MULTI SUB【The Litchi Road】EP30 | Mr.Yu refused to cooperate with Su Liang, Su Liang was abandoned
[The Litchi Road] In Chang’an, greed is no sin. Incompetence is. [Zhou Sanlang,
Baiwang Gang member]， [Three years ago]
Sooner or later, a true rule-keeper… [Baiwang Gang boasts,] [“We fear neither the mayor while alive
nor the King of Hell when dead.”] [They have three bloodsucking trades:]
will be devoured, [Raking in money]
bones and all. [from monopoly in funerals, ] [deadly gambling schemes,
and usurious loans.] [Candle Siege, Chapter One]
[Xiangrui Funeral Supply Shop] I dispatched over 100 people to buy all the candles on the market. Now, candle prices in Chang’an have quadrupled in five days. I have even warned major merchants whom we can’t threaten at will: Sell below market price, and they’ll face consequences. [Eunuch Director Wang] Candle prices soar every day. One white candle now exceeds 200 wen, with a fourfold increase. Even Pingkang Ward which was always lit up all night has switched to oil lamps recently. If we don’t buy now, prices may climb further. You should flee.
Chang’an has no place for you anymore. Calm down. Chaos breeds opportunity. Opportunity? Mr. Yu. Are you here to complain or make excuses? Neither. I pondered candle procurement long and hard. I wonder, can we buy candles without spending imperial funds? I’d like to boldly ask a favor of Your Excellency. Speak. I wish to borrow money. How do you want to borrow it? It’s a substantial sum. Double interest in twenty days. What collateral are you offering? My life. As long as the contract bears your seal, the candles’ delivery day will be the repayment day. Intriguing. It gets more and more intriguing. So you’re Mr. Yu,
the Palace Dispatch Eunuch. I am. You’re young for such responsibility. Yes. Such chances are rare. Hence my visit. Then may you rise in rank and wealth. I will have to be frank. Candle prices change every day. We’ll trade at market price. Market price? Yes. Are you mocking me? Sanlang. I procure for the Right Chancellor. I can not afford to err. Your Chang’an connections run deep. You can verify this yourself. Mr. Yu, what cut do you want? None. You can have all the profit. In all my years, I’ve never seen such a queer thing. I suddenly feel uneasy. Mr. Yu, what do you truly want? I merely try to share
the Right Chancellor’s burdens. Okay. He has high standards for everything. Please find him the best ones. My life depends on this. He’s gone mad! At this price, how will he explain
to the Right Chancellor? I’m baffled too. Yet he agreed without hesitation. Is he plotting something? That scoundrel. Mr. Wang, do we still… What’s the problem? Why would we refuse profit? If he returns, triple the price. Let’s see how long he can play this game. Aye. They have delivered the candles. Return them. Return them? Return them. He returned the candles? Why? This truly panics me. As soon as
the candles entered the palace, I took samples to the Right Chancellor. But before I could approach him, he said from afar, “Below standard.” Sanlang. I warned you my life depends on this. Please find better candles to save me from the crisis. Sanlang. Quality candles exist in Chang’an. But prices have doubled again recently. Cost is not an issue. Market price? Market price. They have delivered the candles. You purchased them, returned them, and now you’re buying again. Now the candles cost four times more. How will you explain this? Return them again. You’re mad! Again? I inspected them. They’re top-quality. How will you explain
if you return them again? Tomorrow morning, instead of me, you go meet Sanlang. He’ll ask why when he sees you. Tell him that… The Right Chancellor took the sample and simply said, “Below standard.” Why are they still below standard? I implore you to hurry with the task! Sir! Sir! Sir! Have you found Mr. Wang? We tried everything but found no trace of him anywhere. I heard that no one had seen Mr. Wang in the palace for days. Sanlang. What now? Search! Find him! Okay! Find him! Yes, sir! My life hangs by a thread. [Episode 30] [Here lies Li] Soon after you left, Mr. He’s men came asking for your whereabouts. Later, some Dong people saw Commandant Young chasing Li. Li ran in the direction of the Xijing Circuit. He drew pursuers away for me. I was just trying to transport some litchis. Why must Mr. He kill me? We searched for a long time but we never found his body. Later in the mountains, we found his shoes and some bones. He must have kept running until he died. Then wild beasts scattered his remains. “I began as a slave. When can I render meritorious services?” Li. I’ll try everything I can to transport litchis to Chang’an. So you may rest in peace. [A loyal servant] [Here lies Li, a loyal servant] [Inspector’s Mansion] Is the gift for Mr. Yu, the Overseer, delivered? Yes. I specially chose a box of premium Southern Pearls, each perfectly round. Last night, nightmares tormented me. My eyelids have been twitching
