Original subtitles

[The Heir]

[Episode 29]

Seventh Grandmother.

I think

our Li family should go to Nanjing and compete

for the commission to supply the Princess's birthday inkstick.

Zhen.

Then tell me

why we should go.

Seventh Grandmother,

these days, our ink workshop has finally started

to turn a corner.

Whether in the variety of inks or in sales,

we can be on par with the Tian and Chen families.

However,

not to mention Li Ink

at its peak,

even compared to a decade ago

when we were still a Tribute Ink supplier...

Seventh Grandmother,

are you alright?

I'm fine.

Have some tea.

I'm fine.

Go on. I'm listening.

I was saying,

even compared to a decade ago

when we were still a Tribute Ink supplier,

we are still far behind.

If we limit our vision

to Huizhou and this particular time

and only measure ourselves against the Tian and Chen families,

then we are still a bit short-sighted,

and we won't be able to move forward.

These days,

I've been dealing with those traveling merchants.

I found that most of the profits from the ink

we sell outside Huizhou end up in their pockets.

If we want the bigger share,

we have to take

the Li Ink name beyond Huizhou.

I've been thinking.

Nanjing is second only to the Capital in prosperity,

and it's close to Huizhou.

This trip to Nanjing

isn't just for the birthday ink.

I want to check out

what the market there is like.

If the prospects are good

and there's a suitable storefront,

we'll open a Li Ink branch there.

We'll start with Nanjing

and restore Li Ink's reputation.

Good.

But Zhen,

there is always someone better.

Are you...

confident?

Seventh Grandmother,

only by stepping out of Huizhou

can I know how strong others are.

This trip to Nanjing

isn't about taking first place.

It's about seeing a bigger world.

Even if I lose, that's alright.

At least I'll know where I stand

and see the road ahead more clearly,

so I can keep moving forward,

one step at a time, and lead Li Ink onward.

Don't you agree?

Good.

Very good.

Your plan

gives me

a glimpse of the future.

You have great vision.

Seventh Grandmother.

I'll put you in charge

of this trip to Nanjing.

Seventh Grandmother,

stop teasing me.

It's all because you taught me well.

There's still one thing I'm worried about.

Tell me.

It's a long journey.

I can't feel at ease

with you going to Nanjing alone.

You should pick someone from the family to go with you,

so you can look after each other.

Mother.

Alright.

To be honest, Seventh Grandmother,

I've already thought it through.

I want to take Zhengshen with me.

He is now very skilled in ink-making,

and he's learned a lot of woodblock printing techniques

from Third Aunt.

I'm thinking,

since this is for a birthday inkstick,

we naturally need to put some effort into the woodblock printing.

Zhengshen can help me,

and it'll also give him a chance to make use of his abilities.

Good.

Good.

Besides him,

I want to take one more person.

Eldest Aunt,

Zhengyou is a promising talent in ink-making,

and he'll be the pillar of Li Ink in the future.

I want to take him along to see the world,

letting him see what the finest

and most valuable inks in the world

look like

and experience what makes ink so unique,

so that he will understand the Way of Ink on his own.

Eldest Aunt, would you agree?

Good, good.

Of course I would.

You've thought of everything for Zhengyou so carefully.

How can I ever thank you enough?

Eldest Aunt,

don't be so polite to me.

You've never traveled this far before.

It's freezing cold out here.

Your journey

will take more than a month.

You'll need to prepare everything

properly.

Mother.

I won't keep you company here.

I'll go prepare things for them.

Go now.

Don't worry, Eldest Aunt. Take your time.

[Yihousheng]

The Li family's Shize Ink is selling well.

The Tian family's Styrax resin ink

has been forced to drop its market price by 20%.

They have already suffered a lot of losses.

They brought this upon themselves.

Master.

Master?

Although overstocking means tying up cash,

there's no need to sell at such a loss.

Maybe they have other moves planned.

Keep a close eye on Tian Benchang.

Master.

We're closed!

Who is it?

Miss Li Zhen?

Have a seat.

What's this?

It's for you.

I was thinking,

since you're back at Yihousheng,

you must have gotten back

your precious silver fox fur coat.

