Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Just as Gao Qi was caught in a dilemma, the sound of horses' hooves suddenly came from afar. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a troop of imperial guards galloping towards them. The leading general shouted loudly, "Stop at once!"

Zhao Tianming and the soldiers brought by Gao Qi all stopped fighting and looked at the Imperial Guard. The general dismounted, walked in front of the group, and showed his token, saying, "I am Liu Yong, the Commander of the Palace Guard, here to thoroughly investigate this matter on His Majesty's orders."

Upon seeing this, Gao Qi quickly stepped forward and said, "General Liu, I am acting on the orders of Lord Gao Qiu."

Liu Yong glanced at Gao Qi and said, "Lord Gao Qiu? Hmph, His Majesty has already heard about this matter and has specially ordered me to come. No one is allowed to act without authorization."

Zhao Tianming said, "General Liu, General Lin is loyal and honest, he must have been wronged. I hope you will investigate this matter thoroughly."

Liu Yong nodded slightly and said, "I will handle this fairly."

After saying this, Liu Yong led his men into the Lin residence to begin investigating the situation. Gao Qi stood to the side, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty, secretly calculating in his mind.

After a careful investigation, Liu Yong discovered some suspicious points. He turned to Gao Qi and asked, "You say Lin Yue is a traitor, what is your evidence?"

Gao Qi stammered, "This...this is what Lord Gao Qiu said."

Liu Yong sneered: "You dare to arrest people without any real evidence? You have some nerve!"

Gao Qi was so frightened that he immediately knelt down: "My lord, spare my life! I was only following orders."

At this moment, Wu Yong said, "General Liu, this matter is probably a conspiracy by Gao Qiu and others to harm General Lin."

Liu Yong pondered for a moment and said, "This matter is of great importance and needs to be reported to His Majesty for a decision."

Just then, Gao Qiu arrived hastily upon receiving the news. Upon seeing Liu Yong, he said, "Commander Liu, this is an order personally given by His Majesty. Why are you obstructing it?"

Liu Yong cupped his hands and said, "Lord Gao, there are many suspicious points in this matter, and we cannot convict you lightly."

Gao Qiu angrily said, "Lin Yue is a traitor, the evidence is conclusive, do not show favoritism."

The two were locked in a stalemate, while Zhao Tianming and the others watched anxiously.

Just then, a eunuch rushed over and announced loudly, "His Majesty has decreed that everyone be summoned to the palace to meet him."

The group arrived at the palace, where Emperor Huizong sat on his dragon throne, his face grim. Gao Qiu spoke first, "Your Majesty, the evidence of Lin Yue's treason is irrefutable and cannot be tolerated."

Liu Yong knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, after investigation, I have found many suspicious points in this matter. I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly."

Zhao Tianming also said, "Your Majesty, General Lin is loyal to the country and would never betray it. I beg Your Majesty to clear his name."

Emperor Huizong of Song was silent for a moment, then said, "I will make my own judgment."

Gao Qiu returned to his residence, and the more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

At this moment, Gao Yanei and Yin Tianxi walked in from outside. When Yin Tianxi saw Gao Qiu, he looked gloomy and hurriedly asked what had happened.

Gao Qiu then told Yin Tianxi about Lin Yue's situation, and Yin Tianxi said to him, "Grand Commandant, I have a way to deal with him."

Upon hearing Yin Tianxi's words, Gao Qiu's face lit up with joy, and he hurriedly asked, "Tell me in detail how this plan will be implemented?"

Yin Tianxi smiled sinisterly and said, "My lord, Brother Lin Yue owes a huge debt, and all his land has been mortgaged to me. We can use this to spread rumors that Lin Yue secretly misappropriated military funds to pay off his brother's debts, which led to the border army's lack of military supplies and gave the Liao people an opportunity to take advantage of him. In this way, his crime of colluding with the enemy and betraying the country will be even more convincing."

