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[Sound of the Desert]

Episode 1

In three years

after a thousand days and nights

I returned to the wolf pack.

I roamed with the wolves from north to south of the desert.

And then we roamed back from the south to the north again.

Those six years that I spent with Papa

seemed to be long forgotten in the life of the desert.

Sadly, it just seems so.

I wonder how long this outfit would last me?

Brother, why don't I steal an outfit and get us some salt as well?

You two, come over here.

The Ninth Lord is here. Get his chair ready.

- Yes. - Yes.

My Lord, this way.

A thief!

Halt!

Brother, let's go!

Are you sure that you can outrun my crossbow?

Young lady, you are a bold one.

Not to mention you

but even the bandits in the desert

would have stayed away as far as they could

when they see our symbol.

Be careful of that wolf!

This has nothing to do with him. I'm the one who wants to steal from you.

Which of my hands do you want to chop off?

Don't thieves get their hands chopped off when they get caught?

What were you trying to steal?

I... I wanted clothes.

That is all?

And salt.

Young Lady, we have hundreds of ways to make you tell the truth.

- You had better... - Second Brother.

Give her the dress that Hai Zi of Shanshan (Xinjiang) gave to us.

As for salt, we will leave a day's worth for ourselves.

- This young lady may have the rest. - My Lord!

Heed the Ninth Lord's words!

Are you really going to give me a dress?

Men shouldn't be carrying dresses around anyway.

It so happens that when we passed through the desert

a friend gave it to me as a gift.

I hope that you will like it.

It seems to be made of expensive fabric.

This is such a valuable gift. It should...

Thank you!

My wolf brother seems to be very interested in your camels.

So I'd better get going.

Young lady, I wonder if I should say this to you...

But it doesn't suit you to live with the wolves.

You should still stay with people.

People?

Thanks for your concern.

Brother, let's go!

Thank you!

Seriously.

After all these years, I still couldn't say no to beautiful things.

Brother.

Why do you think that Ninth Lord gave something so expensive to a stranger?

What kind of person do you think he is?

Why does he have the air of nobility

yet he seems so carefree?

Hey, Brother. I'm talking to you. Why are you ignoring me?

I haven't spoken so many words in a long time.

But I really want to talk.

Brother!

So much for being buddies.

That Ninth Lord won't have this type of attitude.

Young Master, I think that we are lost.

It's all right. We'll just keep following the trail in front of us.

Keep going forward! Go!

Brother, I want to save them.

- There are so many wolves! - Wolves!

Retreat!

- Retreat! - Let's go!

Thank you, young lady.

I might be dressed in the tribal outfit of the desert, but I am not from here.

You don't have to bow in such a manner.

You are from Nan Dynasty?

My papa is from Nan Dynasty.

So by heritage, I'm from the Nan Dynasty as well.

Young lady, we're from Jian-An. (Capital of Nan Dynasty)

May I ask where you are from?

Were you the one who fought on behalf of your men?

We couldn't express our gratitude enough.

Your outfit is extravagant, and you have an air of unworldliness about you.

We shouldn't offend you with such worldly gifts

but we happen to have a pair of emerald earrings with us.

Please accept it.

That is of no use to me.

If you have any woman's clothing, you can give me a set.

This... We don't have any at hand.

It's fine if you don't.

Come with me.

I'll guide you out of here first.

I'll see you off here.

Young lady, please wait.

We're actually merchants coming here to buy spices from Jian-An.

We're heading to Dunhuang.

Will you please show us the way?

It's about a four-day journey to Crescent Fountains from here.

A four-day journey?

I'm afraid our supplies won't last us until Crescent Fountains.

I meant at my speed.

You have horses. You should be able to get there in one to two days.

Young lady, could we trouble you to take us to Crescent Fountains?

I'm just roaming aimlessly in the desert anyway.

I'll go along with you.

Thank you, young lady.

Everyone!

Let's rest here for a while before setting out.

All right.

Who are these people?

The desert bandits have been chasing them for a whole day and night.

If the bandits didn't know this region well.

it would have been hard to predict a clear winner.

Young lady, have some snacks.

Thank you.

