Original subtitles

[The Heir]

[Episode 31]

Mr. Wu,

about the official post I'm buying,

I guess it should've been done...

I, Wu Weishi, always keep my word

when handling things.

But this time,

someone must have leaked the news.

That Eunuch Chen from the Directorate

of Imperial Supplies turned his back on me,

claiming

that their Directorate is already fully staffed.

He's no more than a seal-holding eunuch at the Directorate of Imperial Supplies.

Who does he think he is?

You are right, Mr. Wu.

So, Mr. Wu,

what about the official post I'm buying?

That Chen doesn't know what's good for him,

but I still have something else up my sleeve.

At the very least,

he has to show my father some respect, right?

Yes. Indeed.

However,

regarding the money,

you need to add more.

At this point,

however much more is needed,

please just name the price, Mr. Wu.

Double.

That much? Well...

I'm afraid I can't scrape that together right now.

Mr. Wu, look...

Mr. Tian,

a post in the Directorate of Imperial Supplies

has always been highly sought-after.

If you can't pay it,

there are plenty of others who can.

Y-Yes, Mr. Wu.

However,

my ink workshop has really been

running low on money recently.

I still have dignitaries in the Capital to offer my tribute to.

Could you please

give me a little more time?

Mr. Tian,

given our close ties,

how could I possibly turn my back on you?

Come on,

let me show you the way out.

I'm all ears, Mr. Wu.

You can make ink for foreign trade.

[Unauthorized personal trade with foreign states is]

This business is literally a money spinner.

Soon

[a smuggling activity against the government's maritime trade ban.]

you'll make enough money.

No... No way, Mr. Wu.

Doing foreign trade is a capital crime.

Mr. Tian,

nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The Directorate of Imperial Supplies

has particularly lucrative posts.

Besides,

my father and I

have got your back.

What are you afraid of?

This is still a serious matter.

Mr. Wu, please allow me

to go back and think it over.

You can make ink for foreign trade.

This is literally a money spinner.

What are you afraid of?

Now that you already know about this,

do you think you can stay out of it?

If you spread the word,

what do you think will happen to me?

Mr. Wu, rest assured.

I won't

breathe a word about this to anyone.

Mr. Wu...

Only your death

can truly put my mind at ease.

Mr. Wu!

Mr. Wu!

Mr. Wu!

Mr. Wu,

I am willing to risk my life on this.

If you really fulfill my wish,

I will repay you handsomely.

That's the spirit.

Don't worry.

Just

leave it to me.

Mr. Wu,

what happened?

You've been tailed.

That merchant, Qi Jiu, is

still creeping behind you.

I'm afraid he's also the one

stirring up trouble on Eunuch Chen's end.

I have a question, Mr. Wu.

In a city as huge as Nanjing,

is it hard to make

a person vanish without a trace

for good?

You mean...

It's easy.

My men can handle it.

Thank you, Mr. Wu.

No problem.

[Yongtong Post Office]

Sir,

I'd like to send a letter.

We can't send anything to Huizhou right now.

There's been a blizzard for days.

All the roads are completely blocked.

Completely blocked?

Then,

when will the roads clear?

It is hard

to tell right now.

People inside can't get out,

and people outside can't get in.

Look, just these letters here.

They were all meant to be sent to Huizhou in the past few days.

Yet they're all still sitting here, huh?

And those packages,

they made it halfway,

but got stuck in the snow for over 10 days.

They simply can't get through.

Thank you.

[He Garden, Huizhou]

[Yihousheng, Huizhou]

A while back,

I sent a lot of Nanjing specialties to my family.

I also sent one to you.

Did you receive it?

No.

I've been away from Huizhou for days.

I didn't receive it.

Sir,

may I ask

how many goods are sent to Yihousheng

and the New Li Ink Workshop?

About 5 or 6.

[To Old Madam Wang Rujun, She County, Huizhou]

Sir,

can you give this letter

and those goods to me?

A friend of mine sent them.

She is very homesick.

How about this?

You give me the goods and the letter.

