《长安的荔枝 The Litchi Road》EP31：李善德与苏老渐行渐远，何刺史身陷困境｜雷佳音 岳云鹏｜古装 传奇 剧情｜KUKAN Drama
[The Litchi Road] [Candle Siege, Chapter Two] What I desire, I shall obtain. Sanlang, the contract’s deadline falls tomorrow. Where are the candles? This is the agreement you signed
with the Right Chancellor. Surely you don’t mean to renege? Mr. Yu, could you spare me? I’m just a petty official. This is between you
and the Right Chancellor. Why’d you ask me to spare you? How absurd. If you insist on pressing me, you might as well kill me outright. Then die. Promotion and prosperity. Mr. Yu, I beg you to show me a way out. I’ve known you for some days. Seeing you like this pains me as well. I can help you. But to satisfy the Right Chancellor, there are many obstacles to navigate. Name your price. Just save me. Good. Triple the interest, and I’ll see you through. You’re sharp. Mr. Wang is no longer helpful. Join me, and I’ll secure you
a far greater opportunity. Aye, aye. Mr. Yu, the Right Chancellor requests you. Your Excellency. Not a coin from the treasury, nor a cent from the privy purse. In 20 days, the principal and interest
were repaid in full. You’ve delivered on every promise. Well done. I have limited virtue and ability. This feat was beyond my power alone. Your support and guidance
made it possible. Your Excellency, my gratitude. I would like to recommend someone. All the candles for this procurement were supplied by him. Your Excellency, my gratitude. From now on, the procurement of candles for the palace will be
a regular practice. I appreciate your efforts. Aye. Mr. Yu, thank you for saving me. – Mr. Yu, thank you for saving us.
– Mr. Yu, thank you for saving us. And you don’t resent me for taking so much from you? You play the game openly, with skills. I admire that. Not like Mr. Wang, all he does
is extort and take bribes. I thought you were just making empty promises. Never imagined you’d truly bring me before the Right Chancellor. I’m convinced. From now on, Mr. Yu will be the leader for all the Baiwang Gangs in Chang’an. – Aye.
– Aye. [Episode 31] Lingnan is going to undergo a big change. Lingnan has entered the rainy season. Skies are fickle and quick to change. That’s natural. I just love how you’re so laid-back and clueless. What I mean is the local mastiff
and the Court’s falcon have crossed paths in Lingnan. Trouble is brewing. Honey, have you noticed something? Look, Li Shande gave Amita the title of the Hu merchant representative. Now they’re bound together. Ma Guiyun and Consultant Konglang are allies. Yet Ma Guiyun and Li Shande are also deeply entangled. In short, they’re all sworn enemies of that old guy. That old guy stands alone,
abandoned by all. Honey, perhaps you should make plans early. With your talent, you won’t lack for offers. No rush. There’s one man I haven’t figured out. That Mr. Yu from Chang’an. No matter how that old man tries to curry favor with him, he remains indifferent. He won’t even accept gifts. But I have a hunch that what he wants isn’t money. As for my final settlement, I’ll wait and see how things unfold. So He Youguang killed Amita’s father? Didn’t expect Lingnan to be so lively. Li Shande must have known everything. He looks simple and timid, yet he dared shield Amita before the Right Chancellor. He probably never imagined that coming to Lingnan to pick litchis would plunge him into such a storm. I was worried we wouldn’t accomplish one of my concerns
during my stay in Lingnan. But now the snipe and clam
have begun their fight. Then shouldn’t we muddy the waters further? You learn quickly. My guidance hasn’t been wasted on you. You may go now. I’m about to have another tear-jerking story to tell. I consulted the divination this morning. Winds rising, trouble coming. So you city men have come to me. Even hiding here, I can’t find a moment of peace. Ma’am, we’re friends of Tong. We’re here to ask you something. Didn’t you already find that path? What more is there to ask? Ma’am, before he died, Tu said he had proof that He Youguang killed Havoc. Did he leave it with you? If I had something that important, I’d have given it to you already. Ma’am, we know you and Tu were a couple. He wouldn’t lie to you. Please think again. Are there any other clues? I used to think I meant a lot to him. But I never expected this man to be more heartless than any beast. He finally sent something back, but all he brought