Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Finally, Emperor Huizong returned from his hunt. Eunuch Chen hurriedly went to greet him and whispered a few words in his ear, informing him that Chai Jin and others were requesting an audience at the palace gate.

Emperor Huizong frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled, but still ordered them to come to the palace for an audience.

Upon meeting Emperor Huizong of Song, Chai Jin, Wu Yong, Zhao Tianming, and others immediately knelt down and paid their respects.

Chai Jin spoke first: "Your Majesty, our request to see you is truly a matter concerning the fate of the Song Dynasty. We humbly request that Your Majesty grant us your permission."

Emperor Huizong sat on the dragon throne, looking slightly tired, and said, "Get up and speak. What is the matter?"

Wu Yong stepped forward, presenting the imperial edict and the evidence he had collected with both hands, and said, “Your Majesty, Tong Guan is utterly incompetent. Sending him to guard the border is a disastrous move for the country. We have gathered a great deal of evidence to prove that Tong Guan abuses his power and embezzles in the palace, and has no military talent whatsoever. Moreover, the situation on the border is critical. If Tong Guan is allowed to lead the army, it will surely give the Liao army an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.”

Emperor Huizong of Song took the imperial edict and evidence, and carefully examined them, his expression gradually becoming solemn.

At this moment, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing received the news and rushed to the palace.

Upon seeing this, Gao Qiu inwardly cried out in alarm and quickly said, "Your Majesty, do not be deceived by these people. Tong Guan is loyal to Your Majesty and will certainly be competent for his duties on the border. Chai Jin and the others are clearly framing us on purpose."

Cai Jing echoed, "Your Majesty, the evidence they present may be fabricated; it should not be readily believed."

Chai Jin glared at Gao Qiu and Cai Jing and said, "You two treacherous officials, for your own selfish interests, disregard the safety of the country. Your Majesty, the evidence is conclusive, and we hope Your Majesty will investigate thoroughly."

Zhao Tianming also said, "Your Majesty, if Tong Guan goes to the border, our Great Song Dynasty will be in grave danger!"

Emperor Huizong of Song was caught in a dilemma, unsure of whom to trust.

Just then, a border messenger rushed over with urgent military intelligence.

When Emperor Huizong opened the document, his expression changed drastically. It turned out that the Liao army had launched a fierce attack before Tong Guan even reached the border, and the Song army suffered repeated defeats.

Upon seeing Tong Guan's army arrive, the Liao soldiers fled in disarray. Tong Guan was overjoyed and hurriedly sent the news of the victory back to the imperial court.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong of Song was delighted and excitedly said in the court, "My dear ministers, Minister Tong is indeed brave. As soon as he arrived at the border, the Liao army fled at the mere sight of him. The military might of our Great Song Dynasty has been greatly enhanced!"

Gao Qiu and Cai Jing were overjoyed, their faces beaming with undisguised smiles. Gao Qiu stepped forward and said obsequiously, "Your Majesty is wise. Lord Tong Guan's campaign has been a resounding success, a true blessing for our Great Song Dynasty."

Cai Jing echoed, "Indeed, Your Majesty. Lord Tong Guan deserves a great reward for his meritorious service."

However, Wu Yong and Chai Jin frowned, their hearts filled with doubt. Wu Yong stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this matter is likely a trap. The Liao army has always been fierce; how could they retreat so easily? This must be a conspiracy."

Chai Jin then added, "Your Majesty, this is likely a ruse by the Liao army to embolden their troops. We must not fall for it. Lord Tong Guan is new to the border and may not fully understand the situation. He may have fallen into the Liao army's trap."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong's expression darkened slightly, and he said, "Minister Chai, do not exaggerate. Tong Guan's report of victory is a genuine achievement; how can it be a conspiracy? I trust those I employ, and I do not employ those I do not trust."

Chai Jin said urgently, "Your Majesty, I did not mean to slander Lord Tong Guan, but the affairs of war are unpredictable. The Liao army's actions are too suspicious. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."

Gao Qiu sneered from the side: "Chai Jin, you have repeatedly questioned Lord Tong Guan. Are you perhaps jealous of his military achievements?"

Chai Jin glared at Gao Qiu: "I am wholeheartedly devoted to the Song Dynasty, how could I have such thoughts? Grand Commandant Gao, don't make false accusations."

