《长安的荔枝 The Litchi Road》EP13：何刺史极力阻拦骑手试验，郑平安从中斡旋推动荔枝转运一事｜雷佳音 岳云鹏｜古装 传奇 剧情｜KUKAN Drama
[The Litchi Road] [Coconut · Daydream
of Slave from the State of Linyi] [Episode 13] These days, what has Li Shande been up to? Today, he was at the Litchi Orchard, messing with something. What was it? I don’t know. Use body language. Level. Vertical. Look afar. Circles. What is this? A rattle drum? This. He used this. Do you mean this? Copy it. What is this? Sorcery? What else did he say? Distance. Obstacles. A long distance with obstacles? Circle and square. The sky is round and the earth is flat? You’re driving me crazy! What a useless fool! Go back and keep an eye on him! Report any unusual activity! Sure. This is exhausting! Sure. How useless! Is it too hot? Feeling better? Too hot? Cool down. Li! What were you up to so late? So… did you go up the mountain to see the stars? Poor Li, you can’t sleep so late. You must miss your home. Don’t worry. As long as Li Shande
doesn’t take you away, I’ll never abandon you. This is your home too. Go sleep early. You’ll have to accompany him tomorrow for all those strange tasks. You should sleep too. Mr. He, um, Li Shande is using sorcery to bewitch the Dong people. That slave from the State of Linyi
told me he’s living a comfortable life over there. It seems the transport trial is just a ruse. That’s good. Let it be. Zhao, to be honest with you, I’m living in endless pain. Every time spring and summer change, especially on rainy days, my butt itches unbearably. Once I catch that guy who shot me in the butt, I’ll make sure he pays for it! I’ve sent someone to mix the medicine with aloe juice into a fine paste. Once it’s thoroughly blended, we’ll apply it to your rear. Wait a minute! Are you implying everyone is aware of this now? I didn’t mention it at all. Well done! But Mr. He, back in the day, you were a man of unmatched courage at sea. How could someone
shoot you in the backside? Oh no! Let me tell you, back in the day, I could take on ten men at sea without breaking a sweat. I was well-prepared all over, except for my butt! Honestly, it’s hard to guard against the cunning. They sent an archer over. He did nothing but shoot at my butt. Fortunately, I didn’t eat much that day, or it would’ve been embarrassing! Don’t just stand there. Hurry and get the aloe juice! Hurry! Go! Amita told me [Inspector’s Mansion]
you’ve designed four routes for a test. You also need 100 fine horses. You know this is my residence, not a horse farm. So even if I want to support you, I’m just not capable of it. No worries. It’s all sorted out. Solved. Is it? I’ve designed a plan. I’m preparing to conduct a test
around the city. If we can do a relay, we won’t need so many horses. Mr. He, can you do me a favor and let me use Little East Gate? Run around the city? Isn’t this a bit of a scam? His Majesty asked you
to transport litchis to Chang’an, and you’re just going around in Lingnan? What can you achieve like this? Take it seriously! Well, I’ve simulated the road conditions of Mei Pass Circuit. And I’ve planned a route that combines mountain trails and flat roads
in Lingnan. A full loop around the city
is 30 li, exactly the distance between two rider stations. Little East Gate will serve as the relay point. When the litchis turn black, I’ll just calculate how many laps we’ve done, then I can figure out where the litchis will spoil on the road. Right? On the day of the test, there will surely be a lot of onlookers. To avoid riots, Mr. He, please help maintain order. Mr. Li, that’s very considerate. I think you shouldn’t worry too much about it. I have my own plan, alright? So, Mr. Li, please. The horse issue is resolved, but we need riders. Mr. He, please help me find some riders. You’re troublesome! Not really. It’s just my duty. Let me tell you, if you want me to find a good boatman in Lingnan, that can’t be easier. But it’s hard to find a rider. How should I put it? I wish I could help. I see. I understand. But there’s something, Mr. He. A few days ago, I needed help at home, so I hired a porter. He knows I have a connection with you. He told me an injustice of ten years old. He said he had a relative who used to be