Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Zhao Tianming, Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Wu Yong, and others were sitting around in the room, with a map spread out on the table. Their faces were solemn as they discussed a plan to deal with Zengtou City.

“Zengtou City is quite powerful. We must plan carefully and not act rashly,” Wu Yong said slowly, gently waving his feather fan.

Song Jiang nodded in agreement: "What Wu Xuejiu said is absolutely right. We must come up with a foolproof plan that can both defeat Zengtou City and minimize our losses."

Lu Junyi pondered for a moment and then said, "In my opinion, we should first send someone to investigate their strengths and weaknesses before making any further plans."

Just as everyone was having a heated discussion, a servant hurriedly walked in.

"Manager Zhao, Chao Tianwang from Liangshan is here!" the servant said breathlessly.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tianming suddenly stood up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "King Chao? Quickly, let's go and greet him together!"

Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Wu Yong, and others also hurriedly got up and went out to greet Zhao Tianming.

From afar, they could see Chao Gai leading a group of men. Chao Gai was tall and imposing, with a dignified appearance and piercing eyes, exuding a heroic aura.

Zhao Tianming and the others quickly stepped forward, cupped their hands in greeting, and said, "We are deeply grateful for the presence of Heavenly King Chao. We apologize for not being able to welcome you properly!"

Chao Gai laughed loudly, "Gentlemen, there's no need for such formalities. I heard you're here discussing how to deal with Zengtou City, so I've come to offer my assistance."

The crowd welcomed Chao Gai into the house and they sat down again.

Zhao Tianming said, "It is truly our good fortune that the Heavenly King has come. Zengtou City has committed numerous evils, and we are currently troubled by this matter."

Chao Gai waved his hand and said, "No need to worry. My Liangshan brothers are righteous and loyal, and we will not let Zengtou City continue to be arrogant."

Wu Yong explained to Chao Gai in detail the plans they were discussing and the predicament they were facing.

After listening, Chao Gai thought for a moment and said, "In my opinion, we can divide our forces into several groups. One group can launch a feigned attack to attract their main force, while the other group can take the opportunity to sneak in and strike at their lair."

Everyone nodded in agreement, agreeing that the plan was feasible.

Song Jiang continued, "Your Majesty's plan is excellent, but it still needs careful planning to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Then, the group discussed the specific details and plans of Chao Gai's strategy. The atmosphere inside the room was lively, and everyone was full of confidence, determined to defeat Zengtou City in one fell swoop.

The atmosphere in the main hall of Zengtou City was heavy. Zeng Tu, the eldest son of the Zeng family, sat at the head of the table, listening to the report from the spies he had been sent to gather information.

"Young Master, I've learned that Chao Gai, the Heavenly King of Liangshan, has personally come down the mountain and arrived at Zhao Tianming's restaurant. I heard they are discussing and plotting how to deal with us," the scout said cautiously, kneeling on the ground.

Upon hearing this, Zeng Tu scoffed disdainfully, "A bunch of bandits, what waves can they possibly stir up?"

Zeng Mi, standing to the side, frowned and said, "Brother, we must not underestimate the enemy. Those people from Liangshan are not to be underestimated. They are full of capable people and have won many battles before. We still need to devise a foolproof plan."

Zeng Tu glanced at Zeng Mi and said nonchalantly, "Second brother, you're being too cautious. Our Zengtou City has a strong and well-equipped army; are we afraid of them?"

Zeng Mi stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, “Brother, the heroes of Liangshan are all brave and skilled in battle, especially Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, and others, who are both courageous and resourceful. This time, Chao Gai has personally come down the mountain, which means he must be determined to be our enemy. We cannot let our guard down.”

Zeng Tu waved his hand impatiently: "Then what do you think should be done?"

Zeng Mi pondered for a moment and said, "Brother, I think we should first strengthen the city's defenses and increase the number of patrols to prevent a surprise attack by the Liangshan forces. Secondly, we can send out more scouts to closely monitor their movements and know our enemy. Thirdly, we can contact the surrounding forces and seek their support to fight against Liangshan together."

Zeng Tu's expression softened slightly upon hearing this: "Hmm, what you said makes some sense. Let's do as you say, but I want to see just how capable Liangshan really is."

Zeng Mi responded and went to make arrangements.

At this moment, although Zeng Tu still looked down on Liangshan, he was also more wary. He paced back and forth in the hall, pondering a countermeasure.

Meanwhile, Zeng Mi quickly summoned his generals and assigned tasks to them. He knew that he was facing a powerful opponent, and that if he was not careful, Zengtou City could be plunged into crisis.

The entire Zengtou City was on edge because of Liangshan's actions; a major battle seemed imminent.

The five brothers, Zeng Tu, Zeng Mi, Zeng Suo, Zeng Kui, and Zeng Sheng, sat upright with serious expressions, discussing how to deal with the threat from Liangshan.

Just then, a soldier rushed in to report: "Young Master, Manager Wang has sent Gao Ke to assist you."

Upon hearing this, Zeng Tu narrowed his eyes slightly, pondering the intentions behind Manager Wang's actions.

A short while later, Gao Ke strode into the hall, led by a soldier. He was tall, with a resolute face and eyes that revealed shrewdness and decisiveness.

When Gao Ke saw the five tigers of the Zeng family, he cupped his hands in greeting and said respectfully, "I have long admired the name of the five tigers of the Zeng family. It is my great honor to meet them today."

Zeng Tu nodded slightly, a barely perceptible smile appearing on his face: "Brother Gao Ke, you've come from afar, you must be tired. May I ask what brings Manager Wang here?"

Gao Ke straightened up and said solemnly, "Young Master, my manager is well aware that Zengtou City is now facing the threat of Liangshan, so he specially sent me to help us fight against the powerful enemy."

