Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

While running the restaurant, Zhao Tianming, Wu Yong, and others kept a close eye on the military situation on the border.

On this day, Zhao Tianming welcomed a mysterious guest to the restaurant. The man was simply dressed, but his eyes revealed a shrewdness. He drank alone in a corner, occasionally observing Zhao Tianming and his companions.

Zhao Tianming became suspicious and stepped forward to speak: "Sir, you look unfamiliar. May I ask where you come from?"

The guest smiled slightly: "I am a traveling merchant. I heard that this restaurant is lively, so I came to join in the fun."

Zhao Tianming smiled and said, "So that's how it is. Please enjoy your meal, sir."

However, Zhao Tianming always felt that this person was not simple.

A few days later, Wu Yong received a secret letter containing important military intelligence. It stated that internal divisions had occurred within the enemy army, causing their forces to become scattered, presenting an excellent opportunity for attack.

Wu Yong was skeptical and discussed it with Zhao Tianming.

"This news is suspicious; we need to be cautious," Wu Yong said.

Zhao Tianming nodded: "But we also sent many people to investigate beforehand, so there might be some truth to it."

Just as they were hesitating, the mysterious guest reappeared.

"Mr. Zhao, I've heard some news that might be useful to you," the customer said in a low voice.

Zhao Tianming quickly invited him to sit down: "I would like to hear the details."

The guest said, "When I was doing business at the border, I heard that the enemy army was running out of food and supplies and their morale was low."

Zhao Tianming and Wu Yong exchanged a glance, their doubts lessening slightly.

To verify the information, they sent out even more people to investigate. Those who returned brought back similar intelligence, saying that the enemy forces were indeed experiencing various problems.

Zhao Tianming said, "It seems this is a rare opportunity that we cannot miss."

Wu Yong was still somewhat worried: "But what if this is a treacherous plot by the enemy..."

Zhao Tianming pondered for a moment: "Fortune favors the bold. We should report to the court and request permission to send troops."

After receiving their report, the imperial court, after some discussion, decided to let them lead the army into battle.

Zhao Tianming and his men led their troops toward the border. Along the way, their morale was high, and they were looking forward to defeating the enemy in one fell swoop.

However, when they arrived at the designated location, they found themselves in an ambush.

"Oh no, we've fallen into a trap!" Wu Yong shouted.

Enemy troops surged out from all sides, their shouts of battle deafening.

Zhao Tianming's eyes widened in anger: "Damn it, we were actually fooled by that false information!"

At this moment, Gao Ke appeared among the enemy troops.

"Haha, Zhao Tianming, you've finally fallen into my trap!" Gao Ke laughed triumphantly.

Zhao Tianming gritted his teeth: "Gao Ke, you treacherous villain!"

The Song army was engaged in a fierce battle, and casualties continued to rise.

Wu Yong tried his best to direct the army to resist: "Everyone, don't panic, maintain formation!"

Lu Junyi brandished his spear and fought bravely against the enemy, but the enemy troops surged in like a tide, and the situation became increasingly critical.

Just then, Song Jiang led a group of men through the enemy's encirclement and arrived at Zhao Tianming's side.

"It's dawn! We must find a way to break through!" Song Jiang shouted.

As Zhao Tianming watched his brothers fall one after another, his heart was filled with grief and indignation: "Alright, everyone, follow me and charge!"

They fought their way out, attempting to break through the encirclement.

However, Gao Ke had already set up multiple defensive lines, making it extremely difficult for the Song army to break through.

Zhao Tianming was extremely anxious. Suddenly, he came up with a plan.

"Wu Yong, you lead a group of men to feign a breakout to the rear and draw the enemy's attention. Brother Gongming and I will rush out from the flank and find the enemy's weak points," Zhao Tianming said.

Wu Yong nodded: "Alright, proceed with caution!"

As planned, Wu Yong led his men in a feigned breakout, which indeed attracted a large number of enemy troops.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Zhao Tianming and Song Jiang charged from the flank and finally found a gap in the enemy's defenses.

"Brothers, charge!" Zhao Tianming shouted.

The Song soldiers were greatly encouraged and charged out with them.

However, they also suffered heavy losses during the breakout.

