Original subtitles

[The Heir]

[Episode 27]

Uncle Jingdong,

for defending me in front of the clan elders today,

I'd like to thank you.

No need for that.

I came back too late

to save you from unnecessary suffering.

Come on, take a seat.

These clan elders of Li Ink

are provided for by the Li family,

but they are never helpful at critical times.

Instead, they cause extra trouble.

To be honest,

I contradicted them a lot when I was young.

If I had arrived earlier today,

they wouldn't have been even allowed in.

Uncle Jingdong.

Over these years, you had never

addressed me as your niece

in outsiders' presence before today.

I should have done it

a long time ago.

Oh right.

Don't hold a grudge against your eldest aunt.

She has always been reasonable

and stood by your side.

I don't know what got into her today.

It was simply because

she was instigated by Li Decai and Tian Jiangyue.

I saw it all today.

The one who fanned the flames

was most likely Tian Jiangyue.

It's Tian Jiangyue again.

It's her doing again.

Uncle Jingdong,

our priority now

is to catch the isinglass dealer

and get his testimony.

Besides, we need to buy raw materials

to make up for the damaged ink in time.

You are right.

I'll give it serious thought.

Benchang, Tian Jiangyue had a message delivered to us in secret,

asking us to keep a close eye on that isinglass dealer.

She's worried if Li Zhen will get anything on us and her.

Our third aunt truly

has a huge appetite.

How's the isinglass dealer now?

Our men have been watching him.

Remove

our men.

Why?

If the isinglass dealer is found,

won't all our efforts be wasted?

This matter concerns Huizhou scholars.

It might become a bigger issue as the autumn imperial exam draws near.

We must steer clear of it.

But right now, our urgent task is...

I know what you're thinking.

But this chess game

requires patience.

We've achieved the goal of the current phase.

This...

Why a sudden increase

in the orders for Styrax resin ink?

This is just the beginning.

Once word about Li Ink's trouble spread,

some tutors already switched

to placing orders with me.

I've had all the isinglass available

on the market bought out.

By the time Li Ink needs to deliver orders,

they won't have anything to give.

When that happens,

our Styrax resin ink

won't be at its current price.

This is a brilliant plan, Benchang.

It really is brilliant.

Rujun,

it's time you woke up.

There's a fight going on at home.

The burden on Zhen is too heavy.

I'm afraid she can't bear it anymore.

Rujun.

Zhen...

Rujun.

Zhen...

Rujun.

You finally woke up.

Rujun,

you finally woke up!

Hua'er, where are you

taking me this late at night?

Zhen, stop asking.

Just come with me.

Come.

Seventh Grandmother.

You finally came to.

I was so scared for you.

I thought...

I thought you would never wake up.

Don't cry.

I haven't

seen the ink you newly created.

How could I bring myself to leave you forever?

Don't cry.

Stop crying.

I'm awake now, aren't I?

Don't cry.

Seventh Grandmother.

I'm incompetent.

I can't manage the family well.

I have failed you.

Zhen,

I'm the one who has failed you.

Hua'er

already told me what happened at home.

It's my fault for having weak health

and collapsing.

And I didn't

make things clear

to your eldest aunt.

Seventh Grandmother.

Although I don't have any proof,

I'm aware that this matter is related

to Tian Jiangyue and Li Decai.

I know.

They're resorting to every means to drive me away.

When the ink recipe was leaked last time,

though it seemed like I left in anger,

at the heart of it,

I was just running away from adversity.

However, this time,

since I've taken the responsibility

of managing the household from you,

Seventh Grandmother, I will not back off even a step.

Zhen,

don't worry.

Now that I've come to,

no one will dare to bully you again.

Seventh Grandmother,

put your mind at ease.

Now,

I am no longer by myself.

Uncle Jingdong is helping me figure out ways

to speed up ink production,

and Master Qi is searching for the isinglass dealer for me.

Now that you've finally woken up,

I immediately feel

strength surging through my body.

My dearest Zhen,

you've really grown up.

Good.

This is good.

All of you, listen.

Do not let anyone else

know I have come to.

Only in this way

can Zhen

handle all affairs

more resolutely

and more easily.

