Original subtitles

[The Heir]

[Episode 30]

Zhen.

Are you still thinking about Qi Jiu?

Getting upset over a man

is not worth it.

No.

I was thinking about how

Zen Master Fahui said today

that the Noble Consort is devoted to Buddhism.

A person devoted to Buddhism

would copy sutras often.

Why hasn't even Zen Master Fahui seen

the sutras copied by the Noble Consort?

Zhen!

Zhen!

Zhengshen.

Bad news.

What's wrong?

Zhen.

Speak slowly.

Qi Chun brought a huge group of men today

to search for all the most valuable ink manufacturing materials

in all of Nanjing.

Styrax resin, borneol,

century-old pearls, thousand-year-old fleeceflower root—

he bought them all.

Zhen, with just these ingredients,

how can we compete with him?

What are you afraid of?

We'll go buy some too.

Missy,

you're oversimplifying this.

I heard

he bought them directly in the name of the Directorate of Imperial Household.

Others don't stand a chance.

Zhen, will we lose to the Tian family?

No. Don't worry.

Xianglan.

Is there any occasion

where I can see the Noble Consort myself?

If it's too difficult, forget it.

There is!

Tomorrow, Commander Wu from Nanjing

is hosting a winter solstice banquet at his home.

The Princess and the Noble Consort will definitely attend.

My father worked with Commander Wu.

He knows I'm in Nanjing.

Normally, he would send me an invitation as well.

Great.

Then we still have a chance.

This birthday inkstick—

since it's a birthday gift from a daughter to her mother—

if we want to make

the ink that best suits the Noble Consort's liking,

we need to know

how the Princess and the Noble Consort get along,

and what the Princess cares about most when it comes to the Noble Consort.

Only then

can we hit the mark.

I got it.

The winter solstice banquet

is the best time to understand the mother-daughter bond

the Princess and the Noble Consort share.

Don't worry, I will definitely attend.

Then you can dress up as...

You'll have to put up with it,

but you can dress up as my maid

and go with me.

Thank you, Xianglan.

Of course!

Let me... Let me take another sip of water.

[Nanjing Garrison Commander Wu Ru's Mansion—Wu's Mansion]

Zhen, let me tell you,

this Noble Consort Du

actually comes from a humble background.

So after the Princess was born,

she was raised by the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

It wasn't until recently

that she returned to the Noble Consort's side.

But the rules in the palace are strict.

So in a month,

they might not even see each other once.

Although born into the royal family,

she is also a pitiful person.

It's better to be born in an ordinary family

one would be able to enjoy the happiness of family life that way.

The Noble Consort doesn't come from a noble background?

Other concubines are daughters of officials.

Only she

was an embroiderer.

Xianglan.

Xianglan, you're here.

Mrs. Wu,

am I late?

No.

Xianglan.

Take your seat quickly.

Yes.

You are all here so early.

Yes.

Yes.

The Noble Consort has arrived!

Princess Shouyang has arrived!

After you, Mother.

After you, Princess.

Thank you, Mother.

Please.

We pay our respects to the Noble Consort

[Noble Consort Du]

and Your Highness.

Please rise.

Thank you, Noble Consort,

and Your Highness.

Take your seats.

Today,

the Princess and I were invited by Mrs. Wu

[Mrs. Wu]

to attend the winter solstice banquet.

I have also specially invited Zen Master Fahui

to pray for our safety and blessings.

Thank you, Noble Consort.

Mother.

I offer a toast to you.

I wish you peace, health, and endless happiness.

Let's all drink together.

Thank you, Noble Consort.

I am very fortunate

to be able to invite the Noble Consort and the Princess

to my home for a banquet.

My Wu's mansion

is truly graced by your presence today.

Indeed.

[Mrs. Lin of Qiantang]

In order to welcome the Noble Consort and the Princess,

Commander and Mrs. Wu

specially built this banquet room.

We are able to accompany you here

and see the elegance of the Noble Consort and the Princess

all thanks to Commander Wu and Mrs. Wu.

On my trip to Nanjing this time to pray,

Commander and Mrs. Wu have helped a lot.

