MULTI SUB【The Litchi Road】EP32 | Su Liang was framed, and Youguang’s rebellion plot became exposed
[The Litchi Road] [A Peacock Plume] Once upon a time, in a destitute tribe, there was a lovely boy. Nearly every day, he would take the family’s only little lamb outside. They would climb the mountaintop, stand beneath a tree, and gaze at the sea together. One day, the southeast monsoon brought a great ship. Bouncing and hopping,
the boy and the lamb rushed down to the shore. Some bearded merchants got off the ship. Learning that this place produced nothing, they were deeply disappointed. They planned to depart when the winds rose next dawn. They asked the boy if he wished to crew their ship and sail with them to the sea’s end, to behold a world of gold. The boy was tempted. But the lamb seemed to sense danger’s breath. It kept butting its horns at the strangers. A merchant took off a peacock plume from his hat and said, “I’ll trade this precious feather for your lamb.” The boy replied, “No! I’ll never sell my only friend.” Then he left with the lamb. On the hillside the boy fell asleep, waking to find the lamb gone. No matter how he called, no answer came. He whistled sharply and searched wildly everywhere. At sunset, he returned to the shore. Suddenly he caught a savory scent. He saw merchants circle round a bonfire devouring roasted meat. A lamb’s hide was tied to one merchant’s waist. The boy charged madly, ready to fight. The merchant shoved him lightly, sending him crashing onto the sand. The merchant said, “Only the weak weep over scattered dunes. Come join us. If you win, I’ll seat you as the first guest at tonight’s feast.” Perhaps at that moment, the boy had a realization. The next day when the sea winds rose, the boy boarded the great ship. Slowly it left the shore, with the destitute tribe laid behind and the sea’s end stretched ahead. It was a world of gold. The boy became a sailor, tightly clutching that peacock plume. [Episode 32] Lingnan’s litchis will sweep through the nation of Tang. Thus the Litchi Share promises steady gain without loss. Each share is priced at 500 wen. We urge all to buy eagerly. If the litchi transport succeeds, the share value shall double. Litchi Share? I guess it’s like the Sea Sail Share. Folly teaches wisdom. The Sea Sail Share
was a money-losing proposition! Exactly! Silence! Silence! Good people, I know your doubts. But think. The Sea Sail Share was issued by a pirate. Right? Vanished when he died. But this Litchi Share comes from the government, backed by the Inspector’s Office and even His Majesty. It’s fully guaranteed! That makes sense. Truth be told… Yes. Merchants have been craving such profits. But the Inspector cares for Lingnan’s people. He wants the benefit to flow into your hands, bringing local prosperity. You’ve witnessed the Litchi Commissioner’s trial. Gaozhou’s litchis will reach Chang’an for His Majesty to taste. Soon litchis in our Gaozhou will become a trend in the whole nation. How much per share? Five hundred wen. Seek details over there. Let’s ask! Go! Officer. Can you tell us more about it? The Litchi Share Decree! Lingnan abounds with litchis. His Majesty sent a Litchi Overseer… Elder Su, what is this Litchi Share about? Indeed. You guys surely know Mr. He’s character. It’s most likely that he issues the Litchi Share
to profit himself. If you buy it now, you aid his schemes. Once commoners follow our example investing a lot of wealth into this, no one can tell where this river of money will flow to. Don’t invest! Many more families might be ruined! Moreover, fortune shifts like storms. You must still recall the Sea Sail Share disaster and are still fluttering with fear. He Youguang wrecked the Sea Sail Share, which cost me dearly! True! He wants to issue another share? I’ll be the first to resist! Not a coin from me, either! Gentlemen! Keep calm. Elder Su, give us the truth. We’ll skip the Litchi Share. So when can we invest
in the litchi transport? Patience brings solutions. Give Mr. Li time. I trust his character. Rest assured. I’ll never yield nor retreat, not until I hit the wall. I won’t quit easily. Li Shande. Is Elder Su still upset? I wronged him. I’ll seek him today to apologize and explain. Elder Su. You’re here. I came to visit you. I also brought something novel. Something novel? Townsfolk call it the Litchi Share. I can’t believe the Inspector of Lingnan
is stooping so low! The litchi transport is our charge. Yet he seeks to profit from it right in front of us, the Imperial Commissioners! Shameless greed! I can imagine how he habitually preys on the common people. Mr. Li, rest assured. When I return to Chang’an, I’ll inform the Right Chancellor to punish him. Normally we’d return to Chang’an to settle this. But the litchi transport presses urgently. Issuing this share will erase Elder Su’s past contributions. We’ve denied him access
