《长安的荔枝 The Litchi Road》EP06：李善德学到“盐洗隔水之法”，转运荔枝一事看到微弱的希望｜雷佳音 岳云鹏｜古装 传奇 剧情｜KUKAN Drama
[The Litchi Road] [The Past of the Agarwood
and the Right Chancellor] Failed. Aye. Dianbai agarwood? Passed. In last month’s incense competition, this incense even won first place. It’s from Su Liang. The beams and pillars of
the Agarwood Pavilion in Xingqing Palace were tributed by him, right? Yes. Elder Su, you shouldn’t have promised him. How are we supposed to gather all these materials in such a short time? When building the Agarwood Pavilion, you said the same thing to me. But look at that design. Agarwood for the pavilion, sandalwood for the railings, musk and frankincense
sifted into the earth to paste the walls. The Right Chancellor wants to build
a pavilion with four types of incense, more extravagant
than the Agarwood Pavilion. Especially that batch of agarwood. I bet no one in Chang’an can provide it. In Chang’an, Su Liang is the only one who can pull it off. The procurement list. [Incense Procurement List] Agarwood, frankincense. I already bought them. The ship has sailed into the inner bay. It will dock soon. From high-ranking officials to bottom servants, no one knows about it. You’ve kept it completely secret! I reckon you will be re-elected guild leader again! Elder Su! Sir! Sir! When our ship sailed to Zhenzhou, it was robbed by pirates led by Feng Ruofang! I heard Su Liang’s merchant ship was robbed, is that true? Yes. Because of this, he was dismissed from the position
of Hu Merchants Guild Leader. Replace it with the incense from Xu’s Incense Shop in Yangzhou. [Su Liang] Elder Su, the Right Chancellor’s
Pavilion of Four Fragrances has already started construction. The materials are supplied by an unknown incense shop in Yangzhou. I already know. Those goods were mine. The half ship of goods that weren’t paid a ransom for. I have nowhere to go in Chang’an anymore. [Episode 6] I want some! I want some! They’re over there! I want some! These kids. I want some! If you want to try them on your journey, you’d better find a large sealed urn. Seal the litchis inside. That should do it. I know this sealing method. Do you have any way to make them stay fresh longer? I’ll tell you another secret. Don’t spread this around. Or you’ll have to deal with me. I won’t. Before putting them in large urns, soak the litchis in saltwater. It keeps them fresh for three days. Three days? This sealing method and the saltwater thing, I already tried them at the Office of Imperial Parks. They’re no secrets to me. Do you Dong people have any way that can keep litchis fresh longer? Ma’am, Commandant Yang is here. Wait here. Move! What’s going on? Move. Ma’am. I thought last time
when you knelt begging for mercy, you lost your pretty face [Commandant Yang]
and your nerve, too. Didn’t expect you’d come again. I’m impressed. Today, either you repay the debt in full or hand over the orchard! What are you doing? Try it! I dare you! I’ll kill you with the spear! I’ve been trying to scrape together money. Right now, this is all I have. In the fifth month
when I sell the litchis, I can repay you more. Just this little money? How dare you even bring it out? Don’t you know how much you owe us? Let me give you some advice. Hand over the orchard now, and your debt will be settled. If the interest keeps piling up, these Dong people behind you will never be able to pay the loan off their whole lives. Tong… You should do what’s best for them,
shouldn’t you? Ma’am, don’t listen to his nonsense! Do you want to get killed? What are you doing? I warn you. Put it down! Everyone, put it down! Put it down! As long as we are still alive, we can always build another orchard. We can’t give it to him! Where’s the IOU? Give it to me. Tong. Tong. Tong. How many more days can
the water isolation method buy us? You won’t buy any days with any methods. Today is the day… Shut up! Come on, tell me! Where did you pop out from? What water isolation method? It’s the… We’re trying to sign a document here! Could you show some respect… Shut up! Come on! Shut up! Put litchis in the water inside the jar in your house. How many more days can this water isolation method preserve the litchis? At best, four more days. Two days if not working well. So it can keep them fresh for six days? From three days to six days? That’s great! This is great! Six days is great! Are you two done chatting? Tong, come sign now! Shut up! Sign what? He wants to take my orchard. You can’t give it to him. Don’t do it! Let me tell you, all the litchis in this orchard are mine. I’ve already booked them! I am ordered by the Inspector’s Mansion to take over the orchard. If Inspector He gets upset, can you bear the responsibility? I was sent by His Majesty to Lingnan to procure litchis. If His Majesty gets upset, which official in Lingnan can bear that responsibility? That being the case, you can have this litchi orchard. But the debt on the orchard… Shouldn’t you repay it? Here. Take a good look. What? Money is tight right now? Then your big talk would seem a little awkward. I thought some savior had come to the rescue! Tong, just give up. Yes! You’re crazy! The IOU is gone. Today you are not walking away