an elite soldier, a master at riding and sailing, skilled in everything. The elite soldier was seriously injured during a battle with pirates and sank, but he didn’t die. When he returned to Lingnan, he and his comrades were all labeled as deserters. His relative knows that Mr. He is a benevolent official. He asked me if you could help clear the names of that group of deserters. If they can be exonerated, then I’ll have riders! Mr. Li, this is getting ridiculous! This is a serious mission! No matter what, you can’t hire a deserter to be your rider! Isn’t that insulting to Lingnan? But you said you don’t have riders here! I said… I said it wasn’t easy to find one. Fine. Besides, just because a porter told you a story, you believe it? What if that soldier was indeed a deserter who can’t endure the hardships at sea? But it sounds too real and he has details. Well, the porter said during the fight with the soldier, the pirate leader was so scared
that he jumped into the sea and got shot in the butt. These are all details! Enough! How about this? You can use the Little East Gate as you want. About the deserter, Mr. Zhao, investigate it. Sure! I’ll let you know once I have news. Thanks. I should go. See you. See you. Mr. He, it’s ready. I have a question for you. About what he just said, why didn’t the slave report it? What did you send him there for? From what I see now, the slave must’ve been cursed by Li Shande. Nonsense! Can’t you see that? It’s clear Li Shande found out we stole his fine horses, so he brought up old stories to humiliate me. Tell me now, how can I pay him back? That’s easy. I think Li Shande is making this city-run and will definitely stir up
a lot of noise. We can take the chance to humiliate him then. I remember, Lan at the cockfight den used to be a master horse trainer. If he becomes Li Shande’s rider, he will be able to hold Li Shande back during the test. Don’t get involved. I have my own plan. Come here. About this, if one day, I mean, what if Amita asks, what will you say? I’ll keep my mouth shut. I do remember that dagger you mentioned. Ma’am, Konglang has looked into it. Rumor has it that Havoc and his captains swore a blood oath, using daggers as tokens. Each of them had one, Havoc’s was gold,
and the others’ were silver, with each dagger set with a different gem. As for the one Mr. Zheng just mentioned, the one with a ruby, it’s unclear who it belonged to. Havoc was a righteous pirate. He strictly forbade his men from robbing medicines. But you just said that the pirates robbed a ship carrying medicines. So, the owner of this dagger must have acted without Havoc’s knowledge. The Whale-riding Tower incident
also happened that year. There might be intricate connections between them. But Konglang Agency needs time to investigate these ten-year-old cases. But two people definitely know who owned that ruby dagger. Amita and He Youguang? Now that’s getting interesting! Ma’am, this morning, there will be a proposal
for a new trade route. Major Hu merchants should be arriving soon. This afternoon, you need to meet with a wealthy merchant from Quzhou. Sure. Great. I’ll get prepared. Guiyun, what brings you here? I’ve missed a lot of guild affairs. Please leave if there’s nothing urgent. It concerns your father. Please. I’ll get straight to the point. That Litchi Commissioner came to see me. He heard about an injustice from a porter. Ten years ago, Havoc’s men robbed a ship carrying medicines. A young soldier discovered it. Later, the soldier intercepted a silver dagger belonging to a pirate leader. That dagger had an auspicious pattern and was set with a ruby. It was definitely something special. Then the pirates colluded
with the officials and labeled that soldier a deserter. Li Shande went to Mr. He for justice, but Mr. He ignored him. Then he came to me. I brushed him off too. I went to the Qifeng Pavilion
for drinks yesterday and heard people discussing it. They said Havoc robbed people