to the trade route. But we still owe him fair returns. He once stood by me with all he had. Now issuing the share benefits everyone. Even those who did nothing would profit. How can Elder Su accept this fact? Resentful, he might withhold
his double-layered urns. No urns, no litchi transport. Double-layered urns? I saw this name in the Transport Route Plan. Without them, litchis last merely seven days. Exactly! So it’s crucial for the transport. Only Elder Su has them? Yes. Foreign lands too. But importing takes too long. Now we have a problem. It seems minor but breeds disaster. We must stop He Youguang. We must! Stop him? He Youguang is an inspector. I’m merely a palace attendant. It’s beyond my power. No, it’s not! You’re not an attendant anymore. Your role is an overseer who’s supposed to oversee this matter! He Youguang is trying to incite commoners in Lingnan to invest! This is extortion and preying on people! As an overseer, oversee it! Investigate and punish him! I fear accusations of tyranny and abuse of power. Who dares? I have the silver token! None outranks the Right Chancellor! When we return to Chang’an, I’ll testify for you and against him! You must punish him! Mr. Li, if you testify for me, I’ll brave any danger to do it. I seek Mr. He by request. Can you kindly announce me? [Inspector’s Mansion]
The Inspector is busy. No audience for a minor Taoist priest. Then can you relay a message? “If kinsmen in Fanyang inquire, my heart remains
as pure as ice in a jade jar.” [Inspector’s Mansion] Reverend. Enter with me. Close the gate. Aye. All of you may leave. Don’t let anyone in. Reverend, I am He Youguang. The Noble One from Fanyang asks, “The hour approaches. Are you prepared?” I’ve awaited commands
from His Excellency for ten years and I never slackened. Now I’ve fulfilled his expectations. The Military Fish Tally is secured. The Navy is under my control awaiting His Excellency’s directives. [Inspector’s Mansion] Mr. Zhao. Why did you summon me urgently? Somehow Mr. He secluded himself at the back. Even I’m barred. Even you? The gatekeeper said a young Taoist priest visited
the other day. When they met, Mr. He turned grim. Don’t panic. He must have reasons to do that. I worry about the Litchi Share. Major Hu merchants abstain from it. So commoners start to hesitate. Only ten percent are sold. Mr. He’s seclusion at this time means he faces grave matters. We’re his right-hand men. We shall share his burdens. Well said. But why won’t merchants buy profitable shares? It’s Su Liang’s doing. He believes funding the litchi transport qualifies him for the lion’s share of the profits. So he has rallied other Hu merchants against our Litchi Share. That shrewd old goat! He dares scheme on our turf? I’ll take my men to arrest him to warn others. But arresting Su Liang would alarm Li Shande. With the Right Chancellor’s silver token, he’s formidable now. Any ideas? Perhaps. But we need a justification to take Su Liang. Make way! Make way! What happened? Make way! To what do we owe this uninvited visit, Mr. Yang? Elder Su. We found that a merchant house under your banner forged transit documents. Explain yourself. I don’t understand what you mean. Elder Su. Drop the pretense. You forged transit documents and counterfeited Mr. Li’s seal to profess that you served
the Litchi Commissioner’s task. You forged not one, but five such documents! It’s outrageous! You must be kidding. I lack such courage. You twisted the truth and misled yourselves. The Inspector’s Mansion always values evidence. The truth will emerge
after we investigate. Please cooperate and come with us. You try to warn someone? I want to see Mr. Li! Seize them all! Aye! I demand Mr. Li! Let me see him! What reckless tyranny! Well? Have you all gone through the subscription deeds? Any objections? Still no sign of Elder Su. Impossible! Keep searching! Yes, sir. Wait no more. Su Liang won’t come. Greed has no limits. Don’t follow his example to reject the profit
offered on a silver platter. You might end up starving to death. The litchi transport has dragged on too long. You’ve been tormented by the volatile situation. Now it’s time to decide. Buying the Litchi Share will put an end to this. If you have made up your mind, just sign it. [Inspector’s Mansion] Mr. Zhao. Mr. He summons you to the backyard. Okay. Mr. He. What troubles you? Ten years I’ve served you, I’ve never seen you like this. I investigated. Mr. Yu is more than what we see. A wolf in sheep’s clothing. Overseeing the litchi transport
