【Li Shande CUT】Li Shande obtained a good horse and began to transfer litchi | The Litchi Road
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 Envoy from Chang’an. I wish to purchase fine horses from you. So you’re that Litchi Envoy. 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 Envoy 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 Envoy, 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. This way. Mr. Li. Our leader heard of the issue you’re dealing with. She brought two fine steeds from Lingnan and sent me to deliver them as gifts. But I told her I needed a hundred good horses! Our leader said, though untamed, these horses possess fierce spirit. Paired with skilled riders, one can match a hundred. Two horses thus equal two hundred. You can’t calculate like that! Can they truly cover a thousand li daily? Absolutely. This one’s named Daily. That one’s Thousand-Li. She wished Mr. Li swift victory. “May you cover a thousand li daily
and may your trial succeed!” Farewell. Lingnan women are truly clever. She’s so adaptable and good at glorifying things. But she did deliver some horses willingly and respectfully, right? I never expected them to use such a cunning evasion. Shande, listen, you can’t truly be angry with me. Shande! Can you find me Lingnan’s best riders? You’re mad! I’ve seen those horses. They’re He Youguang’s. He sent to mock us. They’re wild stallions that broke many riders’ ribs! You can’t be serious! I am serious! We must adapt now. Worst case, if those horses are truly exceptional, I’ll use them as vanguards for the trial. Didn’t you plan four routes? Two horses aren’t enough! What then? Your name is Ma Guiyun.
[*Ma means horse] So horses are your thing. Go find the rest of the horses for me! This looks tasty, try it. Li! The Litchi Envoy. Li! Li Shande! Over here, Li! Did you roll in the mud? Did you fall off a horse? Don’t even ask. She said these were good steeds! Temperamental beasts! They wouldn’t let me mount. I tied myself to them, with rope but I got thrown off. You see this? Easy, easy. Careful. Slow down. Don’t overexert yourself. I was like you earlier. Don’t force it, Yan Yazhuang! Move aside! Move! Impressive! Didn’t know you had skills. I thought you only rode donkeys. Though hot-tempered, this is indeed a superior steed. With a skilled rider taming it, it can journey a thousand li daily, swift as the wind. So you are a skilled rider! I formally hire you as a rider for the litchi transport trial. When Elder Su comes, he’ll pay you. Rider? Who said I’d be a rider? Yan Yazhuang, only you can mount that horse. You deserve the pay! A rider’s fee covers half a year’s expenses! I won’t do it for any price. Yan Yazhuang! Listen, Li Shande’s matter is the litchi orchard’s matter. The orchard’s matter is your matter. You’ll do it. I am telling you guys, no room for negotiation. Leave me alone. Yan Yazhuang! Yan Yazhuang! Yan Yazhuang! Why won’t you help? Why should I help him? Li Shande’s untrustworthy! He claims to be some Imperial Litchi Envoy serving the emperor! If true, why doesn’t the Inspector support him? He wanders with a plank every day without even an official office. Clearly no proper envoy. Why should we obey him? In the past, over half
of the orchard’s harvest had to be surrendered as tax payment to the government. He made it an imperial orchard. With the emperor’s protection, no one can bully us again! Just wait till the sixth month. When our litchis reach Chang’an, I can get this year’s harvest and share with everyone. He’s helping us! What if they don’t reach Chang’an? This orchard is everyone’s livelihood! A whole season’s work. What if it fails
and our efforts are wasted? All these people working here, what should they do? Will Li Shande care if we live or die? Even if he cares, he’s penniless himself! What can he do? Why would you trust him so much? When I first met Li Shande, it was at the market. Some thugs harassed me. He helped me. The second time was at the orchard. The Inspector sent many hatchet men to seize it. He intervened again. An official yet without airs. He works alongside us and tries every trick to preserve litchis. Would he do all this just to cheat one harvest this season? Yan Yazhuang, you were once an outsider too. You know very well. We Dong people are simple but not stupid. We know good from bad. Li Shande saved me. Abandoning him invites heaven’s wrath. He’s your savior. Not mine. I won’t risk exposure for this. You’re truly a fine steed, swift as the wind. Just too hot-tempered. Yes, you are. But you’re luckier than me. Luckier than me. Thought you were trapped