Li Decai,

didn't I say no meeting for these few days?

Fourth Sister-in-law,

Eldest Young Master Tian

got our message early this morning,

but still hasn't replied up to this moment.

I spent a whole day today waiting at the gate

of the Tian residence.

Then I finally met Second Young Master Tian,

Tian Bensheng.

I asked him how the isinglass dealer was doing,

yet he played dumb with me.

If the Tian family stands aside and does nothing,

Qi Jiu will catch that isinglass dealer

sooner or later.

When that happens,

what will become of us?

Fourth Sister-in-law.

Fourth Sister-in-law!

You were the one who instructed me

to ask the isinglass dealer

to tamper with those barrels.

It was also you who told me to disclose

the information to the Tian family.

You can't just leave me in the lurch,

Fourth Sister-in-law.

Li Decai,

watch your mouth.

Listen,

I have nothing to do with this matter.

Don't make me go over to the Third Brother

and reveal the secret of you keeping a mistress.

M-Master Qi.

W-What are you doing here?

Tasting the fish you raise here.

The fish is at its plumpest right now.

E-Enjoy it, gentlemen.

I need to be away

f-for some matters.

Goodbye.

Did I allow you to leave?

I...

The fish is indeed nice.

But there's something wrong

with your isinglass.

Master Qi,

when the delivery was made,

you already examined the goods.

Once the transaction is done,

any good or bad outcomes

won't have anything to do with me.

I'm just an honest businessman.

Not so hard!

N-N-Not so hard.

You just won't confess, huh?

I have nothing to confess to. I...

Hold it.

Hold it!

Try it. See if I grilled it well.

Then you're free to go.

I can go a-after eating it, right?

Fine.

I-I'll eat it.

Goodbye then.

N-Not so hard, sir.

Keep eating.

I... I...

Don't hurt me.

Please spare my life.

This blade

took many lives years ago.

It hasn't tasted blood for a long time in recent two years.

Take three more bites.

When you finish,

I'll end your life myself.

No, please spare me.

I said, eat it.

Yes, I'll eat it.

I'll eat it! I will!

Three bites.

Two bites.

No!

I'll talk.

I'll talk!

I'll tell you everything.

Master Qi, I'll tell you everything.

Please just spare my life.

This is more like it.

[Li Ink]

Thank you.

We guessed it right.

That isinglass dealer

sneaked back

to check on his fish,

so we could catch him in the act.

I've handed him over to Doggie

and had him locked up.

Have you got anything out of him?

According to him, over a month ago,

Li Decai already

promised him a great deal of silver

and a ten-year contract with him being

the isinglass supplier

for the Li Ink Workshop.

It seems Li Decai has long made up his mind

to force me to step down

and to take control of the Li family.

Cunning though he is, he isn't exactly bright.

Since he's out in the open,

I bet someone's scheming in the shadows.

Agreed.

I have another finding.

Li Decai's mistress in Suzhou

was secretly brought back to Huizhou.

The person who arranged that

was exactly Tian Benchang.

Tian Benchang has long harbored hatred toward the Li family.

He would definitely target us.

However, on his own, it was difficult

to find such a despicable lowlife

like Li Decai to do his bidding.

The intermediary between Li Decai and Tian Benchang

is the real mastermind.

Who is it?

Who else could it be

if not my fourth aunt?

Catch him!

Hurry, catch him!

Li Decai!

Catch him!

Are you alright?

Li Decai is heading for the front yard!

Go get him in the front yard. Quick!

Get up!

That way. That way.

Clear the stuff!

Li Decai!

That punk's running so fast.

Uncle!

Li Decai!

Get up now!

Hold still! Stay where you are!

Back off, all of you!

What are you doing?

Zhengyou!

Mother!

Back off!

Fine. Just don't hurt the child!

Help me!

Li Decai,

release Zhengyou.

We can talk everything out.

Shut up.

If I fall into your hands,

I'll be dead meat.

Right now, this little brat

can keep me from harm.

Heaven hasn't forsaken me.

All of you, step back!

Decai, don't hurt Zhengyou!

You watched him grow up.

How could you do this to him?

Are you even human?