is just a pretext. I’m his true target. The Right Chancellor? If I fall, you’re doomed. Flee with your family. Now. Mr. He, I fear no death. Years ago my talent was unrecognized, and I struggled in Lingnan. Although I had ambitions, I felt trapped and unappreciated. It was you who promoted me. I repay your kindness with loyalty. I am willing to die for you. You served me for many years. I don’t want to implicate you. I warn you, go now, or you will never escape. I’ll stand with you to the end against that overseer. Good! You’re worthy of my patronage over the years. I was just kidding! That stupid overseer has never mattered! I can crush him like an ant. I summoned you for great news. Last night I had a dream. An immortal told me that I resembled His Majesty. Your thoughts? Immortal? Immortals never lie. Indeed. Your features mirror His Majesty’s. I am an emperor, and a god! If what he said is true, why should I linger in Lingnan as the Right Chancellor’s watchdog? Isn’t it a waste of my talent? Zhao, I’ll show you something. Come on. Look. “Cold rain enters Wu with night’s tide. At dawn among the lonely Chu mountains,
I bid my guest goodbye. If my kin in Luoyang inquire, my heart remains as pure
as ice in a jade jar.” Know this poem? By Wang Changling after his exile to Jiangning. “As pure as ice in a jade jar” means his heart was pure with upright integrity. He also implied the emperor’s neglect of him
and indulgence toward bad officials. He meant the emperor couldn’t tell good officials
from the bad ones. But what’s the reality? Observe how ice melts in the jar, streaming out streams of talents pledging loyalty to the Noble One. I served the Right Chancellor for years while I suffered his constraints. Now he even sent this eunuch to discard me
because he finds me useless now. Zhao. You’re talented and resourceful. A true talent! Now the time has come. Join me to go big. I’ve played a mad inspector for ten years. You think I really care for those fighting roosters? I’ve long known
the Noble One in Fanyang. I’ve been thinking of and plotting this great event day and night for years. At sea, my pirate fellows can totally escort merchant ships. Why would I need a navy? I just used it as an excuse to secure the Military Fish Tally
from the Right Chancellor. So that I could replace navy men with my own to control the navy. And why did we spend years
operating the Guild, amassing funds and provisions? For this great endeavor! Why did I hinder the humble Litchi Commissioner from transporting litchis to Chang’an? To prevent outsiders who might enter Lingnan and disrupt my plans! My ally in Fanyang Prefecture
will rise soon. And chaos ensues. I’ll seize the moment
to achieve my goal. Zhao, as a pirate, I seized ships and gained a team by force. When I quit being a pirate, I seized an Inspector’s title. I endured and laid low for ten years to seize again. This time, I’ll be Lingnan’s ruler! Emperor Taizong ascended to the throne with just over a hundred men. What do we have now? We have troops, military provisions, and wealth. All the material resources
are prepared in my favor. The first step is to kill Yu. Zhao, if you help me, I’ll have the human resources, too. I pledge loyalty to you unto death. Good! [Inspector’s Mansion] Honey. Something’s wrong? He Youguang revealed his plan earlier today. He’s really plotting a rebellion? I have water and food prepared where you’ll hide. Don’t worry. Soon I’ll fetch you. I won’t leave. Where you stay, I stay. We agreed on this. Only your safety frees me to act and deal with this crisis. If I fail… I’ll wait for you to return. We’ll both wait. Today I planned a fine meal to share joyous news. I’m with child. Since when? Days ago I went to pray and draw a divination stick at a temple. A Taoist priest read the stick and said I’d be blessed with a child. At my age, I thought they were
just auspicious words. Honey. After you left today, I felt ill. I thought of his words and sought a physician. And… I’ve longed for children
for half my life. But I never thought you would really give me an heir. Fear not. I’ll protect you both. Mr. Yu, Mr. Zhao from the Inspector’s Mansion
requests an audience. He states that he’s here delivering no gifts for Mr. He, but his own “sincerity”. When I was seeking him, he showed up at my door. Now that he’s forced to come forward by Mr. He to get the ball rolling, he knows blind allegiance’s futile. A man who knows
