《长安的荔枝 The Litchi Road》EP11：郑平安有意接近胡商行首阿弥塔，何刺史联合阿弥塔阻止荔枝转运试验｜雷佳音 岳云鹏｜古装 传奇 剧情｜KUKAN Drama
[The Litchi Road] [Hermitage Scroll] [Twelve years ago] Sir, I am Zhao Xinmin, A fellow townsman of Mr. Wang. Master is with guests. Please wait a moment. Thank you. Judging by your appearance, you’re also here seeking
Mr. Wang’s recommendation? Mr. Wang is a role model for us humble scholars. I came this time only to seek Mr. Wang’s guidance on my essays. I dare not hope
for an examination recommendation. Get out! Leave! Virtue’s dregs! As a noble heir, how could you do such a thing? Out! Get out! Out! Out! Just a petty case reviewer of the Court of Judicial Review. What’s the big deal? Master. Hmph. Let’s go! The tea is gone. I haven’t bought more yet. This is the tea I brought from my hometown. Please have a taste. Years apart, and you’ve adopted this gift-giving habit. Have you wasted
all your classical studies? I’m ashamed. Master, your essays are first-rate, yet you lead such a simple life. It’s so admirable. What brings you here today? Since failing the last exam, I’ve studied diligently. Today, I brought three policy essays, hoping to seek your critique. Good! Good! Excellent! Writing conveys ideals, especially the quoted part,
“The virtuous don’t preserve life at virtue’s cost, but sacrifice life to achieve virtue.” Achieving virtue, upholding justice. Lofty ideals indeed! I’m so flattered! Master, please look at this. Put it away. Didn’t you hear what Master just said? This is different. [Your ambition reaches
only as far as your feet will travel] This is Master’s painting. How did you get this? By chance, not worth mentioning. To my shame, I couldn’t make ends meet a while ago, so I had no choice but to trade this for some rice. I didn’t come to present a gift, but to return it to its rightful owner. This painting’s lofty spirit matches only your refined purity. Your essays share
this painting’s essence. Why don’t you hang it for me? I’m happy to. Mr. Zhao, step on me. That’s improper. Mr. Zhao, please. Alright. Thank you! On your knees, don’t resist! Don’t move! On your knees, don’t resist! Don’t move! On your knees! On your knees! Treasure Gallery’s owner already confessed that you’ve long consigned paintings there. When someone seeks connections, they’d be sold at high prices, then you two split the profits. You are caught red-handed now. Anything to say? It’s my foolish mistake! Foolish mistake! Sorry! [Episode 11] Look up. Has anyone here seen rats in the mansion? Who has? Anyone? Zhao, do you know how bold the rats are in the Inspector’s Mansion? They scurried right before me and almost spoke to me. Are you truly blind or pretending not to see? Or afraid to speak? I think you’re all in league with the rats. A nest of snakes and rodents! We wouldn’t dare! – We wouldn’t dare!
