Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

After Zhao Tianming and Wu Yong threw the evidence in front of the prefect, the prefect's face turned ashen, and large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.

Zhao Tianming stared intently at the prefect and said, “Prefect, the evidence is now irrefutable. You can’t deny it. This is not only evidence of your corruption and bribery, but also evidence of Tong Guan’s exploitation of the people of Jiangnan and his misappropriation of disaster relief grain under various pretexts.”

Wu Yong added from the side, "Prefect, if you are wise enough to reveal all the schemes of Gao Qiu that you know, you may still be able to save your life."

The prefect slumped in his chair, his eyes filled with fear and struggle. He knew that if these crimes were exposed, he would face certain death.

Zhao Tianming paced back and forth, saying, "You colluded with Gao Qiu, Tong Guan, and others to commit evil deeds. Now that your crimes have been exposed, why don't you confess?"

The prefect gritted his teeth and finally spoke: "Fine, I will speak. Gao Qiu has always regarded Young Master Zhao as a thorn in his side and wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible. This time, framing Young Master Zhao was a conspiracy between Gao Qiu, Cai Jing, and Tong Guan. Tong Guan used the pretext of disaster relief in Jiangnan to plunder the people and enrich himself. As for me... I was instructed by Gao Qiu to harm Young Master Zhao."

Wu Yong snorted coldly: "As expected, they are a bunch of treacherous villains! What other plans do they have?"

The prefect said, trembling, "They...they intend to continue creating trouble, slandering Young Master Zhao for colluding with rebels, and attempting to put Young Master Zhao to death to eliminate future troubles."

Zhao Tianming clenched his fists in anger: "These villains are so utterly depraved!"

After a moment of contemplation, Wu Yong said, "This matter is of great importance. We must submit the evidence and the prefect's confession to the court as soon as possible to expose their crimes."

Zhao Tianming nodded and said, "That's right, but Gao Qiu and his men wield considerable power in the court, so we need to proceed with caution."

Therefore, Zhao Tianming, Wu Yong, and others began to carefully review the evidence and confessions. They categorized and organized each piece of evidence, clearly marking its source and the crimes involved. They meticulously checked the prefect's confession word for word to ensure there were no omissions or errors.

During the investigation, Zhao Tianming discovered that Tong Guan did not directly embezzle the disaster relief grain, but rather secretly manipulated grain prices to sell the grain to wealthy merchants at high prices, thereby obtaining huge profits.

Wu Yong noticed that Cai Jing was using his connections in court to spread rumors that were detrimental to Zhao Tianming, attempting to influence the emperor's judgment.

The more they investigated, the more they felt that Gao Qiu and his gang's crimes were heinous, and their anger grew stronger.

"We must not let these villains get away with it!" Zhao Tianming said firmly.

Upon receiving the news that Zhao Tianming, Wu Yong, and others had gathered considerable evidence against Gao Qiu, Yin Tianxi quickly reported this matter to Gao Qiu.

Upon hearing this, Gao Qiu was greatly alarmed and immediately consulted with Cai Jing for countermeasures.

Cai Jing stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Brother Gao Qiu, don't be anxious. I will have my son Cai Jiu go to Zhao Tianming's general store in plain clothes to negotiate with him. Perhaps we can settle this matter."

Gao Qiu nodded and said, "That's the only way. Tell him to be careful."

Before Cai Jiu left, Cai Jing instructed him: "Son, if Zhao Tianming is willing to compromise, then let this matter rest. If he refuses to comply, tell him that you will not let Pang Wanchun and Pang Qiuxia go, and use that to threaten him."

Cai Jiu agreed and, with a few followers, headed towards Zhao Tianming's general store.

At this moment, Dai Zong was helping the shop assistant organize the goods in the general store.

Cai Jiu walked into the general store and looked around.

Dai Zong looked up and saw Cai Jiu. Remembering Cai Jiu's past foolishness, he couldn't help but laugh and said, "Oh, isn't this Lord Cai? What brings you to this general store today? Perhaps you've come to see your red-faced steward?"

Upon hearing this, Cai Jiu's face immediately darkened, and he shouted angrily, "Dai Zong, stop talking nonsense!"