We should be thanking you.

Hey, come here. This is Xiao Wang.

This is Xiao Tu. And this is...

My name is Xiao Wei.

How should we address you?

My name is Yu... it's Xin Yue.

- Xin Yue? - Listen up, this is Miss Xin Yue.

Just call me Uncle Chen.

Enjoy the snack.

Brother.

Go home.

Go home.

Go on.

Don't worry.

I'll be back soon!

Miss Xin Yue, I'll let you have this horse.

I can't ride a horse.

If you can't ride a horse, then ride with me.

Quickly, get on the horse.

Come on.

This won't do.

You'll fall off right away when I pull the reins.

Will this do?

Hold on tightly.

Young lady.

You better come up with a solution.

If you keep pulling my outfit, I'll be entering Dunhuang naked.

Why should I be the one to come up with a solution?

Why don't you think of one?

I have a solution.

But I'm afraid you'd think I'm taking advantage of you.

So I'm asking you if you have a better answer.

I don't.

Tell me yours.

If it's doable, I'll do it.

If not, you can go half-naked.

Hold on tight.

Is this how people from Jian-An treat their savior?

It's better than having our savior fall off the horse.

The weather is lovely today.

How is Miss Xin Yue doing?

I'll have a look.

Uncle Chen, everything is ready.

All right, we'll leave in a short while.

Have a seat.

You seem to be on your guard.

But you seemed to trust me just now.

You aren't afraid that I'll sell you off?

This is the remedy for wounds and sores.

I'll use it for myself then.

This is the only bottle left, so don't regret your decision.

Judging from those wounds on your hands

I can tell that you've practiced martial arts for years.

Are you still worried about such small wounds?

Well done! You're a meticulous observer.

Are you willing to trust me one more time?

It works even better with two sips of wine.

How does it taste?

- Not bad. - You've got good taste.

This wine is from The Villa.

It's the most expensive wine in the entire Jian-An City.

The Villa?

The Villa is the most famous restaurant in Jian-An City.

Any cuisine there leaves an everlasting memory.

When you have the chance you must go to Jian-An City.

It is very affluent

and the streets are so wide.

The roofs are all carved with great craftsmanship.

The markets are ever so bustling with life.

What else is there besides all that?

There are talented men and beautiful women.

There are then most seductive and tempting dance performances.

There are the most elegant and beautiful ladies.

There are the best wines and food!

Everything that is the wonderful in the world can be found there.

Up till this day I still don't understand why I saved Papa then.

Is it because I can see the familiarity and unfamiliarity in his eyes?

Nine years ago when I found Papa, if I hadn't fed him some blood from the lamb.

I'd have kept thinking that I really am a wolf.

Perhaps this is destiny.

Papa took me away to live apart from the pack of wolves.

He brought me out of Gobi Desert.

I moved in with the people in the tents.

He had me study and learn the human ways of life.

You must be hungry.

- Here, have some dried meat. - All right.

If we can reach Dunhuang in two days time

we can make it back to Jian-An for Double Ninth Festival.

Jian-An city will be filled with the aroma of chrysanthemum wine.

Just thinking about it makes me want to drink it.

Eat up.

- Eat up. - Try it.

We headed out in a rush, so we only brought practical things with us.

This dried meat can't compare with The Villa's cuisine.

Everyone talks about the glamorous side Jian-An City.

But not everyone get to enjoy all these things people talk about.

I understand.

Without that coup, Papa and I would be in Jian-An now

instead of me roaming around the Gobi Desert by myself.

Miss Xin Yue, thank you for showing us the way.

It seems that we could make it back in time for feasting

at Double Ninth Festival.

Then if you have more than enough to go on with your journey

could I have some money for showing you the way for the past few days?

Jian-An City is nothing like the desert.

Please be careful.

Thank you.

Brother, I have been a human once.

I can no longer go back to being a wolf.

I couldn't live with the pack for the rest of my life either.

Just like what Papa said

I should go back to live among people.

Since the gods allowed me to survive

no matter what the future holds, be it sweet, bitter, sour, or spicy

I should have a taste of it.

My brother... I'm going to Jian-An.

