Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Zhu Gui and his men rode at full speed to Zhao Tianming's restaurant.

At this moment, Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Wu Yong, Wu Song, Dai Zong, Shi Qian, Shi Xiu, Shi Jin, Lu Zhishen, Li Kui and others were sitting around a table in the restaurant, drinking and chatting.

As soon as Zhu Gui entered the room, everyone's eyes were focused on him.

"Brother Zhu Gui, you've finally arrived!" Song Jiang was the first to stand up and greet him with a warm smile.

Zhu Gui bowed respectfully, exchanged a few pleasantries with everyone, and then sat down at the table.

"Come, come, have a drink to relax." Lu Junyi handed over a glass of wine.

Zhu Gui took the wine cup, drank it all in one gulp, and let out a long sigh, saying, "Brothers, today was truly a close call."

Everyone was curious, and Wu Yong gently waved his feather fan and asked, "Brother Zhu Gui, what exactly happened on the way?"

Zhu Gui then recounted in detail his encounter with Zeng Mi on the way.

"My companions and I were just traveling normally when we unexpectedly encountered Zeng Mi and his men who intercepted us. Zeng Mi was arrogant and domineering, and he immediately tried to seize our goods. I naturally refused, and we fought. But Zeng Mi was indeed formidable, and I gradually lost ground. Just when things were critical, I saw a basket of fish and shrimp nearby, and a clever idea struck me, which allowed me to escape the predicament." Zhu Gui recounted the story vividly, making everyone feel as if they were there.

Upon hearing this, Wu Song slammed his fist on the table and stood up: "This Zeng Mi is extremely rude, how dare he bully us brothers like this!"

Dai Zong said, "Zeng Mi has always been arrogant and domineering. He has suffered a loss this time, and I'm afraid he won't let it go easily."

Shi Qian blinked and laughed, "But Brother Zhu Gui's move was quite clever, making Zeng Mi look very foolish."

Shi Xiu clenched his fist: "If he comes looking for trouble again, we'll make him taste our power."

Song Jiang pondered for a moment and said, "Brothers, this matter needs further consideration. Zeng Mi may have someone backing him up, so we cannot act rashly."

Wu Yong nodded in agreement: "Brother is absolutely right. We need to find out more about the other side before we make any plans."

Zeng Mi learned Zhao Tianming's travel route by bribing people around him. His treacherous mind immediately began to work, plotting a series of despicable schemes to deal with Zhao Tianming. All this revenge stemmed from Zhu Gui's previous public humiliation of him.

Zhao Tianming went to Xie Zhen and Xie Bao to pick up the pre-ordered wild game. He was accompanied by a few attendants and was in a fairly good mood, thinking that this batch of fresh wild game would add many specialty dishes to the restaurant.

When they arrived at Jie Zhen and Jie Bao's residence, they found the two brothers looking worried.

It turned out that the traps they had set and the prey they had captured had all disappeared for some unknown reason, and there were some suspicious footprints and messy traces around.

Jie Zhen said helplessly, "Boss Zhao, I'm really sorry, I'm afraid I won't be able to provide you with enough wild game today."

Although Zhao Tianming was somewhat disappointed, he understood that it was not the fault of the Xie brothers, Jie Zhen and Jie Bao, and comforted them, "It's alright, they must have encountered some unexpected circumstances."

Just as Zhao Tianming was about to leave and think of another way, Zeng Mi's men appeared. Disguised as hunters, they carried several seemingly plump wild game and approached him, saying, "Boss, you seem to be worried about wild game. We just hunted some, they're very fresh, and the price is fair. Would you like some?"

Zhao Tianming hesitated for a moment, thinking that the restaurant's business could not be delayed, so he examined the wild game and thought it was not bad. After some bargaining, he finally bought the wild game.

Afterwards, Zhao Tianming continued his journey with his entourage.

However, what he didn't know was that he had walked step by step into Zeng Mi's carefully designed trap.

