Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Dai Zong, burdened with the important task of inviting Gongsun Sheng back to Liangshan, traveled day and night, sparing no effort. Along the way, he rode tirelessly, crossing mountains and valleys, all to see Gongsun Sheng as soon as possible.

On this day, Dai Zong arrived at the foot of a misty, ethereal mountain. The peaks soared into the clouds, the mountain paths were rugged and difficult to traverse, and the surroundings were so quiet that only the sound of his own footsteps and breathing could be heard. Dai Zong knew that Gongsun Sheng was very likely cultivating deep within these mountains.

He climbed the winding mountain path, ancient trees towering on both sides, their branches intertwined, forming a natural barrier. Every now and then, birds would startle and take flight, crying out as they soared into the sky. Dai Zong had no time to appreciate the mountain scenery; his mind was solely focused on finding Gongsun Sheng as soon as possible.

After a difficult climb, Dai Zong finally spotted a simple Taoist temple halfway up the mountain. The temple was surrounded by a purple aura, exuding a mysterious atmosphere. Overjoyed, Dai Zong quickened his pace and arrived at the temple's entrance.

He gently knocked on the door knocker, the "thump, thump, thump" sound echoing through the silent mountains. After a moment, the door slowly opened, and a young Taoist boy peeked out, looking Dai Zong up and down.

“Esteemed benefactor, this is a tranquil place. May I ask what brings you here?” the young Taoist asked.

Dai Zong quickly cupped his hands and said, "Young Master, I am Dai Zong from Liangshan. I have important business to discuss with Daoist Gongsun Sheng. Please inform him of my presence."

The young Taoist hesitated for a moment, then said, "Wait here for a moment, I'll go ask my master." With that, he closed the door.

Dai Zong waited anxiously outside the door, his heart filled with unease. After an unknown amount of time, the door opened again, and the young Taoist said, "Benefactor, your master invites you in."

Dai Zong took a deep breath and followed the young Taoist boy into the Taoist temple. The temple was serene and elegant, with the Three Pure Ones enshrined in the center, incense smoke curling upwards. Gongsun Sheng sat on a futon, eyes closed in meditation.

Upon seeing Gongsun Sheng, Dai Zong immediately knelt down and bowed, saying, "Daoist Gongsun Sheng, Liangshan is in trouble, and we have come to ask you to come out of the mountains to help us!"

However, before he could explain in detail, Gongsun Sheng slowly opened his eyes and smiled slightly, saying, "Brother Dai Zong, there's no need for further words. I already know why you've come."

Dai Zong was startled and secretly admired Gongsun Sheng's supernatural abilities.

Gongsun Sheng stood up, walked to Dai Zong, and helped him up: "I also sensed something about Liangshan while I was in the mountains. Wu Feng's sorcery is indeed powerful, but I have my own way of dealing with it."

Dai Zong said urgently, "Master, Brother Lin Chong is still trapped in Gao Qiu's hands. Brother Zhao Tianming and the others failed in their rescue attempt and were seriously injured. Everyone in Liangshan is hoping that you can return and take charge of the situation."

Gongsun Sheng nodded slightly, his gaze deep: "Gao Qiu is treacherous and cunning, and with Wu Feng's help this time, he is indeed a troublesome figure. But as a member of Liangshan, I should help my brothers solve their problems."

Upon hearing this, Dai Zong's face lit up with joy: "Then, Daoist Master, will you come back to Liangshan with me?"

Gongsun Sheng waved his hand and said, "Brother Dai Zong, you go back first. I still need to make some preparations here and refine some magic weapons to counter Wu Feng's demonic magic. Tell the brothers not to be impatient and to wait patiently."

Although Dai Zong was somewhat disappointed, he knew that Gongsun Sheng's actions must have a deeper meaning, so he cupped his hands and said, "I will follow the Taoist's instructions and return to Liangshan to report back."

Gongsun Sheng took out a talisman from his bosom and handed it to Dai Zong: "Keep this talisman with you, it will ensure your safety on the journey."

Dai Zong accepted the talisman, bowed in gratitude again, and then turned and left the Taoist temple.

On the way down the mountain, Dai Zong was filled with many thoughts. Although Gongsun Sheng did not immediately return to Liangshan with him, he believed that with Gongsun Sheng's magic and wisdom, he would definitely be able to find a way to defeat Wu Feng and rescue Lin Chong.

Dai Zong rode at breakneck speed, traveling day and night, to return to Liangshan. Meanwhile, Gongsun Sheng was in the Taoist temple, meticulously preparing for the upcoming battle.

Lin Chong was trapped in a dark cell inside Gao Qiu's camp, his hands and feet bound by heavy iron chains.

On this day, Gao Yanei strode arrogantly, surrounded by a group of soldiers, to the prison cell. He was dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, holding a folding fan, and wearing a contemptuous yet smug smile on his face.

"Lin Chong, Lin Chong, you've finally met your match!" Gao Yanei said sarcastically.

Lin Chong raised his head and glared at Gao Yanei, his eyes burning with anger, but he clenched his teeth and remained silent.

Seeing this, Gao Yanei became even more smug. He walked to the front of the prison cell, used his folding fan to lift Lin Chong's chin, and mocked, "The former head instructor of the Imperial Guards is now nothing more than my father's prisoner. Weren't you so powerful? How come you look like a stray dog ​​now?"

Lin Chong flung away Gao Yanei's folding fan and roared, "Gao Yanei, you shameless scoundrel, if you have the guts, kill me!"

