Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

At the border, Wang Zhiqiang, acting on Cai Jing's instructions, was secretly and meticulously plotting a dirty conspiracy. Hiding behind the scenes, he manipulated this heinous act that would harm the country and its people through clandestine orders and covert communications.

In the border towns and villages, a group of seemingly ordinary merchants suddenly became unusually active. They went in groups of three or five into the homes of merchants and villagers.

In an ordinary farmer's home, an elderly couple was anxiously looking at their dwindling food supplies. Suddenly, there was a rapid knocking on the door.

"Open the door! Open the door!" came a rough shout from outside the door.

The elderly couple opened the door trembling, only to see several men who looked like businessmen barge in.

"We heard you have some grain left, and we want to buy it all," one of them said.

The old farmer said in horror, "This is our family's food supply; we can't sell it to you."

The merchant sneered, "You have no choice. I set the price now. You have to sell whether you want to or not!" With that, he forcibly took the grain away, leaving behind only a pitiful amount of money.

In another village, in a pharmacy, the owner was preparing to close up shop. Suddenly, a group of people rushed in.

"We'll buy all the medicines in the store!"

The pharmacy owner said anxiously, "These medicines are for treating and saving the villagers' lives; we can't give them all to you."

However, these people ignored them and brazenly looted all the medicine.

Thus, Wang Zhiqiang's men scrambled to buy up grain and medicine in the border region, employing extremely cruel methods. The people dared not speak out against their anger and could only watch helplessly as their hopes for survival were stripped away.

A barrage of unfavorable news arrived before Emperor Huizong. Sitting in his study, his face ashen, he angrily threw the memorials in his hand to the ground.

"These merchants are utterly heartless! At a time of national crisis, they dare to act so recklessly, causing the border situation to become increasingly chaotic!" Emperor Huizong's voice trembled with anger.

In the imperial court, the civil and military officials were all discussing the matter, their expressions solemn.

A eunuch cautiously stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, this matter is quite suspicious. Perhaps Liao spies have infiltrated Song territory and instructed these merchants to cause sabotage to disrupt the rear of our Great Song."

Upon hearing this, many ministers echoed his sentiments.

"Yes, Your Majesty, it must be the work of Liao spies, attempting to undermine us from within."

"With the border war escalating, these merchants are taking the opportunity to hoard supplies, which suggests there may be some ulterior motive behind it."

However, none of them suspected that Cai Jing was behind it all. Cai Jing was meticulous; he used roundabout methods to conceal his connection with Wang Zhiqiang extremely well, leaving no direct evidence. He knew that if the matter were exposed, he would face utter destruction, so he carefully planned every step.

At the border, the Song soldiers faced an increasingly difficult situation due to shortages of supplies.

"General, the soldiers have not had a proper meal for days, and the wounded brothers are suffering terribly from the lack of medical care and medicine. What should we do?" a lieutenant reported to the general with great concern.

The general looked at his demoralized soldiers, his brow furrowed, and sighed deeply: "If this continues, how can we resist the Liao army's attack?"

In the army's granaries, food was running low, and the soldiers could only barely get a little thin porridge to stave off hunger. In the medical tents, the wounded soldiers, lacking sufficient medicine, suffered festering and festering wounds, their painful groans echoing throughout the area.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhiqiang was still secretly directing his men to continuously hoard supplies. He even sent people to spread rumors in the market to create greater panic and acquire goods at even lower prices.

In order to survive, some people had no choice but to leave their homes and flee with their families. The roads were crowded with refugees, and cries and shouts mingled together, creating a scene of utter desolation.

The Liangshan heroes were furious when they learned of this.

"These unscrupulous merchants, for their own selfish gain, disregard the lives of the country and its people!" Lu Zhishen shouted, brandishing his monk's staff.

Song Jiang calmly considered countermeasures: "We must find out the truth behind this as soon as possible and not let these people's conspiracy succeed."

So the Liangshan heroes began a secret investigation. They disguised themselves and mingled among the common people, patiently listening for every clue.

