TCEceBatu

Hello,

This is an excellent series set during the Ming Dynasty. It unfolds through a strategic plot involving a major scandal—centered on "tribute ink" presented to the imperial court—that upends the reputations of established ink-making clans and shifts the industry's balance of power. Amidst this turmoil, the story follows Li Zhen as she rises in the industry through her own ingenuity and by refining traditional techniques that had nearly been forgotten. The series offers an in-depth look at the arduous ink-making process, the discipline of the craft, intra-clan rivalries, and the strategic battles between merchants. It highlights a strong female protagonist who stands on her own two feet, mastering her trade and upholding her legacy. Furthermore, it provides a detailed portrayal of Ming-era aesthetics, traditional workshops, Chinese calligraphy, and the merchant guilds of the time.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the story of such a powerful historical figure.