I'll have a look at this Nan Dynasty that Papa spoke of.

When I become the proper Nan lady that Papa had in mind

I'll come back here to see you.

You mustn't be lazy either.

You must become the leader of the entire wolf pack in the desert.

Papa.

I'm going to Jian-An.

Farewell desert.

Farewell, Gobi Desert.

Farewell, Brother.

Is this Jian-An City?

I've heard Papa mention it so many times in the past.

It's better to see it with my eyes than just hearing about it.

I didn't expect it to look like this.

All right, we'll stop the cart here.

Then you could walk around the city on your own now.

Thank you, sir!

- Here you go! - Thank you.

I'm off then.

Roast mutton! Roast mutton!

Here! Roast mutton! Come on over!

Thank you!

It's delicious!

This, this, this and this!

- Sure. - Here you go.

This seems to be too...

- Is it not enough? - It's enough!

Those without money, cheer us on.

Those with money can give us some for our show.

Those without money, cheer us on.

Thank you!

Thank you, young lady! Thank you!

- She's so generous! - She's really rich!

- She's really rich! - She's so generous!

- What can I get you, young lady? - Sir, can I have an outfit?

- Outfits? We have... - This one then!

- Here you go! - Thank you!

I didn't know that money makes everything so easy.

It's so much fun to buy things.

This really is an eye-opener!

It seems that I was right to come to Jian-An City.

I think that I've begun to understand how Papa felt for Jian-An.

Anyone who's witnessed such luxury in this city since they were young

would find it hard to fall in love with simple and shabby tents.

Sires, come on inside.

The Villa?

Young lady, come on in.

Recommend me some of your famous dishes!

Sure! You could try some of our specialty dishes.

There are the braised abalone and fish wrapped in mutton.

- What do you think about that? - Sure!

Get me four of your specialty dishes.

Sure. Would you like some wine?

- Sure. - All right.

Young Master, since we got back from the desert

you've been dining in The Villa more often than usual.

Are you hoping to run into someone?

Those who should be here would be here.

Those dishes that I should taste should be tasted.

Captain Wei! Captain Wei!

Captain Wei! His Majesty has asked to see you.

Why has His Majesty asked to see me?

His Majesty commended you in front of all the court officials.

He seems to have an important matter to discuss with you.

I'm here to invite Captain Wei to come with me to the palace.

- Let's go, Uncle Chen. - Yes.

This way, please.

Please come in.

Take care.

What's the matter?

You...

Sir, check please.

Yes, Miss.

Is this enough?

Young lady, this isn't enough.

It's not enough?

It's just about enough if you add in all those as well.

What rotten abalones are those?

I spent all the rest of my money on them!

Where would I stay from tomorrow onward?

Jian-An City lies at my feet.

I'm able-bodied. I don't believe I'll starve here.

Steamed buns! Hot steamed buns!

- Sir, get me two steamed rolls. - Sure! Three copper pennies.

Can I wash your dishes in exchange for them?

Get lost! I am very busy!

Don't you have bowls that need washing up? I'll help you!

No, don't bother! Go away!

- Madam! - Go away!

- I just want a third of the men's pay! - Leave now!

I wouldn't use someone that I don't know to manage my account book.

Leave now. Go away.

I know a spice merchant called Xiao Wei. He should be able to vouch for me.

Xiao Wei? Don't bother me!

Leave now!

I still have a business to run! Go now!

Young lady, you're back.

Have you run out of money to stay in inns?

Come and stay here when you have the money.

Go and sleep rough in the woods near the suburbs if you don't have money.

Sir, won't you give me a few more days?

I'm already looking for work.

No way! Leave now!

This won't do. I mustn't let my father down.

The woods near the suburbs?

- Really? - Six steamed buns.

- So nice. - I'll take you tomorrow.

It's a deal then.

Damn lass! Don't you know the rules?

That is my place!

Leave! Go over there!

Go over there!

Young lass, all the places are already taken over there.

But if you sing me a song

and make me happy

I'll share my place with you.

You get to sleep with me.

What do you think about that?

I happen to be very lucky today.

