Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Having won the favor of Wang Zhiqiang's Akhal-Teke horse, he was overjoyed. He stroked the horse's mane, his face full of pride.

Wang Zhiqiang carefully observed Zeng Tu's expression. Seeing that he was in a good mood, he then said, "Young Master Zeng, the reason I presented this fine horse is that I have a favor to ask."

Zeng Tu glanced at Wang Zhiqiang sideways and asked casually, "Oh? What could possibly make you spend so much money? Tell me about it."

Wang Zhiqiang took a deep breath and lowered his voice, saying, "Young Master Zeng, to be honest, there is a man named Zhao Tianming who has become a major concern for me."

Zeng Tu frowned: "Zhao Tianming? Who is this person?"

Wang Zhiqiang quickly explained, "This Zhao Tianming appeared out of nowhere and opened a restaurant here. His business is booming, and he's taken a lot of our business. Moreover, he's made friends with some江湖 heroes, and his influence is growing. I've tried to suppress him, but I haven't succeeded."

Zeng Tu sneered, "Hmph, he's just a restaurant owner, what's so difficult about dealing with him?"

Wang Zhiqiang quickly said, "Young Master Zeng, you are unaware of this. This Zhao Tianming is a smooth talker with many tricks up his sleeve. His restaurant not only has unique dishes and attentive service, but also frequently holds events that attract many customers. Moreover, he has close ties with those江湖豪汉 (jianghu heroes). If we act rashly, we may cause trouble."

Zeng Tu scoffed dismissively: "What can a bunch of outlaws possibly amount to?"

Wang Zhiqiang said anxiously, "Young Master Zeng, please don't underestimate them. These people are highly skilled in martial arts, and if they join forces, they will be a formidable force. I have come here today hoping that you, Young Master Zeng, can lend a hand and help me deal with this Zhao Tianming."

Zeng Tu pondered for a moment and said, "Why should I help you? What benefit would it bring me?"

Wang Zhiqiang hurriedly said, "Young Master Zeng, as long as you can help me get rid of Zhao Tianming, I am willing to offer you more gold, silver and treasures, as well as all kinds of rare and precious items. Moreover, I will definitely do my best to assist Zengtou City's business in this area in the future, and ensure that your wealth will increase."

A glint of greed flashed in Zeng Tu's eyes, but he still pretended to hesitate and said, "This matter needs to be considered carefully, after all, Zhao Tianming is not someone to be trifled with."

Seeing that there was a chance, Wang Zhiqiang quickly continued, "Young Master Zeng, you are incredibly brave and skilled in martial arts. Zhao Tianming will definitely be no match for you. As long as you make a move, you will surely succeed immediately."

Zeng Tu tilted his head slightly and said, "Alright, seeing how sincere you are, I'll consider it. However, you must first tell me all the details you know about Zhao Tianming."

Wang Zhiqiang nodded repeatedly, spilling the beans about Zhao Tianming's situation. Zeng Tu listened while secretly plotting how to deal with Zhao Tianming.

Zeng Tu sat in the main seat of the hall, legs crossed, one hand casually stroking the reins of the Akhal-Teke horse he had just acquired, the other hand holding a cup of tea, blowing on it gently, and then tilting his head back to drink it all in one gulp.

He smacked his lips and said loudly, "This tea is nothing special. It's not as refreshing as the wine from Zengtou City!" With that, he slammed the teacup down on the table.

Wang Zhiqiang stood aside, carefully observing Zeng Tu's expression, his heart pounding with anxiety.

Zeng Tu glanced at Wang Zhiqiang and said, "I've remembered Zhao Tianming you mentioned. However, this matter can't be rushed."

Wang Zhiqiang hurriedly nodded and bowed, "Yes, yes, everything is up to Young Master Zeng."

Zeng Tu picked up his teacup again, took a sip, and then spat it out with a "pfft," cursing, "What lousy tea!"

He smashed the teacup on the ground, startling Wang Zhiqiang.

"Go back and wait for my news, don't get in my way!" Zeng Tu waved his hand arrogantly.

Wang Zhiqiang dared not say more and quickly said, "Then I will take my leave and await good news from Young Master Zeng."

