Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

After some investigation, Chai Jin finally found some crucial evidence that pointed directly to Eunuch Chen. Knowing the gravity of the matter, he dared not delay for a moment and immediately went to the palace to meet the Emperor.

Emperor Huizong of Song was handling state affairs in his study when he heard that Chai Jin was requesting an audience, and since the matter was of great importance, he summoned him in.

After kneeling and bowing, Chai Jin said urgently, "Your Majesty, we have found clues about the letters that I lost earlier. They were stolen by Eunuch Chen."

Emperor Huizong was furious: "How could this happen? Summon Eunuch Chen immediately! I want to confront him face to face!"

Before long, Eunuch Chen was brought to the Imperial Study. Upon seeing the gloomy faces of Chai Jin and Emperor Huizong, he inwardly cried out in alarm, but still forced himself to remain calm.

"Eunuch Chen, Chai Jin says you stole an important letter he was going to present to me. Do you have an explanation?" Emperor Huizong glared at Eunuch Chen.

Eunuch Chen immediately knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, this is pure slander! This old servant is utterly loyal; how could I have done such a thing?"

Just then, Consort Shu arrived upon hearing the news.

"Your Majesty, this must be Chai Jin slandering me and Eunuch Chen. Eunuch Chen can't even read, so why would he steal the letter? Chai Jin's actions are clearly malicious," Consort Shu said sweetly.

Chai Jin argued forcefully: "Your Majesty, this is by no means a slander. I have conclusive evidence to prove that it was Eunuch Chen who stole the letter."

Consort Shu sneered, "Chai Jin, don't make baseless accusations. You claim to have evidence, but where is it? Is it just fabricated out of thin air?"

Chai Jin said, "Your Majesty, I have investigated and found that although Eunuch Chen is illiterate, he was instructed by someone to steal the letter in order to cover up the crimes of certain people."

Consort Shu raised her eyebrows and said, "Your Majesty, Chai Jin is spouting nonsense. I have always been dutiful in the palace and have never participated in such sordid matters."

Emperor Huizong's face grew increasingly gloomy. He looked at Chai Jin, then at Eunuch Chen and Consort Shu, unable to make a decision.

Chai Jin continued, “Your Majesty, this matter concerns the discipline of the court. If it is not thoroughly investigated, it will be difficult to convince the public. I implore Your Majesty to investigate this matter thoroughly.”

Eunuch Chen cried out, "Your Majesty, this old servant is utterly loyal to you and has never harbored any disloyalty!"

Consort Shu also sobbed, "Your Majesty, you must do justice for me."

Emperor Huizong roared, "Shut up, all of you! I will investigate this matter thoroughly. Anyone who dares to deceive me will not be let off lightly!"

After everyone left the Imperial Study, Consort Shu glared fiercely at Chai Jin, her eyes blazing with resentment and threat. Chai Jin felt a chill run down his spine, but maintained a composed facade, returning a firm gaze.

Chai Jin hurriedly returned to his residence. Seeing his anxious expression, Wu Yong quickly asked, "Master Chai, what's wrong?"

Chai Jin sighed, his face full of worry. He plopped down in a chair, picked up the teacup on the table, and took a big gulp. He said, "Master Wu, we're really in deep trouble this time. I told His Majesty in the Imperial Study about Eunuch Chen stealing the letters, but Consort Shu is making all sorts of excuses and colluding with Eunuch Chen, insisting that I'm slandering her. The evidence is still in Tong Guan's hands, and the situation is extremely unfavorable for us."

Wu Yong frowned and paced back and forth in the room. After a moment, he stopped, looked at Chai Jin with a determined gaze, and said, "Master Chai, don't worry. Although this matter is troublesome, it is not without a solution."

Chai Jin's eyes lit up, and he asked eagerly, "What brilliant plan does Scholar Wu have? Tell me quickly."

Wu Yong stroked his beard and slowly said, "First, we need to send people to secretly monitor Tong Guan and Eunuch Chen's every move to see if they will take any action after obtaining the evidence. Second, we need to search for evidence again; even the slightest clue could be the key to turning the tide. Third, we can start with the people around Eunuch Chen; perhaps we can find witnesses who stole the letters."

As Chai Jin listened, he would nod at times, and at other times he would frown deeply, the anxiety on his face not completely dissipating.

Wu Yong continued, "Furthermore, we need to win over more supporters in the court. Those officials who were once dissatisfied with Tong Guan are now our targets. We must make them believe that overthrowing Tong Guan is not only for justice, but also for the integrity of the court."

Chai Jin nodded slightly and said, "What Wu Xuejiu said is very true, but how easy is it to find evidence again?"

Wu Yong pondered for a moment and said, "Master Chai, we might as well start with Tong Guan's past crimes. His various misdeeds in Jiangnan must have other undiscovered clues. If we send people to Jiangnan again to investigate carefully, we may find something."

A glimmer of hope flashed in Chai Jin's eyes as he said, "That's all we can do. Hopefully, we can find something."

Wu Yong continued, "As for winning over officials in the court, Lord Chai can personally take charge. With your prestige and connections, you will surely be able to persuade some people to stand on our side."

Chai Jin took a deep breath and said, "Okay, I'll take care of it right away."

Wu Yong patted Chai Jin on the shoulder and said, "Master Chai, you must not lose your composure at this moment. As long as we work together, we will surely overcome this difficulty."

Chai Jin stood up and said firmly, "Don't worry, Wu Xuejiu, I will do my best."

After saying this, Chai Jin turned and went out, preparing to act according to Wu Yong's plan.

Just as Wu Yong and Chai Jin were investigating Tong Guan's crimes again, the Liao envoy secretly met with Tong Guan at his residence.

