Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 148 Soft and sweet glutinous rice balls, the emperor is coming

Inside Zuixian Tower, curtains fluttered and the air was filled with the aroma of wine and food.

The wooden tables and chairs are neatly arranged, and several landscape paintings hang on the walls, adding a touch of elegance to this lively pub.

The pub was warm and cozy, with the diners' laughter and chatter intertwined, and the crisp sound of wine glasses clinking could be heard from time to time, like a cheerful symphony.

In this lively atmosphere, the soft, sweet aroma of glutinous rice balls permeates the air.

Someone picked up a spoon, gently scooped up a dumpling, and said to the person next to him with a smile: "Look at this dumpling, it's so white and cute, it must be delicious."

After saying that, he put the glutinous rice balls into his mouth, and a satisfied expression instantly appeared on his face: "Well, this filling is sweet and the skin is soft and glutinous, it's really wonderful!"

The people around also started to eat. An old man smiled and said with emotion: "I have tried many delicious foods, but these dumplings have a unique flavor."

"Yes, the taste is like sweetness wrapped inside." A young scholar echoed, his eyes shining with joy, his hands constantly putting the glutinous rice balls into his mouth, his cheeks bulging.

Everyone ate and talked, laughing and talking about everything, from street fun to world anecdotes, all became more interesting with the company of this bowl of glutinous rice balls.

Xiaoyu was using an abacus behind the counter, calculating today's accounts. There was a shrewdness and competence in her eyes and brows. Time had left faint traces on her face, but it still couldn't hide her youthful beauty.

Yu Yu moved lightly between the tables and chairs, helping A Cai to clear the table, but her eyes kept looking at the diners who were enjoying the dumplings.

"Dear guests, are these dumplings to your liking?" Yu Yu asked with a smile. Her sweet face became even more charming under the candlelight, like a blooming flower.

A diner swallowed the glutinous rice balls in his mouth and gave a thumbs up, praising: "Girl, these glutinous rice balls are really delicious, soft, sticky and sweet. I want to eat more after eating them."

Yuyu responded happily: "Then please eat more, this is our new delicacy."

Another diner jokingly said, "Miss Yuyu, your tavern has more and more delicious food. If you keep going like this, we'll probably have to come here every day. These glutinous rice balls are like a package of happiness."

Yuyu covered her mouth and chuckled: "If you like, you can come every day. We will always prepare delicious food for you."

Li Hao was carefully wiping the wine jar in a corner of the tavern, his expression so focused as if it was a rare treasure.

He muttered, "This wine jar is clean, so the wine is fragrant."

Cheng Chumo frowned slightly, his eyes still fixed on the front, and whispered to Qin Huaidao: "The emperor hasn't been here for a long time, maybe he will come later."

Qin Huaidao gripped the sword at his waist and nodded, his expression solemn. "Yes, if the emperor comes, we must ensure the safety of the area around Zuixianlou. Although the situation has been stable recently, we must not let our guard down."

In the kitchen, Chef Mi was busy preparing dishes, while Ah Fu was washing and cutting vegetables. His honest face was full of concentration, and his hands were moving in an orderly manner.

At this moment, Li Shimin, surrounded by a group of attendants, slowly walked into Zuixian Tower.

He was dressed in a dragon robe and a crown on his head. He looked dignified and had a hint of a smile on his majestic face.

"The emperor is here!" the attendant shouted.

The store instantly became quiet, and everyone knelt down to pay their respects.

Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "Everyone, please stand up. There's no need to be so reserved."

Xiaoyu hurried forward and said respectfully, "The emperor is here. What would you like to eat?"

Li Shimin smiled and said, "There are so many delicious dishes in Zuixianlou, just arrange them as you see fit."

Xiaoyu turned and walked towards the kitchen, instructing Chef Mi to prepare the dishes carefully.

After a while, delicious dishes were served one after another, smelling delicious.

Li Shimin tasted the dishes and nodded in praise.

Just then, Yu Yu came over with a plate of freshly cooked dumplings.

The glutinous rice balls were small and exquisite, white as a jade plate, served in an exquisite porcelain bowl, still emitting steam.

"Your Majesty, these are the new dumplings made in our shop. Please try them." Yu Yu said, bowing slightly. Her eyes were clear and bright, like the stars in the night sky.

Li Shimin looked at the food he had never seen before, and curiosity flashed in his eyes: "What is this? I have never seen it before."

"Your Majesty, this is a glutinous rice dumpling. The skin is made of glutinous rice flour, and the middle is filled with sweet fillings. It is soft, sweet and delicious when you put it in your mouth." Yu Yu explained with a smile.

Li Shimin picked up the spoon, gently scooped up a glutinous rice ball and put it into his mouth.

When the soft outer shell broke in his mouth and the sweet filling flowed out, the unique texture and sweet taste made his eyes light up.

"Well, this thing is wonderful! It is sweet but not greasy and tastes great." Li Shimin exclaimed with a happy expression on his face.

Cheng Chumo smiled and said, "As long as the emperor likes it, the food at Zuixianlou is really amazing."

Qin Huaidao also agreed: "Yes, these dumplings really taste unique. No wonder the emperor praised them so much."

Seeing the emperor enjoying his meal, Yu Yu was also very happy. The corners of her mouth slightly raised, revealing two cute dimples.

"If Your Majesty likes it, you can eat more. These dumplings have different fillings, such as sesame, red bean paste, and peanuts. Each one has a different flavor."

Li Shimin nodded and ate a few more dumplings, tasting each one. "The sesame ones are rich and fragrant; the red bean paste ones are delicate and sweet; the peanut ones have a unique flavor. They all have their own merits."

Li Hao watched from the side and said to Xiaoyu with a smile: "Mom, it seems that we made the dumplings correctly. Even the emperor likes them so much."

Xiaoyu nodded with satisfaction, her eyes twinkling: "Yes, I hope the emperor can come often, so that our Zuixianlou can continue to be bustling."

Ah Cai couldn't help but smile as she watched the lively scene. She cleaned the table skillfully to provide better service to the diners.

Ah Fu was looking out the kitchen door, and when he saw the emperor's love for the dumplings, a proud smile spread across his simple face.

Li Shimin was in a good mood after eating the dumplings.

He stood up and walked around the tavern. Looking at the lively and warm scene inside, he said to Xiaoyu, "Your tavern is getting better and better. Not only is the food outstanding, but the atmosphere is also so harmonious. It's really not easy."

Xiaoyu quickly said, "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty. This is the result of everyone's concerted efforts."

Li Shimin then looked at Yuyu, Li Hao and the others and said, "You are all great. Each of you has done your part and contributed your strength to this tavern. I hope that the beauty of this folk life can continue forever."

Everyone said in unison: "Thank you, Your Majesty."