Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

The generals of the Western Regions saw the situation in the Tang Dynasty and thought: "Let's retreat."

"Yes"

When the news of the retreat from the Western Regions reached the Tang army camp, the soldiers cheered:

"Hahaha"

"call"

"See if the Western Regions dare to come again"

Cheng Yaojin patted Li Jing on the shoulder and said with a hearty laugh, "Li, I, Cheng Yaojin, will return to Chang'an to report to His Majesty. I must tell His Majesty about all the troubles I've had along the way."

Li Jing nodded slightly, his expression serious. "Yaojin, return quickly. I'll be here. The situation in the Western Regions is unpredictable. Although we're withdrawing our troops this time, there's no guarantee they won't come back. I'll stay here to ensure the stability of the Tang Dynasty's borders."

Cheng Yaojin chuckled, "I'm relieved to have you here! I'll be waiting for your triumphant return in Chang'an, and then we'll have a good drink!"

After saying that, Cheng Yaojin waved his hand and led the team towards Chang'an: "Let's go back. Remember the delicious wine in Zuixianlou."

Li Jing turned around and looked towards the Western Regions with a determined gaze: "In this battle, the Western Regions retreated quickly, but they have always been very defensive."

Cheng Yaojin rode his horse at full speed into Chang'an, the sound of horse hooves clattering on the streets.

"Dee-dee-dee-dee~"

He laughed and shouted, "Old Cheng is back!"

The common people gathered around him. Cheng Yaojin, standing on his horse, shouted, "We have driven back those guys from the Western Regions. I have returned to report to His Majesty. The Tang Dynasty is mighty!"

After saying that, he continued to ride his horse towards the palace: "Hahaha, good wine is waiting for you, let's go back to the palace first."

On the bustling streets of Chang'an, people were telling each other: "What are you talking about?"

In the tavern, the men raised their wine bowls and spilled the wine on the ground: "Western Regions are retreating!"

Cheng Yaojin walked quickly into the palace and bowed to the emperor. "Your Majesty, I am back. This withdrawal from the Western Regions has greatly boosted our army's morale."

"This old minister has come to report that General Li Jing is guarding the border, so it's absolutely safe."

Li Shimin was delighted, stroking his beard and smiling, saying, "Lord Cheng, you have worked hard this time. You and the Pharmacist have lived up to my expectations. This withdrawal of troops from the Western Regions is due to the might of the Great Tang."

"My dear, please stand up. I want to hold a banquet to celebrate your success."

Cheng Yaojin: "Your Majesty, I miss the fine wine and delicious food at Zuixianlou. The wine is rich and mellow, and the food is full of flavor."

"We can celebrate there properly, without the constraints of the court. It will definitely be a great time!"

Li Shimin nodded, put down the memorial and handed it to Cheng Yaojin beside him: "Okay, okay, go immediately."

Cheng Yaojin touched his head: "This..."

Li Shimin walked down and said: "I will take a look at the memorial after finishing my meal and seek help from Yuyu and his family."

Cheng Yaojin scratched his head: "Looking to Yuyu's family to solve the confusion of the memorial... I'm afraid it's not appropriate."

Li Shimin smiled and said, "That's fine. The Yuyu family is well-versed in history and current events, and their insights are unique, perhaps they can give me new ideas."

Cheng Yaojin replied, "Your Majesty is wise. I will make the arrangements right away."

The Yuyu family was busy at Zuixianlou. Xiaoyu was cooking skillfully. "I heard that the troops from the Western Regions have withdrawn. Our Tang Dynasty is really showing off its might this time."

Yuyu nodded as she washed the vegetables, "Yes, the news spread very quickly. The diners who came to eat and drink here are all talking about it. I wonder if this time, we can just keep it peaceful."

Li Hao, who was helping to serve the dishes, couldn't help but interject, "It would be great if peace could last forever. The soldiers returning from the battles could rest up and come over to try my cooking more often."

Xiaoyu hurried forward, a smile on her face, and knelt down with a plop. "Your Majesty has arrived. Are you well? I will prepare the best wine and food."

Yuyu and Lihao also hurriedly stopped what they were doing and knelt down. Yuyu said hurriedly, "His Majesty is here again. Hurry up and go to the private room on the second floor. I'll prepare the meal right away."

Li Shimin laughed heartily, holding his hands together, and said, "Please stand up quickly, no need to be so polite. I just wanted to come to Zuixianlou today to taste your delicious food and have a good chat with Mr. Cheng."

Yuyu carefully carried the carefully prepared delicacies and walked quickly towards the private room on the second floor with a smile on her face, muttering softly, "Your Majesty, the food is here."

Xiaoyu followed closely behind Yuyu, holding a glass of fine wine. "This wine was specially prepared for the emperor. It's very fragrant and mellow. Try it."

Li Hao, who was helping to carry the dishes and other things, also hurriedly agreed: "Your Majesty, everything is ready, please enjoy."

Cheng Yaojin stared at the table full of seafood feast with his eyes wide open, and exclaimed: "Wow, what is this?"

Xiaoyu smiled and said, "This is a seafood feast, it's so delicious by the river."

Li Shimin nodded and started eating. "I've had such a delicious seafood feast at Zuixianlou. General Cheng is at war and doesn't know. Come and try it!"

"So much seafood! Your Majesty, I, Old Cheng, have never had such a seafood feast in Zuixianlou before. It looks so rare. Your Majesty said it was delicious, so it must be good. I have to try it!"

As he spoke, he couldn't wait to grab a bowl: "Not bad, not bad, another sip of wine is just right."

Yu Yu picked up a piece of roast pork and said, "It's a pity that the soldiers in the barracks can't eat it."

Cheng Yaojin paused his actions after hearing this and said with a look of emotion, "Right, right, right. Those soldiers in the barracks train hard every day, guarding the borders of our Tang Dynasty, but they don't have the luxury of enjoying such a delicious seafood feast."

"They can only eat some dry food or something. I really feel sorry for them when I think about it." After saying that, he picked up the wine bowl and took a big gulp.

Li Shimin waved his hand, his expression serious and full of emotion as he said, "Lord Cheng, there's no need to be so. I'm naturally concerned about the soldiers guarding the border."

"They have made invaluable contributions in defending our country. Once everything is settled, I will definitely reward them well and let them taste the many delicacies in this world." After saying that, he picked up the chopsticks, picked up a piece of food and put it in his mouth.

Xiaoyu stood up and said, "Your Majesty and General Cheng, please take your time. I and my family will go and cook some delicious food. There are still diners in the tavern."

Li Shimin waved his hand: "Okay, okay, go ahead."

Yuyu smiled and bowed: "Thank you, Your Majesty. Yuyu will withdraw first."

Li Hao took a sip of wine and said, "Your Majesty and Lord Cheng, please enjoy your meal. If you have any instructions, just let me know."

After saying that, Yu Yu and his family hurried away and called other diners.

Li Shimin put down his chopsticks and said, "Yaojin, do you think the Western Regions will pretend to retreat and then come back?"

Cheng Yaojin took a sip of wine, put down his chopsticks, and said with a serious face, "Your Majesty, those people in the Western Regions are very difficult to figure out. Although they have withdrawn their troops now, there is no guarantee that they will use some shady tactics, pretending to retreat and then attacking again when the opportunity arises."

"But rest assured, Your Majesty. With General Li Jing guarding the border camp, if they dare to come again, they will never return!"