Highlight EP26-27: Madame Shiqi pretended to agree to Shande’s request but stole the house deed!
Are you all out of your mind? I’m the appointed Litchi Commissioner
of the Court! Are you insane? Get up! 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. 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 Envoy 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 Envoy 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. [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. Mr. Li, I can’t help you with this. Then I’ll take my leave. Hold on! Today, you’ve already told me the truth. Do you think I’ll let you take
the property deed? Don’t you dare! How dare you rob a key official? Are you crazy? Get out of my way! Move! Are you all out of your mind? I’m the appointed Litchi Commissioner
of the Court! Are you insane? Get up! Go! ♪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♪ So many years have passed. When I first arrived
at the Office of Imperial Parks, The Leyou Garden received
a batch of new peonies. Mr. Liu asked me to move you old ones to a corner of the garden. Though no one admired you, you bloomed to the best every year. That year, during the late spring chill, all the flowers were slow to bloom, but you were the first to blossom, inspiring His Majesty to compose poetry. From then on, you became the treasure of Leyou Garden. But think about it, your time of favor is also your time of trouble. Do you think you can keep blooming and withering whenever you want? The others who came with you withered and faded. Yet you were still holding on, struggling, branches broken, infested with insects. When your life was at stake, everyone avoided you like a plague, fearing they would be affected. This time, I’ve removed the pests. You need to hold on. You have to live well. Make sure to push your roots deeper. We need to strive and blossom. Mr. Li, it was quite a challenge to find you. Here you are! Mr. Yu, you’ve arrived? Why did it take you so long? Where’s my memorial? No need to rush. [Memorial on Litchi Transport
from Lingnan] [Imperial Edict of Dispatch
of the Litchi Commissioner, Li Shande] It’s done? Your method of transport seems feasible, so I went ahead and arranged it without delay. That’s why I’m late. Please forgive me. This is unnecessary! You’ve done me a big favor! By the way, how did this approval come through so quickly? Mr. Li, when it comes to mathematics, I can’t compare to your meticulousness. In practice, I lack your experience. But after many years in the palace, dealing with various offices, I do have the ability and methods
to solve problems. Of course. I just don’t understand these methods. If only you had gone with me to Lingnan, we wouldn’t have had these troubles. Um, well, so, now that I have the approval, I can start the transport, right? Mr. Li, don’t rush. To transport the litchis, you still need to meet one more person. This person isn’t mentioned
in the edict but is crucial to the process. The Noble Consort? The Right Chancellor. Oh, right, the Right Chancellor. To carry out the litchi transport smoothly, without his approval, edicts are just a pile of useless paper. Now that you have the edict, and the Right Chancellor sees you navigating the bureaucratic waters
with ease, he’ll trust that you can handle this matter well. If he’s willing to delegate
authority to you, no one will dare to slack off or delay. You’ve thought this through
very carefully. It’s just… meeting the Right Chancellor is nearly impossible for me. Um, could you help me out? Mr. Li, do you know how others are slandering me behind my back? W-Who would be so bold? They say I’m holding onto things and won’t let go. I’m just trying to lighten
His Majesty’s burden while helping some people along the way. But once the task is done, those people fear I’ll take the credit, so they twist it into my wrongdoing. Mr. Li, I’m sorry. I can’t help you further. But I do have a plan to share with you. The Right Chancellor spends
a few days each month playing chess with His Majesty
in the palace. Tomorrow at noon, he’ll pass through the palace corridor. At that time, whether you can get him to stop for you all depends on yourself, Mr. Li. I’ll never forget that you saved my life! I can survive now. I got the approval. How did you manage that? It was Mr. Yu. He helped me. The one who tricked you out of your memorial? Looks like I misunderstood him. All in all, he should be my lifesaver. You know, after encountering so many evil people along the way, I finally met someone with a good heart. Now that you have the approval, why do you still look so worried? Tomorrow, I need to meet the Right Chancellor. Only with his help can I handle things in Lingnan smoothly and securely. But the Right Chancellor is a big shot up there. I don’t speak the bureaucratic language. I-I’m just trying