with my orchard! If you want to charge someone with obstructing official business, you can only take me. It has nothing to do with them. No one can take her! Anyway, I have no money. And I won’t give you this orchard either! You Dong people are savages. What are you waiting for? Go get them! I dare you! I’d like to see you try! No one touches her! I am the Litchi Envoy
appointed by His Majesty. [Litchi Directorate]
The Litchi Envoy! Understand? The Litchi Envoy! I hereby declare that from now on, this orchard is requisitioned
as a royal litchi orchard, dedicated to providing litchis north
as tributes to the royalty! The debt owed by the orchard? You’ll have to ask His Majesty for it. Ask him! Ask him! Let’s go! Go! Litchi Envoy! You’re amazing! Litchi Envoy! Taking off your shoe actually paid off. Litchi Envoy! You’re amazing! Take your time to finish it. No more urgent matters. Li Shande is gone? He’s gone. The north gate guards saw with their own eyes that he wasn’t just “leaving”. He galloped away at full speed. Seems like he went back to Chang’an as fast as he could. Now you and Mr. He can rest easy, right? We do. I’m impressed! Within a single day,
without resorting to force, you managed to drive away this troublesome Litchi Envoy. The Right Chancellor’s got
a great subordinate. You’re swift and decisive. Succeeds at every move. But I am curious. How did you persuade him? Just a trivial trick. Nothing worth mentioning. I’d like to pick your brain. Although it’s the same knife, in a general’s hand, it can slay enemies. But in a butcher’s hand, it can only slaughter cattle. Even with the same tool, different ways to use it get different results. So tell me, how am I supposed to teach you my way? Guiyun, you’re a man of wisdom! I used to be arrogant about my talent, claiming I was born at the wrong time. That my talents were wasted in the Inspector’s Mansion. But with your enlightenment, I truly see the gap between us. I admire you greatly! Enough of that. I’ve been in Lingnan for some time. Now Li Shande is gone. I’ve kept the Military Fish Tally for quite a few days. The letter of fealty? Why are you back? I’m not leaving. Not leaving? No. I’m staying to transport the litchis. I think I can pull it off! [The Right Chancellor’s
new envoy has departed.] Go get him! Harder! Commandant Yang. I am here to claim our ship. Elder Su, didn’t I tell you? The Bohe Harbor has been paramount for Lingnan’s taxes. All ships passing
must be strictly inspected for privately hidden contraband. Once your ship is cleared, you will be notified. Go home and wait. Bravo! Bravo! Next! Move! This is an Inter-prefectural
Transit Document. Commandant Yang, please read it. It’s written on it. You’ll see at a glance. It states that my ships may pass through all passes, ferries, and docks in all five Lingnan prefectures. Does that mean my goods are inspection-free and can travel unimpeded? Elder Su, you’re so resourceful to actually obtain such a magical pass. In that case, process his ship claim according to the rules. Come on, lower! Good! Go get him! Go! You’re not doing it hard! You stand a chance! Elder Su, our ship is empty! Empty? Yes. How can it be empty? I just saw it! It is empty! Use your body to pin him! Again! Commandant Yang. What is it? My ship. Why is it empty? Your ship is empty? Completely empty. It was loaded with benzoin resin! Now all vanished into thin air! Commandant Yang, can you tell me where they went? You should have the answer. Are you accusing me of taking your goods? That’s not what I meant. Then what do you mean? This document states “One sea vessel has been detained.” Now I’m returning to you exactly one sea vessel. Besides, you transported incense materials, which are volatile. Maybe they all evaporated or fell overboard during a storm. So many possible answers, right? You thief! Give our goods back! No way it’s empty! What are you implying? Don’t point at me with your finger! Do not be rude! Back off! Commandant Yang, a word in private? Commandant Yang, just give me some hints. Where can I go looking for my benzoin resin? Elder Su, if I were you, I’d stay in my hometown doing some small business. I wouldn’t go back to Lingnan
to waste my time. These coins? Keep them for your retirement. Carry on! It was a large batch
of incense materials. How could it be transported away right under their noses? Exactly! My guess is the goods weren’t stolen by them. But they must know who did it. But they wouldn’t say. That tells us, behind it there’s a powerful figure
