Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Early the next morning, sunlight streamed through the mottled window lattices into Empress Changsun's bedroom. Empress Changsun was still a little sleepy, leaning lazily on the couch.

At this time, Li Shimin walked in quietly, with a gentle smile on his face and a few things in his hands.

"Guanyin, look what I brought you." Li Shimin said softly.

Empress Zhangsun opened her eyes slightly and saw Li Shimin. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. She was about to stand up and salute, but Li Shimin hurried forward to stop her: "No need for formalities today. I have something good to share with you."

As he spoke, he placed the items in his hands on the table one by one.

Li Shimin took out a small porcelain bottle of perfume, opened the cap, and a faint and charming fragrance instantly spread.

The fragrance has the richness of blooming roses, the elegance of jasmine, and a hint of mysterious floral scent, all intertwined together, fresh but not pungent.

Empress Changsun's sleepiness vanished almost immediately. She sniffed the air, her eyes filled with delight. "What a wonderful fragrance, Your Majesty! What kind of perfume is this? It's so wonderful! I've never smelled anything so enchanting."

Li Shimin smiled and said: "Guanyinbi, I heard that this perfume also contains materials from the Western Regions, yes, yes, and this soap"

Li Shimin smiled and picked up the soap. The soap was made into the shape of a blooming lotus, and the pink petals were real. "Guanyinbi, this soap not only has a pleasant fragrance, but also has the effect of cleansing the skin."

Li Shimin handed the soap to Empress Changsun, who took it gently. It felt delicate and smooth, like mutton-fat jade. She couldn't put it down and played with it, saying, "Your Majesty, this soap is so exquisite. I can't bear to use it."

Then, Li Shimin picked up the mirror and said, "Hahaha, there will be plenty of them in the future, just use them."

Li Shimin held up a mirror and said to Empress Zhangsun: "Guanyin, look at this mirror. Is it different from anything you've seen before?"

Empress Changsun looked at herself in the mirror and was slightly startled. She saw her slightly tired face, but under the reflection of this gorgeous mirror, it also had a unique charm. "Your Majesty, this mirror is truly exquisite. I have never seen such a clear and beautiful mirror."

Li Shimin nodded: "I felt the same way when I looked in the mirror in Zuixian Tower."

Finally, there is the shampoo, which comes in a small ceramic bottle.

Li Shimin shook the bottle, and the shampoo inside swayed slightly, emitting a faint luster. "This shampoo is also an extraordinary product. Washing your hair with it will make it soft, shiny, and fragrant."

Empress Changsun looked at these things curiously and said, "Your Majesty, where did you get these items? They are truly exquisitely crafted."

Li Shimin then recounted his experiences at Zuixianlou, from going to Zuixianlou with Xiaoyu's family to taste salt-baked chicken, to discovering these novel items, and his plan to invest in the business.

Empress Changsun's eyes sparkled after hearing this. "Your Majesty, these folk products are so wonderful. If they can be promoted, they will surely benefit the people. Your Majesty, it would be wise for you to participate in the investment."

Li Shimin nodded. "I think so too. If these things can become popular in Chang'an, and even spread throughout the Tang Dynasty, they will not only improve the lives of the people, but also increase tax revenue for the court."

"Also, I sold 10% of my shares to Zhangsun Wuji yesterday. He was a little hesitant at first, but I believe he will see the value in it."

Empress Zhangsun frowned slightly. "Your Majesty, there's no problem selling it to Brother Wuji. However, Brother Wuji has no experience in business matters. Is there any risk?"

Li Shimin smiled and said, "It's okay. Wuji is smart and he will understand the pros and cons. Besides, there are many reliable people involved in this business, so there will be no problems."

"I also want you to take a look at these things. If you like them, then the concubines in the palace will surely like them too. If this business becomes successful in the future, there will be no shortage of sales."

Empress Changsun smiled and nodded. "Your Majesty, you are very considerate. I truly love these items. This perfume, in particular, will surely add a touch of elegance to palace banquets or for daily use."

"This soap is also excellent for bathing. The mirror allows those in the palace to better maintain their appearance, and the shampoo can relieve itching, dandruff, and dry hair."

Li Shimin picked up the perfume and sprinkled a few drops on Empress Changsun's handkerchief: "Guanyin, look, this handkerchief also has fragrance. When you carry it with you in the future, the fragrance will always linger."

Empress Zhangsun took the handkerchief and sniffed it gently. "Your Majesty, this perfume is truly magical. Just a little bit, and the fragrance lingers for a long time."

"Your Majesty, there are such skilled craftsmen among the people who can make these wonderful things. Your Majesty should encourage the people to develop these skills so that more people can enjoy these wonderful things." Empress Changsun said.

Li Shimin took Empress Zhangsun's hand and said, "Guanyinbi, you and I are of the same mind. I will have the relevant officials pay attention to this matter and support folk artists so that these skills can be passed down and developed."

Empress Changsun smiled and said to Li Shimin, "Your Majesty, this perfume is so charming. I want to go around the palace and try it out."

Li Shimin nodded and said gently, "I will go with you."

So the emperor and the empress stood up and walked around the palace.

The fragrance of the perfume seemed to drift behind them like a spirit, and wherever it passed, the palace maids and eunuchs all looked at them sideways.

The palace maids' eyes showed surprise and curiosity, and the eunuchs couldn't help but sniff a few more times.

"What a nice smell! Is this the scent of His Majesty and the Queen?" A little palace maid whispered to her companions, her eyes full of longing.

"I've never smelled anything so pleasant," another palace maid echoed.

The eunuchs chirped beside them, "This fragrance is truly wonderful, as if the spring garden has arrived."

When Empress Changsun heard their words, the corners of her mouth rose slightly and she looked at Li Shimin.

Li Shimin smiled and said to the palace maids and eunuchs around him, "This is the Empress's new perfume, made by Xiaoyu's family."

Everyone admired and followed the two of them.

This charming fragrance filled the corridors of the palace.

Empress Changsun gently rubbed her temples and said to Li Shimin with a hint of weariness, "Alright, I'm tired. Your Majesty, please go back. I'm really happy with this novel experience today, but I'm a little tired now."

Li Shimin hurriedly said with concern: "Guanyin, please take a good rest. I will go back soon. If you need anything, please let me know at any time."

After saying this, he gave a few more detailed instructions, asking the palace maids to take good care of the queen. Then he turned around and slowly left with a heart full of care.

Empress Changsun looked at Li Shimin's receding back and smiled slightly. Then, with the help of a palace maid, she slowly walked towards the couch in the inner hall, ready to have a good rest.