Cut the crap!

When has the Li family ever treated me like a human?

Step aside, you!

Li Decai,

you just want a hostage, don't you?

Fine.

I'm the manager of Li Ink.

Take me as hostage instead.

I'll be at your disposal.

Don't come any closer!

You're asking me to let go of him

and take you instead?

What are you even thinking?

Do I look like a fool to you?

He's little so I can have him under control.

But you're different.

Don't you dare pull any stunts with me.

I'm telling you lot,

if you want him to live,

you'll have to obey me!

Fine!

We'll obey you.

Tell us.

What do you want from us?

Give me1,000 taels of silver.

A horse carriage, too.

Plus,

you must

bring Rong

and Yun here right now!

Once we're safe after driving the carriage

out of town,

I'll set this little brat free.

Li Decai,

this is not going to happen for you!

Shut up, you cripple!

How dare you call me that?

Decai, I beg you.

I beg you!

Don't you speak nonsense to me anymore.

Believe it or not,

I'll kill him right now!

I agree with your terms!

Go.

Do as he said!

Hurry!

Li Decai,

release Zhengyou now.

Mother?

Li Decai, listen up,

if anything happens to Zhengyou today,

I, Zhao Jin, won't let you leave the Li residence!

You crazy woman.

Haven't you been kicked out by the Li family?

You're no better than a stray dog.

What does this matter have to do with you?

Right, the Li family's affairs are not my business.

But Zhengyou is my nephew,

and Wanyi is my sister-in-law.

When you hurt them, you hurt me.

I won't stay out of this matter!

Li Decai,

let go of Zhengyou.

Or my blade will make you regret it!

D-Don't come any closer.

Stay away!

Zhengyou!

Zhengyou!

Mother!

Tie him up.

Keep him in the woodshed.

Are you alright, Zhengyou?

You were acting tough just now, weren't you?

What now?

Why not continue to yell?

Li Decai,

I suggest you confess

before I do anything to you.

Zhen,

I know I did wrong.

Please forgive me, your uncle, this once,

for the sake of Aunt Chunhua.

"Uncle"?

Li Decai, you really are amusing.

At this very moment,

you're still shameless as you are.

The Li family

is no home to human scum like you.

Quit your yapping!

Confess right away!

B-Before I confess,

please let me see Chunhua once more.

Do you think

that today, Aunt Chunhua will

come to your rescue again?

I'm telling you, Li Decai,

give up on that hope.

Li Zhen, you little wench!

Who are you to interrogate me?

I demand to see Li Chunhua!

I demand to see Li Chunhua!

Chunhua!

Chunhua!

Stop with the beating!

Chunhua!

Chunhua!

Chunhua!

Zhen,

stop it.

Chunhua...

Chunhua.

Chunhua!

Chunhua...

You finally came.

Chunhua,

I know I did wrong.

This time, I really know I did wrong.

Chunhua,

save me.

P-Please put in a good word for me.

Don't do it for my sake.

Do it for Run's sake.

Chunhua...

Li Decai,

you're not worthy of being Run's father.

I've drafted

a divorce agreement.

Chunhua.

Chunhua.

Chunhua!

Zhen,

take whatever action

as you see fit.

No need to consider my feelings.

Chunhua.

Don't go, Chunhua.

Chunhua! Chunhua!

Li Chunhua!

Mother.

Mother, you finally woke up.

I'm so unfilial.

I should have stayed by your side.

No worries.

But, Mother,

I really did wrong.

Please punish me, Mother!

Mother!

Mother!

Are you feeling better, Mother?

Come on.

Sit beside me,

so I can have a word with you.

Get up.

Mother.

I am partially to blame

for this matter.

Thirteen years ago,

the Eighth Branch

was expelled from the clan when I was in charge.

At that time, I was in a position

where I had no choice

but to make that decision.

Now,

the Eighth Branch hasn't been accepted back into the clan,

and the Li family is torn apart.

I...

have let...

have let down

our ancestors.

Mother...

I swear to bring the Eighth Branch back.

And the first step of it

is to let Zhen shoulder

the responsibility of managing the Li family.

I know

what is on your mind.

I also know

what is on your mind.

