Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Although the Liangshan group's investigation was thwarted, they did not give up. Zhao Tianming, through his connections in the capital, finally learned of a frequent haunt of one of Gao Qiu's confidants. Shi Qian and Shi Xiu then secretly followed this man, preparing to extract useful information.

On a dark and stormy night, the trusted aide stumbled out of a tavern, drunk. Shi Qian and Shi Xiu seized the opportunity to lure him into a secluded alley. Just as the aide was about to cry for help, Shi Xiu pressed a knife to his throat, threatening, "Make a sound, and I'll kill you!"

Shi Qian, meanwhile, flattered him, saying, "If you honestly confess the crimes of Gao Qiu and Cai Jing, we will spare your life." Qin Xin was terrified, and in order to save his own life, he finally revealed some important clues.

It turns out that Gao Qiu and Cai Jing had a secret ledger that recorded detailed transactions between them and the Liao Kingdom, as well as evidence of their embezzlement and bribery. However, this ledger was hidden in one of Gao Qiu's villas.

Upon receiving this news, the Liangshan heroes immediately began planning how to infiltrate the villa and find the account book. Wu Song and Lin Chong volunteered to sneak into the villa at night.

However, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing were not entirely unprepared. The villa was surrounded by guards, and Wu Song and Lin Chong nearly got discovered during their infiltration. At the critical moment, Lin Chong used his exceptional lightness skills to distract some of the guards, allowing Wu Song to find the room where the account books were located.

Just as Wu Song was about to get the account book, Gao Qiu suddenly appeared with a group of experts and surrounded Wu Song.

Gao Qiu laughed triumphantly, "You bunch of Liangshan bandits, you overestimate yourselves, today is your death day!"

Wu Song showed no fear and engaged in a fierce battle with Gao Qiu and his men.

Meanwhile, the Liangshan members who were waiting outside noticed something was wrong and rushed into the courtyard to support Wu Song.

After overcoming numerous dangers, Wu Song and Lin Chong finally obtained the secret ledger from Gao Qiu's villa. The Liangshan heroes were overjoyed and immediately decided to take the ledger to the imperial palace to impeach Gao Qiu and Cai Jing for their crimes before Emperor Huizong.

The atmosphere in the imperial court was heavy. Emperor Huizong of Song sat high on his dragon throne, his face grim as he looked down at the crowd below.

Wu Song held the account book with both hands and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, we have gone through many difficulties to obtain this account book from Gao Qiu's villa. It records in detail the crimes of Gao Qiu and Cai Jing in colluding with the enemy, betraying the country, and accepting bribes. Please take a look."

Gao Qiu and Cai Jing were startled when they heard Wu Song's words, but they quickly calmed down.

Gao Qiu stepped forward and said loudly, "Your Majesty, this is pure slander! This account book is a forgery; it was deliberately used by the Liangshan bandits to frame me."

Cai Jing echoed, "Your Majesty, do not be deceived by these bandits. They harbor treacherous intentions and are plotting to disrupt the court."

Emperor Huizong frowned and said, "Bring it here so I can take a look."

The eunuch took the account book and presented it to Emperor Huizong of Song. Emperor Huizong carefully examined the account book, his expression growing increasingly grim.

At that moment, Gao Qiu said, "Your Majesty, I have witnesses who can prove that this ledger is fake."

Emperor Huizong asked, "Who is it?"

Gao Qiu replied, "It is Wang Zhiqiang, the manager of Wang's General Store."

Before long, Wang Zhiqiang was brought to the imperial court. This Wang Zhiqiang had shifty eyes, his eyes darting around, revealing cunning and shrewdness.

Wang Zhiqiang knelt down and bowed, saying, "This humble subject, Wang Zhiqiang, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Emperor Huizong said, "Gao Qiu said you can prove this account book is fake, so tell the truth."

Wang Zhiqiang said obsequiously, "Your Majesty, I swear on my life that this ledger is indeed a forgery. My general store has done business with Lord Gao Qiu, and the accounts are clear and there has been absolutely no illegal activity. This so-called ledger is completely inconsistent with the real accounts I know. It must have been deliberately fabricated by the Liangshan people to frame Lord Gao Qiu."

Wu Song roared angrily, "You cunning scoundrel, how dare you spout nonsense here!"

Wang Zhiqiang trembled with fright, but under Gao Qiu's prompting gaze, he mustered his courage and said, "My lord, everything I have said is true, without a single lie."

Cai Jing continued, "Your Majesty, Wang Zhiqiang is an honest businessman, and his testimony is credible. The Liangshan bandits have always opposed the imperial court, and this time they must be trying to use this false account book to achieve their ulterior motives."

The Liangshan heroes glared angrily at them.

Song Jiang said, "Your Majesty, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing are clearly making excuses. Wang Zhiqiang is in cahoots with them, so his testimony is not credible."

Gao Qiu sneered, "Song Jiang, your words are meaningless. This ledger is full of loopholes; how can it prove our guilt?"

Wang Zhiqiang then said, "Your Majesty, I have been running a general store for many years and am very familiar with accounting matters. Many entries in this ledger are completely illogical and are obviously forged."

Wu Song said, "You despicable man, you're spouting nonsense! If it weren't for Gao Qiu and Cai Jing's numerous evil deeds, why would we risk getting our hands on this ledger?"

Wang Zhiqiang feigned grievance and said, "Sir, I am only telling the truth and dare not lie in the slightest."

