Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 170 The Imperial Palace distributes mooncakes, each palace has one

Then he saw the pile of grapefruits and apples, smelled the fruity fragrance, and nodded repeatedly: "This fruit is also very fresh."

When his eyes fell on the roast duck and salt-baked chicken, the emperor couldn't help but swallow his saliva: "This looks so delicious, and I haven't had this beer for a while."

A young eunuch's eyes widened as he lowered his voice to the palace maid beside him and said, "This Zuixianlou is really generous. Look at all these gifts! I've been in the palace for so long and I haven't seen so many good things."

The maid nodded slightly, covered her mouth with her hand, and replied softly: "Yes, I have never seen such mooncakes before, but they look exquisite, and the food smells delicious. The emperor will definitely be happy."

Another old eunuch narrowed his eyes and said slowly, "This is more than just a gift. It's a token of Zuixianlou's sincerity. It also demonstrates the peace and prosperity of our dynasty, and the harmony between the ruler and his subjects."

Several young palace maids nearby also murmured in agreement: "Indeed, this is truly a rare and magnificent sight. It is truly a joyous occasion to have these gifts during the Mid-Autumn Festival."

As they talked, they would occasionally glance at the piles of gifts, their eyes full of amazement and envy.

Li Junxian stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the note."

When the emperor heard Li Junxian mention the note, he took it from him.

After unfolding the note and reading it, he nodded slightly and said, "The Yuyu family is very thoughtful. Someone come here!"

The eunuch beside him hurried forward and asked: "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

The emperor pointed to the note and said, "According to what is written here, send the mooncakes and pomeloes to your beloved ministers, Changsun Wuji, Wei Zheng, Fang Xuanling, and Li Jing, without fail."

After receiving the order, the eunuch arranged for the young eunuchs to move the corresponding mooncakes and grapefruits.

The emperor walked back to the pile of gifts and said to Li Junxian, "I appreciate the kindness of Zuixianlou. Their thoughtfulness is truly a blessing to our dynasty."

Li Junxian replied respectfully, "Your Majesty is wise and wise. Zuixianlou is loyal to the court. We offer this gift to you during the festive season. The people live and work in peace and contentment, all thanks to your wise rule."

The emperor smiled and said, "I hope this peaceful and prosperous era can continue forever. These small gifts carry great affection." As he spoke, he picked up a square mooncake and looked at it carefully.

The emperor looked at the dazzling array of gifts before him and said to the eunuch beside him with a smile, "We have received so many good things today. Please quickly distribute them to my family."

"Send some of these square mooncakes to each palace so everyone can taste the craftsmanship of Zuixianlou. Also, take more of these pomeloes and distribute them to everyone to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival together."

The eunuch quickly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will arrange it right away."

As he spoke, the eunuch directed a group of young eunuchs to start working, carefully placing boxes of mooncakes and grapefruits on trays, ready to be sent to various palaces.

The Emperor looked at the exquisite box of Seven Stars and the Moon again, his eyes full of cherishment. He turned to the Empress's personal maid and said, "This Seven Stars and the Moon is very special. Keep it for now."

"Tomorrow, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the Empress, the princes and princesses, and I gather together to admire the moon, we can enjoy this together. It will surely have a special flavor."

The maid bowed and said, "I will obey your majesty's order. I will go back and tell the Empress. She will surely be delighted when she hears."

At this moment, the emperor seemed to remember something and said, "Oh, by the way, we must not forget the emperor."

"Go, send a box of mooncakes to the Emperor, pick the ones with the best fillings, and bring two pomelos, a roast duck, and a salt-baked chicken. As for the wine, take two bottles."

"The Emperor loves wine, so let him enjoy the festival."

The eunuch in charge of going to the Emperor's office hurriedly responded, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will deliver the things to the Emperor and convey Your Majesty's wishes."

The palace maid received the emperor's order and walked briskly towards the queen's palace.

When I entered the palace, I saw the queen sitting on the couch, holding a book, with a dignified and elegant demeanor.

The maid hurriedly bowed and said crisply, "Empress, His Majesty has an order."

The Queen raised her eyes, put down the scroll, and asked gently, "Oh? What's the matter?"

The maid's face was full of smiles as she replied, "Your Majesty, Zuixianlou sent many Mid-Autumn Festival gifts to the palace today. His Majesty specifically ordered a box of extremely unique Seven Stars and the Moon mooncakes to be kept for His Majesty to come over during the Mid-Autumn Festival so that he can enjoy them with you, Your Majesty, and the princes and princesses when they gather to admire the moon."

"Also, a lot of square mooncakes and pomeloes have been delivered. Your Majesty, please try them first."

Upon hearing this, the Queen's eyes were filled with joy, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly, revealing a gentle smile: "Zuixianlou is indeed thoughtful. Your Majesty is so concerned about this. This Mid-Autumn Festival is even more delicious. Quick, present the things here, let me take a look."

The palace maids carefully placed the boxes of mooncakes and a few grapefruits on the table.

The Queen stood up, walked to the table, and gently stroked the delicate patterns on the mooncake box. She exclaimed in admiration, "The packaging is so beautiful. I imagine the mooncakes must taste delicious."

"When the Mid-Autumn Festival comes, the princes and princesses will enjoy it together. It will surely be a joyous occasion."

The nanny next to her also agreed with a smile: "That's right, Your Majesty. The cooking of Zuixianlou is well-known in the capital. Your Majesty and Your Majesty are in for a treat today."

The Queen nodded and said to the maid, "Go, send someone to tell the princes and princesses to come early tomorrow so they don't miss this rare time together."

The palace maid responded and hurried off to deliver the message. The queen stood in front of the table, looking at the mooncakes and pomelos, looking forward to the reunion in the evening with joy.

The eunuch who was ordered to go to the retired emperor carefully carried the gifts all the way to the palace where the retired emperor lived.

Entering the hall, he saw the retired emperor reclining on the couch with his eyes closed, so he called out softly, "Retired emperor, His Majesty has sent a servant to bring you a Mid-Autumn Festival gift."

The Emperor slowly opened his eyes, sat up straight, and asked with a smile, "Oh? What's the gift? Quickly present it to me so I can see it."

The eunuch hurriedly placed the items on the table and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, His Majesty has specially ordered a box of mooncakes to be sent to you. They are carefully selected and the fillings are all top-notch."

"There are also two large, fresh grapefruits. In addition, there is a roast duck, a salt-baked chicken, and two bottles of wine. These are all goodies sent by Zuixianlou. Your Majesty thought you would enjoy these on a daily basis, so you can have a good holiday."

The retired emperor looked at the gifts on the table, his eyes filled with satisfaction. He stroked his beard and said, "My son, you are so thoughtful. The craftsmanship of Zuixianlou has always been so good."