Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

After taking Pang Qiuxia back to the city and settling her in, Wu Yong summoned everyone to discuss the follow-up matters.

"Brothers, although we have rescued Pang Qiuxia this time, Gao Qiu will certainly not let this go. We must be careful and on guard," Wu Yong said with a solemn expression.

Zhao Tianming nodded in agreement, saying, "What the scholar said is absolutely right. Gao Qiu is a narrow-minded fellow and will surely find a way to retaliate."

Shi Jin shouted, "What's there to be afraid of! We've already been granted amnesty. If he dares to cause trouble, we'll make sure he suffers the consequences!"

Wu Yong shook his head slightly: "We must not be careless. Gao Qiu has deep roots in the court and a complex network of connections. We need to act cautiously."

Yan Qing said, "Scholar, in my opinion, we should strengthen our ties with other loyal and righteous people in the court and fight against Gao Qiu together."

Everyone agreed.

So the group split up. Zhao Tianming was in charge of strengthening the guards in the mansion to prevent Gao Qiu from harming them in secret; Wu Yong and Yan Qing visited righteous officials in the court to seek their support.

However, Gao Qiu would not stand idly by. He spread rumors in the court, slandering Zhao Tianming and others for rescuing Pang Qiuxia as a prison break and rebellion, in an attempt to make the emperor lose trust in them.

For a time, there was much discussion in the court, and the emperor also began to have doubts about Zhao Tianming and others.

Upon learning of this, Wu Yong was extremely anxious: "Gao Qiu's plan is extremely vicious. If we do not clarify this matter as soon as possible, it may be detrimental to us."

Zhao Tianming angrily said, "This Gao Qiu is distorting the truth and is utterly despicable!"

Just as everyone was anxious, Yan Qing came up with a plan: "Why don't we go to see the Emperor and report the truth and details of the matter, and then present the evidence to prove our innocence?"

Everyone thought the plan was feasible.

After much trouble, the group was finally able to meet the Emperor. Zhao Tianming earnestly recounted Gao Qiu's crimes and the reasons for their rescue, while Wu Yong presented the evidence they had found in Gao Qiu's secret villa.

After hearing this, the Emperor was skeptical: "Is this really true?"

At this moment, several righteous officials in the court also stood up to speak for Zhao Tianming and others, strongly testifying that what they said was true.

The emperor then believed it and was furious with Gao Qiu's behavior, issuing an edict to reprimand him.

When Gao Qiu learned that his scheme had been exposed, he not only did not restrain himself, but instead harbored even greater resentment towards Zhao Tianming and the others.

He secretly colluded with other treacherous officials, attempting to frame everyone again.

One day, Zhao Tianming and the others received an imperial edict, ordering them to march to the frontier to defend against foreign enemies. They all knew this was surely a conspiracy by Gao Qiu.

But for the greater good of the nation, they resolutely accepted the order and went to war.

Zhao Tianming and his men accepted their orders and embarked on a journey to the frontier to defend against foreign enemies. However, what awaited them was not only the fierce Liao army, but also the treacherous Deputy Privy Councilor Han Yong.

Han Yong harbored a deep-seated grudge against Zhao Tianming. Previously, Zhao Tianming had righteously reported Han Yong's son's illegal activities, ultimately leading to Han Yong's dismissal from his post and subsequent punishment. Han Yong had held a grudge against Zhao Tianming ever since, and he saw this military campaign as the perfect opportunity for revenge.

After the army set off, Zhao Tianming quickly noticed something amiss. The military supplies they received were not only scarce in quantity but also of poor quality. Most weapons were rusted and damaged, and the food supplies were intermittent, consisting mostly of inferior coarse grains. Zhao Tianming sent his men to the Privy Council to inquire about the situation, but the reply was a cold, dismissive statement: "Resources are limited; this is already the best we can do." Zhao Tianming knew in his heart that Han Yong was deliberately making things difficult for them behind the scenes.

On the frontier battlefield, the Liao army was like a ferocious tiger, its momentum overwhelming. The Liao cavalry charged swiftly, and its infantry formed tight formations, putting immense pressure on the Song army.

Zhao Tianming took the lead, brandishing his long sword and shouting to boost morale: "Brothers, for the Song Dynasty, for the people, we will fight to the death!"

Inspired by him, the soldiers fought bravely against the enemy. However, due to problems with military equipment and supplies, the Song army gradually became overwhelmed.

Instead of actively coordinating support from the rear, Han Yong deliberately delayed the dispatch of reinforcements. He secretly gloated, "Zhao Tianming, let's see how you handle this."

Zhao Tianming repeatedly sent urgent memorials requesting support and sufficient supplies. However, Han Yong secretly intercepted or altered these memorials, leaving the court completely unaware of the true situation at the front.

