Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

On the grand stadium in the capital, a highly anticipated preliminary football match was in full swing. In the stands, Emperor Huizong of Song sat high in the center, surrounded by his concubines and officials, all eyes fixed on the field.

The players of the Song Dynasty team and the Japanese team raced across the green field. The Song Dynasty team members cooperated well and attacked aggressively. After a fierce struggle, the Song Dynasty team's striker seized an opportunity and unleashed a powerful shot, sending the ball straight into the goal.

"Great shot!" The spectators in the stands erupted in cheers.

However, in a corner of the stands, Wu Yong frowned slightly, muttering to himself, "This goal seems a bit too easy. Something feels off."

The match continued, but the Japanese team's performance was somewhat abnormal; their defense was riddled with holes, and their attack lacked any discernible pattern. The Song Dynasty team seized the opportunity to score several more goals, gradually widening the score gap.

But Wu Yong's doubts grew deeper and deeper, and the heroes beside him also noticed something amiss.

"Wu Yong, something feels off about this match. The Japanese team shouldn't be this weak."

Wu Yong nodded: "I also think there's something fishy about this. The result of the competition is not what we expected."

Just then, the situation on the field suddenly changed. A key player of the Song Dynasty team was injured and fell to the ground in a collision with an opposing player, and was carried off the field on a stretcher.

Subsequently, the Song Dynasty team's offensive rhythm became chaotic, and their defense made frequent mistakes. Meanwhile, the Japanese team seemed to have suddenly transformed, with their offense becoming sharp and their defense becoming tight.

Soon, the Japanese team scored two goals in quick succession, and the spectators in the stands began to stir.

"What's going on? This defense is as thin as paper!"

"Was it intentional that they let the game go?"

A barrage of questions arose, and the scene descended into chaos.

Emperor Huizong's face also turned gloomy, and the ministers around him fell silent.

On the field, the players of the Song Dynasty team seemed somewhat flustered. The coach shouted instructions from the sidelines, but to little avail.

As the match neared its end, the Japanese team scored again, leveling the score.

The audience was furious; they stood up and threw objects into the arena.

"It's a fixed match! This is definitely a fixed match!"

"Refund! We demand an explanation!"

The roars of the crowd echoed through the stadium. Security guards rushed out to try to maintain order, but the chaotic situation was difficult to control.

Wu Yong tried his best to remain calm amidst the crowd. He observed the expressions of the players on the field and the coaches on the sidelines, and his guess became more and more certain.

"There must be some unspeakable conspiracy behind this," Wu Yong muttered to himself.

The final whistle blew, and the match ended in a draw. The fans' anger reached its peak; they crowded the stadium exits, refusing to leave.

"Give us an explanation!"

"This match must be thoroughly investigated!"

At this moment, Emperor Huizong, escorted by his guards, left the stands. His face was ashen, and he ordered, "Investigate this matter thoroughly. If there is any foul play, punish those responsible severely!"

In a corner of the stadium, several mysterious figures hurriedly left, a barely perceptible sneer playing on their lips.

In the stillness of the night, all was quiet except for the faint candlelight in Gao Qiu's study. Just then, a series of hurried and heavy footsteps broke the silence, and Jing Chun, her face full of anger, stormed into Gao Qiu's study.

"Gao Qiu! Explain yourself! What exactly is going on?" Jiao He Jing Chun shouted as soon as he entered the room, his voice particularly jarring in the quiet night.

Gao Qiu, who was deep in thought at his desk, was startled by the sudden roar and his body trembled, causing the brush in his hand to fall to the ground with a "clatter." He slowly raised his head, looked at the furious Gao Qiu Jingchun in front of him, and frowned deeply.

"Jingchun, what do you mean by this? How dare you barge into my study so recklessly!" Gao Qiu suppressed his dissatisfaction and tried his best to keep his voice calm.

Jingchun strode forward, walked to the desk, slammed his hands heavily on the table, and stared intently at Gao Qiu.

"What do you mean? Lord Gao Qiu, don't you understand? We clearly agreed beforehand that you would lose this match to us, but what happened? It was a draw!" Jiao He Jing Chun's voice trembled with anger.

Gao Qiu stood up, walked around the desk, and went to Jingchun. "Jingchun, calm down. This matter is not entirely under my control," Gao Qiu tried to explain.

"Calm down? Gao Qiu, how can you expect me to calm down? Do you know how much pressure I've been under because of this draw?" Jiao He Jing Chun ignored Gao Qiu's explanation and continued to roar.

Gao Qiu sighed and said, "Jingchun, do you think I don't want to follow the agreement? But this is the capital, under the watchful eyes of everyone. If I make it too obvious and the Emperor notices, it's a capital offense!"

Heel Jingchun sneered, "Gao Qiu, don't try to scare me with the Emperor. You didn't say that when we were negotiating the deal."

Gao Qiu's face darkened: "Jingchun, I, Gao Qiu, keep my word. But this situation has indeed exceeded my expectations."

"Out of the ordinary? Hmph, Gao Qiu, I think you're trying to back out!" Jing Chun's eyes were filled with suspicion and anger.

A flash of anger crossed Gao Qiu's mind, but he held back. "Jingchun, don't make false accusations. I, Gao Qiu, have served in the court for many years; how could I easily break my promise?"

