Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

When the Deputy Privy Councilor learned that something had happened at Xiao Lie's residence, and that Wu Yong and his men had not only escaped but also collected evidence of Xiao Lie's crimes, he was immediately in a state of panic.

He knew that if this matter were made public, he would be in a difficult position. Therefore, he decided to strike first.

The Deputy Privy Councilor summoned his trusted advisors to a secret chamber to devise a countermeasure.

"Now that Wu Yong and the others have evidence against Xiao Lie, it is extremely disadvantageous to us. We must find a way to stop them from making the evidence public," the Deputy Privy Councilor said with a grim expression.

After a moment's thought, the strategist said, "My lord, we can send assassins to secretly kill Wu Yong and the others and retrieve the evidence."

The Deputy Privy Councilor shook his head: "That's not advisable. Wu Yong and his men are certainly on high alert now. The assassination might not succeed and could even alert them."

Another confidant said, "Sir, why don't we send people to spread rumors among the people, slander Wu Yong and others, and say that their evidence is forged, so as to confuse the public?"

The Vice Privy Councilor nodded slightly: "This plan is feasible, but it's not enough. We also need to send people to threaten the common people who might testify for Wu Yong and the others, so that they dare not stand up."

At the same time, the Deputy Privy Councilor decided to expedite the destruction of accounts and evidence related to Xiao Lie's corruption, abuse of power, and harm to the people of Jiangnan.

He personally directed his men to throw the important documents into the furnace and burn them.

"We must act quickly and leave no room for error!" the Deputy Privy Councilor urged impatiently.

However, Wu Yong and others had anticipated the actions of the Deputy Privy Councilor.

Wu Yong said, "The Deputy Privy Councilor will definitely try every means to destroy the evidence. We must speed up our actions, protect the evidence, and make it public as soon as possible."

Yan Qing said, "Mr. Wu, I have strengthened our defenses and arranged for people to protect the evidence and the safety of my brothers."

Pang Wanchun said, "We cannot sit idly by and wait to die. We should take the initiative and expose the conspiracy of the Deputy Privy Councilor."

Therefore, Wu Yong and others strengthened their own defenses on the one hand, and actively contacted upright officials in the court on the other hand, seeking their support.

During this process, the assassins sent by the Deputy Privy Councilor attempted to launch several sneak attacks, but Yan Qing and his men saw through their schemes and repelled them.

The rumors circulating among the people did not shake their trust in Wu Yong and his associates, because those who had suffered persecution stood up to support Wu Yong.

Just when the two sides were deadlocked, Wu Yong and his men finally got an opportunity.

The imperial court dispatched an imperial envoy to investigate the affairs of Jiangnan.

After careful consideration, Wu Yong decided to send Yan Qing to investigate the background of this imperial envoy.

After receiving the order, Yan Qing quickly set off. He changed into inconspicuous clothes, disguised himself as an ordinary citizen, and blended into the vicinity of the imperial envoy's residence. Relying on his excellent observation skills and years of experience in the martial world, Yan Qing began to secretly gather various information about this imperial envoy.

He first listened to people's discussions in nearby teahouses and taverns. Some said that the imperial envoy was honest and upright; others said that officialdom was complex and it was difficult to judge his true character. Yan Qing did not readily believe these rumors, but continued to investigate further.

He observed the imperial envoy's daily travels and interactions with others. He found that the envoy traveled simply and without fanfare, and treated his subordinates and the common people with great kindness. But Yan Qing knew that these superficial appearances were not enough to prove his character.

Therefore, Yan Qing decided to approach the imperial envoy's entourage and subordinates. He secretly sneaked into their residences at night, looking for possible clues. After several days of covert investigation, Yan Qing discovered that the imperial envoy was strict with his subordinates, strictly forbidding them from accepting bribes, and striving for impartiality in his work.

