Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Gao Ke, with a gloomy expression, picked up his pen and wrote furiously in the Liao camp.

The letter read:

Brother Zhiqiang:

I am fully aware of the recent events. Wu Yong and his men have set a trap, and you are likely to fall into it. However, I have a plan that can resolve your current predicament.

The matter of Zhao Tianming must not be delayed any longer. I suspect Wu Yong and his associates intend to use Zhao Tianming's case to bring us down. Our best course of action now is to quickly bribe the prison guards and eliminate Zhao Tianming, Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, and their ilk. We must catch them off guard and nip them in the bud.

I have already devised a plan for the execution. At that time, I will have trusted confidants disguised as civilians infiltrate the area, create chaos during the execution, and strike while the enemy is in disarray. I will also have archers lying in ambush in the surrounding high-rise buildings, in case of any unforeseen events.

This matter must be handled cleanly and efficiently, leaving no room for error. Once it's done, we can rest easy.

Cut!

高恪

After Gao Ke finished writing, he sealed the letter, ordered someone to find Li San, and instructed him: "Quickly deliver this letter to Wang Zhiqiang, and do not make any mistakes!"

The man accepted the order and hurried away.

Upon receiving the letter, Wang Zhiqiang was immediately alarmed. Knowing the gravity of the matter, he dared not delay and went directly to the residences of Gao Qiu and Cai Jing.

Upon arriving at Gao Qiu's residence, Wang Zhiqiang was led into the study. Gao Qiu and Cai Jing were sitting there, their expressions grave.

Wang Zhiqiang bowed and said urgently, "Lord Gao Qiu and Lord Cai Jing, I just received a letter from Lord Gao. Although this plan is ingenious, it is extremely risky. Once it is exposed, none of us will survive."

Gao Qiu snorted coldly: "We have no way out. If we do not strike first, we will all suffer when Wu Yong and the others obtain conclusive evidence."

Cai Jing nodded slightly and said, "Zhiqiang, although Lord Gao's plan is risky, it is also feasible. As long as it is carefully arranged, it is unlikely to go wrong."

Wang Zhiqiang still had doubts: "But the prison is heavily guarded. How can we bribe the guards? And how can we ensure that the execution will go smoothly?"

Gao Qiu's eyes were sinister as he said, "I have made proper arrangements for things in prison, and someone will be there to meet you. As for the execution ground, I have dispatched elite troops and generals, and we are confident that we can control the situation."

Wang Zhiqiang gritted his teeth: "Since you two gentlemen have made such a decision, I am willing to give it my all."

Gao Qiu nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. If this matter succeeds, we will both enjoy endless wealth and honor."

Wang Zhiqiang then discussed many details with Gao Qiu and Cai Jing, including personnel allocation, operation time, and code words.

After the discussion, Wang Zhiqiang took his leave, preparing to act according to Gao Qiu's plan.

Meanwhile, Wu Yong and his group were completely unaware of this conspiracy and were still working diligently to expose the crimes of Wang Zhiqiang and his associates.

Inside the carefully laid trap set by Chai Jin and Wu Yong, everyone held their breath in anticipation, but as time passed, Wang Zhiqiang remained nowhere to be seen.

Dai Zong rushed back to report: "Master Chai, Mr. Wu, the situation has changed. We have been waiting here for a long time, but we have not seen any movement."

Wu Yong frowned, and the frequency of his gentle waving of the feather fan slowed down. He calmly analyzed, "This matter is strange. Could it be that someone tipped off Wang Zhiqiang, and the news leaked out?"

Chai Jin's expression was stern as he said, "Mr. Wu, in my opinion, we should first conduct a thorough internal investigation to see if there are any spies."

Wu Yong nodded in agreement: "There's no time to lose, let's act immediately."

Thus, an internal investigation was swiftly launched. Wu Yong divided the group into teams for questioning and investigation. He personally oversaw the operation, carefully observing everyone's words and actions.

"Where did you go today? Did you have any contact with outsiders?" Wu Yong asked one of his subordinates, his eyes blazing.

The subordinate quickly replied, "I have been waiting in the formation the whole time, without leaving for even a moment, and without having any contact with outsiders."

Wu Yong then asked, "Before this, were any unusual circumstances discovered?"

