《長安的荔枝 The Litchi Road》EP01：李善德遭設計被迫轉運荔枝，鄭平安接手刺殺任務？｜雷佳音 岳雲鵬｜古裝 傳奇 劇情｜KUKAN Drama
[The Litchi Road] Who built this rain canopy? It toppled and crushed the peonies. This peony already had weak roots and short branches. [Li Shande,
Supervisor of Imperial Parks] It barely survived last winter. Now this calamity. Though the main stem remains intact. First, brace it with wooden splints, then seal the wounds with mud. It should survive. But its blooming will be delayed. The damage requires recovery. The Right Chancellor said this peony, His Majesty’s favorite, must bloom on schedule. Three days after Grain Rain,
we admire the peonies. Grain Rain is still… There’s time. Enough time. [Episode 1] [13th Year of Tianbao,
the 2nd Month, Chang’an] [Right Chancellor] Sir. Such trivial matters need not trouble me. Leave it
to the Court of the National Granaries. Aye. Court of the national granaries,
convey the imperial decree. [Court of the National Granaries] Now, deliver it to Imperial Parks. Before the workday’s end! [Office of Imperial Parks] [Mr. Liu,
Director of Imperial Parks] Mr. Liu. Mr. Liu. Mr. Liu? This… This is absurd! – Litchi?
– Litchi! This… This task… It’s a death sentence
for whoever takes it. Watch your words. This order has passed through the Inner Court and now lands on us. There’s no one left to pass it to. Transporting fresh litchis
from Lingnan to Chang’an. Even if it’s a death warrant, someone must accept it. You. Yes, you. Sir, you know me too well. I excel at managing personnel, not tending to plants. I can’t even keep a willow alive. How could I shoulder
such a responsibility? You. You. Sir. Sir! Sir, though I handle procurement well, I have urgent matters at hand. Have you forgotten? With your official duties so demanding, you entrusted all household affairs to me. I must stay to share your burdens! Hey, you. Sir, I’m tasked with escorting citrus from Shu Region for His Majesty. About this litchi matter, I fear my hands are tied. Sir, though my brother serves
in the Ministry of Personnel, he often warns me not to abuse connections. This is such an important duty. I won’t compete for it. I won’t compete. Sir, I’ve had a lifelong aversion
to damp heat. Just one day in the south leaves me covered in rashes. It’s not the hardship I fear, but jeopardizing His Majesty’s affairs. I absolutely cannot. Absolutely cannot. – Mr. Liu.
– Mr. Liu. – Mr. Liu.
– Mr. Liu. You all refuse. Must I go myself? – We wouldn’t dare.
– We wouldn’t dare. Sir, look, someone is missing here today. – Yes.
– Right! Li Shande? Sir. Gou. Is your master awake? He is. Please wait. [Sun Rises Anew] Ping’an. Ping’an. Ping’an. Are you a rooster or what? Crowing at my door at this ungodly hour? You flit about like a bird. Gone without a trace. No sleep, no homecoming. Xiu. Come over here. Uncle. Xiu, you’re here. Have you eaten breakfast? No. Not yet? Then… She just said she’s hungry. Go. Go buy some flatbread. Go now. Thank you, Uncle. Don’t wander too far! You’re the best. Come on. [Zheng Ping’an,
Assistant Minister of Banquets] Did you see the house? I did. Does it matter if I saw it? Why would I need to see my own house? Your own house? That was bought with my sister’s dowry! To pay for her medicine, the house was pawned. And still, her life couldn’t be saved. These years have been tough on Xiu, following you around and constantly renting places to live. Now someone’s willing to sell. Just buy it back. Yes, yes. I’m not refusing. What’s the final price? The middleman didn’t know it was my old house, so I listed every flaw. Look at these beams. Full of wormholes. Patched with lime and coated with lacquer. See this beam? A later addition. Broken. And the middleman panicked. Finally settled at 300 guan. Just the same as when I pawned it. Then don’t hesitate. Not only will it fulfill your wish, but it’ll appreciate in value. Opportunity knocks but once. If you put it that way, I should act fast. But… I’m a bit short on money. How much more do you need? I have 130 guan. Total’s 300 guan. You have 130 guan? Get out. Ping’an. Ping’an. You call that “a bit short”? You’re flat broke! Li Shande, you’ve been an official in Chang’an
for over a decade. No promotions, no savings. All you do is fuss over plants. Do flowers grow silver? You need to swallow your pride