During the investigation, they discovered that these businessmen acted with remarkable uniformity, as if they were under tight organization and command.

“This is something no ordinary businessman could do; there must be a powerful figure pulling the strings behind the scenes,” Wu Yong analyzed.

They meticulously examined every detail, leaving no stone unturned. After arduous efforts, they finally discovered some clues, all of which seemed to point to a powerful figure in the capital.

Meanwhile, Emperor Huizong was extremely anxious in the palace.

"My soldiers on the border are suffering, and the people are afflicted. Who is behind this?" Emperor Huizong paced back and forth, his head about to explode.

Although all the civil and military officials in the court suspected that it was the work of Liao spies, they could not come up with an effective countermeasure.

Seeing the people's grievances and suffering, the dismissed Grand Tutor Li Gang hurriedly wrote a letter of reprieve, making Emperor Huizong aware of the urgency of the border war.

This humble subject, Li Gang, is filled with trepidation and humility. I bow my head twice and respectfully present this to Your Majesty:

I have recently heard of the terrible things that have happened on the border. Unscrupulous merchants are running rampant, seizing grain and medicine, causing the people to lose their livelihoods and suffer unspeakably. Walking through the streets, all I see are haggard figures, children crying from hunger, the elderly wailing from the cold, and cries of resentment fill the air.

From my humble perspective, the nation is founded on its people, the people depend on food for survival, and medicine is essential for healing. Now, with grain and medicine seized, the people have no way to survive; the border troops lack food and medicine, making it difficult to defend against the enemy. This is truly a time of national crisis!

Whenever I think of this, I am heartbroken and cannot sleep at night, nor can I eat. This calamity is by no means accidental; there must be wicked people manipulating things behind the scenes for their own selfish desires, plunging the country into peril and plunging the people into misery.

This humble subject humbly begs Your Majesty to use your divine authority to investigate their treachery, to punish them according to the law, and to appease public anger; and to quickly dispatch capable officials to transport supplies to the frontier to relieve the suffering of the soldiers and civilians.

Although I am but a commoner, I cherish my country and am willing to serve Your Majesty, the court, and the people with my life, even unto death. If my words have been inappropriate, I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness.

I, Li Gang, am filled with trepidation and respect.

Inside the study, Li Gang was writing furiously, his expression serious and focused. Just then, the steward, Li Fu, entered. Li Fu bowed slightly and said softly, "Master, what are you doing?"

Without raising his head, Li Gang said in a deep voice, "I will write a memorial to present to His Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Li Fu's face showed anxiety, and he hurriedly said, "Grandpa, have you forgotten that you have been dismissed from your post? What use is it for a deposed official to write a memorial?"

Upon hearing this, Li Gang abruptly stopped writing, then slammed the pen down on the desk, causing the ink on the memorial to splatter. He sighed several times, saying sorrowfully, "Those in high office should be concerned for the people, yet I, Li Gang, with such a loyal heart, have no way to serve my country. When I was an official, I worked diligently, only to seek the well-being of the people and to be loyal to the court. Now, these unscrupulous merchants are wreaking havoc on the borders, and the people are suffering. How can I sit idly by? Even though I have been dismissed from office, I cannot forget my worries for my country."

After saying this, Li Gang slumped down, burying his face in his hands, his face full of helplessness and resentment. His once straight spine now seemed to be bent under the weight of this harsh reality.

Seeing his master in such pain, Li Fu couldn't bear it and gently advised, "Master, don't worry too much. Perhaps there's still a chance for things to turn around."

Li Gang raised his head, his eyes filled with determination and resolve: "A turning point? If no one steps forward, this country will cease to exist, and the people will suffer. Although I, Li Gang, have stepped down, my heart that is concerned about the country and its people will never change."

The study fell silent, with only Li Gang's heavy sighs echoing through it.

Li Gang thought for a moment, then looked at Li Fu with a firm gaze and said, "Li Fu, take my letter and quickly go and invite Manager Zhao Tianming to come here. He is on good terms with the people of Liangshan, and perhaps he can help me submit this memorial to the court."

