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[The Heir]

2
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[Episode 9]

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No.

4
00:01:41,430 --> 00:01:42,400
No, no.

5
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I need a drink to calm my nerves.

6
00:01:46,870 --> 00:01:48,400
Good thing I wasn't there.

7
00:01:48,509 --> 00:01:50,509
If I'd seen you
making lampblack blindfolded,

8
00:01:50,509 --> 00:01:51,680
my heart would have...

9
00:01:51,680 --> 00:01:53,810
would have leapt right out of my chest!

10
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Zhen,

11
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you should avoid doing

12
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such risky things in the future.

13
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Mother,

14
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my lampblack-making skill was taught

15
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by Grandfather himself.

16
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I couldn't go wrong.

17
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It was nerve-wracking enough!

18
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Grandfather,

19
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Mother,

20
00:02:10,960 --> 00:02:12,420
Brother, Sister-in-law,

21
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demonstrating my lampblack-making
in front of everyone

22
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may not have been a bad thing.

23
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From now on, I don't think

24
00:02:16,400 --> 00:02:17,310
any ink workshop

25
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will make things difficult for me anymore.

26
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In the future, I

27
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want to take on outsourced lampblack work

28
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from various ink workshops
to earn a living.

29
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Over the past three years,

30
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besides Grandfather's careful instruction,

31
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every hot meal Mother left
outside the ink workshop,

32
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and every coin my brother

33
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and sister-in-law scraped together for me—

34
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I've kept all of it deeply in my heart.

35
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From now on,

36
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it'll be my turn to take care of you.

37
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Look how excited you are.

38
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Hurry up.

39
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Eat up, eat.

40
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Mother, just let me finish.

41
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I've been waiting three years

42
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just to say all this.

43
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Alright, go ahead.

44
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Mother,

45
00:02:50,470 --> 00:02:51,280
well,

46
00:02:51,400 --> 00:02:53,000
I've only studied ink-making
for three years,

47
00:02:53,000 --> 00:02:54,840
and I've already produced
supreme-grade lampblack.

48
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The master craftsmen at other workshops

49
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may not even be able to do that.

50
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Exactly.

51
00:02:58,030 --> 00:02:58,840
In the future,

52
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just by making lampblack alone,

53
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I can earn enough to support the family.

54
00:03:02,190 --> 00:03:03,430
Once I earn enough,

55
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I'll buy us a new house.

56
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We'll all move in and live together.

57
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Zhengliang, you see,

58
00:03:08,400 --> 00:03:10,030
one jar of supreme-grade lampblack

59
00:03:10,030 --> 00:03:11,520
is worth two taels of silver.

60
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Do you know how many jars

61
00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:13,710
of supreme-grade lampblack

62
00:03:13,710 --> 00:03:15,120
it would take to buy a new house?

63
00:03:15,120 --> 00:03:16,000
And I can't always

64
00:03:16,000 --> 00:03:17,860
make this much every time either.

65
00:03:20,430 --> 00:03:22,090
I didn't teach you ink-making

66
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so you could become a common laborer.

67
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Grandfather?

68
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Grandfather,

69
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I was wrong.

70
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Please have some tea.

71
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Grandfather,

72
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I just thought

73
00:04:08,910 --> 00:04:10,960
since our family might
finally have good days ahead,

74
00:04:10,960 --> 00:04:12,030
I was just so excited

75
00:04:12,030 --> 00:04:13,680
that I got carried away.

76
00:04:21,310 --> 00:04:22,630
Grandfather, rest assured.

77
00:04:22,630 --> 00:04:24,310
I've never forgotten the Way of Ink

78
00:04:24,310 --> 00:04:25,830
you taught me.

79
00:04:27,480 --> 00:04:28,830
Remain upright and honorable,

80
00:04:28,830 --> 00:04:30,920
and put the inheritance
of the Way of Ink above all else.

81
00:04:30,920 --> 00:04:32,240
I've only just begun.

82
00:04:32,920 --> 00:04:34,180
The path of ink-making

83
00:04:34,390 --> 00:04:35,680
is full of hardships.

84
00:04:35,720 --> 00:04:37,680
I must guard against
arrogance and impatience,

85
00:04:37,680 --> 00:04:39,190
and remain vigilant and single-minded.

86
00:04:39,190 --> 00:04:39,870
Ink-making

87
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requires an undivided mind—

88
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only then can one walk
the great and righteous path!

89
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Grandfather,

90
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am I right?

91
00:04:49,070 --> 00:04:50,190
Then let me ask you—

92
00:04:50,800 --> 00:04:51,800
what is

93
00:04:52,600 --> 00:04:54,860
the most essential thing in ink-making?

94
00:04:54,980 --> 00:04:56,490
The most crucial step

95
00:04:56,520 --> 00:04:57,300
is naturally the glue-blending.

96
00:04:57,300 --> 00:04:58,960
That is merely the technique.

97
00:05:05,120 --> 00:05:06,070
What is the Way?

98
00:05:06,560 --> 00:05:07,690
What Way do you hold?

99
00:05:07,830 --> 00:05:09,160
And how do you uphold it?

100
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The most essential thing

101
00:05:20,510 --> 00:05:22,170
can be summed up in four words—

102
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to remain true throughout.

103
00:05:29,120 --> 00:05:30,520
Remain true throughout?

104
00:05:31,390 --> 00:05:32,190
Grandfather,

105
00:05:32,680 --> 00:05:34,360
true to what?

106
00:05:35,600 --> 00:05:36,630
To

107
00:05:37,310 --> 00:05:39,070
your Way of Ink—

108
00:05:40,430 --> 00:05:42,490
the principles by which you make ink.

109
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Each person's path is different,

110
00:05:46,390 --> 00:05:47,070
but

111
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once you find yours,

112
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you must hold fast to it
with perseverance,

113
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unwavering resolve,

114
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and steadfast devotion.

115
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Let no hardship or temptation

116
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from the outside world

117
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ever shake your conviction.

118
00:06:03,240 --> 00:06:04,900
You still have a long way to go.

119
00:06:09,480 --> 00:06:10,280
Grandfather,

120
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though I haven't yet

121
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found it,

122
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please rest assured.

123
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I will never stray
from the path of ink-making.

124
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Because I have you here with me!

125
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That said, after trudging along
the great path for a while,

126
00:06:24,120 --> 00:06:26,120
taking a detour now and then
to earn some money wouldn't hurt—

127
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it would make life a little easier
for the family, right?

128
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But rest assured,

129
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it won't affect my Way at all.

130
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I'm just taking a breather along the way.

131
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If only your ink-making skills

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were as sharp

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as your tongue.

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All show and no substance.

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Remember,

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remain true throughout.

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Essence and function
share the same source.

138
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Remain true throughout.

139
00:07:04,950 --> 00:07:06,480
Essence and function
share the same source.

140
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Tea, Grandfather.

141
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Thank you, Sister,

142
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for taking care of Yihousheng
for me lately.

143
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Xue did a good job.

144
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I simply took over at the right moment.

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You've just arrived in Huizhou.

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What are your plans?

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As the saying goes,

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"Huizhou has two treasures—

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Hui Tea, fragrant for a thousand years,

150
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and Hui Ink,

151
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priceless beyond gold."

