Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 197: Inviting the King to Discuss State Affairs, the Crisis of Goryeo to Be Resolved

Xiaoyu nodded slightly, a look of determination in her eyes. She said softly, "Yes, yes, yes, Master Cheng, call out Wu Liao, the secret guard of Zuixianlou."

"This matter is of great importance. I have pondered it for a long time and feel that I should speak frankly with the Emperor, perhaps it will be of some benefit to the situation."

When Cheng Chumo heard this, his expression froze and he immediately raised his hand and made a unique gesture.

In an instant, a breeze seemed to blow through the darkness, and Wu Liao appeared silently.

The black suit he was wearing seemed to blend into the shadows, only his sharp eyes emitted a cold light above the veil: "Madam, what do you want to call me for?"

Wu Liao knelt on one knee, clasped his fists and asked for instructions, his voice low and steady.

Xiaoyu stepped forward and said solemnly, "Wuliao, please go to the palace immediately and invite the emperor to Zuixianlou."

"I have something to report regarding the Goryeo army. This matter may affect the safety of the Tang Dynasty, so there must be no delay."

Wu Liao was slightly startled, clearly a bit surprised by the order, but as a secret guard, it was his duty and he didn't hesitate for a moment: "Yes, madam. I will be there immediately."

After saying this, he disappeared in an instant like a flash of black lightning, leaving behind only a faint fluctuation in the air to prove that he had stayed there.

Xiaoyu looked at the direction where Wu Liao left, sighed softly, and silently thought about how to report to the emperor later.

Although Yu Yu and Li Hao on the side did not say much, their faces were full of solemnity. They knew very well that this matter was of no trivial importance. The entire Zuixianlou seemed to be shrouded in an invisible atmosphere of tension.

Inside the palace, a gentle breeze blew past, ruffling the corners of his robe and the ends of his hair, but it could not blow away the gloom in his heart.

At this time, the eunuchs and palace maids were all waiting cautiously in the distance, not daring to make any sound, for fear of disturbing the monarch who was in deep thought.

The flowers in the garden sway in the wind, as if silently telling of the solemn atmosphere.

Wu Liao was like a gust of black wind, sneaking into the palace silently.

He was agile and quick in his movements, and he cleverly avoided the patrolling teams of guards.

The glazed tiles of the palace gleamed coldly in the moonlight. The palace walls were high and the courtyards were deep, but they could not stop him at all.

When he came near the Imperial Garden, he saw a faint figure standing in the garden.

Wu Liao hid in the shadows. After confirming that it was Li Shimin, he appeared like a ghost, knelt on one knee, clasped his fists and saluted. His voice was low but clear: "Your Majesty, Madam Xiaoyu of Zuixianlou invites you to come."

"He said he had something to report about the Goryeo army. It's a matter of great importance, so he sent me here to meet you."

After saying this, he lowered his head and waited for Li Shimin's response. His whole body seemed to blend into the night, and only his eyes revealed determination and loyalty in the darkness.

Li Shimin raised his hand slightly and waved it gently, with a hint of fatigue on his face, but still retaining the majesty and bearing of an emperor: "I understand."

His voice was low and calm, and his eyes were still looking deeply into the distance, as if he was searching for a good strategy to deal with the Goryeo army in the endless darkness.

Seeing this, Wu Liao didn't dare to say anything more. He still remained kneeling on one knee, bowed respectfully, and then retreated quietly as when he came, disappearing into the night of the palace in an instant.

Li Shimin was left standing alone in the imperial garden, his clothes fluttering gently in the wind, his thoughts drifting towards the distant challenges he was about to face.

Li Shimin calmed down, knowing that this matter might have a hidden turning point. He no longer hesitated and said in a deep voice, "Go to Zuixian Tower."

The attendants hurriedly prepared the imperial carriage, and the group surrounded Li Shimin and slowly drove out of the palace.

Inside the car, Li Shimin sat quietly on the couch, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest, his brows furrowed, his eyes deep and solemn.

His mind was completely occupied by the invasion of Goryeo. Border maps kept appearing in his mind, and he was thinking about the enemy's troop deployment, food supply routes and possible strategic intentions.

The carriage moved forward slowly, and the street scene outside the window unfolded like a scroll. The hawkers' cries and the people's laughter came into his ears, but Li Shimin had no intention of enjoying it.

He looked out the window at the bustling crowd and thought to himself, "My kingdom and my people must not be disturbed by Goryeo. I have invited you this time, and I hope you can come up with a good plan to keep the Tang Dynasty peaceful."

The houses and trees on the street passed quickly in his eyes, but they seemed to be shrouded in a veil of worry.

He knew very well that when he went to Zuixianlou, he might face a major decision, and this decision would determine the fate of the Tang Dynasty.

Inside Zuixian Tower, the atmosphere was solemn yet tinged with a hint of anticipation.

Yu Yu was wearing a pink ruqun, and the ribbon in her hair swayed gently as she walked.

She paced back and forth in the lobby, her small embroidered shoes making a light but rapid sound on the wooden floor. She glanced towards the door from time to time, muttering, "The Emperor should be arriving soon."

Her hands unconsciously tugged at the hem of her skirt, causing wrinkles on the pink fabric.

Although Xiaoyu sat upright in the chair with a calm expression, her eyes drifted to the door from time to time, and her fingers tapped lightly on the armrest, revealing her inner nervousness.

Li Hao stood aside, his posture straight, his fists clenched, his eyes staring firmly in one direction, silently gathering strength for the upcoming meeting.

Xiaoyu raised her eyes and looked at Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao, who were standing straight as pine trees. She said softly, "Master Cheng, Master Qin, there's no need to be so nervous. The Emperor is quite familiar with your family and will definitely not make things difficult for you without reason."

Cheng Chumo bowed slightly and said in a deep voice, "Madam, although the Emperor and I have an old friendship, the Korean army is now approaching. This is a matter of life and death for the Tang Dynasty. It is my duty and I dare not slack off in the slightest."

He was dressed in black, and the patterns on the hilt of the sword at his waist were faintly visible under the light. His stern face revealed a sense of determination and loyalty.

Qin Huaidao also clasped his fists in greeting and said loudly, "Madam, you are absolutely right. We trust the Emperor. However, in a situation like this, it is always right to be cautious. We must not let down the Emperor and the people of the Tang Dynasty by making small mistakes."

His blue brocade robe swayed gently in the wind, making him look even more majestic, and his eyes were full of solemnity and determination.

Following the eunuch Fucai's loud shout: "The Emperor has arrived!"

Everyone hurriedly tidied up their clothes. Yu Yu also stopped pacing and stood beside Xiao Yu, staring at the door.

Li Shimin, wearing a dragon robe, walked into Zuixian Tower with steady and powerful steps.

His eyes were majestic and deep. He first glanced at the crowd, nodded slightly, and then walked straight to the seat prepared for him.

The attendants behind him followed respectfully, and the entire Zuixian Tower fell silent in an instant, with only the fluttering of clothes and the sound of light breathing being audible.