Silver fox fur with a Liuhe hat

is a perfect match.

You shouldn't have spent so much.

It wasn't too expensive.

I think this time, when we go to Nanjing on business,

dressed like this,

you won't be any worse than those wealthy young masters.

You said it yourself—

when doing business, presence matters first.

Go to Nanjing?

Princess Shouyang in Nanjing

is selecting birthday inkstick for Noble Consort Du.

I've already agreed with Lord Yan

to take part in the selection on behalf of Li Ink.

There are plenty of nobles and business opportunities in Nanjing,

so we can take this opportunity

and bring a lot of inventory from the ink workshop.

Once we get there, we can pick a shop and open a branch.

We'll work together like before

and happily close a few deals.

Xianglan told me—

there are shops everywhere on Nanjing's South and North Streets,

and lots of antiques and foreign goods.

You can help me pick some out

to bring back for Seventh Grandmother and Grandfather

as collectibles.

Of course, in return,

I'll treat you to Nanjing's lantern festival.

I heard that at Sanshan Hall,

there are countless lanterns,

with all kinds of designs.

So?

Are you happy hearing that?

Sounds great.

But...

I might...

not be able to...

go to Nanjing this time.

Right.

I heard the Japanese are causing a lot of trouble now.

General Qi is at the front lines,

and things must be extremely tense.

Don't worry.

If this Nanjing trip goes smoothly,

I can give you your share of the profits early—

before the New Year, they can reach the army.

It's not just about military supplies.

Now that I'm back at Yihousheng,

it's the critical moment to get back on my feet.

So...

I really can't leave.

You just returned to Yihousheng,

so of course you have a lot on your plate.

But the trip to Nanjing will only take a little over a month.

Can't you even spare a month?

I...

may no longer be able to perform

my duties at Li Ink.

Therefore, I am formally resigning from my position.

Our cooperation

ends here.

Of course,

you don't need to worry.

I have some connections in Nanjing.

I will write a few letters tomorrow

to sort things out for you.

For the past few days,

I want to thank you, Miss Li Zhen,

for your care and consideration.

There's no need.

I was just being impulsive

and talking to myself.

Master Qi, you're a capable man,

and a free-spirited one at that.

I shouldn't keep you tied down.

Consider this Liuhe hat a gift from me,

to congratulate you on your return to Yihousheng.

I wish you

a bright

and boundless future.

I'll be going now.

No need to see me out.

♪ Candlelight sways, I swallow sorrow alone ♪

♪ I write each word in slow, desolate tone ♪

♪ Looking back, the road stretches on and on ♪

♪ Still unhurt, I drink another grief with the moon ♪

♪ I carve past years' bonds into the scroll of time ♪

♪ Please turn the light that waits in the dark ♪

♪ Into a new direction after wind and frost ♪

♪ Trust keeps the heart calm ♪

♪ And unconfused ♪

♪ Please let the girl I might meet again ♪

♪ Be hope that fate has gently given ♪

♪ No matter how many regrets remain ♪

♪ In the end, all has already passed ♪

Zhen.

Xianglan.

Logically speaking, Master Qi returning to Yihousheng

should make me happy.

But for some reason,

ever since he left Li Ink,

I've been feeling depressed.

According to the book,

"The east wind blows and pear blossoms bloom,

and the lovesickness grows stronger by the day."

It stands to reason that lovesickness

usually happens in spring when the pear blossoms are in bloom.

How come our Zhen

is already so full of sorrow for love in the winter?

I'm telling you my true feelings,

and you're making fun of me.

Xianglan, am I being too selfish?

Because Master Qi

is efficient,

helpful in everything,

and has always been by my side taking care of me,

I just want to keep him

tied to me.

There are so many people coming and going in the ink workshop.

He's not the only one who can get things done.

Would others' leaving

also make you feel so depressed?

I don't know.

Stop sighing.

You...

We don't know

what he thinks,

and we don't need to bother figuring it out.

The point is what you think.

You haven't even sorted out your own feelings.

Aren't you just asking for trouble here?

I...

Right.

Just so happens you're going to Nanjing

for about a month.

If you get there

and forget all about

Master Qi or whoever completely,

then you can't say you like him.

