In the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shande, a minor bureaucrat in Chang’an, was unexpectedly assigned the challenge of transporting fresh lychees from Lingnan. Given that lychees spoil and lose their flavor within three days of being picked, and considering that Lingnan is over 5,000 miles from Chang’an, this task seemed unachievable. However, motivated by his love for his wife and daughter, Li Shande resolved to attempt the journey.