and flatter your superiors. Drink with colleagues. Only then can you… Whatever. I don’t play those games. Mr. He. Mr. Pang. How thoughtful of you. What’s that supposed to mean? If you despise me, don’t come to me. Even if I groveled, I couldn’t scrape together the money overnight. Ah, forget it. Come back. I told you, opportunity knocks but once. Understood. Fine. Go to Pingkang Ward and seek out Madame Shiqi. I’ll be your guarantor. Borrow from her. With you as guarantor. Perfect. The house costs 300 guan. Market rates mean she’ll lend me a 150 guan. I’d still be 20 guan short. Borrow from relatives or friends. Xiu’s and my relatives… You know. I act as guarantor for your loan, yet the house ends up yours. How do all the good things fall to you, Li Shande? Does my family owe you? If not for my sister’s fallen fortunes, she’d never have married you. Look, Xiu’s back. You’re back. I’m back. Is it good, Xiu? Delicious. You had one too? Xiu, take it. Take it. Have more then. Yes. See how kind your uncle is. Well… For Xiu’s sake. Thank you, Ping’an. Thanks, Ping’an. Well, I prepared loan notes. Two copies. Keep yours. Alright. We’ll leave. Say goodbye to Uncle. Goodbye, Uncle. Goodbye. You go inside. [Borrower: Li Shande] When did he write this? How did he know I’d lend to him? Li Shande! Didn’t I just give you money? What more do you want? Be off! Is this Mr. Zheng’s mansion? Yes. Mr. Lu. [Lu Huan, Chief of the Jing’an Office] [Lineage of Xingyang] I recall your siblings have all passed away. Now, within the Zheng clan
of Xingyang in Chang’an, your father’s line rests solely on you. Yes. Mr. Lu, please feel free to give me your orders. I’ll assist however I can. Sharp. Though he’s not sociable, he’s a capable worker. [Fifteen guan] [Eight guan] Li Shande saved those plants, but he also killed our future procurement excuses. He’s turned the Imperial Parks – into stagnant water.
– into stagnant water. Mr. Liu, consider this. Without him, no one does his work. But without him, we’d also have less work. [Twelve guan] Four, five. Four. Twenty. At last, the money’s ready. [In memory of my late wife,]
Xiu and I [Zheng Jinniang from Xingyang]
can return home. The osmanthus tree you planted
in the courtyard has withered. But it’s alright. I’ll plant another one. By the eighth month, the scent will fill the air again. I’ll tend it myself. Just as you’ve watched over us, we’ll now watch over you everyday. Let’s go. Twenty-five guan, weight verified. Madame Shiqi. One hundred fifty guan total. Verified. Madame Shiqi. [Madame Shiqi] In the capital, aside from
the two market banks, my establishment offers the swiftest loans. But these funds belong to my patrons. They trust me, and I must safeguard their interests. I only deal with familiar, vetted clients. This time, I agreed to your loan application out of respect for Mr. Zheng. I grew up in Pingkang Ward. Though skilled in music, I never learned arithmetic. This novice monk will assist. My gratitude. Thank you. Here, Mr. Li. We monastics avoid worldly taint. Thus the principal is recorded as “merit”, and the interest as “blessings”. The contract states one hundred fifty guan. Monthly blessings at four percent. Repaid within two years. Then principal plus interest should total two hundred ninety-four guan. Why does it say three hundred twenty-eight and a half? This discrepancy. It signifies your abundant merit and boundless blessings. The laws of Tang Dynasty say loans must calculate interest
solely on principal, never compounding. Doesn’t your calculation seem a bit off? Sir, you’re really good at arithmetic. But can a moment of your calculation outweigh our hours of labor? I majored in mathematics during the Kaiyuan era. I won’t make any calculation errors. Then you must have topped the exams. Who’d have thought Mr. Zheng’s brother-in-law was such a talent? From the moment you entered, I sensed your distinction. Let’s get down to business. You… Get down to business. The clerk must have
transcribed the ledger wrong. We’ll amend it. Get the amendment slip. Mr. Li, congratulations on your new home. May it bring peace and prosperity. Buying a house? That miser pinches every coin, always whining about being broke. Yet that loser reaps rewards. Now he can afford a house? Give it to me. His Majesty has issued a decree. – Aye.
