《长安的荔枝 The Litchi Road》EP29：李善德携权重返岭南，何刺史一反常态配合其工作｜雷佳音 岳云鹏｜古装 传奇 剧情｜KUKAN Drama
[The Litchi Road] A man gets but few chances in life. What harm is there in staking everything for one opportunity? By the Right Chancellor’s side, if you neither strive nor contend, no one will appreciate
your modesty and generosity. You’ll only be trampled underfoot and face a dire end. [Golden Bowl] [Three years ago] [Eunuch Director Wang] You idiot! Are you trying to kill me? Mr. Wang, please calm down. Mr. Wang, please spare me this once. Are you a corpse, just standing there? Mr. Wang! Mr. Wang, the Right Chancellor
has sent someone to rush us again. I’ll deal with you when I return. Normally, everyone scrambles for the procurement commission. Now that the opportunity is here, why does no one step forward? Your Excellency, white wax is precious. The funds allocated
by the Imperial Privy Treasury this time fall far short of previous procurements by the Inner Court. You think the pay is too meager? No profit to skim, so you won’t share His Majesty’s burdens. Is that it? Sharing His Majesty’s burdens is my duty. But this budget is less than a tenth of what’s needed. It’s nearly impossible. I lack the competence
to fulfill this task. I beg you to punish me. What about the rest of you? Who will take on this matter? Beyond Chang’an, the roads are lined with the starved. You all have secure jobs, yet you’re still picky. Take it or leave it! Your Excellency, I dare ask for a boon. What do you want? A chance to share your burdens. Good. Fortune favors the bold. Interesting. “Those who know me understand my troubles.” This opportunity is yours. Your Excellency, my thanks. [Episode 29] Mr. Yu. Mr. Li. With this transport plan, I could recalculate to reduce expenses somewhat. Mr. Li, we serve His Majesty. What matters is executing this task well and successfully. Everything else is trivial. Especially the budget, it must not be pared down
to the last coin. Remember, reporting less
and spending more is called overspending. Mr. Yu. Reporting more and spending less is called surplus. Overspending reflects incompetence while surplus demonstrates
great planning. Look, this litchi transport mission spans great distances with countless variables. If something goes wrong, a rigid budget invites overspending. And if we end up even a single guan short, should that money come from my purse or yours? Indeed. We must leave room for risk spillover. Mr. Yu, you are truly the expert. Then I’ll submit the figures
as they stand. No rush. Think it through. We can’t afford mistakes. A larger budget is necessary. Mr. Yu, you’re absolutely right. If this transport method succeeds, we’ll naturally support it. But Li Shande’s plan has one critical flaw. Too frugal. And frugality multiplies risk. The transport along the way requires not only speed but also stability. Weary horses stumble easily. In my view, a relay every 60 li is ill-advised. We could shorten it to changing horses and riders
every 30 li. And we need to build
more courier stations. Each must have lodging, stables, fresh water, and wells. No fewer than three fine horses, and at least… Two riders. We’ll also need granaries stocked with months of provisions, and two cooks per station. Meals prepared in shifts. In case the food spoils one day and causes stomach problems, or a horse becomes ill, there will still be a solution. We also need some medicines for emergencies. This cost far exceeds Li Shande’s previous calculations. Mr. Yu, if the task succeeds, no one will quibble over expenses. But if it fails, no matter how thrifty, it’s a crime. There’s no room for error. The budget must be multiplied several times over to ensure success. Don’t you agree? I understand your concerns. We all want this litchi transport to be foolproof. You have my support. But judging by your proposed budget, I still doubt its sufficiency. Shall we double it again? At first, I pitied Li Shande, who was slaving over those ledgers, given this doomed task yet managing it with flawless logic, not wasting a single coin. That was why I eagerly helped
refine his plan. Yet who could’ve guessed he was in league with Mr. Yu? That fool. Whether they conspire or not, anyone who is involved with… Anyone who gets involved with the Turtle meets a wretched end. His appetite is boundless. The litchi transport costs will snowball. Before, it was a doomed task, but with a sliver of hope. Now that Mr. Yu
has dipped his fingers in, the Litchi Commissioner
treads a path of no return. Does he truly think
the Right Chancellor’s silver token is a protection? Has he forgotten he’s the Litchi Transport Commissioner? If he fails, the Right Chancellor
needs only reclaim the silver token to sever all ties in an instant. You’re absolutely right. Mr. Yu can still wash his hands clean. Today’s discussion was arranged by Li Shande. The division of responsibilities was his design. Even the transport method
and its refinements were spearheaded by him. The Turtle claims he merely assists in solving problems. A flawless deflection. Succeed, and all credit is his. Fail, and Li Shande bears the blame
for botched transport. Your camaraderie touches me. But I have to depart tomorrow. So, please return. Brilliant, brilliant. – Good.
