Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

After Yelü Hong, Gao Ke, and others discussed and agreed on a new strategy in the tavern, they began to make preparations in earnest.

Their first focus was on Zhang Meng, a rebel general stationed on the border of the Northern Song Dynasty. Zhang Meng was originally a general in the Song army, but he harbored resentment over the unfair rewards bestowed by the court. He was secretly recruited by Yelü Hong and others and agreed to serve them.

Yelü Hong sent his eloquent confidant, disguised as a merchant, to Zhang Meng's camp with a large sum of money.

On this day, Zhang Meng was troubled in his tent by the lack of military pay when a soldier came to report that a merchant was requesting an audience.

Zhang Meng, puzzled, had the merchant brought in. The newcomer was dressed in fine clothes and had a beaming smile on his face.

"General, I have long admired your name," the merchant said, bowing.

Zhang Meng frowned. "Who are you? What business do you have with this general?"

The merchant calmly took out a brocade box from his pocket, and when he opened it, it was full of gold and silver jewelry.

Zhang Meng's eyes lit up, but he still pretended to be calm. "What does this mean?"

The merchant leaned closer to Zhang Meng and whispered, "General, we have been entrusted by the King of Liao to help you achieve great things."

Zhang Meng was startled. "The Liao Kingdom?"

The merchant continued, "Now that you are being neglected in the Song court, General, you have great skills but nowhere to use them. Why not cooperate with us? Wealth and glory will be within your grasp."

Zhang Meng was tempted, but still had concerns. "This matter is of utmost importance. If the imperial court finds out, it will be a capital offense."

The merchant smiled and said, "General, rest assured, as long as you follow our plan, everything will be foolproof."

The businessman then explained their plan to Zhang Meng in detail.

Soon after, Zhang Meng began to act according to the instructions of Yelü Hong and others. He deliberately relaxed the border defenses, allowing small groups of Liao troops to harass border villages.

For a time, the people living on the border were filled with fear and resentment.

When Emperor Huizong learned of this, he was furious and ordered a thorough investigation.

At this time, Yelü Hong saw that the time was ripe and sent a large army to press on the border.

The Song Dynasty defenders fought valiantly, but due to Zhang Meng's sabotage, the situation became extremely critical.

Amidst this chaos, Liao spies posing as merchants spread rumors in border towns that the Song army had been defeated and the court was about to abandon the border.

The people panicked even more and fled their homes.

Emperor Huizong received an urgent report from the border while in court, and he was extremely anxious.

The ministers offered various suggestions, some advocating for peace and others for increasing troop numbers.

Meanwhile, Yelü Hong and others took the opportunity to send envoys to Emperor Huizong to put forward harsh conditions, attempting to force the Song Dynasty to cede territory and pay reparations.

Amidst these internal and external troubles, the Song Dynasty court descended into chaos.

When Emperor Huizong heard that the border troubles were getting worse, he was extremely anxious. He hurriedly summoned Gao Qiu and said, "As the Grand Commandant of the Palace Guard, you should serve the country now that the border troubles are frequent!"

Gao Qiu accepted the order with trepidation, but he had no intention of sharing the burdens of the country; he only thought about how to get by. The generals he selected were Han Tao, Peng Qi, and Zhou Ang. In Gao Qiu's eyes, these three were nothing more than pawns that he could use at will.

Gao Qiu hastily arranged for them to go on an expedition to scout out enemy news on the border. Han Tao was a brave but reckless man, Peng Qi was impetuous, and Zhou Ang was a pleasure-seeking person.

The group was completely undisciplined, making their way haphazardly towards the border. Han Tao boasted about his military exploits along the way, Peng Qi constantly complained about the arduous journey, and Zhou Ang was preoccupied with the pleasures he would enjoy upon returning to the capital.

When they reached a treacherous valley, Han Tao remained completely unaware of anything unusual about their surroundings. Peng Qi, though sensing something amiss, paid it no heed. Zhou Ang was even more indifferent, focused solely on completing the mission quickly so he could return and claim credit.

