Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

After Zhao Tianming was reprimanded by Emperor Huizong and his restaurant and other businesses were forced to close, Gao Yanei seized the opportunity and decided to open a shop called "Gao's Grocery Store".

Gao Yanei first used his father Gao Qiu's power to select a spacious shop in the most prosperous area of ​​the capital. This shop was originally a thriving old business, but Gao Yanei forced the owner to transfer the shop to him through coercion and inducement.

Wang Zhiqiang, meanwhile, devised strategies and prepared various supplies for the opening of Gao's General Store. He used his connections in the business world to purchase large quantities of goods at below-market prices, then deliberately inflated the prices he sold them to Gao Yanei, profiting handsomely from the difference. Gao Yanei was fully aware of this, but in order to open the store as soon as possible, he could only tolerate Wang Zhiqiang's greed for the time being.

Gao Ke was in charge of recruiting workers. He deliberately kept wages low and set strict work rules, which deterred many applicants. However, some people had no choice but to accept the job because they needed to make a living.

Yin Tianxi spread rumors in the streets and alleys, defaming Zhao Tianming's reputation, saying that he was a poor manager who cheated customers, causing people to completely lose trust in Zhao Tianming. At the same time, he also vigorously promoted the high quality and affordable prices of Gaoji Grocery Store, attracting the attention of many customers.

On the opening day of Gao's Grocery Store, Gao Yanei deliberately arranged a grand celebration. They hired dragon and lion dance troupes, beat drums and gongs, creating a lively atmosphere. They also invited some celebrities and scholars to attend, creating the illusion of a bustling and popular store.

In an attempt to suppress Zhao Tianming, Gao Yanei instructed his men to post defamatory notices near Zhao Tianming's residence, leaving Zhao Tianming with virtually nowhere to go in the capital.

In business competition, Gao Yanei and his gang were ruthless. Whenever a customer wanted to buy something from another shop, the clerks at Gao's Grocery Store would deliberately belittle the other shops' goods and exaggerate the advantages of Gao's Grocery Store.

They also secretly sabotaged other competitors' goods, causing customers to doubt the quality of other stores' products.

In fact, Gao Yanei even bribed some local thugs to cause trouble in other shops and threaten the shop owners not to compete with Gao's Grocery Store.

For suppliers who were unwilling to cooperate with Gao Ji Grocery Store, Gao Yanei, in collusion with Wang Zhiqiang, deliberately delayed payment or made various excuses to refuse payment, causing the suppliers great distress.

Under the machinations of Gao Yanei and his associates, Gao's Grocery Store's business flourished, while other stores fell into dire straits.

However, their evil deeds did not escape the eyes of some righteous people. Some conscientious merchants decided to unite and fight against Gao Yanei's oppression. But Gao Yanei, relying on Gao Qiu's power, suppressed and retaliated against these rebels.

The commercial atmosphere in the capital became chaotic and corrupt, and the people dared not speak out against the actions of Gao Yanei and his gang. But justice may be delayed, but it will never be absent, and the evil deeds of Gao Yanei and his accomplices will eventually be punished as they deserve.

Seeing the escalating evil deeds of Gao Yanei and his ilk, the conscientious merchants finally could not tolerate it any longer and decided to unite in rebellion.

They secretly met in a secluded teahouse to discuss their strategy. An older merchant spoke first: "If we don't resist Gao Yanei's outrageous behavior, he will completely ruin the commerce of the capital!" Everyone nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with determination.

A young businessman exclaimed excitedly, "We can no longer sit idly by and wait to be destroyed. We must let Gao Yanei know that we are not to be trifled with!"

After some discussion, they decided to unite and boycott Gao Ji Grocery Store, ceasing to supply it with high-quality goods, and urging the public not to shop at Gao Ji Grocery Store.

The news quickly reached Gao Yanei's ears, and he was furious when he heard that these merchants dared to resist.

"Hmph, these ignorant fools dare to oppose me!" Gao Yanei said through gritted teeth.

He immediately summoned Wang Zhiqiang, Gao Ke, Yin Tianxi, and others to discuss how to retaliate.

Wang Zhiqiang said with a gloomy face, "Why don't we send some people to their shops to cause trouble and prevent them from doing business?"

Gao Ke chimed in, "Yes, spread some more rumors that they're selling counterfeit goods."

Yin Tianxi said viciously, "Let's just find someone to smash their shop!"

Gao Yanei pondered for a moment, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes: "We'll do as you say!"

So Gao Yanei sent a group of thugs who first made a scene in the merchants' shops, deliberately causing trouble and driving away customers. Then, they poured dirty water and threw garbage in front of the shops, making them stink so bad that no one dared to approach.

Meanwhile, Gao Yanei also had rumors spread in the streets and alleys, saying that these merchants colluded with bandits, sold inferior goods as superior ones, and deceived the people.

The merchants' businesses plummeted as a result, suffering heavy losses. But they did not give in; instead, their determination to resist only grew stronger.

They reunited and decided to file a complaint with the authorities to expose Gao Yanei's evil deeds.

However, Gao Yanei had already bribed the government officials. When these merchants went to file a complaint, the officials not only refused to accept it, but also scolded them and threatened to imprison them if they caused trouble again.

Upon learning of this, Gao Yanei said smugly to Wang Zhiqiang and the others, "They're still too green to mess with me!"

But these businessmen did not give up. They decided to write a joint letter to appeal directly to higher-level officials.