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Since you

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have gone into the Hui Tea trade,

154
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I

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will naturally pursue ink.

156
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Your family

157
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has made ink for generations.

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It's no surprise you'd want to

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enter the ink industry.

160
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But

161
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since you want to focus on ink,

162
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why open this pawnshop?

163
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Sister,

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I'm currently using an assumed identity.

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If I rashly open an ink workshop

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and force my way to claim a share,

167
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it will likely arouse suspicion.

168
00:08:38,200 --> 00:08:41,059
Besides, I never learned
how to make ink growing up.

169
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If I were to take up the family trade,

170
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I fear I would only end up

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tarnishing my family's once-great name.

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Yesterday,

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on my way to Yihousheng,

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I caught sight of you

175
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from a distance,

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bidding a high price
for a jar of lampblack.

177
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That's right.

178
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Yihousheng

179
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will open in a few days.

180
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I want to make all of Huizhou

181
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curious about my identity

182
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so I can stir up anticipation
before the opening.

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I noticed

184
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the Tians were there too.

185
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Do you really have no other intentions?

186
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When I found out

187
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you'd asked the General

188
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for the commission
to procure military supplies

189
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and insisted on returning to Huizhou,

190
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I knew you were here for revenge.

191
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But you must remember:

192
00:09:38,450 --> 00:09:41,510
you came back this time
after making a military pledge.

193
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If you can't raise 10,000 taels for
military provisions within half a year,

194
00:09:44,440 --> 00:09:48,570
you will have to return the pawnshop
and be stripped of your military post.

195
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Brother,

196
00:09:50,000 --> 00:09:52,600
we've benefited from
the General's kindness for many years.

197
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If you act rashly

198
00:09:53,910 --> 00:09:56,510
and do something against
the General's interests,

199
00:09:56,510 --> 00:09:57,630
don't blame me

200
00:09:58,390 --> 00:10:00,390
for setting aside our bonds.

201
00:10:02,600 --> 00:10:03,860
Sister, rest assured.

202
00:10:04,030 --> 00:10:05,120
I know

203
00:10:05,360 --> 00:10:06,720
what's at stake.

204
00:10:07,600 --> 00:10:10,390
Moreover, General Yu
has shown me great kindness,

205
00:10:10,390 --> 00:10:12,030
and I will never forget it.

206
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Don't blame me for being harsh.

207
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Some things

208
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must be said up front.

209
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Now, I know your plan

210
00:10:28,520 --> 00:10:30,560
regarding the purchase
of military supplies.

211
00:10:30,560 --> 00:10:32,270
But what's your plan
regarding the blood feud

212
00:10:32,270 --> 00:10:34,200
between your family and the Tians?

213
00:10:39,200 --> 00:10:40,510
Tian Huai'an...

214
00:10:41,550 --> 00:10:44,360
For decades he bowed and scraped
before my family,

215
00:10:44,960 --> 00:10:47,120
all while plotting to seize
our estate and business

216
00:10:47,120 --> 00:10:49,250
to elevate his own family's standing.

217
00:10:50,200 --> 00:10:52,600
Since he values
the glory of his ink so much,

218
00:10:52,870 --> 00:10:55,550
I will make him lose everything

219
00:10:55,870 --> 00:10:57,470
at the very peak of his glory.

220
00:10:58,510 --> 00:10:59,390
This year

221
00:11:00,080 --> 00:11:02,480
is the year
of the Tribute Ink competition.

222
00:11:02,510 --> 00:11:04,040
It's the best opportunity.

223
00:11:04,480 --> 00:11:06,240
Since you're not opening an ink workshop,

224
00:11:06,240 --> 00:11:07,840
how do you intend to proceed?

225
00:11:10,120 --> 00:11:12,910
There are many
renowned ink-making families in Huizhou.

226
00:11:12,910 --> 00:11:14,440
I'll assess them one by one

227
00:11:14,840 --> 00:11:16,970
and choose a family to cooperate with.

228
00:11:17,480 --> 00:11:19,010
The Tribute Ink commission

229
00:11:19,120 --> 00:11:21,250
is no longer held
by Hui Ink merchants.

230
00:11:21,630 --> 00:11:23,480
The once-prosperous Li Ink

231
00:11:24,030 --> 00:11:25,270
has also declined.

232
00:11:25,960 --> 00:11:26,960
Chen Ink

233
00:11:27,270 --> 00:11:28,150
and Pan Ink

234
00:11:28,440 --> 00:11:30,120
have always been mediocre.

235
00:11:31,080 --> 00:11:32,680
Among all the Hui Ink makers,

236
00:11:33,000 --> 00:11:34,390
only Tian Ink

237
00:11:34,440 --> 00:11:35,630
stands at the top.

238
00:11:35,790 --> 00:11:36,480
Moreover,

239
00:11:36,480 --> 00:11:39,870
the Tian family has close ties with
Shexian Magistrate Zhao Shen.

240
00:11:39,870 --> 00:11:41,390
If you try to unite another family

241
00:11:41,390 --> 00:11:42,630
against them,

242
00:11:43,320 --> 00:11:44,840
it won't be easy.

243
00:11:45,600 --> 00:11:46,550
Zhao Shen?

244
00:11:48,960 --> 00:11:51,090
They'd better stay alive long enough.

245
00:12:02,830 --> 00:12:05,370
[Luo's Ancestral Hall]

246
00:12:37,480 --> 00:12:39,120
The officers will raze this place
to the ground

247
00:12:39,120 --> 00:12:40,920
and wipe out your entire family!

248
00:12:42,000 --> 00:12:43,200
Young Master!

249
00:12:53,600 --> 00:12:55,390
Ancestors of the Luo family,

250
00:12:59,150 --> 00:12:59,750
I...

251
00:13:02,600 --> 00:13:03,840
I'm back.

252
00:13:05,750 --> 00:13:06,750
Three years ago,

253
00:13:07,240 --> 00:13:08,870
as a fugitive,

254
00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:11,980
I finally found General Yu
after much hardship.

255
00:13:14,600 --> 00:13:17,000
Out of the friendship
he shared with Father,

256
00:13:17,000 --> 00:13:19,600
he took me into Marshal Qi's army
at great risk.

257
00:13:21,030 --> 00:13:22,200
I never expected

258
00:13:22,320 --> 00:13:24,150
that a jest I'd made back then

259
00:13:26,030 --> 00:13:27,630
would come true today.

260
00:13:31,270 --> 00:13:33,870
From now on, your name will be Qi Jiu,

261
00:13:34,030 --> 00:13:36,360
and you'll serve Marshal Qi alongside me.

262
00:13:37,670 --> 00:13:39,270
Hurry and thank General Yu.

263
00:13:40,630 --> 00:13:42,490
General Yu's life-saving grace—

264
00:13:42,960 --> 00:13:43,910
I, Qi Jiu,

265
00:13:44,720 --> 00:13:45,920
will never forget it.

266
00:13:50,630 --> 00:13:52,090
Over the past three years,

267
00:13:52,720 --> 00:13:54,650
Cuiqiao has taken great care of me.

268
00:13:56,480 --> 00:13:58,720
I was deeply moved and grateful,

269
00:13:59,510 --> 00:14:01,150
so we became sworn siblings.

270
00:14:05,750 --> 00:14:06,360
Sister.

