Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Yan Qing knew that the imperial palace was heavily guarded, and such rash actions, even if he managed to see the emperor, would likely be mistaken for a villain. Therefore, he decided to start by getting through to Li Shishi.

On this day, Yan Qing disguised himself as an ordinary wealthy young man and searched for Li Shishi's whereabouts in the bustling streets of the capital. Finally, in a lively place, he spotted Li Shishi.

Li Shishi stood gracefully on the stage, singing and dancing with a slender figure. Her unparalleled beauty and captivating talent enchanted the audience.

However, at this moment, a rogue rich young master barged in with a group of henchmen. The young master was dressed in gorgeous clothes, but his face was full of fat and his eyes gleamed with evil. As soon as he saw Li Shishi, he drooled and shouted, "Little lady, come back with me quickly, and I'll guarantee you endless wealth and luxury."

Li Shishi stopped dancing, her face cold, and said, "Young master, please have some self-respect. I sell my art, not my body."

The rich young master laughed loudly: "In this capital, there is nothing I cannot obtain. You have no choice but to comply today!" With that, he reached out to pull Li Shishi.

Li Shishi took a few steps back, her eyes filled with anger and disgust: "Young master, please don't be rude. This is a public place, and the law still applies!"

The rich young master scoffed, "The law? I am the law! Guards, take her away!"

His men swarmed forward, intending to forcibly abduct Li Shishi. Although the surrounding people were indignant, they were intimidated by the wealthy young master's power and no one dared to step forward to stop them.

At this critical moment, Yan Qing stepped forward. He shouted, "How dare you forcibly abduct a woman in broad daylight! Is there no justice in this world?!"

The rich young master turned around, looked at Yan Qing, and glared at him angrily: "Where did you come from, you brat, daring to meddle in my business!"

Yan Qing showed no fear and sneered, "When you see injustice on the road, you should naturally draw your sword to help. A villain like you deserves to be killed by everyone!"

Enraged, the rich young master shouted, "Go get him! Teach this arrogant fool a lesson!"

His men rushed towards Yan Qing. Yan Qing dodged the attacks with a swift movement, then unleashed his martial arts skills, engaging in a fierce battle with these thugs.

Yan Qing's moves were fierce and agile, and in no time he had beaten his men to a pulp, making them cry out for their parents.

Seeing that things were going badly, the rich young master tried to slip away. Yan Qing rushed forward, grabbed him by the collar, and slammed him heavily to the ground.

"If they dare to do evil again, I will not let them off easily!" Yan Qing said angrily.

The rich young master nodded repeatedly in fright and fled with his men in a sorry state.

Li Shishi looked at Yan Qing gratefully and bowed gracefully, saying, "Thank you for saving me, young master."

Yan Qing quickly helped her up: "Miss, you're too kind. It was just a small favor."

Their eyes met, and Yan Qing knew that this might be an opportunity for him to get closer to Li Shishi and achieve his goal.

After this incident, Li Shishi felt grateful for Yan Qing's righteous help and decided to host a banquet with white wine to entertain him.

During the banquet, Li Shishi lightly flicked her sleeve and personally poured wine for Yan Qing. Her eyes sparkled, and her red lips parted slightly: "I have no way to repay your kindness today, young master. I can only offer you a cup of wine to express my gratitude."

Yan Qing quickly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "You flatter me, young lady. It is only natural to help when one sees injustice on the road."

After a few drinks, the atmosphere between the two gradually became more harmonious. Seeing that the time was ripe, Yan Qing looked at Li Shishi sincerely and said slowly, "To be honest, Miss, I have come here today to ask you for something important."

Li Shishi was slightly taken aback, then smiled gently: "Young master, please speak freely. As long as it is within my power, I will certainly help you."

Yan Qing took a deep breath and said, “Miss, I am from Liangshan. I have come to the capital for the sake of the life and death of the Liangshan brothers. That scoundrel Gao Qiu has slandered us before the Emperor, trying to put us all to death. We are all loyal and righteous men, yet we have been framed like this. It is truly an injustice.”