For the goods,

I'll ship them.

And for the letter, I'll send it by pigeon.

That won't do.

Your name isn't on them.

I can't just let you take them.

Is the person who sent the letter and goods

a woman named Li Zhen?

No.

No?

Is it a man

named Li Zhengshen?

Yes, his name is Li Zhengshen.

See? I told you I knew him.

How about this?

If you don't trust it, I can bring the carrier pigeon here

and send it off right in front of you.

Wait for me. I'll be right back.

Well...

-Cheers. -Cheers.

Keep eating up.

Come on, have some more.

Thank you.

The food in Nanjing is indeed exquisite.

But after eating too much,

it feels a bit too sweet and greasy.

It actually makes me miss the goodies in Huizhou.

Me, too.

I miss my mother's cooking.

I miss her home-made chicken soup

and guozi (a kind of pastry).

I wish my mother were here.

We've been out for so long.

Let me play a game with you.

First, think of a snack in your mind,

your favorite snack from Huizhou.

Let's see...

if it's this one.

Guozi?

Stone Guozi?

This is called "Wishes Come True".

Come on, hurry, try them while they're hot.

Be careful. It's hot.

Why did you bring it out just now?

To give you a surprise. Here.

Stone Guozi.

Filling our stomachs

will also keep us warm.

You're not from here.

How did you know we locals would

take Stone Guozi as dry rations when traveling?

I'm just following the local customs.

Zhen.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Just feeling homesick.

Then eat more.

You won't miss home if you're full.

Come on, Zhengyou, have some fish.

Someone is attacking people in the street!

Go report it to the officials!

[Yongtong Post Office]

Sir, this is to be sent to my home.

Please expedite it.

Sir, please.

Okay.

Master,

did you see clearly who did it?

I don't recognize them.

Unfamiliar faces.

But they came prepared.

However, I can probably guess

who is behind this.

What has Tian Benchang been doing lately?

He still hangs out with those rich wastrels all day.

I cut off his path to buying an official title

and blocked Wu Weishi's way of raking in money.

It's understandable

that they want revenge.

But since Tian Benchang is still staying in Nanjing,

he must have a backup plan.

Xiao Qi.

Yes, Master.

You stay in Nanjing

and keep an eye on his movements at all times.

Yes, Master.

[Spring and Autumn Residence]

So you're finally home.

Since you claimed

that you were planning for the Tian family's future,

why didn't you even show your face

when the Princess's household was selecting ink?

Do you still consider yourself

the manager of Tian Ink?

You're the useless one

who failed to be the Ink Supplier to the Princess's household.

Now you're blaming me?

And you're useful?

I targeted the Ink Supplier position of the Princess's household

because it could free the Tian family

from the influence of others

and lead us to a broader, righteous path.

But look at you,

drinking and gambling with those wastrels all day long,

living a life of debauchery.

With a manager like you,

the Tian family is truly cursed.

What do you know?

It's not your place to lecture me in the Tian family.

Don't think you can boss me around just because you have some power.

To be honest with you,

I have zero interest in being the Princess's Ink Supplier.

I came to Nanjing

to seek an official position in the Directorate of Imperial Supplies.

From the Luo family to Qing He and Xu Wan,

these so-called dignitaries

all flatter the high and trample the low with no exception.

Once they have power, they bully the weak.

To make the Tian family invincible,

we must shed the merchant reputation

and hold power firmly in our own hands.

A position in the Directorate of Imperial Supplies?

Tian Benchang, you...

Are you crazy?

Do you know how much silver that costs?

Even emptying the Tian family's treasury won't be enough.

I'm telling you, this won't work.

Even selling me wouldn't cover the cost.

Stay out of my business.

I have my own plans.

Go back to the Capital tomorrow

and keep Sage Qing He and Aunt Wan company.

Tian Ronghua,

you're nothing more than a tool

for flattering higher-ups.

Good-for-nothing.

My Lady.

Here is your letter.

Get in quickly.

The ship won't wait for you.

Send her to the pier.

Yes, Master.

