the Black Dragon Bandits will be wiped out.

And at this very moment,

even Prince Ying would rather see you dead

so he can pin all the blame on you.

I'm the only one who can save your life now.

And today, I happen to be in the mood

to give you a way out.

What do you want?

Prove that the Yan family was framed

in the Kang State tribute case,

and that the real mastermind behind the Black Dragon Bandits is Prince Ying.

Confess to everything truthfully,

and I'll make sure you escape the death penalty.

You don't have time to think about it.

Fine.

I can testify against Prince Ying,

but you must let me go.

You want me to let you go?

That's impossible.

I can give you the antidote.

I know

you all want to save Yan Zijing.

He can't hold out any longer.

And you're running out of time too.

Give me the antidote,

then we can talk about conditions!

The water of Black Dragon Pool is the deadliest poisons,

and I'm the only one who can cure it.

If I give you the antidote now,

will I still have a way out?

Let me go,

and I'll agree to all your terms.

Let me go.

I don't care about your antidote!

You promised me

to clear the Yan family's name.

If you're letting him go to save me,

I'd rather kill him now,

and that'll count as bringing him to justice.

Yan Zijing!

Zhang Jinran,

the Black Dragon Bandits have been rampaging for years.

If you let him go,

how many more people

will have to endure

what I've suffered?

Just give me a little more time.

I'll get him to talk.

- Then you can do what you want... - I just want him dead!

There's no need to waste time.

He won't talk,

and I don't need it anyway.

How impressive!

Don't listen to him.

He's lying to you.

No one can withstand a poison this deadly.

First, he'll lose his sight,

and then he'll slowly die in torment.

Shut up!

Let me go!

Let me go!

I'll give you exactly what you need right now.

Yuchi Wuyi,

you're about to die, and you still don't see it.

Let me tell you,

your final fate is to become a pile of bones,

with no one to claim your remains.

And the Prince Ying you're protecting

will trample over your corpse

to maintain his wealth and glory.

Back in Black Dragon Cave,

you should've killed me.

Otherwise,

you wouldn't be in this situation.

I'll kill you right now!

You can die with me!

Yan Zijing!

Yan Zijing!

What poison did you take? I'll find the imperial doctor.

It's too late.

My body

is beyond saving.

But promise me,

don't let Duanwu know

about my condition.

She'll find out eventually.

Then let her find out when the time comes.

All I want with the little time I have left

is to be with her more

and look at her a bit longer.

That's enough for me.

Promise me.

Thank you.

Yingtao, you're making a mess everywhere.

I'm practicing my Iron Palm technique!

You're like a child.

I'm so tired.

Supervisor Kang, stop zoning out.

Have a longan. It's very sweet.

Here.

Why are we preparing so many beans?

The Laba Festival is around the corner.

We're making steaming hot Laba Porridge

for every guest who comes in

to show Clear Mind's hospitality.

That's wonderful.

Indeed.

Why don't you show me some kindness too?

My mistake, Yingtao.

You've worked so hard.

Here, let me massage your shoulders.

You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?

I'll hit you!

I didn't mean it!

Sit down.

Alright then.

Have some longan. You've worked hard too.

Duanwu, look at the two of them.

They're not working properly, just flirting around.

Get back to work.

Duanwu, what are your plans with Master Yan?

She's too shy to say.

She feels embarrassed.

It's obvious.

Where did Master Yan go?

Yeah, where?

He was worried that Yuchi Wuyi wouldn't confess,

so he went to the Grand Governor's Office.

Yuchi Wuyi won't accept his fate quietly.

He's bound to give up Prince Ying.

Rest assured.

Exactly.

Let's hope so.

Don't worry, Supervisor Kang.

Supervisor Kang,

since Laba Porridge uses the same ingredients,

why make Longevity Porridge instead?

Every household makes Laba Porridge.

We're offering Longevity Porridge

for good blessings.

Great idea.

Supervisor Kang, your suggestion is brilliant.

It's meaningful.

Longevity and good health.

Peace and prosperity!

Exactly!

Supervisor Kang always thinks of everything.

Duanwu.

Master Yan.

What's all this?

It's Supervisor Kang's idea.

This year, we're making Longevity Porridge

instead of Laba Porridge

for good luck.

Make plenty.

Sure.

What about Yuchi Wuyi?

Zhang Jinran already took Yuchi Wuyi

to capture Prince Ying.

