The film is adapted from the novel of the same name by Ma Boyong. Set during the Tang Dynasty's Tianbao era, it follows Li Shande (played by Da Peng), a middle-aged man who grumbles his way through countless tasks and pinches every penny, only to remain an insignificant low-ranking official. However, things seem to take a turn when he's suddenly summoned—someone has arranged for him to take on the lucrative role of “Litchi Envoy.” If he succeeds, glory and wealth await, a chance to turn his life around. But if he fails...