《长安的荔枝 The Litchi Road》EP09：郑平安为扳倒右相，以酒作局留在岭南！ ｜雷佳音 岳云鹏｜古装 传奇 剧情｜KUKAN Drama
[The Litchi Road] [The Mask] Looks nice! Hold still. If you move, I can’t finish your makeup. Don’t laugh. One wrong stroke, and your brows are history. Go away. Look at him. Zheng Ping’an. Zheng Ping’an. Look at yourself, your face pale as a ghost. Clinging to that old status will starve you. Put this mask on. Hide behind it, and you’ll forget who you are. Bill’s downstairs. We’re full today and short on staff. You may be new, but the upstairs guests are yours to serve alone. Understood. Don’t worry, sir. The guests upstairs are old friends of mine. Two of them, sworn brothers. I helped them find their place in Chang’an. Enough talking. You were once served by others. From now on, you serve people. Get going! Let’s bet. He’s gonna put on airs later and make us thank him for his grace. Mr. Zheng, thanks. He used to have the Zheng clan behind him. Now, everyone in Chang’an knows his branch was disowned. He lost the right to take the imperial exam. The last time I saw him, he still put on airs, like some refined scholar. Poor scholar. Poor scholar. Poor scholar. He’s nothing but a wine server now. A beggar scraping by in this tavern. Agreed! Agreed! Agreed! Aye. Thank you for waiting. Let me dance for you as an apology. Apology. Well, Ping’an, please. Aye. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! All these years, I never noticed your posture is so graceful! Your moves are so light! Exquisite! Truly exquisite! Who’d know Ping’an was born to dance the Sogdian Whirl? Agreed! Agreed! Agreed! Reward! Reward! Tip him! Tip him! Spin! Spin! Tip him! Spin! Spin! We’ll come back next time. Ping’an, we’ll come back next time. Reward! Amazing! “Stepping through fallen petals,
where to now? With a laugh,
they enter the tavern of Hu maidens.” [Episode 9] Ma’am, the secret letter you intercepted from the Right Chancellor’s envoy was the same clue Song Wuji found in Lingnan, right? Yes. Zheng Ping’an not only helped us
get the letter of fealty, but he also brought us this bonus lead. We underestimated him. He Youguang already ruled Lingnan with an iron fist. Now with the Military Fish Tally, he holds both administrative power
and military control I fear he will grow
even more unrestrained. For years, everyone’s self-preservation has let the Right Chancellor
grow unchecked. Now the Noble Consort’s gaining
more and more favor. We can’t delay. The greater He Youguang’s power, the more chaos he’ll stir. We’ll thus have more chances
to topple the Right Chancellor. So, mentioning the Zheng clan was to provoke Zheng Ping’an? You want to keep him here? But he seems timid, hardly fit for this task. I told him the truth of the past to show him the hypocrisy of the noble clan he longs to return to. All these years, he’s flattered his way
through feasts in Chang’an. Even if he dances very well, it’s just spinning in place. Like us, he’s a pawn in the eyes of the powerful, a nail in their hand. Now that he’s in the game, we might as well give him a real chance. Let him earn his own glory through blood and grit. The Konglang Agency
moves in the shadows. I need help. His identity
as the Right Chancellor’s envoy still has value. If he still has a shred of a son’s blood and conscience, he’ll stay. If not, let him return to Chang’an and spend the rest of his life
pouring wine for nobles. Ma’am, can that letter from He Youguang to the Right Chancellor bring the Right Chancellor down? The Right Chancellor is powerful. One letter of fealty won’t shake his seat. The Left Chancellor schemed for years but failed to find a fault in him, so he devised this plan. Now, we need to take down He Youguang and use the letter to expose
the Right Chancellor’s crimes, only then can we shake his foundation. But how do we bring down He Youguang? That’s not something you need to know. Ma’am, the Right Chancellor killed my father. Please, point the way for me. You barely escaped death. Are you sure about this? If I don’t avenge my father, I’d rather die! The letter brought
by the Right Chancellor’s envoy is the clue to He Youguang’s fall. Whale-riding Tower? It’s an old affair from Lingnan. It began ten years ago. Havoc, a maritime tycoon in Lingnan, once created the Sea Sail Share scheme. Buy a share, and you’d become a shareholder of Havoc’s fleet. When his ships returned from trade, profits were shared based on your stake. Because Havoc wielded
great power at sea, everyone eagerly chased after his scheme, believing they could make money. Even the top five merchant clans of the Hu Merchants Guild joined in with big money. Havoc met merchants and guests in the Whale-riding Tower to run the scheme. But one night, that tower caught fire. Havoc failed to escape and died from that fire. Overnight, the shares turned worthless. At that time, Lingnan plunged into weeping and wailing. Could you say that again? I didn’t catch a word. Bottom line, He Youguang was Havoc’s underling. After the fire, the Havoc Group collapsed. But He Youguang rose instead. He joined the government, grew powerful, and became the iron-fisted inspector in Lingnan. Understood. He gained the most from the fire. It wasn’t an accident. He set the fire on purpose. Song Wuji