– Aye. This is our honor. We must attach great importance to this to repay the imperial favor. We should select
the most capable candidate. Gentlemen, any nominations? – I
– I – nominate someone!
– nominate someone! – Mr. Li.
– Mr. Li. – Mr. Li.
– Mr. Li. [Office of Imperial Parks] He’s here. Here he comes. Mr. Li. Liangyuan. Come on. I need to talk to you. Come on. Come here. Come on. Join us. No, thanks. I need to fetch my child from school. – Come on.
– Come on. Eat. Come on, Mr. Li. Come here. Come on. No, I… Come on. I need to cook for my child. Come on. I need to talk to you. Have a seat, Mr. Li. I… May I sit here? Sit. Eat. Have a seat. Thank you, sir. Come on. A toast first. Alright. Come on. Here we go. I… Liangyuan, eat. We’ll discuss matters over the meal. Eat. Come on. Try some. How’s is taste? Silken. Come on. Mr. Li, you’ve always been studious. Enlighten us. Tell us about litchis. The litchi is a kind of fruit with vermilion scaly skin, pulp like congealed cream. It’s native to Lingnan, though also found in Shu Region. Ripens fully by the fifth month. Its flavor is said to be peerless. Yet it’s perishable and hard to preserve. They say its color fades in a day,
scent in two, and flavor in three. I’ve never tasted one. As expected of Liangyuan,
you are knowledgeable. – Come on.
– Come on. Here we go. Liangyuan, then is there no way to taste fresh litchis in Chang’an? Emperor Wu of Han once built a Fuli Palace. It housed exotic flora, including litchi trees. But the north-south climate gap proved insurmountable. The litchi trees didn’t survive. But what if someone really craves litchis? Simple. Take the pulp, soak it in honey, and make it into dried fruit. It’s called litchi decoction. But it pales beside the fresh litchi. Better than nothing. Better than nothing. Brilliant! – Brilliant!
– Brilliant! Liangyuan, as expected of you. Truly knowledgeable. – Exactly.
– Exactly. Liangyuan, fortune smiles upon you today. A task has fallen to us. All unanimously recommended you. I was a bit worried at first. But after your discourse, I know this task is tailor-made for you. What task? Nothing much. The Inner Court seeks to procure litchi… Decoction. This task can only be handled by you. Can only be handled by me? In your absence, we deliberated. Your prudence makes you ideal. Exactly. Look, His Majesty often assigns some errands on short notice. Though such posts lack official rank, serving His Majesty commands instant obedience below. The rewards are beyond measure. Li, I heard you’ve bought a house. Excel in this, and the rewards will clear your debts. – Congratulations.
– Congratulations. – Come on.
– Come on. – Congratulations.