I hereby appoint

Tian Ronghua as the accountant of the New Li Ink Workshop in Huizhou.

The term is to be decided by Tian Ronghua herself,

starting anytime, never to be terminated.

Looking forward to your return.

By Li Zhen.

Father.

Aunt.

Brother.

I have never forgotten

the Luo family's feud.

But right now,

I really want to tell her my true feelings.

If you allow me to take a step forward,

please let this candle flame

flicker.

Mr. Qi.

Master.

Cause and effect in this world are

not that simple.

Buddha says all things

arise from causes and conditions.

That means in every instant,

cause and effect are ever-changing.

Fate is like flowing water.

It has neither beginning

nor end.

Mr. Qi,

if you don't know how to decide,

why not tell me about it?

Since you feel like it,

why try to cut the water with a knife?

Master Fahui.

I indeed harbor

a very important secret.

But at this very moment,

I met someone who cares for me

and thinks of me.

But I'm well aware that I am not worthy of her.

I don't want to hurt her,

nor do I want to hold her back.

You are kind

but also greedy.

You want to keep your secret

and fix past regrets,

while also craving a happy future life.

Mr. Qi,

please remember this—

the past feelings

are beyond your grasp.

Why not

take a leap bravely?

Why not...

take a leap bravely?

Farewell.

Thank you for your enlightenment, Master.

Why not...

take a leap bravely?

Why not take a leap bravely?

Sir.

Sir,

about a month ago,

I sent my cousin here

to mail a family letter

and some packages

to Huizhou.

Do you remember?

I remember.

I heard

it snowed heavily in Huizhou a while back,

and the roads were cut off.

So I am a bit worried.

I wonder if those things were

delivered or not.

Miss,

your family letter has already been sent.

As for the packages, they were shipped by water.

They should arrive in Huizhou in a day or two.

Miss,

you should really thank that friend of yours.

He happened to be sending a letter to Huizhou as well.

So he sent your letter along with his

by carrier pigeon.

As for those packages,

they were also delivered

by the boat he arranged.

However,

he came with some injuries that day.

I don't know what happened.

My friend?

It's a tall one

with thick eyebrows and big eyes.

He... He was injured that day?

What happened?

Was he badly hurt?

It seemed quite serious.

His hands were covered in blood.

As for how he got hurt,

I really have no idea.

He watched the carrier pigeon fly away that day,

and then he left.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Did he say anything else?

No.

Zhengshen, take this.

Put it here. Here.

Zhengyou, Zhengyou, Zhengyou.

Help me hold this... this one.

Yes, this one.

Nice. My fingers were about to break.

Zhengshen.

Xianglan bosses you around,

and you boss me around.

You get the girl,

but what do I get out of this?

Don't... don't talk nonsense.

Follow Xianglan

and see what else she's buying.

I don't want this.

Have a good day.

Zhen?

Zhen!

Zhen!

Hello, Zhen.

Zhen!

Zhen.

Why are you...

Why are you wandering around here alone?

Xianglan,

You almost bought

half of Nanjing, I think.

I rarely have a chance to come out.

I must shop to my heart's content.

As long as Xianglan likes it.

By the way,

today is

the biannual Sanshan Hall Lantern Festival.

Let's hurry home and get ready

to see the lanterns tonight.

Come on! Let's go!

Xianglan, wait for me!

