Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

While Gao Ke was plotting against Zhao Tianming in his residence, he suddenly thought of using Bai Sheng to strike at Song Jiang's group. He knew Bai Sheng's weaknesses of greed and cowardice, and felt that this was an excellent breakthrough.

Gao Ke immediately sent someone to fetch He Qing. He Qing rushed over, trying to figure out what this young master was thinking.

Gao Ke sat in the armchair, looking at He Qing with a gloomy gaze, and said, "He Qing, I have an important matter for you to handle."

He Qing quickly bowed and said, "Young Master Gao, please give your instructions."

Gao Ke said coldly, "Go find Bai Sheng, the White-Day Rat, and find a way to make him admit that Song Jiang and his gang are bandits."

He Qing looked troubled: "Young Master Gao, Bai Sheng is not easy to deal with, and besides, he has a close relationship with Song Jiang and others."

Gao Ke snorted: "I know this man is greedy and cowardly. You just need to do this and that..." Gao Ke leaned closer to He Qing and explained his plan in detail.

He Qing was a little uneasy after hearing this, but thinking of the benefits that would follow, he reluctantly agreed.

After much trouble, He Qing finally found Bai Sheng drinking alone in a secluded tavern. Bai Sheng looked distressed, and several of his wine bowls were already empty.

He Qing stepped forward, sat down opposite Bai Sheng, and said with a grin, "Brother Bai Sheng, why are you drinking alone here all by yourself?"

Bai Sheng glanced at He Qing and said irritably, "What's it to you?"

He Qing wasn't annoyed. He leaned closer to Bai Sheng and said, "Brother, I'm here to bring you a path to wealth."

Upon hearing this, Bai Sheng perked up: "A way to make money? Don't try to fool me."

He Qing lowered his voice: "Why would I lie to you? As long as you listen to me, I guarantee you'll have more money than you can spend."

Bai Sheng was skeptical: "Is there really such a good thing?"

He Qing said mysteriously, "Of course, as long as you do as I say, you'll have plenty of money."

Bai Sheng hesitated for a moment: "Tell me first."

He Qing looked around to make sure no one was paying attention before slowly saying, "You just need to admit that Song Jiang and his men are bandits."

Bai Sheng was shocked, his face turning deathly pale instantly: "This...this is unacceptable! They are all my good brothers, how can I betray them!"

He Qing sneered: "Brothers? In this chaotic world, what are brothers worth? Think about it, what kind of life are you living now? You don't know where your next meal is coming from, and you live in constant fear. If you agree, you'll live a life of luxury and happiness."

Bai Sheng lowered his head, lost in thought, his hands trembling involuntarily.

He Qing continued, "Besides, even if you don't say anything, the authorities will find out sooner or later, and then your life will be in danger."

Cold sweat beaded on Bai Sheng's forehead as he said in a trembling voice, "I...I'm scared..."

He Qing took the opportunity to pull out a silver ingot from his pocket and placed it on the table: "This is just a deposit. There will be more after the matter is completed."

Bai Sheng stared at the silver, his eyes wide with disbelief, his heart filled with a mixture of fear and greed.

He Qing pressed his advantage: "Brother Bai Sheng, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Think it over carefully."

Bai Sheng gritted his teeth, but in the end, fear and greed overwhelmed his heart: "Okay... I... I promise you."

He Qing was overjoyed and immediately took Bai Sheng to see Gao Ke.

When Gao Ke saw that Bai Sheng agreed, a smug smile appeared on his face: "Bai Sheng, as long as you behave, you'll get plenty of benefits."

Bai Sheng nodded hesitantly, his eyes filled with fear and unease.

He Qing brought Bai Sheng to Gao Ke, who showed a smug smile.

"Bai Sheng, it's a wise move for you to come to this conclusion," Gao Ke said slowly.

Bai Sheng lowered his head, not daring to meet Gao Ke's gaze.

Gao Ke continued, "Next, do as I instruct. Go to the yamen and confess that Song Jiang and the others are plotting to rob the rich and help the poor, and that they are a band of outlaws. Remember to be detailed and explain their whereabouts and plans clearly."

Bai Sheng's body trembled slightly, his voice filled with fear: "Young Master Gao, I... I'm sure nothing will happen if I do this."

Gao Ke's face darkened: "As long as you do as I say, I will guarantee your safety and allow you to enjoy wealth and luxury. But if you dare to hesitate or go back on your word, hmph, you know the consequences yourself."

Bai Sheng bit his lip and nodded.

Gao Ke then said, "He Qing, accompany Bai Sheng to the yamen to ensure he surrenders himself smoothly."

He Qing replied, "Yes, Young Master Gao."

So He Qing took Bai Sheng to the yamen. Along the way, Bai Sheng was tormented, torn between the pangs of conscience and his desire for wealth and status.

Upon arriving at the yamen, Bai Sheng's legs went weak. He Qing urged him from the side, "Bai Sheng, hurry up and go in, don't dawdle."

Bai Sheng took a deep breath and braced himself as he walked into the yamen.

Upon seeing someone come to confess, the bailiffs immediately brought him to the courtroom. The magistrate slammed his gavel and asked, "Who is this man before you? What brings you here?"

Bai Sheng stammered, "My lord, I, Bai Sheng, want to denounce Song Jiang and his men as bandits."

The magistrate frowned: "Tell me in detail."

Bai Sheng then embellished the story, repeating the so-called "crimes" of Song Jiang and his men, as Gao Ke had instructed him.