they can’t mess with. Incense materials are hard to store. Holding it carries risk. So they will certainly want to sell it as fast as possible. Your eyes must be wide open with ears stretched long. Whether they do it publicly or sneakily, we keep an eye on them as long as they try to sell. You did it on purpose, right? You know I’ve been waiting for an explanation. Why are you avoiding it? Ge, the jar walls are thin. Handle gently. All of you may go. Li Shande, let me be straight with you. It was Mr. He who wanted to kill you. After Zhao Xinmin left that day, he pondered it. I don’t know how he presumed you worked for the Left Chancellor. He said your mission of transporting litchis had ulterior motives. I helped you! I felt sorry for Xiu, so I helped you out. Sir, he is telling the truth! That day, he tried very hard to get them to agree as long as you left Lingnan, they wouldn’t kill you. I am the Litchi Envoy
appointed by His Majesty! They could just kill me like that? There is no law? In Lingnan, his words are the law. Perfect. I will be executed if I go back now. I’ll be assassinated if I stay. I might as well use the water isolation method to fight for a sliver of hope. So you’re dead set on transporting litchis here? Not exactly dead set. But I’ve never been so determined. This has thin walls. It’s fragile but lightweight. This has thick walls. Sturdy but heavy. I’ll number all of you and see who’s the winner and serves my purpose. If it really works, you will save my life. By that time I’ll enshrine and worship you. Alright. You’ll be number one. Work hard and wait for me. I’ll go into town to sell these litchis and buy you wine. Yes! Wine! Wine! Thank you, ma’am! Pack it tighter! It’s the Litchi Envoy. The Litchi Envoy! Banzi. City man! The Litchi Envoy! The Litchi Envoy! What brings you here? I told you. This is a royal litchi orchard now. Come on, take a seat! The Litchi Envoy. Before the first day of the sixth month, I need to transport Gaozhou’s litchis to Chang’an. So I came to get some March Reds for preservation experiments. I thought you made up that story just to help us out. Turns out you really are going to transport litchis. City man. Who’s the “His Majesty” you mentioned? He’s more powerful than Mr. He? Much, much more. His Majesty is the highest official in the world. So there are no litchis where he lives? There aren’t, no. His Majesty lives in a place called Chang’an which is also where I came from. It’s five thousand li away. What is five thousand? Five thousand li is… is a distance. It means… means very far away. That’s even farther than Shaozhou? Much farther. Farther than Shaozhou? Now I’m confused. Why doesn’t this “His Majesty” come eat them himself? Why send you here instead? I wish I knew the answer. Is Chang’an big? Bigger than the prefectural seat? Much bigger. Chang’an is big and crowded with people. Bustling and lively. Where I reported for duty was next to Xingqing Palace. Xingqing Palace is His Majesty’s home. The palace gates are bigger than the city gates! Next to it is Zhuque Avenue. It’s over a hundred paces wide. Dozens of horses
can walk side by side on it. High officials and nobles live on both sides of the avenue. You sound like it’s heaven. But it doesn’t even have litchis! Right. Chang’an is prosperous with abundant rice and millet. Just no litchis. Chang’an people love wheat foods. Especially the Hu-style cakes. Stuffed full and well-baked. If you eat it while it’s still hot, it’s truly tasty. When I went to work in the morning, sometimes I would get up late. I’d buy one and share it with my daughter. We would walk on the street, one bite each, one bite each… One bite each. Are you homesick? “There’s a beloved one in Chang’an.” City man, don’t be sad. We have a lot of fun here! Stay tonight to have a good meal. And some wine too! Wine! Try this. What is it? Game meat. Is… Is it even edible? It’s delicious! I… I’ll have some wine. You don’t like the meat? I do! I’m just thirsty. What am I tasting? Rice wine soaked with a few litchis. That’s what I thought. The March Reds were just harvested. No way you’ve
already brewed wine with it. Why so particular? It’s wine, isn’t it? Right. You seem like a good man. I wouldn’t give it to other city men. Drink! What’s your name? Li Shande. Courtesy name Liangyuan. “Li Shande Courtesy Name Liangyuan”? That’s a long name! Never mind. Just call me Li Shande. Li Shande. You said you were homesick. But why have you never
mentioned your wife? My wife died six years ago. She left me a little daughter. She’s my world