were just herbs for his family. He didn’t bring me anything, not even a single word. I’ve come to understand. What we had was just my wishful thinking. He really didn’t bring you anything? Could you have missed something? Are you saying that just to provoke me? You city people talk too much! Don’t disturb my seclusion. Get out of here! Go now! Ma’am, Havoc was my father. I was young when he was murdered. I was raised by the murderer. That’s why the evidence is really important to me. The fire at the Whale-riding Tower led to the downfall of Sea Sail Share, ruined Tu’s life, and left countless families broken. The evidence left behind by Tu is enough to prove that He Youguang was the mastermind behind that disaster. I seek not only
to clear my father’s name, but also to bring justice to those who suffered. This is the box he sent back. Search it again and see if you can find anything. What clues could there be in this? I told you so. He Youguang killed Tu too. Why would I hide anything from you? You said there were some herbs in this box? Yes. Were they precious herbs? Not at all. Just herbs that could be easily picked on Dayu Mountains. I was puzzled back then. It was not easy to send something back. Yet he included nothing rare. That’s strange. Because this isn’t a herb box. It’s a box specifically used on the sea to store documents. Because it’s waterproof and damp-proof. Well… Could someone have tampered with it? Tong. Where’s Elder Su? He said he’d come with you today. He… He saw how busy I was, so he didn’t stay with me. How could that be? He said it was your birthday today. He even prepared a birthday gift for you. He actually remembers. He won’t be coming today. We had a bit of a misunderstanding. What was it about? I failed to keep a promise I made him. Then you must explain it to him. Yes. I should explain it. Indeed. They say merchants
only care about profits. But Elder Su, that sly old dog, really considers you a friend. He had that Hu-style gift ready long ago. He didn’t prepare it just because you’re doing well now. Elder Su won’t be coming. But I brought you a gift too. This is the biggest litchi we’ve harvested so far. We call it the Vermilion Litchi. There’s only one like this every year. They say eating it prolongs life. I specifically kept it for you. The biggest one? Then it’s now a tribute offering. There are plenty of litchis. If you don’t take it,
I’ll give it to someone else. I never said I wouldn’t. I… I… Thank you, Miss Tong. No need to thank me. This is what friends do. You forgot to bring me wine, yet I still gave you
the Vermilion Litchi. You all pulled me from despair, allowing me to continue moving forward along this faint glimmer of hope. Now, the litchi transport isn’t just about my life now. Success is the only way to honor your faith in me and repay every kindness done. Tong, do you still have enough litchis
in your orchard? Yes, I’ve saved them all for you. But you want to cut off half a branch and take away a cluster, you’ll ruin an entire healthy tree. I know. Only a few clusters will be ruined during transport. It won’t affect the harvest of your entire litchi orchard. And I’ll petition His Majesty to reward you. Alright. Then I’ll let you off this time. Have a taste. This gamble isn’t just for myself but for everyone’s fervent enthusiasm. This is how true friends should be. That’s how it should be. Lan, lend me a bit more money. It’s an emergency. Didn’t I just lend you money? It’s only been a few days. How are you broke again? I have many expenses. Medicine, food, wine… And also… I have to support my lover. I thought you were ill. Doesn’t seem to affect your life. You have no idea. Medicine can cure diseases, but it can’t cure the pain. Lan, you don’t know how much I suffer at night. I’m just trying to find ways to forget about the pain. Tell me the truth, have you been gambling again? I just thought it wasn’t right to keep asking you
for money all the time. So I tried my luck a few times. When will you learn? Lan, Lan. Lan, look at me. I’m not up to demanding tasks. I don’t have any other way
to make money. Back in the day, when I played leaf cards
with your father, I was unstoppable in the gambling dens. That’s only because no one knew that you had a squint. You could peek right under their noses! Do I need to remind you of all that? Lan, the fortune-teller said my luck turns after hardship. The more I lose,