I should also thank you.

To be able to serve the Noble Consort and the Princess

is my honor.

Because the Noble Consort had not arrived before,

the scroll in the central hall

was left blank.

Today, the Noble Consort has condescended to visit,

so I boldly ask

the Noble Consort to grant us a calligraphy.

The Wu family will definitely look at it every day

and always appreciate the kindness of the Noble Consort.

Noble Consort,

please write a few words for Mrs. Wu.

Zhen.

Later, you should also take a careful look

at the Noble Consort's calligraphy.

Since they have their motives,

we can't lose either.

Her Grace feels quite tired today.

It is not too late to grant the scroll another day.

How could I dare to let the Noble Consort

spend too much energy?

It's just my own hall.

If you could just casually write a few words,

it would be the honor of my life.

Not only do I not have

the Noble Consort's hand-copied sutras,

I have never even seen them.

Noble Consort Du

doesn't come from a noble background.

Other consorts are daughters of officials,

while she was originally an embroiderer.

Mrs. Wu,

since the Noble Consort is unwell,

let's drop it.

You are?

Your Highness,

I am Yan Xianglan, daughter of Yan Bingyou.

Please, get up to speak.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Rise, all of you.

I remember

you had a sore on your face.

Yes.

But when my father was in Huizhou,

he found a medicinal inkstick for me,

which cured my sore of many years.

Is it that miraculous?

Can you let me take a look?

Of course.

Wait a moment, Nanny.

What a miraculous inkstick.

Your Highness,

why not use this inkstick

to write a few words for me?

My mother is skilled in painting.

How about she paints,

and I write?

What do you think?

Thank you, Your Highnesses.

Thank you, Your Highnesses.

What? You say the Noble Consort—

Keep your voice down.

Doesn't know how to write?

Was it you who sent a message

to the Nanny during the banquet?

It was me.

How bold of you.

Follow me.

The princess wants to see you.

Zh-Zhen.

Xianglan.

If so, I must go.

Don't worry.

Be careful!

It's quite nice.

Not bad.

Everyone.

Today,

we won't go home until we're drunk!

[Son of Commander Wu, Wu Weishi]

Until we're drunk!

Until we're drunk!

Let's toast to Mr. Wu.

Cheers.

Thank you, Mr. Wu.

Thank you, Mr. Wu.

-To Mr. Wu. -Thank you for your hospitality!

I heard the Lin family of Qiantang

is going to great lengths

to win the ink selection.

Mr. Zhang.

The Lin family merely played

some petty tricks.

Clerk Qi of the Directorate of Imperial Household

has served His Majesty and the Princess for years.

Besides,

I came to Nanjing

not just for the birthday inkstick.

These tricks of the Lin family

are not worth my attention.

Mr. Wu,

don't you agree?

Rest assured, Mr. Tian.

My father is Nanjing's garrison commander.

There is nothing he promises

that he cannot accomplish.

Thank you, Mr. Wu.

Xiao Qi.

Princess, she's here.

Your Highness.

You asked Nanny to pass a message to me?

I wouldn't dare deceive Your Highness.

It was indeed me who had the Nanny pass the message.

I know who you are.

Speak. What else do you know?

Your Highness,

I truly do not know.

What do you mean, Your Highness?

I was just anxious

to help Your Highness, seeing

Your Highness was unwilling to write an inscription,

yet didn't dare to reject Mrs. Wu,

and wanted to help share Your Highness's burden.

If I did anything

to offend Your Highness and the Noble Consort,

I truly deserve a thousand deaths.

Mr. Tian!

Eldest Young Master Tian!

I, Qi...

say my greetings.

Greetings to you.

Master Qi, why are you here?

I came to Nanjing on the order of Marshal Qi

and also to visit Garrison Commander Wu.

Since I happened to run into you, Eldest Young Master Tian—

running into an old friend in a foreign land—

I naturally had to come and greet you

and your friends

properly.

I cannot accept

Master Qi's toast.

Sure, sure.

Then I'll offer a toast to your friends.

