Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Wu Yong knew that Zhao Tianming's concerns were not unfounded, so he decided to accelerate his actions. On one hand, he instructed Lu Junyi to continue using his wealth and connections to not only bribe minor figures but also try to win over Gao Yanei and Ximen Qing's business partners, thereby undermining their power from within.

Shi Qian infiltrated the residences of Gao and Xi even more frequently. On one occasion, he was almost discovered by the guards, but thanks to his agility and familiarity with the terrain, he successfully hid in a secret room. In that room, he discovered a box with a hidden mechanism, but it was secured with an exquisite lock, which Shi Qian could not open on the spot. He could only take the box away first.

Meanwhile, Gao Yanei and Ximen Qing also sensed something was wrong. Their businesses were being inexplicably disrupted one after another, and some of their partners were beginning to waver. Gao Yanei was furious; he suspected it was the work of some underworld figures he had offended before, so he sent his men to inquire everywhere.

Ximen Qing became even more cautious. He began investigating those around him and discovered that several minor figures were behaving suspiciously. After some interrogation, he learned that they had been bribed by Lu Junyi. Ximen Qing devised a plan. He deliberately spread false information, having these bribed individuals pass it on to Lu Junyi, attempting to mislead Wu Yong and the others' investigation.

Meanwhile, they strengthened the guards of the mansion, increased the frequency of patrols, and set up traps and mechanisms in some important rooms. Gao Yanei also used Gao Qiu's influence to pressure the government to crack down on those who opposed them.

Wu Yong and his companions obtained the mysterious box, but discovered they had no key. Just as everyone was at a loss, a skilled locksmith stepped forward and, after some effort, finally opened the box. However, the contents of the box plunged everyone into deeper confusion: inside was only a tattered ledger, the contents of which were vague and unclear.

Just then, Gao Yanei and Ximen Qing decided to take the initiative. They framed several heroes involved in the investigation, imprisoned them, and publicly declared them to be notorious bandits. Wu Yong was extremely anxious upon learning this. He knew that he had to find solid evidence as soon as possible to rescue his brothers and completely bring down Gao Yanei and Ximen Qing.

Upon learning that several heroes had been framed and imprisoned by Gao Yanei and Ximen Qing, Wu Yong, Zhao Tianming, Song Jiang, and Lu Junyi were extremely anxious and immediately gathered together to discuss a rescue plan.

Wu Yong's expression was solemn as he said, "This rescue operation must be carried out with utmost care. We must not alert the enemy. Since Gao Yanei and Ximen Qing dared to openly imprison our brothers, they must have taken precautions."

Song Jiang nodded and said, "Brother Wu Yong is absolutely right. In my opinion, we should first send someone to sneak into the prison to find out the situation of our brothers before making any further plans."

Lu Junyi interjected, "I have one of my men who is skilled in disguise. We can send him to infiltrate the prison guards and investigate the situation."

Zhao Tianming said, "This plan is excellent, but we still need to have backup outside, just in case."

After discussing the matter, Lu Junyi's men quickly disguised themselves as jailers and successfully infiltrated the prison. After some investigation, they learned that although the imprisoned heroes had suffered some hardship, their lives were not in immediate danger.

Upon hearing the news, Wu Yong felt somewhat relieved and said, "Now that the brothers are safe and sound, we should formulate a rescue plan as soon as possible."

After a moment of contemplation, Song Jiang said, "Gao Yanei and Ximen Qing's actions are likely intended to throw us into disarray. We might as well turn the tables on them and launch a feigned attack on one of their properties to distract them."

Zhao Tianming's eyes lit up, and he said, "This plan is feasible. We can send people to create chaos in their businesses to lure their men there, at which point the prison will be unguarded."

Lu Junyi said, "I can lead a team to ambush them near the property. As soon as their men arrive, we will ambush them, so they will have no time to attend to matters in the prison."

Wu Yong nodded in agreement and said, "At the same time, we will arrange another team of experts to take advantage of the prison's weak defenses and forcibly break in."

With clear division of labor, everyone began their operation. Lu Junyi led his men to stand ready outside the property. When Ximen Qing's men rushed over, Lu Junyi gave the order, and his men charged down like tigers, catching the enemy completely off guard.

Meanwhile, Song Jiang personally led a group of skilled fighters dressed in black, who stormed into the prison under the cover of night. They silently dealt with the guards outside and infiltrated the prison.

Inside the prison, the heroes heard the commotion and knew that their brothers had come to rescue them.

Song Jiang quickly located the cell where the heroes were imprisoned and unlocked the door.

Just then, the prison bell rang, indicating that a guard had noticed something amiss.

Zhao Tianming stepped forward and led a group of heroes to block the surging jailers, shouting, "Brothers, let's go!"

Song Jiang then led the rescued heroes outwards.

However, Gao Yanei and Ximen Qing were prepared and deployed more troops outside the prison.

The two sides engaged in fierce fighting.

Wu Yong, observing the battle from a distance, saw the critical situation and devised a plan. He sent men to set fire to the surrounding area, creating even greater chaos.

