Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

After listening to Li Shishi's words, Emperor Huizong hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing to meet Yan Qing.

Li Shishi went to great lengths to arrange this meeting. Knowing that this matter could not be made public, she chose a quiet side hall and instructed her trusted maids to decorate the hall simply yet elegantly. Thick brocade carpets were laid on the floor, and wisps of smoke rose from the incense burner, filling the entire room with a faint fragrance.

At the appointed time, Yan Qing, led by Li Shishi, cautiously stepped into the hall. Yan Qing was uneasy, but he tried his best to remain calm. He knew that this opportunity to meet the emperor was rare and concerned the fate of all the Liangshan brothers.

Emperor Huizong sat upright on his couch, scrutinizing Yan Qing. Yan Qing immediately knelt down and bowed respectfully, saying, "This humble subject, Yan Qing, greets Your Majesty."

Emperor Huizong of Song slightly raised his hand and said, "Get up."

Yan Qing stood up, head bowed, not daring to look directly at the emperor's face.

Emperor Huizong broke the silence first, saying, "I heard from Li Shishi that you have something important to report?"

Yan Qing took a deep breath and mustered his courage to say, "Your Majesty, I am Yan Qing from Liangshan. Although we are commoners, we are all loyal and righteous. Unfortunately, we have been framed by that scoundrel Gao Qiu and our lives are hanging by a thread. I beg Your Majesty to investigate."

Emperor Huizong frowned and said, "The Liangshan bandits have always committed numerous evils. What evidence do you have to prove your innocence?"

Yan Qing took out a letter and some relevant evidence that he had prepared beforehand from his bosom, and presented them to the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, this is a letter of appeal from the people of Liangshan, as well as some physical evidence that can prove that we have been wronged. I am willing to guarantee with my life that everything I have said is true."

Emperor Huizong took it and examined it carefully. Yan Qing, standing to the side, nervously observed Emperor Huizong's expression, his heart pounding in his chest.

After a long silence, Emperor Huizong put down what he was holding and said, "Even so, your gathering at Liangshan is still a violation of the law."

Yan Qing hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, the people of Liangshan were forced into this life by the times. If Your Majesty can grant us amnesty and give us a chance to redeem ourselves, the people of Liangshan will certainly serve Your Majesty and protect the peace of the Song Dynasty."

Emperor Huizong fell into deep thought, and Yan Qing's heart grew increasingly tense with the silence.

After pondering for a long time, Emperor Huizong looked at Yan Qing, his gaze filled with hesitation and consideration. Yan Qing stared nervously at Emperor Huizong, barely daring to breathe, his heart filled with worry for the future fate of his Liangshan brothers.

Finally, Emperor Huizong slowly spoke, "I will find a suitable opportunity to arrange this matter. I just don't know who is suitable to handle this matter of surrender."

Upon hearing this, Yan Qing was overjoyed and hurriedly said respectfully to Emperor Huizong of Song, "Your Majesty, I believe that Grand Commandant Su Yuanjing is the only suitable candidate."

Emperor Huizong raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, "Oh? Why him?"

Yan Qing composed himself and said, "Grand Commandant Su Yuanjing is an upright and loyal man with a high reputation in the court. Moreover, he is well aware of the hardships of the common people and may have more understanding and sympathy for the plight of the Liangshan people. Furthermore, the Grand Commandant has been in officialdom for many years and is well-versed in its intricacies. He will surely be able to handle the matter of amnesty properly and prevent it from causing many twists and turns."

Emperor Huizong stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and then said, "What you said makes some sense. But whether Su Yuanjing can shoulder this heavy responsibility still needs further consideration."

Yan Qing quickly added, "Your Majesty, Grand Commandant Su is devoted to the country. If he can gain Your Majesty's trust and be entrusted with the important task of pacifying the enemy, he will certainly not fail in his mission. The Liangshan people will also be grateful to Your Majesty and will be willing to do anything for the court."

Emperor Huizong stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, seemingly still weighing the pros and cons. Yan Qing's heart pounded with each step he took.

After a while, Emperor Huizong stopped, looked at Yan Qing, and said, "Fine, I'll believe you this time. Summon Su Yuanjing to the palace; I want to discuss this matter with him."

Yan Qing hurriedly knelt down to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. The people of Liangshan will always remember Your Majesty's kindness and benevolence."

Emperor Huizong waved his hand and said, "You may leave now. If this matter succeeds, all will be well. If it fails, well, you and the Liangshan bandits will suffer the consequences."

