Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 303: Appreciating the Charm of the Tang Dynasty

After the envoys finished eating the hot pot, they all put down their bowls and chopsticks with satisfaction, with a look of intoxication still on their faces.

The surprise they felt when they first tasted the hot pot had completely turned into joy and admiration. They looked at each other, their eyes full of admiration for this Tang Dynasty delicacy.

The leading envoy stood up, bowed respectfully to Li Shimin, and said, "Your Majesty, this visit to the Tang Dynasty is truly an eye-opener for us. I never imagined that food could be prepared in such novel and delicious ways. Your Majesty's kingdom is truly full of surprises, and its culinary culture is so exquisite! We will definitely bring this wonderful experience back to the Western Regions, so that our people can also know the extraordinary nature of the Tang Dynasty."

The other envoys echoed this, their words full of praise for the Tang Dynasty.

Li Shimin was delighted to see this and said with a smile, "I'm glad you all like it. Our Great Tang is vast and rich in resources, and our food culture is just one of its many facets. If there's an opportunity in the future, I'll definitely let you experience the charm of our Great Tang even more deeply."

After that, he ordered his attendants to bring out the prepared silk, porcelain and other exquisite gifts to reward the envoys from the Western Regions. The atmosphere in the hall was joyous and peaceful. This hot pot banquet undoubtedly added a touch of color to the exchanges between the two sides, making the friendship between the Western Regions and the Tang Dynasty even closer under the bond of food.

Li Shimin put down his teacup, glanced at the envoys from the Western Regions, and said gently, "Well, envoys, the weather is very cold now. Do you plan to return immediately to report, or stay in our Tang Dynasty to explore and experience the local customs and people?"

The envoys exchanged glances with each other, and they still had many longings for the prosperity and bustle of the Tang Dynasty.

One of the older envoys stepped forward and bowed respectfully, replying, "Your Majesty, we have long heard of the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. This time, we are deeply impressed by its extraordinary charm. If we could have the opportunity to tour the Tang Dynasty and experience its charm, it would be our greatest pleasure. We hope Your Majesty will grant us this opportunity."

The other messengers also nodded in agreement, their eyes full of anticipation.

Li Shimin nodded and smiled when he saw this. "Since that's the case, I'll arrange for someone to take you around Chang'an to see what's going on."

The envoys were overjoyed when they heard this and bowed to Li Shimin to express their gratitude. The atmosphere in the hall became more relaxed and pleasant because of this decision, and the cold weather was somewhat dispelled by the enthusiasm of the crowd.

Li Shimin turned to look at Li Junxian, his expression dignified yet trusting, and said, "Li Junxian, I order you to lead the envoys to stroll through the streets of Chang'an and ensure they fully appreciate the prosperity and customs of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Junxian stepped forward, knelt on one knee, clasped his fists and accepted the order: "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will do my best to let the envoys leave a deep and good impression of the Tang Dynasty." After that, he stood aside, with an upright posture and a firm look in his eyes.

When the envoys from the Western Regions heard that they would be led on a tour by this majestic general, they were filled with joy and anticipation. They all cast friendly glances at Li Junxian, ready to follow him on his journey to Chang'an to witness with their own eyes the rumored bustling and prosperous streets of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Junxian walked in front with his head held high, his posture as straight as a pine tree. The armor on his body gleamed with a cold and hard luster in the sunlight, revealing an aura of majesty without anger.

Behind him, a group of envoys from the Western Regions followed closely. They were dressed in colorful and unique Western costumes, which formed a sharp contrast with the attire of the people walking on the streets of Chang'an, attracting the attention of passers-by.

As the crowd walked along, they saw a dazzling array of shops on the street, their signs fluttering in the wind.

In the silk shop, rolls of exquisite silk were hung neatly, with bright colors and soft texture. The envoys could not help but reach out and touch them, marveling at the superb textile skills of the Tang Dynasty.

In the tavern, the aroma of wine wafted in the air, and the waiters' shouts rose one after another, making the place extremely lively.

There is also a grocery store filled with exquisite handicrafts, including wood carvings, ceramics, embroidery and other items. The delicate workmanship and unique creativity made the envoys love them and they praised them from time to time.

The streets were crowded with people, and all the scholars, farmers, merchants and workers looked calm and contented.

Children holding sugar figures were running and laughing in the crowd, while scholars and poets were walking together, and the sound of them reciting poems and discussing philosophy could be faintly heard.

Look at the buildings on the street, with their carved beams, painted buildings, flying eaves and brackets, showing their majestic beauty.

The envoys from the Western Regions looked around, their eyes full of curiosity and envy. They whispered to each other and discussed in low voices in their own language.

One of the envoys couldn't help but sigh, "Chang'an is truly a prosperous place, far beyond our imagination. Today, we've truly witnessed the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty!"

The envoys walked and looked, their hearts filled with shock and admiration.

Street performers often display their amazing skills, and cheers and applause are heard one after another; in teahouses, the aroma of tea wafts in the air, and scholars and literati discuss poetry, articles and world affairs.

The envoys were deeply impressed by the lively and orderly scene.

An envoy nodded and said, "Yes, yes, this is the Great Tang, so prosperous, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and the culture is flourishing and enlightened. Our tribe is able to submit to the Great Tang and learn such advanced skills and culture. We will surely be able to achieve such prosperity in the future. In this way, submitting to the Great Tang is a good thing, and it will surely bring blessings to our people."

The other envoys expressed their agreement, their eyes revealing their expectation for friendly coexistence and common development with the Tang Dynasty in the future. They became more determined to make friends with the Tang Dynasty and only hoped to bring the style and ideas of the Tang Dynasty back to the tribe as soon as possible to start a new chapter.

An envoy smiled and said, "Your Majesty, the Tang Dynasty is truly wonderful in every way. It's truly a place that makes one reluctant to leave. It's just a little cold today, otherwise we would really like to stay in the Tang Dynasty for a while and experience this prosperous era."

The other messengers nodded in agreement.

Li Junxian smiled and responded, "My envoys, although the cold weather may cause some inconvenience, the hospitality of our Great Tang will surely warm you up."

"If you have the chance, when the weather gets warmer, you are welcome to come again. I will let you fully appreciate the charm of our Tang Dynasty."

After hearing this, the messengers showed anticipation on their faces and said in unison: "If there is a chance, we will definitely come again."

The envoys followed Li Junxian all the way and unknowingly arrived in front of Zuixian Tower.

Before getting close, the mellow and rich aroma wafted slowly over and lingered on everyone's noses.

One of the envoys couldn't help but stop, took a deep breath, and exclaimed in amazement, "This tavern smells so good. Sniff carefully, it even smells like the hot pot we just had in the palace."

The other messengers also hurriedly stopped and sniffed hard, their eyes full of surprise and curiosity.

"It's true. There's no mistaking that unique aroma. I didn't expect to find such delicious food outside the palace. It seems this Zuixianlou must be extraordinary." Another envoy echoed, looking up at the Zuixianlou signboard as he spoke, his eyes full of curiosity and anticipation. He couldn't wait to go in and find out what it was and taste the unforgettable hot pot flavor.

Li Junxian smiled and introduced, "My envoys, this Zuixianlou is quite famous in Chang'an. It has many delicious foods, and its hot pot is especially special and deeply loved by the people. Since you are interested, why not come in and have a seat and try this local hot pot flavor."

When the envoys heard this, they immediately became interested and couldn't wait to go to Zuixian Tower.