TV Version | With the help of Ping’an, Li Shande got to know shareholder Su Liang | The Litchi Road
You? Bring him down? And you’re delivering litchis. Have I ever laughed at you? I want some! I want some! They’re over there! I want some! These kids. I want some! If you want to try them on your journey, you’d better find a large sealed urn. Seal the litchis inside. That should do it. I know this sealing method. Do you have any way to make them stay fresh longer? I’ll tell you another secret. Don’t spread this around. Or you’ll have to deal with me. I won’t. Before putting them in large urns, soak the litchis in saltwater. It keeps them fresh for three days. Three days? This sealing method and the saltwater thing, I already tried them at the Office of Imperial Parks. They’re no secrets to me. Do you Dong people have any way that can keep litchis fresh longer? Ma’am, Commandant Yang is here. Wait here. Move! What’s going on? Move. Ma’am. I thought last time
when you knelt begging for mercy, you lost your pretty face [Commandant Yang]
and your nerve, too. Didn’t expect you’d come again. I’m impressed. Today, either you repay the debt in full or hand over the orchard! What are you doing? Try it! I dare you! I’ll kill you with the spear! I’ve been trying to scrape together money. Right now, this is all I have. In the fifth month
when I sell the litchis, I can repay you more. Just this little money? How dare you even bring it out? Don’t you know how much you owe us? Let me give you some advice. Hand over the orchard now, and your debt will be settled. If the interest keeps piling up, these Dong people behind you will never be able to pay the loan off their whole lives. Tong… You should do what’s best for them,
shouldn’t you? Ma’am, don’t listen to his nonsense! Do you want to get killed? What are you doing? I warn you. Put it down! Everyone, put it down! Put it down! As long as we are still alive, we can always build another orchard. We can’t give it to him! Where’s the IOU? Give it to me. Tong. Tong. Tong. How many more days can
the water isolation method buy us? You won’t buy any days with any methods. Today is the day… Shut up! Come on, tell me! Where did you pop out from? What water isolation method? It’s the… We’re trying to sign a document here! Could you show some respect… Shut up! Come on! Shut up! Put litchis in the water inside the jar in your house. How many more days can this water isolation method preserve the litchis? At best, four more days. Two days if not working well. So it can keep them fresh for six days? From three days to six days? That’s great! This is great! Six days is great! Are you two done chatting? Tong, come sign now! Shut up! Sign what? He wants to take my orchard. You can’t give it to him. Don’t do it! Let me tell you, all the litchis in this orchard are mine. I’ve already booked them! I am ordered by the Inspector’s Mansion to take over the orchard. If Inspector He gets upset, can you bear the responsibility? I was sent by His Majesty to Lingnan to procure litchis. If His Majesty gets upset, which official in Lingnan can bear that responsibility? That being the case, you can have this litchi orchard. But the debt on the orchard… Shouldn’t you repay it? Here. Take a good look. What? Money is tight right now? Then your big talk would seem a little awkward. I thought some savior had come to the rescue! Tong, just give up. Yes! You’re crazy! The IOU is gone. Today you are not walking away
with my orchard! If you want to charge someone with obstructing official business, you can only take me. It has nothing to do with them. No one can take her! Anyway, I have no money. And I won’t give you this orchard either! You Dong people are savages. What are you waiting for? Go get them! I dare you! I’d like to see you try! No one touches her! I am the Litchi Envoy
appointed by His Majesty. [Litchi Directorate]
The Litchi Envoy! Understand? The Litchi Envoy! I hereby declare that from now on, this orchard is requisitioned
as a royal litchi orchard, dedicated to providing litchis north
as tributes to the royalty! The debt owed by the orchard? You’ll have to ask His Majesty for it. Ask him! Ask him! Let’s go! Go! Litchi Envoy! You’re amazing! Litchi Envoy! Taking off your shoe actually paid off. Litchi Envoy! You’re amazing! Take your time to finish it. No more urgent matters. Li Shande is gone? He’s gone. The north gate guards saw with their own eyes that he wasn’t just “leaving”. He galloped away at full speed. Seems like he went back to Chang’an as fast as he could. Now you and Mr. He can rest easy, right? We do. I’m impressed! Within a single day,
without resorting to force, you managed to drive away this troublesome Litchi Envoy. The Right Chancellor’s got
a great subordinate. You’re swift and decisive. Succeeds at every move. But I am curious. How did you persuade him? Just a trivial trick. Nothing worth mentioning. I’d like to pick your brain. Although it’s the same knife, in a general’s hand, it can slay enemies. But in a butcher’s hand, it can only slaughter cattle. Even with the same tool, different ways to use it get different results. So tell me, how am I supposed to teach you my way? Guiyun, you’re a man of wisdom! I used to be arrogant about my talent, claiming I was born at the wrong time. That my talents were wasted in the Inspector’s Mansion. But with your enlightenment, I truly see the gap between us. I admire you greatly! Enough of that. I’ve been in Lingnan for some time. Now Li Shande is gone. I’ve kept the Military Fish Tally for quite a few days. The letter of fealty? Why are you back? I’m not leaving. Not leaving? No. I’m staying to transport the litchis. I think I can pull it off! 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. Watch your step. Okay. Mr. Li. Mr. Li. What are you doing here? Here. I’ve got a trouble. I have a ship detained by Commandant Yang at Gaozhou Port. I went to the port and opened the hold only to find it empty, nothing! Like a thunderbolt crashing down, I’m so anxious
that I feel butterflies… Elder Su, no need for the verse. Alright. So I came to you. Here’s the thing. You’ve already used the transit document. Yes. It is not refundable. Right. And the money you gave me is mine already. It’s no longer yours. No, no. You don’t understand what I meant. But I do understand that my money is already yours. They’re resting in peace
in your pocket. I won’t try to get them to rise from the ashes and return to me. You and the Inspector have a connection, whatever that is. Can you get me to touch Mr. He?