– Wonderful. Congratulations. You’ve nailed the transport method. We once drank together in the past days. Now you swim
with the current of fortune. Your grand door’s yet to gleam
with fame. But the man is not the same. Liangyuan, where lies your original intent? Han. Take care. Mr. Li, you’re magnanimous. If you rise, do not forget us. – Exactly.
– Right. When you prosper, remember your old friends from the Office of Imperial Parks. – Indeed.
– Quite so. Liangyuan, don’t forget our years as classmates. Our bond is unbreakable. Yes, right. I’ve spent half my life in the Office of Imperial Parks. I know little of grand principles. But I know this much. Graft plum to peach,
and the fruit grows crisp. Graft apricot to peach,
and it swells large. Yet the peach remains a peach. Though I hold
the Right Chancellor’s silver token, I am still myself. Unchanged. So I cannot accept your gifts. Take them back. I truly cannot. Please return. Well… No wonder your father succeeds. Look at his integrity as an official. He truly hasn’t lost
his pure and innocent heart. – Indeed.
– Truly. Such nobility commands respect. No wonder the Right Chancellor
favors him. Sirs, please return. Well… Uh… Then we won’t disturb you any further. We won’t disturb you. We’ll take our leave. Let’s go. All right. Liangyuan, farewell. Farewell. Keep up! Coming. Let’s go. Mr. He, a tribute commissioner
in Lingnan reports that the Litchi Commissioner Li Shande has obtained
the Right Chancellor’s silver token. He’s on the way to Lingnan with Mr. Yu, the Litchi Overseer. And accompanying them is… Who else? Stop stammering. Amita, the Hu merchant representative personally appointed
by the Right Chancellor. No wonder we couldn’t find her at sea. We were working in the wrong direction! Li Shande’s scheme. He actually smuggled Amita into Chang’an? Both of you, get out. Aye. Aye. Mr. Zhao, there’s no need for theatrics here. We’ll address your matters later. Right now, the pressing issue is Amita. She had fled to Chang’an. She was already far away
from the trouble, why would she come back to Lingnan? Is she not afraid of death? Does this matter have anything to do
with the Right Chancellor? Sir, you are an imperial-appointed official. Even if Amita sows discord between you and the Right Chancellor, and he wants to punish you, he has to follow protocol. He would first have to
petition His Majesty to strip your rank, and then summon you
to the capital for trial. He wouldn’t just send
these few people over to lay charges against you. Besides, Lingnan is your territory. And now you hold the Military Fish Tally. Why should you be afraid of these few? In my opinion, the Right Chancellor likely has his eye on the profits
from the litchi transport. That’s why he sent Mr. Yu to oversee it. That Mr. Yu is infamous as the Turtle. He knows the tricks of corrupt officials better than we do. All corrupt officials are the same. They know when to turn a blind eye. Since the litchi transport is already a done deal, why not let Mr. Yu have his way? If we keep him satisfied, he might even
put in a good word for us with the Right Chancellor. If some rigid fool had been sent instead, and Amita managed to sow discord between them and us, who knows what chaos could follow? Anyway, calculate their arrival time and make proper arrangements. Aye. Mr. Li, why are you so gloomy when we’re nearly in Lingnan? The heat is worse than when I left. This place isn’t suited for ice storage. Once the litchi transport begins, this weather doesn’t bode well. I reviewed your plans earlier. On paper, they seemed harmless. But after this grueling journey, I see how difficult this task truly is. Still, Mr. Li, don’t worry. We’re here on the Right Chancellor’s orders. If we work together, nothing is impossible. The Inspector’s Office can handle the operational matters. I’d be grateful if they didn’t