and I am hers, too. My daughter is not much younger than you. Seems you are a sentimental person. Guess I’m a good judge of character. Mr. Li, let’s dance! No, no, you guys go on. Go on without me. Come on! Li Shande, do you want to work at this Litchi orchard? Of course! I need to transport litchis to Chang’an for His Majesty, remember? Then it’s settled. You stay and help me. We’ll tend this orchard together. Alright! My job was also gardening back in Chang’an. I can help you make this Litchi orchard better. Really? Really! Good. Let’s have a “Vow Drink”. Vow Drink? We vow to be united in purpose? I like the sound of it! Here. I’ll have a Vow Drink with him! Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink! Tong, have you lost your mind? [Yan Yazhuang]
Having Vow Drink with that city man? That means you’re willing to marry him! I think he’s quite nice. Do you even know him? When girls choose husbands, they will judge by men’s looks, talent, wealth, and official ranks. He doesn’t have any of those! Though I don’t fully understand him, I can see that he is talented. And he knows farming too! I need someone to help me tend this orchard. This… this is all an illusion! You just met him! He’s tricking you! Tong! Think about it. Didn’t you say that your orchard
has the best conditions? Every city man who comes here wants to seize your orchard! Why do you trust no one but him? I also trust you! Weren’t you a city man too, Yan Yazhuang? He won’t stay in Lingnan. Did you forget? He said he has a daughter in Chang’an. And he said he bears the Emperor’s command to transport litchis back to Chang’an. It’s five thousand li from Lingnan. The journey takes over a month. His Majesty wants fresh litchis. How will he even manage to do that? So whether he’s still alive
after the sixth month remains a question! You want to become a widow right after getting married? That gives me more reasons to help him. Enough! Our Vow Drink got ruined by you! Tong! Don’t follow me! Watch your step. Okay. Mr. Li. Mr. Li. What are you doing here? Here. I’ve got a trouble. I have a ship detained by Commandant Yang at Gaozhou Port. I went to the port and opened the hold only to find it empty, nothing! Like a thunderbolt crashing down, I’m so anxious
that I feel butterflies… Elder Su, no need for the verse. Alright. So I came to you. Here’s the thing. You’ve already used the transit document. Yes. It is not refundable. Right. And the money you gave me is mine already. It’s no longer yours. No, no. You don’t understand what I meant. But I do understand that my money is already yours. They’re resting in peace
in your pocket. I won’t try to get them to rise from the ashes and return to me. You and the Inspector have a connection, whatever that is. Can you get me to touch Mr. He?
[*He means to say “get me in touch”] I just want to know where my benzoin resin went. I… I don’t really have any connection with them. My only connection with… with the Inspector was that transit document. And this connection was transferred to you. Then I have no connection with them anymore. I’m willing to help but unable to do so. Willing to help but unable to? So are you willing to help or not? “Willing to but…” So you will help? I can’t! Why? I just can’t! What if I get more money to rest in peace
in your pocket? Can you help then? How much? Name a price. It… It’s not about money! It’s about… I truly want your money. But I am unable to! Why? You… I… I can’t explain clearly. I have to do the litchi transport experiments! I can’t help you. I truly can’t! I’m willing to help but unable to. Mr. Zhao, how are you? Here. Let me get it for you. Thank you. Where is Mr. Li? Mr. Li? He’s over there. Mr. Li. Mr. Zhao. To what do I owe the pleasure? You’re working for His Majesty in a hands-on way! My wife stewed chicken soup. So I brought some for you. Thank you. Perfect timing. Can we talk over here? Sure. Come on. It’s a tough job indeed. Your wife’s an excellent home cook! I smell the aroma even through the lid! Really? So are you used to the Lingnan flavor? Honestly? No. I am not. That makes sense. Mr. Li, you’re five thousand li from home living alone at this courier station. You must be desperately homesick. It’s not easy for you. But I wonder, weren’t you returning to Chang’an? Why turn back? Suddenly I saw a glimmer of hope. So I thought I’d stay here and try to find a way to transport litchis. Mr. Zhao, if you hadn’t come today, I would’ve visited you. Then I came just in time. What is it? I’m all ears. Mr. Zhao, is there any ice in Lingnan? Arms? Of course, we have arms. But why do you ask? Transporting litchis requires ice. I see… How many arms do you need? During initial experiments? Not much. But when I actually transport them, the more the better! I see. So you’re borrowing our arms? Huh? I’m working for His Majesty. “Borrowing” might not be the right word. I’d say requisitioning. Shouldn’t you give me
all the ice you have? That’s a man coming from the capital with a broad horizon. Give me some time. I’ll report to Mr. He. – Thank you.