Li Fu nodded solemnly and replied, "Master, I will take care of it right away."

Li Fu dared not delay and hurriedly went out, heading straight for Zhao Tianming's restaurant. Upon arriving at the restaurant, he inquired about Zhao Tianming's whereabouts from the waiter.

He Xiang hurriedly came forward and said, "Sir, Tianming has gone out with the army to conquer the Liao Kingdom and is not in the restaurant."

Upon hearing this, Li Fu immediately became anxious, his brows furrowing as he muttered to himself, "What should we do? Master is still waiting for Manager Zhao's help."

Left with no other choice, Li Fu had to turn around and hurry back. Upon returning to the Li residence, he strode into the study and reported to Li Gang, "Master, something terrible has happened. Manager Zhao has gone with the army to conquer the Liao Kingdom and is not in the city."

Upon hearing this, Li Gang's expression changed slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "No, there's no time to lose. Send a message immediately by carrier pigeon, and make sure Zhao Tianming returns as soon as possible. The situation at the border is urgent, and with unrest in the rear, victory at the front is unlikely."

Li Fu replied, "Yes, sir, I will arrange the carrier pigeon message right away."

Afterwards, Li Fu hurriedly left the study and began preparing to send a message by carrier pigeon, hoping to recall Zhao Tianming as soon as possible to solve the immediate crisis.

After receiving Li Gang's message by carrier pigeon, Zhao Tianming dared not delay in the slightest and immediately summoned Wu Yong, Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, and other Liangshan heroes to discuss the matter.

The group gathered in the tent, the atmosphere heavy. Zhao Tianming passed around Li Gang's message by carrier pigeon, then said, "Grand Tutor Li has sent an urgent message, hoping we can return to handle matters at the rear. Brothers, what are your thoughts on this?"

Wu Yong gently shook his feather fan, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Grand Tutor Li's idea is absolutely right. We are currently fighting on the front lines, but there are people causing trouble in the rear, leading to a shortage of supplies. If we don't solve the problem in the rear, even if we fight to the death, we will hardly have a chance of winning."

Wu Song, with his quick temper, slammed his hand on the table and said, "Is that even a question? It must be those treacherous villains in the court who are causing trouble behind the scenes!"

Lu Zhishen chimed in, "I think so too, but what if we retreat now and the Liao Kingdom takes the opportunity to pursue us?"

Lin Chong frowned slightly and said, "Brother Lu's words are not without reason. We must act with caution."

At this moment, Wu Yong smiled slightly and said, "Brothers, don't worry, I've already thought of that. I've devised a plan. If the Liao Kingdom dares to pursue us, we'll make sure they never return."

All eyes were on Wu Yong, and Song Jiang asked, "Wu Yong, tell me your plan."

Wu Yong said, "We can feign a retreat and ambush them along the way. Send a small team to pretend to be in a panic to lure the Liao army into pursuit. Once they enter the ambush, the ambushers will rise up and catch them off guard."

Lu Junyi nodded and said, "This plan is excellent, but it needs to be arranged properly to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Wu Yong continued, “I have already assigned the men. Brother Lin Chong, you lead a team of elite soldiers to ambush in the valley on the left; Brother Wu Song, you lead a team in the forest on the right; Brother Lu Zhishen, you lead a team to cover the rear, just in case. Brother Song, Brother Zhao, and I will be in the center to direct and coordinate.”

Everyone agreed.

Song Jiang stood up and said, "Brothers, this operation is of great importance. We must not only resolve the issues in the rear, but also ensure that our army's prestige is not diminished during the retreat."

Zhao Tianming said, "Brother Song, don't worry. As long as we work together, we will definitely overcome this difficulty."

With the plan finalized, everyone began preparations for the evacuation. However, each person knew in their heart that this would be a challenging and dangerous operation. But for the peace of the nation and the well-being of the people, they were determined to go.