Dai Zong, however, didn't seem to care and continued to laugh, saying, "What? Lord Cai, are you angry out of embarrassment? I still remember the incident at the execution ground in Jiangzhou, the false information I passed on, and that forged letter from your father. Lord Cai, you haven't forgotten so quickly, have you?"

Cai Jiu gritted his teeth and said hatefully, "Dai Zong, you thieving convict, I haven't settled that score with you yet!"

Dai Zong crossed his arms and looked at him with disdain: "Oh, Lord Cai, are you going to bring up old grievances? Then bring it on, I, Dai Zong, am not afraid of you."

Cai Jiu was trembling with anger, pointing at Dai Zong and saying, "You...you shouldn't be so arrogant!"

At this moment, the shop assistants and other customers all looked over and began to whisper among themselves.

Dai Zong exclaimed loudly, "Look everyone, Lord Cai is quite imposing!"

Cai Jiu realized he had lost his temper and suppressed his anger, saying, "Dai Zong, I won't hold it against you today. I'm here to see Zhao Tianming."

Dai Zong sneered, "With Manager Zhao not here, Lord Cai is probably going to have made a wasted trip."

Cai Jiu frowned and said, "Don't try to fool me. I have important matters to discuss with him."

Dai Zong shrugged: "Believe it or not, it's up to you. If Lord Cai doesn't believe me, you can wait here."

Cai Jiu hesitated for a moment, then turned to his attendants and said, "You stay here and keep watch, I'll go and look around."

After saying that, Cai Jiu walked out of the grocery store and wandered around the neighborhood.

After a while, Cai Jiu returned to the grocery store and, seeing that Zhao Tianming still hadn't returned, became increasingly irritable.

Seeing this, Dai Zong teased, "Lord Cai, it seems you won't be able to wait for Manager Zhao today. Why don't you come another day?"

Cai Jiu glared fiercely at Dai Zong: "You just wait!"

After saying that, he stormed out of the grocery store with his entourage.

As Dai Zong watched Cai Jiu's departing figure, he thought to himself: Cai Jiu's sudden visit to Manager Zhao must be up to no good. I need to quickly find a way to inform Manager Zhao and Wu Yong so they can prepare for this.

Afterwards, Dai Zong also hurriedly left the grocery store to find Zhao Tianming and Wu Yong and inform them of Cai Jiu's arrival.

Zhao Tianming frowned and said to Wu Yong, "I'm just wondering, what is Cai Jiu doing here?"

Wu Yong gently waved his fan and slowly said, "Brother Tianming, this Cai Jiu must be acting on the orders of his father, Cai Jing, to threaten us."

Zhao Tianming snorted coldly: "Them, what leverage do they have to threaten us?"

Wu Yong shook his head, his expression grave, and said, "It's still unknown, but since he dared to come, he must have made ample preparations. Gao Qiu and Cai Jing's gang are treacherous and cunning, and they are used to using despicable methods. We must be on guard."

Zhao Tianming's face was filled with anger, and he clenched his fists: "Hmph, these treacherous villains, who commit all sorts of evil deeds on a daily basis, now they want to threaten us. How could I, Zhao Tianming, be afraid of them!"

Wu Yong advised, "Brother Tianming, do not act rashly. The situation is still unclear, so we must remain calm and not fall into their trap."

Zhao Tianming took a deep breath and said, "Then, in Brother Wu Yong's opinion, what should we do?"

Wu Yong pondered for a moment and said, "Let's hold back for now and wait for Brother Dai Zong to return so we can find out Cai Jiu's intentions and strengths before making any plans."

Zhao Tianming nodded and said, "That's the only way."

Before long, Dai Zong hurriedly returned.

"Manager Zhao, Mr. Wu," Dai Zong said breathlessly.

Zhao Tianming asked anxiously, "Brother Dai Zong, have you found out anything?"

Dai Zong took a sip of water and said, "I inquired along the way and learned that Cai Jiu came here this time, saying that he had important matters to discuss with Manager Zhao. He also brought several followers and looked very aggressive."

Wu Yong asked, "Do you know the specific reason for this?"

Dai Zong shook his head and said, "I haven't found out the details yet, but judging from Cai Jiu's expression, this matter is probably not simple."

Zhao Tianming retorted angrily, "What does it matter to him? I, Zhao Tianming, have always acted uprightly and honestly, why would I be afraid of him!"