Normally,

the backbone of the Seventh Branch

should be Zhengyou.

That was also

my original plan.

But as you could see,

Li Ink

is declining year by year.

If, right now, there is no one

able to sustain

this huge ink workshop,

by the time Zhengyou grows up,

Li...

Li Ink

will have crumbled.

Mother,

I know what to do.

Don't worry, Mother.

Seventh Grandmother!

Seventh Grandmother.

Zhen.

Eldest Aunt.

Seventh Grandmother,

Li Decai has made a full confession.

It was Tian Jiangyue

who orchestrated the entire

isinglass scheme from the beginning to the end.

Li Decai colluded with that isinglass dealer

and worked with the Tian family

to attack us while we were busy producing Shize Ink.

I've told Doggie

to guard Tian Jiangyue's bedroom.

As for how to deal with her,

is entirely up to you, Seventh Grandmother.

I'd like to go meet her.

Help me up.

Manager Zhen.

Fourth Young Lady has gone missing.

Missing?

How did that happen?

We've searched the entire residence,

yet she was nowhere to be found.

She's probably at Yuliang Wharf.

On this day

in the each of these 13 years,

she would burn paper money for Jingqi at that place.

Old Madam,

someone pried the lock of the ancestral hall

and stole Young Master Jingqi's spirit tablet!

What?

Now,

go to the wharf.

This is bad.

[Spirit Tablet of Jingqi, Son of the Li Family in Ming]

Jingqi.

This year's autumn

feels so cold.

When I sleep at night,

my hands and feet are freezing.

In the past,

you would always fill my hot water bottle

and tuck me in before going to bed.

When will you come back

and warm up the bed for me again?

But it's a good thing that you won't come back.

The family

is no longer what it used to be.

Our enemy

is now boldly and openly

in charge of the Li family.

Mother,

Sister-in-law,

and the Third Brother

all bow and scrape to her

as if she's an honored guest.

They have all forgotten about you.

But I won't.

Jingqi,

I'm coming to reunite with you.

Wait for me.

Eldest Aunt, slow down!

She really is here.

Jiangyue!

Jiangyue!

Don't come over.

Don't come near, all of you!

Jiangyue!

Stay where you are!

I'll jump if you come any closer!

Stay away!

Stay away!

We are not going over.

Jiangyue.

Jiangyue, I won't go over there.

Just don't hurt yourself, alright?

Mother has come to.

Not seeing you by her side,

she thought you'd be here.

So she asked us to come bring you home.

She wants a word with you.

Let's go home, shall we?

Sister-in-law,

don't try to coax me.

In Mother's heart...

Doggie,

tell Zhen I'm here.

Come with me!

The Li family and Li Ink

are more important than her own son.

Manager Zhen,

Master Qi is here.

I jeopardized the Li family.

I got it.

Given the family rules,

will I be spared from punishment?

Instead of kneeling in the ancestral hall,

being taken to trial by you hypocrites,

and begging for a shred of mercy,

I'd rather reunite...

Jiangyue!

with Jingqi in the nether world tonight.

Jiangyue, don't do anything silly.

I'm begging you!

Tian Jiangyue!

What's so great about seeking death?

You've been domineering for days.

Don't make me look down on you at the end!

Don't you long to chase me away?

Bring it on.

Fight me for a few more rounds!

What, are you afraid now?

Are you going to admit defeat?

Tian Jiangyue,

I despise you.

I truly think of you

as a coward!

Let go...

Doggie!

Jingqi!

Calm down!

Jingqi!

Jingqi!

Let go of me!

Let go of me...

Let go of me!

I want to reunite with Jingqi!

Jingqi!

Jingqi!

Jingqi!

Jingqi...

Seventh Grandmother,

why are you up?

Zhen,

where is your fourth aunt?

In the main hall.

Uncle Jingdong is watching her.

Go there with me then.

It is time you got to know some things

about the family,

since you're head of the household now.

Seventh Grandmother,

you just woke up from a coma.

You shouldn't strain yourself.

What if you catch a cold?

Go back inside.

Leave everything to us.

Just go to the main hall with me.

Li Jingdong,

you're a coward!

