I Rise Through the Ranks by Coughing Up Blood

The Su family was in decline in this generation, with few members left. All they had was a house and a few acres of farmland, making them a target for greedy eyes.

A group of local bullies came to seize the Su family's property. With only the elderly, women, and children at home, there was no one able to stop them.

Just as the bullies were about to run rampant, the Su family had no choice but to carry out their eldest son, Su Mi, who had been bedridden with illness for a long time.

The young master leaned back in a lounge chair, his face pale as paper and his hair black as ink. His delicate features made him look like an immortal banished from a painting. He gazed at the crowd before him and parted his thin lips. Before he could say a word, he spat out a mouthful of blood.

The bright red droplets stained his fair skin, blooming at the corner of his mouth like red plum blossoms. Everyone watching had the same thought.

...So beautiful.

Not one of the bullies dared step forward.

Su Mi: ...The body I transmigrated into is way too weak.

*

Word that Su Mi had single-handedly driven off the bandits spread throughout the city. The prefect summoned him to ask for advice.

Su Mi: I can't. I'm too weak. I need to lie down for a while.

As he spoke, he spat out another mouthful of blood and promptly passed out.

The prefect: Young Master Su looks beautiful even unconscious... No, Young Master Su has poured his heart and soul into serving the people of this city and exhausted himself thinking up a plan. To think he passed out from the effort! What virtue!

*

Su Mi kept rising through the ranks, eventually reaching the emperor's court. At the morning audience, he couldn't help spitting blood once more.

The assembled officials: Chancellor Su is a man of noble character who has devoted himself to the country. We humbly ask Your Majesty to reward him.

Su Mi: Could the emperor give me one of the palace's jade pillows? I hear they're warm in winter, cool in summer, and very comfortable to sleep on.

The emperor steadied Su Mi. "Chancellor Su is so capable that I can't think of any other way to promote you. The only position still vacant is empress. Would you be willing to take it?"

Theme: Health is the foundation. Exercise so you can work well and contribute to society