271
00:14:07,550 --> 00:14:08,080
Brother.

272
00:14:10,320 --> 00:14:11,630
I am no longer

273
00:14:12,410 --> 00:14:13,280
that reckless boy

274
00:14:13,280 --> 00:14:15,040
who caused you all such worry.

275
00:14:16,480 --> 00:14:17,540
Unfortunately...

276
00:14:18,480 --> 00:14:19,840
you can no longer see it.

277
00:14:26,390 --> 00:14:27,120
Father.

278
00:14:28,840 --> 00:14:29,600
Aunt.

279
00:14:30,910 --> 00:14:31,670
Brother.

280
00:14:34,320 --> 00:14:35,920
Today is Tomb-Sweeping Day.

281
00:14:39,080 --> 00:14:41,340
I've come to burn some joss paper for you.

282
00:14:44,720 --> 00:14:46,150
You're all doing well

283
00:14:47,080 --> 00:14:48,480
on the other side, right?

284
00:14:50,960 --> 00:14:52,090
I'm living fine too.

285
00:14:57,150 --> 00:15:00,120
Although I now go by Qi Jiu,

286
00:15:02,910 --> 00:15:04,670
I have never once forgotten

287
00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:07,260
that my surname is Luo.

288
00:15:08,870 --> 00:15:12,150
Marshal Qi is currently fighting
Japanese pirates in the southeast.

289
00:15:12,150 --> 00:15:13,810
I've asked him for permission

290
00:15:14,320 --> 00:15:15,450
to return to Huizhou

291
00:15:16,000 --> 00:15:18,600
to purchase military supplies
for the Qi Army.

292
00:15:20,320 --> 00:15:21,120
I...

293
00:15:23,080 --> 00:15:24,440
am finally going home.

294
00:15:41,000 --> 00:15:41,720
Father.

295
00:15:43,150 --> 00:15:43,870
Aunt.

296
00:15:45,270 --> 00:15:46,000
Brother.

297
00:15:48,550 --> 00:15:49,720
One day,

298
00:15:51,030 --> 00:15:54,000
I will clear the stain from your names

299
00:15:56,510 --> 00:15:58,310
and bring your memorial tablets

300
00:15:59,480 --> 00:16:00,480
back here—

301
00:16:01,790 --> 00:16:02,960
back to our family.

302
00:16:05,670 --> 00:16:07,080
I will make the Luo family

303
00:16:09,270 --> 00:16:10,750
rise again.

304
00:16:36,450 --> 00:16:38,810
[Yan Bingyou,
Newly Appointed Ink Affairs Official]

305
00:16:44,280 --> 00:16:46,570
[Yan Xianglan,
Yan Bingyou's Adopted Daughter]

306
00:16:57,790 --> 00:16:59,320
All along this journey,

307
00:16:59,720 --> 00:17:01,780
the scenery here is truly beautiful.

308
00:17:02,360 --> 00:17:04,750
They say Huizhou is a place where the land
nurtures exceptional people.

309
00:17:04,750 --> 00:17:06,569
It truly lives up to its reputation.

310
00:17:06,569 --> 00:17:06,970
Quick,

311
00:17:07,030 --> 00:17:07,630
Xianglan,

312
00:17:07,680 --> 00:17:08,940
look at that mountain.

313
00:17:10,069 --> 00:17:12,240
There's an ancient pine growing there.

314
00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:12,880
Look.

315
00:17:14,440 --> 00:17:15,829
So beautiful.

316
00:17:18,790 --> 00:17:20,240
What's so great about it?

317
00:17:21,000 --> 00:17:22,589
Mountains, rivers—

318
00:17:22,589 --> 00:17:24,310
what do they have to do with me?

319
00:17:24,960 --> 00:17:26,440
Nowhere is as good as home.

320
00:17:28,680 --> 00:17:29,640
Missing home,

321
00:17:29,790 --> 00:17:30,480
right?

322
00:17:31,310 --> 00:17:32,270
Don't worry.

323
00:17:33,200 --> 00:17:34,960
Once I finish selecting the Tribute Ink,

324
00:17:34,960 --> 00:17:35,880
I'll take you

325
00:17:35,880 --> 00:17:37,540
straight back to the Capital.

326
00:17:39,400 --> 00:17:40,240
Father,

327
00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:42,510
don't try to comfort me.

328
00:17:43,000 --> 00:17:45,070
You were demoted and sent here.

329
00:17:45,350 --> 00:17:46,950
Whether we can go back or not,

330
00:17:47,310 --> 00:17:48,550
only heaven knows.

331
00:18:06,500 --> 00:18:07,200
How dare you!

332
00:18:07,200 --> 00:18:10,110
How dare you stop the carriage
of an imperial official?

333
00:18:10,110 --> 00:18:11,070
Lord Yan!

334
00:18:12,030 --> 00:18:15,160
I have specially prepared
a generous gift for you!

335
00:18:15,750 --> 00:18:16,920
Please accept it.

336
00:18:19,310 --> 00:18:20,400
Present it.

337
00:18:30,640 --> 00:18:31,350
Lord Yan.

338
00:18:38,460 --> 00:18:40,650
[Huizhou Ink Industry Records]

339
00:19:16,550 --> 00:19:17,790
Who are you?

340
00:19:18,030 --> 00:19:19,490
Qi Jiu, under Marshal Qi's

341
00:19:20,070 --> 00:19:20,880
command.

342
00:19:42,230 --> 00:19:43,100
Are you all here

343
00:19:43,130 --> 00:19:44,540
to welcome Lord Yan?

344
00:19:44,680 --> 00:19:45,310
Exactly.

345
00:19:45,830 --> 00:19:47,030
Sorry to keep you waiting.

346
00:19:47,030 --> 00:19:48,440
The Lord was delayed on the way,

347
00:19:48,440 --> 00:19:50,300
so he sent me ahead with a message.

348
00:19:56,270 --> 00:19:57,070
President Hu!

349
00:20:01,310 --> 00:20:02,030
Tian Ink.

350
00:20:02,960 --> 00:20:03,440
Here.

351
00:20:09,830 --> 00:20:10,440
Chen Ink.

352
00:20:13,830 --> 00:20:14,510
Pan Ink.

353
00:20:18,510 --> 00:20:19,200
Li Ink.

354
00:20:26,590 --> 00:20:27,590
There's one more.

355
00:20:36,960 --> 00:20:37,550
Sir,

356
00:20:38,400 --> 00:20:39,920
why does the Li family

357
00:20:40,110 --> 00:20:41,370
have two invitations?

358
00:20:41,680 --> 00:20:42,680
The Lord has his reasons

359
00:20:42,680 --> 00:20:43,940
for this arrangement.

360
00:20:45,310 --> 00:20:45,920
Please, everyone,

361
00:20:45,920 --> 00:20:46,790
return first.

362
00:20:46,880 --> 00:20:48,070
No need to wait here.

363
00:20:48,240 --> 00:20:49,270
The Lord has arranged

364
00:20:49,270 --> 00:20:50,550
an evening banquet at Sibao Restaurant

365
00:20:50,550 --> 00:20:52,210
to meet with fellow ink makers

366
00:20:52,270 --> 00:20:53,870
of Huizhou and share drinks.