to find the right words. He Youguang once told me
the Right Chancellor made his fortune in Xichuan
through land reclamation and later held important positions
in the Ministry of Revenue. He’s always dealt with money and goods, so he can easily tell what’s real and what’s not. You’re good with numbers, so talk to him about numbers. The more detailed, the better. Numbers? Discussing numbers is like weighing bags of heavy grain. If there’s even a hint of exaggeration, it won’t fit together properly. The Right Chancellor will trust you. Discussing numbers is fine. Then I’ll do that. But what if he asks, with the approval, why do you still need to see him? Then I’ll be honest. I’ll say with his help, I can handle things more securely. No one will stand in my way. The Right Chancellor’s kinship
with the Noble Consort is closely tied to his favor
with the Emperor. That’s his main interest. If fresh litchis can bring a smile to the Noble Consort, they’re best delivered
through the Right Chancellor. You should say it like that to make him feel at ease. Isn’t that a bit too flattering? If you want to gain his support, you must cater to his interests. Cater to his interests. You’ve been helping me out a lot lately, putting in so much effort for my sake. I haven’t had the chance
to thank you yet. To be honest, I have my own motives too. I can’t rest in Chang’an at all until I settle my score. I want to use your authority
to return to Lingnan and kill He Youguang
to avenge my father. So, how can I help you? Can you ask the Right Chancellor to grant me a new identity? With his endorsement, He Youguang won’t dare to hurt me. Move! How dare you stand in the way? I, the Supervisor
of the Office of Imperial Parks and Litchi Commissioner, Li Shande, greet Your Excellency! I just returned from Lingnan. I have a strategy to keep litchis fresh during transport to Chang’an to celebrate Her Highness’s birthday! Go get it. Aye. Standing in the Right Chancellor’s way, he’s digging his own grave. Getting caught up
in such a deadly situation, he’s risking his life as a last resort. I bet he’s crazy. The Right Chancellor
accepting your memorial is already a tremendous
blessing for you. Shouldn’t you move right now? Isn’t he leaving yet? He’s pushing his luck. A small mistake in this plan can lead
to a huge disaster. Sir, please allow me a moment to report to you in detail. How dare you? The Right Chancellor is occupied. There’s no time for idle chatter with you. Please, sir! The Noble Consort will be able to enjoy fresh litchis! If I’m not being honest, you can take my head off! Please! Get up! Sir, I bet my life on this! Sir! Get him over! Sir, please allow me. First, let me ask you, what’s the distance from Lingnan to Chang’an? 5,447 li. Good. I’m giving you this opportunity. Explain to me how you plan to transport litchis that will spoil within three days from Lingnan to Chang’an? You just stood in my way. According to the Tang Code, blocking or colliding
with the royal carriage results in 100 strokes. For those with justifiable reasons, it’s still 50 strokes. Since you’re doing this for His Majesty, I’ll spare you the physical punishment. But the authority of the Tang Code can’t be disrespected. How about this? Let your official robe
take the punishment for you. Thank you, sir! Who is on duty at the palace road today? Who is on duty today? It’s my turn. It’s me, sir. You didn’t do your job well. You’ll wear his official robe and take his punishment. Aye! I’m sparing your punishment so you can talk properly. If you make even one mistake in your numbers, or if anything contradicts common sense, you know the result. I won’t. Sir, can I write it down? Bring another stick! Write here. Give him some charcoal! [Ministry of Justice] What? Scribbling and doodling in front
of the Ministry of Justice is completely out of order! Exactly! It’s a disgrace
to the dignity of office. What is Li Shande drawing over there? [Eleven days to reach Chang’an] Done! Sir, fifty strokes are done. Keep writing! He has put in a lot of effort. [Litchi Transport] Sir, this is my method of transport. These past days, I’ve poured my heart and soul into this and tried everything… Come on, everyone, come and take a look at Li Shande’s transport method! Impressive! Very well. Now let me ask you, according to your method, how many days will it take