Wu Yong said, "Your Majesty, please make a calm judgment. To ensure everything goes smoothly, we can send someone to the border to investigate and find out the true situation."

Emperor Huizong waved his hand impatiently: "Alright, no need to say more. Now that Tong Guan has won, the army should be rewarded immediately."

Wu Yong and Chai Jin exchanged a helpless glance, their worries deepening.

After the court session, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing secretly gloated.

Gao Qiu laughed and said, "Tong Guan has done a great service this time. Let's see what Chai Jin and Wu Yong can do now."

Cai Jing said, "Hmph, let them dare to oppose us again. However, we must also be careful. If what they say is really a conspiracy by the Liao army, then we will be in trouble."

Gao Qiu said, "What's there to be afraid of? As long as His Majesty trusts Tong Guan, they can't pull any tricks."

Meanwhile, Wu Yong and Chai Jin were also discussing countermeasures.

Chai Jin said with great concern, "Mr. Wu Yong, His Majesty will not listen to advice. What should we do?"

Wu Yong pondered for a moment and said, "We need to be prepared so that we can deal with any unexpected changes."

Just then, news arrived that Tong Guan had pressed his advantage and penetrated deep into enemy territory. Upon hearing this, Wu Yong and Chai Jin felt a sense of foreboding.

Gao Qiu and Cai Jing, harboring ulterior motives, went together to the Imperial Study to meet Emperor Huizong of Song.

Upon entering the Imperial Study, Gao Qiu spoke first: "Your Majesty, Chai Jin and Wu Yong are spreading alarmist rumors and disrupting the morale of the army. Now that Lord Tong Guan has achieved an initial victory on the border, they are questioning him in every way. Such behavior should be severely punished to uphold the order of the court."

Cai Jing immediately chimed in, "Your Majesty, Grand Commandant Gao is absolutely right. Chai Jin and Wu Yong's actions clearly demonstrate their distrust of Your Majesty's judgment in personnel matters. If they are not severely punished, others may follow suit, which would also damage Your Majesty's authority."

Emperor Huizong frowned, somewhat hesitant, and said, "Chai Jin has an imperial edict granting him a high rank; he cannot be punished lightly."

Gao Qiu hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, although the imperial edict is still valid, his words and actions this time were truly inappropriate. If he is not punished, it will be difficult to convince the public. As for Wu Yong, he is just a commoner who dared to speak recklessly about state affairs and should be severely punished without leniency."

Cai Jing seized the opportunity to advise, "Your Majesty, the situation is excellent now, and it is the perfect time to boost morale. If we tolerate those who disrupt the morale of the army, it may affect the fighting spirit of the soldiers."

Emperor Huizong remained silent, seemingly pondering their words.

Seeing that Emperor Huizong was wavering, Gao Qiu continued, "Your Majesty, Chai Jin and Wu Yong have always disagreed with our political views, and this time they have taken the opportunity to cause trouble. If we do not deal with them, they will surely become even more unscrupulous in the future."

Emperor Huizong sighed softly and said, "Wu Yong's loyalty is commendable, but his words were too harsh, and I cannot bear to punish him too severely."

Cai Jing, however, said: “Your Majesty, loyalty cannot be an excuse for speaking nonsense. If this is not punished, everyone will use the name of loyalty to offer advice at will, and the court will surely descend into chaos.”

Emperor Huizong of Song frowned, looking very troubled.

Gao Qiu continued, "Your Majesty, for the sake of the Song Dynasty and the stability of the court, Chai Jin and Wu Yong must be dealt with. Otherwise, how will we manage our officials if similar situations arise again in the future?"

Emperor Huizong pondered for a long time before finally saying, "Enough, let's leave Chai Jin aside for now. As for Wu Yong, who has repeatedly offered inappropriate advice, punish him by confining him to his quarters for a month to reflect on his mistakes, as a form of reprimand."

Gao Qiu and Cai Jing exchanged a glance, secretly pleased with themselves.

However, Emperor Huizong did not entirely agree with their views, saying, "This matter ends here. I do not wish to hear any more of your advice. I also hope that you are wholeheartedly devoted to the Song Dynasty, rather than merely vying for power and profit."

Gao Qiu and Cai Jing immediately knelt down and said, "Your Majesty is wise. We will be loyal and devoted to serving the Song Dynasty."

After leaving the imperial study, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing wore smug smiles.