cause any trouble. Mr. Li, do you have a grievance with them? Just a minor misunderstanding. Yes, just a… A minor misunderstanding. Now that I have
the Right Chancellor’s silver token and your support, they should cooperate. Once we reach Lingnan, we’ll have a proper talk with Mr. He. Welcome the Overseer
and the Litchi Commissioner to Lingnan! [Inspector’s Mansion] Is this Overseer Yu? Mr. Yu, your reputation precedes you. I didn’t expect you to be such a talented and promising young man. I heard you single-handedly managed the procurement for Her Highness’s birthday feast. Remarkable. Meeting you is the honor of a lifetime. Mr. He, I’ve heard so much about you. Once a maritime overlord, commanding the waves with your brethren. Now an official in Lingnan, sheltering its people. A legend indeed. Mr. He, I’ve long wished to visit. But duties kept me in the palace. Now that we’ve finally met, we must share a proper reunion. Mr. Yu, have we met before? Mr. He, your heart has always been
with Chang’an. Our paths may have crossed more than you realize. Perhaps we have met. Well, look, the moment I saw Mr. Yu, I felt an instant kinship as if we’d known each other before. Fate must have brought us together. Mr. Li. [Duke of Imperial Guardianship’s Token]
It is the silver token of the Right Chancellor. Mr. Li, as the ancients said, “A day apart feels like three autumns.” We haven’t seen each other for so long. How many autumns must that be? You’ve endured quite a journey. Inspector, thanks for your concern. Amita, ever since you left, I’ve been worrying about you every day. But now you’ve returned. I can finally feel at ease. Promise me you won’t wander so far again. Don’t worry, Father. I’m not leaving this time. Where’s Lan Yu? I wouldn’t trouble a mere servant. I let her go. Mr. He. Let’s welcome them inside. We have prepared a modest feast to welcome you. Yes, exactly. Upon hearing of your arrival, he rushed out in such haste. You must have witnessed Mr. He’s fervent hospitality. We can discuss the litchi transport over the meal. This year, Longdong
suffered a severe drought. His Majesty issued an austerity decree, ordering all officials to reduce expenditures. His Majesty shows empathy
towards the people and sets an example for the world. Even the construction
of Huaqing Hot Spring was halted. Would such extravagant hospitality betray His Majesty’s earnest intentions? Mr. Yu, you’re overstating it. Lingnan, nestled between mountains
and seas, abounds in fish and crabs. Seafood here is even cheaper than rice. These are really just some humble local dishes. As an official of the people, Mr. He serves His Majesty by hosting you well. No blame will fall upon Mr. He. Mr. He, please forgive me. I’ve always been impatient by nature. With Her Highness’s birthday
approaching, the first thing on my mind is to ensure the litchi transport is handled properly, smoothly,
and successfully. That’s only natural. Indeed. As the Overseer, my duty is to assist Mr. Li. Mr. Li, if you have any requests, why not bring them up now? Then I’ll just say it straight. The first day of the sixth month
is approaching. We must depart
by the 19th of the fifth month. Mr. He, please mobilize your officials to get prepared. Mr. He, what do you think? That’s right. Time waits for no one. Hear this, from today, all officials in Lingnan are at Mr. Li’s disposal. – Aye!
