Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

After Liangshan's plan against Gao Ke failed, Gao Ke became increasingly arrogant and conceited. His collusion with the Liao Kingdom also became closer, and Yelü Hong, an important figure in the Liao Kingdom, decided to personally intervene, disguised, and participate in the conspiracy against Zhao Tianming.

Zhao Tianming's fur shop was originally thriving and prosperous. However, all of this gradually changed under Gao Ke's conspiracy.

One day, a wealthy merchant named Wang Fugui walked into the fur shop. He was dressed in fine clothes, acted ostentatiously, and was followed by several attendants.

"I've heard that your store sells high-quality furs, so I came here specifically to take a look," Wang Fugui said.

Zhao Tianming greeted him warmly and began introducing the various furs in the store. Wang Fugui casually browsed through them, but finally, with a wave of his hand, he ordered a large quantity of furs, requesting delivery within a month.

Although Zhao Tianming felt the time was tight, he readily agreed to the order despite its size.

To complete the order on time, Zhao Tianming not only increased the purchase of raw materials but also hired more workers, working day and night. However, just as he was putting all his effort into preparing for delivery, Wang Fugui suddenly appeared and made new demands.

"Boss Zhao, I need to change some designs and styles for this batch of furs, and the quality must be top-notch, otherwise I won't take them," Wang Fugui said with a serious expression.

Zhao Tianming looked troubled: "Boss Wang, this sudden change might not be enough time."

Wang Fugui snorted coldly: "That's your problem. I only care about the results. If you can't meet my requirements, this order will be canceled."

Left with no other choice, Zhao Tianming had to invest even more money and manpower, trying every possible way to meet Wang Fugui's demands.

Meanwhile, Gao Ke was manipulating public opinion behind the scenes. Negative news about Zhao Tianming's fur shop began to circulate in the streets and alleys.

"I heard that Zhao Tianming used inferior materials in order to rush the project."

"Their fur coats are of poor quality, don't buy them."

These rumors spread quickly, and many customers who had originally intended to buy fur coats gave up the idea.

Zhao Tianming's fur shop business gradually declined, but he had no time to worry about it, as he was focused on fulfilling Wang Fugui's order.

The delivery day finally arrived, and Zhao Tianming eagerly awaited Wang Fugui's arrival for inspection. However, Wang Fugui appeared with a look of dissatisfaction.

"Zhao Tianming, look at this fur coat! How does it meet my requirements? I'm canceling the order, and you have to compensate me for my losses!" Wang Fugui shouted.

Zhao Tianming was stunned: "Boss Wang, we did it exactly as you requested!"

Wang Fugui ignored all explanations and stormed off.

Zhao Tianming's fur shop was immediately plunged into trouble, with a large amount of fur stockpiled and funds unable to be recovered. At this time, the official that Gao Ke had bribed also made his appearance.

"Zhao Tianming, someone has reported that your fur shop is operating illegally. We need to conduct an inspection." Without further ado, the officials began their search and then imposed hefty fines on the fur shop on various fabricated charges.

Zhao Tianming was on the verge of tears, while He Xiang was extremely anxious beside him.

"Husband, why don't we ask the brothers of Liangshan for help?" He Xiang said.

Zhao Tianming shook his head: "This is my own business, I can't involve my brothers."

Just when Zhao Tianming was feeling desperate, Wang Fugui reappeared.

“Zhao Tianming, I can give you a chance. As long as you agree to cooperate with me, sell me the furs at a low price, and do some other things for me, we can call it even.” A sly glint flashed in Wang Fugui’s eyes.

Zhao Tianming asked in confusion, "What is it?"

Wang Fugui lowered his voice: "Actually, I am Yelü Hong. I need you to provide intelligence for the Liao Kingdom and help us carry out some secret activities within the territory of the Song Dynasty."

Zhao Tianming then realized that it was all a conspiracy.

"Don't even think about it! I, Zhao Tianming, would never betray my country!" Zhao Tianming angrily refused.

Yelü Hong sneered: "Then you can just wait to be utterly disgraced."

Soon after, the imperial court received some so-called "evidence" showing that Zhao Tianming was colluding with the Liao Dynasty. Emperor Huizong of Song was furious and ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

Zhao Tianming was imprisoned, and his fur shop was shut down.

When the heroes of Liangshan learned of this, they were filled with indignation.

"This is clearly Gao Ke's conspiracy. We must rescue Zhao Tianming and expose their crimes!" Song Jiang said.

Wu Yong analyzed, "Brother, this matter needs careful consideration. We must first find evidence to prove Zhao Tianming's innocence, and at the same time expose Gao Ke and Yelü Hong's conspiracy."

So the Liangshan heroes began to investigate everywhere, searching for clues.

They discovered communications between Gao Ke and Yelü Hong, as well as traces of fabricated evidence.

Just as they were preparing to present the evidence to the court, Gao Ke and Yelü Hong sensed danger and decided to act ahead of schedule.

They sent assassins to kill the Liangshan heroes and Zhao Tianming, and to destroy all evidence.

A thrilling life-or-death struggle is about to unfold...

Gao Ke and Yelü Hong decided to assassinate Zhao Tianming to eliminate future troubles, and they set their sights on the prison warden and the chief jailer.

In the dark, secret room, Gao Ke and Yelü Hong met with the warden and the commander.

Gao Ke placed a heavy bag of gold on the table and said, "This is your reward. As long as you can get rid of Zhao Tianming in prison without anyone noticing, this gold is yours."

The warden and the section chief exchanged a glance, a greedy glint in their eyes, and nodded in agreement.

In prison, Zhao Tianming was filled with worry, unsure of what his fate would be.

That night, the warden and the prison warden, along with several trusted jailers, quietly arrived at Zhao Tianming's cell.

