Core Viewpoint - The drama "Lychee in Chang'an," adapted from Ma Boyong's novel, has gained popularity and positive reviews since its premiere, showcasing a blend of humor and historical depth through the story of Li Shande, a "working man" in the Tang Dynasty [1][3]. Ratings and Reception - As of the 8th, "Lychee in Chang'an" achieved an average rating of 1.20% on CCTV-8 during prime time, with a peak single-episode rating of 1.38% and a peak share of 7.07%, ranking first among contemporaneous dramas [3]. Adaptation Details - The adaptation involved significant changes, expanding the original 70,000-word novel into a 30-40 episode series. The storyline was altered to include new characters and subplots, such as Li Shande's brother-in-law, Zheng Ping'an, who plays a crucial role in the political intrigue [3][4]. - The romantic subplot involving Li Shande's wife was largely removed, with her character being rewritten to have died early on, which some viewers found disappointing as it diminished the representation of resilient women in the Tang Dynasty [3][4]. Creative Process - The creative team maintained communication with the original author, Ma Boyong, during the adaptation process. Ma emphasized the necessity of substantial changes to allow for character development and a richer narrative [4]. Thematic Exploration - The series presents a modern workplace perspective, depicting Li Shande's journey as a metaphor for the struggles of an ordinary worker facing overwhelming challenges. The intertwining of the Chang'an and Lingnan storylines reflects the political conflicts of the late Tang period [5][6]. - Ma Boyong's writing style, which integrates historical events with everyday life details, is evident in the series, allowing viewers to connect with the historical context through relatable experiences [6].