Highlight EP11: Li Shande got two stubborn horses but were difficult to tame | The Litchi Road
This looks tasty, try it. Li! The Litchi Envoy. Li! Li Shande! Over here, Li! Did you roll in the mud? Did you fall off a horse? Don’t even ask. She said these were good steeds! Temperamental beasts! They wouldn’t let me mount. I tied myself to them, with rope but I got thrown off. You see this? Easy, easy. Careful. Slow down. Don’t overexert yourself. I was like you earlier. Don’t force it, Yan Yazhuang! Move aside! Move! Impressive! Didn’t know you had skills. I thought you only rode donkeys. Though hot-tempered, this is indeed a superior steed. With a skilled rider taming it, it can journey a thousand li daily, swift as the wind. So you are a skilled rider! I formally hire you as a rider for the litchi transport trial. When Elder Su comes, he’ll pay you. Rider? Who said I’d be a rider? Yan Yazhuang, only you can mount that horse. You deserve the pay! A rider’s fee covers half a year’s expenses! I won’t do it for any price. Yan Yazhuang! Listen, Li Shande’s matter is the litchi orchard’s matter. The orchard’s matter is your matter. You’ll do it. I am telling you guys, no room for negotiation. Leave me alone. Yan Yazhuang! Yan Yazhuang! Look up. Has anyone here seen rats in the mansion? Who has? Anyone? Zhao, do you know how bold the rats are in the Inspector’s Mansion? They scurried right before me and almost spoke to me. Are you truly blind or pretending not to see? Or afraid to speak? I think you’re all in league with the rats. A nest of snakes and rodents! We wouldn’t dare! – We wouldn’t dare!
– Wouldn’t dare! Wouldn’t dare? You’d dare anything! Listen, investigating it isn’t hard. Go bring that slave
from the State of Linyi here. I’ll interrogate him myself. Go! That slave was taken by the Litchi Envoy. Why would the envoy take a slave? That envoy’s too greedy. He yelled at me and demanded the slave
and the documents, even threatening bloodshed. It was terrifying! I feared it’d bring bad luck to our mansion, so I relented. I even told him the slave was mute to lower his guard. Thus his every move is under our control. Mr. Zhao… No way. We must investigate further. Mr. He. Speak. Amita has come to visit. Amita. [Inspector’s Mansion] Father. The servant said you were angry again. These servants know no bounds. If I don’t discipline them, they’d think I’m easy to fool. Don’t anger yourself. It harms your health. I know. What brings you here today? I heard Su Liang invested in litchi transport, so I came to discuss it with you. I heard he found riders and horses, preparing a trial run. Could this envoy actually have some skill? What skill? Just leave them be. Su Liang loves gambling and prefers high stakes. He wouldn’t invest without guaranteed profit. If litchi transport is truly profitable, I can’t let him take the lead. He wants to take this chance to rise and threaten my guild position. I must suppress him. I’ll invest in it, too. Amita, do not get involved in this matter. I’ll never let those litchis reach Chang’an. Why not? Think about it. If fresh litchis enter Chang’an, and His Majesty enjoys them, he’d ask why they weren’t available before. At that time, how would I answer? Moreover, Lingnan has always been a place of exile. Even birds shun it. That’s why I can reign as a petty king here. But if litchis reach Chang’an, everything changes. Lingnan will become a prime, a popular place swarming with Chang’an’s powerful figures. In here, I’m just a thieving sparrow, stealing a few grains. Those from Chang’an, however, are all ravenous beasts. They’ll not only take our grain, but also devour us whole. Then Lingnan will no longer be our sanctuary, but our grave. Father, you are
far-sighted indeed. I only thought
to seize business chances, never foresaw the hidden danger beneath. Su Liang likely knows this too. So he wants to open trade routes to Chang’an. Quite ambitious. True. Do you think he’s capable of that? Litchi transport costs dearly. Can his resources alone bear the burden? Also, Amita, remember this. In this world, achieving anything is hard, but ruining something… Look, if without horses, what could Li Shande do? I understand. All these years, as the Hu Merchants Guild leader, Amita’s been helping He Youguang’s dealings. She must hold evidence of his corruption. Our next move is to drive a wedge between them. After the Whale-riding Tower’s fire, He Youguang profited most. Great gains bring great suspicion. If our guess is right that He Youguang killed Havoc, then Amita’s beloved adoptive father is actually her father’s killer, and she’ll surely turn on him. We can recruit her to expose He Youguang. I can approach her, but need a pretext. I told He Youguang I was here to travel and wouldn’t interfere