like a mad horse in its stable. But you met someone who saw your talent, look how majestic you are now. Truly majestic. Li Shande. Sorry. He can’t be your rider. Why not? Because of the pay? No. I’ll be honest
since I see you as one of us. He’s a deserter. I never asked why he fled. But I know he’s not a bad person. My father took him in. When Father was gravely ill, thugs came for the orchard. He fought them off and got badly scarred. I’ve treated him like my own brother. If he sees risks in being your rider, I can’t force him. Understood. We shouldn’t force him. As a matter of fact, one rider alone won’t solve the four-route trial. I’ll find another way. Elder Su? What brings you here? Mr. Li! I went to the courier station. They said you were at the orchard. Since sunset’s approaching, I figured you’d return. So I am waiting for your return here. What is it? Here’s the deal. The litchi transport trial goes four routes simultaneously. It requires too many fine horses. What if, just what if, we can’t find that many good horses, will ordinary horses not suffice? Chang’an is five thousand li away. Yes, yes. Even fine horses can hardly make it, let alone ordinary ones. I calculated. Averaging one courier station every 30 li to Chang’an. Ordinary horses exhaust before they reach stations. Our predicted numbers would mean nothing. If fine horses could relay so that they could be reused, the problem would be solved. Reused? Like mill donkeys. Even traveling a thousand li, they just circle the millstone. Reused… I… I think I have an idea! I need to calculate it! I need to calculate it! So do we still keep seeking horses? Yes! Need donkeys? What’s he doing now? He’s making a “Ju.” Ju? What’s it for? A Ju is a measuring tool with two perpendicular sides. The short side is called Gou, and the long side called Gu. Both have scales. It primarily measures right angles. Mathematician Shang Gao in Western Zhou discovered the Gougu theorem using a Ju for calculation: “Level the Ju to straighten ropes. Raise it to gauge heights. Invert it to fathom depths. Lay it to know distances. Rotate it to form circles. Join two to create a rectangle.” You’re putting me to sleep. Li Shande! Walk us through. What are you doing? Li, fetch a rope! Higher! Higher! If this Ju’s angle matches that corner, we can confirm the rope is level. “Level the Ju to straighten ropes.” To measure that tree’s height… Li! Move aside! First, measure my distance to the tree. Use the Ju. Aim at the treetop. Note the scale where your sightline meets the top. By proportional equality, we get the height of the tree. Thus “Raise it to gauge heights.” Similarly, we can measure depths or distances. Which are
“Invert it to fathom depths” and “Lay it to know distances.” Two Jus combined can form a rectangle. With squares and circles, we can measure everything. That’s the principle. Clear? I still don’t fully grasp it. But it seems impressive. Showing off, am I? So what are you measuring? Who knows Lingnan’s routes best? Yan Yazhuang. He could navigate blindfolded. What route? Can you come to the Little East Gate tomorrow? You’ll see. You guide. I measure. Yan Yazhuang, you can’t refuse this little favor, right? When? The third mark of the Mao hour. Meet at the Little East Gate. Mr. Li, what route do you seek? One with twenty li of flat roads ideally. Ten li of mountain paths, circling back here. That route would be perfect. The encirclement test idea [East Gate, Little East Gate]