Gao Yanei chimed in from the side, "Father, this plan is brilliant. Once the news spreads, everyone will believe it without a doubt."

A ruthless glint flashed in Gao Qiu's eyes: "Alright, proceed according to this plan. Yin Tianxi, this matter is entrusted to you to arrange; make sure it is done flawlessly."

Yin Tianxi cupped his hands and said, "Rest assured, my lord, I will certainly not fail in my mission."

Therefore, Yin Tianxi secretly sent people to spread rumors throughout the capital, and for a time, rumors about Lin Yue embezzling military funds spread like wildfire.

At this time, Lin Yue was completely unaware of all this. He was racking his brains trying to clear his name.

Zhao Tianming, Wu Yong, and the others were furious when they heard the rumors.

Zhao Tianming said, "This is clearly a frame-up by Gao Qiu and his men. We must not let them succeed."

After a moment of contemplation, Wu Yong said, "Our current plan is to find evidence to prove that Lin Yue's brother's debt has nothing to do with Lin Yue in order to break this conspiracy."

Everyone nodded and began running around, searching for clues.

While everyone was busy searching for evidence, Gao Qiu returned to his mansion triumphantly, feeling increasingly confident of victory. At this moment, Gao Yanei and Yin Tianxi entered the mansion and hurriedly asked what had happened. Gao Qiu then recounted Lin Yue's affair and praised Yin Tianxi, saying, "Your plan is guaranteed to throw Lin Yue into prison."

Yin Tianxi said obsequiously, "It is my honor to serve you, sir."

Gao Yanei also chimed in with praise: "Father is wise. This time, Lin Yue will surely not be able to escape."

Yin Tianxi secretly sent people to spread rumors in the capital about Lin Yue embezzling military funds, and for a time, the whole capital was abuzz with discussion.

Lin Yue was completely unaware of the rumors circulating outside and was still racking his brains in his residence, trying to figure out how to clear his name. Meanwhile, Lin Yue's elder brother, Lin Shan, was being driven to desperation by his creditors due to debt problems.

Left with no other choice, Lin Shan decided to seek help from Lin Yue again. He arrived at Lin Yue's residence, and the two brothers met. Lin Shan said with a distressed expression, "Brother, those creditors are becoming increasingly ruthless, and I really can't bear it anymore."

Lin Yue comforted him, "Brother, don't worry, I'm thinking of a solution."

Lin Shan sighed and said, "It's all my fault. I've caused you so much trouble."

Just then, Gao Yanei received news that Lin Shan was at Lin Yue's residence, and he devised a plan.

Gao Yanei found Yin Tianxi and said, "Lin Shan is currently at Lin Yue's residence. We can take this opportunity to set a trap for Lin Yue."

Yin Tianxi hurriedly asked, "What brilliant plan does the young master have?"

Gao Yanei smiled sinisterly, "We'll forge a debt contract, saying that Lin Yue is willing to mortgage his property to us to help Lin Shan pay off his debts. Then, I'll send someone to invite Lin Yue to discuss this matter, and when he's not paying attention, we'll trick him into signing the contract."

Yin Tianxi's eyes lit up: "This plan is brilliant!"

So they quickly forged a seemingly realistic contract.

Gao Yanei sent his men to Lin Yue’s residence, pretending to be Lin Shan’s creditors, saying that as long as Lin Yue signed a contract, Lin Shan’s debts would be forgiven.

Lin Yue was concerned for his brother's safety and, without suspecting anything, followed the person to the agreed-upon place.

Upon arriving at the destination, Gao Yanei and Yin Tianxi were already waiting for a long time. Lin Yue became wary upon seeing them.

Gao Yanei said with a forced smile, "General Lin, how have you been? As long as you sign this contract, Lin Shan's debts can be temporarily suspended."

Lin Yue took the contract and examined it carefully. He felt something was amiss, but he hesitated because he thought of his brother's predicament.

Seeing this, Gao Yanei urged, "General Lin, time is of the essence. If you don't sign, Lin Shan's life will be in danger."