with his business. So, how can I avoid suspicion? A man approaching a woman needs no excuse. “Fair maiden, gentleman’s desire.” Build a relationship? Just an act. You’ve seen such tricks before at the banquets in Chang’an. Now is your chance to shine. But I fear Amita might grow too attached. Seriously. Don’t laugh. I wouldn’t mind being considered a scoundrel, but it’s unfair to her. You underestimate Amita. In fact, you underestimate me. Yes, I admit you’re charming, clever, and adaptable, but Amita’s shrewd and merciless. She won’t easily fall for anyone. I think you’re perfect for this. However, my acting skills have rusted. I fear… What? Why are you so reluctant? Don’t tell me you already had your eye on someone in Lingnan. I’ll do it. would she be enchanted even more. I’ll beat you later. Very nice! Know what, Zhao? In all of Lingnan, no one rides like Amita, and no one judges horses
better than Amita. Sometimes, I wonder where Li Shande can find fine horses. I even get anxious for him. I’ve decided I’ll give him a pack basket and tell him earnestly, “Mr. Li, why not carry litchis back to Chang’an yourself?” Exhaust him. Want horses? None left. Only donkeys. He thinks us fools. What’s great wisdom? Great wisdom is great folly. True wisdom is true stupidity. The dumber it looks, the wiser it is. Take my wisdom for example, who can comprehend? Others can’t, but I know very well. It’s all in your mind. Bravo! Guiyun. Mr. He. Mr. Zhao. Guiyun. As I was walking down, I thought you looked so familiar. Turns out it’s really you, Mr. He. What a surprise. Indeed it is. My adoptive daughter loves riding. We came to cheer for her. Guiyun, why are you… I’m seeking a fine steed for pleasure. So you ride well too? Not exceptionally, but my surname is Ma,
[*Ma means horse] and I rode often in Chang’an, even earned a nickname, Sassy Horseman. Horse and rider as one. I’ve exhausted six horses. Six! Impressive! Then today we’re in for a treat. Later you can race Amita and show your skills. I have two wild horses here that just kicked a stablehand and broke his three ribs. You have to help tame them. I… You can do it. I was slim back then, but now I’m… Besides, look, your adoptive daughter rides so gallantly. How could I compare to her? Why not? Amita, come back. Come back. Look at her riding skills. Come. The finest rider in Lingnan, remember, is my adoptive daughter Amita. Riding back, I heard Father converse merrily with the guest. Amita, let me introduce him. This is Mr. Ma Guiyun from Chang’an, the Right Chancellor’s right-hand man. Mr. Ma. Common beauties abound, noble ladies exist, but looking at her, I feel like meeting a descended goddess. In Chang’an I heard of the flower of Hu ladies, the ruler of the Southern Seas, and the top merchant of Lingnan. I thought they were
there different people. but as it turned out, it’s one woman. Had Li Yannian met you, his “Ode to Beauty” would’ve sung about a beauty from the South
instead of the North. You are incredibly beautiful. You flatter me. My adoptive father mentioned the Right Chancellor’s envoy
was visiting. Never imagined it’d be such a young and charming man. I am flattered. So flattered. “Charming” is far too generous. Such praise deserves a banquet at Qifeng Pavilion, so we can know each other better. Too bad, I have guild matters to attend to. Perhaps another day? How about tomorrow? Tomorrow it is. It’s a date. Then I’ll wait for you there. Elder Su, how is it going with the horses and riders? I was just about to report it to you. Amita manipulated the market, buying steeds at high prices. The woman who stole your incense materials? That’s the one. Why does she take the horses? What does she have to do with this? Don’t forget her adoptive father is He Youguang. If you really transport the litchis out of Lingnan, their wealth source will be cut. Could you think of a way to buy some fine horses from Amita? Amita and I never get along. If I go to flatter her, she’ll see me as a weasel visiting a hen, and will only get more vicious. Though the idiom isn’t quite accurate, it does get the point across. Maybe I should go. The emperor’s grace reaches all. I’m working for His Majesty. She can’t refuse, right? Alright. But I must warn you, Amita is ruthless and evil-minded. You may be strong physically, but you are simple-minded. You might as well aim high and demand many fine horses from her. Even if she cuts the number in half, you can still secure enough for the transport. Do you understand what I’m saying? It’s worth a try. Let’s all hold firm on the price. The other guilds can’t withstand it. Understood. Ma’am, I’m fine. Thank you for your hard work. Gentleman, how can I help you? Guild leader, right? I’m the Litchi Envoy from Chang’an. I wish to purchase fine horses from you. So you’re that Litchi Envoy. You’ve caused me quite a bit of trouble. You’ve got a nerve coming to me to discuss business before I could settle old scores with you. My apologies for past offenses. I’m carrying out His Majesty’s orders. Many matters are beyond my control. It’s just the truth. So this time, I wish to pay by installment to buy 130 fine horses. Hope you can help me. What a greedy official you are. As the saying goes, all crows are equally black, but you outshine them all. Transporting some litchis