opened a sliver of hope. We just need skilled riders now, and success is near. Xiu, your father fights desperately here. Finally a step closer to Chang’an. Good. You okay there, Li? [Great North Gate, Little North Gate] Stop. Stop. Your foot was injured this bad? Why didn’t you tell me? You’re not okay. Let me see! Come here. Show me. Let me see! It’s festering! Still caring about your shoes? Luckily, I brought herbs. This is agrimony which is anti-inflammatory. Grind it and apply. Here. You know how, right? It’s rotten. We’re staying overnight here. Have some litchi wine. Give Li some. Li! Drink when offered! Come on. I want to thank you, Yazhuang, for helping me plan the route. Li, thank you too, for running around to help me. A toast to you both. Cheers, Mr. Li. Mr. Li, you treat Li nicely. He serves me diligently, too. I don’t see him as a slave but as a friend. Mr. Li, I know you’re a good person. I want to help. But my status forbids it. I’ve been hiding for years and I’ve never returned home. Understood. Tong told me about your past. Understood. Everyone has a past and secrets. You must have reasons for deserting. Mr. Li, I’m not a deserter. I was framed. That day when our unit was patrolling at sea, we saw pirates hijacking a herb ship. I shot their leader with an arrow and cornered him at the stern. But their reinforcements came. Outnumbered, we had to jump into the sea. Fishermen saved me. After I healed, I returned to Lingnan only to find myself a wanted deserter. Could it be a misunderstanding because you guys were absent too long? At first, we thought so too. A comrade tried explaining to officials. He was executed by court-martial. The rest of us would die if we tried. Mr. Li, you’re new to Lingnan. You don’t know that in this exile land official-bandit collusion is common. When trouble hits, scapegoats are always us soldiers. It’s a pity your skills are wasted. My skills are nothing. I wish you met my comrades. True experts. Really? Horsemanship, archery, and sailing. Not to mention their bravery in battles. We joined the army, dreaming of glorious homecomings. Now, glory? We are either hiding or fleeing. We might never walk as a free man again. Don’t despair. Human effort matters. Better than me. I’m truly fighting to survive. You will see clear skies one day. Mr. Li. Sit down first. These days, I’ve been pondering your words. You need riders urgently for the trial. My former comrades are skilled riders. So could you use your envoy status to plead for amnesty for us? If, I said if, if you succeed, we’ll aid you and we’re ready to go through hell for that. Truly? Truly. Mr. Li! I… Rise, please, Mr. Li! Thank you! But I’ll try pleading for your amnesty. Success brings joy. But failure means you can’t even stay in the orchard anymore. Mr. Li, I’ve fled for years. I know the hope is slim. Even if it fails, don’t blame yourself for it. I’m grateful enough that you’re willing to try. Mr. Li, I have evidence. It was taken from the pirate leader during the herb raid. Keep it for now. You keep it. I’ll try and see what happens. You’re bold. Pleading to Mr. He? Do you know his past? He was a pirate himself! What if he’s still allied with those pirates? He’ll arrest him! So you stayed out all night digging your own grave? I wanted to help. Yazhuang is truly a superb rider. He came to me asking for help and entrusted his life. I think I can try. You think you can try? You think you can try?? So many paths in the world, and you have to pick the hardest! Is pardoning a deserter easier than finding one rider? Not one rider! A group! Yazhuang said his former comrades were all skilled riders! I warn you. Don’t mention him or the dagger to Mr. He. First, probe his stance on this. Then decide. I know. I won’t expose Yazhuang’s existence yet. Touch on the matter first. One step at a time. Since we’ve discussed it, I’ll help once more. Give you a push. You? The horses? Wasn’t I the push? Good news! Good news! Elder Su. Elder Su. Take a seat. What good news? Guess what? With my eloquence,
I persuaded Hadi, a Hu merchant, to lend us fine horses! Really? Absolutely! Told you my push helped! It did! Are there six horses? Six? Six! Just six is perfect for your plan? Six suffice for now. Yes. Excellent! Please pick six of the best. Sure. Also, Elder Su, can you find some experienced riders? How much riders? How many. “Many”, not “much”. How many? As many as possible. Finding good riders in Lingnan won’t be easy. Understood. I suggest we both search, so that we have a backup plan. Wise. Very wise. Rest assured, Mr. Li. I will try as hard as a breast-sucking baby! Just await good news! Thank you. Gou, bring a basin! Join us to do a foot spa. Get a new basin! You don’t have to. It’s fine. It relieves fatigue. Okay. Back home, we’d strip and soak in the sea. In Chang’an, no stripping is needed. True. Amita told me [Inspector’s Mansion]