found the Whale-riding Tower’s trace and rushed back to Chang’an. He must’ve uncovered something. Are there any survivors from the fire? It was a massive blaze at night. There were no survivors. But if it was arson, there must be flaws to find. As I’m in the shadows, I can’t show up publicly. But the Inspector trusts you’re the Right Chancellor’s envoy. You can use that identity to dig out the truth. I shall follow your order. But staying in Lingnan, you’ll need a reason to convince the Inspector. So they won’t interfere much with your future actions. Thank you for the reminder. I’ll handle the Inspector. I’ve no skills to speak of, just this life to offer. I’ll give it my all. I underestimated you. Thought you were just a coward chasing status. You weren’t wrong. I am a coward. But for my father, for my sister, I’ll be brave. Sir, you’re back. Please wait a moment. Postmaster, still up this late? I was waiting for you. Me? You’ve been here for a while. My business is tight. Shouldn’t we settle the bill? Here’s the ledger. All expenses are itemized. Alright. This one too. Postmaster, I’ll pay for my room. The other one is not my business. I went to see Mr. Li. He said you’re generous, and you’ll surely pay for him. Otherwise, if word gets out, you’ll be laughed at. Don’t listen to him. He doesn’t know me. He also said if you won’t pay, he’ll just move into your room and your relationship will be exposed. I… Qilang, please pay for him. Or where am I supposed to stay? If you hadn’t vouched for him, he wouldn’t have stuck me with the bill. Why don’t you pay my tab first, then go deal with him? Alright. Here. I don’t like owing anyone. Take it. Got it. Well, sleep well! Please. Please. Here, Gou, take it. Take it, Gou. You should’ve knocked. Give me my money back. What money? Don’t play dumb. Su Liang gave you a fortune, and you still asked me to pay? Now I’ve got nothing left. You can’t just leave me broke. That money was for litchi transport. I can’t touch it. You’re so extravagant! You blew through it all? I’m Ma Guiyun now, not some Assistant Minister of Banquets. No income at all. I’m broke now! And I’m feeding you! At least give me this back. What? The 20 guan you used to buy a house! Wait, Ping’an, why did you even bring the IOU to Lingnan? What, what is this? This? Just admit it. Repay me. I can pay you back. But you need to be honest with me, Ping’an. You came to Lingnan, but why insist on using the name Ma Guiyun? Who is Ma Guiyun? And that day, when we drank, you said you wanted revenge. I… I’m worried. What’s really going on? Knowing too much won’t do you good. Even if it’s bad, you have to tell me. I… I’m worried about you. Ma Guiyun is the Right Chancellor’s envoy. He died. The Left Chancellor asked me
to take his name and come to Lingnan to… Wait! Gou, get out. Close the door. Hey, get out. Sir, I know more than you do. Fine. I’m after the letter of fealty He Youguang wrote
to the Right Chancellor. I have the letter now. I could have gone back to Chang’an, but I heard my father’s death was linked to the Right Chancellor. I want to gather more proof. I want to bring him down. You? Bring him down? And you’re delivering litchis. Have I ever laughed at you? Both of us are stuck with deadly errands. Poor Xiu. Her two closest people are walking the line between life and death. Ping’an, we have to stay alive. We still need to return to Chang’an. Close your eyes. Close your eyes. I’ll get you the money. No need to close. Just bring it to me. Alright, you go back. I’ll bring it over soon. Open your eyes. Ping’an, one last thing from me. Don’t worry. I’ll stay safe. No. Save your money. The courier’s here! Quick! The courier’s here! Quick! Finally, the courier’s here! Is there a letter to me? Is there a letter to me? Anything for me? Lingnan Circuit, Gaozhou Station, Litchi Envoy, Li Shande! Here, here! Li Shande, Li Shande. That’s me. Where’s mine? Li Yunsheng! Li Yunsheng! Next! Next! Keep your voices down. Here, here. What is this? This… What is this embroidery? Hu-style cake. Hu-style cake, this… This embroidery is beautiful. Really good. ♪When can I catch the scent
of old times again♪ ♪The shadow in the wind♪ Xiu. ♪Rushes back and forth
at the bridge of fate♪ Xiu wants me to return to Chang’an. ♪The moon rises, the sun sets♪ ♪I recall the deep feelings again♪ ♪It’s just♪ ♪Green thrives while vitality of us fades♪ ♪Glitz and glamour vanish♪ ♪Carved into vicissitudes♪ ♪Throughout all time,
I have lived on ordinary♪ ♪Without knowing
if you are in sorrow or delight♪ ♪The chaos in the world has no end♪ ♪Alone I’ll stay in this yard
with osmanthus♪ ♪Waiting for your return,
watching new sprouts♪ ♪Appreciating the blossoms
all by myself♪ ♪Unharmed by seasons’ change♪ ♪Is Chang’an♪ ♪On the way to Lingnan?♪ Hurry, Yan Yazhuang. Li Shande, come out now! Li Shande! Stop yelling. You little Dong girl! Stop making such a scene! I’m here to see someone. Leave! This place is for noble guests only. Li Shande! Who here would even know you? Li Shande! Leave now! Don’t push me! Li Shande! Go! Stop shouting! Li Shande! Go, go, go! Stop yelling! Help me call out to him! Stop it! If you don’t leave, I’ll report you! Go now! Move it! Don’t touch my litchis! Li Shande! – Who’s that?