After a moment's thought, the subordinate shook his head and said, "Sir, there has been nothing unusual."

Wu Yong questioned and investigated meticulously, leaving no detail overlooked. However, after a thorough investigation, he found nothing unusual.

Chai Jin said, "Mr. Wu, if there are no spies within the organization, why hasn't Wang Zhiqiang shown up yet?"

Wu Yong pondered for a moment and said, "This Wang Zhiqiang is too cunning. Perhaps he is just testing us, or perhaps someone has really revealed something to him. But in any case, we cannot sit idly by and wait for our doom."

At this moment, Dai Zong said, "Mr. Wu, why don't I go to the prison to visit Zhao Tianming and the others and tell them to be careful?"

Wu Yong nodded and said, "Alright, go and come back quickly, and tell them that we will definitely find a way to rescue them."

Dai Zong accepted the order and left.

Wu Yong paced back and forth in his tent, pondering various possibilities.

“Master Chai, Wang Zhiqiang has avoided the trap this time, and he will surely be more vigilant. We need to devise a new plan to prevent him from making any further moves,” Wu Yong said.

Chai Jin replied, "Mr. Wu is absolutely right. However, Wang Zhiqiang has Gao Qiu and Cai Jing backing him up, so I'm afraid he won't give up easily."

A resolute glint flashed in Wu Yong's eyes: "No matter what their schemes are, we must be fully prepared. Give the order to strengthen surveillance of all parties, especially the residences of Gao Qiu and Cai Jing."

"Also, send men to continue lying in ambush near that pocket formation, in case Wang Zhiqiang suddenly appears. Send more people to investigate Wang Zhiqiang's recent whereabouts and the people he has been in contact with," Wu Yong deployed methodically.

Chai Jin agreed to all of them and immediately went to make the arrangements.

Meanwhile, Dai Zong arrived at the prison and met Zhao Tianming, Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, and others.

"Brother Zhao, Mr. Wu asked me to inform you all that the situation has changed, and that you should all be careful," Dai Zong said in a low voice.

Zhao Tianming said, "Brother Dai, thank you for your hard work. Tell Mr. Wu that we will take care of ourselves and wait for him to come and rescue us."

Dai Zong nodded, hurriedly left the prison, and returned to report to Wu Yong.

Wang Zhiqiang knew this matter was tricky, and that he needed Cai Qing's help to succeed. So he carefully selected a trusted confidant, Wang Er, and sent him to Cai Qing's residence with two hundred taels of silver.

Wang Er, carrying the silver, was filled with unease the whole way. When he arrived at Cai Qing's residence, gazing at the vermilion gate and the imposing stone lions, he took a deep breath and went forward to knock on the door.

The gatekeeper opened the door, saw a stranger, and shouted, "Who are you? How dare you trespass here!"

Wang Er quickly put on a smile and bowed, saying, "Brother, I was sent by Manager Wang to request an audience with Lord Cai. Please inform him."

The gatekeeper glanced at him sideways and said impatiently, "Wait here!" With that, he slammed the door shut.

Wang Er could only pace anxiously outside the door, silently praying for a safe journey.

After a long while, the gatekeeper slowly walked out and said in a sarcastic tone, "Come with me."

Wang Er followed the gatekeeper through the winding corridors to Cai Qing's study. The gatekeeper gestured for him to go in and then turned and left.

Wang Er composed himself and gently knocked on the door.

"Come in!" Cai Qing's stern voice came from inside the room.

Wang Er cautiously pushed open the door and entered the study, where he saw Cai Qing sitting behind his desk, looking at him with a gloomy expression.

"You audacious servant, what business do you have in my residence? Do you want to die?" Cai Qing roared angrily.

Wang Er was so frightened that he knelt down with a thud, and said in a trembling voice, "Lord Cai, please calm down. I was sent by Manager Wang. This is a small token of Manager Wang's appreciation." As he spoke, he took out the two hundred taels of silver from his pocket and held it above his head with both hands.

Cai Qing glanced at the silver and sneered, "Two hundred taels of silver? What does Wang Zhiqiang take me for? Speak up if you have something to say, or shut up!"

