Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

In order to relieve the pressure on the Liao Kingdom and distract Zhao Tianming, Gao Ke meticulously planned a series of conspiracies.

At Zhao Tianming's restaurant, Gao Ke had arranged for people to help. After dining there, a customer suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain and fainted on the spot. This scene caused panic among the other customers in the restaurant, and the news spread quickly.

Soon, the government intervened and launched an investigation. Gao Ke bribed the official in charge of the matter, instructing them to tamper with the food inspection, claiming that spoiled items and poisonous seasonings had been found in the restaurant's ingredients. With conclusive evidence, the restaurant was ordered to suspend operations for rectification.

Once the news broke, public opinion was in uproar, and Zhao Tianming's restaurant's reputation plummeted. Former regulars avoided the restaurant like the plague, and business became extremely dismal.

Moreover, at Zhao Tianming's silk shop, a wealthy woman bought an expensive bolt of silk. Upon returning home, she discovered that the silk had faded severely and was of rough quality, nothing like the high-end goods it was advertised to be. This woman, who was quite influential in the capital, angrily publicized the incident.

Taking advantage of the situation, Gao Ke bribed several silk experts who unanimously claimed that Zhao Tianming's silk shop was selling inferior goods as superior ones and deceiving customers. Suddenly, many customers who had previously purchased silk from the shop demanded refunds and compensation, plunging the shop into a severe crisis.

Around the stadium, several street vendors selling snacks caused food poisoning among many customers. An investigation revealed that the ingredients for these snacks came from a grocery store owned by Zhao Tianming. Faced with the evidence, the grocery store was vandalized by an angry mob.

As these events continued to escalate, Zhao Tianming's troubles grew increasingly severe.

Zhao Tianming tried to explain and salvage the situation, but the public no longer trusted him. His business partners distanced themselves from him, fearing they would be implicated.

Meanwhile, Li Gang was not spared either. Gao Ke secretly placed letters and gold and silver treasures related to enemy states in Li Gang's home, and then reported it to the court. The court immediately launched an investigation, and although Li Gang vehemently denied it, the evidence seemed irrefutable.

After receiving the so-called letter of accusation, Cai Jing and Gao Qiu exchanged a knowing smile, a sinister glint in their eyes. They immediately dressed and headed to the Golden Palace, intending to deliver a scathing report against Li Gang before Emperor Huizong.

In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Emperor Huizong sat on the dragon throne, his expression majestic. Cai Jing and Gao Qiu quickly stepped forward and bowed in greeting.

"Your Majesty, we have important matters to report," Cai Jing spoke first.

Emperor Huizong frowned slightly and said, "Speak."

Gao Qiu hurriedly presented the letter of accusation, saying, "Your Majesty, someone has accused Li Gang of colluding with an enemy state and harboring treacherous intentions."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong's expression changed drastically. He slammed his fist on the imperial desk and shouted, "I have already dismissed him from his post, yet he still shows no remorse!"

Taking the opportunity, Cai Jing added fuel to the fire, saying, "Your Majesty, Li Gang has always harbored resentment, and this time he probably wants to use the power of an enemy country to take revenge on the court."

Gao Qiu echoed, "Your Majesty, this matter is of utmost importance and must be severely punished."

Emperor Huizong was furious and his face turned ashen. He said, "Send down the order to have the Imperial Guards surround Li Gang's residence."

Just then, Zhao Tianming received news that Li Gang was in trouble. He was extremely anxious and immediately summoned his friends and some loyal followers.

“Lord Li Gang is an upright man; he must have been harmed by treacherous people. We cannot sit idly by,” Zhao Tianming said.

Everyone expressed their willingness to follow Zhao Tianming to rescue Li Gang.

They rushed to Li Gang's residence, only to find that the Imperial Guards had already surrounded it.

Zhao Tianming stepped forward and said to the Imperial Guard general, "Lord Li Gang has been wronged. You cannot treat a loyal minister like this."

Cai Jing arrived at the scene and, upon seeing Zhao Tianming and the others, shouted, "Do you want to rebel? How dare you disobey the imperial decree!"

Zhao Tianming, undaunted, said, “Lord Cai, right and wrong will be judged by history. Lord Li Gang is loyal and would never collude with an enemy country.”

Cai Jing sneered, "The evidence is conclusive, yet you continue to spout nonsense."