Gao Qiu said, "This time Wu Yong has finally suffered. Let's see if he dares to talk too much again."

Cai Jing laughed and said, "Hmph, this is just the beginning. As long as we seize the opportunity, we will definitely be able to completely suppress them."

Meanwhile, Chai Jin and Wu Yong learned of Emperor Huizong's decision.

Chai Jin said angrily, "Gao Qiu and Cai Jing are truly treacherous and cunning, daring to slander us like this in front of His Majesty."

Wu Yong, however, remained relatively calm and said, "Lord Chai, please do not be angry. I had anticipated this punishment. It is only a pity that His Majesty did not heed our loyal advice."

Chai Jin asked worriedly, "Mr. Wu Yong, what should we do next?"

After a moment of contemplation, Wu Yong said, "We need to wait for the right opportunity and find more compelling evidence to prove our point. The matter of Tong Guan at the border is unlikely to end so simply."

Chai Jin nodded: "That's all we can do. I hope His Majesty can see the truth soon and not be deceived by Gao Qiu and Cai Jing for too long."

Wu Yong said, "We must also be careful of further retaliation from Gao Qiu and Cai Jing. We need to keep a low profile during this period."

Meanwhile, Emperor Huizong was alone in his study, pondering the whole matter. He didn't completely disbelieve Chai Jin and Wu Yong's words, but he also felt that Gao Qiu and Cai Jing's words had some merit.

"How should I make a judgment? The Song Dynasty cannot afford the slightest mistake." Emperor Huizong muttered to himself.

The situation on the border remains unpredictable. Whether Tong Guan's victory was a genuine military achievement or a conspiracy by the Liao army is still unknown.

After Tong Guan led his army to the border, he was arrogant and eager to achieve greater military exploits as soon as possible in order to consolidate his position in the court.

At this moment, Deputy General Lin Yue advised Tong Guan: "Lord Tong, the terrain here is complex, with high mountains and steep ridges on both sides and a narrow road ahead. In my humble opinion, we should set up camp on the spot according to the mountain shape and guard the pass to prevent the Liao army from crossing. This is the best strategy."

Upon hearing this, Tong Guan flew into a rage and shouted at Lin Yue, "You ignorant brat, how dare you speak such nonsense! I, Tong Guan, am leading the army in battle; how can I let you tell me what to do! My army is at the height of its power and should take the initiative to attack and crush the Liao army in one fell swoop. How can we possibly cower and set up camp!"

Lin Yue's face flushed red as he clasped his hands and said, "Lord Tong, as the art of war says, 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.' Now that we have just arrived here, we do not yet fully understand the Liao army's deployment. If we attack rashly, we may be at risk. Moreover, 'First make yourself invincible, then wait for the enemy to become vulnerable.' By setting up camp and guarding the pass, we can ensure that our army has no worries about its rear. Only when the time is right can we strike and be sure of victory."

Tong Guan sneered: "Hmph! What do you know about military strategy! I think you're a coward who doesn't dare to fight. I, Tong Guan, have been on the battlefield for many years, how could I not know how to fight!"

Lin Yue said urgently, “Lord Tong, ‘War is a matter of vital importance to the state; it is a matter of life and death, a road to survival or ruin. It is imperative to examine it carefully.’ I hope you will think it over carefully and not make a mistake due to momentary impulse.”

Tong Guan's eyes widened in anger as he roared, "Men, drag this man who is disrupting morale away and give him twenty strokes of the military rod!"

The soldiers looked at each other, but dared not disobey Tong Guan's orders. Lin Yue was dragged away, the sound of military rods rang out, and he gritted his teeth, remaining silent.

After being beaten with military rods, Lin Yue endured the pain and knelt down again, saying, "Lord Tong, this humble general is wholeheartedly devoted to the Song Dynasty and the lives of these tens of thousands of soldiers. Please consider this carefully."

Tong Guan said impatiently, "Don't mention it again. Anyone who disobeys military orders again will be dealt with according to military law!"

Ignoring everyone's advice, Tong Guan ordered the army to continue advancing. However, they were unaware that the Liao army had already laid numerous ambushes ahead.

Tong Guan's army gradually ran into difficulties during their march. The roads were narrow, making it difficult to deploy their formations. Meanwhile, the Liao army on both sides of the mountain suddenly launched an attack, raining down arrows and causing heavy casualties to the Song army.