Lin Yue gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, I'll sign! But you must keep your promise."

And so, Lin Yue signed his name on the contract.

Upon receiving the contract signed by Lin Yue, Gao Yanei laughed triumphantly, "Lin Yue, Lin Yue, this time you have no way to escape!"

Lin Yue then realized he had fallen into a trap, but it was too late.

Holding the contract, Gao Yanei entered the palace again to meet the emperor. Upon seeing Emperor Huizong, he knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I have new evidence. Lin Yue not only embezzled military funds, but also signed a contract to mortgage his property in an attempt to evade responsibility."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong was furious: "Is this true? Bring Lin Yue here!"

Lin Yue was brought to the palace and met Emperor Huizong of Song. He knelt down and cried out that he was wronged.

Emperor Huizong threw the contract in front of Lin Yue and said, "This is your signature? What else do you have to say?"

Lin Yue said, "Your Majesty, this contract was a trap set by Gao Yanei and others. I was confused for a moment because I was trying to save my brother."

Gao Qiu said from the side, "Your Majesty, the evidence is here. Lin Yue is clearly making excuses."

Zhao Tianming and Wu Yong were extremely anxious when they learned that Lin Yue had been framed by Gao Yanei and signed the document.

Zhao Tianming said, "Mr. Wu Yong, what should we do?"

Wu Yong pondered for a moment and said, "We must find evidence to prove that this contract is forged, or find the flaws in Gao Yanei's conspiracy."

So they began to investigate and look for clues.

After some twists and turns, Wu Yong discovered some loopholes in the contract, such as the incorrect date and unreasonable terms.

They brought the evidence to the palace to meet the emperor and explain the truth to Emperor Huizong of Song.

After careful examination, Emperor Huizong began to suspect Gao Yanei and Gao Qiu.

At this moment, Lin Yue said, "Your Majesty, I have always been loyal to the court and have never had any disloyal intentions. Gao Yanei and others have repeatedly framed me, and I hope Your Majesty will investigate thoroughly."

Emperor Huizong remained silent for a long time before saying, "I will reinvestigate this matter. If you have truly been wronged, I will clear your name."

Lin Yue kowtowed and expressed his gratitude: "Thank you for your wisdom, Your Majesty."

After Emperor Huizong of Song said he would reinvestigate the matter, Gao Yanei and Yin Tianxi gathered together, their faces grim.

Gao Yanei said angrily, "I never thought that Lin Yue would have a chance to turn things around. We must not let him escape this time."

Yin Tianxi said sinisterly, "Young master, don't be anxious, I have a plan."

Gao Yanei hurriedly asked, "Tell me quickly, what is the plan?"

Yin Tianxi leaned closer to Gao Yanei and whispered, "We can bribe the servants in Lin Yue's mansion to give false testimony, saying that we personally witnessed Lin Yue exchanging secret letters with the Liao people. Then we can arrange for someone to forge some evidence of treason in Lin's mansion."

Upon hearing this, Gao Yanei's eyes flashed with excitement: "This plan is excellent. Go and carry it out immediately."

Yin Tianxi nodded and immediately began making arrangements.

Soon after, a servant named Li Er in Lin Yue's household was bribed by Gao Yanei and Yin Tianxi.

When Emperor Huizong of Song reviewed the case again, Li Er went to court to testify against Lin Yue.

Li Erhan said tremblingly, "Your Majesty, I personally witnessed General Lin exchanging letters with the Liao people."

Lin Yue roared, "You despicable man, how dare you slander me!"

Emperor Huizong's expression grew increasingly grim.

At that moment, the officers and soldiers searching the Lin residence presented so-called "evidence of treason".

Gao Qiu seized the opportunity to speak up, saying, "Your Majesty, now that we have both witnesses and physical evidence, Lin Yue is guilty of treason and collusion with the enemy, and his crime is unforgivable."

Zhao Tianming and Wu Yong were extremely anxious below the hall.