However, Yan Qing still dared not draw any conclusions easily. He decided to take a risk and deliberately revealed some flaws in front of the imperial envoy to observe his reaction.

One day, Yan Qing pretended to accidentally bump into the imperial envoy's entourage. The envoy's guards were about to retaliate, but the envoy stopped them. He personally questioned Yan Qing about the reason, and Yan Qing deliberately gave evasive answers, acting as if he had something to hide. The envoy did not get angry, but patiently inquired, his eyes revealing scrutiny and impartiality.

Yan Qing was somewhat certain, but still decided to do one last confirmation. Through some connections in the martial arts world, he inquired about the imperial envoy's deeds in his previous posts. It was said that he had repeatedly defied powerful figures to stand up for the people and overturn wrongful convictions.

After several days of investigation, Yan Qing finally confirmed that the imperial envoy was an upright and honest official. He quickly returned and informed Wu Yong and the others of this news.

After hearing this, Wu Yong said, "In that case, we will present him with the evidence of the Deputy Privy Councilor's crimes and the collusion between Xiao Lie and Tong Guan. But we must also make thorough preparations in case of any unforeseen circumstances."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Therefore, Wu Yong personally organized all the evidence and, together with Yan Qing and others, went to the residence of the imperial envoy to request an audience.

Upon hearing that the matter concerned corruption and abuse of power in Jiangnan, the imperial envoy immediately met with them.

Wu Yong, accompanied by Yan Qing and others, arrived at the residence of Imperial Envoy Su Yuanjing. After the gatekeeper announced their arrival, Su Yuanjing personally came out to greet them.

"Brother Wu Yong, how have you been?" Su Yuanjing said with a broad smile.

Wu Yong quickly bowed and said, "Grand Commandant Su, I have come today with important matters to discuss with you."

The group entered the house and took their seats according to their status as guests and hosts.

Su Yuanjing said, "Before I came here, I heard that things in Jiangnan were quite complicated. I suppose your visit is related to this."

Wu Yong nodded and said, "Grand Commandant, you are wise. We discovered in Jiangnan that the Deputy Chief of the Privy Council colluded with Xiao Lie, Tong Guan, and others to embezzle public funds, pervert the law, and harm the people. The evidence is conclusive."

As he spoke, Wu Yong presented the compiled evidence to Su Yuanjing one by one.

Su Yuanjing carefully examined the evidence, his expression growing increasingly grave: "These villains are so audacious!"

Wu Yong continued, "Grand Commandant, the people of Jiangnan are suffering terribly. We could not bear to see them continue to be persecuted, so we risked our lives to collect evidence. We hope that you, Grand Commandant, can do justice for the people."

Su Yuanjing stood up and paced back and forth: "Brother Wu Yong, your sense of justice is admirable. However, this matter has far-reaching implications and must be handled with utmost care."

Yan Qing said, "Grand Commandant, the Deputy Chief of the Privy Council has used many means to cover up his crimes. I hope the Grand Commandant will make a decision as soon as possible."

Su Yuanjing pondered for a moment: "I will handle this impartially. However, the Deputy Privy Councilor has deep-rooted influence in the court. If we want to bring him to justice, we need to plan this carefully."

Pang Wanchun said, "Grand Commandant, we are willing to do our best to assist you, just to bring peace and tranquility back to Jiangnan."

Su Yuanjing looked at everyone with approval in his eyes: "With your help, this matter may be accomplished. However, during this period, you should all be careful of your own safety, as the Deputy Privy Councilor may not let this go easily."

Wu Yong said, "Grand Commandant, rest assured, we are prepared. However, although the evidence is complete, the Deputy Chief of the Privy Council will definitely deny it in every way. We still need to find a way to leave him with no excuses."

Su Yuanjing nodded slightly: "I have already considered this matter. We can start with those common people who were oppressed by the Deputy Privy Councilor and get them to come forward and testify. At the same time, we can join forces with upright officials in the court to submit a joint memorial to impeach him and put pressure on the court."

