Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Yu Yu sneaked into the kitchen curiously and saw Li Hao skillfully cutting the tender lamb, making each slice evenly thick.

Brother Afu was making a fire on the side. The flames in the stove licked the bottom of the pot, making a crackling sound.

Sister Acai carefully prepared the sauce, and spices such as peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon intertwined in her hands to create an enticing aroma.

"Yu Yu, go get the shallots on the table." Li Hao ordered without raising his head.

Yu Yu happily jumped to do as he was told. After a while, the rich aroma of meat wafted out of the pot.

While the mutton was still stewing, Qin Huaidao suggested with interest, "I've heard there's a kind of naan in the Western Regions that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and it pairs really well with fine wine. Let's give it a try."

Xiaoyu's eyes lit up: "Mr. Qin is absolutely right! Sister Cai, please give it a try."

Sister Cai washed her hands and began to knead the dough. The flour rolled in her hands and soon turned into a smooth dough.

She rolled the dough into thin pancakes, sprinkled them with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and put them in the hot oven.

Soon, the aroma of wheat wafted out of the oven, and the naan was baked. The surface was golden and crispy, and the aroma was fragrant.

At the same time, Li Hao opened the lid of the stew pot. The mutton had been stewed until it was soft and tasty, and the soup was thick and bright red.

He sprinkled a handful of green onions and the steaming lamb stew was ready.

Everyone brought the delicacies to the hall. Li Chengqian picked up a piece of mutton and put it in his mouth. The tender and juicy mutton melted in his mouth instantly. He couldn't help but praise it, "This mutton is fresh, fragrant and delicious. It melts in your mouth. Paired with this fine wine, it is truly a delicacy!"

Cheng Chumo devoured his food even more voraciously, mumbling as he ate, "It's so delicious! Madam, another bowl please!"

Wei Shuyu took a bite of the naan bread, and the crispy texture made his eyes light up. "This naan bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It complements the mutton and wine perfectly. It's wonderful!"

Li Dejian and Fang Yiai also gave thumbs up and praised the food highly.

Although Wu Liao was still standing aside, his eyes were occasionally attracted by the delicious food on the table.

Xiaoyu looked at everyone's satisfied expressions and a gratified smile appeared on her face.

Accompanied by delicious food and fine wine, the atmosphere in the pub becomes increasingly lively, and the beautiful picture of the new year is slowly unfolding.

Yu Yu was walking through the hall, and her eyes inadvertently fell on Wu Liao who was standing silently in the corner.

He stood tall and straight, his eyes scanning the surroundings vigilantly. Even though the table was filled with delicious food, he remained unmoved.

Yuyu's heart ached, and she ran to Wu Liao, stretched out her little hand to grab the corner of his clothes, and said in a baby voice, "Brother Wu Liao, you've been standing for so long, you must be hungry! Come and eat with us."

Wu Liao was stunned for a moment, then lowered his eyes to look at Yu Yu's innocent face, feeling a little at a loss for what to do.

Li Chengqian smiled upon seeing this and said, "Wu Liao, it's a rare occasion for us to get together today. Don't be shy. Come and enjoy it with us."

Everyone agreed, and Wu Liao nodded slightly and slowly walked to the table.

Xiaoyu quickly served Wu Liao a bowl of steaming mutton soup and handed him a freshly baked naan.

Cheng Chumo pulled Wu Liao to his side, patted his shoulder and said, "Brother, you're welcome!"

Wu Liao sat down stiffly, took the food and thanked him in a low voice.

At this time, Li Hao raised his glass, glanced at everyone present, and said loudly: "In the new year, we are fortunate to be gathered in Zuixianlou. I hope that everyone will be successful in the days to come! Come, cheers!"

Everyone stood up, and the wine glasses clinked together, making a crisp and pleasant sound, and the wine rippled gently in the glasses.

Yuyu, holding her small porcelain bowl filled with fragrant milk, stood on tiptoe, raised the bowl high, and shouted in a crisp voice, "Cheers, too! I wish everyone a happy new year!"

Everyone's attention was attracted by Yu Yu's cute appearance, and laughter immediately filled the entire tavern.

Amidst laughter and joy, everyone enjoyed delicious food and fine wine, sharing with each other interesting stories of the New Year and their aspirations for the future.

The warm sunlight poured into the pub through the windows, casting a golden glow on this joyous gathering and illuminating everyone's faces that were full of anticipation for the future.

After eating and drinking to his heart's content, Cheng Chumo burped contentedly. He glanced around the tavern and suddenly slapped his head, wondering, "Strange! On weekdays, I always see Chef Mi busying around. But today, on such an important day as the opening, why is he nowhere to be seen?"

Everyone's eyes turned to Yuyu. Her face flushed crimson, her hands unconsciously twirling the corners of her clothes, she stammered, "He, he'll come tomorrow."

Cheng Chumo frowned, his face full of confusion: "Tomorrow? It's so lively today, why would he come tomorrow?"

Xiaoyu smiled and offered a helping hand: "Maybe Chef Mi was too busy before the New Year, so he wanted to take an extra day off. We have so many people here, we can handle it today."

Qin Huaidao gently waved his folding fan and continued, "I believe Chef Mi has been conserving his energy and will surely bring us some new delicacies tomorrow to surprise us."

But Cheng Chumo still didn't give up. He came close to Yuyu, deliberately put on a stern face, and pretended to be fierce: "Little girl, did Chef Mi secretly hide some delicious food for you and ask you to help cover for him?"

Yuyu shook his head like a rattle, his eyes wide open, and explained eagerly, "No, no! Chef Mi said he prepared some special ingredients and he wants to give everyone a big surprise tomorrow!"

Li Chengqian smiled slightly and said, "In that case, let's wait and see tomorrow. Chef Mi's cooking never disappoints."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Wei Shuyu picked up his teacup, took a sip, and suggested, "Now that we've had enough to eat and drink today, why don't we all think about how to help Zuixianlou attract more customers? This will also help cheer for Chef Mi's return tomorrow."

Li Dejian crossed his arms, thought for a moment, and said, "We can put up a notice at the door, introducing new products and discounts to attract passers-by."

Fang Yiai was not to be outdone and rushed to say, "We can also organize some interesting activities, such as guessing drinking orders or writing couplets. The winners can enjoy discounts on drinks."

Everyone was talking at once, the discussion was in full swing. Yuyu breathed a sigh of relief, and hid aside with Ah Fu, listening to the adults' discussion.

Ah Fu rubbed Yu Yu's palm, as if to comfort her.

At this moment, the tavern was brightly lit and bustling with activity. Everyone was looking forward to Chef Asumi's return.

As dusk deepened, the lanterns emitted a soft glow, adding a touch of warmth to the tavern.

Xiaoyu looked at everyone discussing enthusiastically and felt grateful.

She cleared her throat and interrupted the conversation: "Thanks to all the gentlemen for their help today. We've been busy all day and everyone is exhausted. It's getting late, you should go back first."

Li Chengqian waved his hand and said with a smile, "Boss, you're too polite. It's our honor to contribute to Zuixianlou."

Cheng Chumo scratched his head and said in a muffled voice, "Are you going back now? I was thinking of staying a little longer."

Xiaoyu explained with a smile, "There's a lot of time ahead. I'm planning to expand the tavern. Once it's finished and the space is spacious, I'll invite you gentlemen to stay. If you don't mind, you two can share a bed. Just make do with that."