Don't worry.

Then...

we'll soon get what we've been working for.

Let's hope we get what we want soon.

We will.

Need help with anything?

What can I do?

Sure.

Help me pick the beans.

Here.

Gaoshou, make her stop.

I can't stop her.

Let's pick the beans from this.

Look...

Stop eating. Those are for the guests!

Supervisor Kang, why don't you have some too?

Just have some.

Let's all get some good luck.

Here, Supervisor Kang.

Your Highness, everything is packed,

and the contacts along the way are arranged.

We can leave Yangzhou at any time.

Your Highness, if we don't leave now, it'll be too late.

What about Yuchi Wuyi?

Zhang Jinran hasn't left the Grand Governor's Office.

If we leave now,

we can still make it to the northwest.

But if Yuchi Wuyi confesses,

it'll be too late by then.

Your Highness.

Your Highness...

Even if I leave,

I must take the blood-stained pearl with me.

Your Highness,

Zhang Jinran must be working

on forcing Yuchi Wuyi to talk.

Staying in Yangzhou is too dangerous, Your Highness!

Prince Ying, Yuchi Wuyi confessed

you're the mastermind behind the Black Dragon Bandits.

I'm the mastermind?

That's just a bandit's word.

How is that trustworthy?

Yuchi Wuyi did so much for you behind the scenes,

and yet you wanted to steal his pearl.

He won't just testify against you.

He also told me there's more correspondence proving your involvement

hidden in Langhuan Dockyard.

Guards,

throw them out...

Prince Ying,

for years, you've enjoyed the riches and privileges of your royal title,

yet you've been amassing wealth and raising troops,

colluding with bandits and oppressing the people.

How can you face the Emperor?

How can you face the taxpayers who sustain you?

Zhang Jinran, it's not your place to scold me!

I am a royal prince,

trusted by the Emperor and supported by the people.

That is how it should be!

How could you be so absurd now?

Those who harm the people must die.

Those who oppress the people face punishment.

The law is absolute, even kings are not exempt.

Don't you understand that?

Search all documents and belongings!

Yes, sir!

Take Prince Ying into custody.

Yes, sir!

- Don't move! - Don't move!

Dear guests,

Clear Mind is offering Longevity Porridge today!

- Come, have a bowl! - Peace and joy to you.

- Thank you! - Warming hearts and stomachs, peace and health!

Come take a look!

Everyone, join us to share the good fortune!

Blessings and prosperity!

Thank you, Ms. Su!

Come on!

Come have some porridge!

Come share the good fortune!

Come on!

Blessings and prosperity!

Thank you, Ms. Su!

Have a bowl of Longevity Porridge,

wishing you peace and health every year!

Careful, it's hot!

Here you go. Be careful.

Thank you!

Blessings and prosperity!

- Thank you, Ms. Su. - Duanwu!

- Duanwu... - Come, have some porridge!

Master Yan.

Yingtao.

Mr. Zhang, please.

This way.

Put it down right here.

How did it go?

Last night...

Thank you.

I arrested Prince Ying.

Blessings and prosperity!

Clear Mind is serving porridge!

Longevity Porridge!

Wishing you peace and health every year!

Here's yours.

Share the good fortune!

So...

regarding the Yan family's wrongful case,

is it about to be cleared?

Yes.

That's why I'm here to bid farewell.

I plan to personally escort Prince Ying and Yuchi Wuyi

to Chang'an for trial

and clear the Yan family's name.

Master Yan,

wait for me to return.

Thank you.

Peace and health, Longevity Porridge!

Peace and health every year!

By the way...

Miss, your porridge is ready.

Though the blood-stained pearl is shattered.

Sir, here's yours.

The map on it has been drawn.

Duanwu and I believe

this doesn't belong to us.

So, please, present it to His Majesty.

Blessings and prosperity!

Don't worry.

Here's yours.

I'll take my leave now.

Mr. Zhang...

May everyone enjoy peace and health every year.

Gaoshou.

Serve the Longevity Porridge.

Thank you.

- Here, Mr. Zhang. - Come.

- Have this Longevity Porridge. Careful, it's hot. - Yours.

Thank you.

- Thank you so much! - Peace and health every year!

Try it.

Everyone, line up and get yours!

Here, Miss,

hold it steady.

It's so sweet.

