《长安的荔枝 The Litchi Road》EP27：李善德冒死向右相献策，终使荔枝转运畅通无阻｜雷佳音 岳云鹏｜古装 传奇 剧情｜KUKAN Drama
[The Litchi Road] [Ding Tong’er] [Cicada Slough, Chapter 1] Go! [Nine years ago] Hurry! Not much to look at. Send her to the kitchen. Aye! Go! But for Qiao’s timely report, you would’ve really run away. Confess. Admit it, and I won’t
hold it against you. Stop it! Stop it right now! Don’t! Stop it now! Enough! Stop it! Thank you for your kindness. In your prime, you’ll surely find a good match to connect with an influential family! Even if I have to lose everything, I won’t abandon Shiqi. Then I’ll do as you wish. Beat him to death! Stop it! Enough! Stop it now! I will forget him. Keep your word. Let him go. Let him go! Stop it! Stop hitting him. Please give the Buyao hairpin on my head to him. Release him. After today, we might not meet again. This hairpin is a gift for you to help with the expenses of your journey home. Shiqi, I promise, in two months, I’ll gather enough money to make up the previous deposit and redeem you. In the 3rd year of Tianbao, a man told me the same thing, but he never returned. Over the years, I’ve heard the same words in Pingkang Ward countless times. Men are the same. Disappear! Mr. Xue? Mr. Xue! Madame Shiqi, you’re drunk again. I’m Qin’er. Right, it’s been over a month. Do you hear cicadas? Lately, as I lie here, listening to cicadas, I can’t help but reminisce
about my childhood, sitting on my father’s boat, scooping up water chestnuts, and navigating through the lotus pond. The lotus leaves stretched endlessly. Occasionally, fish would leap and play. The only similarity between Chang’an and my hometown is the sound of these cicadas. Cicadas are just cicadas. On the day you were sold to Zuihong Brothel, the Madame Shiqi who listened to cicadas came to an end. [Episode 27] 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♪ ♪On the way to Lingnan?♪ Is everything settled? All set. Carefully serve General Gao. Pay close attention to what’s said at the table. Report it back to me. Let’s raise a toast to congratulate Wu for coming in first this time! I’m curious. Madame Shiqi, why don’t you go to such lengths to please guests like others do? Instead, you gather these secrets and invite all these nobles to the table in no time. This house used to belong to the famous woman, Li Xiangxiang, of Pingkang Ward. Legend has it, she always stood here, staring at that house in a daze. The Right Chancellor’s mansion? Do you know why the Right Chancellor
built his house in Pingkang Ward? No idea. Because Pingkang Ward holds the most valuable treasures. What treasures? Secrets. Poor Li Xiangxiang, she spent her whole life wondering
how to put herself under the patronage
of the Right Chancellor, but she couldn’t grasp the truth that was so close. Mr. Yu, I visited various offices and got the approval at Chen Hour. Last night, the heavy rain washed away the dirt, bringing everything back to life. It’s truly refreshing! This rain not only cleansed the filth, but also washed away the Litchi Commissioner’s reckless spirit. He knew the man behind Madame Shiqi was the Right Chancellor, but never expected
that it was the Baiwang Gang helping him manage the lending business. That Li Shande made a futile effort, only to end up caught in your connections in Chang’an. Now that he has lost the property deed, he must be feeling miserable after last night. Without experiencing
the pain of growing mature, how can one know the beauty of maturity? Let’s go. It’s time for us to give the bait. Otherwise, the fish might starve to death. 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”. [The Litchi Road] He really met the Right Chancellor! Now he has got support from the Right Chancellor, will he come back and settle scores with us? Where is Mr. Liu? Tomorrow, you all don’t need to come again. If I try to go after that big catch of transporting litchis again, I might end up crossing him. – Mr. Li!
– Mr. Li! Mr. Li! Mr. Yu. This time, I’ll be working together
with you, Mr. Li. ♪The beauty-loving ruler
longed for a divine lady♪ ♪Yet through his reign,
none stirred his soul’s desires♪ ♪A maiden of the Yangs
now ripens in grace♪ ♪Raised in seclusion,
unseen by any face♪ ♪Endowed with heaven-sent beauty,
she is bound to be known♪ ♪Finally chosen to be
where the ruler goes♪ ♪A glance, a smile,
and all charms awake♪ ♪The glow of all ladies in the harem
fades in her wake♪ ♪In the spring chill, she was granted
a bath in the Huaqing Hot Spring♪ ♪Thermal waves
embraced her moonlit skin♪ ♪Arms held by her attendants,
delicate and weak♪ ♪This marked the dawn
of royal favor’s peak♪ ♪Cloud-like hair, floral visage
with a golden step-shaking hairpin♪ ♪Lotus-curtains drank
their shared breath♪ ♪Dawn always came too soon,
shearing the night too short♪ ♪Thus indulged in joy, the ruler
no longer joined the morning court♪ ♪Entertain the ruler and attend events
without a moment to spare♪ ♪Spring outings and night-long stays
all through the year♪ ♪Despite thousands
of beauties in the harem♪ ♪All the ruler’s favor rests on her♪