Li Shishi looked surprised, but seeing that Yan Qing's expression was sincere and he didn't seem to be lying, she said softly, "I have heard about this matter before, but I never thought that you were a hero of Liangshan."

Yan Qing continued, "Miss, I know that you are highly favored by the Emperor. If you can say a few words of justice for Liangshan, you might be able to save our brothers from this predicament."

Li Shishi frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "This matter is of great importance, and I need to consider it carefully."

Seeing that Li Shishi did not directly refuse, Yan Qing felt a glimmer of hope. He took out a letter he had prepared beforehand from his pocket and handed it to her with both hands: "Miss, this is a letter from the Liangshan brothers expressing their feelings. I hope you will take a look."

Li Shishi took the letter and read it carefully. The letter was earnest and detailed the Liangshan heroes' patriotism and their grievances of being wronged. After reading it, Li Shishi was deeply moved, and tears welled up in her eyes: "I didn't realize that you heroes are so loyal and righteous. I will do my best to help you."

Yan Qing was overjoyed and stood up to express his gratitude: "Your kindness is immense, young lady. Yan Qing and his brothers will never forget it."

Li Shishi hurriedly helped Yan Qing up: "Young master, please get up quickly. I will do my best. However, things are complicated in the palace, and we need to wait for the right opportunity."

Yan Qing nodded: "What you say is very true, Miss. I await good news."

After the banquet, Yan Qing left full of anticipation, while Li Shishi held the letter in her hand, secretly pondering how to plead for the Liangshan heroes before the Emperor.

After Yan Qing left, Li Shishi sat alone in her room, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, her expression full of contemplation. After a while, she got up and walked to the door, saying to the maid outside, "Go and call my trusted confidante, Xiao Cui."

Before long, a clever maidservant rushed over, bowed, and said, "Miss, what can I do for you, Xiao Cui?"

Li Shishi pursed her lips and said softly, "Xiao Cui, go to the music academy quickly and find Zhou Bangyan. Tell him I have something important to discuss with him."

Xiao Cui replied, "Yes, miss."

Li Shishi then instructed, "This matter must be kept secret and not made public."

Xiao Cui nodded and said, "Don't worry, Miss, I understand."

Having said that, Xiao Cui turned and left. Along the way, Xiao Cui hurried along, secretly wondering why the young lady was so eager to find Zhou Bangyan.

Upon arriving at the music academy, Xiao Cui inquired everywhere and finally found Zhou Bangyan.

Seeing Xiao Cui's anxious expression, Zhou Bangyan quickly asked, "Miss Xiao Cui, is there something urgent with Miss Li Shishi?"

Xiao Cui, panting, said, "Mr. Zhou, my daughter asked me to invite you over, saying she has something important to discuss."

Zhou Bangyan dared not delay and went with Xiao Cui to Li Shishi's place.

Throughout the journey, Zhou Bangyan was filled with suspicion. When they arrived at Li Shishi's residence, Xiao Cui was waiting outside the door, and Zhou Bangyan went into the room.

When Li Shishi saw Zhou Bangyan, she quickly said, "Mr. Zhou, please have a seat."

Zhou Bangyan bowed and sat down, asking, "Why did you summon me so hastily, young lady?"

Li Shishi sighed softly and said, "Yan Qing came by just now. He is from Liangshan and asked me for help. The matter is of great importance, and I am not sure what to do, so I asked you to come and discuss it with me."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Bangyan was also startled, and his expression became solemn.

Upon hearing that the Liangshan people had arrived, Zhou Bangyan's expression changed drastically. He said to Li Shishi in a panic, "Miss, whether these Liangshan people are righteous or evil, they are still bandits. If His Majesty finds out that you are associating with them and pleading for them, he will surely be furious. You summoned me here, perhaps to ask me to plead for them?"

Li Shishi frowned, her eyes filled with determination, and said, "Mr. Zhou, I have my own judgment. Whether the Liangshan people are bandits or not cannot be determined solely by the words of others. According to Yan Qing, they are all loyal and righteous men, but they were framed by that scoundrel Gao Qiu. I do not want you to risk your life to plead for them, but I am now in a dilemma and need your help."