[*He means to say “get me in touch”] I just want to know where my benzoin resin went. I… I don’t really have any connection with them. My only connection with… with the Inspector was that transit document. And this connection was transferred to you. Then I have no connection with them anymore. I’m willing to help but unable to do so. Willing to help but unable to? So are you willing to help or not? “Willing to but…” So you will help? I can’t! Why? I just can’t! What if I get more money to rest in peace
in your pocket? Can you help then? How much? Name a price. It… It’s not about money! It’s about… I truly want your money. But I am unable to! Why? You… I… I can’t explain clearly. I have to do the litchi transport experiments! I can’t help you. I truly can’t! I’m willing to help but unable to. Mr. Zhao, how are you? Here. Let me get it for you. Thank you. Where is Mr. Li? Mr. Li? He’s over there. Mr. Li. Mr. Zhao. To what do I owe the pleasure? You’re working for His Majesty in a hands-on way! My wife stewed chicken soup. So I brought some for you. Thank you. Perfect timing. Can we talk over here? Sure. Come on. It’s a tough job indeed. Your wife’s an excellent home cook! I smell the aroma even through the lid! Really? So are you used to the Lingnan flavor? Honestly? No. I am not. That makes sense. Mr. Li, you’re five thousand li from home living alone at this courier station. You must be desperately homesick. It’s not easy for you. But I wonder, weren’t you returning to Chang’an? Why turn back? Suddenly I saw a glimmer of hope. So I thought I’d stay here and try to find a way to transport litchis. Mr. Zhao, if you hadn’t come today, I would’ve visited you. Then I came just in time. What is it? I’m all ears. Mr. Zhao, is there any ice in Lingnan? Arms? Of course, we have arms. But why do you ask? Transporting litchis requires ice. I see… How many arms do you need? During initial experiments? Not much. But when I actually transport them, the more the better! I see. So you’re borrowing our arms? Huh? I’m working for His Majesty. “Borrowing” might not be the right word. I’d say requisitioning. Shouldn’t you give me
all the ice you have? That’s a man coming from the capital with a broad horizon. Give me some time. I’ll report to Mr. He. – Thank you.
– I shall take my leave. Thank you. Goodbye. These Lingnan people are weird. I told you. We should have just killed him. He’s nothing but trouble! Now great. The military fish tally isn’t mine yet. He smells blood and wants to take a bite before I do. Sir, he demands soldiers
saying it’s for His Majesty. We have no reason to refuse. I came to see you again. What’s this? Last time you said you weren’t used to Lingnan flavors. This time, my wife stewed some mutton soup for you. Excellent cooking skills! I smell the aroma even through the lid! And what about the ice? But we learned a trick
from the Right Chancellor. Getting the Military Fish Tally requires a letter of fealty. He wants soldiers? We make him write
an application for troop deployment. I’m on it. I’m writing it here and now! You work efficiently! Today, I, Li Shande, for the purpose of litchi transport, file the application
for the requisition of ice to the Inspector of Lingnan. I’d appreciate it
if Mr. He could approve it. Approve it… Here. No, wait! Mr. Li. Is there a wrong character? Arms! Yes, ice. So you want ice, i-c-e. Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you wanted soldiers with arms
to escort the litchis. You got it wrong. No wonder you seemed
to be in a pickle yesterday. I phrased it poorly. I haven’t even solved
the problem of preservation, much less arranged soldiers for escort. Therefore, I hope you can help me get some ice. Mr. Li, the ice issue is even more difficult than arms. You know Lingnan is humid and hot, unlike Chang’an. I’ve never seen ice all my life. Like they say, “Obtaining ice here is harder than going to heaven.” Then… Did I write for nothing? I’ll take it back. Let’s find a solution together. Goodbye. Thank you. My wife specifically told me to bring the clay pot back. So according to you, you met a master again? That he’s a sly old fish? Yes! While chatting and laughing, he called white black. When I sounded him out… Of course, our abilities were evenly matched. But it was a heart-stopping ride! I had to stay constantly vigilant to counter his moves as they came. I went with the flow and had an airtight defense. So you’re quite satisfied? You think you and Li Shande