requires that many horses? I’m no corrupt official. I’ve calculated carefully. I’ve planned four routes. The first takes Mei Pass Circuit, and the second, Xijing Circuit, the shortest path to the capital. The third goes north by canal, crossing the Yangtze River. The fourth also follows waterways. Each route requires fifteen relay stations. Four routes would need sixty relay points. Each station requires horses, boats, and riders. Hence, I need 130 fine horses. Even accounting for losses, a hundred would suffice. Why ask for 130? Well, that accounts for bargaining losses too. You’re quite straightforward. I did just procure a batch of horses for the guild, but they’re already on the road transporting goods. They won’t return to Lingnan soon. I’m afraid I can’t help. Surely not all horses are away? Recent shipments are numerous, and transport capacity is stretched. Not a single horse can be spared. I know your task is urgent, Mr. Li. Don’t waste time here. But there’s something I should mention. I can overlook the litchi orchard, but the debts must be repaid. We Hu people believe in repaying kindness and collecting debts. The money borrowed
when these irises bloom must be repaid before they wither. Otherwise, one’s hands are forfeit. Lingnan’s heat doesn’t suit these irises. They won’t last much longer. Ma’am, the Dong people are vital for transporting litchis. Could I plead for mercy on their behalf? As the guild leader, I must protect Hu merchants’ interests. Even if I forgive them, the other managers wouldn’t. I can vouch for them. I promise they’ll repay after the sixth month. Is that okay? You yourself may not even live to see the sixth month. Ma’am, you said the debt is due when the irises wither. If the flowers don’t wilt, can repayment be delayed? Could I take these flowers and tend to them? You think you can revive them? I can. Let me see. Plants in my care don’t suffer. I’ll take them and try. And if they die? Then I’ll accept any punishment. What about the horses? Can we negotiate? I’ve already granted you one favor. Don’t push your luck. Escort him out. Yes. Mr. Li, this way. I’m taking the flowers then. Why won’t you eat or drink? Fussing over flowers makes you forget everything? Not in the mood. I’m like these withered flowers, struggling to survive. Didn’t you secure funding for the test? Something happened? Look, ever since I became the Litchi Envoy, Chang’an has ignored me, and Lingnan has disregarded me. Only Elder Su and Tong offered me real help. Finally, Elder Su lent me money, only for Amita to seize the horses. Tong helps me pick litchis, but Amita demands her to repay debts. Amita? You are also troubled by her? What do you mean “also”? You know her? No, not me. Ma Guiyun. Ma Guiyun’s next task is to approach Amita. Enough of that. You just said Amita took your horses. Actually, no. I visited the stables. I think He Youguang ordered Amita to withhold them. Then I don’t understand. They allow Lingnan’s treasures and foreign goods to reach Chang’an, yet block these tiny litchis. Why? Exotic treasures reaching the Right Chancellor benefits He Youguang and Amita. While litchis reaching the emperor benefits others. The pair has been monopolizing Lingnan. They won’t share whatsoever. I don’t understand those schemes or social niceties. I only care about my duty. Tomorrow I’ll demand horses from He Youguang. Won’t work. He’ll dismiss you with some excuse. Then what? Without horses, I can’t conduct my test. I’ll still end up dead. Why are you laughing? You’ve still got me. Who am I? Ma Guiyun! Let me mediate, and it will be handled. Don’t believe me? Soon I’ll have Amita respectfully and properly present you with hundreds of fine horses! Now eat. [Qifeng Pavilion] Guiyun, sorry to have kept you waiting. With your guild so busy, it’s an honor you’d spare time to meet me. A brief wait is nothing. Miss, please. Truthfully, I dislike social gatherings. I only attend business banquets, nothing more. But since you came all the way from Chang’an, I feared you’d mistake my absence for disrespect. I appreciate your candor. Now that I understand your temperament, I won’t impose again. Today’s meeting isn’t for idle chatter. I came bearing a gift. Guiyun, you don’t have to. My gift is a piece of advice. I understand the Litchi Envoy is seeking fine horses, while you’ve cornered the market. Here’s my advice. Give them to him. You came to plead his case? Of course not. Though we’re both from Chang’an, our missions differ. I serve the Right Chancellor, why would I advocate for some Litchi Envoy? We merely lodge at the same courier station. By chance, I noticed him auditing Lingnan’s ledgers. A mere Litchi Envoy, daring to inspect Lingnan’s accounts? How presumptuous. Don’t underestimate him. Chang’an’s full of such men, petty officials who turn rabid with the slightest power. Lately, he’s been counting ships at the docks, and comparing Lingnan’s tax submissions. As an arithmetic expert, he’ll spot discrepancies instantly. If he finds evidence… Surely you’d prefer avoiding such a man’s accusations, right? Otherwise, you’d lose
far more than horses. Why tell me this? Try to help me? The Right Chancellor sent me to oversee Lingnan. Your adoptive father
has been most hospitable. And you are no outsider. I certainly couldn’t stay silent. Since you dislike socializing, I’ll take my leave. I ordered refreshments before you came. Please enjoy. See you.