– Wouldn’t dare! Wouldn’t dare? You’d dare anything! Listen, investigating it isn’t hard. Go bring that slave
from the State of Linyi here. I’ll interrogate him myself. Go! That slave was taken by the Litchi Commissioner. Why would the commissioner take a slave? That commissioner’s too greedy. He yelled at me and demanded the slave
and the documents, even threatening bloodshed. It was terrifying! I feared it’d bring bad luck to our mansion, so I relented. I even told him the slave was mute to lower his guard. Thus his every move is under our control. Mr. Zhao… No way. We must investigate further. Mr. He. Speak. Amita has come to visit. Amita. [Inspector’s Mansion] Father. The servant said you were angry again. These servants know no bounds. If I don’t discipline them, they’d think I’m easy to fool. Don’t anger yourself. It harms your health. I know. What brings you here today? I heard Su Liang invested in litchi transport, so I came to discuss it with you. I heard he found riders and horses, preparing a trial run. Could this commissioner actually have some skill? What skill? Just leave them be. Su Liang loves gambling and prefers high stakes. He wouldn’t invest without guaranteed profit. If litchi transport is truly profitable, I can’t let him take the lead. He wants to take this chance to rise and threaten my guild position. I must suppress him. I’ll invest in it, too. Amita, do not get involved in this matter. I’ll never let those litchis reach Chang’an. Why not? Think about it. If fresh litchis enter Chang’an, and His Majesty enjoys them, he’d ask why they weren’t available before. At that time, how would I answer? Moreover, Lingnan has always been a place of exile. Even birds shun it. That’s why I can reign as a petty king here. But if litchis reach Chang’an, everything changes. Lingnan will become a prime, a popular place swarming with Chang’an’s powerful figures. In here, I’m just a thieving sparrow, stealing a few grains. Those from Chang’an, however, are all ravenous beasts. They’ll not only take our grain, but also devour us whole. Then Lingnan will no longer be our sanctuary, but our grave. Father, you are far-sighted indeed. I only thought
to seize business chances, never foresaw the hidden danger beneath. Su Liang likely knows this too. So he wants to open trade routes to Chang’an. Quite ambitious. True. Do you think he’s capable of that? Litchi transport costs dearly. Can his resources alone bear the burden? Also, Amita, remember this. In this world, achieving anything is hard, but ruining something… Look, if without horses, what could Li Shande do? I understand. Xinmin, aren’t you hungry yet? No appetite. How about some sugar water? Just eat without me. That old fool seems to have discovered I embezzled the rat eradication funds. Has he got proof? Luckily I prepared for it. I sent that Linyi slave away and stopped him from investigating it. You are indeed clever. That old man’s no match for you. Don’t be naive. He’s far more cunning than he lets on. How else did he become the Inspector? Sometimes he acts dumb as a pig. Debating him is like
teaching a fish to climb a tree. Yet other times, he’s cunning as a monkey. Like today, the steward poisoned all rats. He couldn’t have seen any last night, yet insisted he did just to take the chance to chastise me. As the Chief Secretary, I do all the management work. How can I keep my sanity if I don’t skim some off? He’s turned Lingnan into his private garden. While I can’t even build my own. As the Chief Secretary to the Inspector, I have to steal rat-control funds. How pathetic it sounds! Even if he suspects you, he wouldn’t do anything to you. Without your help, he can’t even draft a letter of fealty. His illiteracy can’t be feigned, right? That’s for sure. As a former pirate, it’s already a miracle that he knows his own name. That day, despite his posture, he couldn’t even write the word “fealty”. To save his face, he actually made me recite it and said it was a test. What an ignorant fool. If I resign, he’ll learn the whole mansion runs on my shoulders alone. Without me, he’s doomed. Exactly. Your talents are wasted in his mansion. I’m misplaced and unvalued for sure. I manage roosters and rats daily. I use barely one-tenth of my ability. Your brilliance could serve the emperor at half-strength only. At full power, the empire would be yours. Hush! Don’t speak such truth openly. But you nearly became Lingnan’s top scholar. Even in Chang’an you’d surpass those officials. Back then, had my father not stopped you from going to Chang’an, You’d have achieved greatness long ago. To me, fame is but dust compared to you. I’ve never regretted staying for