Come on, everyone.

Apologies.

My apologies.

I'll drink as punishment.

I'll drink...

Qi Jiu!

My apologies.

I'll drink...

My apologies.

Excuse me for a moment, Mr. Wu.

Sorry for the interruption.

The Princess was perfectly fine.

Why is Her Highness suddenly angry?

I heard that Li Ink's owner Li Zhen

pissed the princess off.

Li Zhen will probably be executed.

So you're saying

you were doing this entirely out of the goodness of your heart?

Your Royal Highness,

I...

would never dare have any ulterior motives.

Amitabha.

Your Highness,

since this lady has good intentions,

it should result in

a good karmic connection.

The Zen Master is right.

You're a smart person.

You should know what you should say

and what you shouldn't.

Do you understand?

I understand.

You may leave.

Thank you, Princess.

Stop right there.

What are you doing here?

I am Qi Jiu, under Marshal Qi.

I came specially to present a gift to the Princess.

On the guest list for today's winter solstice gathering,

is there anyone under Marshal Qi?

Yes.

Let me see what it is.

Here's the deal.

I can take you inside.

But whether Her Highness will see you

depends on your luck.

May I ask, Eunuch,

is the person the Princess is speaking with right now

Manager Zhen of the Li Ink Workshop?

Don't ask what you shouldn't.

Stop snooping around.

Go quickly.

Zhen.

Are you alright?

Look how scared you are.

I'm fine. Don't worry.

That scared me.

You're too bold!

How dare you have the nanny pass a message to the Princess!

I just felt that

at today's banquet,

the Lin family set a trap and the ladies chimed in—

everyone only cared about their own selfish goals.

No one cared about what the Noble Consort and the Princess

actually think.

Since the ink I'm making

is a gift from a daughter to her mother,

I couldn't just watch

the Lin family rip open the Noble Consort's wounds.

That's not why I am making the ink either.

I understand.

But it's difficult to predict

whether something is favorable or not to the royals.

What if something happens to you?

You know me.

Growing up, I've always been lucky.

I'm perfectly fine, aren't I?

Let's go.

Seriously.

Hurry up.

Qi Jiu?

Are you all right?

-I'm here to present— -I'm fine.

To present a gift to the Princess.

No wonder you were asking all those questions.

Are you still presenting the gift?

Yes.

Zhen, I-I'll wait for you over there.

Come here.

I asked you so many questions

at Luoxia Temple,

but you didn't answer me.

You brushed me off and avoided me.

Yet today,

you are so worried about me.

Qi Jiu,

what are you really thinking?

I...

I...

I don't know what you're talking about.

You do.

You know what I'm talking about.

Before,

you helped me a lot.

I wanted to do my best

to protect you.

Stop giving me

these high-sounding excuses.

This isn't the answer I want.

Then...

There's nothing else.

Fine.

Since you won't say anything,

I will.

That day when you gave me the umbrella at Luoxia Temple,

I was actually very happy.

Today,

seeing how worried you were about me,

I was also moved.

I can see that

you still care about me.

But I don't understand

why you keep pushing me away

without saying anything.

I...

I'm sorry.

Fine.

Since you won't say it,

I will tell you what's on my mind.

Qi Jiu,

what I want

is not someone who does whatever they want in the dark

and makes sacrifices alone.

I want someone who can stand upright

and walk side by side with me.

I appreciate

your kindness today.

Although I don't have much power

and status as you do, Master Qi,

in Nanjing,

I am at least the manager of Li Ink.

From now on,

I won't bother you with my affairs anymore, Master Qi.

Please watch yourself,

and do not pester me anymore.

Farewell.

What? Are you afraid to guess?

Just guess.

It's on Miss Wu's right hand.

Careful.

Wrong again. She guessed wrong again.

Ronghua?

Come on.

How does she look?

-Lovely. -Quite the handsome lady.

Trying to curry favor

with Princess Shouyang in Nanjing

and steal my thunder?

Do you know whose ground you're standing on?

[Daughter of Commander Wu]

Exactly.

Do you really think the Xu family

values you that much?

