Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

The emperor picked up the wine glass, took a sip of the wine, and a look of satisfaction appeared on his face. He couldn't help but exclaimed: "Good wine!"

Then he picked up a piece of stir-fried pork with peppers and put it in his mouth, savoring the unique spicy and tender taste: "Stir-fried pork with peppers and wine, very delicious, slurp~"

Yuyu was also enjoying dinner not far away, occasionally looking towards the emperor with curiosity: "The emperor must think this wine tastes good."

Xiaoyu pulled her: "Yuyu, keep your voice down, don't whisper to the emperor"

The emperor seemed completely immersed in the delicious food and wine, drinking one cup after another, with laughter echoing around him: "Give me another cup, burp~"

It was late at night and Emperor Li Shimin was already drunk.

He held the wine glass in one hand and supported the table with the other: "You, you, you..."

"I am Li Shimin!" he said loudly, his voice was particularly clear in the quiet night.

Then he began to speak non-stop: "Thinking of my Tang Dynasty, now so prosperous, I am very happy."

A proud smile appeared on his face. "I have fought countless battles to achieve the peace we have today. Those days of war and battle seem like just yesterday."

His eyes revealed a look of reminiscence, as if he saw the smoke of gunpowder on the battlefield again.

"I recruit talents widely. Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui... are all my arms. With their assistance, the Tang Dynasty can prosper." Li Shimin shook the wine glass in his hand, and a little wine splashed out.

He took another sip and continued, "This fine wine is just like my kingdom, rich and beautiful. But I also know that I shouldn't get too addicted to it. I'm just happy today, haha..."

The Yu Yu family ate in silence and listened quietly to the drunken talk of Emperor Li Shimin.

At this time, the emperor spoke again: "Tell me, the previous emperor Yangdi was too bad."

The Yu Yu family looked at each other, feeling a little frightened, but not knowing how to respond.

Xiaoyu hesitated for a moment, then said cautiously, "Your Majesty, the events of Emperor Yang are now a thing of the past. Now, under your wise rule, the people of the Tang Dynasty live and work in peace and contentment, and the country is prosperous. This is a blessing for all the people."

Li Hao nodded slightly and agreed, "Your Majesty's achievements are well known to everyone. Under your leadership, the Tang Dynasty is very different from the past."

Yu Yu lowered her head nervously, not daring to say a word, but just thinking silently about the emperor's words in her heart.

After listening to their words, Emperor Li Shimin nodded slightly and fell into deep thought again, as if recalling the past, and the wine glass in his hand unconsciously tightened.

The emperor put down his wine glass and said, "Fuquan."

The eunuch came over and bowed his head: "Your servant is here."

Li Shimin finally chewed a piece of fried pork with peppers and said: "Prepare to return to the palace"

It was late at night, and Emperor Li Shimin was about to return to the palace. He stood up, a little drunk but still dignified.

He said to Yuyu's family, "Today's dinner was a delight. I will take two jars of this fine wine back with me and my ministers to taste. This wine is rich and mellow, and I'm sure they will also experience its wonderful flavor."

Yuyu quickly responded respectfully: "It is an honor for this wine that the emperor likes it."

Li Shimin pointed to the steamed dumplings and cakes on the table and said, "These steamed dumplings and cakes are also very delicious. I will take them back for the empress and the princes and princesses to try. I think they will like them."

Li Hao smiled and said, "The Emperor truly cares deeply for the Empress and the princes and princesses. They will surely be delighted to taste these delicacies."

Yuyu mustered up the courage to speak, "Your Majesty, I hope the Empress and the princes and princesses enjoy their meals. These pastries are also very exquisite, just like the treasures in the palace."

Li Shimin laughed heartily and said, "You are quite good at talking, child. There are countless treasures in my palace, but this folk delicacy has a unique flavor."

Yuyu continued, "Your Majesty must have eaten a lot of delicacies in the palace, but these simple foods also have their uniqueness, right?"

Li Shimin nodded and said, "Indeed, I tasted the stir-fried pork with chili peppers, steamed dumplings, and cakes today, and they felt like delicacies. They were even better than what my imperial kitchen cooked."

Yuyu continued, "Is that so? Then Your Majesty, please come to our Zuixianlou for dinner more often in the future."

Li Shimin smiled and said, "Yes, I also think it's nice to be in Zuixianlou. I am very satisfied with your family's hospitality today."

Xiaoyu quickly bowed and said, "It is an honor for my family that Your Majesty has visited my humble home. Your Majesty, please be careful on your way back to the palace."

Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "It's okay, I will be careful. Well, it's time for me to return to the palace, you should also go to bed early."

After saying this, Li Shimin took two jars of wine, steamed dumplings and cakes, and prepared to set off on the journey back to the palace, surrounded by his attendants.

The eunuch looked at Emperor Li Shimin who was about to return to the palace and couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty can't be away from the court so often. But, will Your Majesty come again in the future?"

Li Shimin frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "I know my responsibilities, but occasionally going out to experience the lives of ordinary people can also help me better understand the sufferings of the people. This is also beneficial to governing the country."

The eunuch said with some concern: "Your Majesty, although that is true, the affairs of the court are complicated. If you leave for a long time, something unexpected may happen."

Li Shimin smiled softly and said, "I know what's going on. When I'm not at court, the ministers will do their jobs. Besides, I'll keep an eye on the court's developments."

The eunuch continued, "Your Majesty, if the news of your drinking and merrymaking today gets out, it might have a negative impact."

Li Shimin's face straightened, and he said, "Today I am only enjoying myself with the people, not indulging in pleasure. I know my limits and will not lose sight of the greater for the sake of a small matter."

The eunuch bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I am only concerned about your safety and the stability of the court."

Li Shimin patted the eunuch's shoulder and said, "I understand your loyalty. But I cannot be trapped in the palace forever, and governing the country does not have to be done only in the palace."

The eunuch nodded and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. When do you plan to leave the palace again?"

Li Shimin looked up at the night sky and said slowly, "I will come to Zuixianlou often in the future."

When the eunuch heard that Emperor Li Shimin said he would come to Zuixianlou often in the future, he quickly said, "Come often in the future? Your Majesty, this..."

Li Shimin smiled, his eyes revealing a hint of anticipation, and said, "Yes, I think this place is very interesting."

The eunuch looked worried and hurriedly advised, "Your Majesty, you are the ruler of a country. You frequently leave the palace and come to Zuixian Tower. What if something goes wrong? What's more, there are many matters at court, and you need to be in charge of the overall situation in the palace."

He sighed and said, "That's all."