you. Our heart-to-heart talks always lift my spirits. So the rat matter is behind us now? It is. Thanks to that Litchi Commissioner’s timely appearance, I redirected trouble onto him. I said he took the Linyi slave and shifted the blame to him. It serves him right for being unlucky. Dear, someday, I’ll pluck the moon for you. I want a big house. All these years, as the Hu Merchants Guild leader, Amita’s been helping He Youguang’s dealings. She must hold evidence of his corruption. Our next move is to drive a wedge between them. After the Whale-riding Tower’s fire, He Youguang profited most. Great gains bring great suspicion. If our guess is right that He Youguang killed Havoc, then Amita’s beloved adoptive father is actually her father’s killer, and she’ll surely turn on him. We can recruit her to expose He Youguang. I can approach her, but need a pretext. I told He Youguang I was here to travel and wouldn’t interfere
with his business. So, how can I avoid suspicion? A man approaching a woman needs no excuse. “Fair maiden, gentleman’s desire.” Build a relationship? Just an act. You’ve seen such tricks before at the banquets in Chang’an. Now is your chance to shine. But I fear Amita might grow too attached. Seriously. Don’t laugh. I wouldn’t mind being considered a scoundrel, but it’s unfair to her. You underestimate Amita. In fact, you underestimate me. Yes, I admit you’re charming, clever, and adaptable, but Amita’s shrewd and merciless. She won’t easily fall for anyone. I think you’re perfect for this. However, my acting skills have rusted. I fear… What? Why are you so reluctant? Don’t tell me you already had your eye on someone in Lingnan. I’ll do it. He Youguang will be at the west horse track these days. Amita will also be there helping him select steeds. It’s a perfect chance for you to meet her. Straw sandals! Straw sandals! Hemp shoes! Straw sandals! Hemp shoes! Want a pair of straw sandals? How much? One coin. One coin? Here, Gou. My shoes are comfortable and durable. For me? Hurry. They suit you, try them on. Perfect fit! Thank you, Qilang. One coin? Yes. How’s your business? Not bad. What’s this? Roasted bamboo rat. Bamboo rat? Bamboo rat. Enjoy. My mood has been going up and down like Lingnan’s hills these days, never at peace. When Ma Guiyun was burned to death, I cursed the heaven for trapping me in this mess. Now at least fate guides me closer to the truth. I have only one goal now: to avenge my father. Your father deserves justice indeed. But with vengeance weighing on your heart, your former charm is gone. It pains me. Right now, I must complete this fake courtship mission. Though you frequented Chang’an banquets, you’ve never wooed women. How are you going to charm one? Your smile’s unattractive. You think I can’t charm women? I fear no love’s trials. I just avoid flirtations and carnal pleasure. Keep laughing, and I’ll slap you hard. Sure, you are charming, witty, and any woman’s delight. With a heroic rescue… would she be enchanted even more. I’ll beat you later. Very nice! Know what, Zhao? In all of Lingnan, no one rides like Amita, and no one judges horses
better than Amita. Sometimes, I wonder where Li Shande can find fine horses. I even get anxious for him. I’ve decided I’ll give him a pack basket and tell him earnestly, “Mr. Li, why not carry litchis back to Chang’an yourself?” Exhaust him. Want horses? None left. Only donkeys. He thinks us fools. What’s great wisdom? Great wisdom is great folly. True wisdom is true stupidity. The dumber it looks, the wiser it is. Take my wisdom for example, who can comprehend? Others can’t, but I know very well. It’s all in your mind. Bravo! Guiyun. Mr. He. Mr. Zhao. Guiyun. As I was walking down, I thought you looked so familiar. Turns out it’s really you, Mr. He. What a surprise. Indeed it is. My adoptive daughter loves riding. We came to cheer for her. Guiyun, why are you… I’m seeking a fine steed for pleasure. So you ride well too? Not exceptionally, but my surname is Ma,
[*Ma means horse] and I rode often in Chang’an, even earned a nickname, Sassy Horseman. Horse and rider as one. I’ve exhausted six horses. Six! Impressive! Then today we’re in for a treat. Later you can race Amita and show your skills. I have two wild horses here that just kicked a stablehand and broke his three ribs. You have to help tame them. I… You can do it. I was slim back then, but now I’m… Besides, look, your adoptive daughter rides so gallantly. How could I compare to her? Why not? Amita, come back. Come back. Look at her riding skills. Come. The finest rider in Lingnan, remember, is my adoptive daughter Amita. Riding back, I heard Father converse merrily with the guest. Amita, let me introduce him. This is Mr. Ma Guiyun from Chang’an, the Right Chancellor’s right-hand man. Mr. Ma. Common beauties abound, noble ladies exist, but looking at her, I feel like meeting a descended goddess. In Chang’an I heard of the flower of Hu ladies, the ruler of the Southern Seas, and the top merchant of Lingnan. I thought they were
