Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

The Liangshan heroes were arguing vehemently with Gao Qiu and Cai Jing in the courtroom, creating a tense and deadlocked atmosphere.

Just then, Zhao Tianming strode into the courtroom with Shi Qian, Shi Xiu, and Wu Song. Upon seeing Emperor Huizong, Zhao Tianming respectfully bowed and said, "This humble subject, Zhao Tianming, greets Your Majesty."

Emperor Huizong frowned slightly and asked, "Who are you? How dare you trespass into the court?"

Zhao Tianming replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Your Majesty, I make a living by running a restaurant, and I have heard a lot about what is happening in the court. Today I have an important matter to report to Your Majesty."

As he spoke, Zhao Tianming took out a letter from his bosom and presented it to Emperor Huizong with both hands, saying, "Your Majesty, this is a letter between Gao Qiu and Cai Jing and the Liao Kingdom. I obtained it by chance and know that this matter is of great importance, so I have come to present it to Your Majesty."

Emperor Huizong took the letter, his face instantly darkening. He turned to Cai Jing and questioned him, "Cai Jing, what exactly is going on?"

Cai Jing was startled, but he was prepared. He immediately knelt down and cried out that he was innocent: "Your Majesty, this is slander! Zhao Tianming and his men are bandits from Liangshan. They are treacherous and will stop at nothing. This letter must be forged to frame me."

Zhao Tianming glared at him and shouted, "Cai Jing, stop trying to deny it! This letter is absolutely genuine and is irrefutable evidence of your treason!"

Gao Qiu chimed in, "Your Majesty, do not listen to the nonsense of these scoundrels. The Liangshan bandits are nothing but a rabble, including all sorts of petty thieves. Before, in Jiangzhou, they even forged letters to try and save Song Jiang, which shows how despicable their methods are."

Shi Qian couldn't help but jump out and say, "Gao Qiu, you treacherous minister, stop making false accusations! We have come here only to expose your crimes and restore justice to the world."

Shi Xiu also said, "Your Majesty, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing have committed numerous evils and framed loyal officials. If they are not punished, it would be an injustice to Heaven!"

Wu Song clenched his fists and shouted, "Your Majesty, I, Wu Song, swear on my life that this letter is absolutely genuine. Gao Qiu and Cai Jing are traitors who have colluded with the enemy and committed unforgivable crimes!"

Cai Jing sneered, "Hmph, you bandits from Liangshan, you rob and plunder every day, committing all sorts of evil deeds. Now you actually want to interfere in the affairs of the imperial court, you clearly have ulterior motives."

Zhao Tianming said, "Cai Jing, you keep calling us bandits, but we Liangshan people are all forced into this situation by the times. You and Gao Qiu are the real traitors who bring disaster to the country and the people!"

Emperor Huizong's expression was solemn. He looked at the letter in his hand, then at the crowd below, and fell into deep thought.

Seeing this, Gao Qiu continued, "Your Majesty, the Liangshan people have always been cunning, and their words are absolutely untrustworthy. This Zhao Tianming has somehow obtained this fake letter, attempting to disrupt the court."

Zhao Tianming said, “Your Majesty, everything I have said is true. Gao Qiu and Cai Jing are in cahoots, not only framing Grand Tutor Li, but also colluding with the enemy and betraying the country. If Your Majesty does not believe me, you can send someone to investigate thoroughly.”

Cai Jing's eyes darted around, and he said, "Your Majesty, even if this letter is genuine, it's possible that the Liangshan bandits stole it from somewhere else and deliberately framed me."

Shi Qian cursed, "Cai Jing, you shameless scoundrel, you're still using sweet talk even now!"

In the courtroom, everyone had their own version of events, and Emperor Huizong's face grew increasingly grim.

Zhao Tianming knelt down again and said sincerely, "Your Majesty, I know this matter is of great importance, but I would never dare to utter a single lie. I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly, restore the innocence of a loyal minister, and punish the treacherous officials."

Emperor Huizong remained silent for a moment before finally speaking: "I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly. If what you say is true, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing will be severely punished. But if you are framing them, you will not let them off easily either!"

The atmosphere in the courtroom remained tense, and it was still unknown how this incident would end.

In the courtroom, the two sides argued fiercely, and Emperor Huizong of Song was thoroughly exasperated by the noisy situation. His brows were furrowed, and his face was full of irritation and anger.

"Shut up, all of you!" Emperor Huizong finally couldn't hold back and shouted angrily, and the hall immediately fell silent.

Emperor Huizong pondered for a moment and then slowly said, "Li Gang will stay in prison for a few more days. However, the jailers must treat Li Gang well. If there is any misconduct, I will punish them severely."

Then he looked at Gao Qiu, Cai Jing, and the Liangshan group, saying, "Both sides prepare your evidence, and we will hold another trial in three days."

After saying this, Emperor Huizong waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.

The Liangshan heroes were indignant upon hearing this decision. Li Kui, eyes wide, brandished his axe and shouted, "What does the Emperor mean by this? Grand Tutor Li has clearly been wronged!"

Lu Zhishen angrily retorted, "Isn't this blatant favoritism towards those two treacherous officials, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing?!"

Yan Qing quickly pulled Li Kui back and advised, "Brother, don't be impulsive. Let's discuss this carefully."

Gao Qiu, Cai Jing, and the others saw the angry expressions on the faces of the Liangshan people, but they also revealed smug smiles.

Gao Qiu said contemptuously, "A bunch of bandits dare to dream of defying the imperial court? They are simply overestimating themselves."

Cai Jing chimed in, "Hmph, let's see what tricks you can come up with."

