MULTI SUB【The Litchi Road】EP26 | Li Shande asked Madame Shiqi to recommend him to Your Excellency
[The Litchi Road] [A Large Carp] [Ten years ago] I can walk by myself. Let go! Gentlemen? Mr. Liu will decide which one is right! But he’s… Mr. Liu, look! Look! How dare you? Stop it! Who are you? He’s new here. Li, from Mat… Li Shande, specialized in mathematics. Why return to the Office
instead of on your shift at the Leyou Garden? He poisoned it! Lies! I didn’t! Don’t slander me! You poisoned it. Mr. Liu. Today we went to release fish
at the Leyou Garden. When I just unloaded fish basins from the cart, I turned around and saw that the water surface was strewn with broken leaves. Red toon shoots. Harmless to humans, but deadly to fish. Carp are unlike other fish. When they see ripples on the surface, they leap out of the water to bite. Common folk
don’t understand this habit, hence the legend of carp becoming loongs
after they leap over the Loong Gate. Enough! Mr. Liu, you must uphold justice for me, Mr. Liu! For me too! You were trying to kill these carp! Then you can ask the Office of Imperial Parks to purchase new ones so that you can get a kickback. I implore your discernment, Mr. Liu! It’s malicious slander. Fine. If what you said is true, he’ll face severe punishment. If you falsely accused Mr. Song, you’ll forfeit one month’s salary. One month? One… One month is… Gentlemen. There’s no need to quarrel over a carp. He’s new to the Office of Imperial Parks. He doesn’t know the rules yet. He’s full of youthful fervor,
which is understandable. Let’s both compromise. Very well. Liangyuan. You need to calm down, too. I shouldn’t have struck you just now. Here. These two roughskin sculpins are my gift of apology. But the roughskin sculpin
is a Huating specialty. It’s not sold publicly since it’s
reserved for the East Palace. These must be from our Office’s icehouse. I heard our icehouse stores precious tribute vegetables and fruits from all prefectures, reserved for… I am in a humble position. I don’t deserve to have them. I beg your investigation. If I falsely accused him, I’ll forfeit one month’s salary. Mr. Liu. If the investigation confirms I did it, I’ll accept punishment, too. Mr. Liu, you can’t drink yet! You just ate a yellow peach which has a warm nature. When it’s mixed with wine, it will cause inner heat. Mr. Liu! Mr. Liu! Mr. Liu! Mr. Liu! Earlier when we took the fish outside, we found it alive! It’s not dead. Impossible! Absolutely true! Go take a look. Liangyuan, perhaps you misjudged. I forgive you. But I’m afraid you must forfeit one month’s salary as Mr. Liu said. That’s not the same fish! It is the same fish! [Episode 26] I bought some flatbread for you and Xiu. I didn’t expect you home. Hitting snags with the approval? “Those who labor with mind govern; those who labor with strength
are governed.” Now I understand where the “labor” lies for mind-laborers. The official world is like an ocean. Poor swimmers like me will either drown or get killed by fish. Had I known I’d end up like this, I should’ve embezzled. Why transport litchis? You didn’t because unlike other officials, you still have a conscience. I have a conscience. What good is it? I’ve been working with conscience. What did I get in return? Rejection everywhere! I should have acted like other officials. I should have shed conscience, grabbed profits, and hoarded wealth. This way at least I could provide for my daughter. Don’t despair. So many people in Lingnan care for you. Don’t fail them. But there are more people