So you're only upset now

because you're not used to him not being around.

However,

If you get there

and just jot down everything you see—

good food, fun things,

and anything new and interesting,

wanting to tell him all about it in detail when you get back,

then you're done for.

You won't be able to get away.

Because he's

already in your heart.

Who did you learn all this from?

I read it in storybooks.

I'm going to Nanjing for something serious—

the birthday inkstick competition.

I won't have time to have fun.

Besides, Nanjing is huge,

and I've never been there before.

I don't even know the roads,

and I don't know where anywhere is.

Are you stupid?

I know Nanjing well.

Just wait.

I'll go beg my father to let me go with you.

Really?

It's a deal.

Deal.

A letter came from the Capital today.

Take a look.

Great.

This Qing He

has finally gotten what he deserves.

The censors took the lead

and reported several cases to the Administrative Department.

Even if His Majesty favors him,

he still has to take court opinion into account.

I heard he hasn't been granted an audience for a month now.

At this rate,

it won't be long

before he's abandoned by His Majesty.

By then, the Tian family will have no backing left.

The fly has finally landed on Qing He's head.

The Tian family has benefited from currying favor with the powerful,

so they'll surely try the same tactics again.

I heard

Tian Benchang is participating in the princess's ink selection

precisely to curry favor with Princess Shouyang.

Rest assured, Sister.

When it comes to making ink, Miss Li Zhen will never lose.

But Tian Benchang's actions are suspicious.

Every family going to Nanjing

would normally bring extra high-quality ink

to sell.

But he instead cleared out

all his stored Styrax resin ink

at a low price in advance.

For this trip to Nanjing,

he's actually bringing over a thousand taels of silver.

I see.

Qing He is falling from grace.

He's going to Nanjing

to curry favor with more powerful figures.

Sister.

I have to go to Nanjing.

I want to investigate what Tian Benchang

is really up to.

Zhen, this is Sanshan Street.

[Nanjing]

It's like Sibao Street in our Huizhou.

Is this the busiest street here?

Yes.

My Lady, look over there.

L-Let me take a look at this.

You can look around yourself.

Go on.

Zhengyou.

Look, ink.

What kinds of ink do you have here?

I have all the famous brands.

All the famous brands?

Yes.

Do you have ink from the Li family of Huizhou?

Li family?

I really do.

Look.

Zhengyou, they really do.

Look.

Miss,

do you want some Ejiao cake?

Ma'am, can I have a taste?

Sure.

Here.

Please try it.

This is our new product,

Rose Ejiao cake.

Is it good, My Lady?

It's good.

Not bad.

This Ejiao cake is really delicious.

And it's easy to carry.

Let's buy two boxes for Zhen.

Okay.

Here.

Alright.

Two boxes.

Just give it to me.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Here, take it.

Alright.

Thank you, My Lady.

It's really delicious.

[Princess Shouyang's Mansion]

Zhengyou.

The shape of qin?

Quite novel.

Zhengyou,

this is the ink from the Wang family of Xiuning,

Millennium Ink.

The Xiuning school is known for its ornate style

and its skillful use of gold decoration.

And look,

isn't the gold lacquer on it beautiful?

[Pine Wind, Frost, Millennium, Taisu, Shuiyue, Qinggui]

This set of assorted inks and multiple inksticks

can actually be used as gifts.

Ten Views of Qiantang?

This is the Lin family of Qiantang.

Do you know what they are best at?

Woodblock printing?

Yes.

All kinds of figures, landscapes, and story scenes—

don't they have them all?

And their family's woodblock printing techniques

are passed down from generation to generation,

just like our Li family's

pine soot ink.

Makes sense.

Makes sense.

Isn't this Qi Chun, one of the Five Ink-making Grandmasters?

He was just appointed as Supervisor of the Directorate of Imperial Supplies.

What is he doing here?

Today's banquet is probably not simple.

He's coming.

Stop talking.

Lord Qi.

My Lord.

Hello.

Lord Qi.

Greetings, Lord Qi.

Hello, everyone.

Ronghua?

Ronghua?

Ronghua,

how have you been lately?

Did you receive the letter I wrote to you?