– Aye! By the way, Amita is the Hu merchant representative
appointed by the Right Chancellor. Amita, what are your plans for this trip? Mr. Yu, Amita is my adoptive daughter. She’s always been working for me. Having long resided in Lingnan, I’ve not only ensured timely tax deliveries
to the Court but also asked myself whether I could do more, lest I fail to live up to His Majesty and the Right Chancellor’s trust
in Lingnan. Thus, I had Amita take on this task, so we might devote ourselves fully to supporting the litchi transport. Indeed. My adoptive father
has always said he wants to sponsor the transport in the name of the Hu Merchants Guild to share His Majesty’s burdens and bring joy to Her Highness. Then I have to ask. Is the money from the Hu Merchants Guild to be invested or donated? The Hu Merchants Guild has been blessed by His Majesty’s grace
in Tang territory. Of course, the money is a donation. Wonderful. I hadn’t realized the Hu Merchants Guild was so generous. Mr. He, you contribute both funds and labor to the litchi transport. I can rest easy now. Mr. He, please forgive us. Mr. Li and Mr. Yu are weary from travel. Shall we reconvene another time? Mr. Yu, are you not going to have this meal? Don’t bother. Alright. Ah, I have a vacant house. Mr. Yu, why not lodge there and rest early? I have my own plans. Mr. Li, perhaps you’d take it? I’ll stay at the courier station. I’m used to staying there. Father, the Right Chancellor tasked me
with assisting Mr. Li. I’ll personally oversee every detail. I’ll join him at the courier station. Alright. Mr. Yu, then… Mr. He, farewell. Farewell. Yu Cheng’en is nothing but the Turtle. Just look at how he’s putting on an act, pretending to be an incorruptible and virtuous official. If anyone from the Inspector’s Mansion comes, refuse anything they offer. Understood. Petty bribes aren’t worth our attention. We’ll wait for the big fish to bite. This time, I’m not fishing. I’ll devour him alive. And there’s Li Shande, daring to act so officious in front of me. And Amita kept tricking me into paying up. Lingnan is my territory! How dare they! Zhao, remember, since they’ve spurned courtesy, let them handle the litchi transport, and I’ll do my job as Inspector. Let’s just leave each other alone. Today, I saw him being very respectful to you. Why would you want to “devour” him? An old grievance. Not worth mentioning. Amita and Li Shande are no real threat. But that Mr. Yu is another matter. His performance of integrity today was staged for Li Shande. Didn’t you hear Amita
deliberately mention the Guild’s donation? That was a reminder to Mr. Yu about the Guild’s substantial
financial resources. Eunuchs are all petty-minded. If we don’t satiate the Turtle, and he holds a grudge, he might say something
unfavorable for us to the Right Chancellor. That would be a great loss for us. But he is the Inspector of Gaozhou. And he’s served the Right Chancellor for years. If we do eliminate him, how do we explain it
to the Right Chancellor? He’s been acting like a king in Lingnan for too long. Digging up dirt on him won’t be hard. This is infuriating. I really feel like throwing them all into the river to feed the fish. Where are they staying? In a house in the west. It’s even better than the place we prepared for him. Seems like he has a big appetite. Zhao, remember, never let them think Lingnan is a lucrative target. Otherwise, how will we live our days? How will I plead poverty
to the Right Chancellor? Then our good days will be over. I noticed something subtle between Amita and He Youguang. Go and find out what exactly has happened between them. Mr. Li is back. Shande? You’re back. You’re back. I’m back. How’s Xiu? Taller? Sturdier? Did she miss me? So many questions at once. She’s taller. And yes, she missed you. This time, the litchis will reach Her Highness’s banquet
on schedule. Xiu won’t be orphaned. I also heard you secured
the Right Chancellor’s silver token. Here it is. I even sleep with it tied to me. Let me tell you, returning to Chang’an, the last thing I expected was to actually meet the Right Chancellor. The world calls him overbearing, but only he can suppress He Youguang and ensure
the litchi transport succeeds. I heard you requested someone
from the Right Chancellor. Mr. Yu? I recommended him. More help brings me closer to success. Right? The closer you are to success, the closer I am to death! I’ve been staying in Lingnan as the agent of the Right Chancellor for so long. I’ve survived so far by treading cautiously on thin ice. Not long ago, I ran into Zhao Xinmin at Konglang Agency. He nearly uncovered my identity. I was relieved no one exposed me. Then you just brought one of the Right Chancellor’s men straight from Chang’an to point me out! No. I didn’t see that coming. I… In Chang’an, I was consumed by the litchi task. Overwhelmed. It… It never occurred to me. I didn’t realize. Go to hell! You didn’t realize? A trip to Chang’an, and you can’t tell right