Zeng Mi stepped forward, looking at Gao Ke with a scrutinizing gaze: "Brother Gao, we appreciate Manager Wang's kindness. But we wonder what kind of support he can offer us?"

Gao Ke calmly replied, "Second Young Master, rest assured, I have brought five hundred elite soldiers, all of whom are well-trained and brave warriors. In addition, there is also a certain amount of grain to relieve Zengtou City's urgent needs."

Zeng Su frowned and interjected, "These are probably not enough. There are many bandits in Liangshan, and they are all cunning and treacherous."

Gao Ke smiled slightly: "Third Young Master, please don't be impatient. I also know something about Liangshan. I've come here today to offer you all some advice."

Zeng Kui snorted coldly: "What brilliant plan do you have? Tell me."

Gao Ke looked around and said in a low voice, "In my opinion, we can set up an ambush outside the city to lure the enemy in. Then we can send a team of elite troops to launch a night raid on the Liangshan camp and disrupt their plans."

Zeng Sheng shook his head: "This plan is good, but Liangshan may not fall for it."

Gao Ke said confidently, "Fifth Young Master, we can release false information to make Liangshan believe that we are internally divided and our forces are scattered. They will inevitably lower their guard and launch a rash attack."

The five Zeng brothers fell into deep thought, exchanging glances with each other.

Zeng Tu pondered for a moment and said, "Brother Gao Ke, your plan is feasible for now. But how to implement it in detail still needs further consideration."

Gao Ke nodded in agreement, saying, "What the eldest son says is absolutely right. The situation is urgent now, and we should formulate a detailed plan as soon as possible and prepare to meet the enemy."

The five members of the Zeng family unanimously agreed, and then sat down with Gao Ke around the table to discuss the specific battle plan. The atmosphere in the hall was heavy, and everyone's expressions were very serious, knowing that this battle against Liangshan was a matter of life and death for Zengtou City.

As soon as Gao Ke finished speaking, to ensure everything went smoothly, he continued, "Gentlemen, I have also specially invited a person of extraordinary talent."

As he spoke, everyone's gaze turned to the entrance of the hall. A figure slowly walked in, and his appearance added a touch of mystery to the already tense atmosphere.

The man was dressed as a shaman, wearing a long black robe embroidered with strange runes and patterns. The runes seemed to have a life of their own, shimmering eerily in the light. His collar and cuffs were trimmed with fine silver patterns, adding a touch of refinement to the black robe.

He wore a large black hood, obscuring most of his face in shadow. Only his sharply defined jawline and paper-white skin were visible. When he slightly raised his head, everyone finally saw his face clearly—a face filled with vicissitudes and mystery.

His eyes were deep and unfathomable, as if they could see into people's hearts. A cold light shone in them, making people afraid to look at them for long. His nose was straight, and his lips were tightly closed, revealing a kind of fortitude and indifference.

His face was painted with colorful stripes, red, blue, and green, like mysterious totems. These stripes did not make him look comical; instead, they added to his mysterious and dignified aura.

Around his waist hung a wide belt from which hung various strangely shaped magical implements. There were small, exquisite bells that rang with a clear, ethereal sound when gently shaken; there were daggers inlaid with gemstones, their blades gleaming with a cold light; and there was a string of prayer beads made of bone, exuding a sinister aura.

He wore a pair of black gloves with sharp metal plates embedded in the fingertips, which occasionally reflected a chilling light as he moved.

His steps were steady and slow, each step seemingly carrying a special rhythm, as if he were not walking, but performing a mysterious ritual.

When he finally stood before everyone, the entire hall fell silent. The five Zeng family members were all stunned by his strange attire and mysterious aura, and for a moment no one uttered a sound.

Gao Ke broke the silence and introduced, "This is Master Wu Feng, who is proficient in all kinds of strange and unusual arts. He will definitely be of great help to us."

Wu Feng nodded slightly, his voice low and hoarse: "I am willing to serve you all."

Zeng Sheng was very disdainful of this Wu Feng. He looked at Gao Ke and said, "What skills does this person have?"

Gao Ke then glanced at Zeng Tu, who said to Zeng Sheng, "Fifth brother, you mustn't be rude."

Zeng Sheng snorted coldly and said, "Unorthodox methods can't compare to the thrill of real swords and spears!"

At this moment, Wu Feng said, "If Fifth Young Master doesn't mind, I can demonstrate my skills."

Zeng Sheng crossed his arms and said provocatively, "Fine, I'd like to see what tricks you can pull!"

Wu Feng's lips curled slightly upward, revealing a mysterious smile. He clasped his hands together and muttered incantations at an extremely fast pace, making it impossible for anyone to understand what he was saying.

Suddenly, a buzzing sound came, and a swarm of black insects flew in from nowhere, heading straight for Zeng Sheng. Zeng Sheng was stunned at first, and before he could react, the insects had already pounced on his face.

Zeng Sheng felt an intense itch on his face and tried to swat it off, but the insects seemed stuck to his skin and he couldn't get rid of them. Soon, his face was covered in red, swollen bumps, making him look quite disheveled.

"Hey, what's going on? Get away! Get away!" Zeng Sheng shouted, waving his hands wildly.

Everyone else couldn't help but laugh when they saw Zeng Sheng's appearance.

Zeng Tu suppressed a laugh and said, "Fifth brother, now you know how powerful you are!"

Zeng Sheng was both angry and annoyed: "What kind of skill is this!"

Wu Feng waved his hands, and the insects scattered instantly. He looked at Zeng Sheng and said calmly, "Fifth Young Master, this is just a small test. On the battlefield, my sorcery can play a much greater role."

Zeng Sheng touched his swollen face. Although he was still somewhat unconvinced, he no longer dared to underestimate Wu Feng.