【Li Shande CUT】Li Shande began the experiment of transporting litchi | The Litchi Road
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! 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. Let me see. What’s going on? Sir. This is strange. He was full of energy half a day ago. How did he collapse in half a day? Qilang went out. He came back and started burning up. Probably caught a chill. Nonsense! Can you catch a chill here? This is heatstroke. I know you’re worried about my life. You’re so worried
that you have a fever. If you stay away from me, I might feel better. You feel hot? Okay then. Get some air! Get rid of that quilt! This will cool you down. The quilt makes it worse. Gou, go pull up all the window curtains. Let the air flow. He’s having a fever. Here, move a bit. Come on. I understand. Though I don’t want to die, I’m not a coward. But we can’t let fear get the better of us just because we’re going to die, right? Feeling better? When I was little,
I had my fortune told. The fortune-teller said I would be snatched from the jaws of death. I won’t die. And I even have a gift. I can transfer this bad luck of mine onto someone else. Why are you laughing? You could either
wish me a quick recovery or just get out of here. I’m comforting you. Is this comforting? Transferring bad luck to someone else? Other people want to live too! Why are you so agitated? If the bad luck were to be transferred, you can’t blame me for that, right? You can only say this person was born under an unlucky star. That he’s unlucky and doomed to die at an early age. Who’s unlucky? Who’s doomed to die at an early age? Get out! Well, this doesn’t seem like a fever. You are possessed by a spirit. And you won’t listen to advice! Sir, just stop trying to comfort him. Fine, I’ll go buy him medicine. Take good care of him. Qilang, though Mr. Li is slow and insensitive, he cares about you. He’s been working on litchi experiments behind closed doors, forgetting food and sleep. Yet he specially goes to buy medicine for you. He is a good man. Gou. Coming. Come here. Qilang. You, get out too! [Silin Pharmacy] They open late. They probably will come soon. You weave such beautiful baskets! Are you from Chang’an? Want to buy a flower basket? Judging by your accent, you’re also from Chang’an? It’s hard to change one’s accent. I’m from Chang’an. Why did you come to this place? My husband used to be an official
in the Ministry of Revenue. He offended the Right Chancellor so our whole family was exiled here. He passed away years ago. I don’t know other skills. I only manage to scrape by doing this. Can you show me
how you looped that thread? Why would a grown man
want to learn this? I’ll come another day to learn. You miscalculated. Good observation. You did sums in your head faster than my abacus. It’s a simple calculation. Not worth mentioning. Sir, we’re out of solomonseal. So we can’t fill this prescription. I… I forgot. Sir, all the solomonseal was sold to the Hu merchants days ago. All of it? Yes. They are in the incense trade. Incense materials
are sensitive to moisture. A few slices of solomonseal
beside them can prevent dampness. They stock lots of incense materials. So they bought all the solomonseal. Shall I switch it to glehnia root for you? What about the price? It’s the same price. Okay. This urn is double-layered? Yes. Where did you get this kind of urn? I have never seen it in Lingnan before. They said only Hu merchants have them. Yesterday when I delivered the solomonseal, I saw them using this
for incense materials. It’s great for preventing them from spoiling or evaporating. So I thought it would be suitable for storing moisture-sensitive herbs too. Do they have more urns like this one? Many! But I heard
they’re about to dispose of them. Where? [Storehouse] Double-layer urn. Double-layer urn. Put litchis in the inner layer and pour water into the outside layer. The integrated structure
allows it to shake without tipping over. This is a good urn! Good urn! Good urn! Who is it? What are you doing? I want to buy urns. My urns aren’t for sale. Just go. Let me introduce myself. I am the Litchi Envoy
appointed by His Majesty. I’m responsible for litchi transport. What? Litchi Envoy? What’s that to do with me? Litchi Envoy! I don’t care who you are! My urns are not for sale. Look. Next time you want to flaunt official power, find out who you’re talking to first. Or you might lose your job and regret it! I do wish I could lose this job. You’re provoking me? No, no. You think I can’t dismiss you? Who’s disturbing my nap? Wait here. Commandant Yang, it’s him. I am the Litchi Envoy
appointed by His Majesty! You shut up. Look at him, dressed like a ninth-rank official but flaunting it
like he’s the chancellor. Come on. Mr. Li. Commandant Yang. It’s fate that you cross my path again. Elder Su, look closely now. I won’t sell these urns to you. What can you do about it? I’ll pay more. Okay. Ten guan per urn. You’re going on the scamp! Take it or leave it. Well… I’m not selling! Don’t be so angry. So you were humiliated just once. Think about how you treated me last time. I went collect the debt with an IOU. When I was about
to get the litchi orchard, you showed up and waved your little hands. It turned into a royal orchard and turned my IOU into a worthless scrap of paper. You didn’t care about my feelings, either. I told you. If you want to collect the debt, go find His Majesty in Chang’an. That’s easy for you to say! Collect the debt from His Majesty? Do I have a death wish? I’d rather smash the urns than sell you a single one! You won’t sell?