– Congratulations. Then you all truly appoint me the Litchi Envoy? His Majesty awaits recommendations. Very well. Finish this cup, and I’ll recommend you noe. You can really hold your liquor. Well, fetch brush and ink. Aye. By imperial decree, Supervisor Li Shande has been jointly recommended and appointed as the overseer. Excellent. Here. Come on. [Li Shande, Litchi Envoy] Transcribe three copies, each bearing the seal of the Imperial Parks, for the Court of the National Granaries, Ministry of Personnel and the Censorate to be recorded. Aye. Congratulations, Mr. Li. From this moment, Li Shande is the Litchi Envoy designated by His Majesty. Good. Come on. – Congratulations, Mr. Li.
– Congratulations, Mr. Li. Congratulations. – Congratulations.
– Congratulations. [Pingkang Ward] Mr. Zheng. Mr. Zheng, which official’s banquet do you attend tonight? No. Mr. Zheng. The Jing’an Office has learned He Youguang, Inspector of Gaozhou, sent an envoy named Pan Bao to Chang’an with a large amount
of Lingnan jewelry. We suspect these are bribes for the Right Chancellor. Likely, in exchange for Military Fish Tally for Lingnan. If you uncover proof of the Right Chancellor’s collusion with He Youguang, the Left Chancellor can topple him. The Jing’an Office’s direct involvement would alert them. So you’re looking for someone sharp to infiltrate without arousing suspicion? Sharp. The Left Chancellor said if this matter is accomplished, he will definitely help you return to the Zheng clan. Mr. Zheng. Mr. Lin. This fine wine belongs to this room. I’ll join you shortly. Shortly. Shortly. Let’s see who’s in this room. Me. The Assistant Minister of Banquets. Go ask around. Is there any room in all of Chang’an I cannot enter? You’ve come to the wrong place. Not here. Not here? Next door. I really did take a wrong turn. – Stick, stick, tiger.
– Stick, stick, tiger. Liangyuan. – Stick, stick, worm.
– Stick, stick, worm. You can leave work early today. You live in Changshou Ward. It’s far. But everyone’s staying. Is that proper for me to leave? Go ahead, Liangyuan. You’re now the Litchi Envoy. You must attend
to His Majesty’s business. Matters here can wait. Here. I took advantage of this opportunity. You’re really giving it to me? The signature is signed, and the seal is stamped. What more do you doubt? Hurry and get ready to leave. You still have to fetch your daughter. Aye. Aye. – Aye.
– Aye. Remember. You have one task only. Find out whether there’s anyone trading Military Fish Tally
for Lingnan in that room. Once verified, signal immediately
with “fish” as the code. Aye. Mr. Lu, I fear nothing… I’ve trained in martial arts
since childhood. Come rescue me by then. Sir, have you reviewed inventory list Mr. He prepared for the Right Chancellor? Without error. The ward gate is closing. Hurry. Be careful. Be careful. Do enjoy life
while in prime you run high. Not to the moon just your empty cup ply. [Ma Guiyun]
We can’t give you what you’re asking for. [Pan Bao] The Right Chancellor said the Military Fish Tally
is of utmost importance. He sent me personally to Lingnan to deliver it to Mr. He. No intermediaries. I am Mr. He’s trusted man. Doesn’t the Right Chancellor trust us? I, Ma Guiyun, am the Right Chancellor’s confidant. Does Mr. He doubt me? [Decocted] [Fresh Litchi] Sir, are you alright? Help me read this. This… This is “fresh”, right? I… He can actually run that fast. Mr. Ma, when will you depart? Tonight. The Right Chancellor’s orders. I dare not delay. A pity I still have business
in Chang’an. I cannot accompany you. No need for such courtesy. No escort required. But there is one thing you must remember. Only the Right Chancellor himself knows about my trip to Lingnan this time. Make way! Step aside! Make way! Who are you? Here, a token. Take it. Mr. He will recognize it at once. Sir! – Sir!
– Sir! What’s the matter? – Sir!