– Li Shande! Tong, what are you doing here? I brought you litchis. Look, so many fresh litchis. Even His Majesty can’t get these. It’d be a waste for me. Thank you, Tong. No need to thank me. Eat as many as you like. Have you figured out how to get the litchis to His Majesty? With current methods, they stay fresh for five days, max. Then, you can’t pull it off? Not necessarily. To get a fresh litchi to Chang’an, besides preservation, speed matters too. What are you getting at? If I find a shorter route and use better horses, maybe I’ll pick up the pace a little. That’s only one or two days faster. That’s not quite right. I saved up for a house in Chang’an bit by bit. So the delivery days can be earned little by little, too. A small gain adds up over time. It’s worth trying. How? Go find a few horses and try transporting them for real. Strong working horses! Here. That one, and that one. How much for this one? We can negotiate. Not expensive. This one is too expensive! Too expensive. I just need one that can do 30 li. They’re all the same. What’s he doing exactly? Bargaining. That test of his will need many horses and riders. Five thousand li. Even the best rider and horse won’t survive that. Shut it. We Dong people admire people like him. You’re all talk and no action, like a noisy frog in a pond. Who says I’m all talk? I’m just not given the job to deliver litchis. Why are you even into him? He’s old enough to be your father. I’ll go back and do some calculations. Thanks. Thanks. Wait. Let’s talk it over. Okay? Are the horses pricey? Prices in Lingnan aren’t much lower than those in Chang’an. If I really do this test, I’ll need nearly 100 horses and dozens of riders. Altogether, it’s going to cost over 1,000 guan. That much? Can’t you cut costs? No way. Only the fastest horses and best riders will do. Otherwise, the result’s meaningless. So, where’s the money coming from? I’ll figure something out. Right now, I’m on a Huashan Mountain path. Huashan Mountain? You’re climbing a mountain? What mountain? It’s a metaphor It means once you start climbing, you have to reach the top. No turning back. Thanks again for the litchis. It’s getting late. I’ll go back and calculate. That guy talks so roundabout. He could’ve said it straight. So annoying. Not everyone’s like you. Open mouth, open soul. Say whatever you want. You’re into him so you just rush up and marry him on the spot. So what? I like listening to him. Even if I don’t get it,
he sounds cultured. Can’t you tell he doesn’t have feelings for you? He just finds you naive and gullible. He wants free litchis from your orchard. When he did the math, he counted horses and riders, not a single litchi. Didn’t you hear? He said he’s broke. Say one more word, and I won’t be nice. Whatever you say, I still believe in him. Report! Report! Report! Mr. He. Mr. He! I told you many times! My insomnia’s serious. Don’t bother me unless it’s urgent. Why do I even feed you lot? Well… You all get to sleep, and I have to work? What’s the matter? Out with it. Mr. He, our men saw the Right Chancellor’s envoy Ma Guiyun
on the street. We’ve confirmed at the courier station. He didn’t go back to Chang’an. I figured this was urgent, so… That is indeed important. What’s going on with you? I was just about to report this. So, why is Ma Guiyun staying here in Lingnan? A few days ago, a servant went out shopping and ran into you on the street. When he came back to report it, I was shocked and thrilled. I’m shocked you’re still here, and thrilled to have a chance to drink with you. Back then, I was swamped with official duties and neglected you. But you’re not one to hold grudges and came here today. I’m truly touched. Mr. He, you flatter me. You’re an elder. I dare not refuse. Look at him. Good! Everyone else, leave. Today, I’ll serve Guiyun myself. Aye. Enough. Leave, leave, leave. Guiyun, I’m really… This is this year’s litchi wine, newly brewed, a Lingnan specialty. Hope you enjoy it. The first toast, how should we drink? I think the guest and the host
should drink together. Okay. – Cheers!
