Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

The news spread quickly. It turned out that even the emperor knew the benefits of the coal stove and coal balls, and quickly ordered people to manufacture them elsewhere.

Especially in the military camps, considering the hard work of the soldiers guarding the country in winter, the coal was distributed for free so that the soldiers could spend the cold winter in warmth and be more motivated to defend their country.

In other places, coal stoves and coal briquettes were also gradually sold. The prices were exactly the same as those sold by Xiaoyu's family: a coal stove cost five strings of coins, and a pound of coal briquettes cost ten coins.

Now, it is more convenient for people to buy coal. People can be seen gathering at sales points in the streets and alleys, discussing how to use coal stoves and coal balls, or busy paying for transactions.

Upon hearing this, Xiaoyu smiled and said to Li Hao, "It seems that our vision is the same as the emperor's. I just hope that everyone will no longer suffer from the cold in this cold winter."

Li Hao also nodded in agreement, feeling very relieved.

Yuyu clapped her hands and said happily, "That's great! Now many people can stay warm."

The atmosphere was heated where the soldiers were busy digging coal, making coal stoves and coal briquettes.

The soldier in charge had a serious look on his face, his hands on his hips, and shouted, "Stop dawdling, and start making it!"

The soldiers below looked at each other in confusion. One of them scratched his head and asked in confusion, "How can we hurry? This job has to be done step by step, right?"

Upon hearing this, the soldier in charge frowned even more and raised his voice, saying, "Don't you understand? The Emperor has issued an order. The coal stoves and briquettes used in the barracks are free. This is to keep the brothers warm through the winter. We must work hard and make them as soon as possible so that everyone can use them sooner. Don't let the Emperor down!"

When the soldiers heard this, they immediately became excited and responded one after another: "So that's how it is! We must hurry up!"

After that, they all got busy. Those who were digging coal increased the speed of digging, those who were making coal stoves hammered each component more carefully, and those who were making coal balls kept working. For a while, the sounds of "ding-dang-dang" and "rustling" were intertwined.

The soldier in charge shouted while giving orders, "Come on, listen up, everyone! After we make these coal stoves and coal briquettes, apart from the ones we sell, the rest must be quickly delivered to the border military camps. They will be given to our brothers for free."

All the soldiers responded in unison: "Okay!"

The soldier in charge urged anxiously: "Don't delay, send it there quickly. It's freezing cold at the border. We are cold here, not to mention the brothers guarding there. If we delay for a moment, they will have to endure the cold for a moment longer. Hurry up!"

After that, the soldiers quickly took action. Some were busy loading and tying the finished coal stoves carefully, while others were carrying bags of coal briquettes steadily onto the trucks. Everyone worked together.

Soon, carriages loaded with coal stoves and coal briquettes were ready and, under the escort of special personnel, sped towards the border.

The dust raised by the horses' hooves flew behind them, carrying with them everyone's full concern for the soldiers on the border. They hoped that these items that could bring warmth would arrive soon and dispel the cold for the heroes who were holding on in the snow and ice.

Yuyu stood in front of Zuixian Tower, gazing at the distant horizon. Her face was filled with worry as she whispered, "Mom, it's so cold at the border. What will happen to those soldiers? It'll take at least a month for the coal stoves and briquettes to be delivered there. How hard it must be for them."

Xiaoyu gently touched Yuyu's head, wanting to comfort her but not knowing how to begin. She just sighed and said, "This cold winter is indeed a harsh test for them. I just hope they can hold on."

Li Hao, who was listening nearby, also frowned. "Although the imperial court has arranged to send warming supplies, the journey is long and transportation is difficult. We can do so little, and we only regret not being able to share a little of the burden for them."

At this time, Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao came over. They had just learned about this matter. Cheng Chumo patted his chest and said, "Don't be afraid, Yuyu. Although Brother Qin and I can't immediately bring warmth to the border soldiers, we will definitely protect this city well and prevent everyone from being disturbed. This can also be regarded as indirectly sharing the soldiers' worries."

Qin Huaidao also nodded and said, "That's right. The soldiers of the Tang Dynasty are all strong and brave. They will definitely be able to overcome this severe cold. Once the heaters arrive, they will feel better."

After hearing what they said, Yuyu was still worried, but she nodded obediently: "I hope so. Thank you Uncle Cheng and Uncle Qin."

Everyone looked into the distance, silently praying for the soldiers on the border, hoping that this cold winter would pass quickly and warm spring would arrive soon.

Yu Yu frowned, still worried about the border soldiers suffering from the cold, but she turned to Xiao Yu and said, "Mom, I'll go get some hot food." As she said that, she took small steps towards Zuixian Tower.

Soon, Yu Yu brought out several steaming food boxes from the kitchen. She carried them with great effort and walked in front of everyone. She put the food boxes on the table and opened them. Inside were hot soup noodles that had just come out of the pot, and several steaming side dishes.

Yuyu wiped the sweat from her forehead and said crisply, "Mom, Brother Cheng, Brother Qin, everyone, please have something hot to eat. It's cold out, and eating will warm you up. It would be great if the soldiers on the border could also eat something hot now."

Xiaoyu looked at the sensible Yuyu, her eyes slightly red, and said with relief: "Yuyu is so well behaved. If the soldiers knew about this, they would definitely feel warmed."

Cheng Chumo laughed heartily and praised, "Yuyu is such a thoughtful girl. Come on, everyone, eat while it's hot. Only when you're full will you have energy and can look forward to the heater reaching the border soon."

Everyone sat together and ate hot food, but they were still worried about the soldiers who were holding on in the snow and ice in the distance.

Li Hao looked at the steaming food on the table, then at the coal stoves being sold not far away, and said with emotion, "It's freezing cold right now, and life is really hard. Fortunately, we have coal stoves that can keep everyone warm. But when I think of the soldiers guarding the border, while we can rely on these coal stoves to withstand the cold here, they have to endure the hardship in the ice and snow."

Xiaoyu nodded, a worried look on her face. "Yeah, compared to them, our little bit of cold is nothing. I wonder how they're going to get through this month."

Yuyu bit her lip, clutching the corner of her clothes tightly with her little hands, and said anxiously, "Mom, brother, can we think of another way? We can't just sit there and wait for the coal stove and coal briquettes to be delivered. The soldiers must be very cold."

Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao exchanged a glance. Cheng Chumo stood up and said loudly, "Brother Li, Madam, Yuyu is right. We really can't just sit there and wait. I'll discuss with Brother Qin whether we can collect some thick cotton-padded clothes and quilts in the city and send them to the border first. This will at least help keep the soldiers warm."

Qin Huaidao also echoed: "That's right, let's start preparing now. The sooner we can send it, the less cold the soldiers will suffer."

After that, the two of them hurried away, ready to contribute to the warmth of the border.