Suddenly, a deafening roar of battle cries erupted from both sides of the valley as enemy troops sprang into action. Han Tao, in a panic, brandished his weapon and shouted orders for his soldiers to fight back. Peng Qi, terrified by this unexpected turn of events, was completely disoriented and unsure how to command. Seeing the situation was dire, Zhou Ang turned and tried to flee.

The enemy troops, like tigers descending from the mountain, swiftly surrounded them. The Song army, caught in the chaos, was utterly powerless to resist, and soldiers scattered in all directions. Han Tao was struck by an enemy arrow during the fierce battle and fell from his horse, dying instantly. Peng Qi was captured alive, while Zhou Ang, while fleeing, inadvertently fell into a trap and was killed by a hail of enemy arrows.

When Gao Qiu learned that they had been ambushed and their entire army had been wiped out, he was so shocked that he collapsed into his chair, not knowing how to explain it to Emperor Huizong.

When Emperor Huizong learned that Gao Qiu had suffered heavy losses and that this had damaged the dignity of the court, he was furious.

In the imperial court, Emperor Huizong angrily pointed at Gao Qiu and shouted, "Gao Qiu, you incompetent fool! I entrusted you with an important task, yet you are so utterly worthless, disgracing the soldiers of my Great Song Dynasty and bringing shame upon the court!"

Gao Qiu was so frightened that he immediately knelt down, trembling, "Your Majesty, please calm down! Your Majesty, please calm down! I deserve to die!"

Emperor Huizong was furious and refused to listen to his explanations. "You deserve to die? You deserve far more than death! You minister who has ruined the country, get out of here!"

Gao Qiu was like a stray dog, slinking out of the court in disgrace.

Emperor Huizong, still furious, paced back and forth in the palace. At this moment, Eunuch Cheng stepped forward and said softly, "Your Majesty, I've heard that Zhao Tianming's restaurant has become quite famous recently. Why don't I accompany you out of the palace incognito to relax there?"

Emperor Huizong nodded slightly. "Very well, I'm feeling quite troubled, I'll go for a walk."

So, Eunuch Cheng led Emperor Huizong to Zhao Tianming's restaurant.

At this moment, Zhao Tianming, Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Wu Yong, and others were discussing the future of Liangshan in a restaurant.

"The situation is turbulent now. Although we have found temporary peace in Liangshan, we should also think about the common people of the world," Song Jiang said with deep concern.

Lu Junyi nodded and said, "Brother Song is absolutely right, but I don't know how to contribute to this chaotic world."

Wu Yong gently waved his feather fan. "Let's see how the situation develops before making a decision."

Just then, Emperor Huizong and Eunuch Cheng walked in.

Zhao Tianming, with his sharp eyes, immediately recognized Emperor Huizong. Startled, he hurriedly stepped forward to greet him, saying, "This humble subject was unaware of Your Majesty's arrival and has failed to greet you properly. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

Emperor Huizong waved his hand, "It's alright. I'm just out of the palace in disguise today and want to find some peace and quiet here."

Upon hearing that it was Emperor Huizong, Song Jiang and the others hurriedly knelt down and paid their respects.

Emperor Huizong asked everyone to rise and said, "I am not here today in my imperial capacity, but simply to discuss matters of the world with you all."

Zhao Tianming busied himself arranging the finest food and wine, and everyone sat around a table.

Emperor Huizong looked at Zhao Tianming and the others and sighed, "Now the border troubles are constant, and Gao Qiu is incompetent. I am really worried."

Song Jiang cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, although we are commoners, we are loyal and righteous, and we are willing to share Your Majesty's worries and quell the border troubles."

A glimmer of hope flashed in Emperor Huizong's eyes. "If you gentlemen can help me quell the border troubles, I will reward you handsomely."

Wu Yong said, "Your Majesty, this matter requires careful consideration. Border troubles are complex, and we need to understand the enemy's situation before formulating a countermeasure."

Emperor Huizong nodded in agreement, saying, "I am entirely relying on you all."

Just then, there was a sudden noise outside.