you’ve designed four routes for a test. You also need 100 fine horses. You know this is my residence, not a horse farm. So even if I want to support you, I’m just not capable of it. No worries. It’s all sorted out. Solved. Is it? I’ve designed a plan. I’m preparing to conduct a test
around the city. If we can do a relay, we won’t need so many horses. Mr. He, can you do me a favor and let me use Little East Gate? Run around the city? Isn’t this a bit of a scam? His Majesty asked you
to transport litchis to Chang’an, and you’re just going around in Lingnan? What can you achieve like this? Take it seriously! Well, I’ve simulated the road conditions of Mei Pass Circuit. And I’ve planned a route that combines mountain trails and flat roads
in Lingnan. A full loop around the city
is 30 li, exactly the distance between two rider stations. Little East Gate will serve as the relay point. When the litchis turn black, I’ll just calculate how many laps we’ve done, then I can figure out where the litchis will spoil on the road. Right? On the day of the test, there will surely be a lot of onlookers. To avoid riots, Mr. He, please help maintain order. Mr. Li, that’s very considerate. I think you shouldn’t worry too much about it. I have my own plan, alright? So, Mr. Li, please. The horse issue is resolved, but we need riders. Mr. He, please help me find some riders. You’re troublesome! Not really. It’s just my duty. Let me tell you, if you want me to find a good boatman in Lingnan, that can’t be easier. But it’s hard to find a rider. How should I put it? I wish I could help. I see. I understand. But there’s something, Mr. He. A few days ago, I needed help at home, so I hired a porter. He knows I have a connection with you. He told me an injustice of ten years old. He said he had a relative who used to be an elite soldier, a master at riding and sailing, skilled in everything. The elite soldier was seriously injured during a battle with pirates and sank, but he didn’t die. When he returned to Lingnan, he and his comrades were all labeled as deserters. His relative knows that Mr. He is a benevolent official. He asked me if you could help clear the names of that group of deserters. If they can be exonerated, then I’ll have riders! Mr. Li, this is getting ridiculous! This is a serious mission! No matter what, you can’t hire a deserter to be your rider! Isn’t that insulting to Lingnan? But you said you don’t have riders here! I said… I said it wasn’t easy to find one. Fine. Besides, just because a porter told you a story, you believe it? What if that soldier was indeed a deserter who can’t endure the hardships at sea? But it sounds too real and he has details. Well, the porter said during the fight with the soldier, the pirate leader was so scared
that he jumped into the sea and got shot in the butt. These are all details! Enough! How about this? You can use the Little East Gate as you want. About the deserter, Mr. Zhao, investigate it. Sure! I’ll let you know once I have news. Thanks. I should go. See you. See you. Li, these days, you must feed them regularly. Less fodder but more frequently. It’s good for digestion. On the day of the test, add a little sugar to the water for their stamina. Mr. Li! Mr. Li! Slow down. Is this fodder enough? Let me see. I think we need three more carts. Once the test starts, we won’t have time for this. Mr. Li! Mr. Li, the road needs to be cleared. Or the horses can’t pass. There are many thick branches. Tomorrow, I’ll bring more people to clear the road. I’ve marked the specific locations on the map. Have some water. Actually, it’s unnecessary. The road from Lingnan to Chang’an is much more complicated. Isn’t it? A few obstacles are good. But I’ll look at your map. Getting water? There’s a well inside. No need to go outside. It’s convenient. Thanks. Just get water in the city. Great! Tong, when the test begins, The Little East Gate will be crowded. We’ll wash the horses, feed them, send messages, and do chores day and night. You’ll take turns on duty. I’ll ask Elder Su for some money as your tips. We’re helping you prepare not for money. I know. Or the money will be paid to the courier stations. You’re doing their work, so you should take the money. That’s it. Thank you. No biggie. Dinner’s ready! Leave it to me. Alright. Time to eat! Time to eat! Li, come to eat! Let’s eat! There’s plenty for everyone! Mr. Li’s. This is for Mr. Li. Come over, Mr. Li! Mr. Li’s. Help yourself. I’m in no rush. Here. This is for