who failed me! Transporting litchis is already an impossible mission. So why do you all block me at every turn? He Youguang tried to kill me! When I finally reached Chang’an, my memorial was rejected and the transport method was swindled. Why? Why are human hearts worse than wolves? Do I crave litchis? Do I? It’s His Majesty! It’s the Right Chancellor… the Right Chancellor’s sister! His sister wants them! I’ve been trying so hard, and yet I end up like this. Why? Don’t console me. It’s okay. I know what you want to say. So you quit transporting litchis? I quit. No one helps me. The transporting is pointless. I see no solution. I am at my wits’ end and I have no way out. I quit. In the past months, I always felt like there was a boulder pressing on my chest and I couldn’t breathe. I can only get it out of my system when my daughter’s away. Sorry that you have to see this. There’s nothing to be sorry about. When I lost my status
as the Guild Leader, and everyone betrayed me, I didn’t know how to fight He Youguang and avenge my father. But then I saw you. It was a suicidal task, yet you managed
to fight your way out. You kept me from giving up. A few days ago, I met Mr. Lu. Though he didn’t say it outright, I could tell that even if I reached Chang’an, I’d be useless to their plan, at least until they gather
enough evidence. But I won’t quit. I’ll return to Lingnan and seize evidence myself. I beg you not to quit either. Why did you come to see me? After much thought, I think I should return to Lingnan to help Yun Qing obtain evidence. Lingnan… But that’s He Youguang’s territory. You’ll be like entering the tiger’s den. Then I’ll have to protect you. I have a plan. If I return under the guise of managing litchi transport, I will become His Majesty’s agent. He Youguang can not afford to kill me. You mean to join the Litchi Commissioner’s transport? I severed ties with He Youguang because of my father’s death. So I hoped the Court could grant me immunity. But the Litchi Commissioner has been rejected by all offices. He can’t get the approval he needs, and my plan won’t work. So I hope you can help him solve it. The Right Chancellor wants to have a lavish birthday feast
for the Noble Consort on an unprecedented scale. He’s prepared exotic treasures, trying to stun all guests at the feast. Lingnan’s litchis are rare and valuable. He supervises and handles every detail. If you help the Litchi Commissioner, and he actually brings litchis to Chang’an, aren’t we aiding the Right Chancellor to make a show of himself? If litchis arrive, it’s just to gild refined gold for the Right Chancellor. But if it fails, the Litchi Commissioner dies. He was a minor official
at the Office of Imperial Parks. This honest and kind man was tricked into this fatal task. He never embezzled during his stay
in Lingnan for over a month. He’s been focusing
on transporting litchis because he just wants to stay alive and get his simple life back. Isn’t this why we want
to topple the Right Chancellor? Because we don’t want any innocent people like him to suffer again. If we do nothing and just watch him die, how are we different from those power holders who trample commoners’ lives? What’s the chance of success for your action in Lingnan? I know someone. He definitely holds evidence of He Youguang’s corruption. Consultant Konglang’s hands are tied when it comes to this person. But I’m certain I can turn him. The other day, I met Ma Guiyun when I went
to buy information at Konglang Bookstore. He was there for information, too? Not so simple. He held a pink round fan, clearly a love token for a lady. But at the Konglang Bookstore, only Consultant Konglang, who remains unseen, is female. Ma Guiyun tries to pursue Consultant Konglang? So it’s a romantic story, but why are you so agitated? Are you jealous? Don’t jest. All you see is romance. Didn’t it cross your mind that if they’re involved romantically, he will know every piece of information I bought? Actually, it means
not all the information I got from her is true. Then it gets complicated. Unfathomable. I suspect he isn’t really Ma Guiyun, the Right Chancellor’s envoy. Ping’an?
