The Great Idle Person of the Zhenguan Era.

Summary

Li Su is torn between his ambitions and his love for Dong Yang. He wants to become a high-ranking official to be worthy of Li Shi Min's trust and marry Dong Yang. However, the journey is long and arduous, and Dong Yang's age is already a concern for marriage. Meanwhile, Li Su's appointment as a military officer spreads like wildfire in Taiping Village, and the villagers congratulate his family. Li Su decides to greet the villagers and be friendly, but feels like a wild animal in a zoo. He also visits the Wang brothers' old man and informs him of their attempts to avoid the conscription order, resulting in the brothers being beaten and locked in their room. Li Su sets off with thirty other conscripted soldiers from the village, saying goodbye to his father and receiving a bowl of wine from the village elder. As they leave, Li Su sees a green-clad figure, presumably a woman, waving goodbye in the woods, and he feels a surge of courage and determination to serve the nation. The scene then shifts to the Northern Garrison of Chang'an, where Li Su leads his horse to the military registrar's office and shows his official letter to the soldier at the gate. He is allowed to pass through and wait outside the commander's tent for the Grand General to emerge. Li Su dozes off but quickly wakes up when the cowhide drums start beating, signaling the assembly of generals. He hurries to the command tent, aware of the strict military protocols.

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