everyone. I’m in no rush. Here is yours. Here, kiddo. Yours. This is yours. What is this? Spicy artemisia. You can’t eat this! This is poisonous! Spicy artemisia is toxic! Stop now! Mr. Li, we’ve been eating this for decades. We’re fine. That’s nonsense! It just hasn’t hit you yet! This is poisonous! It looks like mustard. But it’s poisonous spicy artemisia! This is bad for your health! Mr. Li… Stop now! We eat whatever we have. We don’t really care. Right. This is what we have. Better than going hungry. Exactly! Tong, we got the money. Buy some rice, noodles and eggs for everyone first. Health is most important. You can’t keep this up long-term. Then I’ll get you something else. No need. The kid can have the edible. Here. It’s fine. Anyone need more? We’ll share. There’s more for you! Mr. Li! Why are you here? I’m waiting for you. For what? It seems you don’t want to see me. But I’ve waited so long. Shouldn’t you invite me in? I’m busy tonight. I only need a moment. If you don’t agree, you’ll be making an enemy of me. You’ve taken good care of these flowers. Are you just here to see the flowers? Of course not. Ma’am, please. I heard you’re helping a deserter seek justice, so I came to ask you face-to-face. Why are you spreading such rumors? I’m not. That’s the truth. How can you be sure? You met the deserter? Not really. I heard it from a porter. You believe what a porter says? I choose to trust him. How do you prove what he said is true? Then how do you prove what he said is false? Fine. Take me to meet that porter. I’ll get to the bottom of it. He’s a porter. I have no idea where work has taken him right now. Since he wants to seek justice, he must have left you a way to contact him. Wait. What exactly do you want? I want to confirm a few things. First, are you sure those pirates robbed a ship carrying medicines? Second, are you sure
the dagger he intercepted was a silver one with an auspicious pattern and set with a ruby? Third, are you sure that happened ten years ago? Li Shande, I’m Mr. He’s adoptive daughter. I know you have some reservations about me. But this is different. It concerns my father’s reputation! How about we make a deal? You don’t need to help him seek justice. I’ll arrange for his amnesty. Just one request. If I succeed, take me to meet him. I’ll see that dagger with my own eyes and confirm who its owner was. Deal? Once I’m done, I’ll come to see you. Elder Su! Have a seat! Elder Su, is this to recruit a rider? It’s more like a fight! Only the winner can stay. A round-robin competition. This is fair. So, is there anyone capable? In Lingnan, there are few horses. All goods are transported
by oxen and donkeys. It’s really hard to find a good rider. Elder Su, I already have one rider lined up. Can you help me find just one more? With two riders, I can get them to lead the charge. It’s hard. Even just one. Can you think of another idea? I’m worried there might be no more riders after this. Elder Su, I have a brilliant idea. Can we add a line to that notice? For riders who can ride
a thousand-li steed, price is negotiable. For riders who can ride
a thousand-li steed, price is negotiable. So, how much? Can you do that? I’ll give it a try. If you can ride a thousand-li steed, your pay will be 10% more than others. 10% more for one more day. Deal? It’s too complicated. No need to increase the pay. But today, give me half as the deposit. He’s talking big. Be careful he’ll push it and grow greedier! What are you talking about? Let me tell you, my brother was known as Traceless when he rode. Do you know what that means? In the blink of an eye, he vanished without a trace. You’re a professional rider? I run a cockfight den. This is a crossover. Why aren’t you riding? I feel that a fine steed has its will. It should gallop freely instead of being restrained. My hands itch for riding now, so I want to try. You can do your best. If you really can ride the steed, we’ll go with your terms for the pay. Naiyi, bring Daily over! Sure! Be careful. Good horses are common. Scouts are rare. Sir, I’ll give you a kind reminder. This is a wild horse. If you overestimate yourself, you might end up in black and blue. I won’t cover your medical expenses. Mind your words! Thanks. Just you watch! Mr. Li, he rode away. Really? Wonderful! Awesome! What a stroke of luck! Feng! Can you see this, Feng? Coming! – Amazing!