367
00:20:54,680 --> 00:20:56,160
All invitations have been delivered.

368
00:20:56,160 --> 00:20:57,160
Please arrive

369
00:20:57,200 --> 00:20:58,350
on time tonight!

370
00:21:05,640 --> 00:21:06,440
President Hu,

371
00:21:07,270 --> 00:21:08,400
what is

372
00:21:08,400 --> 00:21:09,750
Lord Yan up to?

373
00:21:10,400 --> 00:21:12,830
Has it not always been customary
for the Literary Association

374
00:21:12,830 --> 00:21:15,550
to host a banquet
when a new official takes office?

375
00:21:15,550 --> 00:21:17,150
I didn't expect this either.

376
00:21:17,880 --> 00:21:19,070
Lord Yan

377
00:21:19,480 --> 00:21:21,180
doesn't play by the rules.

378
00:21:21,280 --> 00:21:22,810
[Invitation]

379
00:21:39,000 --> 00:21:39,800
Grandfather,

380
00:21:40,680 --> 00:21:41,550
what is this?

381
00:21:44,510 --> 00:21:47,000
The newly appointed
Ink Affairs Official, Lord Yan,

382
00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:48,750
is hosting a banquet
this evening at Sibao Restaurant,

383
00:21:48,750 --> 00:21:51,280
inviting all ink workshop representatives.

384
00:21:52,550 --> 00:21:54,210
I also received an invitation

385
00:21:54,780 --> 00:21:55,930
specially sent

386
00:21:55,960 --> 00:21:58,290
by Lord Yan through Seventh Grandmother.

387
00:21:58,980 --> 00:22:00,330
I imagine Lord Yan

388
00:22:00,360 --> 00:22:01,440
must already be aware

389
00:22:01,440 --> 00:22:03,000
that you swore a solemn oath,
sealed with the nailing of a tooth,

390
00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:04,330
never to make ink again.

391
00:22:04,790 --> 00:22:06,480
Otherwise, he wouldn't have deliberately

392
00:22:06,480 --> 00:22:07,830
given the invitation

393
00:22:07,880 --> 00:22:09,210
to Seventh Grandmother

394
00:22:09,240 --> 00:22:10,640
to pass along.

395
00:22:12,590 --> 00:22:13,750
Then do you think

396
00:22:14,960 --> 00:22:15,960
I should go...

397
00:22:18,160 --> 00:22:19,110
or not?

398
00:22:23,590 --> 00:22:24,750
If you don't go,

399
00:22:25,160 --> 00:22:27,400
slighting Lord Yan
would be a minor matter—

400
00:22:27,400 --> 00:22:28,920
I'm more worried that this will make

401
00:22:28,920 --> 00:22:30,030
Seventh Grandmother offend Lord Yan

402
00:22:30,030 --> 00:22:31,350
and end up in an awkward position.

403
00:22:31,350 --> 00:22:33,000
That would also be unfavorable for Li Ink.

404
00:22:33,000 --> 00:22:34,200
But if you go,

405
00:22:34,720 --> 00:22:36,160
then surely Lord Yan

406
00:22:36,550 --> 00:22:38,210
will make some sort of demand.

407
00:22:38,790 --> 00:22:40,480
And if it concerns ink-making,

408
00:22:40,480 --> 00:22:42,540
you'll be put in an awkward position.

409
00:22:45,400 --> 00:22:46,160
Yes.

410
00:22:56,310 --> 00:22:57,110
Grandfather,

411
00:22:57,590 --> 00:22:58,590
why don't I

412
00:22:59,200 --> 00:23:01,600
accompany you to the banquet this evening?

413
00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:02,960
You?

414
00:23:04,200 --> 00:23:04,920
Yes.

415
00:23:05,400 --> 00:23:07,400
All this time, you've been
the one protecting me.

416
00:23:07,400 --> 00:23:08,070
Today,

417
00:23:08,160 --> 00:23:09,960
let me stand behind you for once.

418
00:23:10,030 --> 00:23:11,590
I'm only a junior anyway.

419
00:23:11,720 --> 00:23:13,790
Even if I accidentally
say something improper,

420
00:23:13,790 --> 00:23:15,160
surely Lord Yan

421
00:23:15,200 --> 00:23:17,130
wouldn't stoop to arguing with me.

422
00:23:36,110 --> 00:23:36,880
Lord Yan,

423
00:23:38,480 --> 00:23:39,400
there is

424
00:23:40,030 --> 00:23:42,830
still an honored guest
who hasn't arrived, right?

425
00:23:43,030 --> 00:23:44,630
Please wait a moment longer.

426
00:23:45,110 --> 00:23:47,400
Master Qi of Yihousheng has arrived!

427
00:23:47,550 --> 00:23:48,350
Lord Yan.

428
00:23:58,110 --> 00:23:58,880
Lord Yan,

429
00:23:59,350 --> 00:24:00,400
I'm late.

430
00:24:01,200 --> 00:24:02,260
Please forgive me.

431
00:24:02,510 --> 00:24:03,200
It's fine.

432
00:24:05,110 --> 00:24:05,790
Everyone,

433
00:24:07,240 --> 00:24:08,160
allow me

434
00:24:08,160 --> 00:24:09,270
to introduce him.

435
00:24:10,310 --> 00:24:11,270
This is

436
00:24:11,640 --> 00:24:14,440
Master Qi of the Yihousheng Pawnshop.

437
00:24:15,750 --> 00:24:17,550
He is a man of considerable means

438
00:24:17,960 --> 00:24:20,090
and intends to enter the ink industry.

439
00:24:20,240 --> 00:24:21,590
Everyone here,

440
00:24:21,700 --> 00:24:23,560
you can get better acquainted
with Master Qi

441
00:24:23,560 --> 00:24:24,360
in the future.

442
00:24:25,440 --> 00:24:28,510
I hope all the senior figures
in the Huizhou ink industry

443
00:24:28,510 --> 00:24:29,960
will give me a chance.

444
00:24:36,240 --> 00:24:36,920
Everyone,

445
00:24:38,110 --> 00:24:39,000
I

446
00:24:39,070 --> 00:24:40,720
have only just arrived in Huizhou.

447
00:24:40,720 --> 00:24:43,130
In the future, regarding matters
of the ink industry,

448
00:24:43,130 --> 00:24:44,160
I will have to rely on you all

449
00:24:44,160 --> 00:24:45,620
for guidance and support.

450
00:24:50,240 --> 00:24:51,960
Allow me to drink this cup first
as a gesture of respect.

451
00:24:51,960 --> 00:24:52,590
Cheers.

452
00:24:53,640 --> 00:24:54,750
Cheers.

453
00:24:55,070 --> 00:24:56,130
After you, My Lord.

454
00:25:02,350 --> 00:25:03,000
Okay.

455
00:25:04,920 --> 00:25:07,000
On my journey here to Huizhou...

456
00:25:07,110 --> 00:25:07,880
Thank you.

457
00:25:08,800 --> 00:25:10,480
I must say the scenery
is truly magnificent,

458
00:25:10,480 --> 00:25:11,760
with white walls and black-tiled roofs—

459
00:25:11,760 --> 00:25:13,270
beauty beyond compare.

460
00:25:13,270 --> 00:25:14,310
Beautiful!