"Open the door!" the warden whispered.

A jailer opened the cell door, and the warden and the wardens went inside.

Zhao Tianming looked at them warily and said, "What do you want?"

The warden sneered, "Zhao Tianming, someone wants your life!"

After saying that, they swarmed forward, attempting to subdue Zhao Tianming.

Zhao Tianming fought back fiercely and wrestled with them. Despite being imprisoned, Zhao Tianming was quite agile and for a time he was difficult for the warden and his men to catch.

"Hurry up and finish him off, don't dawdle!" the section chief shouted anxiously from the side.

The sounds of fighting attracted the attention of the other prisoners, who shouted in their respective cells.

"It's murder! Help!"

Seeing this, the warden grew even more anxious, drew his whip from his waist, and lashed it fiercely at Zhao Tianming.

Zhao Tianming dodged to the side, the whip lashing against the wall and kicking up a cloud of dust.

Just then, a prison guard took advantage of Zhao Tianming's unpreparedness and attacked him from behind, grabbing him in the arms.

Zhao Tianming struggled with all his might, but could not break free.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, the warden stepped forward and punched Zhao Tianming hard in the abdomen.

Zhao Tianming groaned in pain, but still did not give up the fight.

The clerk picked up a wooden stick and smashed it down on Zhao Tianming's head.

At the critical moment, Zhao Tianming suddenly unleashed a burst of strength, broke free from the jailer's restraints, and ducked to avoid the fatal blow.

"You bunch of villains, you won't succeed!" Zhao Tianming roared.

Enraged, the warden and the prison guards once again ordered the prison soldiers to attack Zhao Tianming.

Despite dodging left and right, Zhao Tianming still took quite a few punches and kicks.

Suddenly, Zhao Tianming seized an opportunity, snatched a stick from a jailer, and struck the warden.

The warden was unable to dodge in time and was knocked to the ground.

Upon seeing this, the officer was startled and took a few steps back.

Just then, a commotion of footsteps and shouts came from outside the cell.

"Stop!" It turned out that the Liangshan heroes had received the news and arrived at the prison in time.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the camp manager and the sergeant tried to escape.

"Where do you think you're going!" Lu Zhishen shouted, rushed into the prison cell, and grabbed the warden.

Wu Song and the other heroes also took action and subdued the jailer and the guards.

"Brother Zhao Tianming, are you alright?" Song Jiang asked with concern.

Despite being covered in wounds, Zhao Tianming bravely said, "I'm fine, thanks to the brothers who arrived in time."

The timely arrival of the Liangshan heroes averted the crisis, and Zhao Tianming was temporarily out of danger. However, Gao Ke and Yelü Hong's conspiracy was not over. The Liangshan heroes knew they needed to be even more vigilant to face the challenges ahead.

The Liangshan heroes successfully rescued Zhao Tianming and brought him out of prison. However, their actions attracted the attention of the imperial court, and Emperor Huizong of Song ordered an investigation.

When Gao Ke and Yelü Hong's assassination plot failed, they devised another plan. Using their connections in the court, they falsely accused the Liangshan heroes of plotting a rebellion during their prison break and incited some ministers who were hostile to Liangshan to advise Emperor Huizong of Song to send troops to besiege Liangshan.

On the Liangshan side, everyone knew the situation was becoming increasingly dire. Song Jiang summoned the heroes to discuss countermeasures.

"Now that we have rescued Brother Zhao Tianming, we have attracted the imperial court's encirclement and suppression. What are your thoughts, brothers?" Song Jiang asked with a solemn expression.

Wu Yong gently waved his feather fan and said, "Brother, at this time we need to strengthen the defenses of Liangshan to prepare for the imperial court's attack; on the other hand, we should send envoys to the capital to try to explain the truth to the emperor and expose the conspiracy of Gao Ke and Yelü Hong."

Lu Zhishen shouted, "What's there to be afraid of! Kill one if one comes, kill two if two come!"

Wu Song calmly analyzed, "Brother Lu, we must not be reckless. We must win with wisdom, not fight the imperial court head-on."

Everyone expressed their opinions, and ultimately decided to follow Wu Yong's plan.

However, their envoys encountered numerous obstacles in the capital. Gao Ke had already arranged for men to intercept them, and the envoys were not only unable to meet the emperor, but were also nearly arrested.

Meanwhile, the imperial army was assembling, preparing to march to Liangshan. The Liangshan heroes trained day and night, preparing for the upcoming battle. Zhao Tianming felt guilty, believing he had dragged everyone down with him.

"Brothers, it's all my fault. I've caused you all so much trouble," Zhao Tianming said.

His brothers comforted him.

Just as the Liangshan heroes were preparing for battle, Gao Ke and Yelü Hong were secretly plotting an even more insidious scheme. They sent people to spread rumors near Liangshan, sowing discord between Liangshan and the surrounding people, attempting to isolate and leave Liangshan helpless. The people began to fear and misunderstand Liangshan, no longer supporting them as before.

The supply of materials to Liangshan also encountered problems. Due to the blockade by the imperial court, it became extremely difficult to replenish food and weapons.

At this time, the imperial army had already reached the foot of Liangshan Mountain, and the leading general arrogantly challenged them.

"You bandits of Liangshan, surrender now, or we'll raze your stronghold to the ground!"

Standing atop the city wall, Song Jiang shouted back, "We, the heroes of Liangshan, are all loyal and righteous men who have been harmed by treacherous people. If the imperial court does not distinguish right from wrong, we will fight to the death!"

A great battle is imminent. Whether the heroes of Liangshan can hold out against these crises and wait for a turning point remains uncertain. But their belief has never wavered: justice will surely prevail over evil.