Zeng Mi first sent several of his men disguised as ordinary passersby to ambush Zhao Tianming on both sides of a narrow alleyway he was sure to pass through. When Zhao Tianming and his entourage passed by, these men suddenly rushed out, deliberately creating chaos and congestion to hinder their progress.

Then, he arranged for some of his men to pile up some debris at the corner of the road ahead, and even deliberately overturned a cart full of goods, completely blocking the road. Zhao Tianming had no choice but to stop and try to clear the road.

Just then, archers arranged by Zeng Mi secretly hid on nearby rooftops. Taking advantage of Zhao Tianming and his men being busy clearing the road and having no time to pay attention to anything else, the archers suddenly opened fire. The arrows rained down like a storm, and Zhao Tianming's followers raised their shields to defend themselves, but one arrow still grazed Zhao Tianming's shoulder, and blood instantly stained his clothes.

The attendants were terrified and shouted, "Protect the master!" They bravely surrounded Zhao Tianming, forming a human shield.

Meanwhile, Zeng Mi also ordered thick smoke to be set ablaze further along the road, creating the illusion of a fire. The billowing smoke not only obstructed visibility but also caused panic among the surrounding people, who fled in all directions, further exacerbating the chaotic situation.

Despite his injuries, Zhao Tianming shouted, "Don't panic! Retreat in an orderly manner!"

However, the enemy's attacks grew increasingly fierce, and more followers were wounded and fell. But they still clung tightly to Zhao Tianming, fighting desperately.

Zeng Mi stood on the pavilion not far away, watching all this with smug satisfaction, his heart filled with the pleasure of revenge: "Zhu Gui, this is what happens when you offend me! Zhao Tianming is just the beginning."

Just as the situation became increasingly critical, the followers displayed extraordinary courage and loyalty. Some brandished swords and slashed at the charging enemies; others used their bodies to block the arrows that were shot at them, without flinching.

With everyone risking their lives to protect them, Zhao Tianming and his group finally found a breakthrough. They fought and retreated, gradually breaking free of the enemy's encirclement.

Zeng Mi's men attempted to pursue them, but due to the fierce resistance of Zhao Tianming's followers, they ultimately failed.

With the help of his followers, Zhao Tianming managed to escape. He glanced back at the chaotic battlefield and silently vowed, "Zeng Mi, I swear I will not rest until I avenge this!"

Seeing Zhao Tianming escape, Zeng Mi stomped his feet angrily: "A bunch of useless trash, they can't even catch one person!" But then he thought about it and realized that he had taught Zhao Tianming a lesson this time, and his anger subsided a little.

They then hurriedly left, their figures disappearing into the billowing smoke.

With the desperate protection of his followers, Zhao Tianming finally escaped Zeng Mi's pursuit. However, he was severely injured and delirious. His followers were extremely anxious and hurriedly carried the wounded Zhao Tianming back to the restaurant.

The heroes in the restaurant were all shocked by what they saw. Lu Zhishen's eyes widened, and he asked urgently, "What happened? How did Manager Zhao get injured like this?" Wu Song clenched his fists, his face grim, and his eyes were full of anger.

Wu Yong rushed forward and shouted, "Brothers, don't move Manager Zhao! His injuries are serious, and we mustn't move him now, lest we worsen his condition." Hearing this, everyone stopped and gathered around, anxiously watching Zhao Tianming.

Wu Yong then said, "Quickly, send someone to invite Physician An Daoquan here!"

A quick-witted waiter immediately replied, "I'll go right away!" and dashed off like an arrow.

The crowd waited anxiously in the restaurant, the atmosphere tense and oppressive. Time seemed to drag on endlessly, each minute and second an agonizing ordeal.

Before long, the shop assistant arrived hurriedly with An Daoquan. An Daoquan carried a medicine box on his back, his expression solemn.