this morning. Rest assured. I ordered servants to send the gift list first and then place the gift nearby for them to collect discreetly. The art of gifting: Send it in a secretive and low-key way, leaving no loose ends to the recipient. Good. My fighting roosters are truly splendid. Mr. He. Speak. Mr. Yu rejected the gift list. What nonsense! Useless fool! Good for nothing! What happened? Put it away! Out! I can’t believe it. Zhao. How does it feel proven wrong? And have you no shame? He… All these years whenever you’re confident, I’m terrified. Whenever you say “rest assured”, my heart leaps to my throat. You never get anything done! Can’t even deliver a gift! They’re toying with us. Is this playing hard to get or expecting us to beg repeatedly? It’s not so simple. Do you remember what Mr. Yu said to me when we first met? He called me “a maritime overlord”. “Maritime Overlord” was my underworld name. How did he know? Pure coincidence. And he said, “We must share a proper reunion,” in a soft and venomous tone. Now that I think of it, was he implying something? You must’ve overthought it. Eunuchs are all soft-spoken. They’re the most intimidating ones. Eunuchs don’t have that kind of desire. Lust for money is all they have. He’s always been greedy and corrupt. Why isn’t he greedy this time? He’s in Lingnan, my territory, yet he refuses my gift. I’m unsettled. Come to think of it, someone can solve this for us. Quick! Master. Are we fleeing? Flee? Do I seem like a fugitive? I found Chai’s home. So we’re off to find her. I thought you feared Mr. Yu from Chang’an so you’re fleeing. Have I ever feared anyone? If I had, I’d have died long ago in Lingnan. Even if the Inspector’s men knock on my door now, I won’t fear. Go take a look. Who is it? It’s me. Mr. Zhao. Ping’an.
[*Safe and sound] Ping’an. I adore Chang’an’s greeting style. But we have a new way to greet now. “Who’s your…” “Who’s your daddy”! Why shut the door in this heat? I caught a chill. I have delicate health. Then you need to rest well. So why were you packing? Planning a trip? We’re off to climb mountains. It’s windier up there. I still have to do it. To pray to heaven for my recovery. What brings you here at this late hour? Not some urgent matter, I hope? If nothing urgent, let’s talk another day. Not me. Mr. He summons you. This way. Guiyun. My big brother! I see you glow with health and are radiant with success. How plump and prosperous! Take a seat. I drown sorrows every day. This plumpness isn’t fat, but my longing for the Right Chancellor His Excellency. You are always “longing for the Right Chancellor”. Now one of your fellow officials is in Lingnan. You haven’t visited him to learn about His Excellency’s
recent state? Right! Xinmin, do you mean Attendant Yu, from the Palace? Yes. I don’t like the sound of it. I’m a Court official, and he’s just a eunuch. How can we be fellow officials? Mr. Zhao! You ate so much sugarcane that it poked holes in your mouth? Stop the nonsense! Guiyun, forgive him. He means Mr. Yu was promoted by the Right Chancellor. You also served His Excellency closely. So you two, as his trusted followers, are supposed to be close. Hence his words. Silence! No more talking. Mr. He is right. Guiyun. I treat you as family. So I’ll speak frankly. Sure. I asked you to come because I need your help. Ever since Mr. Yu came to Lingnan, we’ve only exchanged glances. We didn’t even dine together. As the host, I failed my duty. So I am somewhat regretful. I wish you could mediate and arrange a meeting. Help me break the ice. I understand now. But I cannot help. I don’t know him. You don’t know him? No. The Right Chancellor holds many posts with dozens of silver tokens and hundreds of men under his command. I can’t know them all. I don’t know him. I’ve heard this before. It sounds familiar. When the Right Chancellor’s secret envoy was here last time, you said the same thing. Guiyun, don’t tell me after all these years serving him, you still don’t know anyone around him. Mr. He, I don’t like the sound of it, either. What’s a “secret envoy”? Enlighten me. Utmost secrecy is their basic trick for survival. If they came with fanfare and were welcomed
by local liaisons grandly, would they still be “secret” envoys? So what if I don’t know him? Guiyun. Calm your anger! So you don’t know him. It’s not an issue. So, Guiyun, you’ve been in Chang’an for years. You know official protocols best. Help me analyze something. Why does Mr. Yu avoid meetings and refuse visits after he arrived? What’s the meaning of his attitude? In Chang’an, connections require courtesy and gifts. Gifts were sent but rejected. That means they are too meager. Not all people are as easily contented as my master. You’re out of line! But he’s right. Think of it. Mr. Yu has seen all the luxuries in Chang’an. Mr. He, you must go all out. No problem. But what should I give him? What’s best in Lingnan? Southern Pearls. Sent. Rejected. Yeah! Rejected? Beautiful women! For whom? Won’t work for him. True. Beautiful women won’t work. He doesn’t like Southern Pearls, either. He came for litchis. Lingnan’s litchis will become famous throughout the whole Tang. Mr. He, select prime litchi orchards and gift him the deeds. He won’t refuse. Choose several. So you mean gold bars won’t do. Just send the gold mine? Sacrifice brings gain. My brother! Even if I go big and give him litchi orchard deeds, would he accept? If he refuses, remember his name: Gou.