♪ Rain is the burden clouds can no longer bear ♪

♪ Falling where love and hate intertwine ♪

♪ I can't rid myself of this hatred ♪

♪ It neither fades nor remains hidden ♪

♪ Regret is a wound time cannot heal ♪

♪ Once aflame, now chilled ♪

♪ You're the unreachable love I pursue ♪

♪ I long for you in my heart, yet I dare not forget you ♪

♪ Who's to blame, and who remains caught in endless cycles of love and hate? ♪

♪ I have no regrets about this hatred ♪

♪ As close as kin, yet as distant as strangers ♪

♪ Who bears the guilt in love? ♪

♪ We cast love aside, leaving our hearts in pieces ♪

♪ Is it wrong or right? ♪

♪ Standing at opposite ends ♪

♪ We can only face each other in silence ♪

♪ Rain is the burden clouds can no longer bear ♪

♪ Falling where love and hate intertwine ♪

♪ I can't rid myself of this hatred ♪

♪ It neither fades nor remains hidden ♪

♪ Regret is a wound time cannot heal ♪

♪ Once aflame, now chilled ♪

♪ You're the unreachable love I pursue ♪

♪ I long for you in my heart, yet I dare not forget you ♪

♪ Who's sober, who's drunk, and who holds back from trying to mend it? ♪

♪ Reason forces us back ♪

♪ When defenses fall, who is left more broken? ♪

♪ Why keep chasing it? ♪

♪ Half bright, half dim— an unfinished, imperfect kind of beauty ♪

Does it hurt?

♪ How should we end this? ♪

No.

♪ I stare through hope and drifting haze, tears in my eyes ♪

♪ Lost and unsure where to go ♪

You're hurt so badly.

What exactly happened that day?

♪ I stare through hope and drifting haze, tears in my eyes ♪

That doesn't matter.

♪ Lost and unsure where to go ♪

Qi Jiu.

Since we parted that day,

I've thought a lot.

I've figured it out.

I have something to tell you.

I know you have a secret,

and this secret is so important to you

that you can't talk about it easily.

I've thought it all through.

I will no longer force you

to tell me everything.

But I have one request.

From now on, wherever you are,

whatever you do, you must take care of yourself

and not put yourself in danger.

Qi Jiu,

I want to go back to how we used to be,

doing Harvest Eve Foraging together,

enjoying Stone Guozi together,

and watching that pine tree grow tall together.

You truly

mean a lot to me.

I don't want to lose you again.

Zhen,

why are you so good?

Our meeting

It's a great blessing in my life.

I don't want to hide my feelings for you anymore.

You have always been in my heart.

I have never forgotten you.

Don't cry.

Don't cry.

Don't cry.

Zhen.

About the secret you just mentioned,

I won't deny it.

That secret was

the only motivation

keeping me alive before I met you.

Don't worry,

I will definitely confess this secret to you.

But please give me a little more time.

I believe...

I believe it will be soon.

♪ Candlelight sways, I swallow sorrow alone ♪

Soon.

When that time comes,

I will surely be with you

♪ I write each word in slow, desolate tone ♪

openly, honestly,

wholeheartedly,

and properly.

♪ Looking back, the road stretches on and on ♪

You don't need to say more.

I believe everything you say.

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

Then it's a promise.

From now on, you can't push me away again.

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

From this moment on,

we will love and cherish each other,

♪ Please turn the light that waits in the dark ♪

never to be apart.

♪ 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 ♪

Okay.

One copy of the deed for each of us.

This one is for you.

Miss Li Zhen, you're really meticulous.

I'm leaving this shop to you from now on.

Yes. Don't worry.

I'll take my leave then.

Zhengshen,

the more I look at this shop, the more I like it.

The location and size are perfect.

When we open,

business will surely be booming.

I've posted the recruitment notice.

I also asked my father to prepare the ink supplies.

I think we can open for business

in 10 to 15 days.

But before we find a reliable manager,

you still need

to keep an eye on this place.

Rest assured, Manager Zhen.

I will definitely take care of everything.

Put this away safely.

Is this okay?

Move the stuff. Come on.

Tell me how to load it.

Put the ones with flowers there.

Okay.

Zhengyou, give them to me.

Mr. Xiao,

look at how this woman spends money. It's insane.

We know she's bought gifts for home,

but those who don't know

would think she's moving Nanjing City back with her.

Food and daily items are one thing,

but cold medicine?

Can you believe she prepared 2 boxes?

We're taking the boat back to Huizhou tomorrow.

During this long journey with changing weather,

it's easy to catch a cold.

Of course, we need to prepare

this cure-all for colds,

just in case.

Yes, yes.

Miss Yan, you're so right.

The med's name, Ganfengling, is

also a very good omen.