of medicines. He wasn’t a righteous pirate at all. If this turns into gossip among the people of Lingnan, won’t it tarnish your father’s reputation? It sounds like a baseless rumor. No one will believe it. Guiyun, you should know rumors stop with the wise. No need to prove ourselves. Sure. Ma’am, you’re indeed broad-minded. Rumors aren’t important. We can let it go. I should go. See you. Guiyun, is it really a story from ten years ago? Of course. Li, these days, you must feed them regularly. Less fodder but more frequently. It’s good for digestion. On the day of the test, add a little sugar to the water for their stamina. Mr. Li! Mr. Li! Slow down. Is this fodder enough? Let me see. I think we need three more carts. Once the test starts, we won’t have time for this. Mr. Li! Mr. Li, the road needs to be cleared. Or the horses can’t pass. There are many thick branches. Tomorrow, I’ll bring more people to clear the road. I’ve marked the specific locations on the map. Have some water. Actually, it’s unnecessary. The road from Lingnan to Chang’an is much more complicated. Isn’t it? A few obstacles are good. But I’ll look at your map. Getting water? There’s a well inside. No need to go outside. It’s convenient. Thanks. Just get water in the city. Great! Tong, when the test begins, The Little East Gate will be crowded. We’ll wash the horses, feed them, send messages, and do chores day and night. You’ll take turns on duty. I’ll ask Elder Su for some money as your tips. We’re helping you prepare not for money. I know. Or the money will be paid to the courier stations. You’re doing their work, so you should take the money. That’s it. Thank you. No biggie. Dinner’s ready! Leave it to me. Alright. Time to eat! Time to eat! Li, come to eat! Let’s eat! There’s plenty for everyone! Mr. Li’s. This is for Mr. Li. Come over, Mr. Li! Mr. Li’s. Help yourself. I’m in no rush. Here. This is for everyone. I’m in no rush. Here is yours. Here, kiddo. Yours. This is yours. What is this? Spicy artemisia. You can’t eat this! This is poisonous! Spicy artemisia is toxic! Stop now! Mr. Li, we’ve been eating this for decades. We’re fine. That’s nonsense! It just hasn’t hit you yet! This is poisonous! It looks like mustard. But it’s poisonous spicy artemisia! This is bad for your health! Mr. Li… Stop now! We eat whatever we have. We don’t really care. Right. This is what we have. Better than going hungry. Exactly! Tong, we got the money. Buy some rice, noodles and eggs for everyone first. Health is most important. You can’t keep this up long-term. Then I’ll get you something else. No need. The kid can have the edible. Here. It’s fine. Anyone need more? We’ll share. There’s more for you! Mr. Li! Why are you here? I’m waiting for you. For what? It seems you don’t want to see me. But I’ve waited so long. Shouldn’t you invite me in? I’m busy tonight. I only need a moment. If you don’t agree, you’ll be making an enemy of me. You’ve taken good care of these flowers. Are you just here to see the flowers? Of course not. Ma’am, please. I heard you’re helping a deserter seek justice, so I came to ask you face-to-face. Why are you spreading such rumors? I’m not. That’s the truth. How can you be sure? You met the deserter? Not really. I heard it from a porter. You believe what a porter says? I choose to trust him. How do you prove what he said is true? Then how do you prove what he said is false? Fine. Take me to meet that porter. I’ll get to the bottom of it. He’s a porter. I have no idea where work has taken him right now. Since he wants to seek justice, he must have left you a way to contact him. Wait. What exactly do you want? I want to confirm a few things. First, are you sure those pirates robbed a ship carrying medicines? Second, are you sure
the dagger he intercepted was a silver one with an auspicious pattern and set with a ruby? Third, are you sure that happened ten years ago? Li Shande, I’m Mr. He’s adoptive daughter. I know you have some reservations about me. But this is different. It concerns my father’s reputation! How about we make a deal? You don’t need to help him seek justice. I’ll arrange for his amnesty. Just one request. If I succeed, take me to meet him. I’ll see that dagger with my own eyes and confirm who its owner was. Deal? Once I’m done, I’ll come to see you. Elder Su! Have a seat! Elder Su, is this to recruit a rider? It’s more like a fight! Only the winner can stay. A round-robin competition. This is fair. So, is there anyone capable? In Lingnan, there are few horses. All goods are transported
