Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

During the temporary truce between the Liao and Song armies, the situation on the border appeared calm, but undercurrents were surging beneath the surface.

While in the capital, Gao Qiu was secretly furious upon hearing of the Liao army's setback. He knew that if the border war could not be resolved quickly, his position in the court would be threatened. Therefore, he decided to use his power to suppress Zhao Tianming and others in the business world.

Gao Qiu gathered his confidants and secretly plotted a sinister plan.

"Go and spread the word that Zhao Tianming is colluding with merchants on the border to resell military rations and line his own pockets," Gao Qiu said viciously.

The news immediately caused a huge uproar in the business world of the capital. Some businessmen who colluded with Gao Qiu began to unite and boycott business dealings with Zhao Tianming.

Meanwhile, on the border, Zhao Tianming was completely unaware of the conspiracy in the capital. At this time, he was deeply worried about the shortage of food supplies.

"Mr. Wu Yong, we are currently short of food and supplies, and the imperial court's support is still delayed. What should we do?" Zhao Tianming asked anxiously.

After a moment of contemplation, Wu Yong said, "General, perhaps we can cooperate with local merchants to collect grain from the people."

Zhao Tianming nodded: "That's the only way. Go and do it quickly."

Wu Yong began negotiating with the merchants on the border, but they all looked hesitant.

“Mr. Wu, it’s not that we’re unwilling to help, but news has come from the capital that General Zhao has committed illegal acts, so we dare not cooperate easily,” a merchant said.

Wu Yong realized the seriousness of the situation and quickly informed Zhao Tianming.

Zhao Tianming was furious: "This must be Gao Qiu's conspiracy!"

Meanwhile, Gao Yanei wasn't idle either. He recruited some local thugs in the capital and deliberately caused trouble near Zhao Tianming's family's residence, attempting to disrupt their lives.

Unable to bear the harassment any longer, Zhao Tianming's family wrote to him to inform him. Upon learning this, Zhao Tianming was even more worried.

Meanwhile, in the Liao Kingdom, Gao Ke and Jiaogen Jingchun did not abandon their attack plan. They sent spies to infiltrate the Song army camp, attempting to turn some wavering soldiers against their will.

A soldier named Zhang San, due to his family's poverty, was lured by a spy from the Liao army.

"As long as you can provide us with intelligence on the Song army, you will enjoy endless wealth and honor," the spy said.

After much hesitation, Zhang San finally agreed.

However, Zhang San's unusual behavior aroused the suspicion of the other soldiers.

"Zhang San, why have you been acting so mysteriously lately?" asked a soldier who was on good terms with Zhang San.

Zhang San stammered, his eyes darting around.

The soldier sensed something was amiss and reported the situation to Zhao Tianming.

Zhao Tianming decided to investigate secretly. He and Wu Yong set a trap to lure Zhang San into revealing his true colors.

Zhang San was caught red-handed while passing on intelligence.

"General, spare my life! I was confused for a moment!" Zhang San knelt down and begged for mercy.

Zhao Tianming glared at him angrily: "You traitor, you almost ruined everyone's lives!"

Just then, Yin Tianxi, an official sent by the imperial court, arrived at the border.

"Zhao Tianming, someone has accused you of embezzling military rations. I have been ordered to come and investigate," Yin Tianxi said arrogantly.

Zhao Tianming knew in his heart that this was another of Gao Qiu's tricks.

“Lord Yin, this is a complete frame-up. I hope you will investigate this matter thoroughly,” Zhao Tianming said.

Yin Tianxi sneered: "Whether I'm guilty or not isn't up to you to decide."

He began a massive search of the camp, trying to find what he called evidence.

At this time, the Liao army received the news and believed that this was the perfect opportunity to attack.

Gao Ke once again amassed his army, preparing to launch a new round of fierce attacks.

Jingchun and his ninjas were also ready to cooperate with the Liao army at any time.

The Song army was caught in a predicament of internal and external troubles. Whether Zhao Tianming could resolve the crisis and defend the border became a huge suspense.

Zhao Tianming was overwhelmed with work, having to deal with Yin Tianxi's investigation on one hand and guard against the Liao army's attack on the other.

Wu Yong offered advice from the side: "General, let's first stabilize Yin Tianxi, and at the same time strengthen our defenses so that the Liao army can't take advantage of the situation."

Zhao Tianming nodded: "That's the only way."

Just as the Song army was preparing for battle, Yin Tianxi deliberately caused trouble in the camp, hindering the Song army's deployment.

"Yin Tianxi, what do you mean by this?" Zhao Tianming shouted angrily.

Yin Tianxi, however, did not take it to heart: "I am just doing my official duties."

Meanwhile, the Liao army had already besieged the city, and the shouts of battle were deafening.

Ignoring Yin Tianxi, Zhao Tianming led his soldiers to charge up the city wall and engage in a fierce battle with the Liao army.

On the battlefield, smoke filled the air and shouts of battle rose from all sides.

Gao Ke shouted at the front of the battle: "Zhao Tianming, today is your death day!"

Zhao Tianming replied, "With me here, you won't be able to set foot on the border!"

Just as the two sides were locked in fierce battle, Wu Yong suddenly discovered a weakness in the Liao army.

"General, look there!" Wu Yong shouted.

Zhao Tianming decisively ordered: "Concentrate your forces and attack this place!"

The Song army launched a valiant attack, and the Liao army's lines began to fall into disarray.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Jōshun led the ninjas into the battlefield in an attempt to turn the tide.

Wu Song and Lu Zhishen confronted the ninjas and engaged in a fierce battle.

Just then, a righteous minister in the court learned of the situation on the border and offered his advice to Emperor Huizong of Song.