were evenly matched? Yes! Nonsense! I think this fight of yours has done serious damage to you. No! Yes! Zhuge Liang once said, “If the enemy doesn’t make a move, we don’t move. If the enemy… If the enemy…” “If the enemy makes a move,
we’ll beat them to it.” Right! He merely uttered “ice” and look how flustered you got. You rushed to probe into it. What happened? He learned everything about us. What do I do now? What should I do? Sir, just try this mutton soup. Good idea. I hear people in Chang’an love this soup. Right? Great tonic. It’s good! Ma’am, Mr. Zheng requests to see you. You came just in time. I have a life-or-death matter
to discuss with you. I know. Li Shande’s going to get killed. With that stubborn, inflexible mule temper of his, trouble’s bound to happen
sooner or later. He brought it on himself. Let him fend for himself. Not him. He has nine lives. He’s safe for now. I’ll send a message to Zhao Xinmin, telling him Li Shande isn’t working
for the Left Chancellor. So he won’t have concerns. You said it was a life-or-death matter. Whose life are we talking about? Your life. You can’t save it. This is a good joke. How could it… Why so sudden? The Right Chancellor sent
a new envoy to Lingnan. As soon as he sees you, he will see through your identity. See through my identity? Fortunately, the journey is long. We still have time to maneuver. The new envoy left Chang’an over 20 days ago. So he should arrive soon. Stop him! I’ve already dispatched
masters of martial arts. They intercepted him
near the Xiang River. Unfortunately, he was also
highly skilled in martial arts. He escaped death several times. After that, he changed his route and concealed his tracks. I’ve arranged a team to ambush him at the essential passes into Lingnan. This is our last chance and your last chance of survival. You must seize this chance. Ensure nothing goes wrong. Don’t spare the troops or the money. Attack front and back,
strike left and right. He can not fight against a hundred men. Zheng Ping’an, the Left Chancellor
and the Jing’an Office asked the Konglang Agency
to aid you. We will do our utmost. If you want to live, you must get the letter of fealty and leave Lingnan tomorrow. Otherwise, once this new envoy sets foot in the Inspector’s Mansion, your head and your neck will part company. 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! It’s so late already. Mr. Li hasn’t returned. Perhaps I’ll go buy medicine for you. Wait a little longer. He should be back soon. 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! Sir, you’re back. Gou. The medicine… Ping’an, feeling better? I bought the medicine… But something just came up and I left it at the pharmacy. I’ll fetch it first thing tomorrow! You bought the medicine? Yeah. You didn’t bring it back. Something came up. I can finally relate to my sister when she died. Why bring up your sister? Can’t I? Why bring her up? You don’t want to admit you made a mistake? My sister gave her life but you still haven’t learned your lesson? You’re really sick. Why this irrational anger? Fine, take some rest. Come back. If you really could transport litchis to Chang’an, why would I stop you? Don’t I want you to live? Your specialization in arithmetic makes you think
you can foresee everything. But did you foresee that you’d be transporting litchis? Did you foresee
that my sister would die? Did you foresee me getting sick so seriously? What makes your efforts fail are often those things beyond calculation, Li Shande! I wanted you to leave Lingnan because I feared you staying would be repeating the same mistake. In the end, your legacy for Xiu to inherit won’t be wealth, but debts. I want to stay? Is it my choice to stay? Did I want this assignment? Is it me who wants to have fresh litchis? Don’t I want to return to see Xiu? Don’t I want to watch my little girl grow up, get married, and live happily? She must be waiting every day in the courtyard for the osmanthus tree to bloom. She doesn’t know that tree is dead! It will never bloom. She doesn’t know her father is a dead man walking.
