Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Upon learning of An Daoquan's rescue, the prefect was filled with apprehension. He knew this was no small matter, and An Daoquan's escape could trigger a series of serious consequences. After careful consideration, he decided to report the news to several powerful figures in the court—Cai Jing, Tong Guan, and Gao Qiu.

The prefect arrived first at Cai Jing's residence. Cai Jing was in his study discussing important matters with his staff when he heard that the prefect was requesting an audience. He was slightly displeased, but still had someone bring him in.

When the prefect saw Cai Jing, he immediately knelt down and bowed, saying in a trembling voice, "Lord Cai, I am guilty, I have something important to tell you."

Cai Jing frowned and said impatiently, "What's the matter that you're in such a panic?"

The prefect swallowed hard and said, "Sir, An Daoquan, whom I imprisoned before, has been rescued from prison."

Upon hearing this, Cai Jing's face immediately darkened. He slammed his fist on the table and roared, "What?! How could this happen! How could you be a prefect?"

The prefect trembled with fright and hurriedly explained, "Your Excellency, please calm down. I have done my best to pursue him, but so far I have not found any trace of him. An Daoquan is a man of great importance, and I dare not conceal anything, so I have come to report to Your Excellency."

Cai Jing pondered for a moment with a gloomy expression, then said, "This matter is of utmost importance. Go back first and continue the investigation. Report back immediately if you have any news."

The prefect nodded obsequiously and withdrew.

After leaving Cai Jing's residence, the prefect rushed to Tong Guan's residence. Tong Guan was admiring the flowers in the courtyard when he saw the prefect's hurried arrival, and he already had some guesses about what was going on.

The prefect knelt down again and recounted to Tong Guan the story of An Daoquan's escape.

Tong Guan snorted coldly: "Hmph, you incompetent fool, you can't even keep an eye on one person. If this matter blows up, you won't be able to bear the consequences!"

The prefect kowtowed repeatedly: "Lord Tong, I know I was wrong. I hope you can put in a good word for me before the Emperor. I will definitely make amends for my crime by performing good deeds."

Tong Guan waved his hand impatiently: "Get up, let's find the person first."

Finally, the prefect arrived at Gao Qiu's residence. Gao Qiu was drinking and making merry with a group of retainers, and his face darkened when he saw the prefect arrive.

The prefect, trembling with fear, informed Gao Qiu of the matter.

Gao Qiu slammed his wine cup to the ground and cursed, "Useless! You can't even handle this small matter. If this affects the grand plan of the court, you won't have enough heads to chop off!"

The prefect said with trepidation, "Lord Gao, please calm your anger. I have tried my best. Please give me some guidance."

Gao Qiu pondered for a moment and said, "Go back first and intensify the pursuit. I will find a way to deal with it."

The prefect felt as if he had been granted a pardon and left Gao Qiu's residence with profuse thanks.

After reporting to the three powerful figures, the prefect felt even more uneasy. He knew that his future and fate now depended entirely on whether he could bring An Daoquan back to justice as soon as possible.

The prefect had just left Gao Qiu's residence and returned to his own office, exhausted. Before he could even sit down for a cup of tea, his subordinates came to report that Gao Ke had come to request an audience.

The prefect's heart skipped a beat. Gao Ke was a man of some renown in the capital, and he often associated with high-ranking officials and nobles. He wondered what business Gao Ke had with him. But he dared not be negligent and quickly ordered someone to invite Gao Ke in.

Before long, Gao Ke walked into the hall with composed steps. He was dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, with a beautiful jade pendant at his waist, and his face was handsome but with a hint of profundity.

The prefect hurriedly rose to greet him, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect and saying, "Young Master Gao, it is an honor to have you here. I am deeply sorry for not welcoming you sooner. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Gao Ke smiled slightly and returned the greeting, saying, "Your Excellency is too kind. I have come here abruptly because I have important matters to discuss with you."

The prefect led Gao Ke into the inner hall, instructed the servants to serve tea, and then cautiously asked, "Young Master Gao, please speak freely."

Gao Ke took a sip of tea and said slowly, "I imagine the Prefect is quite troubled by An Daoquan's escape these days."

The prefect's expression changed slightly, and he said with a wry smile, "This matter has indeed given me a real headache. I wonder if Young Master Gao has any brilliant ideas?"

Gao Ke put down his teacup, looked directly at the Prefect, and said, "I have heard that you have informed Cai Jing, Tong Guan, and Gao Qiu of this matter. I wonder what your instructions are?"

The prefect sighed and said, "The officials are all furious and have ordered me to arrest An Daoquan as soon as possible."

Gao Ke nodded slightly and said, "This matter is of great importance. If it is not handled properly, your future will be in jeopardy."

The prefect said with great concern, "It is precisely for this reason that I am restless day and night."

Gao Ke pondered for a moment and said, "My lord, I have a plan that may help you solve this problem."

The prefect's eyes lit up, and he asked eagerly, "Young Master Gao, please speak quickly."

Gao Ke lowered his voice and said, "I have some friends in the martial arts world; perhaps I can find out An Daoquan's whereabouts through their channels. However..."

The prefect quickly said, "But what? Young Master Gao, please speak freely."

Gao Ke smiled and said, "This will cost quite a bit, and I hope you can provide some support."