which way the wind blows. These quiet days, I thank his bird for company. Admit him. Admit him. Aye. Mr. Li! Mr… Mr. Li! Someone seeks you! When litchis are sold out, we can all go to Chang’an. Mr. Yu summons you urgently. News of Elder Su? Elder Su was arrested by the Inspector’s men. What? Mr. Yu! Mr. Yu! Mr. Zhao? Why did you arrest Elder Su? Calm down. It was He Youguang. It will hinder the litchi transport! I’ll inform the Right Chancellor. Waste no effort. He Youguang defies even His Majesty now. How dare he do that? It’d be a rebellion! He does want to rebel! What? He Youguang rebels? He’s used the Military Fish Tally to order the Navy to assemble ashore. Once he acts, Lingnan will face a lockdown. Elder Su will perish. Even you two won’t survive. As the Inspector’s Chief Secretary, I’m responsible for the safety of Lingnan’s people. So I came to warn you. Please devise a plan as soon as possible. Send word to Chang’an now! Even if it gets sent, reinforcement won’t arrive in time. Mr. Li, He Youguang
has asked me to dine with him. He will most likely take action tonight. We must save ourselves. That eunuch! Since he arrived in Lingnan, he’s been posturing. Why summon me at this crucial moment? Mr. He. The hour nears. Officials from Chang’an can be threats. Let me take my men to eliminate them. Don’t act rashly. He must’ve left a way out. Else he’d not have sent the invitation. The Navy will land later today. We strike when our troops are assembled. Mr. Zhao and I will devise a solution in the city. Mr. Li, you hold the token
from the Right Chancellor. When the Navy lands, delay them. But you’ll be walking into a trap. Danger awaits. Mr. Yang, place the city under lockdown. Tonight, no one, not a single word, leaves Lingnan. Aye. This is my country. Although I am a eunuch, I am willing to sacrifice my life for my country. Mr. Li, depart now. If things go wrong, and He Youguang kills me tonight, Mr. Zhao will signal you. Then you’ll flee to Chang’an
directly from the city gate to report to the Right Chancellor. The city’s locked down. Mr. He resolves to fight to the death. Sorry, sir! I spoke ill-omened words. It’s okay. Humble crucian carp are fish. Ornamental koi are fish. Kun the legendary sea monsters
are also fish. I’m not a fish easily netted by him. Inspector’s order!
This is an anti-pirate drill! We were the ones who sent the invitation. Knowing he’d rebel, why did you still take a risky move and put yourself in danger? He Youguang connects deeply to the Right Chancellor. Reporting him might implicate our master. If we smother it up and then report
to the Right Chancellor, we will gain great merit. Yes, but the risk is high. We’re outnumbered. How can we go against He Youguang’s troops? Fortune favors the bold. I’ve waited years for this chance to come. I’ll take a punt, even if I have to stake my life on it. Tonight, we’ll see whose luck holds out better. [Inspector’s Mansion] Zhao, when the Navy lands later tonight, take my private troops
to Qifeng Pavilion and kill that eunuch! Aye. Mr. Yu! Mr. He! We haven’t seen each other for days. I miss you! Mr. Yu, I overcame many hurdles to meet you. I am honored! You flatter me. After you. After you. After you. Even with your busy schedule, you find time to attend. I want to thank you for your presence. You’re too kind to say that. Since your arrival in Lingnan, I’ve wished to find a chance to share the finest wine Lingnan has to offer. But alas. You were occupied. Now you’ve offered me this opportunity. I’d like to make a toast. Cheers! Cheers. Li Shande,
the Imperial Litchi Commissioner, pays his respects
to the Naval Commander! Please order your troops to return and avoid self-destruction! Litchi Commissioner? A fruit seller commands me? Though I am a Litchi Commissioner, I also oversee Lingnan affairs on behalf
of the Right Chancellor. The Navy belongs at sea. Yet strangely, you are
assembled ashore today, which is against the military law. I am here to warn you. We are here following orders. I’ll come straight to the point. He Youguang plots a rebellion. The Right Chancellor already knows. He’s waiting for him
to put his neck into the noose. If you and the Navy persist, consider the consequences. You cannot win. Do you have any evidence of the rebellion you claimed? Commander, advance further, and you’ll commit rebellion, too. One misstep leads to eternal ruin. We only obey whoever holds the Military Fish Tally. Commander, reconsider your decision, please! We haven’t met Mr. He yet. Why trust this man’s side of the story? Obey orders. I’ll bear all the consequences! [The Litchi Road] The Right Chancellor decreed: “Ride the donkey and beat the dog”. After I arrived in Lingnan, I finally grasped his meaning. Mr. Zhao, time runs short for you. Act swiftly! Zhao, seize that eunuch! Kill him! Mr. Yu dropped something. ♪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?♪