The Great Idle Person of the Zhenguan Era.

Summary

Li Su, a low-ranking official in the Tang Dynasty, is determined to present a memorial to the throne, despite knowing it may put him and his family in danger. He prioritizes his family's well-being, ensuring they are safe and secure before taking action. Li Su writes a memorial, pouring his thoughts and feelings into it, and then sets out to present it to the emperor. He encounters a group of laborers being forced to work on the Daming Palace construction site, which strengthens his resolve. At the Taiji Palace, Li Su meets with the emperor, Li Shi Min, and other officials, where he is met with curiosity and skepticism. Despite being told his poem is not suitable for the grand hall, Li Su persists, and his words spark a reaction from the ministers, particularly Wei Zheng, who defends Li Su's right to express himself. Li Su's actions are driven by his sense of duty and loyalty to the country, and he is determined to speak his mind, even if it means facing opposition from the emperor and other officials. The scene sets the stage for a confrontation between Li Su and the emperor, with the fate of the country and Li Su's family hanging in the balance. The emperor's behavior is becoming increasingly authoritarian, and the ministers are growing increasingly dissatisfied. Li Su's poem and his determination to present it to the throne may be the catalyst for a major shift in the balance of power in the imperial court. The story is building towards a dramatic confrontation that will have far-reaching consequences for the characters and the country. The relationship between Li Su and the emperor is complex, with Li Shi Min appearing to be both impressed and intimidated by Li Su's boldness. The emperor's words and actions are laced with a sense of unease, and it is clear that he is struggling to maintain control in the face of growing opposition. The scene ends with a sense of tension and anticipation, as the characters await the outcome of Li Su's actions.

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