He won’t live through the sixth month! You think I want to stay? Yes, I achieve nothing. I only know gardening. I couldn’t save Jinniang. My peers deceived me into taking this assignment. Did I want it to happen? I stay only because I saw a tiny sliver of hope! I want to grasp that hope so I can live to see Xiu again! And you get angry with me? Where is your hope? Can you see it? Can you touch it? I’m already terminally ill. What if I die tomorrow? You just have a fever! What if a mosquito bites me, and I die? Do you think you can live to leave Lingnan then? If we both die here, what should Xiu do? Alone and helpless, with no one to rely on. If she is sold into servitude tomorrow, what should we tell my sister by then? Stop arguing. What’s it to you? There’s a live one here! Speak! Where did he go? After him! Who is it? “The moon shines bright. And thieves come by night”. He’s one of us. Open up! The interception failed. The new envoy
entered Lingnan territory after all. I came to inform you and hope you make a decision
as soon as possible. Weren’t elite troops sent? How did he fight his way out alone? Judging by his methods, he seems military-trained. Decisive in killing, every move lethal. Konglang sent expensive assassins to ambush him several times. He still fought a way out. When my men arrived, only the corpses of the assassins
remained. If so, I will surely be exposed. You still stand a chance. Please enlighten me. I galloped back the whole way. None of our scouts along the route spotted his trail. He must have taken mountain paths to evade pursuit. That means you should still have time to fulfill
the Left Chancellor’s request. None of you are his match. Wouldn’t I be courting death? What if I give up? If you abort the mission midway, Consultant Konglang will not let you leave Lingnan alive. Qilang! We’re here to see Mr. Zhao. Mr. Ma. This way. Guiyun. Come here! Xinmin. Forgive me for visiting so early. It’s me. No need for formalities. What brings you here so early in the morning? The “trade”, of course! Be patient. No need to rush. Here’s the thing. I stay at the same courier station as the Litchi Envoy. I observe him every day. He just works on those litchis. He’s lost in thoughts day and night without any appetite. He seems genuinely serious about the transporting litchis thing. He’s not the Left Chancellor’s follower. Since you’ve observed so carefully, our worry is much ado about nothing. Come on. Here. Have a piece. Try it. I don’t feel like eating. It’s fine. It’s Lingnan’s special snack. We’re at Lingnan, not Chang’an. No matter how important the issue is, it must wait until after morning tea. Gou, have a piece too. He’ll pass. Since doubts are cleared, let’s trade. I’ve brought it with me. No, listen to me. He tore it up. Tore… Tore it up? How could he tear it? Write another copy then. He’s not here. Not here? Where did he go? Look. This rooster’s strong as an ox! Guiyun, spare yourself the trip. He’s addicted to cockfighting. Once he enters the den, even if the sky falls he won’t talk about work with you. Outrageous! Does Mr. He believe the Military Fish Tally
that commands the troops is less important than a rooster? A genuine Red-Crested General! Impressive. Forget raising it, I’ll charge them for just looking at my rooster. Of course, the Military Fish Tally
is more important. However, once Mr. He enters the cockfight den, he’s not Mr. He the Inspector anymore. Then who is he? Gentlemen, place your bet! Great! He becomes a Rooster Poppa. What’s a poppa? It means dad. Rooster Dad? [Inspector’s Mansion] He won! He won! He won! The General indeed! The General! – Lan.
– Lan. Rooster Poppa. Lan, what took you so long? I’m sorry. I just got this Red-crested General. Take a look. See if it meets your standards. This rooster has a small head, large body, thin legs, and sharp claws. But… But what? Though it looks arrogant and overbearing, it feels deeply empty inside. In my opinion, it must’ve lived deep in the mountains and grown up following nature’s ways. Since it was its first time in battle, with the sudden change of environment, it started to feel lost inside. This mental state is a sign of restlessness. Its ferocity and competitiveness haven’t reached their peak yet. Should proceed step by step. Therefore, it shouldn’t enter
the battlefield again. What if I insist
on sending it to battle? It won’t last three rounds. Alright. Lan. Okay. I’ll let you be amazed today. Alright? My General is well-fed and rested, ready to go again. I’ll show you how it wins three rounds straight. Let’s go. Rooster Poppa. Rooster Poppa. It’s been confirmed. Li Shande isn’t
the Left Chancellor’s man. Ma Guiyun wants to trade urgently. Trade? No time. Mr. He, I even brought ink and a brush. Mr. Ma, you are here! Come on, join us! No. Wait. Business comes first. In the cockfighting den, cockfighting comes first. Right? Exactly! Why the rush? Delaying half a day is fine. No one’s pushing you anyway. I am being pushed. The Right Chancellor is right behind me. I need to report back. Even if the Nobel Consort was here, she’d have to wait
till I’m done gambling, let alone the Right Chancellor. Right? My General is ready to go. It can’t be delayed. That’s right. Listen up, which rooster dares to fight? Good! Bravo! What a great fight! Just as the poem goes, “The crimson rooster
adorned in splendor, spurs sharp as blades, eager to display its might in this grand arena. Jade-cleaving talons, eyes blazing with fire, wings startling the wind, feathers spread with strength. Swiftly it leaps
with hooked beak thrusting, strikes like lightning,
then soars again.” Nice! Anyone else? Come on. Bring it on. What? Mr. He. Mr. He. No… No opponents anymore. No more challengers. Victory without fighting. You’ve already won! What kind of victory is this? I already said it must complete three rounds. I’ll wait right here. I won’t go back until three rounds are done. Watch this. I’ll add 15 guan. Gou, bring the money. The stakes are raised! Another 15 guan! Another 15 guan! Any takers? I’ll do it. – Lan.