"Let me see!" An Daoquan said as he quickly walked to Zhao Tianming's side.

He carefully examined Zhao Tianming's wound, his brows furrowed, and said, "This injury is quite serious; fortunately, he was brought in in time."

An Daoquan then quickly took out tools and herbs from his medicine box and began treating Zhao Tianming's wounds. Everyone stood by, holding their breath and not daring to make a sound.

An Daoquan skillfully cleaned the wound, applied medicine, and bandaged it all in one smooth motion. After working for a while, An Daoquan finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It's alright for now, but you still need to take good care of yourself."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Wu Yong said, "Thank you, Physician An. We owe you a great debt of gratitude this time."

An Daoquan waved his hand and said, "We're all brothers, no need to be so polite. But what exactly happened to Manager Zhao?"

The crowd gritted their teeth and told An Daoquan what had happened. An Daoquan was also furious after hearing it: "This Zeng Mi is truly despicable, he must not be let off!"

Just then, Zhao Tianming's wife, He Xiang, rushed over upon hearing the news. She had been doing housework at home when she heard that her husband was injured. Her heart jumped into her throat, and she ran all the way to the restaurant.

"Husband!" He Xiang cried out in anguish, rushing to Zhao Tianming's side, tears instantly streaming down her face. She looked at Zhao Tianming's pale face and blood-stained clothes, her hands trembling, wanting to touch him but not daring to, afraid of hurting him.

"What on earth happened?" He Xiang's voice was choked with sobs, her eyes filled with fear and worry.

Wu Yong sighed and briefly explained the whole story to He Xiang.

He Xiang bit her lip, a hint of anger and determination flashing in her eyes: "This Zeng Mi, how dare he be so vicious!"

He Xiang turned her head and stared intently at An Daoquan, asking anxiously, "Dr. An, my husband... he won't be alright, will he?"

An Daoquan comforted her, "Don't worry, Madam. Manager Zhao is fine for now, he just needs to recuperate."

He Xiang breathed a slight sigh of relief upon hearing this, but her gaze never left Zhao Tianming.

When the heroes saw that Manager Zhao was injured, they were all furious.

"This Zengtou City dares to mess with Manager Zhao! We must teach him a lesson!" The hot-tempered Li Kui roared, brandishing his double axes.

"That's right, we can't let him get away!" Shi Jin shouted, raising his gun and preparing to rush out.

The other heroes were also enraged, clamoring to settle scores with Zeng Mi. For a moment, the tavern was filled with angry shouts.

Just as everyone was about to rush out of the restaurant to fight Zeng Mi, Song Jiang and Wu Yong quickly stepped forward to stop them.

"Brother Song, please calm down. We must not act rashly," Wu Yong advised.

"Hmph! Zeng Mi is so arrogant, are we just going to let him go like this?" Lu Zhishen's eyes widened, his face full of reluctance.

Song Jiang said with a serious expression, "Brothers, I understand your anger, but if we act impulsively now, we may fall into Zeng Mi's trap."

Wu Yong continued, "Brother is right. Zeng Mi must have made preparations to dare to do this. If we go rashly, we may not gain any advantage and may even fall into danger."

Wu Song clenched his fists and said, "Then, according to Scholar Wu's opinion, what should we do?"

Wu Yong gently shook his feather fan, pondered for a moment, and then said, "This matter requires careful consideration. We should first find out Zeng Mi's background, and then formulate a comprehensive plan to make him pay the price for what happened today."

Song Jiang nodded and said, "That's right. Brothers, please be patient for now. I believe that Wu Xuejiu and I will come up with a good plan to avenge Manager Zhao."

After hearing what Song Jiang and Wu Yong said, the heroes, though still furious, understood that acting rashly was not the best course of action, and thus temporarily suppressed their impulses.

The atmosphere in the restaurant remained tense, with everyone waiting for Song Jiang and Wu Yong to come up with a way to deal with Zeng Mi.