by oxen and donkeys. It’s really hard to find a good rider. Elder Su, I already have one rider lined up. Can you help me find just one more? With two riders, I can get them to lead the charge. It’s hard. Even just one. Can you think of another idea? I’m worried there might be no more riders after this. Elder Su, I have a brilliant idea. Can we add a line to that notice? For riders who can ride
a thousand-li steed, price is negotiable. You’ve lost 13 matches! Are you insane? Thirteen matches! You’ve forgotten the price of losing? Lan! Lan! Lan! Lan, trust me, I’ll definitely win the next match! As long as you lend me some money, I can turn it around, Lan. I run a cockfight den, but I have principles. If I lend you money, you’ll end up losing everything. If you keep losing, your family will suffer because of you, wandering and homeless, even facing death. By then, it’ll be too late for regrets! You have no second chance. Can you bear the result? You should go. Hold on. I knew it! Lan is just too kind-hearted. After all these years, whenever he encounters someone
addicted to gambling, he definitely steps in. Didn’t Lan say it himself? Although we run a cockfight den, and winning and losing are inevitable, gambling isn’t a good thing. There should be a limit. If anyone gets addicted, we’ll just let him stop them. Lan doesn’t care about fame or fortune. Wins and losses aren’t important to him. Cai, you’ve known Lan the longest. What has Lan really been through? None of your business.
Don’t ask about it. Welcome! Come on in! Lan! Rooster Poppa! You’re free today. Want a match? Not really! I’m busy today. Come here! How’s the chicken I asked you to train? I need more time. I just got its spirit adjusted and stripped away its arrogance. I’m waiting for it to have a dull demeanor, so it can go to battle. Why does it need to have a dull demeanor? To fool its opponents. It’ll be calm instead. No matter how strong the opponent is, it’ll appear dull but actually calm to be unstoppable! Sounds profound. I’ll leave it to you. Actually, I came here today for another thing. Can you help me ride a horse once? A horse? Rooster Poppa, I haven’t ridden a horse for years. My riding skills have gone rusty. It doesn’t actually require excellent riding skills. You know a Litchi Commissioner is in the city now. He insists on recruiting riders at the Little East Gate for a test run. I hope you can gather a few men to answer the call. Then you all just need to make it look like you’re racing hard but actually ride slowly. Keep the pace down until the litchis change color. Then it’s done. Rooster Poppa… Where’s the wine I brought for Lan? Bring it over! I can’t take this. I’m not used to it. If you want to drink it, just take a sip. If you don’t want it, just keep it for me. Lan, in a few days, I’ll introduce several talented and beautiful Hu women to you. You’ll be satisfied. Hu women will break my heart. I have quit them. Really? No alcohol and women? Abstain from them? Lan, I underestimated you. But it’s true. Alcohol and women don’t matter. Only money and gold truly count. So, if you agree to do me this favor, all the rent and leasing fees
for this street will be yours. The profits can be substantial. [Inspector’s Mansion] Mr. Zhao. Amita. Mr. Zhao, where’s my adoptive father? At the cockfight den. What? Is it urgent? Not really. Please seat yourself. Mr. Zhao, did the Litchi Commissioner come a few days ago to plead for a deserter? I have no idea. You’re the one
orchestrating things in this mansion. Nothing can escape your eyes. How come you don’t know that? I’m flattered. I was away for work. I was absent. There are just too many things