[*Safe] Yes, safe! I reached Lingnan safe and sound! Why are you here, too? What a coincidence. Pan Bao, who once met Ma Guiyun, died in Chang’an. Pan Bao died before the twenty-sixth? Why wasn’t I informed? The Right Chancellor’s new envoy died mid-sentence. You, you… You are not… It’s not I don’t want to return. I truly can’t. Only Consultant Konglang can confirm his identity now. But why did he impersonate Ma Guiyun? For money! I wish he did it for money. I suspect he’s not working
for the Right Chancellor, but the Left Chancellor. Among all the officials in the Court, only the Left Chancellor rivals the Right Chancellor. Heavens! Honey, you’re so shrewd! You’re even able to deduce what happened in Chang’an. But why did the Left Chancellor send him here? Probably to topple He Youguang, dragging down the Right Chancellor. It’s… a vital problem for us! You should go tell He Youguang now! I can’t interfere. Or I’d be in the same boat with him. I didn’t know he killed Havoc. He didn’t hesitate to kill his sworn brother, let alone me. But if he falls, you will go down with him. You’re his Chief Secretary. If the Court starts to investigate, you won’t escape. What… What should we do? Don’t panic. Has the evidence I asked you to gather been hidden? Rest assured. It’s hidden in a safe place. Good. It will save our lives when the moment of truth comes. If I’m right about Ma Guiyun’s identity, then everything is about to change. He Youguang, I served you day and night and managed all affairs
in your home and office. Yet you treated me like a house slave. So don’t blame me for trying to save myself. I made a mistake going there. But I think I deceived him because I responded
with agility and wit. You’ve let the cat out of the bag. Zhao Xinmin was a Sea Sail Share broker in Lingnan. He mingled with all walks of life. He’s good at reading minds. The fact that he worked up to the position
of Chief Secretary under He Youguang during these years proves that he’s more cunning
than most people. If he distrusts you, you can just return to Chang’an. But if he begins to suspect me, he won’t believe it whatever my reply is for his inquiry about Amita. I was careless. What can I do to fix it? Never mind. I’ll handle Zhao Xinmin. Halt. Before Tu died, he said he held evidence of He Youguang buying lamp oil. If we obtain it soon, we don’t need to bother with these trivialities. Did you find the evidence? Luotuo. Let’s go. I investigated. Tu likely gave evidence to a woman named Chai, his childhood sweetheart. Chai? Also a Dong person. Tell your ma’am. I’ll investigate this matter myself. Who is gossiping about me? Gou. Fetch water for the ladies. Yes! Fine. Since you’re sincere, I’ll ask around for you. I haven’t heard anything from him since Li Shande returned to Chang’an. Will he transport litchis or not? Surely! He’s busy negotiating transport matters. Rest assured. He thinks of the orchard all the time, and you, too. No wonder I sneezed. Li Shande misses me! How much is this? Ten wen per piece. It’s so expensive! I could buy several pieces
of flatbread! Off you go then. The fact that I have a pastry shop in Pingkang Ward shows my skills. This crispy cake is unique in Chang’an. You can only find it here. It’s crispy outside with meat filling. A perfect sweet-savory balance. I can have that balance by having flatbread with malt sugar. If you say so, how about something else? How much is this one? More expensive than crispy cake. It’s too ugly to be a gift. This one? Jade Dew pastry. Jade Dew pastry? Nice name. It must be pricey. Well, among current pastries, it’s the cheapest. How much is it? Five wen per piece. I like this one! If I buy five, can I have the broken one for free? Broken ones can’t be gifted. I’ll taste it myself. Fine. Mr. Xu. The Litchi Commissioner is here again. Why are you here again? I was passing by a pastry shop in Pingkang Ward. Jade Dew pastry. Freshly made. So I brought some for you. What is this for? I don’t need it. Try some. I don’t deserve your Jade Dew pastry. I can’t submit your memorial. Last time I said that in a moment of anger. I stormed off, and we parted unpleasantly. Forgive me. I didn’t see it from your perspective. Sorry. I’m not here for the memorial. I am here to apologize. Liangyuan, a frank man like you shouldn’t learn flattery. It’s just a misunderstanding. We were classmates for three years. How could I blame you
for such a matter? I’d blame your task, though. Whoever takes it will face challenges. I’m partly to blame, too. I’ve lost my true self. During the years as an official, I’ve become so cunning. I was ashamed of myself. We both have our problems. Forgive me. It’s only human nature. I understand.