461
00:25:16,030 --> 00:25:17,790
And yet, in my heart,

462
00:25:18,270 --> 00:25:19,870
I felt a certain melancholy.

463
00:25:21,960 --> 00:25:22,960
Back then,

464
00:25:24,030 --> 00:25:25,160
Eighth Master Li,

465
00:25:27,030 --> 00:25:29,630
the head of
the Five Ink-making Grandmasters,

466
00:25:29,790 --> 00:25:31,270
supported Li Ink,

467
00:25:31,480 --> 00:25:35,590
helping elevate its craft
to near supremacy under heaven.

468
00:25:36,200 --> 00:25:39,480
The Li family held
the Tribute Ink commission,

469
00:25:40,680 --> 00:25:41,880
allowing

470
00:25:42,790 --> 00:25:46,720
Hui Ink to retain that honor
for more than a decade!

471
00:25:47,400 --> 00:25:48,270
And then?

472
00:25:48,790 --> 00:25:50,000
Misfortune struck.

473
00:25:52,000 --> 00:25:52,830
Fortunately,

474
00:25:53,560 --> 00:25:56,160
Luo Ink held the commission
for several years.

475
00:25:56,400 --> 00:25:57,200
But

476
00:25:57,550 --> 00:25:59,350
misfortune struck them as well.

477
00:25:59,920 --> 00:26:00,750
Nowadays,

478
00:26:01,790 --> 00:26:03,200
the Tribute Ink commission

479
00:26:03,200 --> 00:26:04,590
has been in other hands

480
00:26:04,750 --> 00:26:05,960
for years.

481
00:26:06,350 --> 00:26:07,070
Everyone.

482
00:26:11,400 --> 00:26:12,720
What's the reason?

483
00:26:12,830 --> 00:26:13,790
Was it

484
00:26:14,000 --> 00:26:15,260
a matter of ill timing?

485
00:26:16,960 --> 00:26:18,620
Unfavorable circumstances?

486
00:26:19,160 --> 00:26:20,160
Or...

487
00:26:21,400 --> 00:26:22,830
discord among people?

488
00:26:27,070 --> 00:26:29,160
You may all be wondering

489
00:26:29,590 --> 00:26:31,240
why I, upon arriving here,

490
00:26:31,590 --> 00:26:33,240
have broken convention

491
00:26:33,310 --> 00:26:35,680
and hosted this banquet myself.

492
00:26:35,790 --> 00:26:37,480
The truth is, I want to have

493
00:26:37,480 --> 00:26:39,240
a heart-to-heart talk with you all

494
00:26:39,240 --> 00:26:41,000
and offer a few words of counsel.

495
00:26:41,000 --> 00:26:43,650
The next selection
for Tribute Ink is approaching.

496
00:26:43,650 --> 00:26:44,930
This opportunity

497
00:26:44,950 --> 00:26:46,860
must not be missed.

498
00:26:47,160 --> 00:26:49,110
Everyone must work together.

499
00:26:50,270 --> 00:26:51,830
Let each contribute

500
00:26:51,920 --> 00:26:53,240
what they can—

501
00:26:53,480 --> 00:26:55,030
money, labor, or wisdom.

502
00:26:55,480 --> 00:26:56,830
Let us unite as one

503
00:26:56,920 --> 00:26:58,680
to restore glory to

504
00:26:58,720 --> 00:27:00,780
our Huizhou ink industry once again!

505
00:27:03,180 --> 00:27:04,640
My lord, your vision is truly

506
00:27:04,640 --> 00:27:06,110
far-reaching and admirable.

507
00:27:06,110 --> 00:27:07,550
Our Huizhou ink industry

508
00:27:07,600 --> 00:27:09,720
will certainly devote
itself wholeheartedly

509
00:27:09,720 --> 00:27:11,830
and will not fail
your painstaking efforts.

510
00:27:11,830 --> 00:27:12,440
Good.

511
00:27:12,640 --> 00:27:13,440
A toast to you, My Lord.

512
00:27:13,440 --> 00:27:13,960
Cheers.

513
00:27:21,310 --> 00:27:23,040
Lord Yan's words are profound,

514
00:27:23,510 --> 00:27:24,830
uniting the Huizhou ink industry

515
00:27:24,830 --> 00:27:25,960
as one.

516
00:27:26,550 --> 00:27:27,750
I deeply admire that.

517
00:27:28,350 --> 00:27:29,750
On this joyous occasion,

518
00:27:29,920 --> 00:27:31,920
I have also prepared a generous gift

519
00:27:32,430 --> 00:27:33,830
for you, My Lord,

520
00:27:34,350 --> 00:27:37,550
and all the esteemed seniors
of the Huizhou ink industry.

521
00:27:45,030 --> 00:27:45,830
Lord Yan,

522
00:27:46,110 --> 00:27:46,680
here.

523
00:27:57,750 --> 00:27:59,830
This box is rather interesting.

524
00:28:09,890 --> 00:28:12,280
[Purple Clouds from the East]

525
00:28:15,200 --> 00:28:16,200
Master Qi,

526
00:28:16,550 --> 00:28:17,550
could it be

527
00:28:18,070 --> 00:28:19,640
that what you're presenting me with is

528
00:28:19,640 --> 00:28:21,350
the long-lost

529
00:28:22,030 --> 00:28:23,480
ancient lacquer-soot ink?

530
00:28:23,480 --> 00:28:24,280
That's right.

531
00:28:24,680 --> 00:28:26,000
This piece of ancient lacquer-soot ink

532
00:28:26,000 --> 00:28:27,590
is named "Purple Clouds from the East."

533
00:28:27,590 --> 00:28:29,920
Legend has it that when Laozi was
traveling westward through the pass,

534
00:28:29,920 --> 00:28:31,120
the magistrate Yin Xi

535
00:28:31,270 --> 00:28:33,530
saw purple clouds drifting over the pass

536
00:28:33,550 --> 00:28:34,350
and knew

537
00:28:34,400 --> 00:28:35,550
a sage was about to

538
00:28:35,640 --> 00:28:36,550
pass by.

539
00:28:36,750 --> 00:28:37,510
And indeed,

540
00:28:37,920 --> 00:28:39,790
Laozi came riding upon a green ox.

541
00:28:39,960 --> 00:28:41,310
In honor of this tale, later generations

542
00:28:41,310 --> 00:28:43,030
created this ancient ink block,

543
00:28:43,030 --> 00:28:44,920
which has been passed down ever since.

544
00:28:44,920 --> 00:28:45,750
It symbolizes

545
00:28:45,880 --> 00:28:46,720
hope

546
00:28:47,030 --> 00:28:48,200
and a new beginning.

547
00:28:49,510 --> 00:28:50,960
And today, Lord Yan,

548
00:28:51,070 --> 00:28:52,510
you came bearing the Emperor's mandate,

549
00:28:52,510 --> 00:28:53,570
breathing new life

550
00:28:53,640 --> 00:28:55,750
into Shexian and even

551
00:28:56,000 --> 00:28:57,750
the entire Huizhou ink industry.

552
00:28:57,750 --> 00:28:58,480
Doesn't that

553
00:28:58,480 --> 00:29:01,410
align perfectly
with the spirit of this ancient ink?

554
00:29:02,240 --> 00:29:03,110
Good, good.