You are incompetent!

If you hadn't surrendered,

how could this girl

throw her weight around in the family

and boss us around?

Don't forget we're senior to her.

There are no morals or rules

in this family anymore.

It's about to fall apart.

You'd better put me under watch all the time,

or I'll kill myself by hitting the wall

or hanging myself in the Li residence,

so that everyone will see

how a daughter-in-law

of the Li family is driven to death by you lot!

Let go of me.

Mother.

Mother.

Mother...

Zhen, you stay put.

Jingdong, go back to your room with your wife.

Wanyi, off you go as well.

Servants, leave and stay behind the door.

Jiangyue,

I heard

Jingqi's spirit tablet was gone.

But don't worry.

I have sent someone to procure fine wood

to make a new one.

We will place it properly

in the ancestral hall,

alright?

Mother.

As his mother,

you finally think of Jingqi, your son,

at this time.

The one who caused his death

is standing right behind you.

Jiangyue,

come on,

let me hold your hand.

Jiangyue,

I know

you've been thinking

about Jingqi all the time,

right?

When Jingqi passed away,

I thought

if you didn't want to stay in the Li family,

I wouldn't force you to.

Who would've known

you still chose to be committed

to him for the rest of your life?

What was your prayer to the Flower Goddess?

Can you tell me?

Why ask for so much detail?

It was nothing...

more than an ordinary wish.

Your wish is certainly my wish.

Now tell me about it,

so I can always keep it in my heart.

Actually,

it was nothing special.

I only prayed that our family

could always be safe,

happy, and harmonious

year after year

when we had children.

Jiangyue, rest assured.

As long as I am still in the family,

I won't let you ever get upset.

I promise to protect you for a lifetime

and build a good life for you and our children.

Over these years,

when you cause kerfuffles every now and then,

I would always give in.

It's because from the bottom of my heart,

I truly respect you,

and I feel deeply

sorry for you.

The Li family

is a great clan

that has carried on its legacy

for hundreds of years in Huizhou.

We have established rules

for our descendants' marriages.

Jingyuan passed away early.

The Seventh Branch is the legitimate line.

My son, Jingqi,

was supposed to inherit the family business.

The family

had already chosen a well-matched wife for him.

Initially, I never gave

my consent

to him marrying you.

Later,

Jingfu and Jingqi

knelt before my chamber

for two whole days and nights.

As a mother,

I finally relented.

At that time, I thought to myself,

that I must go in person

to see this girl

who my son was so determined to marry.

That day was still vivid in my mind.

I was seated at your home,

while you walked towards me

and greeted me with perfect propriety.

You were so lovable.

Then you finished the act

and looked up at me. At that moment,

I...

I knew right then

you were destined to be a daughter-in-law of the Li family.

Mother.

Mother...

You and Jingqi made solemn pledges of love.

Your romance was passionate.

But within just six months,

Jingqi...

passed away.

At least, Jingyuan left his wife

with a son.

But what about Jingqi?

Jiangyue,

I just have one question for you.

In your whole life,

who really wronged you?

Was it Jingqi,

or the Li family?

Mother,

over all these years,

I couldn't have lived to this very moment

without the hatred in my heart.

Then tell me!

Do you hate the Eighth Branch,

or yourself?

When you just married into the family,

you were overly ambitious

and constantly egging Jingqi on to stand out in the family.

You even pushed him to fight and compete

for the task of escorting the Tribute Ink to the Capital.

Jingqi was in such a tough spot

that he had no choice

but to turn to me in private.

That was why

I decided to let

the three brothers of them

set out for the Capital together.

I made them go to the Capital together.

You must

remember this clearly.

It was not my fault.

I didn't cause that.

It couldn't have been because of me.

I was never involved.

It was not my fault, Mother.

It was not.

You...

Look at yourself.

What have you been

reduced to after all these years?

If Jingqi knew about this in the nether world,

could he rest in peace?

If...

you still think of me as your mother,

then let go of all your hatred

and start living a better life from now on.

In addition,

no matter what,

do not give up

your own life.

Zhen,

you're head of the family now.

This matter

is yours to handle.

Mother.

Mother!

Mother...