The Great Idle Person of the Zhenguan Era.

Summary

In the early years of the Tang Dynasty, matchmakers were not specialized institutions, but small officials from the county yamen would often double as matchmakers. Li Dao Zheng and his son Li Su were approached by an official who offered to arrange Li Su's marriage. Li Su was reluctant, feeling he was too young at 16, but his father was overjoyed at the prospect of having grandsons. The official promised to find a suitable bride with a good appearance, personality, and ability to give birth. Li Su felt uneasy about the idea of marrying a stranger and having children, but his father was adamant, threatening to beat him if he disobeyed. Li Su tried to reason with the matchmaker, but was dismissed. He then met with a friend, Dong Yang, by the river, where he became distracted by his own reflection in a copper mirror and was caught admiring himself by Dong Yang, who teased him for his shamelessness.

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