the greater the rebound. So I thought I’d test my luck. Alright, okay. I won’t gamble again. Just two more guan, please. This time it’s truly for medicine. Lan, Mr. He is here. Wait for me. Keep an eye on him. Guai. Greetings. Rooster Poppa. Lan. Let me check on the roosters first. We’ll talk later. Zhao, you… You chat with him first. I’m coming! The roosters aren’t even out yet. Why has Mr. He come early? He’s escorting a guest today. Who’s the honored guest? From Chang’an. From the palace. Pick a few roosters. Make sure the guest wins after a thrilling match. So let him sweat for victory. Exactly. My thanks. Where is he? He slipped away from here right after you left. He was as scared as a mouse seeing a cat. I thought you scolded him away. If he truly feared me, he wouldn’t dare demand money so boldly. No, no. This one. This one won’t do. I say this one’s fine. Mr. He. Our honored guest is here. You’re here. Mr. He, Mr. Zhao. Come on. These are the two best gamecocks here. Pick one. This one, then. Then I’ll take this one. Okay. Mr. He, I’m here just to oversee the transport preparations for Mr. Yu. How did we end up gaming? Have a seat. Mr. He, after you. Lingnan isn’t like Chang’an. We have our own rules here. When we’re on official business, we do our utmost. And after we’re done, we play hard. Only when we’ve had a good time can we give our all to the next task. Zhao, what’s that saying again? You know, the one… “A guest should do as his host does.” “A guest should do as his host does.” Mr. He, you make a lot of sense. What’s going on here? The result is coming. Black Phoenix has won. Now for the second round. Place your bets. Congratulations, sir. Mr. He, Mr. Yu often teaches me one shouldn’t accept rewards
without earning them. This windfall may be more than I deserve. A man’s fate is written by heaven. The wealth meant for you can’t be refused. You’ve earned this with your skills. You should just take it. Come on. Take it. It’s getting late. I must report back to Mr. Yu. Any delay will earn me a reprimand. Young man, I’ve been wanting to tell you that since Mr. Yu arrived in Lingnan, he’s been going all out
and sparing no effort for the litchi transport for His Majesty. He fell ill so soon. Perhaps I should go back with you to visit him? Mr. He, do you really have to ask? Mr. Yu isn’t ill. He simply refuses your gifts. How can these be considered gifts? This is just my way
of showing my respect for Mr. Yu. Is that wrong? Mr. Yu keeps his distance to avoid entanglement with you. He seeks his own path to profit. But there are countless paths. Which one has Mr. Yu chosen? He learned Lingnan once had the Sea Sail Share. He seems very interested, saying it’s a golden opportunity
to attract real wealth. So Mr. Yu is quite knowledgeable about the Sea Sail Share. Indeed. He also mentioned that Mr. Li once conducted
a transport trial in Lingnan, which is well-known to everyone here. Such influence rivals Havoc’s in his day. Once His Majesty enjoys the litchis, the litchis from Gaozhou will surely become famous
throughout Tang. If we can issue the Litchi Share early, the profits will be immeasurable. Mr. Yu truly lives up to his reputation
as someone from Chang’an and the right hand of the Right Chancellor. He’s only been in Lingnan
for a few days, yet he’s come up with such visions. He’s truly a master strategist,
thinking ahead. No wonder they call him “the Turtle”. Mr. He, you don’t know the origin of that title, do you? Do tell. Once, a giant turtle was presented as a tribute
from the far-eastern Penglai. It went berserk and killed two people. Both were exposed as corrupt officials. His Majesty and Her Highness
visited the turtle and inscribed, “There stands a turtle
before the throne, its longevity surpassing
even that of a tortoise. Eyes burning bright,
it discerns loyalty from treachery, and justice from wickedness.” Just then, the Right Chancellor arrived with Mr. Yu. Hearing this, Mr. Yu prostrated himself, vowing, “Your Majesty, I will be your turtle, praying for longevity for you
and Her Highness, and purging the wicked within and beyond these palace walls.” His Majesty rejoiced at these words. From then on, he was known as “the Turtle”. Mr. He, I’ve spoken a bit more only for the sake of the reward. In Chang’an, those identified by Mr. Yu would undoubtedly be treacherous. Farewell. – Mr. Ma, you’re here.