Upon learning this news, Gao Yanei retaliated even more frantically. He sent men to threaten the families of the merchants, urging them to persuade the merchants to give up their resistance. He even had men set fire to one of the merchants' warehouses at night, causing enormous damage.

Under Gao Yanei's ruthless suppression, some businessmen began to waver. They were afraid that their families would be harmed and that their property would be completely destroyed.

However, some merchants remained steadfast in their commitment to justice, determined to fight Gao Yanei to the bitter end. They encouraged each other, firmly believing that good would prevail over evil and that one day Gao Yanei would receive the punishment he deserved.

Under Gao Yanei's relentless suppression and persecution, those conscientious merchants had no way to seek redress and were driven to desperation. Their grief and helplessness weighed heavily on their hearts like a dark cloud.

One day, these merchants gathered in a dilapidated courtyard, each looking haggard and dejected. Their former high spirits had vanished, replaced by deep despair and exhaustion.

A businessman named Zhang Cheng, with tears in his eyes, broke the silence first: "Gentlemen, we have tried everything, but the officials won't listen, and we can't fight against that Gao Yanei. Now we really have nowhere to turn!" His voice trembled, filled with endless pain and helplessness.

Another businessman, Li Fu, continued, "My shop was smashed to pieces, all the goods were destroyed, and my family was threatened and lives in constant fear. I can't live like this anymore!" As he spoke, he slammed his fist on the table, the veins on his hand bulging.

“And what about me!” Wang Gui sighed. “The warehouse burned down, years of hard work went up in flames, and we’re left with huge debts. Gao Yanei is trying to drive us to the brink of ruin!” His voice was hoarse, as if he had aged considerably all of a sudden.

At this moment, Liu Shun, who had been silent all along, raised his head, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes: "Gentlemen, I've thought of someone who might be able to help us vent our anger."

Everyone looked at him and asked eagerly, "Who?"

Liu Shun gritted his teeth and said, "Mr. Zhao Tianming."

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback at first, and then someone questioned, "Boss Zhao himself was treated so badly by Gao Yanei, how could he possibly have a solution?"

Liu Shun quickly explained, "Although Boss Zhao suffered a severe blow, he is intelligent and courageous. Moreover, his hatred for Gao Yanei is no less than ours. As long as we work together, we might be able to find a way out."

After listening, everyone felt that there was some truth to it, so they decided to go find Zhao Tianming.

When they arrived at Zhao Tianming's residence, they saw that Zhao Tianming also looked dejected.

Zhang Cheng stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Boss Zhao, we are truly desperate. You must avenge us!"

Looking at them, Zhao Tianming was filled with mixed emotions: "Gentlemen, I can barely take care of myself, how can I help you?"

Li Fu said urgently, "Boss Zhao, Gao Yanei has harmed us so badly, are we just going to swallow our anger like this? Can you bear to watch him continue to do evil in the capital?"

Zhao Tianming clenched his fists, a flash of anger in his eyes: "Of course I'm not reconciled! But Gao Yanei is powerful and influential, what can we do about him?"

Wang Gui said, "As long as we unite, there will always be a way. Boss Zhao, can you bear to watch our families be destroyed?"

Zhao Tianming remained silent for a moment, then finally made up his mind: "Fine! Since you all trust me so much, I, Zhao Tianming, will fight Gao Yanei even if it costs me my life!"

Upon hearing this, a hint of relief appeared on everyone's faces.

Zhang Cheng said, "Boss Zhao, we'll listen to you from now on. We'll do anything you ask as long as we can bring down Gao Yanei!"

Zhao Tianming nodded: "Alright, let's discuss this carefully first. Gao Yanei is very powerful, so we can't act rashly. We must come up with a comprehensive plan."

So the group sat down together and began to discuss how to deal with Gao Yanei. Although the future was uncertain, a flame of hope was rekindled in their eyes.

Looking at the merchants before him, their hearts filled with both grief and hope, Zhao Tianming felt a complex mix of emotions. He took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering as he looked at the crowd, and slowly began to speak:

"Gentlemen, I am well aware of the suffering and grievances you have endured. Gao Yanei's evil deeds are intolerable. But we must not act impulsively at this time, otherwise we will only make the situation worse."

Zhao Tianming walked up to Zhang Cheng and gently patted him on the shoulder: "Brother Zhang, I will remember your shop being smashed and your goods destroyed. But please believe me, reckless retaliation will only lead us into a deeper predicament."

Then he looked at Li Fu and said, "Brother Li Fu, the fright and threats your family has suffered will not be forgotten. But for now, we must be patient."

Upon hearing this, Wang Gui exclaimed excitedly, "Boss Zhao, how long are you going to keep this up? I really can't take it anymore!"

Zhao Tianming pressed his hands down, signaling Wang Gui to calm down: "Brother Wang Gui, I understand how you feel. But please rest assured, patience is only temporary. Gao Yanei is powerful, and for us to confront him head-on is like throwing an egg against a rock. Give me some time, and I will definitely come up with a comprehensive plan to get justice for everyone."

As everyone listened to Zhao Tianming's words, their emotions gradually calmed down. Zhao Tianming continued, "As long as we unite as one and wait for the right opportunity, we will definitely make Gao Yanei pay the price for his actions. In the meantime, everyone must protect themselves and their families and not give Gao Yanei any chance to take advantage of us."

Finally, Zhao Tianming raised his voice and solemnly promised, "I, Zhao Tianming, keep my word and will definitely give everyone justice!" Hope rekindled in everyone's eyes, and they nodded, indicating their willingness to be patient for the time being and believing that Zhao Tianming could lead them out of their predicament.