If you bend the rules for me, other old classmates might follow the example and seek favors. Then you’ll be troubled. This time I don’t come to seek favors. I seek information. Go on. I heard Mr. Yu leads procurement for Her Highness’s feast. Has he come
to the Left Treasury Office lately? You must have misheard. Mr. Yu oversees procurement. But he needs not handle minor tasks such as storage details personally. His subordinates handle it. Liangyuan, why do you ask about Mr. Yu? Isn’t he skilled in transport and procurement? He’s experienced, and I seek advice. Do you know where I can find him? Procurement covers a vast scope. He’s constantly moving without a fixed workplace. It’s difficult to try to meet him. I’ll tell you what. If I see him, I’ll inform you. If chance allows, I will introduce you to him. Okay? Thank you! Liangyuan, don’t take me wrong this time. I’ll take my leave. I… Take the Jade Dew pastry with you. Keep them! Don’t be so formal. We were classmates. Don’t sound like a stranger! Take them! Then… Okay. I’ll take one for my daughter. You keep the rest! Keep them! Mr. Yu, lately, you’ve exhausted yourself
for the procurement. I admire your dedication to handling every detail personally. Her Highness’s feast is a task assigned by His Majesty. The Right Chancellor entrusted me to handle it. If I don’t oversee the work personally, how could I rest assured? You’re right. Your dedication is a model for us all. By the way, a Litchi Commissioner came earlier. He sought your whereabouts. I fobbed him off and dismissed him since I don’t know why he asked. Mr. Xu, tribute goods have flown
in and out heavily at the Left Treasury Office recently. You haven’t rested for long, right? I’m having a banquet today inviting the Director of the Bureau of Equipment
of the Ministry of War and the Secretary of the Tax Bureau of the Ministry of Revenue. Will you join us? I’m honored by your invitation. I’ll attend. Mr. Yu, I specially bought the Jade Dew pastry
from the Pingkang Ward. Try some if you like. Any progress? Mr. Lu sent word. The litchi transport is overseen by the Right Chancellor. The Left Chancellor
and the Jing’an Office can’t interfere. But he found a path to meet the Right Chancellor. What is it? The patron behind Madame Shiqi is the Right Chancellor. Madame Shiqi knows him? How close are they? But she’s just a folk lender. She likely lacks direct ties with him. But at least she can relay messages. The litchi transport
is the Right Chancellor’s project for Her Highness’s birthday. Now that you’ve made progress, he has no reason to refuse you. Even if he’s approachable,
his underlings make trouble. Madame Shiqi pressures me to repay. If I seek her, it means the approval I sought failed. I fear she’ll harm Xiu. Pirates have a saying: “If there’s profit, your foe can become your friend in the end.” If she truly wants repayment, she’ll consider helping. Begging her is a last resort. But now, you have no other choice. After days of struggle, I still have to confront
the greatest danger. As for today’s gathering, I’d like to introduce you to each other for mutual support at work. Also, I’d like to trouble you with a small matter. Sure. What is it? About the Litchi Commissioner. Rest assured, Mr. Yu. Though he was my classmate, we share no bond. When he submitted his memorial, I rebuffed him. The Litchi Commissioner also came to the Tax Bureau. I dismissed him with just a few words and sent him to the Secretariat-Chancellery. No need for such effort! The Litchi Commissioner never entered the Ministry of War! He is handling His Majesty’s task. What I am trying to say is, stop passing the buck. The approval he wants should be granted swiftly. I just happened to bring his memorial with me. Mr. Yu, it’s not that I refuse. But the Tax Bureau manages state funds, and we must be ultra-cautious. Mr. Yu, he was my classmate. I didn’t lie to him. No storage is needed after the litchis enter Chang’an. All the costs he needs are en route and have nothing to do with the Left Treasury Office. Mr. Yu, you’re a transport expert yourself. From Lingnan to Chang’an… Transportation costs aside, the litchis alone would be a problem. After ten-plus days on the road, even the freshest litchis would leak juices and rot with an unbearable odor. No one believes he can deliver them. I do. If you think again, though litchis need no storage, it’s still tribute, thus under