After drinking this bowl of Longevity Porridge,

you're sure to have a safe journey.

But isn't today Laba Festival?

Why are we drinking Longevity Porridge?

Supervisor Kang decided

that this year's Laba Festival

should be different from usual.

Hold it steady.

Longevity Porridge!

Longevity Porridge!

Here, Miss.

With Laba Festival and this added celebration,

why not...

Don't spill it.

- Light the firecrackers? - Sir, here's yours.

Gaoshou.

- Grab the firecrackers. - Hold it steady.

Alright!

Longevity Porridge for blessings,

and firecrackers to ward off evil.

May everyone

be as happy

and healthy

as we are today.

[Clear Mind]

Wonderful!

Happy and healthy!

- Great! Health and peace! - Master Yan, peace and health every year.

Safe travels.

Thank you...

Good!

- Bravo! - Great!

- Oh... - Bravo!

I'll go check on the kitchen

- to see if there's anything I can help. - Alright.

Look after things here.

Thank you...

Thank you...

Share the good fortune!

Come! Have some porridge!

Thank you!

- Peace and health every year! - Health and happiness!

Thank you!

Here's yours.

I heard Clear Mind is serving Longevity Porridge today.

Can I get a bowl too?

Come, everyone gets a bowl.

There's none left. It's all gone!

It tasted great.

I'm glad you like it.

Having brushed past death's door,

I've come to realize how precious life is.

So, for today's Longevity Porridge,

you're the one who deserves it most.

At last, the era of the Cuis and Zhengs

has finally come to an end.

The jewelry guild also deserves a new beginning.

Indeed, the guild

needs a new head now.

What do you think?

Are you planning to take on the role?

Why not?

I've long wanted to break those outdated rules

about passing the guild to men, not women.

What I want is a thriving,

vibrant new jewelry guild.

What about you?

All I want for the future guild

is that for small merchants,

they'll have time not only to manage their little business,

but also to craft better jewelry.

For large merchants, they can carry grand ambitions,

heading beyond the borders,

beyond Huainandao,

to Chang'an and even further.

Amazing.

Your ambitions are so grand.

Grand?

Traveling far shows how small you are.

The world is vast.

From the pearl farm to now,

traveling all the way from north to south,

this is all I've come to know.

Do you still wish to journey thousands of miles

with that person?

♪ The pearl fades, lost in a vast crowd... ♪

I do.

♪ 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 ♪

♪ Dreams fade, fate ends, only the sorrow of parting remains ♪

♪ My unwavering longing turns to endless care ♪

♪ Ah, beyond words ♪

Master Yan hasn't returned yet?

Not yet. I haven't seen him.

Duanwu, come look at this.

I feel like these designs

aren't good enough for the Jewel Exhibition.

But I think each one looks beautiful.

Ms. Su has high standards.

What if we make these necklaces into a complete set?

How about that?

Even then, it's just jewelry.

The champion of this Yangzhou Jewel Exhibition

will have their work sent to the palace,

personally selected by the Emperor as the state gift of Tang.

It can't be as simple as just jewelry.

Then how about this glass vase?

Our vase-making techniques are still underdeveloped.

They can't compare to Persian glass.

Yunxiu, I think you've already done an excellent job.

Exactly, Lady Shiqi.

Even Mr. Qin said

your control over the heat surpasses his now.

No rush, take it slow.

It's done!

Ms. Su, the colorful glass is complete!

Thank you, Mr. Qin.

Mr. Qin, you actually made it!

Then we can use the colorful glass

to participate in the Jewel Exhibition!

Duanwu,

what should we make with this colorful glass?

We need to think carefully about that.

Master Yan is here!

You're all here.

You've succeeded!

Yunxiu, take this.

How's the colorful glass?

Nice.

Does it look exactly like the one

my father made back then.

Even better than the one from back then.

Congratulations.

I didn't expect

Mr. Qin to achieve it so fast.

Come over here.

I just went out

to buy you some supper.

When I left, I saw the lights were still on.

I thought you must still be awake,

so I got your favorite wontons from the bridge stall.

Come, have a taste.

Thank you.

So, have you decided what to make with the colorful glass?

Not yet.

But I am thinking of making you a new coat,

something warmer.

Why do you suddenly want to make clothes for me?

New Year calls for new things.

It's a sign of good fortune.

I'll make you something every year,

then you won't find it so curious.

♪ 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 ♪