555
00:29:03,220 --> 00:29:04,540
Truly wonderful.

556
00:29:05,310 --> 00:29:06,200
Master Qi,

557
00:29:06,350 --> 00:29:07,920
you really

558
00:29:08,440 --> 00:29:10,110
got me with this gift!

559
00:29:10,110 --> 00:29:11,240
Thank you, Lord Yan.

560
00:29:15,350 --> 00:29:16,350
I suddenly

561
00:29:17,440 --> 00:29:18,550
have an idea.

562
00:29:19,310 --> 00:29:19,960
Everyone,

563
00:29:20,830 --> 00:29:22,160
if such a treasured ink

564
00:29:23,510 --> 00:29:24,400
could

565
00:29:24,920 --> 00:29:27,480
once again be recreated and passed down,

566
00:29:28,960 --> 00:29:29,750
then...

567
00:29:31,270 --> 00:29:33,000
wouldn't our chances of Hui Ink

568
00:29:34,440 --> 00:29:36,770
claiming the top honor be all but certain?

569
00:29:37,960 --> 00:29:38,920
Third Master Chen,

570
00:29:38,920 --> 00:29:40,920
your family

571
00:29:41,000 --> 00:29:43,110
built its name on lacquer-soot ink.

572
00:29:43,550 --> 00:29:45,280
Are you willing to give it a try?

573
00:29:46,640 --> 00:29:47,400
Lord Yan.

574
00:29:49,590 --> 00:29:50,960
The ancient lacquer-soot ink

575
00:29:50,150 --> 00:29:52,370
[Chen Junshan, son of the Chen family]

576
00:29:51,480 --> 00:29:53,340
used refined lacquer lampblack.

577
00:29:53,960 --> 00:29:55,000
But our family's

578
00:29:55,070 --> 00:29:56,400
lacquer-soot ink today

579
00:29:56,480 --> 00:29:58,240
uses coarse lacquer lampblack.

580
00:29:58,240 --> 00:29:59,880
The two differ greatly.

581
00:30:00,270 --> 00:30:01,000
However,

582
00:30:01,480 --> 00:30:03,210
the Chen family will certainly

583
00:30:03,350 --> 00:30:04,240
do its best

584
00:30:04,400 --> 00:30:05,240
to...

585
00:30:05,790 --> 00:30:06,850
recreate this ink.

586
00:30:11,240 --> 00:30:11,920
Lord Yan,

587
00:30:12,160 --> 00:30:13,960
although we Tian Ink didn't
start with lacquer-soot ink,

588
00:30:13,960 --> 00:30:15,820
we too are willing to try our best.

589
00:30:21,030 --> 00:30:21,750
Lord Yan,

590
00:30:22,160 --> 00:30:23,200
the Pan family

591
00:30:23,350 --> 00:30:25,350
will also do our best.

592
00:30:25,640 --> 00:30:26,270
Good.

593
00:30:31,110 --> 00:30:32,200
Eighth Master Li?

594
00:30:35,830 --> 00:30:37,070
Your Li Ink

595
00:30:37,400 --> 00:30:39,310
has a century of heritage.

596
00:30:39,830 --> 00:30:42,510
Recreating the ancient lacquer-soot ink

597
00:30:43,480 --> 00:30:44,920
must

598
00:30:45,590 --> 00:30:46,990
fall upon your shoulders

599
00:30:47,110 --> 00:30:48,880
on behalf of Li Ink.

600
00:30:49,720 --> 00:30:50,590
Lord Yan.

601
00:30:55,790 --> 00:30:57,520
You may not know this, Lord Yan,

602
00:30:57,790 --> 00:30:58,680
but he

603
00:30:58,880 --> 00:31:00,240
has been expelled from the clan

604
00:31:00,240 --> 00:31:02,030
and has sworn a solemn oath,
sealed with the nailing of a tooth,

605
00:31:02,030 --> 00:31:03,360
never to make ink again.

606
00:31:03,720 --> 00:31:05,580
But I, Jingdong, am confident...

607
00:31:19,000 --> 00:31:19,880
Lord Yan,

608
00:31:21,030 --> 00:31:24,070
the ancestral laws cannot be discarded,
and the clan rules cannot be violated.

609
00:31:24,070 --> 00:31:25,160
I'm sorry.

610
00:31:25,310 --> 00:31:26,840
Please forgive me, My Lord.

611
00:31:31,750 --> 00:31:33,810
As expected of you, Eighth Master Li.

612
00:31:34,590 --> 00:31:35,510
Your

613
00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:37,730
clan laws and ancestral rules—

614
00:31:38,110 --> 00:31:40,310
all perfectly reasonable, every word.

615
00:31:40,920 --> 00:31:41,920
Eighth Master Li,

616
00:31:43,000 --> 00:31:44,660
allow me to ask you something—

617
00:31:46,200 --> 00:31:49,240
do your clan rules and family affairs

618
00:31:50,480 --> 00:31:52,310
stand above

619
00:31:52,550 --> 00:31:53,880
the Emperor's affairs?

620
00:31:55,300 --> 00:31:56,580
You tell me.

621
00:32:01,750 --> 00:32:02,640
Lord Yan,

622
00:32:02,880 --> 00:32:04,680
I'm willing to try
in my grandfather's stead.

623
00:32:04,680 --> 00:32:05,350
Who?

624
00:32:09,200 --> 00:32:10,160
You?

625
00:32:10,750 --> 00:32:11,960
A little girl?

626
00:32:12,240 --> 00:32:13,070
Lord Yan,

627
00:32:13,370 --> 00:32:14,640
this commoner is Li Zhen.

628
00:32:14,640 --> 00:32:16,550
I've studied ink-making
under my grandfather for three years.

629
00:32:16,550 --> 00:32:17,680
Though I may not yet amount to much,

630
00:32:17,680 --> 00:32:18,750
I believe

631
00:32:18,750 --> 00:32:19,790
where there is a will, there is a way.

632
00:32:19,790 --> 00:32:20,510
Therefore,

633
00:32:20,790 --> 00:32:22,320
I'm willing to give it a try.

634
00:32:26,480 --> 00:32:27,720
With this cup of baijiu,

635
00:32:27,720 --> 00:32:28,440
I toast to you, Lord Yan.

636
00:32:28,440 --> 00:32:29,030
Hold on.

637
00:32:35,640 --> 00:32:36,440
Everyone,

638
00:32:38,390 --> 00:32:40,220
I truly never expected

639
00:32:42,790 --> 00:32:44,750
that the spirit of Li Ink

640
00:32:45,340 --> 00:32:47,820
would be found in a little girl!

641
00:32:48,640 --> 00:32:49,310
Girl,

642
00:32:50,270 --> 00:32:51,160
with this cup,

643
00:32:51,400 --> 00:32:52,440
I drink to you!

644
00:32:52,620 --> 00:32:53,250
Cheers.

645
00:33:09,960 --> 00:33:11,550
Congratulations, Lord Yan.

646
00:33:11,550 --> 00:33:13,720
If the ancient lacquer-soot ink
is successfully recreated,

647
00:33:13,720 --> 00:33:15,440
the revival of the ink industry in Huizhou

648
00:33:15,440 --> 00:33:17,040
may finally be within reach.