Gao Qiu bowed to Emperor Huizong again and said, "Your Majesty, the Liangshan bandits have always harbored treacherous intentions, and they are certainly planning to use this matter to overthrow the court. I hope Your Majesty will investigate thoroughly and not be deceived by them."

Emperor Huizong fell into deep thought, finding it difficult to judge who was right and who was wrong.

Wang Zhiqiang's eyes darted around, and he continued, "Your Majesty, I have also heard that the Liangshan bandits are committing evil deeds and oppressing the people. They are probably trying to use this opportunity to escape their crimes and continue to evade justice."

Shi Xiu couldn't help but curse, "You shameless scoundrel, you've turned black into white! We Liangshan people have only done righteous things and have never oppressed the people."

Wang Zhiqiang pretended to be scared and hid behind Gao Qiu.

Gao Qiu seized the opportunity to say, "Your Majesty, look at how arrogant the Liangshan bandits are, showing no regard for the dignity of the court."

Emperor Huizong's face grew increasingly grim. He said, "Silence! I will investigate this matter thoroughly."

Gao Qiu and Cai Jing were secretly pleased, believing that their sophistry had shaken Emperor Huizong's resolve.

Meanwhile, the Liangshan heroes were extremely anxious, worried that Emperor Huizong of Song would be deceived by Gao Qiu and Cai Jing.

Just then, Lu Junyi, who had been silent all along, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have a way to prove the authenticity of this ledger."

Emperor Huizong said, "Speak."

Lu Junyi said, "Your Majesty can send someone to investigate and verify the accounts in the ledgers, and compare them with the relevant personnel and shops. At the same time, Wang Zhiqiang's grocery store can also be thoroughly investigated to see if his business dealings with Gao Qiu are as normal as he claims."

Emperor Huizong nodded and said, "Granted. This matter will be investigated by Minister Li."

Gao Qiu and Cai Jing were shocked, not expecting Lu Junyi to propose such a solution.

Wang Zhiqiang also began to panic, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

After receiving the order, Minister Li immediately began an investigation.

While awaiting the investigation results, the atmosphere in the imperial court remained tense. Gao Qiu and Cai Jing secretly plotted to interfere with the investigation. Meanwhile, the Liangshan heroes anxiously awaited the day the truth would be revealed.

After Minister Li was ordered to investigate the account books, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing knew the situation was critical; if the truth were discovered, they would be doomed. Therefore, the two secretly discussed countermeasures in their residence.

Cai Jing narrowed his eyes and said in a sinister tone, "Grand Commandant, if this crisis cannot be resolved, we will both die without a burial place. Minister Li is upright and incorruptible, and I'm afraid he will be difficult to bribe. But some of the officials under him may not be so honest."

Gao Qiu nodded and said, "Lord Cai is absolutely right. I will immediately send someone to secretly contact several officials under Minister Li, offering them a large sum of money to tamper with the investigation."

Cai Jing added, "Not only that, we also need to send people to keep an eye on the Liangshan group's every move, in case they make any further moves."

Gao Qiu replied, "I have already arranged for people to take action. As soon as any abnormalities are discovered, take immediate action."

Subsequently, Gao Qiu sent his trusted confidants to find several officials under Minister Li. Under coercion and enticement from Gao Qiu's confidants, these officials accepted a large sum of money and agreed to help cover up the truth during the investigation.

During their investigation, they deliberately misinterpreted some entries in the ledgers, obscuring what was originally clear evidence. They also fabricated evidence in an attempt to prove the ledgers were fake.

On the other hand, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing bribed some ruffians in the city to spread rumors in the capital, claiming that the Liangshan heroes were deliberately framing important court officials and that the account books were forged. These rumors quickly spread throughout the capital, causing panic among the people and raising doubts about the Liangshan heroes.

Furthermore, they sent people to threaten Wang Zhiqiang, forcing him to change his testimony and deny his previous statements in court. Wang Zhiqiang was a cowardly and opportunistic man, and under the threats of Gao Qiu and Cai Jing, he reappeared in court.

Wang Zhiqiang said tremblingly, "Your Majesty, I was threatened by the Liangshan people and told lies. The account book was indeed forged, and I am willing to take responsibility for my crime."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong's face darkened further.

Gao Qiu seized the opportunity to say, "Your Majesty, the evidence is now conclusive. The Liangshan bandits forged account books in an attempt to frame me and Lord Cai. Their intentions are despicable."

Cai Jing echoed, "Your Majesty, the Liangshan bandits have always been a major threat to the court. This time, they have acted with even greater audacity and must be severely punished."

The Liangshan heroes were furious after learning of Gao Qiu and Cai Jing's various schemes.

Song Jiang said, "Gao Qiu and Cai Jing, those two treacherous villains, will stop at nothing to achieve their goals."

Wu Song glared angrily: "They've turned black into white like this, aren't they afraid of the truth coming out?"

Lu Junyi calmly analyzed, "The situation is unfavorable to us now. We must find a way to find more compelling evidence to expose their conspiracy."

However, at this moment, Minister Li suddenly reported to Emperor Huizong in court that the investigation results showed that the account book was indeed forged.

Emperor Huizong of Song was furious and ordered the capture of the Liangshan bandits.

Gao Qiu and Cai Jing finally managed to defuse the crisis, and a smug smile appeared on their faces.