Jiao Hen Jingchun gritted his teeth and said, "Gao Qiu, don't forget, our deal isn't a secret. If you don't lose to me in the finals, I'll expose this, and then you can expect to be completely disgraced!"

Gao Qiu's heart tightened; he knew Jiao He Jing Chun wasn't joking. His secret was in Jiao He Jing Chun's hands, and if things were exposed, he would be doomed. But outwardly, Gao Qiu remained calm.

"Jingchun, are you threatening me?" Gao Qiu's voice turned icy.

Without backing down, Gao Qiu replied, "This is not a threat, but a reminder. Lord Gao Qiu, you are a smart man and should know what is in your best interest."

Gao Qiu was silent for a moment, then said, "Jingchun, I will consider the matter of the finals. But don't push me too far."

Jiaogen Jingchun looked at Gao Qiu, seemingly trying to determine the truthfulness of his words. "Alright, Gao Qiu, I'll trust you one more time. But remember, during the finals, if you dare to play any tricks, don't blame me for being impolite." With that, Jiaogen Jingchun turned and left the study.

Gao Qiu watched Jing Chun's departing figure, his heart filled with helplessness and worry. He slowly walked to the window, gazing at the dark night sky outside, his mind swirling with thoughts. This transaction had already plunged him into a deep predicament, and the approaching finals felt like standing on the edge of an abyss. He didn't know what choice he should make to preserve his position and his life.

After Jingchun left, Gao Qiu sat in his study with a gloomy expression. After a moment of contemplation, he sent for Gao Yanei, Gao Ke, and Yin Tianxi.

The three rushed over and, seeing Gao Qiu's gloomy face, felt a pang of anxiety.

Gao Qiu's cold gaze swept over the three men, and he said in a deep voice, "Jiao He Jingchun just came by. This man has something on me. If we don't get rid of him, we will all be doomed."

Upon hearing this, Gao Yanei immediately jumped up and shouted, "Father, I'll send someone to kill him right now, let's see how arrogant he can be then!"

Gao Qiu glared at Gao Yanei and scolded, "You fool, how could you be so impulsive! Do you think Jiao He Jingchun is completely unprepared? Since he dares to threaten me so openly, he must have made some preparations. If we act rashly, not only will we fail to eliminate him, but we will also alert him and put ourselves in an even more passive position."

After being scolded by Gao Qiu, Gao Yanei dared not utter a word, but his face still showed a look of resentment.

At this moment, Gao Ke stepped forward and said cautiously, "Sir, this matter does indeed require careful consideration. Since Jiao Hen Jing Chun is so fearless, he must have some powerful backing. If we are to take action, we must be absolutely certain of our safety, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable."

Gao Qiu nodded slightly and looked at Gao Ke, saying, "You are more meticulous. So, in your opinion, how should we proceed?"

Gao Ke pondered for a moment and said, "Sir, we first need to send someone to secretly investigate Jiaogen Jingchun's daily whereabouts and the situation of his guards, to find his weaknesses and loopholes in defense. At the same time, we should also pay attention to who he associates with closely, in case he has any help at a critical moment."

Yin Tianxi interjected, "My lord, we can also start with the people around him. We can offer them large sums of money or use coercion and bribery. Perhaps we can find someone to work for us and provide useful information."

Gao Qiu listened to their suggestions, his brows still furrowed, and said, "These methods are feasible, but we still need to proceed with caution. If any disturbance is detected by Jiaogen Jingchun, we will have no chance to turn the tide."

Gao Yanei couldn't help but say again, "Father, we can't just let him threaten us like this!"

Gao Qiu glared at him fiercely: "Shut up! You're good for nothing and good for nothing. If you hadn't caused so much trouble before, how could I have gotten into this predicament?"

Gao Yanei shrank back in fright and dared not utter another word.

Gao Qiu took a deep breath and said, "This matter must be carried out in secrecy. We cannot let anyone discover our intentions. Gao Ke, you are in charge of the investigation; Yin Tianxi, you go and find people who can be used by us. Remember, you must not let a word of this leak out."

The three responded in unison, "Yes, sir!"

Afterwards, the three left the study, and Gao Qiu sat alone in a chair, his eyes revealing a hint of ruthlessness and determination.

After leaving Gao Qiu's mansion, Jing Chun returned to his residence with a gloomy expression. He immediately summoned his trusted subordinates, Jack, Tom, and David.

“I’ve caught Gao Qiu red-handed, but knowing his personality, he definitely won’t give in easily,” Jiaogen Jingchun said with a serious expression.

Jack frowned and said, "Sir, we'd better be careful."

Jiaogen Jingchun nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and said, "From now on, everyone be on high alert. Tom, take a few men and strengthen the patrols around the mansion. If you find anyone acting suspiciously, arrest and interrogate them immediately. David, go and thoroughly investigate the servants in the mansion to see if there are any spies planted by Gao Qiu. Jack, you are responsible for contacting our other partners in the capital and having them ready to deal with any emergencies."

Everyone responded in unison, "Yes, sir!" and then quickly carried out Jiaogen Jingchun's orders. Jiaogen Jingchun sat in his chair, tapping his fingers incessantly on the table, thinking to himself, "Gao Qiu, I'd like to see what tricks you can pull."