"Ling" means

great fortune,

brilliant blessings,

and good luck with everything.

And "feng" for safe trips.

Xianglan,

after you return to Huizhou,

can I write to you?

Miss Xiaotao, what brings you here?

Good morning, Miss Li Zhen.

After the Princess

presented the birthday inkstick to the Noble Consort,

she was always in high spirits before every visit to the imperial palace.

And when she returned,

she couldn't stop talking about the fun

of practicing calligraphy and painting with the Noble Consort.

The Princess sent me here specifically

to convey her gratitude.

You are too kind.

This is our duty as ink makers.

Here's an edict from Noble Consort Du.

Li Zhen, Li Ink's manager, presented ink and made a meritorious contribution.

I hereby bestow upon Li Zhen one stick of Sihe Ink, a treasure

from the palace collection.

The Sihe Ink was made by the ancestors of the Li family

as the supreme ink product.

I hope the entire Li clan will take this ink as a model,

remaining diligent and respectful

to recreate the glory of Li Ink.

Thank you, Noble Consort.

Thank you, Princess.

Miss Li Zhen, the gift has been delivered.

We will return to report.

I heard that early tomorrow morning,

you will be setting off for Huizhou.

I wish you a safe and smooth journey.

Farewell.

Thank you, Miss Xiaotao.

Congratulations.

It's our Li family's...

[Sihe Ink]

[Huizhou]

-Aunt Rujun. -Aunt Rujun.

It's freezing cold out here.

Why did you come?

Your health matters most.

Yes, Aunt Rujun.

It will take Zhen a while to arrive.

Please rest on the shore for a bit.

Don't catch a chill.

It's okay. I'm fine.

My mother insisted on picking up Zhen herself.

Don't worry, it's fine.

My little Zhen

hadn't left Huizhou since she was little.

Yet she's been gone for so long this time.

She must be

feeling restless.

So,

I want the whole family

to be here, all together,

to welcome her.

So she can see us as soon as she gets off the boat

and know that we are

all waiting for her.

Okay.

Our whole family will welcome her home together.

Good.

Are you cold?

Not anymore.

Zhen,

how much longer until we arrive?

Are you homesick, Zhengyou?

I miss the Sesame Guozi Mother makes me.

I miss Grandmother, too.

We'll be home soon.

Then you can see your mother and Seventh Grandmother.

Zhen, look.

At the dock are my mother, Second Aunt,

Third Uncle, and Third Aunt.

And...

That's Grandmother!

Grandmother came to welcome us, too.

Come on, Zhengyou.

Seventh Grandmother!

Seventh Grandmother!

Mother.

Seventh Grandmother!

There comes Zhen's boat.

Zhengyou.

We're home.

We're home.

Seventh Grandmother,

I've returned.

Good to have you back

safe and sound.

Seventh Grandmother,

I fulfilled my mission.

During this trip to Nanjing,

I helped Li Ink win a 3-year ink contract with the Princess's Mansion.

Besides,

I have brought something back.

Princess Shouyang personally petitioned His Majesty and the Noble Consort

to gift the last stick of Sihe Ink from the palace collection

to the Li family.

I brought it back personally.

Stand up, quickly.

There really is

the Sihe Ink made by our Li family in this world.

Zhen,

you have achieved a great feat

for the Li family.

Since you were the one

who retrieved this Sihe Ink,

it shall be you

personally placing it

into the Li Ink Vault.

Zhen.

Come in with me.

Mother, can you manage on your own?

I can.

Eighth Master Li,

when was the last time the Ink Vault was opened to store ink?

I remember it was one or two decades ago, right?

At least.

That was when I was still young,

and my Seventh Brother stored some ancient ink inside.

This Ink Vault has always been

accessible only to the Head of the Workshop.

Eighth Uncle,

my mother has been waiting for this day

for many, many years.

Aunt Rujun

has guarded this place for most of her life.

We, the Sixth and Eighth Branches,

have also wasted half our lives

over what happened back then.

It is time

to let the next generation take the stage.

Indeed.