I don’t want them anymore! I announce… The Imperial Edict of Dispatch. I hereby announce that all double-layered urns in the warehouse are requisitioned as imperial urns
for transporting litchis, effective immediately. These have become imperial litchi urns. You spit on His Majesty. You spit on His Majesty! Okay. I’m standing right here. Smash one more double-layered urn and that’s defying His Majesty! His Majesty! You’re welcome. Today I stumbled upon the secret by accident. I never imagined the esteemed leader of the Hu Merchants Guild would engage in banditry. Can’t you report her to the government? Here’s something you don’t know. Amita’s father Havoc was originally a pirate. Now her adoptive father He Youguang, the Inspector here, is a follower of the Right Chancellor. Hu merchants
will face a lot of challenges. Isn’t this collusion
between officials and merchants? Elder Su, though I helped you by chance today, it still counts as help, right? Sure! So could you let me have all those double-layered urns? You like them? Take them! Thank you, Elder Su. Your kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain. My repayment is as light as a goose feather! It’s nothing. So insignificant! Are you being polite or do you really mean it? I really mean it! If you really mean it, could you give me some more money? Not “give”! Invest. You invest! Invest? What’s “invest”? You and I clicked immediately. Come on. Dig in! 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. 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. Ma’am! Big beard! Ma’am! He’s here? Yes. Welcome. Mr. Li. Elder Su. You wanted to see me urgently. What’s your intention? Last time you said you knew Lingnan cuisine inside out and you wanted to “collude” with me to taste Lingnan delicacies, right? Today I prepared some rare fruit. Let’s taste it. This fits in with my scheme. Let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s go. Here. Get you a big one. Try it. Here. It’s so sour! Only pregnant women would like it. Could the Noble Consort be with child? This is March Red, for brewing wine. We Dong people don’t eat it. Never mind the sourness. Is it fresh? Fresh! Unprecedentedly fresh! Actually, these litchis were picked four days ago. If I get sick vomiting and having watery stools, I’ll storm your home! You won’t. Elder Su, I used your double-layered urns and Tong’s method of water isolation. Rinse the March Reds with salt water. Seal in urns. The outer layer is
filled with cold water which is changed every half day, keeping the temperature in the urn not too high while maintaining moisture. Thus the preserved litchis will taste freshly picked after four to six days. I never thought my double-layered urns
would be so wonderful! You know what? I’m overjoyed. Alright. Stop gawking. Back to work! Go play. The boiled litchis? Serve me two. Go. Now state your scheme. I want to do a litchi transport trial. Tong will provide a hundred jin of March Reds. I hope you can buy some horses, hire riders, and buy some middle-sized boats for me. They are split into four routes, all carrying urns full of litchis. All depart simultaneously and spare no horse. I want to see how far litchis travel before they spoil. How many horses and riders do you need? Over a hundred horses, dozens of riders. Elder Su, here are the four routes I drew. You see, the first route is via Mei Pass Circuit, through Qianzhou, Ezhou, and Suizhou. Same as my journey south. The second route is via Xijing Circuit, an ancient path since the Eastern Han Dynasty. All the way from Ruyuan, Chenzhou, Hengzhou, Tanzhou to Jiangling. This one has the shortest straight-line distance. Now the third route. It’s also via Mei Pass Circuit. But after crossing the river, it goes north straight to Suzhou and joins Tang’s Jiang-Huai Canal route, along the Bian River, the Yellow River,
and the Luo River to the capital. The fourth route relies on ships all the way. We travel from the Pearl River
to the Qin River, the Zhen River. Cross Mei Pass into the Gan River. We then go upstream
when we reach the Yangtze River to the Han River, Xiangzhou, and then transfer to Shangzhou Circuit. Each of these routes has their own advantages. I don’t expect success in one go. I just want to know how far litchis can go