for the litchis to arrive in Chang’an? Eleven days. Since you already have a transport method, why don’t you just go and do it, but instead, risk your life to see me? I’m not worthy and lack the ability to take on such a heavy responsibility. Sir, please accept this strategy I hope it brings harmony to your family and comfort to His Majesty. Should I obey your order? Of course not! I hold over 40 positions and truly have my hands full. Thanks. Alright, stop beating around the bush. What do you need? Tell me. Sir, I do need your help. Transporting litchis is quite costly. A Hu merchant from Lingnan, Amita, is willing to assist with it to serve the Court. Nonsense! Our Great Tang is the richest. We don’t need a Hu merchant. Fine, we’ll do it your way. Anything else? If Mr. Yu from the Inner Court can assist me with this, it’ll be much more secure. Sir, if he recommends Mr. Yu, it’s likely that Mr. Yu wants to secretly take the credit. Right now, I’m only concerned with whether litchis can be transported, as this affects His Majesty and the Noble Consort’s mood. The person you mentioned is occupied. Let’s discuss it later. Is there anything else? No, that’s all. Good. Then get back to your work! Sir, there is one thing I don’t understand. I just carefully reviewed Mr. Li’s strategy, and it’s clear that he has put in a lot of thought. But just to transport litchis, we’re mobilizing the entire nation, deploying a large number
of riders, horses, boats, courier stations, and icehouses. I’d like to ask Mr. Li, where will the funds come from? It’s coming from the Court, right? I roughly calculated earlier that the cost of one litchi comes to about 17 guan and 500 wen. At West Market, it’s enough to buy
a 3-year-old male camel or 2,000 dou of rice. Tang is prosperous. Mr. Wei, Wei Zheng,
once advised Emperor Taizong, reminding him to be vigilant
even in times of peace and to practice frugality
instead of extravagance. This is essential for long-term development. If we transport litchis this year, what about next year?
And the year after? If this continues, we’ll drain the national treasury. Future generations will blame us, officials of this era,
for not advising wisely. Besides, with ongoing conflicts
in the northwest and the Yellow River
flooding year after year, there are countless places
where money is needed. If we make such a fuss to transport litchis, and the news spreads, people will resent it, leading to criticism and disgrace. Our current emperor is wise,
and the Noble Consort is kind. If they understand the reality
of the situation, they definitely won’t agree. I dare to suggest that we first report the detailed costs of this plan to His Majesty and let His Majesty decide. I concur. I concur. – I concur.
– I concur. – I concur.
– I concur. – I concur.
– I concur. Li Shande, look, so many people do not want you to carry out this plan. What do you think? I concur! Sir, I’ve been to Lingnan. I know the journey is arduous and costly, but it’s my duty after all. I have to do my best to get it done. However, if His Majesty revokes the order, it will be a great blessing for the nation and the people. Have to? Good for you! Reluctantly, unwillingly, you’re doing this for His Majesty? To relieve His Majesty’s worries and benefit Tang, it can’t just be talk. You all only see litchis and that’s all, thinking
the Noble Consort’s litchi feast is extravagant and wasteful, causing hardship to the people just for appearances. Not a single one of you can truly grasp His Majesty’s intentions. “The Emperor is far away.” Tang is vast. A single litchi, fresh one, can be transported
from Lingnan to Chang’an. His Majesty wants the world to know that in Tang, even though the country is vast, His Majesty is never far away. Even if there are military matters, with urgent messages
sent over hundreds of li, there won’t be a moment’s delay
in reaching His Majesty’s ears. At that time, who would dare to act rashly? Now, can you get that from the West Market with 17 guan and 500 wen? The litchis represent not just the pride of Tang, but also our national strength, the dignity of Tang, and our ability to compel foreign troops without shedding a drop of blood. Isn’t that worth it? His Majesty thinks it is! And I think it is. And what you just said is merely an attempt to secure
a good name for yourselves in the historiographer’s records. It’s a trick. But I understand it. No one wants to bear the blame. So let me take it! Let me bear it! You all are innocent. This is my own choice. To relieve His Majesty’s worries, I don’t mind sacrificing myself. Li Shande, do you have confidence in transporting litchis back to Chang’an? If the method of transport can be thoroughly implemented, by the first day of the sixth month, I can deliver litchis to you, sir. Good. Great. Go do it now. Sir, could you issue me a written order? It will make things easier for me when I go to various offices
to handle matters. You already have my token. That’s better than a written order. If you go through the procedure, won’t that ruin my reputation? But bear in mind, in the future, when you do things, don’t say you “have to”.