– Unbelievable! Impressive! Good as ever! May I know your name? My brothers call me Lan, from Gaozhou. Lan! This is good. We can count on him! Lan, you’ve saved me from a real predicament! My close brothers are also good riders. Can they try your fine horses? Of course! The more, the better! You all have my respect! Thank you so much! This crappy place. Kid, where’s Mr. Li? He’s up there. Alright, go play. Tie those curtains tighter. Mr. Li. Mr. Li. Mr. Zhao. What brings you here? Mr. He has shown mercy. He said since you pleaded for those soldiers, he’d just let this matter go. This pardon decree will be publicly announced. You mean those soldiers are free men now? You may say that again. Thank you so much! Where are they now? Well… Let me see them. I’m not sure where they are. I don’t even know them. I need to tell the porter this news. Regardless, please thank Mr. He for his great mercy. They’re not here? They aren’t. After I climbed all the way up here? Are you kidding? Sorry about that. Listen, I trust you. I’ll consider I’ve seen them. Alright. See you. Thanks. I’m off. Gosh. Yazhuang. Yazhuang. Yazhuang. Yan Yazhuang, you are free! No more hiding in the future! Mr. Li. Mr. Li, you’ve given me a new life. How can I ever repay you? Rise. No need for this. Fetch the dagger! Hurry! The routes are all scouted? We’re all Lingnan natives. We know these roads like our own hands. Only one question. Do we run the trial at night? The real transport will go nonstop for sure. But mountain paths are dark and treacherous, especially at night. Put them on yourself. We’ll need torches lighting the way. Torches and oil must be well prepared. Don’t worry about that. I’ve got the funds covered. Li Shande. Elder Su is here. Mr. Li. Elder Su. He’s Di, my subordinate. He used to trade horses. He’ll stay and tend your horses. That’s great. Thank you. Let me introduce you. Di, this is Tong. And Li. Go to them if you need anything. Anything horse-related, listen to them. Perfect. If only Yazhuang could bring more riders. That’s right. Mr. Li, stop worrying. Learn from me, and be resolute like an iron-clad turtle! May I have a word? Go back to work. The transport trial will surely be conducted more than once, right? Yes. More trials mean better results. I understand. But each lap costs hundreds of guan. Since it costs so much every day, my purse will grow thin. So, I thought of another plan. Guess what it is. Want transit documents again? I won’t ask for pangolins anymore. I’ll get some turtles from the Hu merchants. Will they cooperate? Don’t worry. I cast my line and let the willing bite. Our fates are bound together. I understand that well. So do they. Once they witness your magic of making litchis
reach Chang’an successfully, they’ll hand over their turtles. Elder Su, look, this trial weighs heavy on me. So… I do understand. Mr. Li, this time I’m back to Lingnan, only your task got my attention. If we make it, we’ll all have a chance to thrive. Just give you all, and I’ll do everything I can to help you. Elder Su, in that case, I’ll give my all. Yazhuang. Mr. Li, my fellow peers are here. Mr. Li, you’ve given us new lives. For this transport, we’ll spare no effort! We are at your command! At your command! Please get up. Let them get up. Get up, please. I’m so glad you are here. You are doing me a big favor. With your help and expertise, my mind is finally at ease. No time to rest. Let’s go to the Little East Gate. Come on. You’ve all worked tirelessly these days. Thank you! Tomorrow, the transport trial will officially begin. – Yeah!
– Great! Mr. Li, what if it keeps raining tomorrow? We’ll still do it? Yes. No matter what the weather is like, we’ll stick with our plan. It’s a good thing that the heaven makes it harder for us. It’ll make our results more reliable. True. Here’s the thing. Originally, I planned to use one man, one horse each time, relay style, to complete the trial. But now I’m thinking we’d better use pairs, two men, two horses. That way, if one horse fails, or something difficult or unexpected happens, the backup can continue, right? And we can still complete the trial. It’s like a safety net. So we need more litchis? Yes. At least double the amount. Inform the orchard and tell them to bring the remaining double-layered urns. Okay. At the third mark of Mao hour, all litchis must be delivered to the Little East Gate. Salt soak at Mao hour sharp. Breakfast should be ready at the fifth mark of Mao hour. All riders depart by Chen hour. One more thing. Our riders work hardest. We must make sure they dine properly. Got it. Ingredients must be washed thoroughly, only the freshest. Cooks must maintain hygiene. Can’t afford stomach troubles. Rest assured. You’ll be in charge of that. Alright. When the trial begins, we’ll switch to four meals a day. At Mao hour, Wu hour, You hour and Zi hour. Meals are served precisely on time. You’ll have to work harder. Two teams rotating shifts. Okay. Hao. Where’s Hao? Right here, Mr. Li. Hao, you’re in charge
of water transport and replacement. Remember, the double-layered urns must be tightly sealed at the top. When placing them on the horse, secure them firmly and tie them tight. Okay, I got it. Good. Di, you handle the horses. After each lap, switch riders and horses. Li will help you groom, wash the horses, change hay and feed. By the way, Li, at dusk, light torches and enter the mountains to guide the riders’ direction. Mr. Li, you said earlier to switch
riders and horses after each lap. But completing one lap takes less than half an hour. With just these few horses, they won’t rest long
before cycling again. How about changing riders every lap but changing horses every three laps? That way the horses can run more and rest longer. Otherwise, the horses will all be exhausted. What do you think? We’ll do as you say. Riders change every lap, and horses every three laps. Tomorrow, Lan and Yazhuang will ride the two thousand-li steeds to lead the way. For the remaining riders, I’ll arrange the rotation order and write it on a chart. You’ll understand clearly. If the front riders encounter problems, the backup riders will step in according to the sequence. Let me stress it one more time. During the trial, the riders will have it toughest. We must ensure their rest and sleep. When they sleep, let’s keep quiet. Don’t disturb them. Riders should try to fall asleep quickly. What else? Anyway, this trial will surely bring unexpected difficulties. Let’s cooperate when needed. Report any issues to me, and I’ll share updates with you too. More communication, alright? Okay! – Okay!