there different people. but as it turned out, it’s one woman. Had Li Yannian met you, his “Ode to Beauty” would’ve sung about a beauty from the South
instead of the North. You are incredibly beautiful. You flatter me. My adoptive father mentioned the Right Chancellor’s envoy
was visiting. Never imagined it’d be such a young and charming man. I am flattered. So flattered. “Charming” is far too generous. Such praise deserves a banquet at Qifeng Pavilion, so we can know each other better. Too bad, I have guild matters to attend to. Perhaps another day? How about tomorrow? Tomorrow it is. It’s a date. Then I’ll wait for you there. Elder Su, how is it going with the horses and riders? I was just about to report it to you. Amita manipulated the market, buying steeds at high prices. The woman who stole your incense materials? That’s the one. Why does she take the horses? What does she have to do with this? Don’t forget her adoptive father is He Youguang. If you really transport the litchis out of Lingnan, their wealth source will be cut. Could you think of a way to buy some fine horses from Amita? Amita and I never get along. If I go to flatter her, she’ll see me as a weasel visiting a hen, and will only get more vicious. Though the idiom isn’t quite accurate, it does get the point across. Maybe I should go. The emperor’s grace reaches all. I’m working for His Majesty. She can’t refuse, right? Alright. But I must warn you, Amita is ruthless and evil-minded. You may be strong physically, but you are simple-minded. You might as well aim high and demand many fine horses from her. Even if she cuts the number in half, you can still secure enough for the transport. Do you understand what I’m saying? It’s worth a try. Let’s all hold firm on the price. The other guilds can’t withstand it. Understood. Ma’am, I’m fine. Thank you for your hard work. Gentleman, how can I help you? Guild leader, right? I’m the Litchi Commissioner from Chang’an. I wish to purchase fine horses from you. So you’re that Litchi Commissioner. You’ve caused me quite a bit of trouble. You’ve got a nerve coming to me to discuss business before I could settle old scores with you. My apologies for past offenses. I’m carrying out His Majesty’s orders. Many matters are beyond my control. It’s just the truth. So this time, I wish to pay by installment to buy 130 fine horses. Hope you can help me. What a greedy official you are. As the saying goes, all crows are equally black, but you outshine them all. Transporting some litchis
requires that many horses? I’m no corrupt official. I’ve calculated carefully. I’ve planned four routes. The first takes Mei Pass Circuit, and the second, Xijing Circuit, the shortest path to the capital. The third goes north by canal, crossing the Yangtze River. The fourth also follows waterways. Each route requires fifteen relay stations. Four routes would need sixty relay points. Each station requires horses, boats, and riders. Hence, I need 130 fine horses. Even accounting for losses, a hundred would suffice. Why ask for 130? Well, that accounts for bargaining losses too. You’re quite straightforward. I did just procure a batch of horses for the guild, but they’re already on the road transporting goods. They won’t return to Lingnan soon. I’m afraid I can’t help. Surely not all horses are away? Recent shipments are numerous, and transport capacity is stretched. Not a single horse can be spared. I know your task is urgent, Mr. Li. Don’t waste time here. But there’s something I should mention. I can overlook the litchi orchard, but the debts must be repaid. We Hu people believe in repaying kindness and collecting debts. The money borrowed
when these irises bloom must be repaid before they wither. Otherwise, one’s hands are forfeit. Lingnan’s heat doesn’t suit these irises. They won’t last much longer. Ma’am, the Dong people are vital for transporting litchis. Could I plead for mercy on their behalf? As the guild leader, I must protect Hu merchants’ interests. Even if I forgive them, the other managers wouldn’t. I can vouch for them. I promise they’ll repay after the sixth month. Is that okay? You yourself may not even live to see the sixth month. Ma’am, you said the debt is due when the irises wither. If the flowers don’t wilt, can repayment be delayed? Could I take these flowers and tend to them? You think you can revive them? I can. Let me see. Plants in my care don’t suffer. I’ll take them and try. And if they die? Then I’ll accept any punishment. What about the horses? Can we negotiate? I’ve already granted you one favor. Don’t push your luck. Escort him out. Yes. Mr. Li, this way. I’m taking the flowers then. This Litchi Commissioner is truly overestimating himself. He can’t even protect himself, yet worries about those Dong people. I don’t think he’s as cunning and deceitful as Father claimed. In fact, he seems rather foolish, different from other Tang officials. The straightest seems crooked,