Yan Qing nodded repeatedly and left the palace.

After Yan Qing left, Emperor Huizong sat alone in the palace, his mind filled with thoughts. He knew that the matter of surrendering the emperor to the emperor was of great importance; if handled properly, it could add strength to the court; if handled poorly, it could cause more trouble. Meanwhile, Yan Qing, after leaving the palace, hurriedly went to find the spies of Liangshan to pass on the news and let the Liangshan people prepare to await the arrival of Grand Commandant Su Yuanjing.

Wang Zhiqiang overheard someone requesting an audience with Emperor Huizong of Song, and it seemed to be of great importance. He felt a chill run down his spine, realizing this was no small matter, and immediately informed Gao Yanei and Gao Qiu.

Upon hearing this, Gao Yanei immediately perked up, slamming his fist on the table and exclaiming, "This is outrageous! We absolutely cannot let them succeed!"

Gao Qiu narrowed his eyes, paced around the room, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "Don't panic. Let's think it over carefully and see how to sabotage this matter."

The three sat together, and Gao Yanei was so anxious that he scratched his head and said, "Father, we have to think of a way quickly so that the person who wants to see the emperor can't succeed."

Gao Qiu glared at him and said, "When will you change your impulsive nature? This matter needs to be discussed carefully."

Gao Yanei muttered, not daring to say another word.

Gao Qiu continued, "First, we need to find out the identity and purpose of this person seeking an audience, and what he has that makes him dare to go to the Emperor."

Wang Zhiqiang quickly replied, "I'll go and inquire right away."

Before long, Wang Zhiqiang hurriedly returned and said, "Reporting to you, sir, I have found out that the person requesting an audience seems to be Yan Qing from Liangshan. I heard it is about the Liangshan people's surrender to the imperial court."

Upon hearing this, Gao Qiu sneered, "The Liangshan bandits actually think they can be granted amnesty? That's just wishful thinking."

Gao Yanei gritted his teeth and said, "Father, we can't let them succeed, otherwise those bandits from Liangshan will become even more arrogant in the future."

Gao Qiu pondered for a moment and said, "We can speak ill of the Liangshan bandits before the Emperor, saying that they are wolves in sheep's clothing and that their surrender is just a delaying tactic to expand their power and plot treason."

Gao Yanei nodded repeatedly: "Father is absolutely right, but I'm afraid the Emperor might not believe it just because of that."

Gao Qiu smiled slightly, a sinister glint in his eyes: "We can also send people to spread rumors in the capital, saying that the Liangshan bandits have committed all sorts of evil deeds, such as burning, killing, and looting, so that the people will be filled with fear and disgust towards them. In this way, the Emperor will have some reservations when considering the matter of granting them amnesty."

Wang Zhiqiang said, "Your plan is brilliant, sir. I will go and arrange for people to spread the rumors right away."

Gao Qiu added, "Wait a minute. This matter needs to be handled discreetly, lest anyone find fault with it. In addition, we need to send people to keep an eye on Yan Qing's every move and look for his weaknesses."

Gao Yanei volunteered, "Father, leave this matter to me."

Gao Qiu nodded in agreement: "You must be careful in your actions and avoid alerting the enemy."

Gao Yanei patted his chest and assured his father, "Father, rest assured, I will not fail in my mission."

After saying this, Gao Yanei led his men to monitor Yan Qing. Meanwhile, Gao Qiu pondered in his residence how to use flattery and obsequious words to sabotage the amnesty proposal in front of Emperor Huizong of Song.

Yan Qing remained completely unaware of Gao Qiu's plot and continued to work tirelessly to secure amnesty for the Liangshan heroes. Gao Yanei secretly sent someone to follow Yan Qing and discovered that he was frequently meeting with Li Shishi. He then embellished the story and reported it to Gao Qiu.

Upon hearing this, Gao Qiu was overjoyed, feeling that he had found a handle against Yan Qing. He immediately went to the palace to see Emperor Huizong of Song and said, "Your Majesty, Yan Qing of Liangshan has been having frequent secret meetings with Li Shishi in the capital and has been behaving improperly. His so-called amnesty is probably for ulterior motives."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong frowned slightly: "Is this really true?"

Gao Qiu continued, "Your Majesty, the people of Liangshan are all bandits, wild and untamed. You must not easily believe the offer of amnesty, lest you raise a tiger to cause trouble."

Emperor Huizong hesitated for a moment: "But I have already promised to consider this matter."