"Your Majesty, General Zhao Tianming is loyal and must have been framed. The border is in grave danger. We hope Your Majesty will investigate thoroughly."

Emperor Huizong of Song began to suspect the actions of Gao Qiu and others.

Meanwhile, at the border, the fighting continues, the outcome remains uncertain, the situation is increasingly tense, and filled with endless suspense...

Someone beat up Zhao Tianming's father-in-law, Zhang Bangchang, which made He Xiang extremely anxious and sleepless. With the flames of war raging on the border ahead and his family suffering such humiliation at home, Zhao Tianming felt like he was being roasted on a fire, caught in a desperate dilemma.

With tears in her eyes, He Xiang wrote a letter to Zhao Tianming, detailing the matter. Upon receiving the letter, Zhao Tianming was furious and wished he could fly back to the rear immediately to deal with those who had done evil.

At this moment, inside the tent, Wu Yong paced back and forth in deep thought, and then said, "General, do not act rashly. At this time, we must win with wisdom. We can use a clever escape strategy."

Zhao Tianming frowned and said, "Please speak, sir."

A glint of wisdom flashed in Wu Yong's eyes as he said, "We'll spread false information, claiming that the army is about to withdraw from the border, while secretly setting up an ambush. Gao Ke, who is in the Liao army, will surely pass on this message, luring the Liao army to attack. We can then wait in comfort and catch them off guard."

Zhao Tianming nodded slightly, approving of the plan.

The news quickly reached Gao Ke's ears "inadvertently," and Gao Ke was overjoyed and hurriedly informed the Liao army generals.

When the Liao generals heard that the Song army was about to withdraw, they thought they had an opportunity and sent out their entire force.

However, when they stepped into the ambush set up by the Song army, shouts of battle erupted instantly.

"Kill!" Zhao Tianming roared, and the Song army charged straight at the Liao army like tigers descending a mountain.

The Liao army was thrown into disarray and suffered heavy casualties.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Gao Ke attempted to escape in the chaos.

"Gao Ke, stop!" Zhao Tianming discovered his movements and led his troops in pursuit.

However, Gao Ke was extremely cunning. Taking advantage of the chaos, he managed to escape under the cover of his confidants.

Although the plan failed to capture Gao Ke alive, it dealt a heavy blow to the Liao army.

The Liao general was furious: "That bastard Gao Ke, what kind of lousy intelligence did he provide!"

Gao Ke returned to the Liao army camp looking dejected and filled with fear.

On the Song army's side, although Gao Ke escaped, their morale was greatly boosted.

Wu Yong said, "General, although we failed to capture Gao Ke this time, we have dealt a heavy blow to the Liao army. Next, we can use the chain strategy."

Zhao Tianming's gaze was firm: "I would like to hear the details."

Wu Yong said, "First, we'll send people to spread rumors around the Liao army, saying that some of their generals want to surrender to the Song army, to arouse their suspicion. Then, at night, we'll feign a raid on their camp, but in reality, it's just a show of force to exhaust them. Finally, we'll send envoys, pretending to negotiate peace, to lull them into a false sense of security."

Zhao Tianming followed the plan.

As expected, the Liao army became suspicious of each other due to the rumors, and morale was low.

The Song army's repeated raids on the Liao camp for several consecutive nights left the Liao army exhausted and under immense pressure.

Just then, an envoy from the Song army arrived and proposed peace talks.

The Liao generals hesitated, but Gao Ke strongly advised them not to believe him.

However, the Liao army generals were already dissatisfied with Gao Ke at this time, believing that he had made a series of mistakes.

Ultimately, the Liao army decided to negotiate peace with the Song army.

However, this was merely a tactic employed by the Song army.

During the peace negotiations, the Song army suddenly launched an attack.

The Liao army was thrown into chaos, abandoning their armor and weapons.

Gao Ke attempted to escape again, but was shot in the arm by a stray arrow.

He endured the pain and continued to flee, managing to escape once again.

After this battle, the Liao army was severely weakened and temporarily retreated.

Zhao Tianming gazed in the direction the Liao army had gone, his expression grave: "Gao Ke has not been eliminated; he remains a hidden danger."

Wu Yong comforted him, saying, "General, do not worry. We have gained the upper hand this time. Let us rest and regroup before seeking another opportunity."

Zhao Tianming nodded, then sent people back to the rear to appease his father-in-law and strengthen the protection of his family.

However, the situation on the border remains volatile, with the Liao army watching from afar, ready to launch a counterattack at any moment.

The Liao army not only failed to capture the city but also suffered heavy losses. The Liao emperor was extremely dissatisfied with Gao Ke and refused to send troops again no matter how much he pleaded. Seeing that his plan for revenge was thwarted, Gao Ke devised another scheme.

Gao Ke decided to use the "remove the ladder after climbing to the roof" strategy. He knew that although the Liao emperor refused to send troops at the moment, he still coveted Song territory. Therefore, Gao Ke privately approached the Liao emperor and advised him: "Your Majesty, this defeat was truly unexpected. But the Song army must now think that we dare not fight again, and their defenses are lax. If we send an elite squad disguised as civilians to infiltrate Song territory, burn their supplies, and harass their rear, we can create chaos in the Song army. When Your Majesty then sends troops, we will surely succeed in one fell swoop."

The Liao emperor was slightly tempted after hearing this, but still had concerns: "What if the Song army discovers this?"

Gao Ke said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this squad will operate covertly and will be guided by someone familiar with Song territory, so they will be able to do so without anyone noticing. Once the deed is done, the Song army will be thrown into chaos, and then Your Majesty can send troops out as if with the tide."

The Liao emperor was eventually persuaded and agreed to Gao Ke's plan.

Gao Ke carefully selected a group of soldiers who were agile and familiar with the terrain, and had them disguise themselves and sneak into Song territory.