before they spoil. In Lingnan, a good northern horse
costs 13 guan. A good rider? Minimum five guan. With such distance, even if you can go at full speed sparing no horse like you just said, riders would demand extra rewards or no one will do it. Plus human provisions, horse provisions, bribes for checkpoints, and boat expenses. The total cost can be an enormous figure. Yes, I calculated it. Elder Su, you’ve been here for years. You know the costs, losses, and the minimum market prices better than me. So I want your help to negotiate prices. Tell me. How much do you have? Nine hundred and ninety-six guan. Nine hundred and ninety-six? Why does that number sound so familiar? That’s what you paid
for the transit document. You plan to put it all into official use? You don’t want to keep any in your own pocket? I wanted to repay my loan in Chang’an and save some for my daughter. But if I don’t succeed in transporting litchis, I’m dead anyway. So I’ll make a last stand for my daughter. The total needed would be at least 3,000 guan. Try some boiled litchis. Thank you. Cool the heat. I have 996 guan but still need 2,580 guan more. But that’s my estimate. With your help, 2,500 guan should suffice. Elder Su, how about I get three transit documents from the Inspector’s Mansion for you? Blank ones. Could you lend me 2,500 guan? So asking me for money is your real scheme. Tong, state your scheme. Li Shande differs from other city folks. Others come to the orchard taking bribes and demanding money. They look down on us like we’re slaves. But he’s different. The first official to actually do farm work with us. He also drove away the bad guys who tried to take the orchard. I’d give him 300 jin of litchis if he needed them, let alone just 100 jin. Mr. Li, I thought you tried to transport litchis
to Chang’an just for fun. I never imagined you’re serious. Since you’ve made up your mind, I agree to trade my sea turtle for your pangolin again! Truly? Truly! Aye. But this time, I need one more pangolin. Four documents. Deal? Deal. Four it is! Does the pastry suit your taste? It’s improved since last time. Good, enjoy. Aye. Sir, you’re dressed up! Where are you going? The Inspector’s Mansion. [Litchi Directorate] Mr. Li. I seek Mr. He. Can you go tell him? Mr. He is out. Mr. Zhao then? He’s out with the Inspector. When will they return? I have no idea. Tea’s in the pot. Guests can serve themselves after they drop coins. Sir, any pastries needed? Just tell me. Pastries can wait. Is plain water free? Well, plain water is always free in every teahouse. A bowl of plain water then. Alright. Sir, order first. Perhaps purple bamboo shoot tea? Authentic. Purple bamboo shoot tea is from Huainan. Lingnan has
no good purple bamboo shoot tea. And you won’t get quality tea at this price. How about a pot of local Xishan tea? Local? Then why so expensive? Shopkeeper’s rule: No order, no seat. Please make room for others. Come on! If your teahouse’s full up, I’ll leave. But it’s vacant now. My official robe could attract customers. Tell your shopkeeper that business needs good calculation. Are you waiting for someone from the Inspector’s Mansion? Come on. I have a prime spot for you. Come with me. Look. [Inspector’s Mansion]
You can see clearly. You’ve exiled me. This place is convenient for both of us. Now this is some good calculation. [Litchi Directorate] [Inspector’s Mansion] Is Mr. He back? Mr. Li. Just go home. Mr. He is not returning today. And Mr. Zhao? Also not coming back. You poisoned them ruthlessly! Every single one is dead! Isn’t that Mr. Zhao’s voice? Um… Isn’t that Mr. Zhao’s voice? I’m the Imperial Litchi Envoy! How dare you deceive me and obstruct official business? I’ll go inside to see him! – Mr. Li…
– Don’t interfere! Every single one is dead! You took… Poison rats… the bowl. You put the rice in it. No one else handled it. You poisoned them ruthlessly, and now everyone will be punished! Bastard! Bastard! Mr. Zhao? Mr. Li? Why did you barge into the Inspector’s Mansion? I visited because I hope you can issue four more transit documents for imperial affairs. What about the previous one? You lost it? No. You know, this task is difficult, and I struggle alone. More documents ease the work. So you mean you’ve made progress in keeping litchis fresh? I found a female litchi farmer named Tong. Her litchis are also supplied