– Lan. Lend me your rooster. Wait. This one already fought and lost. My Red-crested General doesn’t fight losers. It’d insult my General. A huge, powerful jiao-loong, if it’s seriously sick, can’t beat a tiny grass carp. A mighty warrior, if drained of energy, couldn’t beat a three-year-old child. A spent gust can’t lift feathers. An arrow at its limit can’t pierce thin silk. Your rooster is fierce, but your stubbornness guarantees defeat. Enough rambling. I didn’t understand a word. Will you fight or not? Come on. Fight! Fight! Fight! Good. Go! Go! Go! One, two, three. [Memorial Tablet
of the Red-crested General] You died so tragically! General! How could you leave us so soon? General! My son was a noble fowl! Today my son fought three battles, slaying foes with its steel talons, crushing them with its sharp beak. Heaven envies talent! Fate plays cruel tricks! May my son rest in peace! My son will be in my belly soon. Let it serve as your coffin! Alas! Woe! Woe! Alas! General! Bring some salt. Aye. Seems some seasoning is missing. General! Alas! Woe! Woe! Alas! Enough. Stop already. General, rest in peace. You want the Military Fish Tally or not? I’ve humored you all morning. Why the rush? We’re not done yet. Mr. Zhao, go get paper and brush. Grind the ink. [Inspector’s Mansion] Mr. He. Mr. Zhao, how did I phrase it last time? Recite it for me. I’ll test you. Test me? Recite it. Recite it. “A fine bird chooses its tree. A wise vassal chooses his master. To miss the chance of serving a worthy lord is no man’s way.” Actually… “I…” Actually, it could be shorter. Ma Guiyun, why the rush today? I can’t wait to go back. I hope to depart early. I ruined this. I’ll rewrite it. Zhao, recite it again. Slower. Got it. “A fine…” Bird. How to spell it? Chooses… Chooses. Chooses. Chooses. Chooses. Chooses. Its… Its… Though thousands of li apart… Kowtows in reverence, He Youguang. Paying respects… Skip it. It’s good enough. My calligraphy has improved. Graceful. Take it. Graceful. I’m exhausted. Done. Mr. He. Guiyun. Here you go. Report! Report! Report! Report! Report what? We’re busy. Mr. He. You are in such a hurry. Is it an emergency? No emergency is more important than our trade. Then I’ll have
the Right Chancellor’s envoy wait outside. The Right Chancellor’s envoy? The Right Chancellor sent an envoy. Didn’t you know? The Right Chancellor never mentioned it. Probably fake. Sugar is sweet, while salt is salty. Taste it, and you’ll know. Real or fake, bring him here and let me see. Mr. He, it’s inappropriate. Mr. He, the Right Chancellor’s subordinates are all capable, each with their duties. If he’s real, I shall not see him to avoid a conflict of interest. Better complete our trade first. Agreed? Mr. He, that Right Chancellor’s envoy can’t wait any longer. Let him wait anyway! Mr. He, there’s competition among colleagues too. It’s not fair for him to take half the credit for the mission I’m about to complete. I completely understand. The meat is already at your lips, yet he snatches half away. It’s so unfair. But how’s that my concern? Let’s go take a look. Aye. Guiyun, let’s go take a look. Let’s go see if he’s fake. A real one can’t be fake. Where is he? Almost here. Arriving soon. There he is. Hurry. Hurry. Malaria! Let me see. What’s malaria? You may not know, Lingnan is humid and has mosquitoes year-round. The envoy must’ve been bitten and got malaria. He rushed here without timely treatment… What then? Enough talk. Come and see if he’s your colleague. Gui… Guiyun… I’m Guiyun. I am Guiyun. You aren’t… I’m not leaving for a reason. I can’t return just yet. Dead. Dead? How could he be dead? Any message from the Right Chancellor? Liang! Liang! Liang! Speak! – Speak!
