Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

The streets of Chang'an were already filled with people watching the excitement, and everyone was talking about it.

An old man in coarse cloth, leaning on a cane, squinted his eyes as he watched the crowd heading towards the palace. He smacked his lips and said, "Wow, what a grand occasion today! Look at the birthday gifts each of the ministers has brought. They're so rare. I wonder how happy the emperor must be to see them."

A woman holding a child nearby smiled and agreed, "Yes, I heard from the carpenter that there's a particularly beautiful nine-layer birthday peach cake. It must have taken so much effort to make. It's really thoughtful. We're just here to watch the excitement and share in the good fortune of this great occasion."

Several young people gathered together, their faces full of curiosity. One of them peered in, muttering, "Hey, I really want to see what that cake looks like. It must be really grand. With so many goodies for the Emperor's birthday, this birthday banquet must be a lively one."

A vendor selling candied haws stopped hawking and said to his companions, "The whole of Chang'an is beaming with joy on the emperor's birthday. Although we don't have the right to go into the palace to celebrate, we can still enjoy the excitement by watching it here."

The people's discussions were endless, making the road to the palace even more lively.

In fact, most people have only heard that there is a particularly rare birthday gift called a nine-layer peach cake, but they don’t really know what it looks like or how exquisite it is.

The old man on the cane stretched his neck to look into the crowd, shaking his head and saying, "I've only heard people talk about this cake, but I have no idea what it looks like or what it's made of. I just think it must have taken a lot of effort, and the person who made it must have really put a lot of thought into it."

The woman holding the child patted her baby gently and said to the people around her with a smile, "I guess the birthday peaches on the cake must be made to look like real ones. They are so pink and tender, and they look so attractive. I wonder who made them with such a skillful hand."

The young men were even more anxious. One of them couldn't help but rub his hands and said, "It sounds amazing just by listening to it. We can't really see it from here on the road. If there are any adults coming out of the palace for a banquet later, we should ask around and see if we can find out some details about the cake."

The vendor selling candied haws smacked his lips and echoed, "Haha, that's right, even though we can't see the cake, the lively atmosphere alone is enough to make us happy. When the crowds disperse, I'm sure I'll be able to sell a lot more candied haws. It can be considered a good start thanks to the emperor's birthday."

While the people were talking about it, they continued to look forward to it, hoping to know more about the mysterious cake.

Yuyu's eyes sparkled. She tugged at Xiaoyu's sleeve, tilted her head back, and said excitedly, "Mom, listen! They seem to be talking about our cake. I didn't expect everyone to be so curious about the cake we made."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but stand on tiptoe and look towards the people who were talking. Her pink dress swayed gently with her movements, and the pearl flowers on her head trembled slightly. She looked so playful and cute.

Xiaoyu smiled and gently stroked Yuyu's head. Her light blue dress fluttered in the breeze, looking gentle and elegant. "Yes, we put a lot of thought into this cake, so it's natural for everyone to be curious. I just hope that when we get to the palace later, the Emperor will like it, and then our efforts will not be in vain."

Cheng Chumo heard their conversation and walked over with a big laugh. The corners of his blue brocade robe were blown by the wind, and he looked very proud. "Of course it is. This unique nine-layer birthday peach cake will make anyone who sees it shine. By then, the whole city of Chang'an will know about this thoughtful and unique birthday gift of ours."

Li Hao, who was pushing the cart at the side, nodded slightly: "That's right, but there are so many people here now, we still have to be careful to protect the cake. Don't just be happy, it will be bad if something goes wrong." As he spoke, he tightened his hands around the handles of the cart, his eyes showing caution.

Xiaoyu stood in the crowd, looking slightly upwards in the direction of the Imperial Palace. Her light blue dress fluttered gently in the breeze. "The Emperor should be arriving by now. We should hurry up and get closer, so we don't miss the gift."

Yuyu nodded repeatedly beside her. Her pink dress made her look even more charming and adorable. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, yes, yes, Mom, the birthday ceremony will probably start soon. We have to hurry up and deliver the cake we've been carefully guarding all this way."

Cheng Chumo listened, straightened his back, and his blue brocade robe made him look more energetic. He helped push the cake cart and said, "We have to speed up."

Li Hao nodded slightly, his hand steadily controlling the direction of the cart, and echoed, "That's right, but don't be too anxious, everyone. You still have to be careful and don't bump into the cake. Go steadily, and I'm sure you can present the cake smoothly."

As they talked, they quickened their pace and headed towards the hall where the birthday ceremony was about to begin.

At this moment, the palace was decorated with lights and colorful lanterns everywhere, creating a festive and peaceful scene.

With a loud shout of "The Emperor has arrived", the Emperor appeared in a rather luxurious brocade robe, the body of which was embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns, auspicious beasts and other designs with dark golden silk threads. Although it did not show the emperor's dominance like the dragon robe, it also revealed an extraordinary and noble demeanor.

He wore an exquisite crown, from which hung strings of soft jade beads, which swayed gently as he walked. The retired emperor was old, his face bearing the marks of time, but his face was kind and gentle, his eyes concealing the wisdom and majesty of his former reign, and his every move exuded a calm and dignified demeanor.

The Emperor slowly walked to the main seat and sat down. He looked at the people who had arrived one after another below him, a gentle smile on his face. In a steady and friendly voice, he said, "I am very happy that you, my dear ministers, have come to celebrate my birthday today. Look at the lively atmosphere in the hall. It has added a bit of joy to the palace. I am truly delighted."

Everyone hurriedly bowed and shouted in unison: "May the Emperor be blessed with longevity and good health. It is our honor to be here today to celebrate His Majesty's birthday."

The Emperor raised his hand slightly, motioning everyone to stand, and continued, "I heard that everyone has prepared quite a few rare birthday gifts today. I'm quite curious and looking forward to seeing them."

After saying that, he swept his eyes over everyone one by one, his eyes full of anticipation.