“The Heir” is directed by Hui Kaidong (known for "Story of Yanxi Palace" and "Winter Begonia"), with scripts by Gao Xuan and Ren Baoru (known for "Imperfect Victim"). The series stars Yang Zi ("Go Go Squid!", "Ode to Joy") and Han Dongjun ("The Battle at Lake Changjin", "My People, My Country"), with special appearances by Fu Dalong ("The Qin Empire II: Alliance") and Wu Mian ("Shanghai family"), and Tian Xiaojie ("The Long Night"). It is China’s first historical costume drama centered on the culture of Huizhou ink.Set in the mid-Ming Dynasty, a tribute-ink scandal disrupts the long-standing Huizhou ink industry, causing the centuries-old Li family of ink makers to fall from grace. With the Li family’s reputation shattered, the Luo family rises to prominence, only to later face ruin due to political entanglements. As time passes, Li Zhen, the youngest daughter of the eighth branch of the Li clan, embarks on the path of ink making to support herself. Through talent and hard work, she became a dark horse in Huizhou’s ink industry. Luo Wenqian, the second son of the Luo family, schemes to restore his family’s fortune and single-handedly shakes up the industry. Together, Li Zhen and Luo Wenqian engage in a battle of wits with the rising Tian Mo family, ultimately bringing Li’s family back to its former glory. With the reopening of maritime trade and challenges from overseas ink markets, Li Zhen produces top-tier ink that earns Huizhou ink the title of “The Best Ink Under Heaven.” In the end, Li Zhen and Luo Wenqian become a couple, working together to preserve and promote Huizhou ink for generations to come. The drama will be available on iQIYI International (iQ.com).
