'Express delivery' puts spotlight on ancient Lingnan

Director Cao Dun, a friend of Ma's who helmed the popular historical drama The Longest Day in Chang'an, also adapted from Ma's bestselling eponymous novel, received The Litchi Road on his desk before it was officially published.

After reading it, Cao was quickly drawn to its twist-filled plot, with actor Lei, known for playing honest, good-natured but often bullied middle-aged men on screen, popping into his mind as the most suitable candidate for the protagonist.

Describing the drama as an unlikely "express delivery" adventure set in ancient China, Cao says he discussed the concept with Ma multiple times, eventually deciding to place the main settings in two regions — Chang'an and Lingnan — with the former, during the Tang Dynasty, rarely depicted in such a way in television productions.

As Lingnan's average temperature hovers above 20 Celsius throughout the year and can exceed 35 C in summer, locals tend to be laid-back with access to fruits rarely seen in the north, such as carambola, sugarcane and coconut.

In one hilarious scene, Li visits the residence of the Lingnan ruler for the first time. The high-ranking official wears a loose robe with the sleeves removed, stands barefoot, and boldly chews on a sugarcane stick. In stark contrast, another scene features a northern official, impeccably dressed and eating sugarcane in a refined manner, but struggling to swallow the coarse flesh because he doesn't know the proper way to eat it — chewing the flesh to extract the juice, then spitting out the residue.

Novelist Ma adds that the show aims to reflect the multiple facets of Lingan's local lifestyles by featuring scenes such as cockfighting, a popular sport and betting game in which two specially bred roosters fight for entertainment.

"Chinese audiences have seen Chang'an in plenty of TV shows before, but with its unique culture, people, and products, Lingnan is a fresh draw in this drama. Audiences will see how the Tang Dynasty was influenced by multiple cultures thanks to the Maritime Silk Road," says Ma.

Cao reveals that the drama also aims to showcase the inclusiveness of Tang, one of the most culturally prosperous dynasties in Chinese history. An example illustrating the dynasty's open and international temperament is that major characters in Lingnan include foreign merchants who play a pivotal role in helping Li successfully transport the lychees on time.

When asked about the show resonating with overseas audiences, Cao wants foreign viewers to relate to the characters. Though the story is set 1,300 years ago, the struggles of ordinary people working hard for a living or pursuing what they value remain universal.