Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 306: Delivering Supplies to the Border

In the palace, Li Shimin sat upright on the dragon throne, his eyes full of concern as he calmly instructed his courtiers below, "I've heard that the soldiers on the frontiers suffer greatly from the severe cold in winter. The icy and snowy conditions are truly difficult. These coal briquettes and coal stoves are great for keeping warm, and these hot pot ingredients will not only provide the soldiers with a warm meal, but also keep the cold at bay."

"Pass on my order. Immediately arrange for the transportation of coal briquettes, coal stoves, and hot pot ingredients to the border. Make sure they are delivered to the soldiers as soon as possible, so that they can spend this cold winter in warmth and have the strength to continue defending the territory of the Great Tang."

The ministers hurriedly accepted the order and shouted in unison: "Your Majesty is wise and wise. We will make arrangements immediately and will not let your Majesty down for his painstaking care for the soldiers."

Afterwards, everyone took up their responsibilities and began to make intensive preparations, organizing manpower and allocating supplies, with the sole intention of delivering these warm things to the most lovely people in the border areas as soon as possible.

The official in charge of preparing this matter respectfully reported to Li Shimin: "Your Majesty, everything is ready. The coal briquettes are piled high, the coal stoves have been inspected and are in good condition, and the hot pot ingredients are also sufficient. We just need your order and we can set off to the border immediately."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, his eyes firm. He waved his hand and said, "Now that it's ready, let's transport it quickly. Be careful along the way and don't make any mistakes. I hope these items can reach the border as soon as possible so that the soldiers can benefit from them sooner."

Following this command, convoys loaded with coal briquettes, coal stoves, and hot pot ingredients slowly set off, raising clouds of dust as they headed towards the frontier. The rumbling of the wheels seemed to convey the palace's deep concern for the soldiers on the frontier.

Cheng Yaojin stood there, watching the convoys of cars carrying hot pot ingredients heading towards the border. His eyes widened, his face filled with annoyance, and he muttered, "Goodness! All this hot pot is being sent to the border, and we haven't even had a chance to taste it here in the capital."

As he spoke, he couldn't help rubbing his hands and smacking his lips. He imagined the bubbling hot pot in his mind, steaming hot and filled with all kinds of delicious ingredients. The more he thought about it, the more he felt itchy. He shouted to the people around him, "Go, make me, Old Cheng, a hot pot to try too. We can't just watch the soldiers on the border enjoy it while we sit there doing nothing."

After hearing this, the guards around him hurriedly agreed and went to prepare. Cheng Yaojin nodded with satisfaction and waited to eat the hot pot he had been longing for as soon as possible.

Cheng Yaojin frowned and curled his lips, thinking that he didn't know how long he would have to wait to rely on others. He simply stamped his foot and waved his hand, saying, "Forget it, go by yourself. I don't believe it. How hard can it be to find a place to eat hot pot?"

After saying this, he took big strides and walked towards the street in a hurry. The wind he created seemed to reveal a sense of urgency.

Along the way, I kept searching everywhere, muttering to myself, "Which restaurant has that delicious hot pot? I must let me enjoy it."

Anyone who saw him would give him a wide berth. Not long after, he saw a busy restaurant in front of him. There was a faint aroma of hot pot wafting towards him. Cheng Yaojin quickened his pace and ran straight towards it.

Cheng Yaojin saw the three big characters "Zuixianlou" written on the sign from afar. His eyes lit up and he grinned, "Oh, so it's Zuixianlou. I've heard that this place has always had many novel delicacies. I'm sure the hot pot is also a must-try."

With that, he strode into Zuixianlou and shouted in a blazing voice, "Give me a hot pot and all your specialties. I really want to taste the flavor of Zuixianlou today."

When the diners around heard the loud voice, they all turned their heads to look. After recognizing Cheng Yaojin, they all showed a look of awe and curiosity, and talked in a low voice.

Xiaoyu came forward warmly and said with a smile, "Master Cheng, please come in. Please wait a moment and I will arrange it for you."

Cheng Chumo was sitting at the table enjoying his hot pot when he suddenly looked up to see Cheng Yaojin striding towards him. He was stunned for a moment, then quickly stood up and saluted, stammering, "Dad, you...why are you here?"

Cheng Yaojin glared when he heard this. He took a few steps forward, tapped Cheng Chumo's head with his finger, and said in feigned anger, "You little brat, you came here to eat such delicious hot pot without even telling me, right? Humph, do you want to have this delicacy all to yourself? If I hadn't come here on my own, you wouldn't have known about it."

Cheng Chumo looked aggrieved and quickly explained, "Dad, I didn't dare disturb you because I thought you were busy. How could I eat it all by myself? I was planning to bring you here to try it in a few days."

Cheng Yaojin snorted and gave up. He sat down and looked at the hot pot on the table, ready to feast on it impatiently.

Cheng Yaojin picked up his chopsticks, picked up a large piece of tender meat and put it into the boiling hot pot soup, muttering: "It tastes good, it tastes good, this is how it should be washed and scalded."

The meat slices rolled in the pan for a few times and changed color instantly.

He quickly fished it out, dipped it in the sauce on the side, and stuffed it directly into his mouth. He began to chew it with big mouthfuls, praising it incoherently: "This taste is so authentic. No wonder so many people are fascinated by this hot pot. It tastes hot and satisfying."

Cheng Chumo couldn't help laughing when he saw Cheng Yaojin's greedy look, and he also picked up the ingredients and put them into the pot.

The father and son ate enthusiastically, taking turns eating with their chopsticks. The whole private room was filled with the aroma of hot pot and their hearty laughter.

Yuyu opened her eyes slightly wider and continued to ask with a hint of doubt, "General Cheng, the supplies shipped to the border are of great importance. The soldiers are looking forward to these supplies to keep them warm and full. Are you so confident that you can let others deliver them?"

Cheng Yaojin wiped his lips and waved his hand nonchalantly, saying, "What's there to worry about? The team responsible for this transportation is carefully selected, and the route is well planned. Besides, I, Old Cheng, have other important matters to attend to in the capital."

Cheng Chumo echoed, "Yuyu, don't worry. My father has always been cautious. This time, the transportation has been thoroughly prepared. We will surely deliver the supplies to the soldiers on the border smoothly, so that they can have a warm winter."

Yuyu frowned slightly, still a little worried, and said, "But the journey is long and arduous. What if something unexpected happens and the supplies are delayed? In this icy and snowy weather, the soldiers will suffer if they can't wait any longer."

Cheng Yaojin frowned and patted his chest, assuring him, "Although I, Old Cheng, didn't escort the group myself, I'm keeping an eye on this matter. Those transporting them are aware of this. If anything goes wrong, I will not let them off lightly! Furthermore, we've arranged numerous guards along the way, so safety won't be a major issue."

After hearing this, Yuyu finally felt relieved and nodded slightly, saying, "That's good. I just hope these supplies can reach the border as soon as possible so that the soldiers will no longer suffer from the cold and hunger, and can guard the territory of the Tang Dynasty with peace of mind."

Cheng Yaojin looked at Yuyu's worried expression and laughed heartily. "You are too soft-hearted, girl. Don't worry, the soldiers of the Tang Dynasty are all men of steel. Even if the supplies arrive a few days late, they will be able to hold on. However, with these things, their morale will definitely be even higher!"

After saying that, Cheng Yaojin turned his attention back to the hot pot, picked up a piece of boiled vegetables with chopsticks, stuffed it into his mouth and started chewing.