Pear Ink Stains the Mountains and Rivers

During the Republic of China era, the orphan Zhou Yunli is accepted into the Chunhe Opera Troupe to study her craft thanks to her talent. With her senior fellow apprentice Li Mosheng protecting her, she gets through the hard times. The troupe rents a residence on the estate of the wealthy Wang Ranzhi. One day, Wang Ranzhi happens to see Zhou Yunli practicing and falls in love at first sight. He arranges a grand performance for her, helping her become an overnight sensation. Wang Ranzhi introduces her to high society, and their feelings deepen. But when Zhou Yunli realizes she is merely a diversion before Wang Ranzhi’s arranged marriage to another family, while Li Mosheng has always silently watched over her, she is torn between them. She must choose between love, her career, and her dignity. In the end, she finds her self-worth and true love, growing into a celebrated opera star.

Then Japanese invaders trample the peace beneath their iron heels. Seeing the influence the troupe has among the people, the invaders try to force Zhou Yunli to help them whitewash their rule and twist the public’s hearts. She refuses in no uncertain terms, bringing disaster upon the entire troupe: its members are captured and killed one after another, her junior apprentice Xiaofang is violated and takes her own life, and troupe leader Li Defu is killed while demanding justice. Under a succession of blows and the threat of death, Li Mosheng breaks down and chooses to surrender to the enemy. Faced with the betrayal and accusations of her former fellow troupe members, Zhou Yunli is consumed by grief and anger. She returns to the ruined theater and, before an empty audience, sings one final song for Wang Ranzhi, her only spectator, then vomits blood to make her defiance clear.

Afterward, the land lies shattered, and art cannot save the nation. Zhou Yunli and Wang Ranzhi resolutely join a more clandestine front...