and the most skilled seems clumsy. Perhaps he’s pretending. We Hu merchants have a saying, camels are for carrying goods, and eagles are for soaring. This man seems genuinely capable. If someone wholeheartedly helps him, he might just succeed. So, you changed your mind? It’s just business. I can’t jeopardize
my adoptive father’s interests. Why won’t you eat or drink? Fussing over flowers makes you forget everything? Not in the mood. I’m like these withered flowers, struggling to survive. Didn’t you secure funding for the test? Something happened? Look, ever since I became the Litchi Commissioner, Chang’an has ignored me, and Lingnan has disregarded me. Only Elder Su and Tong offered me real help. Finally, Elder Su lent me money, only for Amita to seize the horses. Tong helps me pick litchis, but Amita demands her to repay debts. Amita? You are also troubled by her? What do you mean “also”? You know her? No, not me. Ma Guiyun. Ma Guiyun’s next task is to approach Amita. Enough of that. You just said Amita took your horses. Actually, no. I visited the stables. I think He Youguang ordered Amita to withhold them. Then I don’t understand. They allow Lingnan’s treasures and foreign goods to reach Chang’an, yet block these tiny litchis. Why? Exotic treasures reaching the Right Chancellor benefits He Youguang and Amita. While litchis reaching the emperor benefits others. The pair has been monopolizing Lingnan. They won’t share whatsoever. I don’t understand those schemes or social niceties. I only care about my duty. Tomorrow I’ll demand horses from He Youguang. Won’t work. He’ll dismiss you with some excuse. Then what? Without horses, I can’t conduct my test. I’ll still end up dead. Why are you laughing? You’ve still got me. Who am I? Ma Guiyun! Let me mediate, and it will be handled. Don’t believe me? Soon I’ll have Amita respectfully and properly present you with hundreds of fine horses! Now eat. [Qifeng Pavilion] Guiyun, sorry to have kept you waiting. With your guild so busy, it’s an honor you’d spare time to meet me. A brief wait is nothing. Miss, please. Truthfully, I dislike social gatherings. I only attend business banquets, nothing more. But since you came all the way from Chang’an, I feared you’d mistake my absence for disrespect. I appreciate your candor. Now that I understand your temperament, I won’t impose again. Today’s meeting isn’t for idle chatter. I came bearing a gift. Guiyun, you don’t have to. My gift is a piece of advice. I understand the Litchi Commissioner is seeking fine horses, while you’ve cornered the market. Here’s my advice. Give them to him. You came to plead his case? Of course not. Though we’re both from Chang’an, our missions differ. I serve the Right Chancellor, why would I advocate for some Litchi Commissioner? We merely lodge at the same courier station. By chance, I noticed him auditing Lingnan’s ledgers. A mere Litchi Commissioner, daring to inspect Lingnan’s accounts? How presumptuous. Don’t underestimate him. Chang’an’s full of such men, petty officials who turn rabid with the slightest power. Lately, he’s been counting ships at the docks, and comparing Lingnan’s tax submissions. As an arithmetic expert, he’ll spot discrepancies instantly. If he finds evidence… Surely you’d prefer avoiding such a man’s accusations, right? Otherwise, you’d lose
far more than horses. Why tell me this? Try to help me? The Right Chancellor sent me to oversee Lingnan. Your adoptive father
has been most hospitable. And you are no outsider. I certainly couldn’t stay silent. Since you dislike socializing, I’ll take my leave. I ordered refreshments before you came. Please enjoy. See you. [The Litchi Road] We were meant to be kindred heroes, yet we find each other equally admirable. You don’t have a shot. You mean you have a shot? You have talent or looks? How shallow. I’ll help once more. Give you a push. You? Good news! Good news! Elder Su! Elder Su! ♪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♪ ♪Bit by bit, fit by fit♪ ♪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♪