Looking at the exhausted soldiers, Zhao Tianming felt a pang of guilt.

"It was all because I trusted the false information that my brothers were put in such a dangerous situation," Zhao Tianming said remorsefully.

Song Jiang comforted him, saying, "Tianming, don't blame yourself. We still have a chance to make a comeback."

Wu Yong said, "Yes, let's retreat to the camp first and then discuss this further."

Back at the camp, Zhao Tianming and the others began to reflect on the reasons for their defeat.

"It seems we can't rely on a single source of intelligence; we must verify information from multiple angles," Wu Yong said.

Zhao Tianming nodded: "We were too careless this time. Gao Ke is too cunning."

They decided to regroup, strengthen intelligence gathering and analysis, and prepare to fight the enemy again to avenge their previous defeat.

After passing on the false information to Zhao Tianming and the others, the mysterious merchant secretly went to Cai Jing's residence.

Cai Jing was reviewing documents in his study when the merchant arrived. He quickly asked, "How is the matter progressing?"

The merchant smiled obsequiously, "Rest assured, sir, everything is proceeding according to plan. Zhao Tianming and his men have fallen into the trap and suffered heavy losses."

A hint of smugness flashed in Cai Jing's eyes. "Very good. Quickly inform Gao Qiu of this matter and have him come with me to meet the Emperor."

The merchant accepted the order and withdrew, and soon found Gao Qiu.

Gao Qiu was overjoyed upon hearing this, thinking that he finally had a chance to suppress Zhao Tianming and his group.

Therefore, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing hurriedly entered the palace to meet Emperor Huizong.

Emperor Huizong was handling state affairs in his study when he saw the two men looking hurried, and a sense of doubt arose in his heart.

"Minister Cai, Minister Gao, what brings you in such a hurry?" Emperor Huizong asked.

Cai Jing spoke first, cupping his hands and saying, "Your Majesty, an urgent report has arrived from the border. Zhao Tianming and others disobeyed the imperial orders and launched an unauthorized attack. As a result of poor command, our army suffered heavy losses, greatly damaging the prestige of the imperial army!"

Gao Qiu chimed in, "Your Majesty, Zhao Tianming and the others were too arrogant. This defeat was truly their fault."

Emperor Huizong's face instantly darkened. "Is this really true?"

Cai Jing fanned the flames, saying, "Your Majesty, Zhao Tianming and his men are of humble origins and do not understand military strategy. Their rash actions have led to such serious consequences. If they are not severely punished, it will be difficult to convince the public."

Gao Qiu continued, "Yes, Your Majesty. Moreover, this defeat will likely boost the morale of the enemy, which is extremely detrimental to the border situation of our Great Song Dynasty."

Upon hearing their words, Emperor Huizong was filled with rage. "These ignorant fools have ruined my grand plan!"

He slammed his hand on the table. "Issue my decree to summon Zhao Tianming and the others back to the capital. I will interrogate them personally!"

Cai Jing and Gao Qiu exchanged a smile, secretly pleased with themselves.

Instigated by Cai Jing and Gao Qiu, Emperor Huizong was furious and immediately decided to summon Zhao Tianming and others back to the capital to be punished.

"My mind is made up. Draft an edict immediately!" Emperor Huizong roared.

In the imperial court, the ministers looked at each other in bewilderment. Some wanted to plead for Zhao Tianming and the others, but seeing that Emperor Huizong was in a fit of anger, none of them dared to speak up easily.

The decree was quickly drafted, and Emperor Huizong affixed the imperial seal, saying, "Eunuch Chen, you shall immediately take this decree to the border and recall Zhao Tianming and the others."

Eunuch Chen received the decree: "As you command, Your Majesty."

At the same time, Emperor Huizong ordered the Privy Council to send officials to accompany him and supervise the matter. The Privy Council then dispatched an official named Li Jin.

Eunuch Chen and Li Jin, carrying the imperial edict and a troop of imperial guards, rode swiftly towards the border.

Throughout the journey, Eunuch Chen was filled with unease. He knew that this matter was of great importance, and if handled improperly, he himself might be implicated.

"Lord Li, we must be careful on our journey to the border," Eunuch Chen said to Li Jin.

