The Great Idle Person of the Zhenguan Era.

Summary

Li Su, a renowned poet, had written a satirical poem called "Ode to the Epang Palace," which mocked the construction of the Great Ming Palace. The poem became a sensation and earned Li Su both fame and notoriety. He was detained in the Ministry of Justice but eventually released, thanks to the benevolence of Emperor Li Shi Min. However, Li Su's life was still in danger, and he had to be cautious with his words and actions. Emperor Li Shi Min's son, Dong Yang, befriended Li Su and explained to him that his father would not execute him for his poem, as it would damage the emperor's reputation. Dong Yang reassured Li Su that his father was not a brutal ruler who killed without reason. Li Su eventually learned that he might be dispatched to Xizhou as an official, which would separate him from Dong Yang. Dong Yang was devastated by the news and wanted to intervene on Li Su's behalf, but Li Su convinced him that it was not a demotion but rather a challenging task that required careful handling. Li Su reassured Dong Yang that he understood the risks but was willing to take them. Despite the challenges he faced, Li Su believed that being sent to Xizhou was a kind intention by Emperor Li Shi Min, as it would protect him from the dangers he had faced in the imperial court. Li Su had encountered numerous threats and rumors since his rise to prominence, and he saw Xizhou as an opportunity to start anew.

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