Zhao Tianming said, "This so-called evidence is nothing but fabrication by you, Lord Cai. Aren't you afraid of retribution for framing loyal officials for your own selfish gain?"

Gao Qiu roared from the side, "How dare you, Zhao Tianming, be so disrespectful to the Grand Tutor!"

Li Kui, wielding a broad axe, charged menacingly towards Cai Jing and Gao Qiu, swinging the axe with great force, creating a powerful and ferocious sound.

"Let's see what you two treacherous officials can do to Lord Li!" Li Kui roared, his eyes wide like copper bells.

Cai Jing and Gao Qiu were terrified by this sudden turn of events, their faces turning deathly pale. Gao Qiu tried to remain calm, but his voice trembled uncontrollably: "You, you reckless thief, how dare you act so presumptuously here!"

Cai Jing hid behind Gao Qiu, his legs weak and his whole body trembling.

Li Gang stood tall and proud, looking at Gao Qiu and Cai Jing with righteous indignation, his gaze piercing as if he could see right through their thoughts.

"Gao Qiu, Cai Jing, your schemes will not succeed! I, Li Gang, have done nothing wrong and have nothing to fear from your false accusations!" Li Gang's voice was loud and firm, full of fearless courage.

Zhao Tianming and his brothers from Liangshan gathered around, all filled with righteous indignation.

Li Gang turned to look at Zhao Tianming and the others, his face showing gratitude.

"I appreciate the kindness of all you heroes. However, such reckless actions are not a good solution. I believe that justice will prevail and the truth will eventually come to light." Li Gang's voice was calm and powerful.

Zhao Tianming stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Lord Li, you are upright and honest, and we cannot stand by and watch you be harmed by treacherous people."

Li Gang smiled slightly and said, "Young Master Zhao, I understand your good intentions, but the country has its laws, and one cannot act impulsively. I, Li Gang, have a clear conscience and am willing to accept the imperial decree."

Just then, Gao Qiu mustered his courage and shouted, "Guards! Take Li Gang away!"

A group of imperial guards rushed over, but seeing the imposing presence of Li Kui and the Liangshan heroes, they hesitated and dared not advance.

Gao Qiu roared, "What are you all standing there for!"

Only then did the Imperial Guard soldiers cautiously approach Li Gang.

Seeing this, Li Kui raised his axe again: "Who dares to touch Lord Li!"

Li Gang shouted, "Brother Li Kui, don't be impulsive!"

Li Kui gritted his teeth and put down his axe.

Li Gang looked at Zhao Tianming and the Liangshan men and said, "Gentlemen, you must not make a grave mistake because of me. I believe the imperial court will clear my name."

Gao Qiu sneered, "Li Gang, even now you're still being stubborn. Take him away!"

The Imperial Guards then cautiously led Li Gang away.

Li Gang walked with firm steps, showing no fear.

As Zhao Tianming watched Li Gang's departing figure, he secretly vowed to clear Li Gang's name.

Cai Jing and Gao Qiu watched as Li Gang was taken away, secretly pleased with themselves.

"Hmph, Li Gang, you won't escape this time," Cai Jing said in a low voice.

Gao Qiu chimed in, "That's right, let's see how he can turn things around."

The Liangshan heroes were furious, but Zhao Tianming calmed them down and they managed to control their impulses.

"Everyone, go back first and discuss this further. We must find evidence to save Lord Li," Zhao Tianming said.

Everyone nodded and left with heavy hearts.

Li Gang was taken to a dark, damp, and cold cell.

But he still stood tall, his gaze fixed firmly ahead, convinced that justice would prevail.

Wu Yong was extremely anxious. In order to rescue Li Gang, he rode at full speed to Chai Jin's residence.

At the gate of the Chai residence, Wu Yong hurriedly dismounted. Seeing his anxious expression, the gatekeeper rushed to greet him.

"Master Wu, what's the matter that you're in such a hurry?"

Wu Yong didn't bother to answer and walked straight into the mansion.

Upon entering the main hall, Chai Jin was conversing with his guests. Seeing Wu Yong enter, Chai Jin waved for the guests to leave.

"Brother Wu Yong, what brings you in such a hurry?" Chai Jin asked.

Wu Yong took a deep breath and said, "Master Chai, Lord Li Gang has been framed and imprisoned by Cai Jing and Gao Qiu, and I fear he may be harmed by them in prison."

Upon hearing this, Chai Jin suddenly stood up, furious.