[Qi Chun, Supervisor of Directorate of Imperial Supplies]

The Princess has arrived!

Greetings, Your Highness.

Rise, everyone.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Supervisor Qi, you're here too?

[Princess Shouyang]

Blessings to Your Highness.

I, Tian Ronghua, greet Your Highness.

The Tian family of She County is honored

to have invited Supervisor Qi

to represent Tian Ink in Princess's Mansion's birthday inkstick selection.

We will definitely do our best to present good ink

to celebrate the Noble Consort's birthday.

Tian Ronghua?

While in the Capital,

I seem to have heard Xu Wan mention your name.

Aunt Wan also often tells me

about Your Highness's filial piety.

I am deeply touched.

Being able to meet Your Highness today

is truly my blessing.

There will be a banquet in the mansion later.

You should stay and join us.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Your Highness,

the preliminary ink submissions from all the ink workshops have been presented.

Please proceed.

They are all very good.

But they are not good enough.

For my mother's birthday inkstick, I do not want

these so-called precious inks,

nor Buddhist or longevity-themed inks that are all show and no substance.

What I want must be unique in every way,

inside and out.

It must reflect my mother's character and temperament,

while still retaining the dignity of the royal family.

Therefore, I will give all of you

one month.

After one month, bring me your new inks

for my personal evaluation.

Whoever is chosen

will also be granted 3 years of Ink Supplier authority

for the Princess's Mansion.

I hope all the ink-making families here weigh this carefully,

and do not disappoint me.

Zhengyou.

You go up and wait for me.

I want to wait for Ronghua here.

Okay.

Go ahead.

They say you are

the granddaughter of Li the Eighth.

Why isn't he here in person?

My grandfather hasn't been feeling well lately.

Besides,

after he made that Teeth-etched Oath years ago,

he has never made ink again.

Old stubborn fool.

I thought I could finally compete with him

in person this time.

Unexpectedly, the Li family sent a girl here.

It seems they really have no successor.

I may be young,

but my ink-making skills

were personally taught by my grandfather.

I learned the orthodox Li Ink techniques.

Just now, you didn't even

take a close look at the ink I made.

Isn't that a bit too hasty a judgment?

Your ancient lacquer-soot ink is indeed good.

Reprocessed ink— it shows some clever ideas.

At your age, it's quite rare

to have such ink-making skills.

But if you want to beat me,

you'll need a few more years.

Go back quickly and ask Li the Eighth

to help you out.

Thank you for your comments.

But I am the manager of Li Ink,

so it's only right for me to represent Li Ink.

Rest assured.

I will definitely make ink that lives up to Li Ink's highest standards.

By then, I'll compete with you fair and square.

Ronghua.

Ronghua.

Ronghua...

Manager Li,

our lady left you a message.

She said that

once two people make certain choices,

they are no longer on the same path.

Now she is a noble lady in the capital,

while you are just a merchant and an ink-maker,

and also a competitor.

Don't mention the past anymore,

and there's no need to meet again in the future.

Ronghua, you're finally back.

What are you doing in Nanjing?

Let me take a good look at you.

Where did this fairy come from?

Those who know you

would recognize you as the eldest lady of Tian Ink Workshop.

Those who don't

might mistake you for a princess.

Come, Sister.

Have a seat.

Have a seat.

Sit down.

Come on, my good sister.

Regarding the Princess's household's birthday inkstick,

I've already asked Supervisor Qi to represent Tian Ink in the selection.

You don't need to worry about it.

You were able to invite Qi Chun, one of the Five Ink-making Grandmasters.

Of course there's nothing to worry about.

But as the manager of Tian Ink,

how can I stay out of it?

Besides, Sage Qing He has recently

been in a lot of trouble in the Capital.

I came to Nanjing to find more connections

so we won't be implicated by him in the future.

How dare you keep chasing powerful connections?

Tian Benchang, let me ask you this.

I had already suppressed

the matter of Sage Qing He

demanding top-grade pine soot ink.

Why did you reopen it?

Just to seize Sixth Master Li's pine timber

and humiliate the Li family.

You act on your own and ignore all advice.

When the reckoning comes,

I'd like to see how you handle it.

You are right, Sister.