– No problem! My thanks in advance to all. Tomorrow, I’ll rely on your collective effort to help me get an outcome! – No problem!
– No problem! Let’s all get to work then. ♪One bite brings sweetness♪ ♪Two sips rival sugarcane♪ ♪Kiddo, don’t stash them away♪ ♪Tomorrow the litchis will spoil♪ ♪How to keep them fresh?♪ ♪Don’t pluck them at all♪ Li. Don’t just feed it. Eat some yourself. ♪Don’t pluck them at all♪ ♪Slender boughs bend low♪ ♪Picking fruits tires one out♪ ♪The sickle cuts whole clusters♪ ♪One bite brings sweetness♪ ♪Two sips rival sugarcane♪ ♪Kiddo, don’t stash them away♪ ♪Tomorrow the litchis will spoil♪ ♪How to keep♪ ♪them fresh?♪ ♪Don’t pluck them at all♪ ♪Don’t pluck them at all♪ Jin. What, Wang? Singing so loudly at night, aren’t you afraid of attracting ghosts? Let’s hurry. We still need to deliver these to the Little East Gate. Alright. ♪Red-skinned fruit weighs the branches♪ ♪Slender boughs bend low♪ ♪Picking fruits tires one out♪ ♪The sickle cuts whole clusters♪ ♪One bite brings sweetness♪ ♪Two sips rival sugarcane♪ You didn’t sleep a wink? I’m worried. I’ve never risked so much money on such a hopeless gamble. What’s done can’t be undone. What’s the use of worrying now? If you don’t rest, how will you endure the coming days? I’m fine. At the third mark of Mao hour, the litchi couriers should return. Here, eat while it’s warm. Okay. Okay. The meal’s ready! Come eat! Hurry! Come on. Let’s eat first. It’s time to eat. Be careful, it’s hot. Li Shande, come eat. Li, stop adding more. It’ll burn. It’s already cooked. Mr. Li, have a banana first. Thanks. Mr. Li. Mr. Li. Come here. Come eat! Come on! Please come here. What is it? Look at our litchi orchard. No, planting it in grass won’t work. You must plant it in the soil. And no sunshine the first couple of days, or it’ll die. Plant it in the soil. Or the horses will trample them. Hurry, it’s time to eat. Release. Go, go, go. Go. Go on. Keep going. – Go. Go on.