– Mr. Ma. Has Squint-eyed Feng come by lately? Yes. He came yesterday. Mr. Zhao, you asked me to keep an eye on Amita. I found out that she’s been looking for a Squint-eyed Feng. He lied to us. He should have Tu’s evidence. Squint-eyed Feng? I’m familiar with this guy. Found him? Of what use is the evidence to him? He’s thinking of making some money one day. He plans to sell it to He Youguang, or maybe to one of his enemies, to make a profit. But he’s being foolish. He Youguang kills without hesitation. Holding such evidence invites death. Lan, we must find him together. Lan, by seniority, I’m your uncle. You shouldn’t have caught me like this. Then why did you avoid me? How could I not? You’re always so fierce. You show no respect for your elders. Still beating around the bush, huh? Tell me, do you have Tu’s evidence? Tu’s… What evidence? I’ve told you all I know. Still playing dumb? Tu was unable to rest in peace. Yet He Youguang is safe and sound. If you have any conscience, hand over the evidence. Don’t you fear Tu’s ghost will haunt you? If he comes, all the better. I don’t have many days left anyway. I’ll just catch up with him, and ask him… Squint-eyed Feng, tell me, who swapped the contents of that box? Tu specifically asked you to deliver something to his family. Was it just common herbs from his doorstep? Wait… Guai. Uncle, when have I ever refused you money? Must you grasp at every petty gain? I know you look down on me, considering me less than human and a wasted life. But I wasn’t like this when I first came to Lingnan. Back then, my mother sold her dowry jewelry to fund my journey. I vowed to make something of myself in Lingnan
and bring honor to our family. Yet… things turned out otherwise. I’m a victim too. Even when my parents passed away, I didn’t have the face to go back. They must have thought they raised an ungrateful son. Uncle, letters from your home were sent to me. I told them you were doing great in Lingnan, saying you’ve been helping me
manage my business. I even sent money back in your name. So at least in their eyes, you’re not as bad as you think. Lan, thank you. You and your father are good men. But, Lan, you’re a bit late. I need money. I need to take the money
and leave Lingnan. So I sold the evidence. To whom? A former broker in Sea Sail Share, and now the Chief Secretary
of the Inspector’s Mansion, called Zhao Xinmin. So close to securing the evidence, yet Zhao Xinmin beat us to it. Will he hand it to He Youguang? They say Mr. Yu has stayed aloof from He Youguang since arriving in Lingnan. Yes. No matter what grand gifts He Youguang offers, he’s always turned away. Zhao Xinmin is so shrewd. He can definitely tell that Mr. Yu is up to no good. Until the game’s decided, he’ll never easily side with anyone, let alone be swayed by anyone. So he’s definitely keeping the evidence to himself. Zhao, sit and drink with me. My thanks. Thank you for the wine. Zhao, these years serving me must’ve been hard. I’ve got a bad temper. I often yelled and shouted at you. Please forgive me. Let’s have a drink. Alright. Here. Let me. I couldn’t. Let me do it. But do you know why I’ve always been so harsh with you? It’s because I consider you
one of my own. Indeed. All these years, you’ve been managing everything at the Inspector’s Mansion. Your toil hasn’t gone unnoticed. Though you’ve skimmed plenty too. I’m telling you, I know all about it. Don’t try to fool me. Sir, don’t joke with me. I didn’t. I truly consider you as my friend. Sir, it’s a great honor for me that you see me that way. How time flies. You’ve been by my side for so many years. Do you still remember how you got here? I’ll never forget. Back then I was just a clerk in Sea Sail Share, a petty broker. I had lofty ambitions but no way to realize them. And then, Sea Sail Share went up in flames. Had you not made me your secretary, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I remember you telling me that one should have the wisdom