Gao Qiu hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, you must not be deceived by Yan Qing's sweet words. If the Liangshan people rebel again after being granted amnesty, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Just as Emperor Huizong was hesitating, a torrent of negative comments about the Liangshan bandits flooded the capital, with the people demanding severe punishment for the Liangshan rebels and rejecting the amnesty. Under the influence of Gao Qiu and others, and the pressure of public opinion, Emperor Huizong gradually began to waver in his decision to accept the amnesty.

After Wang Zhiqiang told Gao Yanei and Gao Qiu about Yan Qing's request to see Emperor Huizong of Song to seek amnesty for the Liangshan heroes, the three of them gathered in a secret room in Gao Qiu's mansion and discussed countermeasures with gloomy expressions.

Gao Qiu sat at the head of the table, his eyes filled with malice. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table and said, "This time, the Liangshan bandits are trying to be granted amnesty. We must not let them succeed."

Gao Yanei said anxiously, "Father, please think of a way quickly. We can't let them benefit from this."

Gao Qiu pondered for a moment, a ruthless glint in his eyes, and said, "Tomorrow morning at court, I will personally speak ill of him before the Emperor."

The following morning at court, Emperor Huizong sat high on his dragon throne. After the officials paid their respects, they began to discuss state affairs. Gao Qiu seized the opportunity and stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, I have important matters to report."

Emperor Huizong nodded slightly, signaling Gao Qiu to speak frankly.

Gao Qiu cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I recently heard that the Liangshan bandits have sent someone to see you, wanting to discuss surrendering to the emperor. I believe this is absolutely unacceptable."

Emperor Huizong frowned slightly and said, "Gao Qiu, what makes you say that?"

Gao Qiu said, "Your Majesty, those Liangshan bandits are all unruly and wicked people who have committed countless evils, including burning, killing, and looting. Their so-called offer of amnesty is nothing but a delaying tactic. They want to use this opportunity to infiltrate the court and wait for their chance to strike. Their intentions are despicable!"

Emperor Huizong of Song was taken aback and said, "Is this really true?"

Gao Qiu continued, “Your Majesty, the Liangshan bandits have always been unruly and difficult to tame. Even if we grant them amnesty, it is hard to guarantee their genuine submission, and they may cause trouble again in the future.”

At this moment, a minister nearby chimed in, "Grand Commandant Gao is absolutely right. The Liangshan bandits have a notorious reputation, and the matter of offering them amnesty should be carefully considered."

Gao Qiu then said, “Your Majesty, look at Song Jiang, the leader of the Liangshan bandits. He was originally a minor official, yet he gathered a crowd to rebel, showing his disloyalty. Most of his men are also desperate criminals. If they are allowed to serve as officials in the court, they will surely disrupt the government and endanger the country.”

Emperor Huizong hesitated and said, "But if the Liangshan people truly repent, accepting amnesty can save us from fighting and reduce civilian casualties."

Gao Qiu hurriedly said, "Your Majesty is kind-hearted, but the Liangshan bandits are cunning and treacherous, and should not be trusted lightly. If we grant them amnesty, we will only be raising a tiger that will cause trouble, and then it will be too late to regret it."

After the court session, Gao Qiu sought another opportunity to meet with Emperor Huizong of Song alone.

Gao Qiu knelt down and bowed, saying sincerely, "Your Majesty, I am utterly loyal to you, and all my words are for the stability of the Song Dynasty. The Liangshan bandits are a rabble; if they are granted amnesty, they will surely become a major threat to the court."

Emperor Huizong sighed and said, "Gao Qiu, I am well aware of the advantages and disadvantages involved, but the matter of surrendering to the emperor is not without its benefits."

Gao Qiu said, "Your Majesty, do not be deceived by the sweet words of the Liangshan bandits. They are only thinking of surrendering now because they are weak. Once they gain power, they will surely turn against you. Your Majesty must not ruin the long-term foundation of the Song Dynasty because of momentary compassion!"

Emperor Huizong remained silent for a long time, his resolve to accept the imperial pardon growing stronger.

Seeing that Emperor Huizong's attitude had changed, Gao Qiu was secretly pleased and said, "Your Majesty, why not send someone to secretly investigate the true intentions of the Liangshan people before making a decision?"

Emperor Huizong nodded and said, "Very well, this matter will be as you say."

Gao Qiu was pleased with himself, knowing that his slander had worked and that sabotaging the amnesty was likely to succeed.