from wrong anymore? Who is Mr. Yu? The Right Chancellor’s lapdog! Are you his lapdog too? No, I’m not. But what choice did I have? I was given a doomed task. When I went back to Chang’an to handle this matter, no one helped me. So I had to
turn to the Right Chancellor. He gets things done. Listen, Li Shande, Anyone tied to the Right Chancellor dies. I’m going to bring him down! Let’s… Let’s not talk about this. No more arguing. We… I brought you flatbread. Here. No more fighting. I… You think a flatbread appeases me? I really didn’t see that coming. I demand a bag! Mark my words, I’ll bring down
the Right Chancellor. [Duke of Imperial Guardianship’s Token] Well, look. Mr. Li, we expected
your journey to Chang’an to be fraught with hardships, yet you return in splendid triumph. You only see the glory, not the suffering behind it. Elder Su, what brings you to the litchi orchard? Upon hearing of your return, I went to the courier station early
to wait for you only to find it empty. So, I ended up waiting here
for a stroke of luck. Since my return yesterday, I’ve been buried in chaos. We depart on the 19th
of the fifth month. Time is short, and the task is immense. I was just briefing over 20 officials on personnel arrangements. Tong, they may send helpers shortly. When they’re here, you need to explain to them in detail how to prune the branches, protect the fruit, harvest the bamboo, and load the urns. Why would those officials listen to me? From today, your litchi orchard is officially designated
as an imperial litchi orchard. You serve His Majesty now. No one dares to disobey you. See, I told you, Elder Su. A dog never forgets. How can you insult me? Don’t you always say, “A dog in prosperity does not forget its master”? “If we prosper,
let us not forget each other.” Let us not forget each other. But you still forgot my reminder. I heard you made Amita the representative of us Hu Merchants. Here’s the thing. After that incident with Amita and He Youguang, I petitioned the Right Chancellor to grant her this title to protect her. But Amita asked me to tell you that this is just a nominal title. Just a nominal title. Well, in today’s Chang’an parlance, she won’t be handling the actual operations of the litchi trade. You’re still in charge of everything here. Amita never shared your hardships, yet now you share
your prosperity with her. Your kindness knows no bounds. I’m left speechless and feel deeply ashamed. Since your arrival in Lingnan, we have relied on each other, Mr. Li. May we one day soar wing-to-wing, shoulder-to-shoulder, delivering fresh litchis to Chang’an together. One more thing, Elder Su. A palace eunuch, Attendant Yu, returned with me this time. Attendant Yu? Yes. He should now be called Overseer Yu. Overseer Yu? Yes. He used to be in charge of the transport
and procurement of goods in Chang’an. He’s very experienced. So if you have specific concerns, you may discuss them with him. Alright, good. But… But I remain uneasy. Better safe than sorry, you know. The commercial operations along the litchi transport route are all under my management. Does Mr. Yu know this? He does. I explained everything to him on the way. He even praised you as a leading figure in the industry and a friend of Tang. It seems Mr. Yu is also a good dog. May we all be good dogs, then! Ah, Mr. Li, you promised us fine wine from Chang’an. Where is it? I didn’t forget. Truly, I didn’t. But in Chang’an, I was buried in duties day and night. And the journey was so long. I feared it would spoil along the way. We gave you one simple task, and you still forgot. Your memory is worse than a sparrow’s. But… I did prepare grape wine for you at the courier station. I’ll fetch it shortly. Then we’ll call Li over and drink our fill! “Drink our fill” is also a Chang’an saying. I really did prepare grape wine. What happened to Li? [The Litchi Road] Hurry. Master, are we running away? Running away? Since when do I fear anyone? Even if the Inspector’s men pounded at my door now, I wouldn’t flinch. Are we transporting litchis or blades to Chang’an? None of you are grateful dogs! Now I understand what it means to “kill the donkey
after it’s done grinding.” I’m that donkey. I’m that stupid donkey that you’ve killed! ♪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♪