the Left Treasury Office’s purview. Mr. Yu… The funding needs he submitted are clear and reasonable. Therefore, funds should be allocated in advance. We should provide our support. Right? We should help him. I thought today’s gathering was to make friends. But it turns out to be a trap. We share different principles,
so there’s no common ground for us. Farewell. Zhou Sanlang? What brings you here? Mr. Ma. I, Zhou Sanlang,
am here to greet my master. We the Baiwang Gang in Chang’an pledge loyalty and we will do whatever you tell us. Mr. Ma, remember our massive smuggling trade? Without Mr. Yu’s constant cover-up, we’d have been in prison long ago. Of course, I remember. Of course… Mr. Yu, the litchi transport falls under the Bureau of Equipment. Therefore, it’s my duty to support him. I shall not refuse. Come on. Mr. Yu! Mr. Yu! [Pingkang Ward] Getting approval isn’t impossible. But I need your help. How is that my concern? Following procedures is time-consuming
and the process is painfully tedious. You can’t afford to wait, nor can I. But if a highly respected figure helps bypass procedure… Helps bypass procedure, I’m happy, and you’re happy. Stop beating around the bush. Speak plainly. What do you want from me? I heard one of your patrons is the Right Chancellor who oversees the litchi transport. If I could meet him, our dilemmas would vanish. Li Shande, are you mad? You want to meet the Right Chancellor? Even I can’t meet him! Who do you think you are? Just relay a message. I’m certain he wants to bring litchis to His Majesty. So he’ll see me. In Pingkang Ward, every day, countless people seek a chance to meet the Right Chancellor. There are even several rooms reserved to store gifts from them. Yet even so, few succeed. You think your wild claims will make me help you? I know I’m asking a favor and I asked abruptly. But you see, you and I are connected by my debt. Now I am facing a life-and-death matter. If I die, the debt will be… you’re truly trained in math! Defaulting and yet you’re still glib. You’re trying to shift duty to me! I was raised in the Pingkang Ward. I’ve seen
all kinds of people and events. You think you can threaten me? Now I see that you won’t get the approval. Go home and raise money. If you still can’t repay your debt, you leave me no choice
but to take action. Madame Shiqi, I brought the deed. This is my entire fortune and is supposed to be my daughter’s future shelter. I know meeting the Right Chancellor saves me. But I have no access to him. If you help, I’ll mortgage this deed. I can’t help
but assist people in trouble. I’ll relay your message. We may lose our posts getting dragged
into this tricky business. If we refuse, we lose our posts immediately. But I am still confused about why Mr. Yu pushes this. Could litchis truly reach Chang’an? Without fish, turtles won’t stir. There’s a turtle above our heads, likely hunting big fish again. Tomorrow, we shall await in our offices. Feng Shiqi, a Baiwang Gang member, greets my master. [The Litchi Road] Tomorrow noon, The Right Chancellor
will pass the palace corridor. whether you can get him to stop for you all depends on yourself. I, the Supervisor
of the Office of Imperial Parks and Litchi Commissioner, Li Shande, greet Your Excellency! So many wish to see you fail. What do you say? ♪The beauty-loving ruler
longed for a divine lady♪ ♪Yet through his reign,
none stirred his soul’s desires♪ ♪A maiden of the Yangs
now ripens in grace♪ ♪Raised in seclusion,
unseen by any face♪ ♪Endowed with heaven-sent beauty,
she is bound to be known♪ ♪Finally chosen to be
where the ruler goes♪ ♪A glance, a smile,
and all charms awake♪ ♪The glow of all ladies in the harem
fades in her wake♪ ♪In the spring chill, she was granted
a bath in the Huaqing Hot Spring♪ ♪Thermal waves
embraced her moonlit skin♪ ♪Arms held by her attendants,
delicate and weak♪ ♪This marked the dawn
of royal favor’s peak♪ ♪Cloud-like hair, floral visage
with a golden step-shaking hairpin♪ ♪Lotus-curtains drank
their shared breath♪ ♪Dawn always came too soon,
shearing the night too short♪ ♪Thus indulged in joy, the ruler
no longer joined the morning court♪ ♪Entertain the ruler and attend events
without a moment to spare♪ ♪Spring outings and night-long stays
all through the year♪ ♪Despite thousands
of beauties in the harem♪ ♪All the ruler’s favor rests on her♪