Li Jin said with a serious expression, "Rest assured, Your Excellency, I will do my duty to the best of my ability."

After several days of travel, they finally arrived at the border.

Zhao Tianming and the others were in low spirits due to their defeat and were discussing how to turn the tide.

Suddenly, a soldier reported: "General, the imperial court has sent Eunuch Chen and Lord Li."

Zhao Tianming and the others were startled, wondering what the imperial court had come for.

As Eunuch Chen and Li Jin entered the tent, Zhao Tianming and the others quickly bowed in greeting.

Eunuch Chen unfolded the imperial edict and loudly proclaimed: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Zhao Tianming and others have launched an unauthorized military campaign, resulting in heavy losses. They are hereby summoned back to the capital to await further punishment."

After reading the imperial edict, Zhao Tianming and the others turned ashen-faced.

“Father-in-law, this defeat is truly our fault, but there are other hidden reasons behind it,” Zhao Tianming said.

Eunuch Chen sighed: "General Zhao, I am only acting under orders. If you have anything to say, go back to the capital and explain to His Majesty."

Li Jin coldly said from the side, "Zhao Tianming, you have committed such a grave mistake, and you still want to make excuses?"

Zhao Tianming glared at Li Jin: "Lord Li, we are fighting to the death on the front lines, and you are making sarcastic remarks here!"

Wu Yong quickly advised, "General, don't act rashly."

Song Jiang also said, "Sir, Lord Li, we are willing to return to the capital with you, but please give us some time to reorganize our troops."

Eunuch Chen nodded: "Alright, we'll give you one day."

After Eunuch Chen left, the atmosphere in the tent became heavy. Wu Yong frowned and said to Zhao Tianming, "Manager Zhao, we just suffered a defeat, and someone has already reported this to the Emperor so quickly. I think this is definitely a trap with ulterior motives. If we return to the capital rashly without clarifying the matter, we will definitely be in danger."

Zhao Tianming's face was grave, and he clenched his fists. "Mr. Wu is absolutely right, but we cannot disobey the imperial decree. What should we do?"

Song Jiang stepped forward and said, “In my opinion, this matter is very strange. I’m afraid someone is deliberately trying to frame us.”

Wu Song nodded and said, "That's right. We risked our lives on the front lines, but we were framed like this. There must be a villain behind this."

Lu Zhishen crossed his arms and said, "I also feel that something is fishy about this. We can't just go back in this muddle."

Li Kui jumped up and shouted, "It's most likely that bastard Gao Qiu is behind this! That guy has always disliked us, it must be him who did this!"

The crowd echoed their sentiments, filled with righteous indignation.

Wu Yong pondered for a moment and said, “Brothers, the situation is extremely unfavorable for us. If we disobey the imperial decree and do not return, we will commit a serious crime; but if we go back now, we may fall into the trap of treacherous people. We need to think of a foolproof plan.”

Zhao Tianming paced back and forth. "Mr. Wu, in your opinion, what should we do?"

Wu Yong gently waved his feather fan. "The best course of action now is for us to gather evidence as quickly as possible to prove that we have fallen into the enemy's trap. On the other hand, we should also send people to the capital to gather information and understand the Emperor's attitude and the movement of the court."

Song Jiang said, "This plan is excellent, but we are pressed for time, and we don't know if we can make it in time."

Wu Song said, "No matter what, we have to give it a try."

Lu Zhishen said, "I am willing to lead men to collect evidence."

Li Kui shouted, "I'm going too! I'm going to find that guy who framed us and teach him a lesson!"

Wu Yong quickly stopped him, saying, "Brother Li, don't be impulsive. This matter needs to be carefully considered. We must not act rashly."

After further discussion, the group decided to split up. Lu Zhishen and Wu Song led a team to search for clues and evidence related to the defeat, while Li Kui led a group to secretly investigate the surrounding area for any suspicious individuals. Zhao Tianming and Song Jiang were responsible for reorganizing the remaining troops to prevent the enemy from taking advantage of the situation, and Wu Yong prepared a letter to send to the capital to contact reliable people to help gather information.

Inside the tent, everyone looked determined. Despite their predicament, they were resolved to clear their names and expose the mastermind behind it all.