to deal with. I’m totally occupied! Oh, it’s getting late. I need to deliver official documents. I should go. Just a while. There’s fresh coconut juice. They were just opened. Mr. He. Zhao. Amita asked about the deserter. Amita! Father! Have a seat. Seat yourself. Why didn’t you tell me you would come? I could’ve prepared some of your favorite dishes. I got news from Sassanid. The glass is ready. But it’s not the right season for shipping. Let’s wait a few days. It isn’t urgent. The most important thing is for you to be re-elected as the guild leader. We can deal with other things later. Speaking of that, Su Liang invested in the litchi transport trial. He’s always had his eye on my position. If this trial succeeds, he’ll be a real threat to me. No way! It won’t succeed! Don’t worry. I somehow feel it won’t be a problem for Li Shande. He’s quite stubborn. Even if this trial fails, he’ll just try again. We should prepare for both outcomes. I’ve symbolically given him two horses as a show of support. And you just need to go through the motions. That way, even if the litchis are delivered
to Chang’an, you’ll still have some credit in front of His Majesty. And I’ll have some leeway with the guild. No! I’m telling you, Li Shande is no ordinary person. He even came to me and talked non-stop about a soldier’s pardon. If I agree to that, what’s to stop him
from pushing for more? He’ll keep pushing his luck. I can’t accept that! I’ve heard about it too. The Litchi Commissioner is indeed seeking justice for a deserter. Ma Guiyun also came to see me. He claimed my own father’s men robbed a ship carrying medicines ten years ago. It has stirred up quite a storm
in the city. Everyone knows about it. It’s bad for you and tarnishes
my own father’s reputation. Just as you said, I can’t afford to lose my position
as guild leader. Father, you’ve just received the Military Fish Tally. You have important things to do. It will be best to quell this rumor as soon as possible. So how do we put this rumor to rest? Father, I’ve kept a secret from you. Before coming here, I met Li Shande. We reached an agreement. We can use your pardon to lure out that soldier. Otherwise, we can’t find him at all. So, you two have already made a deal? I just discussed the terms with him, but the final decision is still yours. I’m tired today. I won’t keep you for dinner. You can go. [Inspector’s Mansion]
Ma’am, why do you insist on helping pardon that soldier? Because I need to find out who betrayed my father and robbed that ship carrying medicines. [Inspector’s Mansion] For riders who can ride
a thousand-li steed, price is negotiable. So, how much? Can you do that? I’ll give it a try. If you can ride a thousand-li steed, your pay will be 10% more than others. 10% more for one more day. Deal? It’s too complicated. No need to increase the pay. But today, give me half as the deposit. He’s talking big. Be careful he’ll push it and grow greedier! What are you talking about? Let me tell you, my brother was known as Traceless when he rode. Do you know what that means? In the blink of an eye, he vanished without a trace. You’re a professional rider? I run a cockfight den. This is a crossover. Why aren’t you riding? I feel that a fine steed has its will. It should gallop freely instead of being restrained. My hands itch for riding now, so I want to try. You can do your best. If you really can ride the steed, we’ll go with your terms for the pay. Naiyi, bring Daily over! Sure! Be careful. Good horses are common. Scouts are rare. Sir, I’ll give you a kind reminder. This is a wild horse. If you overestimate yourself, you might end up in black and blue. I won’t cover your medical expenses. Mind your words! Thanks. Just you watch! Mr. Li, he rode away. Really? Wonderful! Awesome! What a stroke of luck! Feng! Can you see this, Feng? Coming! – Amazing!
– Unbelievable! Impressive! Good as ever! May I know your name? My brothers call me Lan, from Gaozhou. Lan! This is good. We can count on him! Lan, you’ve saved me from a real predicament! My close brothers are also good riders. Can they try your fine horses? Of course! The more, the better! You all have my respect! Thank you so much! [The Litchi Road] Bear in mind, sometimes the truth can hurt more than a lie. Don’t act like you know me so well. I want to know. Tomorrow, I’ll need everyone to work together to help me achieve a result. – No problem!
– Sure! Let’s begin! I’ve never put such a large sum of money on such a hopeless venture before. ♪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?♪