I got an urn of top quality chrysanthemum wine from The Villa.

Is that so?

- That's fine wine. - Here, let's have a few sips.

Young lady, come here. Come over here.

Have a seat.

Young lady, there isn't an obstacle that could not be overcome.

And there isn't anything that we couldn't put up with.

They don't mean any harm.

Don't take it to heart.

If you don't mind, why don't you stay by the fire with an old man like me?

Thank you, Grandpa.

Young lady, have some chrysanthemum wine first to warm yourself up.

The steamed roll would be roasted warm in no time.

What's the matter? Do you dislike it because it is from a beggar?

You're worried that the wine is too strong?

Don't worry, this is the chrysanthemum wine

that The Villa made for Double Ninth Festival.

It is suitable for all ages in the family to enjoy it together.

It's sweet and very light.

Grandpa, we are total strangers.

When that young lad helped me out

I was already very grateful.

How could I possibly dislike you?

In this world, who doesn't run into a few troubles and difficulties?

Even the Emperor would need the help of the Chancellor, right?

Grandpa, I understand it now.

Good...

Young lady, have a steamed roll.

This steamed roll is so tasty.

Have more if you like it.

Xin Yue. What's on your mind?

I'm thinking about how to make a living.

I have an idea if you don't mind hard work.

You can knock on back doors and ask if they need anyone to do the laundry.

Do you need anyone to do your laundry?

No.

Sir, do you need anyone to do your laundry here?

We've already got someone for it. It's fine. Leave now.

I could do other miscellaneous chores as well!

- I'll sweep the ground for you! - It's fine! Don't bother!

Just pay me with a meal. I'll sweep the ground for you!

- Don't bother! - I...

I'm sorry. I'll sweep for you!

I'll sweep for you!

I really don't need you to do it. You really don't have to do it.

- Get back to work. - Yes.

Are you a foreigner?

You speak our language very well. You don't have an accent.

I've already been here for a few days. I'm really quick at learning!

You're so smart.

You don't have any relatives or close friends in Jian-An City?

That's true.

If you have any relatives or friends you wouldn't be in this predicament.

Why don't you clean up my courtyard

and I'll treat you to a few buns?

Are you willing to do so?

Thank you, Madam.

Just call me Ms. Hong.

If you do the chore well, we shall see each other more often in the future.

Thank you, Ms. Hong!

Come with me.

[Fair Maiden's House]

I never know that it could be this fun to sweep the ground.

I'm running out of time!

You've worked hard, young lady!

Come and have some buns.

Here, have a bun first.

Young lady, have another bun?

Over here.

Can I wrap the rest and eat it when I'm hungry?

Of course. I'll wrap an extra portion for you.

If the buns are already wrapped up for me

I'd get going now.

Grandpa is still waiting for me.

Such a clever lass.

I'm just worried that she might be skilled in martial arts.

It took her a long time to pass out from such a strong drug.

Guards!

Yes.

Keep an eye on her for me.

- Or I'll have your skin. - Yes.

You're awake?

I won't drink it!

This water isn't drugged.

Besides, it isn't necessary to do so.

This place is heavily guarded. You won't be able to escape.

I'm not thirsty.

My name is Xin Yue.

Some Ms. Hong drugged me.

What about you?

My name is Ding Ling.

I was sold to this place by my stepmother.

Do you know what this place is?

Why are we locked up in here?

This is the Fair Maiden's House.

It is a famous dance house in Jian-An City.

They abducted you because you are pretty.

Are they going to force us to make a living with our bodies?

This is a dance house.

The ladies are only performing dances and showing off their talent.

But the others don't care about this slight difference in definition.

Women who perform to make a living are always frowned upon by others.

Unless women are left with no other choices

Who... Who would choose to do this job?

But if you become a famous performer

then things would be different.

They could even enter the palace at will.

It sounds as if this is an amusing place where I could have fun and food.

How many times have you tried to kill yourself and survived?

You were beaten quite a few times as well.

Do you remember that at all?

You won't have it your way today.

- Move it! - I won't go with you!

Move it!

- Let go of me! - Move it!

- Let go of me! - Get dressed, learn from your sisters.

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