Let me tell you,

my father said

that Sage Qing He, you rely on,

won't stay in favor much longer.

Even your own blood brother

bows his head before my father

and my brother.

You? A noble lady from the Capital?

At the end of the day,

you're nothing but a gutter-born nobody from servant stock.

Guess.

This is outrageous.

Zhen,

I'll go reason with them.

No, you can't.

Ronghua doesn't want to see me anyway.

If we go now,

she will only feel more humiliated and sad.

You can't go.

Although Ronghua has Xu Wan

and Sage Qing He to rely on,

she is from a humble background and weak in power.

Happening to run into this farce today—

it was such a farce.

We can only imagine

how hard she's had it,

trying to survive among the great and powerful.

Ever since Father and I moved to Huizhou,

I'd almost forgotten

how these so-called noble families

in Nanjing and the capital

fawn on the powerful and trample those beneath them.

Xianglan,

I want you to help me find out

how Ronghua has been doing recently

and

where she lives in Nanjing.

Okay, leave it to me.

Let's go.

Let's leave through another door.

This way.

Master,

I was wondering why I couldn't find you when I went back.

Why did you come here?

Did you get it?

I followed Tian Benchang into the inner room.

While he was changing,

I got this list of gifts.

It turns out the people he wants to give gifts to

are not just Wu Weishi.

Each of those wastrel sons is receiving a gift.

These aren't ordinary courtesy gifts.

Each one is worth hundreds of taels of silver.

This Tian Benchang...

When did he become so rich?

He's really spending a fortune.

We have to keep investigating.

Investigate the families behind those wastrel sons,

their household connections,

and the official posts they occupy.

The final selection for the birthday inkstick begins.

The Wei family of Songjiang presents their inkstick.

Your Highness, Zen Master Fahui,

this inkstick symbolizes marital harmony.

We wish the Noble Consort a happy birthday.

May the Noble Consort and His Majesty remain in harmony for 10,000 years.

You may step down.

The Wang family of Xiuning presents their inkstick.

Your Highness, Zen Master Fahui,

this inkstick takes ink as its substance and the Buddha as its form,

dedicated to Your Highness

and the Noble Consort.

Step down quickly.

The Tian family of She County presents their inkstick.

Your Highness,

Zen Master,

the Tian family of She County presents a pair of Prajna Inksticks

for Her Highness's enjoyment.

What is this scent in these inksticks?

It seems to be there and yet not,

and yet it lingers everywhere.

Your Highness,

when these inksticks were made,

the rare thousand-year-old red sandalwood was added to the ink paste.

The scent of red sandalwood is light but condensed and does not dissipate.

When blended with the scent of ink,

it gives off this scent.

[Prajna]

If Her Highness uses this ink to copy scriptures,

it will help her calm her mind

and show her dedication.

Good ink.

The workmanship is impeccable,

and the dedication of Supervisor Qi and Ronghua

has greatly impressed me as well.

Your Highness,

this inkstone is called A Leaf of Bodhi.

Its surface is made of natural stone skin.

Grinding ink with this inkstone

can better bring out the ink's fragrance,

allowing the user to purify their mind from the very beginning.

Rise and speak.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Please test the ink, Zen Master.

This scent is simple and elegant.

It doesn't grow stronger after grinding,

but rather gives off

the lingering aroma of incense burning year-round in a temple hall.

One can almost imagine

oneself in an ancient temple of a thousand years.

It truly calms the mind.

This ink and inkstone are a natural pair.

Its greatest virtue is its naturalness.

Supervisor Qi is indeed one of the Five Outstanding Talents.

It writes beautifully.

Rich, sharp strokes without bleeding.

No matter how I dip the ink,

the depth of color stays remarkably even.

Are there any other inks to be presented?

If not,

then today's selection

should be settled.

The Li family from She County presents our inksticks.

I almost forgot about you two.

Bring them up.

Your Highness.

Li Ink presents Twelve-Season Inksticks

as the Noble Consort's birthday gift.

The kites?

This shape and form

are quite rare.

Your Highness,

these inksticks are shaped like a kite

to symbolize connection.