Gao Yanei took a few steps back, his face instantly turning grim: "Hmph, kill you? Not so easy. I'll make you suffer here slowly, watch you wish you were dead, only then will I be satisfied with the hatred in my heart!"

He paced around the cell and continued, "You think those bandits from Liangshan can save you? Don't dream! They're nothing but a rabble, and my father will wipe them all out sooner or later."

Lin Chong glared at him fiercely: "Gao Qiu and his son have committed numerous evils; they will get their retribution sooner or later!"

Gao Yanei laughed loudly: "Retribution? I don't think you'll live to see that day. Here, you're helpless no matter how much you cry for help."

As he spoke, he took a whip from a soldier and lashed it across the fence at Lin Chong: "This is what happens when you oppose the Gao family!"

Lin Chong gritted his teeth and endured the whipping, his wounds bleeding profusely, but his eyes remained firm and he showed no sign of yielding.

When Gao Yanei was tired of beating him, he stopped whipping him and said, panting, "Lin Chong, you can enjoy your last moments here."

Then, he led his soldiers away, leaving only Lin Chong's painful cries and firm vows in the prison cell: "As long as I, Lin Chong, have a breath left, I will never let you villains go!"

Wang Zhiqiang, Gao Ke, and Gao Yanei gathered together to discuss issuing a challenge to Zhao Tianming in order to show off their power.

Gao Yanei said smugly, "Hmph, this Zhao Tianming is overestimating himself and dares to oppose my Gao family. We must teach him a lesson."

Wang Zhiqiang chimed in, "Young Master is absolutely right. We'll send someone to deliver a challenge to him right away, so he'll know how powerful we are."

Gao Ke offered a suggestion from the side: "This challenge letter must be written in a rather arrogant manner to dampen their morale."

So they wrote this declaration of war:

Zhao Tianming, you little brat from Liangshan, you overestimate yourselves and dare to challenge the Gao family. We hereby issue this challenge, giving you a chance to come and face your deaths. I, Gao Yanei, Wang Zhiqiang, and Gao Ke, await you here, and we will ensure you never return. Our army is ready to march; your end is near. Those who know what's good for them should surrender quickly, and perhaps they will be spared a proper burial. Otherwise, we will raze Liangshan to the ground, leaving you with no place to bury your dead!

Then, they sent a soldier who arrogantly went to Zhao Tianming's residence, threw the letter of challenge on the ground, and said arrogantly, "This is a letter of challenge from my master to Zhao Tianming. Take a good look!" After saying that, he turned and left.

The arrogant challenge letter was thrown on the ground. Li Kui and Lu Zhishen happened to be visiting Zhao Tianming and immediately saw the letter, which was full of provocation and insult.

Li Kui's eyes widened, and he was instantly enraged. He grabbed the challenge letter and roared, "These Gao Qiu and his son are going too far! I, Tie Niu, cannot tolerate this and will definitely go and chop off their heads!" With that, he picked up his two broadswords and made as if to charge out.

Lu Zhishen was also furious, his face flushed red. He gripped his staff tightly and shouted, "Brother Li Kui is right! How can we tolerate such humiliation? Let's go and fight them to the death!"

The two men were aggressive and were about to rush out the door.

Just then, Song Jiang and Wu Yong rushed over. Song Jiang, quick-witted and agile, grabbed Li Kui: "Brother Tie Niu, don't be impulsive!"

Li Kui struggled violently and shouted, "Brother, they are so arrogant, I can't swallow this!"

Wu Yong quickly stopped Lu Zhishen and advised, "Commander Lu, listen to me. If we rush out now, we'll be playing right into their hands."

Lu Zhishen glared angrily: "Are we just going to put up with their rudeness like this? I, Lu Zhishen, can't take it!"

Song Jiang's expression was solemn as he said, "Brothers, I know the anger in your hearts, but a small act of impatience can ruin a great plan. Gao Qiu and his son have sent this challenge to provoke us and throw us into disarray."

Li Kui was still furious: "Brother, are we just going to let them go like this? I'm so upset!"

Wu Yong, fanning himself with a feather fan, analyzed, "Acting rashly now will only put us at a disadvantage. We need to wait for Brother Dai Zong to bring back Daoist Gongsun Sheng before making further plans."

Lu Zhishen, panting heavily, calmed down a little: "But this is really hard to swallow!"

Song Jiang patted Lu Zhishen and Li Kui on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Brothers, we gathered at Liangshan to uphold justice and save the people from suffering. If we ruin this great cause because of a momentary impulse, how can we live up to the expectations of so many brothers and the people?"

Li Kui gritted his teeth, gripping his axe even tighter: "So we're just going to wait like this?"

Wu Yong smiled slightly: "Not so. We can use this time to make full preparations. We can drill our troops, prepare provisions, and study tactics. When the time is right, we will make Gao Qiu and his son pay a heavy price for their evil deeds."

Song Jiang continued, "Brothers, believe me and Brother Wu Yong, we will definitely avenge Brother Lin Chong and seek justice for Liangshan."

Lu Zhishen sighed deeply: "Alright, alright, I'll listen to my brothers."

Although Li Kui was still unwilling, he put down his axe and said, "Then I'll just have to endure it a little longer."

Song Jiang and Wu Yong exchanged a glance and nodded slightly. Inside the room, the atmosphere remained tense, but the anger of the group was gradually being suppressed by reason. They knew that even greater challenges lay ahead, and only through patience and planning could they achieve final victory.