Tong Guan respectfully welcomed the Liao envoy into the house, his face plastered with a fawning smile. A tense atmosphere filled the room, and fine beads of sweat appeared on Tong Guan's forehead.

The Liao envoy sat in the main seat, glanced at Tong Guan sideways, waved his hand, and said, "Lord Tong, you've escaped a calamity this time!"

Upon hearing this, Tong Guan trembled slightly and quickly stepped forward, bowing and saying, "I didn't expect you to find out so quickly, sir."

The Liao envoy smiled slightly, his expression leisurely: "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated! Lord Tong, your crisis is not over yet."

Tong Guan's face turned pale, and a hint of panic flashed in his eyes. He asked anxiously, "Please enlighten me, sir. Wu Yong and Chai Jin are going to Jiangnan in secret, determined to bring me down. I really don't know what to do."

The Liao envoy picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, took a sip of tea, and said unhurriedly, "Lord Tong, your current situation is extremely precarious. Wu Yong and Chai Jin are both cunning men, and they are determined to put you to death."

Tong Guan's hands trembled involuntarily, and his voice was tinged with sobs: "My lord, you must save me! I have always been loyal to you. If I fall this time, it will not be good for you either."

The Liao envoy put down his teacup, stared coldly at Tong Guan, and said, "Hmph, Tong Guan, then we'll see how you perform. If you want to keep your wealth and status, you must do as I say."

Tong Guan seemed to have grasped a lifeline and nodded hurriedly: "Please speak, sir, I will obey your orders."

The Liao envoy stood up, paced around the room, and slowly said, "First, you must send someone to closely monitor Wu Yong and Chai Jin's every move. If they make any move, report to me immediately. Second, find a way to sabotage their investigation in Jiangnan and prevent them from finding any evidence against you."

Tong Guan repeatedly agreed, saying, "Yes, yes, yes, I will arrange it right away."

The Liao envoy continued, "Furthermore, you must continue to win over the hearts of the people in the court and consolidate your power. Those wavering officials should be coerced or bribed as appropriate."

Tong Guan wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "Don't worry, sir, I understand."

The Liao envoy walked up to Tong Guan, stopped, and lowered his voice to say, "The most important thing is that you must find a way to gain the Emperor's trust and dispel his doubts about you."

Tong Guan frowned, looking troubled: "This...this may not be easy, sir."

The Liao envoy snorted coldly: "Tong Guan, that depends on your ability. If you can't even handle this simple matter, then don't blame me for being ruthless."

Tong Guan gritted his teeth and said, "Rest assured, my lord, I will do my utmost."

The Liao envoy nodded in satisfaction: "Remember, your life, death, honor, and disgrace are all in your own hands. As long as you obey me, I will ensure your safety."

Tong Guan saw the Liao envoy out of the mansion with profuse thanks, but as he turned back into the house, a sinister look appeared on his face. He muttered to himself, "Wu Yong, Chai Jin, you think you can bring me down? Not so easy!"

Tong Guan immediately summoned his trusted confidants and relayed the Liao envoy's instructions.

"Keep a close eye on Wu Yong and Chai Jin. Report back immediately if there's any movement. Also, send men to Jiangnan to destroy all the evidence that can be destroyed," Tong Guan said viciously.

The trusted men accepted the order and left.

Tong Guan sat in the chair, his hands clenched tightly, secretly plotting his next move.

Meanwhile, Wu Yong and Chai Jin were completely unaware of the collusion between Tong Guan and the Liao envoy. They were full of confidence and preparing to go to Jiangnan, determined to expose Tong Guan's crimes and rid the court of this scourge.

Late at night, Zhang Shuye was handling official business in his study, the candlelight flickering. Suddenly, a trusted aide rushed in, looking flustered.

"My lord, we have just received news that the Liao Kingdom is making trouble on the border," the confidant said urgently.

Zhang Shuye suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with shock and worry: "Is the information reliable?"

The confidant nodded emphatically: "My lord, it is absolutely true. According to our scouts, the Liao army is moving around frequently, and the atmosphere is tense."

Uncle Zhang stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced back and forth in the study, his brows furrowed, lost in thought.

"This matter is of great importance and must be reported to His Majesty as soon as possible," Zhang Shuye muttered to himself.

The next morning at court, the officials stood in neat rows. Zhang Shuye stepped forward with a solemn expression, knelt down, and reported: "Your Majesty, I have urgent military intelligence to report. Last night, I learned that the Liao Kingdom has been making frequent moves on the border, seemingly with the intention of invading."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong's expression changed drastically. He turned his gaze to Gao Qiu and asked, "Minister Gao, are you aware of this matter?"

Gao Qiu stepped forward calmly, bowed slightly, and said, "Your Majesty, this matter is completely unfounded. Minor disturbances on the border are not unusual; it must be a misrepresentation."

Zhang Shuye glared angrily and retorted loudly, "Grand Commandant Gao, this is by no means a misrepresentation! We have reliable intelligence that the Liao Kingdom's actions this time are extraordinary and should not be taken lightly."

Gao Qiu sneered, "Lord Zhang, have you misheard the news? Or are you exaggerating to curry favor?"

Cai Jing then stepped forward to speak on Gao Qiu's behalf, saying, "Your Majesty, Grand Commandant Gao is right. Our Great Song and the Liao Kingdom have always lived in peace. Perhaps it is just a minor friction caused by a misunderstanding."

Zhang Shuye was filled with grief and indignation. He knelt down again, his voice firm: "Your Majesty, the situation on the border is critical. The slightest negligence will endanger the fate of our Great Song Dynasty. I implore Your Majesty to send reinforcements immediately and strengthen the defenses."

In the imperial court, the officials whispered amongst themselves, discussing the matter animatedly. Emperor Huizong sat on the dragon throne, his expression serious, lost in thought.