Lin Chong glared at them and said through gritted teeth, "You two traitors will get your comeuppance sooner or later."

Just then, Shi Jin, who had been silent all along, rushed out and pointed at Gao Qiu and Cai Jing, shouting, "You two bastards, just you wait and see!"

Upon seeing this, the guards beside Emperor Huizong immediately shouted, "How dare you! How dare you be so insolent before the Emperor!"

Shi Jin, however, showed no fear and continued to glare angrily.

Song Jiang hurriedly stepped forward and apologized to Emperor Huizong: "Your Majesty, please calm down. My brother is impetuous and has offended Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will forgive him."

Emperor Huizong's face darkened, and he said, "Song Jiang, keep your men in check. If there is a next time, you will not be spared."

Song Jiang nodded repeatedly: "Yes, Your Majesty, I will certainly discipline them strictly."

Afterwards, Song Jiang led the Liangshan members away from the courtroom.

Gao Qiu and Cai Jing watched their departing figures and smiled at each other.

Gao Qiu said, "This time, we must ensure they never have a chance to rise again."

Cai Jing responded ominously, "That's right, we need to plan carefully and not give them any opportunity to take advantage of us."

The Liangshan group returned to their lodgings, where the atmosphere was unusually heavy.

Wu Yong waved his feather fan and said, "Brothers, don't be impatient. The situation is unfavorable to us now, but it's not without hope."

Lu Junyi nodded and said, "Mr. Wu is absolutely right. We need to remain calm and find strong evidence to clear Grand Tutor Li's name."

Shi Jin said regretfully, "It's all my fault for being too impulsive; I almost ruined everything."

Song Jiang comforted him, saying, "Brother, you were just speaking up for Grand Tutor Li, but you must never be so reckless again in the future."

Everyone expressed their determination to fight Gao Qiu and Cai Jing to the end and get justice for Li Gang.

After leaving the courtroom, the Liangshan heroes went straight to Zhao Tianming's restaurant. Along the way, everyone wore solemn expressions and heavy hearts, their anger rising as they thought of Emperor Huizong's unjust decision and the smug faces of Gao Qiu and Cai Jing.

As everyone entered the restaurant, Zhao Tianming quickly ushered them into a spacious private room.

"Brothers, please have a seat," Zhao Tianming said, gesturing to everyone.

Inside the private room, the tables and chairs were neatly arranged, the windows were open, and a gentle breeze blew in, but it failed to dispel the gloom in everyone's hearts.

Upon learning of everyone's arrival, Zhao Tianming's wife, He Xiang, hurriedly busied herself in the kitchen. Before long, she had prepared a sumptuous feast for everyone.

He Xiang carried platters of delicious dishes into the private room, a warm smile on her face. "My lords, you must be tired from your journey. Please try my cooking."

The table was laden with fragrant dishes, including braised pork knuckle, sweet and sour carp, braised beef, and a large jar of fine wine.

Song Jiang spoke first: "Thank you for your hospitality, Brother Zhao and Sister-in-law, but Grand Tutor Li is still in prison, and we really can't eat."

Wu Song slammed his fist on the table and said, "Gao Qiu and Cai Jing are so arrogant, I wish I could go and take their dog heads right now!"

Lu Zhishen chimed in, "That's right! The emperor can't even tell right from wrong, it's infuriating!"

Zhao Tianming said, "Brothers, don't be in a hurry. Let's eat and drink our fill first so we can have the energy to discuss countermeasures."

Wu Yong gently waved his feather fan and nodded slightly: "Brother Zhao is right. Let's all calm down first."

Everyone then took their seats, but they only looked at the food in front of them without any appetite.

Seeing this, He Xiang advised, "My heroes, things have come to this point, we must find a way to resolve this. If we don't eat or drink, how will we have the strength to fight against that treacherous minister?"

Li Kui picked up a piece of beef, stuffed it into his mouth, and mumbled, "Sister-in-law is right, we can't fight on an empty stomach!"

After hearing this, everyone slowly started eating.

After eating for a while, Song Jiang said, "Now we need to find strong evidence as soon as possible so that His Majesty can believe in the crimes of Gao Qiu and Cai Jing."

Lin Chong frowned: "But where should we begin?"

After a moment's thought, Wu Yong said, "In my opinion, we can start with Gao Qiu and Cai Jing's confidants; perhaps we can find out some useful information."

Shi Xiu said, "Mr. Wu is right, but those confidants probably won't easily reveal the truth."

Zhao Tianming replied, "I do have a way to do that. I know some people from all walks of life in the capital, and perhaps I can get help from them."

Everyone's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Lu Junyi said, "If that could be done, that would be wonderful."

As everyone ate, they discussed their next plans, and the atmosphere gradually became lively.

He Xiang stood by, constantly refilling everyone's wine and dishes, silently offering her support.

Li Kui drank a large bowl of wine, wiped his mouth, and said, "I refuse to believe that with so many of us, we can't defeat those two treacherous officials!"

Everyone agreed and were determined to clear Li Gang's name and punish Gao Qiu and Cai Jing.

Song Jiang stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Zhao Tianming and He Xiang and said, "Thank you very much for your support, Brother Zhao and Sister-in-law. We will certainly live up to your expectations."

Zhao Tianming replied, "Brother Song, you're too kind. It's my honor to be able to contribute to the cause of justice."

The Liangshan heroes left the restaurant one by one to carry out their respective missions.

However, their actions were not without obstacles. Gao Qiu and Cai Jing seemed to have sensed the intentions of the Liangshan heroes and strengthened their defenses, causing their investigation to be repeatedly thwarted.