Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 196: Goryeo invades and the situation becomes tense; the Yu family plots a plan in the Drunk

Goryeo dispatched 300,000 troops to the Tang Dynasty, but inside the Zuixian Tower, there was a completely different and lively scene.

In the lobby with carved beams and painted buildings, diners were either chatting or toasting each other.

The tables and chairs were neatly arranged, the tables were covered with exquisite brocade tablecloths, and the tableware exuded a warm luster under the candlelight.

Ah Cai shuttled around, quickly serving dishes and adding wine to the diners.

Xiaoyu, the hostess of Zuixianlou, was wearing a lavender silk dress with delicate floral patterns embroidered on the hems and a ribbon of the same color tied around her waist, which made her look more graceful.

She stood behind the counter, a smile on her face but a hint of worry in her eyes as she carefully checked the accounts.

Yu Yu was helping to arrange the wine utensils. She was wearing a pink ruqun and her hair was combed into two cute buns tied with colorful ribbons. She looked playful and lively.

Li Hao was wiping the tables and chairs in the corner, wearing a blue shirt and a white robe.

Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao stood at the door, like two door gods.

Cheng Chumo was dressed in black and had a long sword on his waist, while Qin Huaidao was wearing a blue brocade robe with cloud patterns embroidered on the collar and cuffs, and his expression was serious.

"Afu, these vegetables must be washed cleanly. There are many diners today, so don't let anything go wrong." Xiaoyu raised his voice and reminded him.

Ah Fu was bending over by the well in the backyard, carefully scrubbing the vegetables with his hands in the cold water.

Hearing Xiaoyu's words, he quickly raised his head, his face still stained with water droplets, and replied, "Don't worry, Madam, I will be careful."

Ah Cai was busily moving around the building. She was wearing a light green maid's uniform, and the hem of her skirt swayed gently as she walked.

She held a tray filled with dishes in her hands, and with a professional smile on her face, she steadily delivered the dishes to the guest's table and said softly, "Sir, please enjoy your food."

He was seen flipping the pot and ladle skillfully, and the food in the pot rolled in the air, emitting an enticing aroma: "This sweet and sour carp is the signature dish of our Zuixianlou, it must be cooked well." Chef Mi said to himself.

"Mom, do you think we will be in danger with the invading Korean army?" Yu Yu put down the wine utensils in her hand, walked to Xiao Yu, with a hint of worry on her face.

Xiaoyu gently stroked her head and comforted her, "Silly child, with your elder brothers Cheng and Qin here, as well as the Tang army, they will definitely keep us safe."

Cheng Chumo heard their conversation, walked into the building, and said loudly: "Don't be afraid, madam. Huaidao and I will not let Zuixianlou suffer any damage. The men of the Tang Dynasty will not allow Goryeo to act recklessly. Your Majesty will definitely have a plan to deal with it."

His voice was firm and powerful, and his eyes were full of confidence, which made everyone feel a little relieved.

"Hmph, if Goryeo dares to come, I will make them taste the power of the Tang Dynasty." Qin Huaidao also walked over, waved his fist, with a heroic expression on his face.

At this time, a diner stood up and said loudly: "Everyone, you are aware that the Goryeo army is coming with great force. Although the Tang Dynasty is powerful, this battle will not be easy."

He was wearing a gray robe, his hair was tied up, and his expression was solemn.

When everyone heard this, they started talking about it.

"The Tang army is incredibly brave and will surely repel Goryeo."

"But three hundred thousand troops is no small number. I hope Your Majesty can send troops as soon as possible."

Xiaoyu frowned and said, "Don't discuss military and national affairs in the building. Let's just focus on our own business." After hearing this, everyone gradually quieted down.

Sunlight shines through the windows into the lobby, creating patches of light and shadow.

Xiaoyu sat on the chair, closed her eyes slightly, and tapped the armrest with her fingers, as if she was thinking about something.

Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao returned to the door to stand guard. They stood straight and looked straight ahead.

People were coming and going on the street, and from time to time one could hear the cries of hawkers and the sound of horse hooves.

The mountains in the distance appear lush and green under the sunlight, as if they are watching all this quietly.

Yuyu's eyes widened, and with an anxious look on her face, she grabbed Xiaoyu's sleeve and shook it vigorously, her voice a little childish and shrill: "Mom, did you hear that? Goryeo has dispatched 300,000 troops!"

"This is terrible! Is our Tang Dynasty in danger? Mother, you are so powerful, you must have a way to help the emperor, right?"

Xiaoyu frowned slightly, a subtle solemnity flashing in her eyes. She gently patted Yuyu's hand and said slowly, "Yuyu, this military and national affair is not as simple as you think. The court will have many arrangements."

Yuyu, however, refused to give in. After releasing her hand, she placed her hands on her hips, her face flushed crimson, and even the ribbons on her hair buns trembled slightly. "Mother, I don't care. If the Emperor can't defeat us, we might suffer as well."

"Can't you think of a solution? You are always so timid." As he said this, tears of grievance welled up in his eyes.

Li Hao stepped forward, gently tugged at Yuyu's arm, and whispered, "Yuyu, don't act silly. Mom must have her reasons."

Li Hao has a tall and straight figure. He looks calm and reserved in the candlelight in his blue shirt, and his face shows a bit of determination.

Yuyu turned and glared at Li Hao, stamping her feet. "Brother, you only know how to speak up for Mom. It's already this late, aren't you worried?"

Xiaoyu sighed helplessly, her expression relaxing a bit. She pulled Yuyu and Lihao over to sit at the table. "Do you remember the popsicles from before? Although Mother did some work, it was all done in a very secretive and opportune manner. A single mistake would have been disastrous. Now that the Korean army is coming with such force, it's not something we can deal with hastily."

Yu Yu held her chin with her hand, blinked her eyes, and nodded as if she understood. Her previous anxiety had faded a little. The pink skirt on her body also rose and fell slightly with her movements, and the ribbon in her hair swayed gently.

Li Hao looked at Xiaoyu intently, his eyes full of trust and expectation, his hands placed neatly on his knees.

"Mom, what should we do? We can't just sit and wait." Yu Yu asked with her head tilted, looking very cute.

Xiaoyu pondered for a moment and said softly, "Let's keep an eye on the city and see how the situation develops. Furthermore, we can't lose our composure here at Zuixianlou. We need to continue operating as usual and not let anyone else notice anything."

"Mom, I understand. Just like before, no matter what happens outside, let's do our own things first." Li Hao said with a hint of determination on his face.

"Well, Hao'er is right." Xiaoyu nodded slightly, her eyes showing relief. "Don't run around these few days, especially Yuyu. Stay in the building obediently."

"I know, Mom." Yu Yu responded. Although she stopped making noise, her little eyes were still rolling around, as if she was still thinking about something.