– Mr. He. This is the Right Chancellor’s
secret letter to me. You can’t read it. You want the Military Fish Tally or not? Yes. We want it. Of course, we do. Zhao. Guiyun. Guiyun. In that case, I’ll take my leave now. When we meet in Chang’an, the three of us will meet for wine. Meet for wine. Please bury my colleague properly. Qilang Ma’am, Mr. Zheng is here. Seems your trip is successful. Yes. Guess what? That so-called Chang’an’s deadliest killer, the Right Chancellor’s
blade-wielding envoy, caught malaria and died without leaving a single word. Anyway, congratulations on achieving your goal. Same here. Ma’am. Who could have imagined just a month ago, I was merely an Assistant Minister
of Banquets in Chang’an? And now, within a single month, I’ve experienced life and death. As they say, fortune favors the bold. Tomorrow I can finally depart for Chang’an. Ma’am, this is the letter of fealty, and this is the secret letter that the short-lived envoy brought. I entrust both to you. [Whale-riding Tower] You’ve read it? No. No, ma’am. I know the rules. I don’t see what shouldn’t be seen, and I don’t ask what should be asked. I’ll completely forget this Lingnan journey too. But I will never forget your assistance. Should you ever come to Chang’an, I will surely host you at the finest tavern. Once back in Chang’an, you’ll be a Zheng clansman. I don’t wish to be associated with the Zheng clan. Our Zheng clan is among the Prominent Five Clans
and Seven Lineages with high social status. You are so refined that you refuse to curry favor
with power. Please don’t misunderstand. I merely speak objectively. Today’s Zheng clan in Chang’an, though eminent, have lost all integrity, just a bunch of cowards unworthy of their reputation. But returning to the Zheng clan
is your choice. As an outsider, it’s not my place to judge. I wonder what makes you so prejudiced against the Zheng clan. Partial understanding breeds prejudice. My assessment stems from thorough knowledge of your father’s wrongful death. You’re the one blinded
by the Zheng clan’s deceptive glory. Consultant Konglang, I deeply appreciate your help. But no matter how well-informed you are, none know about the Zheng clan’s affairs better
than I do. Back then, my father committed disgraceful acts. When investigated, he couldn’t bear the pressure,
so he took his own life, abandoning my sister and me. As orphans, my sister and I only had each other and had to bear his infamy. Without his disgrace, a noble scion like me wouldn’t have scraped by in Chang’an as an Assistant Minister of Banquets. And my sister wouldn’t have died because we couldn’t afford medicine. I can’t believe even you doubt your own father. Do you truly believe your father was guilty? Wasn’t he? Back then, your father was incorruptible. The Right Chancellor sought
his allegiance, but he flatly refused to collude with corruption. Enraged, the Right Chancellor had him killed, fabricated charges, destroyed his reputation, and claimed it was
“suicide from guilt.” If true, why would our elders expel my sister and me? Because the Zheng clan feared
offending the Right Chancellor. To save themselves, they surrendered the inn your father died protecting to the Right Chancellor. Then, they callously cast out you and your sister regardless of your young age just to show their determination
to sever ties with your father and end the investigation. None of the prestigious Zheng clan of Xingyang dared step up to seek the truth and clear his name. How lamentable. Why should I believe you? I know this because the Left Chancellor tried saving your father, so he sent men to find him. To my knowledge, your father died near a pastry shop in Pingkang Ward. Stop! Stop talking! Your father sacrificed himself to protect you, yet this is how you see him? You turn a blind eye
to irrefutable evidence. What an unfilial son. Just leave. May you achieve fame and fortune and regain your noble status. Qilang, Consultant Konglang only spoke hearsay. Perhaps Mr. Lu’s having trouble helping you return to the Zheng clan. Don’t take her word seriously. No. She spoke the truth. That day I threw a tantrum
for the Jade Dew pastries from Pingkang Ward. My sister, exasperated, slapped me. My father then left without a word. He died on his way to buy me the pastries. ♪Listen to the drizzle of the mountains,
a long way ahead♪ ♪When can I catch
the scent of old times again♪ ♪The shadow in the wind♪ ♪Rushes back and forth
at the bridge of fate♪ ♪The moon rises, the sun sets♪ ♪Let me recall the deep feelings again♪ ♪It’s just♪ ♪Green thrives
while vitality of us fades…♪ Mr. Li. Take this and go play. Drink less. I brought your medicine. Rest early. Shande, have a drink with me. Please? All these years in Chang’an, I drank so much wine and swallowed so many insults. I flattered the powerful, danced Sogdian Whirl to please others. I made others merry and retched in alleys. I clung to one hope that I must return to the Zheng clan. And now I know all my effort was for nothing. I want to get drunk. Shande, do you know how I grew up? I was so well-off that I was ignorant of hardship. At about six, I was quite heavy, yet I demanded Father carry me and circle around the yard. So, he carried me round and round, one circle after another, until he collapsed. He was bedridden for half a month. When I got older, I became mischievous and set our house on fire. Only then did I know it was my father’s life savings. Still, he never blamed me. I loved the Jade Dew pastries