"These two traitors are so lawless!" Chai Jin clenched his fists in anger.

Wu Yong continued, "The situation is critical now. Lord Li Gang is in imminent danger. We must find a way to save him."

Chai Jin frowned, pondered for a moment, and then a resolute glint flashed in his eyes.

“I possess an iron certificate bestowed by the late Emperor Taizu, which may allow me to present it to His Majesty and plead on behalf of Lord Li Gang.”

After saying this, Chai Jin immediately ordered someone to fetch the iron certificate, preparing to enter the palace to meet the emperor.

Wu Yong said worriedly, "Going to the palace will probably not be easy. Cai Jing and Gao Qiu have many spies in the palace."

Chai Jin said, "We can't worry about that now. We have to try even if there's only a sliver of hope."

Chai Jin changed into his court robes, took the imperial edict, and rode in a carriage straight to the palace.

Upon arriving at the palace gate, the guards recognized Chai Jin and attempted to stop him.

Chai Jin said loudly, "I have important matters to present to His Majesty, and I have the imperial edict in hand. Who dares to stop me!"

The guards looked at each other, not daring to stop them.

Chai Jin traveled swiftly and arrived at Emperor Huizong's bedchamber.

The eunuch stepped forward to stop him: "Master Chai, you are not allowed to enter without prior notice."

Chai Jin said loudly, "This matter is of great importance and cannot be delayed. I must see the Emperor immediately."

At this moment, Emperor Huizong was inside the house. Hearing the commotion outside, he asked, "What's all the noise about?"

The eunuch reported, "Chai Jin requests an audience, claiming he has important business to discuss."

Emperor Huizong frowned and said, "Let him in."

Chai Jin entered the house and knelt down to pay his respects.

“Your Majesty, Lord Li Gang is a loyal and capable general, but he has been falsely accused and imprisoned by Cai Jing and Gao Qiu. I hope Your Majesty will investigate this matter thoroughly.” Chai Jin said, presenting the imperial edict.

Upon seeing this, Emperor Huizong's expression changed slightly.

Just as Chai Jin was about to report the truth to Emperor Huizong, Consort Shu gracefully entered. Upon seeing Chai Jin, a look of displeasure appeared on her face.

"Your Majesty, this Chai Jin actually pleaded for Li Gang! He's incredibly audacious! Li Gang has committed a serious crime, and the evidence is irrefutable. Chai Jin's visit is pointless. What are his intentions?" Consort Shu said in a coquettish voice, her eyes filled with anger.

Chai Jin, neither humble nor arrogant, cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, I possess a certificate of merit bestowed by the Emperor Taizu, which I present to His Majesty to present the truth and clear Lord Li Gang's name. Your Highness, being in the inner palace, may not be aware of this matter."

Upon hearing this, Consort Shu's face instantly turned even more unpleasant, and she raised her voice: "Hmph! So what if he has an imperial edict? Do you think you can spout nonsense just because you have it? Although I am in the inner palace, I have heard that Li Gang has ulterior motives and his crimes are unforgivable!"

Chai Jin straightened his posture and said firmly, "Your Majesty, Lord Li Gang is loyal to the country, and there must be some injustice involved. This imperial edict was bestowed by the Emperor Taizu, representing supreme authority. Who dares to touch me?"

Consort Shu stamped her feet in anger, her eyebrows furrowed: "How dare you, Chai Jin! How dare you be so insolent! You even act so arrogantly in front of His Majesty. Your Majesty, look at the state he is in!"

Emperor Huizong looked embarrassed and didn't know how to respond.

Chai Jin said again, "Your Majesty, Lord Li Gang has been wronged. If the truth is not found out, I fear it will discourage loyal ministers. I hope Your Majesty will listen to my words."

Consort Shu was furious and shouted in a shrill voice, "Guards! This Chai Jin is so rude, throw him out of here!"

However, just as the guards were about to step forward, Chai Jin raised the imperial edict and shouted, "I have this imperial edict here, let's see who dares to touch me!"

The guards hesitated, exchanging bewildered glances.

Seeing this, Consort Shu became even more furious: "This is outrageous! Your Majesty, you must order him to be punished immediately!"

Emperor Huizong was caught in a dilemma. On one hand, his beloved concubine was crying and making a scene, and on the other hand, Chai Jin was pleading for mercy with an iron certificate in hand. The situation reached a stalemate.