But Ronghua,

you invited this trouble back yourself.

I'm just dealing with it for you.

You can't blame me.

Since things have come to this,

we should be of one mind

to preserve the reputation of Tian Ink Workshop.

I heard Princess's Mansion is hosting a banquet today.

Nobles and dignitaries are all invited.

You should take this chance to introduce me to them.

Getting to know more people

is always good for our Tian family.

Don't you agree?

Sister, have some tea.

Sister.

My good sister.

Come on.

Have some tea.

Take me with you.

Alright?

Then you can go with me later.

Thank you, Sister.

Here.

Have some tea.

Waiter!

Bring another pot of tea!

Coming!

Master.

Didn't Miss Li Zhen give you a hat?

That hat looked quite warm.

It's so cold in Nanjing.

Why are you not wearing it?

You really have a knack for bringing up the wrong topic.

What does it have to do with you?

In this birthday inkstick selection,

I heard Tian Ronghua invited Qi Chun to help.

Miss Li Zhen's chances of winning are really slim.

Should we help her?

Let's just mind our own business first.

Tian Benchang has booked the restaurant these past few days,

hosting banquets every day.

In the Six Ministries of Nanjing,

there are dandies from the Ministries of Rites, Personnel,

Revenue, and Works associating with him.

If Tian Benchang only wanted to win the birthday inkstick selection,

he wouldn't have spent so much money.

So Tian Benchang definitely

isn't doing this just for

Princess's Mansion's ink contract.

He must have other plans.

Keep a close eye on him these days,

in case he pulls any dirty tricks.

Understood.

Watch your step, Young Master.

He's out.

Did you enjoy yourself today?

I did.

Quite enjoyable indeed.

As expected of the Tian family's manager—

so generous today.

If you ever need anything in the future, just say the word.

Thank you, Young Master.

We'll have plenty of time ahead of us.

-Alright. -Alright.

We'll have plenty of time ahead of us.

Definitely.

Take care.

Take care!

Let's go.

There's a newly opened tavern over there.

Let's go and...

This way.

Xiao Qi.

He's gone. Follow him.

Be sharp.

I'm freezing.

Is it cold outside?

Yes.

Come inside and warm up.

How is your birthday inkstick coming along?

The Noble Consort is devoted to Buddhism,

so I was thinking,

I could add some sandalwood to the ink.

Is fragrance also taken into account when making ink?

So delicate?

Of course.

Since this ink is made for the Noble Consort,

we must pay attention to every detail

and also think outside the box.

There are a lot of particulars involved.

However, adding sandalwood to the ink,

I'm afraid other families will also think of this method.

It's still too simple.

I need to think about it.

Zhen.

Let me tell you some good news.

Today, I heard from outside

that the Princess's birth mother, Noble Consort Du,

is acquainted with Zen Master Fahui of Luoxia Temple.

She once went there to copy scriptures, worship Buddha, and pray for blessings,

and even left behind her own calligraphy.

Once I've arranged everything in the next few days,

let's go to the temple together

and meet Zen Master Fahui.

We can ask him to show you

the Noble Consort's authentic handwriting. How about that?

That would be wonderful.

If we can see the Noble Consort's calligraphy with our own eyes,

we will know her habits of using ink.

Zhen, you

have top-notch ink-making skills.

And I

am observant and alert.

We are a powerful combination.

There is nothing we cannot do!

Zhen, I've sorted out everything

to be sent back to Huizhou.

Come and take a look.

Coming.

Let's go.

So many things?

Zhen.

See if anything is missing.

Okay.

I will send them out before dark.

It should arrive in a few days.

This is from Heyuan.

This is also from Heyuan, right?

Yes.

These...

These three are for Seventh Grandmother.

Tea.

Okay.

Yes.

This is a blanket for Uncle Jingdong to keep his legs warm.

And the silk underneath

is for Eldest Aunt and Third Auntie.

New Li Ink Workshop. Let me see.

That's wrong.

This is for the New Li Ink.

Swap it.

Okay.

This is for Li Ink.

Yes, this is from City Gate Lane.

My grandfather's lung medicine.

This is also from City Gate Lane?

Yes.