from Pingkang Ward. Layered pastry with delicate pattern, white as jade, demanding triple folding. When finished, the crust has 36 flaky layers. My father couldn’t bear my sadness, so he went to buy them for me. Ping’an, why speak of this suddenly? I forbade others from mentioning it because I hated him. I hated him for our exile from the Zheng clan, and for abandoning us. Today I finally understand he was trying to keep us out of it. He was protecting me and my sister. If I don’t avenge him, I’ll be ashamed for life. Ping’an, all fathers would die for their children. Today, I meant to tell you my decision but feared you’d ask why I chose to stay. Now I think you’ll understand. If I leave, Xiu’s world would shatter. Shande, I’ve made up my mind. I won’t drive you away anymore. I won’t leave either. I’ll stay in Lingnan. I’ll avenge my father! Sir, you’re back. Please wait a moment. Postmaster, still up this late? I was waiting for you. Me? You’ve been here for a while. My business is tight. Shouldn’t we settle the bill? Here’s the ledger. All expenses are itemized. Alright. This one too. Postmaster, I’ll pay for my room. The other one is not my business. I went to see Mr. Li. He said you’re generous, and you’ll surely pay for him. Otherwise, if word gets out, you’ll be laughed at. Don’t listen to him. He doesn’t know me. He also said if you won’t pay, he’ll just move into your room and your relationship will be exposed. I… Qilang, please pay for him. Or where am I supposed to stay? If you hadn’t vouched for him, he wouldn’t have stuck me with the bill. Why don’t you pay my tab first, then go deal with him? Alright. Here. I don’t like owing anyone. Take it. Got it. Well, sleep well! Please. Please. Here, Gou, take it. Take it, Gou. You should’ve knocked. Give me my money back. What money? Don’t play dumb. Su Liang gave you a fortune, and you still asked me to pay? Now I’ve got nothing left. You can’t just leave me broke. That money was for litchi transport. I can’t touch it. You’re so extravagant! You blew through it all? I’m Ma Guiyun now, not some Assistant Minister of Banquets. No income at all. I’m broke now! And I’m feeding you! At least give me this back. What? The 20 guan you used to buy a house! Wait, Ping’an, why did you even bring the IOU to Lingnan? What, what is this? This? Just admit it. Repay me. I can pay you back. But you need to be honest with me, Ping’an. You came to Lingnan, but why insist on using the name Ma Guiyun? Who is Ma Guiyun? And that day, when we drank, you said you wanted revenge. I… I’m worried. What’s really going on? Knowing too much won’t do you good. Even if it’s bad, you have to tell me. I… I’m worried about you. Ma Guiyun is the Right Chancellor’s envoy. He died. The Left Chancellor asked me
to take his name and come to Lingnan to… Wait! Gou, get out. Close the door. Hey, get out. Sir, I know more than you do. Fine. I’m after the letter of fealty He Youguang wrote
to the Right Chancellor. I have the letter now. I could have gone back to Chang’an, but I heard my father’s death was linked to the Right Chancellor. I want to gather more proof. I want to bring him down. You? Bring him down? 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. Hurry, Yan Yazhuang. Li Shande, come out now! Li Shande! Stop yelling. You little Dong girl! Stop making such a scene! I’m here to see someone. Leave! This place is for noble guests only. Li Shande! Who here would even know you? Li Shande! Leave now! Don’t push me! Li Shande! Go! Stop shouting! Li Shande! Go, go, go! Stop yelling! Help me call out to him! Stop it! If you don’t leave, I’ll report you! Go now! Move it! Don’t touch my litchis! Li Shande! – Who’s that?
– Li Shande! Tong, what are you doing here? I brought you litchis. Look, so many fresh litchis. Even His Majesty can’t get these. It’d be a waste for me. Thank you, Tong. No need to thank me. Eat as many as you like. Have you figured out how to get the litchis to His Majesty? With current methods, they stay fresh for five days, max. Then, you can’t pull it off? Not necessarily. To get a fresh litchi to Chang’an, besides preservation, speed matters too. What are you getting at? If I find a shorter route and use better horses, maybe I’ll pick up the pace a little. That’s only one or two days faster. That’s not quite right. I saved up for a house in Chang’an bit by bit. So the delivery days can be earned little by little, too. A small gain adds up over time. It’s worth trying. How? Go find a few horses and try transporting them for real. Strong working horses! Here. That one, and that one. How much for this one? We can negotiate. Not expensive. This one is too expensive! Too expensive. I just need one that can do 30 li. They’re all the same. What’s he doing exactly? Bargaining. That test of his will need many horses and riders. Five thousand li. Even the best rider and horse won’t survive that. Shut it. We Dong people admire people like him. You’re all talk and no action, like a noisy frog in a pond. Who says I’m all talk? I’m just not given the job to deliver litchis. Why are you even into him? He’s old enough to be your father. I’ll go back and do some calculations. Thanks. Thanks. Wait. Let’s talk it over. Okay? Are the horses