After Wang Zhiqiang left, Zeng Tu called out towards the door, "Butler!"

An elderly man with gray hair hurried in, bent down and asked, "Young master, what are your orders?"

Zeng Tu said, "Old Zeng, go and find out all the details about that Zhao Tianming for me, no matter how small!"

Old Zeng replied, "Yes, young master, I'll take care of it right away."

Zeng Tu stood up, put his hands on his hips, and showed a disdainful expression: "Hmph, a little Zhao Tianming dares to run wild on my turf. Let's see how I deal with him!"

He paced back and forth in the lobby, muttering to himself, "Daring to steal Wang Zhiqiang's business is tantamount to going against Zengtou City. Once we find out what's going on with him, we'll make him pay!"

At this moment, sunlight streamed through the window and fell on Zeng Tu, but it could not dispel the arrogant and domineering aura emanating from him.

Not long after, Old Zeng hurried back to Zengtou City. He looked tired from his journey, but his eyes showed urgency.

At this moment, Zeng Tu was sitting in the main hall, one foot propped up on the side of the chair, a blade of grass dangling from his mouth, idly fiddling with the dagger in his hand.

Old Zeng entered the main hall, bowed, and said, "Young Master, I'm back."

Zeng Tu raised his head, glanced at him sideways, and asked lazily, "So? What did you find out?"

Old Zeng took a breath and said, "Young master, I have inquired around and learned that Chao Gai of Liangshan Marsh will soon be sending a batch of fresh fish and shrimp to Zhao Tianming's restaurant."

Upon hearing this, Zeng Tu snorted coldly, his previously relaxed body instantly tensing up. He slammed the dagger in his hand on the table with a "clang" and said sharply, "Chao Gai? What connection does Liangshan have with this Zhao Tianming? Why are they sending him fish and shrimp?"

Old Zeng hurriedly replied, "Young Master, please calm down. I haven't found out the exact reason either. I've only heard that Chao Gai greatly admires Zhao Tianming and intends to help him."

Zeng Tu frowned, his eyes narrowed into slits, revealing a ruthless aura. "Hmph, no matter the reason, daring to help Zhao Tianming under my nose is going against Zengtou City."

After a moment of silence, Zeng Tu asked again, "Who was in charge of transporting this batch of fish and shrimp?"

Old Zeng trembled slightly and said, "It's Zhu Gui, the 'Dry Land Crocodile' who runs an inn in Liangshanbo."

Zeng Tu gritted his teeth, stood up, crossed his arms, and paced back and forth in the hall. "Zhu Gui? I've heard of him. He's said to be a fierce general of Liangshan."

Old Zeng nodded and replied, "That's the man. Zhu Gui is usually in charge of gathering information at Liangshan. He's shrewd and capable. His role in transporting fish and shrimp this time must have been carefully arranged by Chao Gai."

Zeng Tu stopped in his tracks, a sly glint in his eyes. "Hmph, so what if it's Zhu Gui? I, Zeng Tu, am not afraid of him."

Old Zeng looked worried and advised, "Young Master, the heroes of Liangshan are all brave. If we rashly make enemies of them, I'm afraid..."

Zeng Tu suddenly waved his hand, interrupting Old Zeng, "What are you afraid of? Zengtou City has strong troops and horses, why would we be afraid of Zhu Gui? Quickly send someone to find out Zhu Gui's whereabouts. When he sets off, set up an ambush on the road. I want to make sure that these fish and shrimps don't get to Zhao Tianming's restaurant."

Old Zeng hesitated for a moment and said, "Young Master, shouldn't we reconsider this matter? What if we anger Liangshan..."

Zeng Tu glared at him and roared, "If you say another word, don't blame me for being impolite! Do as I say!"

Old Zeng dared not utter another word and could only reply, "Yes, young master, I will arrange it right away."

After Old Zeng left, Zeng Tu stood alone in the hall, his face gloomy, secretly vowing to make Zhao Tianming and the Liangshan people pay.

With a gloomy expression, Zeng Tu said to Old Zeng, "Go, have Zeng Mi take some men and deal with Zhu Gui."