Wang Er dared not raise his head and hurriedly said, "Lord Cai, Manager Wang begs for your help. He wants to join forces with you to take down Zhao Tianming, Song Jiang, and Lu Junyi."

Upon hearing this, Cai Qing stood up abruptly, pointed at Wang Er, and cursed, "How dare Wang Zhiqiang! He thinks he can get me to do such a heinous thing for a mere two hundred taels of silver? Get out of here right now!"

Wang Er kowtowed repeatedly and said, "Lord Cai, Manager Wang is also desperate. He said that as long as you are willing to help, he will definitely repay you handsomely in the future, and he will do whatever you say."

Cai Qing frowned and paced back and forth in the room.

Seeing this, Wang Er continued, "Lord Cai, if we don't deal with Zhao Tianming and the others in the prison soon, there will be endless trouble if they are rescued."

Cai Qing stopped and re-examined Wang Er, saying, "Hmph, go back and tell Wang Zhiqiang that this amount of money is far from enough. If he wants my help with this matter, he'll have to show enough sincerity."

Wang Er hurriedly replied, "Lord Cai, I will certainly convey your message."

Cai Qing flicked his sleeve and said, "Get lost!"

Wang Er felt as if he had been granted a pardon, and quickly left the study and departed hastily.

Wang Er returned to Wang Zhiqiang and told him exactly what Cai Qing had said.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhiqiang's face darkened, and he cursed Cai Qing inwardly for his greed. But in order to achieve his goal, he gritted his teeth and decided to increase his stakes again.

Meanwhile, in the prison cell, Zhao Tianming, Song Jiang, and Lu Junyi were discussing the matter with great concern.

"Brother, I wonder if the brothers outside can rescue us?" Song Jiang said.

Zhao Tianming said firmly, "The brothers will definitely find a way. We just need to wait patiently."

Lu Junyi sighed, "I just hope nothing goes wrong."

At this time, they were unaware that Wang Zhiqiang and others were plotting to kill them.

Meanwhile, Wu Yong and Chai Jin also realized the complexity of the situation. They accelerated their investigation, trying to find a solution and save Zhao Tianming and the others before Wang Zhiqiang and the others could take action.

Wu Yong was determined to rescue Zhao Tianming, Song Jiang, and Lu Junyi, and racked his brains to figure out how to smooth things over and rescue them from prison in a way that could deceive everyone.

He sent trusted confidants throughout the capital to gather information and find connections and breakthroughs that could be utilized. After several days, however, he still hadn't found a truly reliable approach.

Wu Yong was anxiously awaiting reports from his trusted confidants. One of them rushed back, looking tense.

"Mr. Wu, I've made some inquiries around and have discovered a little," the confidant said, panting heavily.

Wu Yong's spirits lifted, and he hurriedly asked, "Tell me quickly, what did you find?"

The confidant said, "During my investigation, I unexpectedly learned that someone had secretly met with Cai Qing."

Upon hearing this, Wu Yong felt a sense of foreboding. He frowned and asked, "Do you know who it is and what their purpose is?"

The confidant shook his head: "His specific identity has not yet been confirmed, but this matter is quite strange. I felt something was wrong, so I hurried back to report to you, sir."

Wu Yong paced back and forth, his feather fan ceasing its movement: "Cai Qing is in charge of the prison affairs. Someone is secretly meeting with him now. Could it be related to Zhao Tianming and his brothers?"

The more he thought about it, the more serious he felt. He continued, "Quickly send people to continue investigating. We must find out the identities of the visitors and what they were talking about."

The trusted confidant accepted the order and left.

Wu Yong sat in his chair, lost in thought. He knew Cai Qing was greedy and cunning; if this matter truly involved Zhao Tianming and his associates, the situation would become even more complicated and dangerous.

"Could it be one of Wang Zhiqiang's men? If it really is him, then what conspiracy are they plotting?" Wu Yong was filled with doubt.

After a while, another trusted confidant returned to report, but there was still no definite news.

Wu Yong was extremely anxious. He knew time was of the essence and he couldn't afford to wait blindly any longer. He decided to take matters into his own hands and use his connections in the capital to investigate the matter further.

"No matter what, we must find a way to deal with them before they make a move and ensure the safety of our brothers." Wu Yong made up his mind and got up to go out.