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 Wen Qian, 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 Wen Qian engage in a battle of wits with the rising Tian Mo family.