Even though the kite is far up in the sky,

there is always someone

holding its string.

No matter how high

or how far the kite flies,

it always has a place to return.

The bond between mother and daughter

is just like this string,

unbreakable and unforgettable.

No matter how far apart,

their hearts are connected.

A fine sentiment—

but sentiment alone does not make good ink.

The quality of the ink will be known once tested.

Please test the ink, Your Highness.

Rise and speak.

Please test the ink, Zen Master.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Once it touches paper, the ink feathers slightly,

producing smooth, rounded lines—

so much so

that the writer's brushwork

scarcely affects the result.

You have a keen eye, Zen Master.

When making these inksticks,

I considered that Her Highness the Noble Consort

is very skilled at painting.

But normally,

writing and painting

require different inks,

which is quite troublesome.

So, I made some improvements to these inksticks.

I adjusted the glue content slightly.

It asks little of one's brushwork,

favoring smoothness and ease of use.

One stroke forms a clean line.

Dip and write, no adjustment needed.

Amitabha.

These inksticks favor no level of skill.

From an eighty-year-old woman

to a three-year-old child,

everyone can use it smoothly.

There is true Buddhist wisdom in this.

But

why did you make the inksticks so small?

Would it not be used up within days?

Your Highness,

the purpose of these inksticks

lies precisely in this.

These Twelve-Season Inksticks

correspond to the twelve solar terms, from Beginning of Spring to Minor Cold.

If used daily,

one inkstick can last for a whole month.

Your Highness can present

the Noble Consort with a new inkstick every month.

By using each delivery of inkstick as a bond,

the twelve solar terms become twelve occasions

of celebration spent alongside the Noble Consort.

To accompany the Noble Consort

through the changing seasons—

showing that Your Highness's filial devotion

is not confined to a single birthday,

but lives on day after day, month after month,

year after year.

Such consideration for the one who uses the ink...

Such thoughtfulness

speaks of a truly filial heart.

You flatter me, Zen Master.

This birthday inkstick

is a gift from the Princess to the Noble Consort,

and also a gift from a daughter to her mother.

When I

designed these inksticks,

I thought only as a daughter—

how best to bring joy to her mother's heart.

I think

to a mother,

nothing matters

more than true companionship.

Therefore, I humbly offer these inksticks

to Your Highness and the Noble Consort.

Supervisor Qi's inksticks are graceful and dignified.

I like them very much.

The inksticks of the Li family

can connect me with my mother,

which is very rare and precious.

Both ink-making masters,

you have worked hard.

The Twelve-Season Inksticks

is the gift I most wish to give my mother.

I hereby announce

that the winner of this birthday inkstick selection is

the Li family of Hui Ink.

And the Li family shall also be granted the ink contract

for my mansion for the next three years.

Thank you for your favor, Your Highness.

Li Zhen and the entire Li family

thank Your Highness for this honor!

Did you get a proper look

at the Wang family of Xiuning's ink just now?

Supervisor Qi. Senior Qi.

Your Prajna Inksticks are truly remarkable.

I am deeply impressed.

Today's victory

was pure luck.

You were gracious enough to hold back.

You sly little thing.

You even moved the Princess to tears.

No matter how fine my inksticks may be,

they cannot stand out anymore.

You're saying I won hearts

rather than won on the ink itself.

Your ink is very good.

Your thoughtfulness was even more admirable.

At the highest level,

the craft of ink-making must transcend mere technique

and speak directly to the human heart.

I have learned a lot.

When you go back,

give your grandfather, Li the Eighth, a message for me.

Tell him to take good care of his health.

If there is a chance,

I will definitely compete with him again.

Safe travels, Senior.

Supervisor Qi is very arrogant.

He seems arrogant on the surface,

but deep down,

he still stays true to the craft.

Zhen,

how did you come up with the idea

of making inksticks into the shape of a kite?

When I was at the Commander's Manor,

I overheard the ladies saying

the Noble Consort is exceptionally skilled at painting kite faces.

Whenever the weather is good,

many kites would fly

from her palace.