649
00:33:20,350 --> 00:33:21,440
I

650
00:33:21,860 --> 00:33:23,830
will contribute 100 taels of silver

651
00:33:23,830 --> 00:33:25,920
as a bonus for recreating

652
00:33:26,110 --> 00:33:27,840
the ancient lacquer-soot ink.

653
00:33:27,960 --> 00:33:29,070
Good, good.

654
00:33:30,000 --> 00:33:31,270
Master Qi is truly

655
00:33:31,350 --> 00:33:32,430
open-handed!

656
00:33:33,000 --> 00:33:33,600
Everyone,

657
00:33:33,830 --> 00:33:36,400
hurry and toast to Master Qi.

658
00:33:37,830 --> 00:33:38,510
Come on.

659
00:33:39,240 --> 00:33:40,440
Cheers. Cheers.

660
00:33:41,590 --> 00:33:42,270
Cheers.

661
00:33:48,790 --> 00:33:49,550
Master Qi,

662
00:33:50,400 --> 00:33:51,400
our Tian family

663
00:33:52,070 --> 00:33:53,130
offers you a toast.

664
00:34:16,290 --> 00:34:17,159
Lord Yan.

665
00:34:17,190 --> 00:34:18,190
Okay, okay.

666
00:34:17,239 --> 00:34:22,850
[Sibao Restaurant]

667
00:34:18,360 --> 00:34:19,920
I'm fine, I'm fine.

668
00:34:21,440 --> 00:34:22,030
I'm fine!

669
00:34:23,840 --> 00:34:25,900
On this fine evening, with good wine,

670
00:34:26,280 --> 00:34:27,739
we've all drunk together.

671
00:34:27,840 --> 00:34:28,880
Good, good.

672
00:34:28,880 --> 00:34:29,510
Everyone!

673
00:34:29,880 --> 00:34:31,070
No need to see me out.

674
00:34:31,280 --> 00:34:32,070
Lord Yan, careful.

675
00:34:32,070 --> 00:34:32,469
We take our leave.

676
00:34:32,469 --> 00:34:33,550
Please stay.

677
00:34:33,550 --> 00:34:34,710
Let's gather another day.

678
00:34:34,710 --> 00:34:35,880
Another day.

679
00:34:36,190 --> 00:34:37,320
Goodbye, goodbye!

680
00:34:37,440 --> 00:34:38,150
Okay, okay.

681
00:34:39,620 --> 00:34:40,790
Well...

682
00:34:41,230 --> 00:34:41,800
Okay.

683
00:34:42,030 --> 00:34:43,280
U-Until next time.

684
00:34:44,590 --> 00:34:45,710
Careful, Lord Yan.

685
00:34:46,840 --> 00:34:48,030
Until next time!

686
00:34:48,550 --> 00:34:50,230
We must drink together again!

687
00:34:50,760 --> 00:34:51,510
Miss Li Zhen.

688
00:34:52,920 --> 00:34:55,120
Master Qi, you're so generous tonight.

689
00:34:55,320 --> 00:34:57,320
You're indeed a great businessman.

690
00:34:59,240 --> 00:35:00,680
I'm just

691
00:35:01,070 --> 00:35:02,960
an unrefined merchant
of no great standing.

692
00:35:02,960 --> 00:35:06,290
I only offered a prize
to add to the excitement for everyone.

693
00:35:07,110 --> 00:35:09,230
Master Qi, upon first arriving in Huizhou,

694
00:35:09,230 --> 00:35:10,920
you made a bold entrance

695
00:35:11,030 --> 00:35:12,190
by publicly bidding 15 taels of gold

696
00:35:12,190 --> 00:35:13,450
for a jar of lampblack.

697
00:35:13,710 --> 00:35:14,550
Then tonight,

698
00:35:14,630 --> 00:35:16,480
with a single piece
of ancient lacquer-soot ink,

699
00:35:16,480 --> 00:35:18,190
you've won Lord Yan's favor

700
00:35:18,280 --> 00:35:20,540
and drawn all the families into the game.

701
00:35:20,760 --> 00:35:22,070
Even my grandfather,

702
00:35:22,430 --> 00:35:25,360
who had sworn an unbreakable oath
never to make ink again,

703
00:35:25,360 --> 00:35:26,590
was dragged into it.

704
00:35:27,880 --> 00:35:29,920
Master Qi, just how large a business

705
00:35:30,150 --> 00:35:32,280
are you planning in Huizhou this time?

706
00:35:34,320 --> 00:35:35,760
Since I've come to Huizhou,

707
00:35:35,760 --> 00:35:38,290
naturally it's to do business
related to ink.

708
00:35:38,400 --> 00:35:39,960
Paying a visit to Lord Yan

709
00:35:40,190 --> 00:35:41,510
was only proper.

710
00:35:41,800 --> 00:35:43,590
But what you just said...

711
00:35:45,480 --> 00:35:46,190
Fine.

712
00:35:46,550 --> 00:35:48,350
Even if this were a game of chess,

713
00:35:49,070 --> 00:35:51,110
didn't the seniors of the ink industry

714
00:35:51,110 --> 00:35:53,970
willingly take their places
as pieces on the board?

715
00:35:55,230 --> 00:35:56,440
But you, Miss Li Zhen—

716
00:35:56,920 --> 00:35:58,580
real skill breeds real nerve.

717
00:36:00,320 --> 00:36:01,360
I admire that.

718
00:36:02,150 --> 00:36:03,110
Perhaps one day,

719
00:36:03,710 --> 00:36:04,960
you and I

720
00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:06,280
could become friends

721
00:36:06,790 --> 00:36:08,650
and partners in business as well.

722
00:36:11,480 --> 00:36:12,880
It'd be better for us to keep our distance

723
00:36:12,880 --> 00:36:14,210
and not become friends.

724
00:36:14,400 --> 00:36:15,230
In business,

725
00:36:15,400 --> 00:36:16,440
once friendship is involved,

726
00:36:16,440 --> 00:36:17,400
it's hard to

727
00:36:17,590 --> 00:36:18,720
stay professional.

728
00:36:19,510 --> 00:36:20,110
Well said.

729
00:36:21,030 --> 00:36:22,400
You've taught me something today.

730
00:36:22,400 --> 00:36:23,440
Miss Li Zhen,

731
00:36:23,670 --> 00:36:25,670
there is still much time ahead of us.

732
00:36:31,230 --> 00:36:32,030
Grandfather,

733
00:36:32,070 --> 00:36:33,270
let's go home as well.

734
00:36:38,800 --> 00:36:39,710
Eighth Master Li,

735
00:36:39,710 --> 00:36:40,400
take care.

736
00:36:52,920 --> 00:36:54,190
I really didn't expect

737
00:36:54,550 --> 00:36:56,230
that the girl from the Li family

738
00:36:56,230 --> 00:36:58,290
would enter the game as well tonight.

739
00:36:59,670 --> 00:37:00,670
Indeed.

740
00:37:01,150 --> 00:37:01,880
Master,

741
00:37:02,360 --> 00:37:03,920
what should we do next?

742
00:37:07,800 --> 00:37:09,130
We'll take it as it comes

743
00:37:09,760 --> 00:37:11,420
and watch how things develop.

744
00:37:15,590 --> 00:37:16,840
Your actions tonight

745
00:37:17,280 --> 00:37:18,360
were too reckless.