It's a hand warmer for my mother.

These are toys for my future nephew.

This is fun.

Yes.

That's all.

Then where is this for?

This is for Yihousheng.

What is it?

Nothing,

just some food.

Right.

There's more.

Since we came to Nanjing,

we haven't sent word home to let them know we're safe.

Send this letter back too

so they won't be worried about us.

Okay, I'll go right now.

Be careful.

Don't break that.

Okay.

This must be put carefully.

[Luxia Temple, Nanjing]

Master Fahui, these benefactors are looking for you.

Greetings, Master.

Greetings, Master.

[Zen Master Faci]

Benefactors,

whatever you are asking for,

forgive me, but I cannot help.

Master, we haven't even spoken yet.

How do you know our purpose?

You have ink stains on your hands.

You must be an ink maker.

You are wise, Master.

I am not wise.

It is just that these days,

for the Noble Consort's birthday inkstick,

too many ink makers have come to find me.

Seeing so many of you,

I've figured it out.

Since you already know why we are here,

we won't beat around the bush.

Master, we heard there are scriptures here

that were hand-copied by the Noble Consort.

Could we take a look?

Master,

this is a treasured palm-leaf sutra from our family.

We are willing to offer it to the temple

and you.

Though your sincerity is appreciated,

I am not worthy of such a gift.

The Noble Consort did indeed visit our temple to worship Buddha,

and I have given her Dharma teachings

on a few occasions.

But there are no

hand-copied sutras by her in Luoxia Temple.

I do not know where such a rumor came from.

I understand your difficulties, Master.

If we can't see it in person,

could you tell us

about the Noble Consort's writing habits?

Amitabha.

Monks do not lie.

Not only do I not have

the hand-copied sutras of the Noble Consort,

I have never even seen them.

I advise you

to stop thinking about these sutras.

I heard that half a year ago,

someone in the palace

tried to steal the Noble Consort's calligraphy to sell for profit.

After being discovered,

they were immediately beaten to death.

Please go back.

I must take my leave.

Thank you for your trouble.

We came all this way

for nothing.

It's okay, Xianglan.

If this way doesn't work,

we'll find another way.

There's always a way.

It looks like it's going to rain.

None of us brought an umbrella.

Let's hurry down the mountain.

-Let's go. -Let's go.

Please wait.

Wait a moment.

Please take this umbrella

to shelter from the rain on your way.

Thank you for the umbrella, Master.

It is not from me.

This umbrella was given to me by a benefactor in the temple.

A benefactor?

Who?

Who gave us the umbrella?

Probably a kindhearted person.

Xianglan, wait for me here a moment.

I'll be right back.

[In Memory of the Fallen Soldiers in the War Against the Japanese]

Master, we saw Miss Li Zhen.

Are we really not going to meet her?

We have our own things to do.

As long as you delivered the umbrella, it's fine.

You said you wouldn't help,

but secretly had me deliver an umbrella.

You said one thing and did another.

This is a sacred Buddhist place.

Don't talk nonsense.

Qi Jiu.

Miss Li Zhen?

Mr. Xiao.

It really is you.

Didn't you tell me you wouldn't come to Nanjing?

Why are you here today?

I was indeed tied up before,

but today I'm here under Marshal Qi's orders

to pray for the soldiers who died in battle.

You gave me this umbrella, didn't you?

He gave it to you.

It was me.

I gave it to you.

Anyway,

it's a big world,

and for us to meet here

must be fate.

Have you finished praying?

If you have,

why don't you come down the mountain with me and Xianglan?

Zhengshen and Zhengyou are here in Nanjing.

How about we get together?

I do have official business to attend to today,

so I'm afraid I can't accept your invitation.

My apologies, Manager Zhen.

That's fine.

A while ago, I sent my family

many specialties in Nanjing.

I also sent one to you.

Did you receive it?

No.

I've been away from Huizhou for days.

I didn't receive it.

Alright then.

I won't bother you anymore.

Go ahead and get back to your work.

Farewell.

Then how do I return this umbrella to you?

It's just an umbrella. Don't worry about it.

It really was you who gave it to me.

You dared to lie to me in front of Buddha?

Here.

I don't need it.