[*Dog] If he refuses the deeds, treat my words as dog farts. Farewell. I gather you all today for great news. Mr. He decrees that the Guild shall donate 200 guan to fund the litchi transport. You can split the cost today. It’s sharing the joy! Right? If you hadn’t asked us to withdraw funds last moment, we could’ve profited from this “joy”. Now Elder Su gets
all the credit and profit while we pay without anything in return. It’s hard to swallow. True. We can pay. But can we join Elder Su’s venture? Even if we can’t get the meat, at least let us have the crumbs. Litchi transport profits flow like the Yangtze River! Mr. Xiao, you are not like Amita. You should look after your own. Yes! Exactly! I’ve considered this. Actually, today I’m treating Elder Su at Qifeng Pavilion. You imply there’s room for negotiation? When he was in crisis, I bought his ship, funding his final payment
for the transport. But now, that “ship” of his isn’t for everyone to get on board. Your kindness to help others deserves this reward. If you help us get on board his “ship”, we’ll be forever in your debt. For future profits, we’ll take small shares, and you take the lion’s share. We’ll appreciate it, Mr. Xiao. As the Guild Leader, I won’t hesitate to help you out. But whether you can
get on board his “ship” depends on your own strength. Mr. Xiao. Elder Su is here. Come on. Make space for him. All Guild elders are present! I just planned a few drinks with Mr. Xiao. I didn’t expect such grandeur. Elder Su! Take a seat. Please! Please! Elder Su, we admire your vision and wisdom. Your ship weathers storms. Take a seat. Elder Su, as the Leader, my duty is heavy. Today I wish to take all members to get on board your great ship. You flatter me. My ship, however large, cannot dock without the winds you guys blow. You’re too modest. But rest assured. Keep opportunities in-house, right? We are in a foreign country. We should look out for each other. Right? But don’t bite more than you can chew. Take one step at a time. Once my contract with Mr. Li is signed, we’ll discuss the details together. Agreed? Agree! We’re counting on you, Elder Su. Please announce my arrival. Zhao Xinmin, Chief Secretary
of the Inspector’s Mansion, requests an audience with Mr. Yu. Mr. Yu is ill abed. He cannot receive. Mr. Zhao, return another day. Since he is ill, I’ll fetch Lingnan’s best physician. It’s okay. He already took an imperial physician’s tonic. He just needs some undisturbed rest. I see. Perfect time for me to visit then. Since he’s bedridden, he must be bored. I brought a handpicked white-eye bird to delight his ears and entertain him. It’s small but sings crisply. Listen. How thoughtful you are. The palace bustles daily. It never quiets down. Lately, Mr. Yu did mention he missed some noise. I’m much obliged. You’re welcome. Mr. Zhao. Mr. Zhao. The bird stays. But take the letter in the cage. It’s a secret message for Mr. Yu. Mr. Zhao, I’ll relay the content. I remind you, send no more. Don’t decide for Mr. Yu and risk mistakes. Mr. Zhao, consider yourself lucky
I saw it before he did. If Mr. Yu saw it, we both would face consequences today. Mr. Zhao, please take it back. I will get out of your hair. Turtle spawn! Don’t put sugarcane outside! Put it away! Hey! Who spat bagasse here? I’ll cut your tongue! Judging by your attitude, the gift got rejected? Amita. Um… If you have official business, see me at the Inspector’s Mansion
tomorrow. Mr. Zhao, I came specifically for you. Amita, I was ordered to hunt you down. Don’t take it personally. Seeing you safe and sound in Lingnan again, I’m gratified. Mr. Zhao, since you told me about Tu, I knew you still had a conscience. About what He Youguang has done these years, you know it better than I do. Pity he doesn’t value talent. It’s unworthy of your talents
working for him. Join me to topple He Youguang. I’m just a minor secretary. You are giving me too much credit. Don’t tease me for fun. You don’t need to come forward. Just give me evidence of He Youguang’s corruption. What evidence? All the affairs that ever happened in the Inspector’s Mansion are handled or overseen by you. You know the dirty tricks better than He Youguang himself. You always know how cruel and ungrateful he can be. Surely you’ve left yourself a way out. He killed my father. I won’t stop until he falls. Now I have the Right Chancellor’s protection and I’ve returned safe and sound. I believe you can choose wisely. Stand with me. You won’t lose. I’ll pay well enough for you to leave Lingnan. You can avoid trouble and live comfortably