– Cheers! This second toast is to the Right Chancellor. Though in Chang’an, his heart’s with Lingnan. We admire him deeply. May he live long! Drink it all! Bottoms up! To our encounter. Good! – Drink!
– Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink! To our encounter. Drink! Drink! Bottoms up! You’re from Chang’an. Show some drinking manner! Right. Good! Very good! Well… Who’d have thought your colleague died of malaria? But he used his last breath to deliver
the Right Chancellor’s order. This toast is to him. To him! Xinmin, let’s skip drinking to the dead. We just sat down. Dishes just came. Let’s eat first. Guiyun, you’ve always been the one in a rush, rushing to hand over the Military Fish Tally. Now you’ve got the letter of fealty. Why the delay in leaving? How can you talk like that? Guiyun must’ve gotten a new task from the Right Chancellor. It isn’t something you can pry into. Apologize now! I was wrong! I overstepped! This toast is to Guiyun. May your career rise like the tide and soar high. Today, I’m here because I value our friendship. These drinks recount the past we’ve shared. Look at this banquet, good food, good wine, and good friends. Mention work again, and all the food and wine would become tasteless. I’ll have to excuse myself. Guiyun, I heard you. He’s right. We came here today just to drink. Right? I propose a drink together. Together. To pure drinking. – Drink together.
– Xinmin. More wine! You’ve already served a dozen jars. Even sweet litchi wine can hit hard in large amounts. Who said it’s litchi wine? It’s Icy Jade rice wine. It’s Icy Jade rice wine? It’s just blended in some litchi wine to soften the taste. But the strength is still fierce. It goes down smooth and hits you later. Is my master all right? Still going strong. Inside, he’s got the room to himself. Your tolerance failed you. Did you throw up? I didn’t. Neither did I. I miss Chang’an. I want to go back. Tell me, why won’t the Right Chancellor let me return? He even sent an envoy to deliver a letter. When I read about that new task, I burned with rage with nowhere to vent. Get out! Nowhere to vent. Guiyun. Guiyun. I have nowhere to vent, Brother. Listen to me, I don’t know about it elsewhere. But here in Lingnan, if anyone dares to mess with you, I’ll give them fifty lashes! Brother, tell me, what did the Right Chancellor write in that letter? He said… Wake up. He said… “Don’t let your golden goblet
face the moon in vain.” Let’s drink. Drink, then talk. Say it first, then drink. What did he say, really? Frustrating! So frustrating! Let’s just drink! Drink, drink, drink! Tell us. Gentlemen, in Chang’an, after drinking this much, we must dance! Dear brother! Rooster Father! We’re family now. No secrets. Tell me, what was in the letter? Since you’re my rooster father, I won’t hide it. Just one word. Supervise. What’s that supposed to mean? Supervise. From needle and thread to the mountains and rivers, including drifting duckweed, flying birds, rising tides, and shining sun. Something like that, Rooster Father. Can you speak plainly? I don’t even know what I’m supervising. I think the Right Chancellor
is concerned for Lingnan and wants me to oversee all of Lingnan. Every little thing. What did I just say? I’m drunk. I’m drunk. Did you hear that? No. Did you hear that? I heard nothing. I’m drunk. I’m drunk. Just asking. What will you do while staying in Lingnan? Lingnan’s my turf! I watch over it for the Right Chancellor. What? He doesn’t trust me? Even sent someone to spy? This land is guarded by you, my brother. Why wouldn’t I trust you? Brother, I’m not leaving. I want to explore the beauty of Lingnan. But Brother, it’s expensive! Brother! Oh, come on. Brother! Guiyun’s tour of Lingnan is an official duty under orders. It should be publicly funded! Yes! From now on, your expenses come from the Inspector’s Mansion. Tell the Tax Bureau, whatever he claims, it’s office supplies. Drink! Drink! Drink! Brother! Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink! [The Litchi Road] These four routes each have their strengths. I don’t expect success in one go. I just want to know how far the litchis can go. I will never let these litchis reach Chang’an. Whether in Chang’an or here, I’ll die anyway. So, you either let me do what I want for the last few months or kill me now. Here! Mr. Li. Go on, kill me. Why are you… I’m the Litchi Envoy. At least I can splash you with all with filth. Kill me. So, you’re the Litchi Envoy. ♪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♪