It turned out to be a group of thugs causing trouble outside the restaurant.

Lu Junyi was furious. "How dare you be so insolent in front of His Majesty!" With that, he got up and went out, quickly subduing the thugs.

Emperor Huizong was overjoyed to see Lu Junyi's exceptional martial arts skills, thinking, "With such a hero, what worries do we have about pacifying the borders?"

After discussing it further, the group decided to first send scouts to the border to gather intelligence before making any further plans.

Emperor Huizong was in a great mood and immediately ordered people to prepare writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone.

"I am in high spirits today and wish to inscribe a name for this restaurant." Emperor Huizong rolled up his sleeves, revealing a confident expression.

Zhao Tianming and the others waited respectfully by the side, full of anticipation.

After a moment's thought, Emperor Huizong picked up his brush and wrote the four characters "Zhongyi Winery" in a vigorous and powerful style, showcasing the beauty of his unique "slender gold" calligraphy.

"These four characters are a gift to Zhao Tianming for your restaurant. I hope you will uphold loyalty and righteousness and seek happiness for the people," Emperor Huizong said with a smile.

Zhao Tianming immediately knelt down to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty. I will certainly live up to your expectations."

Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Wu Yong, and others also stepped forward, praising Emperor Huizong's inscription.

"Your Majesty's calligraphy is truly exceptional; these four characters will surely bring glory to this humble restaurant," Song Jiang said.

Emperor Huizong laughed heartily: "You flatter me, everyone. I am merely expressing my sentiments."

Zhao Tianming carefully accepted the plaque, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Your Majesty's kindness is something I will never forget. From now on, I will do my utmost to serve the court," Zhao Tianming said.

Emperor Huizong nodded in satisfaction: "Good, I trust you."

Afterwards, Emperor Huizong lingered in the restaurant for a while, accompanied by his entourage, before getting up to return to the palace.

After Zhao Tianming and the others saw Emperor Huizong off, they returned to the restaurant.

"It is truly an honor for us to receive His Majesty's inscription," Lu Junyi said.

Wu Yong stroked his beard and said, "This is also His Majesty's expectation of us. We must make a difference and live up to His Majesty's trust."

Looking at the plaque, Song Jiang seemed to be deep in thought: "Now that the border troubles are not yet over, we should take this plaque as an inspiration and do our part for the country and the people."

Everyone nodded, their expressions resolute.

Zhao Tianming hung the signboard high, and the restaurant was instantly filled with light.

"With His Majesty's inscription, the restaurant's business will surely flourish even more in the future," Zhao Tianming said.

"But we cannot only pursue business profits; we must also think about how to share the burdens of the country," Song Jiang reminded him.

After discussion, the group decided to take advantage of the restaurant to gather more information about the border troubles and prepare supplies for the expedition against them.

Days passed, and Zhao Tianming and his colleagues were busy but fulfilled. They ran the restaurant while keeping an eye on developments at the border.

Finally, one day, a scout brought news that the enemy forces on the border had made new moves.

"According to our scouts, the enemy has been making frequent troop movements recently, which seems to indicate a large-scale offensive," Wu Yong said.

Song Jiang frowned: "It seems the situation is critical. We need to go to the palace as soon as possible to see the Emperor and report to him."

Zhao Tianming and the others nodded in agreement, packed their belongings, and prepared to enter the palace.

Upon arriving at the palace, Emperor Huizong summoned them once again.

"Gentlemen, have you come here because of news of border troubles?" Emperor Huizong asked anxiously.

Song Jiang stepped forward and reported the intelligence he had obtained to Emperor Huizong in detail.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong's expression turned solemn: "It seems that a great battle is imminent, and I will have to rely on you all."

Zhao Tianming and the others said in unison, "Your Majesty, rest assured, we will fight to the death to protect the peace of our Great Song border."

Emperor Huizong was deeply moved: "It is a great blessing for our Song Dynasty to have such loyal and righteous men like you."

Subsequently, Zhao Tianming and others began to make intensive preparations for the expedition, and a fierce battle was about to begin.