After obtaining Bai Sheng's so-called confession, the county magistrate dared not delay and immediately sent someone to inform the prefect. Upon learning of this, the prefect was overjoyed, thinking that this was a good opportunity to curry favor with Gao Qiu and Cai Jing.

After careful preparation, the prefect, clutching the confession, hurriedly headed to Gao Qiu's residence. Along the way, he kept pondering how to report the matter to Gao Qiu, hoping to impress him.

Upon arriving at Gao Qiu's residence, the gatekeeper announced his arrival, and the prefect was led into the main hall. Gao Qiu was sitting in the hall, looking languid.

The prefect hurriedly knelt down and bowed, saying obsequiously, "Lord Gao, I have important matters to report."

Gao Qiu slightly raised his eyes and asked casually, "What's the matter that you're in such a panic?"

The prefect stood up, presented Bai Sheng's confession with both hands, and said, "Sir, I have just received important intelligence concerning Song Jiang and his gang of bandits."

Upon hearing the name "Song Jiang," Gao Qiu immediately perked up, sat up straight, and said, "Speak quickly!"

The prefect cleared his throat and said, "Your Honor, someone under my jurisdiction has surrendered and confessed that Song Jiang and others conspired to become bandits with treacherous intentions. This is the detailed confession; please take a look, Your Honor."

Gao Qiu took the confession and began to read it carefully. As he read on, his face grew increasingly grim.

The prefect, observing the situation carefully, said cautiously, "Sir, Song Jiang and his gang have been committing all sorts of evil deeds. Now that we have this confession, we must bring them all to justice."

Gao Qiu snorted coldly: "This matter is of utmost importance. How have you, as the prefect, managed your jurisdiction? How have you allowed such bandits to run rampant!"

The prefect was so frightened that he immediately knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Your Excellency, please calm your anger. I am guilty. But as soon as I learned of this matter, I came to report to you immediately. I hope that Your Excellency can give me a chance to redeem myself."

Gao Qiu pondered for a moment and said, "Get up. If this matter is handled well, you will be rewarded. If it is handled poorly, well, you know the consequences."

The prefect felt as if he had been granted a pardon and repeatedly expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, Your Excellency. I will do my utmost to handle this matter well."

After leaving Gao Qiu's residence, the prefect rushed to Cai Jing's residence without stopping.

Cai Jing was discussing political affairs with several advisors in his study when he heard that the prefect was requesting an audience, and he was slightly displeased. However, upon learning that it concerned Song Jiang, he still had the prefect brought in.

When the prefect saw Cai Jing, he knelt down and bowed again, his obsequiousness even more pronounced.

Cai Jing sat behind his desk and asked with a serious expression, "What is it?"

The prefect respectfully presented his confession, saying, "Lord Cai, I have just received important intelligence about Song Jiang's gang and have come to report it to you."

Cai Jing took the confession, looked at it for a moment, and asked, "Is this confession true?"

The prefect hurriedly replied, "Your Excellency, it is absolutely true. I have verified it repeatedly, and there is no falsehood whatsoever."

Cai Jing nodded slightly and said, "I have long heard of Song Jiang and his gang. If we can eliminate them, it will be a great relief to the court."

The prefect echoed, "Your Excellency is wise. I am willing to serve you with utmost loyalty and will certainly handle this matter properly."

Cai Jing said, "Well, go and do it. If needed, I will help you."

After thanking Cai Jing again, the prefect left Cai Jing's study.

With Gao Qiu and Cai Jing backing him up, the prefect was incredibly arrogant. He led a group of fierce-looking constables and swaggered into Zhao Tianming's restaurant.

As soon as he entered the restaurant, the prefect shouted, "Men! Surround this place! Don't let a single one of them escape!"

The constables immediately took action, surrounding the restaurant so tightly that the diners fled in terror.

Hearing the commotion, Zhao Tianming and He Xiang came out from the back hall. Seeing the scene, Zhao Tianming frowned and asked, "Your Excellency, what is the meaning of this?"

The prefect sneered, "Hmph, someone reported that your restaurant is colluding with bandits. Today I am here on orders to arrest them!"

Just then, Li Kui happened to pass by the restaurant. Upon hearing the prefect's words, his fiery temper flared up instantly. He strode into the restaurant, pointed at the prefect's nose, and cursed, "You worthless official, what nonsense are you spouting! I, Tie Niu, will not tolerate your rubbish!"

The prefect was startled by Li Kui's shout. After regaining his composure, he said sternly, "Where did this scoundrel come from, daring to be so disrespectful to me!"

Li Kui's eyes widened, and he roared, "Your grandpa is Li Kui! You ungrateful wretch, you're framing an innocent person for no reason. I'll beat you to a pulp!"

As he spoke, Li Kui raised his fist to strike.

The prefect was so frightened that he took a few steps back and stammered, "You...you dare! I was acting on the orders of Lord Gao and Lord Cai!"

Li Kui spat and said, "What Lord Gao or Lord Cai? I, Tie Niu, am not afraid of you! You corrupt official, all you do is oppress the people!"

The prefect was both angry and afraid, and shouted at the constables, "What are you all standing there for? Seize this scoundrel!"

But when the constables saw Li Kui's fierce and menacing appearance, none of them dared to step forward.

Li Kui laughed loudly: "You bunch of cowards, how dare you show off in front of Grandpa!"

The prefect's face turned bright red, but he was helpless.

Those in the restaurant couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. Zhao Tianming and He Xiang also breathed a sigh of relief.

Li Kui continued to curse and yell at the prefect, who could only stand there helplessly.