Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 172: The King Gifts Mooncakes and Grapefruits to Congratulate the Minister on Mid-Autumn Fes

Changsun Wuji was reading a book in the study in his mansion when he heard a servant come to report that someone from the palace had sent a Mid-Autumn Festival gift to Zuixianlou. He was slightly surprised, put down the book, and stood up to greet them.

Several young eunuchs carried gift boxes into the courtyard. The leading eunuch smiled and saluted, saying, "Master Changsun, this is the Mid-Autumn Festival gift sent by the Emperor. It was carefully prepared by Zuixianlou."

"I have a box of mooncakes and a pomelo, specially brought to you, Your Excellency. The Emperor remembers your dedication to the court, and this is a token of his appreciation."

Changsun Wuji hurriedly clasped his fists and bowed towards the direction of the imperial palace, saying gratefully: "I'm sorry to trouble you to make this trip. Your Majesty is so concerned about me. I am very grateful." After that, he asked the butler to reward the young eunuchs.

After the young eunuchs left, Changsun Wuji walked to the gift box and looked at the beautifully packaged mooncake box and the pomelo with smooth and bright skin.

He said to the butler beside him, "The cuisine of Zuixianlou is renowned throughout the capital. Today, I'm fortunate to have received a box of mooncakes, which I've never tasted before. I wonder what they taste like. This pomelo is also a good omen, symbolizing reunion and good fortune. Your Majesty's thoughtfulness is truly profound."

The housekeeper smiled and agreed, "Your Excellency is right. The Emperor holds you in high regard. He even gave you a reward during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This shows how much you hold in His Majesty's heart."

Changsun Wuji nodded slightly and said with emotion, "Come, put these mooncakes and pomeloes away properly. When the family gathers together in the evening, we can enjoy them together and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival together."

The butler responded and directed the servants to carefully take the gift away and put it away. Changsun Wuji stood where he was, looking in the direction of the gift box.

Wei Zheng was in the main hall of his home, discussing academic matters with several of his students. He was in high spirits when a servant hurried in with a report: "Master, someone has arrived from the palace, bringing Mid-Autumn Festival gifts from Zuixianlou."

Wei Zheng was slightly stunned, then stood up, straightened his clothes, and went out to greet him.

Several eunuchs, carrying something, walked steadily into the courtyard. The leading eunuch, beaming, stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Sir Wei, His Majesty, mindful of your tireless service to the court, has specially ordered us to deliver this Mid-Autumn Festival gift from Zuixianlou."

"There's a box of mooncakes and a pomelo, to add some festive flavor to you, sir."

Wei Zheng hurriedly returned the greeting, his expression solemn and somewhat moved, and said, "Thank you, eunuchs, for your great concern."

The eunuchs said they were not worthy of the title, and after exchanging a few more pleasantries, they said goodbye and left.

Wei Zheng looked at the mooncake box and pomelo on the table and said to his disciples, "Your Majesty is always thinking about you. I heard that the mooncakes from Zuixianlou are extremely delicious, but I'm usually busy with court affairs and haven't had the chance to try them."

A student said with a smile: "Teacher, these mooncakes and pomelo are also His Majesty's recognition of your achievements."

Wei Zheng nodded slightly, his eyes revealing determination: "Well, although this gift is not expensive, it contains deep affection."

"However, for now, I will keep these mooncakes. I will share them with my family during the Mid-Autumn Festival when the whole family gathers together. I will let them feel your majesty's grace and celebrate this reunion together."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and then helped to carefully place the mooncakes and pomeloes. Wei Zheng stood aside, his heart filled with gratitude towards the emperor.

At that time, Fang Xuanling was in his study, carefully reading the books on the table, thinking about the affairs of the court, with a focused and serious expression.

At this time, the housekeeper hurried in to report: "Master, the palace sent someone to deliver a Mid-Autumn Festival gift, saying that Zuixianlou prepared it specially for you."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling quickly put down the book in his hand, stood up and walked out quickly.

When I arrived in the yard, I saw several eunuchs carrying a gift box steadily.

When the leading eunuch saw Fang Xuanling, his face immediately lit up with smiles. He bowed and said, "Sir Fang, His Majesty is concerned about your hard work for the court, so he has instructed us to bring you this gift from Zuixianlou: a box of mooncakes and a pomelo. I wish you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival."

Fang Xuanling quickly clasped his fists in return, his face filled with gratitude, and said, "Thank you, eunuchs, for making this journey. Your Majesty is so kind, I am truly flattered. I will do my best to share Your Majesty's worries and serve the court."

The eunuchs responded with a few words and then put down the gift box and said goodbye.

Fang Xuanling walked over to the gift box, gently stroked the mooncake box, and said to the butler beside him with a smile, "This is a delicacy from Zuixianlou. The pomelo is also suitable for the occasion and symbolizes good luck. Your Majesty's thoughtfulness is truly heartwarming."

The housekeeper also echoed, "Master, you are right. The emperor has always relied on you and even gave you a reward during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This shows that you hold an extraordinary position in the emperor's heart."

Fang Xuanling nodded slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Well, let's keep these mooncakes and pomeloes safe for now. We can take them out and enjoy them on the Mid-Autumn Festival when the family sits together to admire the moon."

The butler responded and quickly called the servants over to carefully carry the gifts down and place them in place.

Li Jing was in the martial arts training ground in the mansion, watching his soldiers training with sharp eyes and a serious expression, and he would step forward from time to time to give some pointers.

At this time, the housekeeper of the mansion came running over and respectfully reported: "General, the palace sent someone to deliver the Mid-Autumn Festival gifts, which were carefully prepared by Zuixianlou."

When Li Jing heard this, he frowned slightly, then relaxed and turned to walk towards the mansion gate.

When they arrived at the door, they saw several eunuchs carrying gift boxes and walking into the yard in an orderly manner.

The leading eunuch, beaming, stepped forward and bowed, saying, "General Li, His Majesty, in recognition of your distinguished military achievements and your tireless efforts in defending the borders of the Tang Dynasty, has specially ordered us to bring you this Mid-Autumn Festival gift from Zuixianlou: a box of mooncakes and a pomelo."

Li Jing hurriedly clasped his fists and bowed solemnly towards the imperial palace.

The eunuchs exchanged a few words and then said goodbye and left.

Li Jing walked over to the gift box, sizing up the beautifully packaged mooncake box and the plump, round pomelo. He then said to the steward beside him, "The food at Zuixianlou is incredibly delicious. I've heard it's incredibly good, but I rarely get the chance to try it while I'm in the army."

The butler smiled and replied, "General, this gift from His Majesty is a perfect opportunity for you to enjoy this during the Mid-Autumn Festival when you, your wife, and your sons gather together to savor this delicious food. This will be a chance for you to share this joyful reunion."

Li Jing nodded slightly, his eyes firm. "Well, as you say, I'll keep these mooncakes and pomeloes safe for now. On the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the family is reunited, I'll share them with my family, allowing them to feel your majesty's grace."