Wu Yong then said, “Brother Tianming, please calm down. In my opinion, Cai Jiu’s purpose in coming here is simply to get us to give up exposing Gao Qiu and his gang’s crimes. Perhaps they will try to bribe us, or perhaps they will try to coerce us.”

Zhao Tianming gritted his teeth and said, "If he dares to threaten me, I will make sure he doesn't leave alive!"

Wu Yong advised, "Brother, you must not be reckless. Gao Qiu and his men wield immense power in the court. If we fight them head-on, we may not stand a chance of victory."

Zhao Tianming asked, "Does Brother Wu Yong have a good plan?"

Wu Yong gently waved his fan, a glint of wisdom flashing in his eyes: "We might as well meet him first and see what he says. If he tries to bribe us, we will remain unmoved; if he tries to coerce us, we will remain neither humble nor arrogant, and adapt to the situation. I reckon that Cai Jiu wouldn't dare to be too presumptuous in broad daylight."

Zhao Tianming pondered for a moment and said, "Very well, let's do as you say, brother."

Just then, a commotion broke out outside.

"Is Manager Zhao here?" It was Cai Jiu's voice.

Zhao Tianming and Wu Yong exchanged a glance, then got up and went out to greet them.

Cai Jiu stood arrogantly in front of the general store with his entourage.

When Cai Jiu saw Zhao Tianming come out, he said, "Zhao Tianming, I have come here today to discuss something important with you."

Zhao Tianming said coldly, "Lord Cai, speak your mind."

Cai Jiu looked around and said, "There are too many people here, let's go inside and talk."

Zhao Tianming said, "I'll say it right here. I, Zhao Tianming, have nothing to hide."

Cai Jiu's face darkened: "Zhao Tianming, don't be so stubborn."

Wu Yong laughed and said, "Lord Cai, let's talk this out. Why get angry?"

Cai Jiu snorted: "Zhao Tianming, if you know what's good for you, you'll stop here and not pursue the matter of Lord Gao Qiu any further. You'll naturally receive your share of the benefits. Otherwise..."

Zhao Tianming interrupted him, saying, "Otherwise what?"

Cai Jiuyin said with a sinister look, "Otherwise, the lives of Pang Wanchun and Pang Qiuxia will be in grave danger."

Zhao Tianming glared angrily: "You shameless bastards, you actually threatened innocent people!"

Wu Yong said, "Lord Cai, aren't you afraid of being despised for using such despicable methods?"

Cai Jiu sneered, "Hmph, a wise man submits to circumstances. Zhao Tianming, you'd better think it over."

Zhao Tianming was furious: "Don't even think about it! I, Zhao Tianming, will never compromise with you traitors!"

Cai Jiu sneered a few times, his eyes filled with malice, and said, "Fine, Zhao Tianming, you've got guts! Since you're so ungrateful, then wait to collect the corpses of Pang Wanchun and Pang Qiuxia!"

He gritted his teeth, his face contorted with rage. "I, Cai Jiu, kindly advised you, but you are so stubborn. You think you can bring down Lord Gao Qiu with your so-called evidence? You're dreaming!"

Cai Jiu glared fiercely at Zhao Tianming, then glanced at Wu Yong. "You're all courting death!" With that, he flicked his sleeve and strode away.

His entourage followed closely behind, one of them turning back and saying menacingly, "Zhao Tianming, just wait and see what happens!"

Cai Jiu hurried along, seething with anger. He had thought that by threatening Zhao Tianming, Zhao would obediently comply, but he hadn't expected to be met with such a cold shoulder. "Hmph, what an arrogant fool!" he cursed under his breath as he walked away.

Zhao Tianming watched Cai Jiu's departing figure, trembling with rage. "These lawless villains are so arrogant!"

Wu Yong stepped forward and patted Zhao Tianming on the shoulder. “Brother Tianming, don’t be angry. Cai Jiu’s actions are just a bluff. But we need to prepare a countermeasure as soon as possible in case they really harm Pang Wanchun and Pang Qiuxia.”

Zhao Tianming clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "Wu Xuejiu, I will never let them succeed! Even if it costs me my life, I will fight these traitors to the bitter end!"