The Great Idle Person of the Zhenguan Era.

Summary

Li Su, a young man from a farming family, was summoned to the imperial court for introducing cowpox vaccination to cure smallpox. The emperor bestowed upon him the title of official and a reward of "10,000 gold coins" and "20 mu of good land." However, Li Su was reluctant to accept the official position, fearing he would bring shame to the esteemed officials and disappoint the emperor's good intentions. Li Su met Sun Si Miao, a renowned physician, and Liu Shen Wei, the Chief Imperial Physician. Sun Si Miao had refused the emperor's offer to become an official three times, but eventually pushed Liu Shen Wei to take the position. Li Su was impressed by Liu Shen Wei's medical ethics and character but felt that he was not worthy of the position himself. When Li Su received the reward, he was disappointed to find that the "10,000 gold coins" were actually copper coins. He tried to decline the official position while accepting the reward, but Sun Si Miao scolded him for being dishonest. Li Su explained that he was ignorant about medicine and feared being a mere figurehead in the Imperial Medical Office. Liu Shen Wei understood Li Su's concerns and appreciated his honesty. Li Su decided to decline the official position politely, allowing the emperor to maintain a reputation for recognizing talent. The chapter ends with Li Su waiting for the next development.

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