I inquired about it

and found out this tradition began the year

Princess Shouyang left the Noble Consort's side.

The Noble Consort made kites to cheer the Princess up?

Exactly.

Whenever she misses her daughter,

she flies the kites high and far,

hoping her daughter outside the palace walls can see them.

So these kites

represent a mother's longing for her daughter.

That's why I thought of making inksticks

into the shape of a kite.

Come on, we'd better go.

Xianglan is still waiting for us at the door.

Right.

Let's hurry up and tell her the good news,

so she doesn't wait too long.

Hurry.

Master.

I finally found you.

Boss, another cup, please.

Miss Li Zhen won.

Really?

That's great.

The Princess is deeply favored by His Majesty,

as everyone in the court and beyond knows.

Secure the Princess's Mansion's ink contract,

and she's halfway to securing the imperial tribute ink contract.

This Li Ink

is about to rise to a whole new level.

I knew that when you heard this news,

you would be very happy.

I heard that tomorrow, Miss Yan

is going to host a celebration for Miss Li Zhen at Zuixian Restaurant.

How about we also go join the fun

and share the joy?

If you want to go,

go by yourself.

Then I won't go.

Master, did you find anything?

Tian Benchang just went in.

These past few days, he and Wu Weishi

have been hanging out with people from the Ministry of Revenue

and the Ministry of Personnel.

If I'm not mistaken,

he wants to buy an official position for himself.

But Tian Benchang is a craftsman

and comes from a merchant family.

How can he become an official?

In our dynasty,

some offices are open even

to craftsmen and merchants.

What kind of official?

The Directorate of Imperial Supplies.

The office overseeing imperial manufacture within the palace.

All the imperial merchants

must deal with the Directorate of Imperial Supplies.

That's why it wields such power

and reaps even greater profits.

His ambition knows no bounds.

For fame and profit,

he still wants to climb higher.

I understand.

You may go.

Have a sip of tea before you leave.

I'm off, Master.

Zhen truly lives up to her name.

Good.

Godfather, this Zuixian Restaurant

is indeed the best restaurant in Nanjing.

The food is excellent,

and the wine is even more extraordinary.

[Chen Kai, Imperial Seal-Holding Eunuch]

It's a worthwhile trip.

Truly a worthwhile trip.

Coming out of the capital

on official duty with you,

I truly feel I’m in for some easy blessings.

In all your years in the Directorate of Imperial Supplies...

They're here, Young Master.

Come, gentlemen!

Let's drink up!

Come on. Come on.

I originally thought

that by fighting enemies and achieving merit in the army,

Please eat, Godfather.

we would stand out and rise quickly.

But unexpectedly,

that in today's officialdom,

merit is not as useful as money.

Without money,

we can’t get a foothold anywhere.

Exactly. What can we do?

Boss,

what do you mean by that?

You don't know yet?

Many official positions nowadays

are bought with money.

Men like us

spend a lifetime fighting and bleeding in the army,

only to claw our way up

to some pitiful little post.

Tell me,

where is the justice in that?

Exactly.

Is there any law?

Come on, drink up.

Alright, come, drink.

Exactly.

Speaking of buying offices,

Young Master Wu Weishi,

son of Commander Wu Ru of Nanjing,

truly has his connections.

With just a thousand taels of silver,

he can buy himself a palace post.

That's a lucrative post.

It's not that easy.

I heard

that it's a position

in the Directorate of Imperial Supplies.

According to Young Master Wu,

the entire Directorate of Imperial Supplies listens to him.

Even the seal-holding eunuch, Eunuch Chen,

obeys his every word.

Once he speaks,

Eunuch Chen wouldn't dare contradict him.

If Young Master Wu is so powerful,

the gates of the Commander's Manor

must have been trampled flat.

Preposterous!

Matters of my Directorate of Imperial Supplies

are not for Wu Weishi

to meddle in!

Godfather!

Come, let's drink.

Drink up! Drink up!

Good wine, good food.

Come on. They're really good.

Okay.

Come, let's celebrate.

Come on.

Come on. Come on.