Old Zeng accepted the order and soon found Zeng Mi.

Zeng Mi was Zeng Tu's younger brother, a burly and powerful man. Upon hearing his brother's orders, he didn't hesitate, gathered his men, and set off in a menacing manner.

Zhu Gui, leading a group of men, was escorting carts loaded with fresh fish and shrimp towards Zhao Tianming's restaurant. Along the way, Zhu Gui was cautious, keeping a close watch on his surroundings.

Suddenly, dust billowed up on the road ahead, and Zeng Mi and a group of people blocked their way.

Zeng Mi, riding a tall horse and holding a spiked club, shouted, "Zhu Gui, today is your death day!"

Upon seeing this, Zhu Gui felt a chill run down his spine, but he remained outwardly calm. He reined in his horse and said calmly, "Zeng Mi, I have no grudge against you, why are you blocking my way?"

Zeng Mi sneered: "Hmph, you're escorting goods for Zhao Tianming, which means you're going against Zengtou City. If you know what's good for you, obediently put down the goods, and maybe we can spare your life."

Zhu Gui's eyes sharpened, and he said, "This batch of fish and shrimp is being delivered to Zhao Tianming's restaurant. Aren't you from Zengtou City afraid of retribution for obstructing us so arrogantly?"

Zeng Mi glared angrily and roared, "Enough talk, brothers, charge!"

Having said that, Zeng Mi took the lead, brandishing his spiked club and charging towards Zhu Gui. Zhu Gui's men behind him also drew their weapons, ready to meet the attack.

Zhu Gui knew he could not back down, so he drew his sword and faced Zeng Mi. The two instantly clashed, their weapons ringing out.

Zeng Mi possessed immense strength, each strike accompanied by a whistling sound, while Zhu Gui relied on his agility and superb swordsmanship to contend with him. For a time, the two sides clashed, their battle cries shaking the heavens.

Zeng Mi grew increasingly anxious and his moves became more and more ferocious, but Zhu Gui remained calm and composed, searching for Zeng Mi's weaknesses.

However, Zhu Gui was no match for Zeng Mi. After a few moves, Zhu Gui began to show signs of defeat, and large beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Zeng Mi seized the opportunity, raised his spiked club high, and shouted, "Take this!" He swung the club fiercely at Zhu Gui. Zhu Gui was startled and hurriedly dodged to the side, barely avoiding the fatal blow.

But Zeng Mi was not about to give up, and continued to press forward, wielding his spiked club with ferocious force. Zhu Gui was overwhelmed and in a sorry state.

Just as Zeng Mi raised his spiked club again, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to Zhu Gui, Zhu Gui had a sudden inspiration. He saw a basket of fresh fish and shrimp beside him, and without saying a word, he grabbed the basket and smashed it down on Zeng Mi's head.

Zeng Mi felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, followed by a strong, fishy smell. When he came to his senses, he found his head covered with wriggling fish and shrimp. Some fish were even swishing their tails across his face, a large shrimp had clamped onto his ear, and several crabs were crawling down his neck, scratching him until he felt itchy and painful.

"Oh dear! What the hell is this thing!" Zeng Mi frantically tried to get the fish and shrimp off the ground, and for a moment he couldn't even bother to chase after Zhu Gui.

His men couldn't help but burst into laughter when they saw this.

"Haha, the Second Young Master has become the King of Fish and Shrimp!"

"This is so funny!"

Zeng Mi was both ashamed and angry, and roared, "Stop laughing! Now get on him!"

Taking advantage of Zeng Mi's panic, Zhu Gui had already led his men onto the carriage and fled at full speed.

Zhu Gui, sitting in the carriage, turned around and looked at Zeng Mi, who was still struggling with the fish and shrimp, and couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Zeng Mi, you little brat, I'll let you off this time!"

Zeng Mi finally managed to get the fish and shrimp off his head. Watching Zhu Gui's departing figure, he stomped his feet in anger: "Zhu Gui, don't run away! Next time I'll definitely tear you to pieces!"

But by this time Zhu Gui and the others had already disappeared, leaving Zeng Mi standing there furious, while his men wanted to laugh but dared not, their faces turning red from holding it in.