for the rest of your life. Amita. I never planned to leave Lingnan. My wife is waiting for me to join her for dinner. Farewell. I, Su Liang, greet you, Mr. Yu. I am honored to join Mr. Li in serving His Majesty. Rise, please. I am much obliged, Elder Su. A foreign merchant is serving Tang. Such loyalty is rare and precious. Seat him! Aye. Mr. Li. Thank you. Regarding the fresh litchis’ transport rights, Mr. Li and I had an agreement. To ensure smooth transport and so His Majesty and Her Highness can enjoy fresh litchis every year, I’ll spare no effort and exhaust all resources! Here’s the contract. Please review and sign. Elder Su, His Majesty decreed to establish this trade route for Her Highness’s birthday feast. Granting it to private operators… Elder Su, anyway, I’m just saying, what reaches Chang’an may not be litchis but blades. Forgive my bluntness. Mr. Li, we bear His Majesty’s trust. One misstep can spark chaos. You’d risk your head for a promise. But you can not risk His Majesty’s reputation. Mr. Yu has a good point. Since it concerns imperial safety and national security, I can forget transit documents. But I want horses and riders for the route to be under my supervision and allocation. Surely this won’t threaten His Majesty or the realm? Acceptable. Acceptable. Elder Su managing horse consumption reduces our burdens. Yes! It will be beneficial! But if the horses are not managed by pasture supervisors en route, if the Right Chancellor inquires, relevant offices can’t explain. Elder Su, how about a compromise? If you have surplus horses, I’ll contact pasture supervisors to buy them. Rest assured. We guarantee the top price. Then I’ll yield further. Please grant me rights to build and operate courier stations en route. Rest assured. Construction funds will come from the Hu Merchants Guild. It won’t be
a financial burden on you. Acceptable! Acceptable! The Hu Merchants Guild is familiar with trade routes and skilled in courier station construction. If they fund and build them, granting usage rights for several years is only fair. Fair! Elder Su risked all for me. He even sold his ship. He’s been supportive. Mr. Li, how about this? I’ll record Elder Su’s merit. Once I’m back in Chang’an, I will contact the Ministry of Revenue to reimburse all costs he spent plus interest from the litchi transport funds. And I will request an “Honorable Merchant” plaque. With it, even the Maritime Trade Bureau will respect and even fear you. When the litchi transport began, all saw it as dead meat. They knew the risks and all avoided it. I risked everything to help Mr. Li complete the trial. I hope you give justice to my toil and the risk I took. I’m no beggar. I am not here seeking charity. Elder Su, no venture guarantees a profit. You think we should profit wildly from His Majesty’s task? I see now. I acted on assumptions. I flattered myself. Farewell. Elder Su! Elder Su! Elder Su! Elder Su! Elder Su! This… Is this the “promise” you said? He is the “benefactor” you mentioned? I see now. You’re no loyal dog. Neither of you is a grateful dog. Elder Su! I remember! I always keep your help and support in mind! But the Court takes various factors into account. For now I’m powerless. Answer me: Did you know the litchi transport was reassigned? I didn’t know! I truly didn’t! I command the litchi transport. But funds and supplies follow another report line and are beyond my authority. Then where does your authority lie? Within its limits. Repaying you isn’t an issue. Plus interest! You won’t labor in vain. In vain? I’ve lost everything and ruined my reputation! The root of the problem isn’t me. It’s this. [Duke of Imperial Guardianship’s Token] First a eunuch. Now you use
the Right Chancellor’s silver token to intimidate me? I didn’t mean that! Truly not! Elder Su, I’ll negotiate with Mr. Yu again. If this exceeds his authority, I’ll beg the Right Chancellor myself to fulfill my promise. Trust me. I’ll risk my life stopping him again to make it right. Fine! For our old bond, I won’t blame you anymore. But now I understand what it means to “kill the donkey
as soon as the grinding’s over.” I’m that donkey. The stupid donkey you slaughtered! [The Litchi Road] I’ll have another tear-jerking story to tell. Mr. Yu stays aloof to avoid ties with you. He seeks his own path to fortune. They came to get someone killed. Sometimes I doubt if you still stand with me. ♪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?♪