Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

The emperor spoke the contents of the imperial edict, and the officials wrote down the contents of the edict in great swift motion.

He came to Zuixian Tower with the imperial edict, and the people surrounded him instantly, with discussions rising one after another.

"Look, it's His Majesty! Why is His Majesty here? And he brought the imperial edict with him!"

"Is there something going on at Zuixianlou? Or is there someone who wants to receive a generous reward from His Majesty?"

The emperor stood still while the eunuch beside him unfolded the imperial edict and read aloud: "Nian Yuyu's family has made outstanding contributions to papermaking, movable type printing, and the curved plow. Their merits are great and they deserve generous rewards."

"I grant him a thousand taels of gold and a hundred rolls of silk. His family members will enjoy the imperial court's protection, and those who enter officialdom will be promoted based on merit. I order him to continue his studies and dedicate himself to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. I decree this."

Xiaoyu, Yuyu and Lihao's eyes were filled with excitement and fear. They knelt on the ground with their foreheads touching the ground.

Xiaoyu said with a slightly trembling voice, "Your Majesty's grace is immense. I, your humble servant, am deeply grateful. I will live up to your generosity and serve the people and the Tang Dynasty."

Yuyu and Li also echoed: "Yes, yes, that's right, I think so too."

The emperor smiled and said, "Please stand up. I have come to commend you today. I hope you will continue to maintain your good performance."

Tears welled up in Yuyu's eyes as she excitedly addressed the emperor, "Your Majesty, I've only done my duty, and I'm truly humbled to receive such a generous favor from Your Majesty. The Zuixian Tower is only as prosperous as it is today, thanks to Your Majesty's wisdom. It's because of the peace and prosperity of the world that our little world is so vibrant."

Xiaoyu also hurriedly said, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will definitely put this reward to good use to make Zuixianlou better and better, bring joy to more people, and add glory to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Hao bowed to the surrounding people and saluted the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, it is an honor for me to contribute to the Tang Dynasty, and it is also a blessing for everyone. I will serve Your Majesty and the Tang Dynasty well!"

When the people heard this, their cheers grew even louder, and they shouted in unison: "Long live His Majesty, long live the Tang Dynasty!"

Li Shimin said with a smile: "Yuyu family, accept the imperial edict!"

Yuyu, Xiaoyu, and Lihao quickly knelt again. Yuyu extended his hands respectfully, "I accept your command and thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. Your grace is like a rebirth, and I will remember it in my heart."

Xiaoyu and Li Hao also said in unison: "Thank you, Your Majesty!" Seeing this, the people around them also quieted down and knelt on the ground in unison. The whole scene was solemn.

The emperor waved his hand and said loudly: "Alright, alright, everyone, go away and get busy with your own things. Don't gather here."

Xiaoyu nodded quickly. "Your Majesty, are movable type printing, papermaking, and the curved plow progressing smoothly? The palace has sent people to oversee and assist, so I imagine they're taking it very seriously. I wonder what the specific situation is right now?"

Li Shimin smiled slightly, his expression showing some relief, and said, "I have instructed the capable people in the palace to handle this matter well."

Xiao Yu's face lit up with joy as she bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise and wise. If this is done, the Tang Dynasty will surely prosper even more, bringing blessings to all its people."

Yuyu said with a smile, "Your Majesty, would you like to stay for dinner?"

Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "No, I have many things to deal with when I return to the palace, so I will not have dinner here."

As he spoke, he looked at the Yuyu family again with a gentle smile on his face: "By the way, the big house I rewarded you with, you can go and see it when the time comes."

On Chang'an Avenue, in the teahouse, the air is filled with steam and the fragrance of tea.

Today, the emperor's reading of the imperial edict in Zuixianlou became the focus of heated discussion among everyone in the teahouse.

Several scholars sat at a table near the window. One of them, dressed in a green robe and holding a folding fan, gently tapped the table and said, "Your Majesty's personal visit to Zuixianlou today was truly a magnificent spectacle. It demonstrates your Majesty's deep concern for the affairs of the people. The imperial edict alone demonstrates your Majesty's favor."

A scholar in white nodded in agreement, "Brother, you are absolutely right. For Zuixianlou to receive such an honor, it must have something extraordinary to offer. I've heard that the Yuyu family of Zuixianlou are kind and amiable, and that they have an endless supply of delicious food and fine wines. It seems Your Majesty is quite perceptive."

On the other side, several people who looked like businessmen sat together, with the table full of account books.

A wealthy businessman took a sip of tea, moistened his throat, and said, "The fact that Zuixianlou has been awarded is a good omen for us. Your Majesty values ​​the livelihoods of the people. As long as we manage it well, we will have the opportunity to make a name for ourselves."

"Perhaps one day, His Majesty's imperial edict will arrive at our house."

Everyone laughed: "Hahahaha"

Another businessman chimed in, "But then again, the Zuixianlou business is probably going to be even more prosperous. We should learn from their business practices."

In the corner of the teahouse, several old men were leisurely sipping tea.

An old man with a white beard squinted his eyes and said, "I have lived for so many years, and it is rare to see an emperor personally visiting the people to issue imperial edicts. This shows that the current emperor is a good emperor who cares about the people. It is a blessing for the people that the Tang Dynasty has such a monarch."

The other elders nodded, and one of them, wearing a felt hat, said, "That's right. We're also happy about the hustle and bustle of Zuixianlou."

The waiter in the teahouse was carrying a tea tray and moving between the tables and chairs. While he was busy refilling tea for the guests, he couldn't help but chat with them.

A clever waiter smiled and said to the customer, "Sir, you haven't seen it, but there are huge crowds of people in front of the Zuixian Tower today. The arrival of His Majesty has stunned us with his imposing presence. Everyone in our teahouse ran out to see what a spectacle it is!"

The guest asked curiously, "What did the imperial edict say?" The waiter scratched his head and said, "I didn't hear it clearly, but I know it was a reward for Zuixianlou. The Yuyu family is truly blessed."

The teahouse owner came over with a big smile on his face, holding a rag in his hand. As he wiped his hands, he said, "Dear guests, I heard that His Majesty's reward this time is quite impressive. It's a huge house!"

"It's right near Chang'an East Market. It's a great location. The Yuyu family of Zuixianlou are really lucky. Once they see this house, they will have even more face in Chang'an."

A tea drinker hurriedly asked, "Boss, do you know how big this house is?"

The shopkeeper shook his head: "I'm not sure about that, but since it's a reward from His Majesty, it must be quite large. Maybe it even comes with a large piece of land."

Another tea drinker smacked his lips and said, "Tsk, that's really enviable. The Yuyu family will have a much more comfortable life in the future."

The shopkeeper nodded in agreement. "Yes, this is His Majesty's affirmation of them. It's been a long time since we've had such a big event in Chang'an City. This is enough for us to talk about for a long time."

Having said that, the shopkeeper went to greet other guests, leaving the group of tea drinkers to continue discussing this topic.