pricey? Prices in Lingnan aren’t much lower than those in Chang’an. If I really do this test, I’ll need nearly 100 horses and dozens of riders. Altogether, it’s going to cost over 1,000 guan. That much? Can’t you cut costs? No way. Only the fastest horses and best riders will do. Otherwise, the result’s meaningless. So, where’s the money coming from? I’ll figure something out. Right now, I’m on a Huashan Mountain path. Huashan Mountain? You’re climbing a mountain? What mountain? It’s a metaphor It means once you start climbing, you have to reach the top. No turning back. Thanks again for the litchis. It’s getting late. I’ll go back and calculate. That guy talks so roundabout. He could’ve said it straight. So annoying. Not everyone’s like you. Open mouth, open soul. Say whatever you want. You’re into him so you just rush up and marry him on the spot. So what? I like listening to him. Even if I don’t get it,
he sounds cultured. Can’t you tell he doesn’t have feelings for you? He just finds you naive and gullible. He wants free litchis from your orchard. When he did the math, he counted horses and riders, not a single litchi. Didn’t you hear? He said he’s broke. Say one more word, and I won’t be nice. Whatever you say, I still believe in him. Brother! Now I see you as if you were my long-lost younger brother! You are my big brother! Watch your step. Brother! Brother! Brother! Go home with the joy from tonight! We’ll meet another day! We haven’t enjoyed ourselves
to the full! Next time we’ll do that, Brother. There will be other days! There will be other days! There will be other days! Brother, I don’t want you to leave. My younger brother! We’ll meet again! Brother. We’ll meet again! We will! Farewell, brother! Brother! Brother! We’ll meet again! Sir. Sir. Need a carriage? Qilang, I thought you fell for it. They mixed rice wine with litchi wine, clearly trying to get you drunk. I knew from the first sip. This banquet was malicious. Little did they know I was Assistant Minister of Banquets
back in Chang’an. Setting a trap with wine? What’s there to fear even if I go to the banquet alone? The amount of the wine was just mouthwash to me. But tonight, they’ll vomit badly. [Inspector’s Mansion] Rough seas today. Hold tight, brothers! Hold tight. What heavy rain! We can’t see anything. Beware of reefs, maintain course! Hoist sails. Advance! Ma Guiyun stayed only to supervise if the Military Fish Tally’s
used properly. Charge! Charge! The wind and the rain, bring it all! Row hard! Heave ho! That old fox fears I’ll take possession of his wealth. I’m going to stab him. Stab! Eighty… Two thousand five hundred and eighty. I brought you some food. You’re learning to care for people. Is it fermented glutinous rice? The wine’s scent is from me. Xiu sent this today. Xiu sent it? Look, she embroidered a flatbread. Her stitching’s improved, right? See the crumbs beside it? Only one piece? She doesn’t know her uncle loves flatbread too? You can’t blame her. She doesn’t know you’re in Lingnan. Then tell her! Maybe another time. You’ve been scribbling and calculating for days. You can’t figure out this small account? I want to do a litchi transport trial. I must predict
potential problems en route in advance. Isn’t this an armchair strategy? What can it reveal? I don’t understand politics or rhetoric. I passed the imperial exam
in arithmetic. After entering service I dealt daily with ledgers, warehouse books, reports, and registers. All I can do is calculate. All I can rely on is calculation. Take a break. Let’s eat. I don’t have any appetite. Calculations reveal shocking costs. The money I got from Elder Su is far from enough. Since it’s mentioned, I think I should help. Just say it. How much short? I minimized costs as much as I could. Still 2,580 guan short. Sorry, I said I could help. Shande, just go to bed. Two thousand five hundred and eighty. 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. Someone instigated this. Investigate! Rooster Poppa. Rooster Poppa! Did he confess? Where’s the poison from? This slave stammers. Now he’s as dumbstruck
as a wooden chicken from the big trouble he caused. How dare you say chicken? I will shut up. Rooster Poppa! The Litchi Envoy came, and he wants
four more transit documents. This greedy beast. He’s never satisfied. Refuse. But this Litchi Envoy will be gone on the first day
of the sixth month anyway. Besides, he’s from Chang’an. We don’t know if he has any powerful friends. If we handle it wrong and give rivals ammunition to go against us at the Court, it’ll be hard for us to counter since we’re far away
from the corridors of power. Zhao, I’m so annoyed. I have to deal with Ma Guiyun and this Litchi Envoy at the same time. So annoying! If you ask me… If you ask me, give him what he wants this time. Speak louder! Let him profit slightly. After the first day of the sixth month, when the reprimand letter arrives, we’ll arrest
and send him back to Chang’an. We get what we lost from the documents under the imperial charges. No matter how much
the merchants earned with the documents, we will make them pay tenfold! Isn’t it better? Fine. Zhao, I can’t be bothered now. Go handle it. My mind’s full of roosters. You handle it. Aye. [Inspector’s Mansion] Sir, cool enough? 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. So I’ll start preparing for the trial. Okay.