Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 382 New Year's Greetings, New Year's Day

Yuyu was originally talking to Xiaoyu, but upon seeing the emperor approach, she quickly bowed respectfully, "Your Majesty, thank you for your kindness. It is my humble honor to bring joy to everyone. This is also thanks to everyone's help in the preparations, which made it possible to go so smoothly."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, his eyes sweeping over the people still immersed in joy, and continued, "What I've seen today is deeply gratifying. You are not only ingenious, but also care about the people, knowing how to share this New Year's joy with everyone. Such a kind and intelligent person is truly a blessing to our Tang Dynasty."

When the people around heard the emperor's praise, they all looked at him with envy and whispered about Yu Yu's ability.

Yuyu's face flushed slightly, and she felt both excited and a little shy. She bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. I will definitely remember your teachings and contribute more to the prosperity of Chang'an in the future."

The next day

In the morning, the dawn was just breaking, and the sunlight shone through the thin window paper into Yu Yu's tavern.

The first day of the Lunar New Year is a day of family happiness and excitement. Yuyu's family got up early and smoke rose in the kitchen.

Yuyu stood in the yard, looking towards the door from time to time: "Mom, haven't Cheng Chumo and the others arrived yet?"

Yu Yu turned to look at Xiao Yu who was busy in the kitchen, with a hint of urgency in her words.

Xiaoyu came out, holding a piece of freshly steamed cake in her hand. She took a bite and said vaguely, "They should be here soon. Don't worry. They will definitely not miss this New Year's gathering."

As he was speaking, a hearty laugh came from outside the yard: "Haha, Yuyu, we're here!"

Following the voice, Cheng Chumo's tall figure appeared at the door first, followed by a group of familiar faces. They were all wearing new clothes, their faces filled with New Year's joy.

"Finally you're here!" Yu Yu's eyes lit up and she walked quickly forward, the smile on her face as bright as a flower blooming in spring.

"Come in quickly, my mother has just cooked dinner and is waiting for you to eat together!"

Cheng Chumo waved his hand carelessly, a silly smile on his face: "Yuyu, we have all eaten, you guys hurry up and eat, don't wait for the food to get cold!"

Qin Huaidao nodded in agreement and smiled gently, "Yes, don't let us delay the meal."

Wei Shuyu was dressed in fine clothes, with elegant manners and a perfect smile on his face. "We appreciate Yuyu's kindness. You guys have your meal first, and it would be nice if we could take a look at the festive New Year decorations in the courtyard."

Fang Yiai, with a lively look on his face, jumped to Yuyu's side and said, "Eat quickly. When you finish, we can discuss how to double the excitement in Chang'an this year!"

Li Dejian nodded slightly, a kind smile on his face: "Don't worry, you guys take your time eating, we can take this opportunity to chat about family matters."

Crown Prince Li Chengqian stood aside with a gentle expression. Although he was the crown prince, he had no airs at all. His voice was steady and kind: "Don't be so reserved, Yuyu. Just pretend we don't exist and have a good meal as a family."

Yuyu smiled a little embarrassedly, "Well, since everyone has eaten, we will eat first. If you want to eat anything, just tell my mother."

After saying that, Yu Yu pulled Xiao Yu back to the dining table. While the family was eating, they chatted with them in the yard from time to time. The yard was filled with the joy and warmth of the New Year.

Li Hao is an impatient person and always eats very quickly.

On the first day of the new year, when he saw Cheng Chumo and the others coming, he had no intention of chewing his food slowly. He finished the rice in the bowl in a few gulps, put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and strode out the door.

"You are all here!" Li Hao's hearty voice instantly attracted everyone's attention.

He walked over to Cheng Chumo, raised his hand and patted his shoulder vigorously, with his signature bright smile on his face, "How was your New Year? Did you encounter anything interesting?"

Cheng Chumo leaned forward when the pat was slapped on him, but he didn't seem annoyed. He grinned and said, "What's the big deal? I just went with my family to visit relatives and friends. But yesterday's New Year's activities were really lively. Yuyu's idea was great!"

"Of course not!" Li Hao nodded vigorously, his eyes full of pride in his sister. "My sister is full of clever ideas. Just wait and see. She will definitely come up with more interesting things to make Chang'an even more lively."

Wei Shuyu stepped forward, waving an exquisite fan in his hand. Despite the winter weather, he remained graceful. "Brother Li is absolutely right. Miss Yuyu is extremely intelligent. She has made an indelible contribution to this joyous New Year atmosphere. I just wonder if Miss Yuyu has any new plans for the tavern this year?"

Li Hao scratched his head, thought for a moment and then said, "I haven't really asked her about this, but I guess she must have. Let's ask her after she finishes eating. Who knows, maybe I can even get you to help!"

Everyone nodded and smiled in agreement. Crown Prince Li Chengqian, who had been listening quietly to the conversation, also nodded slightly, his eyes full of approval. "If needed, I can also contribute. Chang'an's prosperity requires everyone's joint efforts."

For a moment, everyone in the yard was talking to each other and laughing.

"Yes, yes, we also brought gifts!" Cheng Chumo slapped his head and then remembered the gift box in the hands of the followers behind him. He hurriedly asked them to bring the gifts over.

Those gift boxes were wrapped in exquisite satin and tied with bright red silk. It was obvious at a glance that they were carefully prepared New Year gifts.

Li Hao looked at the gifts with a look of surprise on his face. "You're so polite! Why would you bring any gifts when you come?"

As he spoke, he looked into the house and said, "Let's go inside. They must have finished eating."

Everyone filed in and walked into the house

Yuyu and Xiaoyu had just put down their bowls and chopsticks and were about to clear the table when they saw everyone coming in and hurried forward to greet them.

"Why did you bring gifts? Come and sit down!" Yu Yu's eyes were full of emotion, and she greeted everyone warmly.

Cheng Chumo was the first to hand over the gift, and said with a carefree smile: "Yuyu, this is a New Year's gift. I wish you a prosperous tavern business in the new year and happiness every day!"

Yu Yu took the gift and thanked them repeatedly. Then Wei Shuyu, Fang Yiai and others also presented their gifts. Each gift carried their New Year wishes to Yu Yu's family.

Crown Prince Li Chengqian walked forward, followed by his attendant holding an exquisite brocade box.

He smiled and said, "Miss Yuyu, this is a little gift from me. I wish you all the best in the new year and bring more joy to Chang'an."

Yuyu took the brocade box with both hands, feeling both excited and nervous. She was somewhat overwhelmed by the prince's gift and could only thank him repeatedly: "Thank you, Your Highness. I will definitely live up to your expectations."

Li Hao watched his sister receive so many gifts, his face full of smiles, "Everyone is so polite, come, sit down and have a cup of tea."

Everyone sat together, the house was filled with warmth and joy, the joy of the New Year spread in this small house, everyone drank tea and imagined plans and interesting things for the new year.