Everyone agreed.

Su Yuanjing added, "Furthermore, we must prevent the Deputy Privy Councilor from becoming desperate and doing something even more extreme. I will dispatch some trusted confidants to secretly protect you all."

Wu Yong said gratefully, "Thank you for your concern, Grand Commandant."

Afterwards, the group discussed the specific action plan in detail.

Su Yuanjing said, "Brother Wu Yong, you are meticulous. We will need your help with the follow-up arrangements."

Wu Yong replied, "The Grand Commandant trusts me, and I will certainly do my utmost."

After the discussion, Wu Yong and the others left Su Yuanjing's residence.

However, their actions did not escape the notice of the Deputy Privy Councilor.

The Deputy Privy Councilor, upon learning that Wu Yong and others had met with Su Yuanjing, grew increasingly fearful.

"Su Yuanjing has always been fair. If he finds any fault with me, I will surely die." The Deputy Privy Councilor was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

His advisor said, "My lord, why don't we strike first and send people to spread rumors in the court, saying that Su Yuanjing is colluding with Wu Yong and others to frame you?"

The Vice Privy Councilor's eyes lit up: "This plan is brilliant, go and make arrangements quickly."

Rumors spread like wildfire in the court, saying that Su Yuanjing was biased towards Wu Yong and others and wanted to use this opportunity to suppress dissidents.

Upon learning this, Su Yuanjing sneered, "This Deputy Privy Councilor is making a desperate struggle and has resorted to such despicable means."

Rumors spread throughout the court that Su Yuanjing favored Wu Yong and others, intending to use this opportunity to suppress dissidents. Upon learning of this, Su Yuanjing sneered, "This Deputy Privy Councilor is making a last-ditch effort, resorting to such despicable means."

However, the matter did not end there. Cai Jing and Gao Qiu, two powerful ministers with considerable influence in the court, also seized the opportunity to fuel the flames.

Sitting in his study, Cai Jing said to his trusted advisor, "Su Yuanjing has always been at odds with us. If he gains power by taking advantage of the Jiangnan incident, our position in the court will be threatened."

The strategist chimed in, "What you say is absolutely right, sir. So how should we respond?"

Cai Jing narrowed his eyes and said sinisterly, "Join forces with the Deputy Privy Councilor to deal with Su Yuanjing. Let this fire burn even brighter, and make the Emperor suspicious of Su Yuanjing."

Gao Qiu was also plotting this matter in his own residence. He said to his subordinates, "Su Yuanjing has always been upright and incorruptible. If he succeeds in handling the affairs of Jiangnan, our future days will probably be difficult."

The subordinate flattered, "Sir, why don't we also whisper in His Majesty's ear and deepen his suspicions about Su Yuanjing?"

Gao Qiu nodded: "Not only that, we must also find a way to suppress Wu Yong and others, so that their evidence loses credibility."

Therefore, Cai Jing and Gao Qiu, relying on their influence and connections in the court, made their moves everywhere. They slandered Su Yuanjing to the emperor, exaggerating the impact of rumors, saying that Su Yuanjing was colluding with Wu Yong and others, attempting to use the Jiangnan incident to eliminate dissidents and expand their own power.

The emperor was already quite sensitive to the balance of power, and after hearing these slanders, he couldn't help but feel a little suspicious of Su Yuanjing.

In the imperial court, Cai Jing and Gao Qiu's cronies echoed their sentiments, criticizing Su Yuanjing's actions.

"Your Majesty, Su Yuanjing's actions this time may be driven by personal motives."

"The situation in Jiangnan is inherently complicated. Su Yuanjing's eagerness must mean he has ulterior motives."

Faced with this overwhelming attack and the emperor's suspicions, Su Yuanjing felt immense pressure. However, he knew that what he was doing was for the sake of justice for the court and the people, and he was not swayed by this pressure.