– I’ll catch it. Okay, stop. Good. Okay. Everyone, see this? I will mark trial results with four colors by distance. The black circle means unchanged. Give me the stick. The brown dot means the color changed. The purple dot means the scent changed. The red dot means the taste changed. The black dot means the juice leaked. Okay. This way, we can keep tracking the litchis’ condition by distance. Right? And… Don’t… Don’t pull my leg hair. I’m keeping it steady. Each day we’ll hang a flag on the wall. So everyone knows which trial day it is. Understood? Yes. Alright, good. Alright. Inspector He has arrived! Why is he here? Li, get up. Not here. Not here. Let’s go. Welcome, Mr. He! Welcome, Mr. He! Rise, please. Thank you, Mr. He! Mr. Li, since it’s your trial day today, Mr. He came to observe. It’s just an experiment. With your busy schedule, we dare not trouble you. Mr. Li, how could you say that? The litchi transport is an imperial priority. Thus naturally my priority too. Dear Gaozhou folks. Yes. Our Gaozhou faces a momentous occasion! Mr. Li, an imperial envoy,
has come here. Mr. Li dedicates himself to delivering our fresh litchis to Chang’an, to His Majesty! But everyone knows, Lingnan is 5,000 li away from Chang’an, and litchis spoil in three days. How can they possibly be delivered? Yeah, how? Mr. Li has a solution! He’s going to use our Little East Gate for an experiment. Once successful, Gaozhou litchis will be famous throughout the country! Yeah! Yeah! Great! Yeah! Thank you for your support, Mr. He! I dare not slacken nor fail the Emperor’s trust. Let’s wait and see. May Mr. Li achieve swift success! Good! Oilpaper. Plug. Rope. Careful. Mr. Li. Tie it tighter. Lan. It’s heavy. Lan, stay close behind me. I’ll lead the way. So you mean I must trail behind you? I didn’t mean that. I just know the route better. If I look back and don’t see you, you’ll be on your own. It seems you are quite skilled too. Thought you’d lose your waist strength at your age. So arrogant. My waist is just fine. Alright, I don’t mind competing with you later. Mr. Li. Go! Mr. Zhao. Is Lan mad? I told him to disrupt the rhythm, not accelerate it! Didn’t you say you had it taken care of? What happened? It’s intentional. It’s just the beginning. We need to put on a show for Li Shande. Bravo! Great! Bravo! Mr. Li. Can you turn them red? You want some litchis? There’s plenty in that basin. Ma’am forbids me. I tell you what. Take a jar. Put these litchis inside. And this fruit, too. Seal one day to ripen. Don’t over-seal. Or they rot. My secret method. Tell no one. But he heard. He’s one of us. I won’t tell. – Like this?
– Lan, why did you lead the race back? Mr. He saw you! Exactly. I don’t mind him showing off at the cockfight den. Good work, Lan. Thanks. Let me take it. Well done. Go ahead with your work. Okay. Now he asks us to be riders while looking down on us. I’ll show them I, “Traceless”, live up to my name. That’s right. I understand what you think. But he might retaliate. His prized possessions are in our cages. What can he do? [Trial day two] Horses coming! Horses coming! Horses coming! Horses coming! The horses are back! They’re back! They’re back! They’re back! They’re back! Quick! Results? Urn A, o… Okay! Yes. Okay! Urn B, okay. Urn C, okay! [Trial day three] Careful! More water here! Mr. Li! One litchi burst! It was squeezed open. Not natural rot. Horse transport will inevitably crush some. Wrap with soft material! Wrap them. Cloth! Cloth won’t do. Cloth doesn’t breathe. Paper! There’s paper over there! Here. Go on. How’s he? Recovered. Good. Mr. Li, with the scorching heat, all the riders are suffering. Luckily he collapsed here. If he fell off horseback on a mountain path, and the horse fled, your trial would be ruined. Mr. Li, we can endure. This is recklessness! Even if men can endure, the horses can’t! They’re already spent! Only the two thousand-li steeds can last half a day at most. No more relay races! Then finish this half-day trial. What difference does it make? If loudness meant reason, we’d all obey donkeys! Stop shouting! We follow Mr. Li’s orders for the trial. Here’s the thing, Lan. We don’t know your age. But they all see you as a big brother. I do too. Trials aren’t an armchair strategy. Chang’an is five thousand li away. Unexpected hardships arise. Trials exist to find problems and avoid them in advance. If we only need to test max speed, that’s simple. Three days’ average suffices. But that’s not what we need. This trial must last long enough. Riders fall, urns break. Including the unpredictable factors makes the numbers relevant. Mr. Li, with one horse left, I’ll persist. We will too. Me too. Thank you. I wasn’t trying to quit. My two friends never raced horses nonstop. Let them withdraw. I’ll stay. Thank you. Now with fewer riders, change riders and horses every three laps. At least everyone can have full sleep. Agreed? Agreed. Agreed. Urn C! [Trial day five] Urn C? How’s Urn C? Mr. Li, Urn C’s litchis are fine. Great! Mr. Zhao. How’s the trial? Exhausted men and horses. Several teams quit. Few riders left struggling. That man I told you to watch? He ran the most laps. He ran the most laps. Should be exhausted by now. Accidents happen in the mountains all the time, right? Make way. Make way. You guys… Mr. Li. go to the back and hitch… Attend to it. Keep an eye on Yan Yazhuang’s horse. Hurry! Almost there! He’s here. Ready!