to discern right from wrong and unwavering will. I’ve kept those words in my heart and use them as a motto
to constantly reflect on myself. Right. I’m glad you still remember. I’ve been feeling really troubled lately. Yet in all of Lingnan, there’s no one I can truly confide in. Only you, Zhao. The rest don’t understand me. Lingnan is becoming turbulent. The turtles long submerged now dare surface. Amita is coming after me, and she’s got the support
of the Right Chancellor. Li Shande is no longer the man he was. If he successfully transports the litchis
back to Chang’an, he won’t let me off. And those Hu Merchants
are all so fickle. None of them listen to me anymore. And then there’s Mr. Yu. He’s even thinking of issuing
Litchi Share in Lingnan. Those turtles won’t unclench their jaws. They’re not here for money. They’re here to take our lives. Lingnan’s skies and earth haven’t changed, yet the people’s hearts have. Zhao, sometimes I even wonder if you’re still on my side. A knight dies for those
who appreciate him. I’d give my life for you, Mr. He. Zhao, my thanks. Like minds cherish one another. Zhao, I trust you. Isn’t Mr. Yu planning to issue Litchi Share? We’ll issue our own. So that means we’re going against him? That’s exactly what we’re doing. Cards on the table. Zhao, think about it. For so many years, how much have we funneled to the Right Chancellor? But he still hungers. He even sent an arrogant and insatiable eunuch here. What’s he up to? You go ahead and just do this. If anything goes wrong,
I’ll take the blame. I’ve got the Military Fish Tally
in my hands. Who dares challenge me? Sir, we’ve never been able to get involved
in the Litchi Share business. If Mr. Yu issues an official document warning people about the risks, the Litchi Share scheme
will collapse instantly. He wouldn’t dare! I bet he doesn’t have the guts! If Lingnan descends into chaos from his actions, could he shoulder that blame? If he declares the Litchi Share violates the Tang Code and cuts off the source, when Lingnan falls into chaos, the blame will still fall on you. Haste makes waste, but delay preserves safety. This can’t be delayed. We must cut the knot swiftly. Whether we advance or retreat, the blade falls. We can’t just wait to die. Also, let’s use this Litchi Share business to lure out every lurking turtle. Then we’ll negotiate
with them face-to-face. See if we can talk. If it goes well, fine. If not, throw them all into the river
to feed the fish. End it cleanly. I refuse to believe we can’t deal with them. [The Litchi Road] Is Elder Su the only one with double-layered urns? Yes. Only him. I demand to see Mr. Li! Take them away! Let me see Mr. Li! Take your men and seal off the city. No one, and no information, is to leave Lingnan tonight. Li Shande,
the Imperial Litchi Commissioner, pays his respects
to the Naval Commander! Tonight, we’ll see whose luck holds out better. ♪The moon rises, the sun sets♪ ♪I recall the deep feelings again♪ ♪Dwelling on it♪ ♪Dawns to dusks,
a thousand miles apart we gaze♪ ♪Gatherings, partings,
rights and wrongs♪ ♪Wind and rain blur the sight♪ ♪My longing travels
through endless years♪ ♪The past is behind us,
and the future is ahead♪ ♪Our joy will fade with time♪ ♪I keep our old times in mind♪ ♪The sea turns into starlight♪ ♪We gather, scatter,
like clouds across the sky♪ ♪Winds hum through trembling leaves♪ ♪Achievements and faults
are all in vain♪ ♪No mountain too steep,
no journey too far♪ ♪It’s just♪ ♪Green thrives
while vitality of us fades♪ ♪Glitz and glamour vanish♪ ♪Carved into vicissitudes♪ ♪Throughout all time,
I have lived on ordinary♪ ♪Without knowing
if you are in sorrow or delight♪ ♪The chaos in the world has no end♪ ♪Alone I’ll stay in this yard
with osmanthus♪ ♪Waiting for your return,
watching new sprouts♪ ♪Appreciating the blossoms
all by myself♪ ♪Unharmed by seasons’ change♪ ♪Is Chang’an♪ ♪On the way to Lingnan?♪