– Sir! What are you doing? Sir. Sir, save me. Sir, save me! Save me, sir. Have you lost your mind? The amendment slip on this document fell off. I beg you to reseal it. Such a trivial matter. Was this worth panicking over? Look, the original “fresh” was amended to “decoction”. But this slip somehow fell off. It must be reattached. This is an imperial decree. It needs your official seal. Otherwise, it would amount to tampering
with the imperial will. Amendment slip? I don’t recall any amendment slip when I issued the decree to you. Did you add it yourself? How would I dare? This… As you just said, the amendment slip requires an official seal to verify its legitimacy. Then where is the seal imprint on the detached slip? Right. Is there one? This… Sir, I beg your wise judgment! Just now while drinking, didn’t you say the Inner Court wanted litchi decoction? Litchi decoction? Are you drunk? The palace has cartloads of that stuff. Would they need us to provide it? Tell me, did I ever mention litchi decoction during the meal? – No.
– No. – Never mentioned.
– Not once. Mr. Liu said litchi. – Yes.
– Yes. Litchi. Litchi decoction was your idea. Litchi… Decoction, right? The decree states clearly. You are appointed Litchi Envoy to procure fresh litchis for the palace. Don’t misread it. Fresh litchis? Sir. You know the nature of litchis. Color fades in a day, scent in two, and flavor in three. No matter where they’re shipped from, they’d never reach Chang’an in time! Mr. Li, that’s why you need to put more effort into this. His Majesty is waiting. Read carefully. The decree is explicit. His Majesty demands litchis from Lingnan. Sir! Sir. Sir! Lingnan? Lingnan is five thousand li
from Chang’an! Not even the gods
could deliver them in time! Sir. Let’s leave work. – Leave work.- Leave work. I have an old ailment. I shouldn’t drink. I won’t join you today. Mr. Ma, may you have a smooth journey to Lingnan. Aye. The ward gate is already closed. Where are you going? Open the archives! [The Archive
of Court of the National Granaries] I need to see the archived copy
of a decree! What are you doing? Eavesdropping. Come inside and listen! [Imperial edict of dispatch
of the Litchi Envoy] [on the 3rd day of the 2nd month,
the 13th year of Tianbao] Someone! Fish! Fish! [Fresh Litchis] Before, no matter how late, Father would always
come to take me home. Could something have happened to him today? Your father tends to plants. What could possibly happen to him? He must be held up by urgent business. Xiu, come inside with me. [The Litchi Road] What are you doing? Qilang! Let go of Gou! Qilang! You can only atone with your death! Do you want me to die alone or drag all of you down with me? If you don’t recognize me
as the Litchi Envoy, if you dare to say
a single word of refusal, even just one word, that will be obstruction
of the Litchi Envoy’s duties! And that’s a beheading offense! Your entire clan will be executed! I am the Litchi Envoy
appointed by His Majesty! A desperate gamble! How do I transport them? How! ♪The beauty-loving ruler
longed for a divine lady♪ ♪Yet through his reign,
none stirred his soul’s desires♪ ♪A maiden of the Yangs
now ripes in grace♪ ♪Raised in seclusion,
unseen by any face♪ ♪Endowed with heaven-sent beauty,
she is bound to be known♪ ♪Finally chosen to be
where the ruler goes♪ ♪A glance, a smile,
and all charms awake♪ ♪The glow of all ladies in the harem
fades in her wake♪ ♪In the spring chill, she was granted
a bath in the Huaqing Hot Spring♪ ♪Thermal waves
embraced her moonlit skin♪ ♪Arms held by her attendants,
delicate and weak♪ ♪This marked the dawn
of royal favor’s peak♪ ♪Cloud-like hair, floral visage
with a golden step-shaking hairpin♪ ♪Lotus-curtains drank
their shared breath♪ ♪Dawn always came too soon,
shearing the night too short♪ ♪Thus indulged in joy, the ruler
no longer joined the morning court♪ ♪Entertain the ruler and attend events
without a moment to spare♪ ♪Spring outings and night-long stays
all through the year♪ ♪Despite thousands
of beauties in the harem♪ ♪All the ruler’s favor rests on her♪