746
00:37:19,710 --> 00:37:20,550
Grandfather,

747
00:37:20,710 --> 00:37:22,620
Lord Yan has pushed
you and Seventh Grandmother

748
00:37:22,620 --> 00:37:23,950
into such a corner.

749
00:37:24,150 --> 00:37:26,440
If no one had stepped forward
to take this on,

750
00:37:26,440 --> 00:37:27,110
would you

751
00:37:27,110 --> 00:37:28,710
really have wanted to
stand by and watch Li Ink

752
00:37:28,710 --> 00:37:32,110
and Seventh Grandmother
be put in such a difficult position?

753
00:37:32,960 --> 00:37:33,760
Besides,

754
00:37:33,840 --> 00:37:35,550
I'm your personally trained disciple

755
00:37:35,550 --> 00:37:36,550
and a junior.

756
00:37:36,710 --> 00:37:37,760
It's most fitting for me

757
00:37:37,760 --> 00:37:39,360
to be the one to step forward.

758
00:37:39,840 --> 00:37:40,670
Moreover,

759
00:37:40,880 --> 00:37:41,710
having the opportunity to

760
00:37:41,710 --> 00:37:43,400
recreate this ancient lacquer-soot ink

761
00:37:43,400 --> 00:37:45,400
will be a test of my ink-making skills—

762
00:37:45,400 --> 00:37:46,840
and an even greater benefit

763
00:37:46,840 --> 00:37:48,150
to my path in the craft.

764
00:37:50,000 --> 00:37:51,670
And think about it, Grandfather.

765
00:37:51,670 --> 00:37:54,320
If I actually succeed in recreating
the ancient lacquer-soot ink,

766
00:37:54,320 --> 00:37:55,710
I'll stand to gain both fame and fortune—

767
00:37:55,710 --> 00:37:58,070
that's hardly a bad thing, is it?

768
00:37:58,510 --> 00:38:00,550
Master Qi has already promised

769
00:38:00,630 --> 00:38:02,030
a reward of 100 taels.

770
00:38:02,360 --> 00:38:03,230
I certainly can't let

771
00:38:03,230 --> 00:38:04,760
those big, gleaming silver ingots

772
00:38:04,760 --> 00:38:06,160
slip through my fingers.

773
00:38:13,440 --> 00:38:14,240
Grandfather,

774
00:38:14,430 --> 00:38:15,690
I've already accepted the task.

775
00:38:15,690 --> 00:38:17,500
So stop looking so worried.

776
00:38:20,360 --> 00:38:21,880
Oh, you.

777
00:38:24,510 --> 00:38:25,840
Let's go, Grandfather.

778
00:38:26,070 --> 00:38:26,870
Let's go home.

779
00:38:42,070 --> 00:38:42,800
Master.

780
00:38:44,150 --> 00:38:46,190
I saw Miss Li Zhen on the street,

781
00:38:46,190 --> 00:38:48,670
failing to buy raw lacquer anywhere.

782
00:38:49,030 --> 00:38:52,000
I heard all the raw lacquer on the market

783
00:38:52,070 --> 00:38:53,920
has been bought up by the Tian family.

784
00:38:53,920 --> 00:38:56,110
Now, within all of Huizhou,

785
00:38:56,150 --> 00:38:58,610
raw lacquer is
nearly impossible to obtain.

786
00:38:59,480 --> 00:39:00,480
Tian family...

787
00:39:04,440 --> 00:39:05,510
Could it be

788
00:39:05,710 --> 00:39:08,480
they intend to monopolize
all the raw lacquer

789
00:39:09,150 --> 00:39:10,760
to prevent other ink workshops

790
00:39:10,760 --> 00:39:13,420
from recreating
the ancient lacquer-soot ink?

791
00:39:14,110 --> 00:39:15,840
Since they want to
prevent other ink workshops

792
00:39:15,840 --> 00:39:17,440
from recreating the ancient ink,

793
00:39:17,440 --> 00:39:19,110
I'll use raw lacquer

794
00:39:19,480 --> 00:39:22,150
as my bargaining chip
with the other workshops.

795
00:39:24,690 --> 00:39:25,280
Here's the plan—

796
00:39:25,280 --> 00:39:27,110
go find my sister later.

797
00:39:27,360 --> 00:39:29,280
She has some connections in Fujian.

798
00:39:29,280 --> 00:39:31,400
Ask her to help us source a shipment
of raw lacquer from there.

799
00:39:31,400 --> 00:39:32,110
Master,

800
00:39:32,770 --> 00:39:34,700
Miss Li Zhen needs raw lacquer too.

801
00:39:34,770 --> 00:39:36,610
Since we're buying some,

802
00:39:36,840 --> 00:39:38,240
should we get her some...

803
00:39:40,880 --> 00:39:42,360
Buying raw lacquer isn't something
that can be done

804
00:39:42,360 --> 00:39:43,440
in a day or two.

805
00:39:43,800 --> 00:39:46,130
Distant water can't put out a fire nearby.

806
00:39:46,630 --> 00:39:47,590
Besides,

807
00:39:48,440 --> 00:39:50,300
she's a girl with ideas of her own.

808
00:39:50,700 --> 00:39:52,360
She'll figure something out.

809
00:39:53,920 --> 00:39:55,380
Let's talk about it later.

810
00:39:57,350 --> 00:39:59,820
Since the Tian family has acted first,

811
00:40:00,090 --> 00:40:02,680
[Yaji Hall]

812
00:40:00,360 --> 00:40:02,800
let's go pay them a visit.

813
00:40:24,080 --> 00:40:27,160
[Changsheng Garden]

814
00:40:28,240 --> 00:40:31,490
[Boya Garden]

815
00:40:32,880 --> 00:40:34,710
Young Master, let's go!

816
00:40:45,710 --> 00:40:47,320
Changsheng Garden.

817
00:41:14,190 --> 00:41:15,920
Please take the seats of honor.

818
00:41:16,110 --> 00:41:17,590
I'll go get the master.

819
00:41:27,920 --> 00:41:30,370
[Deshan Hall]

820
00:41:45,330 --> 00:41:47,120
I told you to study at home,

821
00:41:47,150 --> 00:41:48,400
yet you ran off to the Li family

822
00:41:48,400 --> 00:41:51,190
and hung out with
that girl from their eighth branch.

823
00:41:51,190 --> 00:41:53,680
Do you think
I haven't been embarrassed enough?

824
00:41:53,680 --> 00:41:56,000
Father, I don't want to
return to the Capital,

825
00:41:56,000 --> 00:41:57,320
nor do I want to take the imperial exams.

826
00:41:57,320 --> 00:41:58,190
How dare you!

827
00:41:58,190 --> 00:41:58,840
Father.

828
00:41:59,880 --> 00:42:00,920
I have...

829
00:42:01,960 --> 00:42:03,820
just finished another inkstick.

830
00:42:05,000 --> 00:42:06,000
What do you think?

831
00:42:12,000 --> 00:42:13,400
Get out of my sight!

832
00:42:53,630 --> 00:42:56,350
[Aloeswood and Borneol Ink Recipe]

833
00:42:56,380 --> 00:42:59,210
[Master Ji's Ink Ink Craft]