The prefect hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "As long as we can capture An Daoquan, a little money is nothing."

Gao Ke said with satisfaction, "Very good, then please wait for good news, sir."

Having said this, Gao Ke rose to take his leave. The prefect personally saw him off at the yamen, harboring a sliver of hope that Gao Ke might indeed bring good news.

interest.

After Gao Ke left the prefectural government office, a barely perceptible sinister smile crept onto his lips. It turned out that his so-called help in arresting An Daoquan was nothing more than a meticulously planned scheme.

Upon returning to his residence, Gao Ke immediately summoned his trusted advisors and martial arts fighters.

"Gentlemen, An Daoquan's escape this time is a perfect opportunity for us to reap huge profits," Gao Ke said, sitting in his armchair with a sinister look in his eyes.

The strategist cupped his hands and asked, "Young master, what brilliant plan do you have?"

Gao Ke sneered, "That prefect is like an ant on a hot pan, running around in circles in a panic. We'll take advantage of his panic and make him obey us."

Next, Gao Ke elaborated on his plan.

"First, we spread rumors that An Daoquan possesses major secrets of the court and has pledged allegiance to a powerful prince. This will inevitably cause panic and concern within the court."

One of the thugs asked疑惑地问道, "Young master, what's the benefit of doing this?"

Gao Ke glanced at him and said, "Fool! Once the court panics, it will inevitably intensify its investigation and put more pressure on the prefect. We can then take the opportunity to demand more money and resources from the prefect for the so-called 'investigation'."

Everyone suddenly realized what was going on and nodded in approval.

Gao Ke continued, "Then, we sent some people to disguise themselves as An Daoquan's accomplices to create chaos in the capital and make the situation more tense. At the same time, we sent people to secretly collude with the prefect's enemies to impeach the prefect for incompetence, which led to the situation getting out of control."

The strategist's eyes lit up, and he said, "In that case, the prefect will surely be in dire straits and will have no choice but to rely on you even more, young master."

Gao Ke laughed smugly: "That's right! When the prefect is desperate, we can step in and 'solve' the problem. Not only will we get a generous reward, but we can also build our prestige in the court."

“But, young master, what if things are exposed…” another henchman said worriedly.

Gao Ke's face darkened, and he shouted, "As long as we do it cleanly and efficiently, leaving no trace, who will know that we are the ones pulling the strings behind the scenes? Everyone, be on your guard and act according to the plan. If there is any mistake, you'll be beheaded!"

The crowd responded in unison, "Yes, young master!"

As a result, Gao Ke's men began to spread rumors throughout the capital, causing widespread panic and shaking the entire court.

Meanwhile, their accomplices, disguised as criminals, set fires and looted at night, plunging the capital into chaos.

As Gao Ke had predicted, the prefect, upon learning of these circumstances, fell into extreme panic and helplessness.

Taking advantage of the situation, Gao Ke approached the prefect again, feigning anxiety, and said, "Your Excellency, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. If we do not take decisive action soon, I fear you may lose your official position!"

The prefect, grasping at a straw, pleaded, "Young Master Gao, you must help me!"

Gao Ke feigned difficulty and said, "My lord, I have already spent a lot of manpower and resources to track down An Daoquan's whereabouts. Now that we are short of funds, it is really difficult to continue."

The prefect gritted his teeth and said, "Young Master Gao, money is not a problem as long as this matter can be resolved."

Gao Ke was secretly delighted, but on the surface he pretended to be righteous and awe-inspiring: "Very well, my lord, rest assured, I will do my best."

Thus, Gao Ke carried out his treacherous scheme step by step, manipulating the prefect at will, and plunging the capital into even deeper chaos because of his conspiracy.

Although An Daoquan was still somewhat weak after being rescued, his eyes were filled with the joy of surviving a disaster and gratitude to everyone.

He looked at Zhao Tianming, Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Wu Yong, Wu Song, Shi Qian, Shi Xiu, Lu Zhishen and others, bowed deeply, and said in a slightly hoarse but sincere voice: "Heroes and good men, An Daoquan was able to escape from prison this time entirely because of your selfless sacrifice. Your kindness and virtue are beyond repayment!"

Zhao Tianming quickly stepped forward to help An Daoquan up, saying, "Mr. An, you flatter me. It is the duty of chivalrous people like us to help those in need."

Song Jiang smiled and said, "Mr. An's medical skills are superb, and he is kind and virtuous. He should not have suffered such injustice. We are merely acting in accordance with the principles of Heaven and doing what is right."

Lu Junyi nodded and said, "Yes, Mr. An, you don't need to worry. From now on, we are family."

Wu Yong gently waved his feather fan and said, "It is truly our good fortune that Mr. An has returned safely."

Wu Song patted An Daoquan on the shoulder and said heartily, "Mr. An, don't be so polite. There's no need for formalities between us brothers."

Shi Qian and Shi Xiu also said, "Mr. An, we are relieved as long as you are safe and well."

Lu Zhishen laughed and said, "Brother An, don't be so wishy-washy. From now on, I, Lu Zhishen, will protect you!"

With tears welling up in his eyes, An Daoquan clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I will remember your kindness and will do my best to serve you all in the future."

Everyone exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere was filled with warmth and pride.