to the Inspector’s Mansion. I hear Dong girls are passionate. Could you be… I am dedicated to His Majesty’s mission. I don’t have the time
and energy for that. This is easy. I can decide for Mr. He. You can have all of Tong’s harvest this season for your purpose. But even with the fresh litchis, it still requires transport. I came to seek your support, or I won’t be able to fulfill His Majesty’s task. Then you don’t need
the transit documents. I have some humble soldiers here. How about I assign them to you? Heavens. Mr. Zhao, I want both men and documents. Both. You know this royal task is near-impossible. Don’t threaten me with whips. Whether in Chang’an or here, I’ll die anyway. Either you make my life easier in my last months, or chop me dead right now! Mr. Li! Kill me! What’s with the… I’m the Litchi Envoy! My death can at least cause you some trouble! Kill me! Why so extreme? “Why so extreme”? If you guys won’t give me the documents, ask Mr. He to come out and give me a clear answer! Mr. He, Mr. He! I know you’re in there! Come out to see me! His Majesty demands litchis in Lingnan by name! By name! And you’re Lingnan’s Inspector! Are you going to pretend
you didn’t hear me? Come see me! Or there will be consequences when I report to Chang’an! Just kill me! I’m so desperate! Mr. Li, no! I’m so desperate! I’ll get killed anyway! No, if you die… Kill me then. This is uncalled for. Um… Wait here. I’ll be back soon. Mr. Zhao. Mr. Li. Your four documents are ready. Thanks. Beat him to death! Yes! Lean against the tree! I’m going to kill you! Even ants cling to life. Better not kill him for real. If he dies, just buy another slave. But killing in the mansion
is inauspicious. I’m going to kill you! Give me the key. Yes. Farewell. Wait. You wanted both men and documents? I don’t have any other men.
Take this slave. Keep an eye on him. He’s mute. You’re alone in Lingnan. You can use someone to serve you and run errands. He poisoned Mr. He’s roosters. When Mr. He returns, he’ll be dead anyway. I’ll take him with me. Can you understand me? You have a name? No name. Then I’ll give you a name. I’ll give you a name for convenience. My job is to transport litchis. You’ll be… Li. Li. Li. Li, you’ll be my servant. You don’t have to fear.
I won’t beat you. I won’t. Let’s go. [Litchi Directorate] I leave the stool there. Okay. How much is a serving of dumplings? Sir, two wen. Two wen? Sir, my dumplings are renowned. Full measure, made fresh, thin skin, ample filling! You’re guaranteed to have one big meatball per dumpling. Just put half a meatball
per dumpling then. That’ll be one wen per serving.
Give me two servings. Come on! Half a meatball? How? You said you’re renowned for making them fresh.
Are you lying? I… Sit. Sit, Li. We must eat before working. Sit. Come on! Wait here. Sit there and wait. Sit. Or crouch, that’ll do too. He’s still crouching. He’s obedient though. Change into this later. We handle litchi transport. You need to dress decently. Are the dumplings ready? He’s already finished two servings. Alright, a good eater
means a good worker. A bowl of soup, please. Mind your step. Mind your step. [Litchi Directorate] Four transit documents. Elder Su, see for yourself. Genuine. No deceit! Impeccable! You’re truly outstanding. I am speechless and tongue-tied. Good to hear it. They mean four merchant teams for free. These documents truly are worth a fortune. You gave me a fortune, and I will repay
with my weighty promise. Money, not a coin short. Horses, not one missing. Riders, fully accounted. I’ll see it through with you through thick and thin. Thanks, Elder Su. With you “seeing it through”, I feel relieved already. Li. Li, come here. Over here. The plank! Tong. This is for you. The plank! What? You… Not you, come here! Come back. This is yours. Betrothal gift? Not betrothal! Didn’t you promise me 100 jin of March Red litchis? This is prepaid compensation. So it’s just business? We drank the Vow Drink for nothing? Last time, I didn’t understand your tribal customs. I am so sorry. Tong, you’re beautiful, clever, and quick-witted. You deserve a good husband. Though you apologized, I won’t forgive you! Let’s change the topic. Elder Su, you’ll help me to negotiate the expenses for the trips.