As soon as the fire started, Gao Yanei and Ximen Qing's men panicked.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Song Jiang and his men fought their way through and finally broke through the encirclement, reuniting with the reinforcements who had come to meet them.

No one dared to linger and quickly evacuated.

When Gao Yanei and Ximen Qing learned that the person had been rescued, they were furious. However, their businesses had also suffered significant losses, meaning they had lost both their wife and their money.

Wu Yong and his companions successfully rescued the heroes, but they knew that the struggle against Gao Yanei and Ximen Qing was far from over.

After Li Kui, Dai Zong, and Shi Xiu were released from prison, Li Kui immediately shouted upon seeing Zhao Tianming and Song Jiang, "That damned Ximen Qing! He's really made my life miserable! What kind of old man is he?"

Li Kui stared wide-eyed, his face filled with anger and resentment, brandishing his axe as if he were about to rush out and fight Ximen Qing to the death.

Zhao Tianming quickly stepped forward and pulled Li Kui aside, saying, "Brother Tie Niu, don't be impulsive. Acting rashly now will only fall into Ximen Qing's trap."

Li Kui wouldn't listen to any of that, and shouted at the top of his lungs, "I don't care about any scheming or not, I only know that I won't feel at ease until I get my revenge!"

Song Jiang stepped forward and said solemnly, “Brother Li Kui, we are both loyal and righteous men. This ordeal is the result of a conspiracy by Ximen Qing and Gao Yanei. We need to plan carefully before we can completely bring them down and avenge our brothers.”

Li Kui, panting heavily, roared, "Brother, I just can't swallow this! I'll make Ximen Qing pay for all the suffering I endured in that prison, tenfold!"

Dai Zong advised from the side, "Brother Li Kui, listen to your brother. Now that we are out safely, we must not act rashly."

Shi Xiu also said, "Yes, Brother Li Kui, we must believe that Brother Song Jiang and Brother Zhao Tianming will definitely come up with a solution."

Li Kui stomped his foot angrily and said, "Fine, I'll listen to you for now, but if I run into Ximen Qing, I'll chop him up!"

Zhao Tianming said, "Brother Li Kui, don't worry, that day won't be too far away. Our top priority now is to regroup, gather more evidence of their crimes, and prevent them from committing any more evil deeds."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Li Kui gradually calmed down, but the anger in his eyes still burned. He secretly vowed to make Ximen Qing pay a heavy price for his actions.

Song Jiang looked at everyone and said, "Brothers, this experience has made us understand the enemy's treachery and cunning even more. From now on, we must be more cautious in our actions."

Everyone responded in unison, "We will follow your teachings, brother!"

Afterwards, everyone left together, preparing for the upcoming battle against the evil forces.

Ximen Qing stood before Gao Yanei with a gloomy expression, his face filled with anger and resentment. He paced back and forth, constantly complaining, "Brother Gao, I've suffered a huge loss this time! I've lost two shops all at once! How am I supposed to do business in the future?"

Gao Yanei sat in the chair, his brows slightly furrowed, and said, "Brother, I will compensate you for the losses of these two shops."

Ximen Qing suddenly stopped in his tracks, glaring at him as he said, "Brother Gao, this isn't about compensation! I, Ximen Qing, have always been a powerful figure in this area, yet I've suffered such a great loss. I can't swallow this insult!"

Gao Yanei gently patted the armrest and said, "Then, in my opinion, what do you think?"

Ximen Qing gritted his teeth and said viciously, "I will definitely teach Song Jiang and Lu Junyi a lesson! I'll let them know what happens when they offend me, Ximen Qing!"

After a moment of contemplation, Gao Yanei said, "This matter should not be rushed. Song Jiang and his men are not easy to deal with."

Ximen Qing snorted coldly: "Hmph! No matter how difficult they are to deal with, I will make them pay the price! Brother Gao, you must lend me a hand."

Gao Yanei nodded: "That's natural, but we need to think things through carefully and come up with a foolproof plan."

Ximen Qing leaned close to Gao Yanei and said in a low voice, "Brother Gao, I think we can first send someone to secretly monitor their every move and find their weaknesses. Then we can devise a plan to frame them and leave them with no way to defend themselves."

Gao Yanei shook his head: "This method is too common and I'm afraid it will be ineffective."

Ximen Qing then said, "How about we bribe the officials, frame them with fabricated charges, and arrest them directly?"

Gao Yanei was still not satisfied: "This matter is too risky. If someone finds something to use against us, we will not be able to handle the situation."

Ximen Qing stamped his feet anxiously: "Then Brother Gao, what do you suggest we do? Are we just going to let them go like this?"

Gao Yanei stood up, paced back and forth a few steps, and then said, "Why don't we start with the people around them, sow discord, and make them fall into chaos? Then we can take advantage of the situation and catch them off guard."

Ximen Qing's eyes lit up: "Brother Gao, this plan is brilliant! Let's do it this way!"

The two men exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with malice and cruelty, as if they could already foresee the tragic end of Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, and the others.