– I shall take my leave. Thank you. Goodbye. These Lingnan people are weird. I told you. We should have just killed him. He’s nothing but trouble! Now great. The military fish tally isn’t mine yet. He smells blood and wants to take a bite before I do. Sir, he demands soldiers
saying it’s for His Majesty. We have no reason to refuse. I came to see you again. What’s this? Last time you said you weren’t used to Lingnan flavors. This time, my wife stewed some mutton soup for you. Excellent cooking skills! I smell the aroma even through the lid! And what about the ice? But we learned a trick
from the Right Chancellor. Getting the Military Fish Tally requires a letter of fealty. He wants soldiers? We make him write
an application for troop deployment. I’m on it. I’m writing it here and now! You work efficiently! Today, I, Li Shande, for the purpose of litchi transport, file the application
for the requisition of ice to the Inspector of Lingnan. I’d appreciate it
if Mr. He could approve it. Approve it… Here. No, wait! Mr. Li. Is there a wrong character? Arms! Yes, ice. So you want ice, i-c-e. Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you wanted soldiers with arms
to escort the litchis. You got it wrong. No wonder you seemed
to be in a pickle yesterday. I phrased it poorly. I haven’t even solved
the problem of preservation, much less arranged soldiers for escort. Therefore, I hope you can help me get some ice. Mr. Li, the ice issue is even more difficult than arms. You know Lingnan is humid and hot, unlike Chang’an. I’ve never seen ice all my life. Like they say, “Obtaining ice here is harder than going to heaven.” Then… Did I write for nothing? I’ll take it back. Let’s find a solution together. Goodbye. Thank you. My wife specifically told me to bring the clay pot back. So according to you, you met a master again? That he’s a sly old fish? Yes! While chatting and laughing, he called white black. When I sounded him out… Of course, our abilities were evenly matched. But it was a heart-stopping ride! I had to stay constantly vigilant to counter his moves as they came. I went with the flow and had an airtight defense. So you’re quite satisfied? You think you and Li Shande
were evenly matched? Yes! Nonsense! I think this fight of yours has done serious damage to you. No! Yes! Zhuge Liang once said, “If the enemy doesn’t make a move, we don’t move. If the enemy… If the enemy…” “If the enemy makes a move,
we’ll beat them to it.” Right! He merely uttered “ice” and look how flustered you got. You rushed to probe into it. What happened? He learned everything about us. What do I do now? What should I do? Sir, just try this mutton soup. Good idea. I hear people in Chang’an love this soup. Right? Great tonic. It’s good! Ma’am. How about the camel matter? I’m afraid we’ve met a hard nut that is hard to crack. No room for failure. Aye! [The Litchi Road] You said it was a life-or-death matter. Whose life are we talking about? Your life. You can’t save it. This is a good joke. How could it… How so sudden? The fortune-teller said I would be snatched
from the jaws of death. I won’t die. And I can transfer this bad luck onto someone else. You can only say this person was born under an unlucky star. That he’s unlucky and doomed to die at an early age. What if I give up? Consultant Konglang will not let you leave Lingnan alive. Qilang! ♪Though I’m on a branch
in Lingnan’s land♪ ♪My red hue dyes the sky so grand♪ ♪My fairy aura floats to Chang’an town♪ ♪Driving mortals wild♪ ♪Their heads spin round♪ ♪Toiling day and night without a break♪ ♪Just to taste this fruit so rare♪ ♪All crave a bite of this fare♪ ♪Through mountains, lakes,
and rivers wide♪ ♪I journey in dreams far and wide♪ ♪Endless schemes and deceit I hear♪ ♪Absurd pretense so insincere♪ ♪I, too, wished to see
golden tiles glow♪ ♪In this bustling mortal world below♪ ♪But all I saw was a man’s plight♪ ♪Weeping through the lonely night♪ ♪Day by day, bit by bit♪ ♪Bit by bit, fit by fit♪ ♪I was Lingnan’s carefree sprite♪ ♪Dancing with the moon
and sky so bright♪ ♪Pursued by crowds with no respite♪ ♪Witnessing greed in human sight♪ ♪I was Lingnan’s carefree sprite♪ ♪Longing for a sleep in the woods
on a moonlit night♪ ♪Savoring breeze and lute’s sweet sound♪ ♪Free at heart, with peace profound♪ ♪Day by day, bit by bit♪ ♪Bit by bit, fit by fit♪ ♪Day by day, bit by bit♪ ♪Fit by fit, day by day♪ ♪I was Lingnan’s carefree sprite♪ ♪Swinging on green boughs in sunlight♪ ♪Till Chang’an called me to its gate♪ ♪And set my fate to twist and gyrate♪