Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

That day, the emperor came to the tavern in disguise and summoned Yu Yu and others as soon as he entered.

The emperor said with a smile: "I came here today to tell you good news. The sweet potatoes and potatoes can be dug."

Xiaoyu nodded. "Potatoes and sweet potatoes are not picky about soil. They can be grown even in sandy soil, and they are very drought-resistant."

Yuyu was chewing on a roasted sweet potato: "Your Majesty, the people have already eaten sweet potato vines before, and now we can also dig up potatoes and sweet potatoes."

Xiaoyu pulled over and said: "It's not the sweet potato vine, it's the sweet potato leaves that can be eaten. Don't make Your Majesty laugh at you."

Yuyu chewed a piece of roasted sweet potato and nodded: "Yes, yes, sweet potato leaves"

The emperor laughed heartily. "No problem. Now that we have these sweet potatoes, we will surely be able to fill the stomachs of the people."

Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "I'll have some roasted sweet potatoes too."

Yu Yu quickly responded, "Come, come, Your Majesty." Then he brought out a few roasted sweet potatoes with crispy skin and sizzling oil.

Li Hao was chewing a roasted sweet potato: "Sweet potatoes are fragrant and sweet. Your Majesty, you should plant more of them."

The emperor took one, gently tore open the skin, and the golden potato flesh was revealed, steaming hot.

He couldn't wait to take a bite of the roasted sweet potato. The sweet and soft taste spread on the tip of his tongue, and his face was instantly filled with satisfaction: "Sweet potatoes are really good!"

He put down the sweet potato, wiped the corner of his mouth with a silk handkerchief, and exclaimed: "This is such a good thing, I will definitely let the planting officials plant it widely. I previously only selected fertile land to grow sweet potatoes and potatoes, but I never thought that dry land had not been tried yet."

Upon hearing this, Xiaoyu quickly said, "Your Majesty, these sweet potatoes and potatoes can be grown in dry land."

"They don't have high requirements for land. They can be grown on both fertile and dry land. If we can make use of dry land, the yield will definitely be considerable."

Yuyu nodded beside him, "Yes, yes, Your Majesty. Not only the dry land in the interior, but even the border areas can be cultivated."

"The border region faces difficulties in food supply all year round. If we can grow sweet potatoes and potatoes there, we will definitely be able to solve the food shortage problem."

Li Hao continued, "Your Majesty, this way, the troops stationed on the border and the people will have sufficient food."

"In the past, grain had to be transported from Chang'an to the border, which not only consumed a lot of manpower and resources, but also caused a lot of losses along the way."

Yuyu nodded and looked up at the sky. "If the border areas can grow sweet potatoes and potatoes on their own, the food supply will be stable, the soldiers will be able to better guard the border, and the people will be able to live and work in peace and contentment. It really is a win-win situation."

The emperor nodded slightly, his eyes gleaming, as if he had already seen the overflowing granaries at the border. "You are right. I will immediately order the planting officials to plant sweet potatoes and potatoes in the dry land and along the border."

"I must ensure that these two good things take root everywhere in my land, so that all the people can benefit from them."

After that, Li Shimin picked up another roasted sweet potato and said: "Then my Tang Dynasty will prosper."

He stood up slightly and said in a loud voice: "Come on, return to the palace."

After the emperor left, Yu Yu and his family sat around the table and talked about what had just happened.

Xiaoyu's eyes sparkled as she said excitedly, "The sweet potatoes can be harvested now, and the people will have more food. This is truly a great thing. We don't have to worry about famine anymore."

Yuyu nodded slightly, a smile on her face. "Yes, these sweet potatoes and potatoes have high yields and are easy to grow. With them, people's lives will be much better."

Li Hao frowned and said with some concern, "Will our tavern have fewer people coming? After all, if people have enough food, they might not come to the tavern to eat as often as before."

Xiaoyu patted Li Hao's shoulder gently and said, "No. Although there is more food, the tavern has its own fun. Some people come to drink and chat, and some come to taste our special dishes."

Yuyu nodded and thought it was right: "Being full is one thing, but the fine wine and delicious food in our tavern are different."

Xiaoyu also agreed, "That's right. We can make sweet potatoes into baked sweet potatoes and sweet potato pancakes, and potatoes into snacks like French fries and potato chips. Then, the pub business might be even more prosperous."

Li Hao's frown gradually relaxed after hearing what they said. "You're right. I was too narrow-minded. These sweet potatoes and potatoes are not only good news for the people, but also new opportunities for our tavern."

In the court, the emperor sat high on the dragon throne, his face full of smiles: "Now the sweet potatoes and potatoes can be harvested. This makes me happy."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Yaojin grinned and laughed heartily, "Your Majesty is wise! These sweet potatoes and potatoes are truly excellent. I, Old Cheng, have always thought they were special."

"Now the people can have a treat and no longer have to worry about going hungry!" Cheng Yaojin's voice echoed in the court.

Lord Zhang bowed slightly, stepped out, and said, "Your Majesty, the abundant harvest of sweet potatoes and potatoes is a blessing for the nation. I believe that we should make proper arrangements for their storage to ensure that every grain is harvested."

Cheng Yaojin continued, "Your Majesty, we can't have sweet potatoes in some places and not in others. This way..."

The emperor raised his hand slightly, and the ministers immediately quieted down. He said calmly, "Don't worry, my lords. By the time the time comes, all of the crops in the Tang Dynasty will be planted. Don't worry."

"I have ordered the planting officials to promote the cultivation of sweet potatoes and potatoes, whether in the Central Plains or in the border areas."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Yaojin laughed heartily again: "Your Majesty is wise! If this happens, our Great Tang will have such good things everywhere, the people will be prosperous, and the national strength will surely be strong!"

Lord Zhang also smiled and nodded: "Your Majesty is very thoughtful. If it can be widely planted throughout the country, it will ensure the safety of the people even in times of disaster."

"Moreover, sweet potatoes and potatoes are easy to preserve and can greatly increase our grain reserves."

Cheng Yaojin offered his hand and said, "Your Majesty, are you planning to plant potatoes and sweet potatoes on the border as well?"

The emperor frowned slightly, his expression solemn: "I have already said that we plan to plant crops on the border as well. This is a well-considered move."

"The borderlands have a harsh environment, and food supply has always been difficult. If sweet potatoes and potatoes can sprout there, it will be of great significance to our Tang Dynasty's border defense."

Cheng Yaojin scratched his head and said loudly, "Your Majesty, with the frequent fighting on the border, it may be difficult to grow these crops. However, if we succeed, we won't have to worry about the enemy troops harassing our food supply."

Lord Zhang stroked his beard and said, "Your Majesty, although planting crops on the border is difficult, it also has its advantages. I heard from Yuyu's family that sweet potatoes and potatoes are drought-resistant, have low soil requirements, and can be grown on sandy land."

"We can first send experienced agricultural officers to provide guidance, and then arrange for soldiers to assist the people in cultivating and planting. This will not only solve the food problem, but also allow the military and civilians to work together, which will enhance friendship and strengthen border defense."