Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 192: What is the Emperor worried about? You can make iron horse nails and grenades.

Li Shimin was very bored in the palace and thought of the Zuixianlou Tavern owned by Yu Yu's family.

He came here in disguise with a few attendants.

Entering the tavern, Li Shimin found a quiet corner to sit down. Yuyu came over and said, "The emperor is here!"

Li Shimin looked at Yuyu and gave a wry smile: "Bring out some of your signature dishes."

After the food and wine were served, Li Shimin had no appetite. He waved Yuyu over and said softly, "Yuyu, I... Goryeo is preparing to attack the Tang Dynasty. I don't know what to do now. I'm really upset."

Xiaoyu put down the food and went to meet him. Seeing the emperor like this, she was also filled with worry: "Your Majesty, what's wrong with you?"

After sitting down, Li Shimin sighed deeply and told the story of Goryeo preparing to attack the Tang Dynasty and how the court had no good plan.

At this moment, Li Hao came up from the first floor.

He heard Li Shimin's worries, and after a moment's contemplation, he said, "Your Majesty, I have an idea. War horses are crucial on the battlefield. If we can provide them with better protection, it will greatly benefit our combat effectiveness."

"Your Majesty, do you know anything about horseshoes? Nailing horseshoes onto horseshoes can greatly reduce the chances of war horses getting injured."

A glint flashed in Li Shimin's eyes, and he quickly asked, "What is a horseshoe? How is it made?"

Li Hao patiently explained, "The horseshoe is half-moon shaped, made of iron, and perfectly sized to fit the horse's hoof. Nailing it under the hoof protects it from wear and tear during long-distance raids and battles."

Yuyu, listening from the side, tilted her head and said, "Your Majesty, there's more. I've heard of a magical thing called gunpowder. It's very powerful."

"We can make gunpowder into a small object, like... a small ball that you can hold in your hand and throw. It will explode when you throw it. If you use it on the battlefield, it will definitely scare away the enemy."

Li Shimin was amused by Yu Yu's naive and bold idea, but he also fell into deep thought.

Xiaoyu smiled and patted Yuyu's head. "Your Majesty, although this child's words are simple, they are not without reason. Gunpowder is extremely powerful. If it can be made into a weapon that is easy to carry and use, it may be able to turn the tide on the battlefield."

Li Hao continued, "Your Majesty, we can have our craftsmen try to make this grenade-like weapon. By wrapping the gunpowder in a suitable container and adding a fuse, it might become a powerful weapon against Goryeo."

Li Shimin stood up and paced, imagining in his mind the role of these new things on the battlefield.

He knew that the situation on the battlefield was ever-changing, and that new equipment and strategies might be able to break the deadlock: "If this grenade made of horseshoes and gunpowder can be implemented, it really has the potential to change the course of the battle. However, there are many details involved, and they still require careful consideration."

Xiaoyu filled Li Shimin's glass with wine and said, "Your Majesty, please don't worry too much. Whether it's the horseshoe or the new use of gunpowder, it will take time to perfect."

"We can prepare while we wait and see if the ministers in the court have any other good ideas. The Tang Dynasty is full of talented people and will definitely be able to overcome this difficult time."

Yuyu tugged at the hem of Li Shimin's clothes and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the Tang Dynasty will be able to defeat those bad guys, just like the heroes in the stories."

Li Shimin looked at Yu Yu's hopeful eyes, and the annoyance in his heart seemed to be reduced a little.

After listening to the advice of Yu Yu's family, his originally furrowed brows gradually relaxed, his eyes were full of surprise, and a smile that had not been seen for a long time appeared on his face.

He exclaimed, "Excellent! This is truly excellent! I was so worried before that I had never thought of such a novel method. Now that I have heard what you have said, I feel more confident about attacking Korea."

As he spoke, Li Shimin paced back and forth excitedly, as if he had already seen the scene on the battlefield where the Tang army used horseshoes to make their horses gallop across the battlefield, and those grenades made of gunpowder exploded among the enemy, causing the Goryeo soldiers to panic.

"These horseshoes can protect my war horses and keep them in good condition, making marching and fighting smoother.

And the grenades made of gunpowder are even more powerful. If used properly, they can definitely disrupt the Korean army at a critical moment and catch them off guard."

Xiaoyu smiled and said, "Your Majesty, if that's the case, then we must arrange for skilled craftsmen to begin work as soon as possible, so that these weapons can be put to use sooner rather than later to ensure peace on the borders of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Hao also nodded in agreement: "Yes, Your Majesty, I am willing to assist the craftsmen in developing the gunpowder grenade, striving to make it more powerful, more convenient and reliable to use."

Yuyu jumped up to Li Shimin, her big eyes full of pride: "Your Majesty, I told you our method would work. Now you don't have to worry anymore. You must teach those Koreans a lesson and let them know how powerful the Tang Dynasty is."

Li Shimin laughed heartily, bent down and patted Yuyu's head. "Thanks to you, my clever little fellow, and your whole family, you have truly helped me solve a difficult problem today. When we return victorious from this battle, I will certainly reward you handsomely."

Li Shimin raised his head slightly, a confident smile on his face, and said loudly: "Yes, that Goryeo is no more than this. Previously, I was worried and felt that this matter was extremely difficult, but now that we have such a brilliant plan, why should we fear that Goryeo will invade?"

He looked into the distance, as if he had already seen the situation on the battlefield, and continued: "Once the horseshoes have covered our Tang Dynasty war horses with solid 'armor', they will be able to gallop on the battlefield at lightning speed."

"And those gunpowder grenades will surely terrify those scoundrels in Korea and throw them into disarray. Then, let's see how arrogant they can be."

Xiaoyu smiled and nodded in agreement, "Your Majesty is wise. Goryeo may have seemed arrogant in the past, but in reality, they are just a facade of strength."

"Now that we in the Tang Dynasty have these powerful methods, we will surely defeat them in one fell swoop and prevent them from ever coveting our borders again."

Li Hao also looked excited, clenching his fists. "Your Majesty, the morale of the Tang Dynasty will be high on this expedition. With these powerful weapons, we will surely return victorious, enhance the prestige of the Tang Dynasty, and let the neighboring countries know that those who dare to provoke the Tang Dynasty will not end well."

Yuyu clapped her hands and cheered, "Great, great! This way the Tang Dynasty will win, and those bad guys will be driven away!"

Li Shimin laughed heartily. "This time, I must make Goryeo understand that the Tang Dynasty is not to be triumphed over. Anyone who offends the Tang Dynasty will be punished, no matter how far away they are! When we return victorious, I will celebrate with you all, and Chang'an City will also be bustling with activity."

After saying this, he waved his hand, as if he had seen the flag of victory flying high on the border, with the king's dominance and determination to win.