To undermine Yan Zijin, Cui Shijiu specifically organized a “Mermaid Treasure Hunt” event, issuing a challenge to Yan Zijin. If Yan Zijin couldn’t successfully seize the treasure, he would lose the qualification to purchase jewelry in Guangzhou.
When Yan Zijin asked who would participate in the competition, all the subordinates knew it was extremely dangerous, and no one volunteered. Cao Tou came up with the idea of drawing lots to decide and deliberately had Duanwu draw first. Duanwu picked the first bamboo stick, which had a red tip. She accidentally overturned the bamboo tube and discovered all the sticks were red. Yan Zijin agreed to redraw. Seeing her friends trembling with fear, Duanwu, who had grown up by the water, volunteered to take on the task.
Still from Episode 7 of The Story of Pearl Girl
As the competition approached, Yan Zijin gave Duanwu a golden silk vest to wear for protection. Grateful for his gift, Duanwu was determined to obtain the Crimson Pearl to find her father, even though she wasn’t obliged to participate and despite the danger involved.
The competition began. Initially planned as an underwater treasure hunt, the officials suddenly changed it to a land-based event. Being a woman, Duanwu had little chance of winning such a competition. Yan Zijin sensed foul play but decided to abide by the rules since they were already there.
Relying on her wit and courage, Duanwu managed to obtain the pearl but encountered Cheng Yaojin along the way, with other treasure hunters close behind. She was secretly attacked, stabbed in the waist with a dagger. Fortunately, the golden silk armor from Yan Zijin protected her vital areas. The contestants brought by Cui Shijiu all carried weapons. Seeing Duanwu about to fall from a height, Yan Zijin leaped forward and caught her securely. With time left in the competition, he supported Duanwu while continuing to fight for the treasure. Noticing the others were armed, Yan Zijin fought back decisively; his diligent training had finally paid off.
Yan Zijin knocked the pearl from Cui Shijiu’s subordinate’s hand, causing it to shatter upon hitting the ground. However, Duanwu still lost because, at the competition’s end, the pearl was in Cui Shijiu’s team’s possession. The officiating officials, bribed by Cui Shijiu, declared his team the winners without considering the circumstances.
Severely injured, Duanwu was so distressed upon hearing the result that she coughed up blood. Zhang Jinran, who was present, immediately took her to see a doctor. Yan Zijin’s failure meant he lost the entire qualification to purchase pearls in Guangzhou.
After drinking the medicine prescribed by the doctor, Duanwu slowly regained consciousness. Zhang Jinran advised her not to take risks with Yan Zijin anymore and gave her a token to find someone in the city who would offer her a job. Duanwu declined his kindness; she couldn’t leave without obtaining the Blood Pearl. Zhang Jinran offered her another means to secure her livelihood, but she refused, feeling she couldn’t repay such generosity.
Still from Episode 7 of The Story of Pearl Girl
Zhang Jinran escorted Duanwu to the dock. Yan Zijin stood on the deck, watching them part reluctantly. Duanwu approached Yan Zijin to accept her punishment voluntarily. He gave her two options: leave the ship to become his personal maid and never mention joining the caravan again, or return to the lower deck, receive twenty lashes, and continue striving. Without hesitation, Duanwu chose the second option. She argued that although the guild lost the competition, their strength was evident to all, bringing significant business to the caravan, balancing out the losses.
Aware that the guild had lost the right to purchase pearls in Guangzhou, Duanwu suggested to Yan Zijin that they could collect pearls through other jewelry firms. She was familiar with the Ninth Lady of the Pan family, whose jewelry business was renowned locally. Yan Zijin didn’t oppose her suggestion but reminded her not to be deceived like the first time she sold scrap materials.
Receiving the advance payment, Duanwu and her younger brother, Little Shrimp, moved onto the ship, finally escaping the damp lower deck. Little Shrimp was overjoyed.
