Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 179: The Emperor's Mid-Autumn Festival Banquet in the Palace, Moon Viewing

Li Shimin stood up, smiled, and ordered his men to carry 10 pomeloes and a large mooncake weighing 5 jin to the center of the hall. He said loudly, "My dear ministers, today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and I have specially prepared these for you to share."

"This pomelo symbolizes blessing children, wishing the people of the Tang Dynasty continued prosperity; this large mooncake symbolizes reunion. May our ruler and his subjects unite as one to safeguard the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty."

The ministers all stood up, knelt down and shouted: "Your Majesty is wise and wise, long live your Majesty!"

Cheng Yaojin grinned and said, "Your Majesty, this huge mooncake is so rare! I'm craving it just by looking at it!"

Qin Qiong patted Cheng Yaojin lightly and scolded him with a smile: "You only know how to eat. Your Majesty gave it to you as a favor."

Fang Xuanling smiled and nodded: "Your Majesty's action shows your kindness. I will definitely live up to your kindness."

Zhangsun Wuji stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, we are overwhelmed by this precious gift. We will do our utmost for the Tang Dynasty."

Li Shimin laughed heartily: "My dear ministers, there is no need to be so polite. Come, let's taste it together."

The Queen bowed slightly and said with a graceful smile, "Your Majesty cares deeply about the world and your subjects. These pomeloes and mooncakes are not only festive delicacies, but also represent Your Majesty's wishes."

"Today is Mid-Autumn Festival. May Your Majesty and all the ministers share this joyful reunion. May the Tang Dynasty, like this full moon, shine ever brightly and prosper."

After saying this, he looked at Li Shimin gently, his eyes full of admiration and love.

The princess stood up from her seat, walked lightly to the center of the hall, bowed, and her pretty face was full of smiles.

She said in a clear and pleasant voice, "Father, this pomelo looks so refreshing, and that big mooncake is even more mouth-watering."

"It is truly wonderful to be able to share this Mid-Autumn Festival with my father, mother, and all the ministers. May my father be in good health, and may our Great Tang Dynasty be as joyful and peaceful as it is today, and may everyone live in harmony and happiness."

After saying this, she winked playfully. She looked adorable and exuded the dignity and grace of a royal family, which made everyone smile in a doting manner.

The prince also stood up and bowed respectfully to Li Shimin with an upright posture.

His expression was filled with youthful spirit and respect for his father. He spoke loudly, "Father, you have offered these ten pomelos and five pounds of mooncakes to share with us. This is truly a generous act. The pomelos symbolize protection, and the mooncakes symbolize reunion, which is perfectly suited to this Mid-Autumn Festival."

"I wish your Majesty eternal stability in your reign. Under your wise leadership, the Tang Dynasty will enjoy peace year after year, and the people will live and work in peace. Your Majesty and your subjects will also maintain harmony, building this prosperous era together. Let's enjoy this feast together today, which will surely add a touch of joy to this Mid-Autumn Festival banquet."

After saying that, he raised his head slightly and looked at Li Shimin firmly, his eyes full of expectations and passion.

Li Shimin waved his hand and said with a hearty smile, "Alright, alright, the banquet begins. My dear ministers, don't be restrained today. Drink to your heart's content and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival together."

As soon as the words fell, the melodious sound of stringed instruments began to play. The graceful music seemed to penetrate into people's hearts, adding a bit of cheerful atmosphere to the banquet.

The ministers raised their glasses, toasted each other and chatted. Cheng Yaojin grabbed the wine pot on the table and filled the cup of Qin Qiong next to him. He laughed and said, "Old Qin, you must have a few more drinks today. Such a beautiful day and scenery cannot be wasted."

Qin Qiong took the wine glass with a smile and responded, "Of course, Brother Cheng has a big drink, I will definitely accompany you for a good drink."

Fang Xuanling chatted quietly with several civil officials, sometimes praising the delicacies at the banquet, and sometimes discussing poetry and songs, feeling very comfortable.

While enjoying the delicacies on the table, Changsun Wuji kept an eye on the movements of the people in the hall, maintaining the proper order of the banquet and ensuring that everything proceeded in an orderly manner.

The queen gracefully picked up a piece of exquisite cake and handed it to the princess beside her. She smiled and said, "Try this cake. It tastes very unique. Every piece of food at today's banquet has been carefully prepared."

The princess nodded obediently, took a bite of the cake, her eyes curved into crescents, and praised: "Mother, it's really delicious, it melts in your mouth."

The prince looked at the lively scene in the palace excitedly, and came up to Li Shimin, asking curiously about some interesting things in the court.

Li Shimin also patiently answered his questions and resolved his doubts. The happy look on the father and son's face showed the joy of family.

While enjoying delicious food and fine wine, everyone was appreciating the singing and dancing performances. The dancers were dressed in gorgeous costumes, their figures were as light as swallows, and their dance steps were graceful, like fairies dancing in the moonlight. Their lively appearance made people intoxicated.

The entire Mid-Autumn Festival banquet in the imperial palace was immersed in an atmosphere of laughter and liveliness, as if all the prosperity and joy of the Tang Dynasty were concentrated in this palace.

Li Shimin raised his head slightly, his eyes fixed on the bright moon hanging high in the sky outside the palace. His face was full of admiration, and he slowly said, "I think this moon is really beautiful. It sheds its clear light, illuminating the mountains and rivers of our Great Tang."

"Every Mid-Autumn Festival, the moon becomes increasingly full, just as I hope for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, which will be perfect and prosperous year after year."

Upon hearing this, the ministers stopped what they were doing and followed Li Shimin's gaze. Cheng Yaojin echoed loudly, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. The moon is so big and round, it's an auspicious sign."

"God must be blessing the Tang Dynasty. With a wise and enlightened monarch like Your Majesty, the Tang Dynasty will surely see better and better times ahead."

Qin Qiong also nodded in agreement: "Your Majesty, this bright moon has witnessed the many years of our Great Tang Dynasty. It always shines so brightly during every festival."

"May the Tang Dynasty always be bathed in the moonlight, enjoy long-lasting peace, and may the people enjoy peace under the moonlight."

Fang Xuanling stroked his beard, his eyes deep as he spoke softly, "Your Majesty, the ancients often used the moon to express their feelings, and the Mid-Autumn moon carries countless wishes for reunion and happiness."

"Now that the world has been stabilized and the people are living and working in peace and contentment, it is a blessing for us to be here together to admire this bright moon. May the Tang Dynasty be as eternal as this moon, long-lasting and prosperous."

Changsun Wuji, with a respectful expression, clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, this bright moon in the sky is truly a beautiful sight. We, your subjects, will diligently perform our duties and assist Your Majesty. Under Your Majesty's rule, the Tang Dynasty will shine forever like this Mid-Autumn moon, celebrated for generations to come."

The princess couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "Father, this moon is so beautiful! The moonlight shines on me and I feel so light and airy. I really wish I could see such a beautiful moon every day."

The prince nodded repeatedly, "Yes, Father, it's as if the moon is watching over us and protecting the Tang Dynasty. It makes people feel very happy just looking at it."

For a moment, everyone was immersed in the beautiful moonlight.