Zhou Bangyan looked troubled and shook his head repeatedly, saying, "Miss, this matter is too risky. I really dare not participate. If the Emperor were to blame me, my life and fortune would be in danger..."

Seeing Zhou Bangyan's timid and fearful appearance, Li Shishi couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. She said, "I don't expect you to be of much help in this matter. I only ask that you not mention the rights and wrongs of this matter before the Emperor, nor mention the Liangshan incident. Just say that I, Li Shishi, wish to see the Emperor."

After hesitating for a long time, Zhou Bangyan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said, "Miss, is this...is this really alright? I'm really not sure."

Li Shishi bit her red lips and said, "Don't worry, sir. As long as you do as I say, nothing will happen. If anything goes wrong, I will take full responsibility and will never implicate you."

Zhou Bangyan sighed, knowing that Li Shishi's mind was made up, and said helplessly, "Alright, since you are so determined, I will agree. I just hope that you will be careful and not bring trouble upon yourself."

Li Shishi said gratefully, "Thank you for your help, sir. I will remember your kindness after this is done."

Zhou Bangyan nodded, still looking nervous and uneasy, and said, "Then, young lady, I will go and find an opportunity to convey my message to the Emperor."

After saying this, Zhou Bangyan hurriedly took his leave. Li Shishi watched his departing figure, secretly praying that this matter would go smoothly and that the Liangshan people would have a chance to survive.

After Emperor Huizong finished his duties, Zhou Bangyan found an opportunity to tell him that Miss Li wished to see him. Upon hearing this, a smile immediately appeared on Emperor Huizong's face. He ordered his servants to prepare a sedan chair, and followed him out of the palace gates. He changed into casual clothes and went to see Li Shishi.

When Li Shishi met Emperor Huizong of Song, she gracefully bowed and then personally poured wine for him. Emperor Huizong sat down, smiled at Li Shishi, and said, "Miss Li, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

Li Shishi smiled and replied, "Thanks to Your Majesty, I am well."

Then, Li Shishi took out her musical instrument and began to play and sing the song: "The mountains and rivers bear witness to my true feelings, the rivers flow on and on but my will remains undiminished. I offer this to King Zhao, and you shall believe that my loyal heart will never falter."

Emperor Huizong listened intently, and when Li Shishi finished playing, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Miss Li is truly talented; she has composed a new piece in such a short time."

Li Shishi shook her head slightly and said, "Your Majesty, this was not created by me."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong looked curious and asked, "Who is that?"

Li Shishi took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty, this piece was composed by Yan Qing."

Emperor Huizong's face darkened, and he said, "You actually colluded with bandits."

Li Shishi hurriedly tried to appease him, saying, "Your Majesty, please calm down and listen to what I have to say. I know that the people of Liangshan are regarded as bandits in Your Majesty's eyes, but from this poem, Your Majesty should be able to see that not all the people of Liangshan are vicious and wicked. Yan Qing is loyal to Your Majesty. He told me about the plight of the people of Liangshan. They were actually framed and harmed by treacherous people."

Emperor Huizong snorted coldly: "How can we easily believe the words of bandits?"

Li Shishi continued, “Your Majesty, I am not one to easily trust others. Although the Liangshan people are from humble backgrounds, they are loyal and righteous. The Liangshan Marsh was forced by the government and had no other choice but to gather together. They have also robbed the rich to help the poor and helped many impoverished people. If they can be granted amnesty and employed by the court, they will surely become an asset to Your Majesty.”

Emperor Huizong remained silent. Li Shishi continued, "Your Majesty, I humbly beg you to investigate thoroughly and not be misled by slander. Giving them a chance is also giving the Song Dynasty a chance. If we can bring them to the fold, it will not only demonstrate Your Majesty's benevolence but also strengthen the nation. I believe Your Majesty is a wise and virtuous ruler and will surely be able to distinguish right from wrong."

Emperor Huizong frowned and fell into deep thought. Seeing this, Li Shishi spoke softly again, "Your Majesty, what I have said comes from the bottom of my heart. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."