Liao general Yelü Hong sent Gao Ke as an envoy to sneak into Song territory and arrange a meeting with Gao Qiu.

Upon seeing Gao Ke, Gao Qiu angrily said, "Gao Ke, what brings you here?"

Gao Ke hurriedly said, "Grand Commandant, please calm down. I am an envoy of the Liao Kingdom and am acting under orders."

Gao Qiu glared at him angrily: "Hmph, you traitor, how dare you face me now?"

Gao Ke then took out a letter and presented it to Gao Qiu.

The letter said:

"Gao Qiu, please take heed:"

Our Liao army is now powerful and ambitious, and we intend to seize Song territory. I have heard that you hold a high position and great power in Song, yet you are also subject to many constraints. I wish to conspire with you to accomplish a great undertaking. If you can secretly assist us, you will enjoy wealth and glory upon success. The Song court is weak and incompetent; why should you serve it? You should understand the times, follow the opportune moment, and join us in this grand undertaking.

Yelü Hongjing's book

Gao Qiu held the letter, glanced at Gao Ke, and said, "Now that the Liao Kingdom has captured two cities, if I help you, the Emperor will surely have my entire family executed if he finds out."

Gao Ke sneered, "Grand Commandant, things have come to this point. Do you have any other choice now? Although His Majesty has not investigated the matter deeply for the time being, you have made enemies with Zhao Tianming and others. But if they regain power, do you think you will have a good outcome? Your current situation in the court is not necessarily as secure as a mountain."

Gao Qiu snorted coldly: "Gao Ke, stop spreading alarmist rumors. I, Gao Qiu, have seen more of the world than you have. Don't try to play these tricks on me."

Gao Ke remained calm and composed, still wearing a cold smile, and slowly said, "Grand Commandant, please hear me out. How dare I threaten you? I'm merely analyzing the situation for you. Think about it, Zhao Tianming and the others are now deeply trusted by the Emperor. If they achieve great merit in this expedition, their power will surely increase upon their return. At that time, would they let you off the hook for opposing them? Furthermore, those officials in the court who are at odds with you will definitely take the opportunity to kick you when you're down, and your position in the court will be in grave danger."

Gao Qiu's face darkened as he pondered Gao Ke's words.

Seeing that Gao Qiu was wavering, Gao Ke continued, "Grand Commandant, although you have extensive connections and deep roots in the court, you cannot withstand these repeated schemes. Cooperating with our Great Liao is your only way out. As long as you secretly assist us, the Great Liao will certainly not treat you unfairly after success. You will enjoy endless wealth and honor, so why should you live in constant fear and suspicion in the Great Song?"

Gao Qiu glared at Gao Ke and said, "You make it sound so easy. If you're discovered, that's a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of your family!"

Gao Ke stepped forward and lowered his voice, saying, "Grand Commandant, as long as you act cautiously, how could you be discovered? We will make thorough arrangements to ensure that nothing goes wrong. Besides, the current situation is extremely unfavorable to you. If you don't take a risk, you may never have a chance to turn things around again."

Gao Qiu paced back and forth in the room, his heart filled with conflicting emotions.

Gao Ke continued, “Grand Commandant, please do not hesitate any longer. The Liao army is strong and powerful, and their southward advance is unstoppable. The Song Dynasty is already in dire straits and cannot withstand their onslaught. If you help the Liao, you will not only preserve your own glory but also gain a higher position in the new dynasty. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

Gao Qiu stopped and stared at Gao Ke, saying, "You keep saying you can guarantee everything will be alright, but do you have a concrete plan?"

A sly glint flashed in Gao Ke's eyes as he said, "Grand Commandant, rest assured. We have already made arrangements. All you need to do is to slightly restrict Zhao Tianming's army in terms of military equipment and supplies, so that they cannot fully resist our Great Liao army. In addition, leak some information about the Song army's deployment to us. In this way, our Great Liao will surely be able to achieve a swift victory."

Gao Qiu gritted his teeth and said, "This matter is of utmost importance. If anything goes wrong, I will be doomed."

Gao Ke said, "Grand Commandant, fortune and honor are found in danger. Think about it, if you succeed, you will be a meritorious official of the Liao Dynasty and enjoy endless wealth and honor. If you fail, you will only maintain the status quo. Can it be worse than it is now?"

Gao Qiu remained silent, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Gao Ke pressed his advantage: "Grand Commandant, this is an opportunity not to be missed. If you miss this chance, you will surely regret it later."

Gao Qiu finally made up his mind and said, "Fine, I can cooperate with you, but you must guarantee my safety and the promised wealth and honor."

Gao Ke laughed and said, "Grand Commandant, rest assured, the Liao Dynasty always keeps its word. As long as you do as we say, I will take care of everything."

Gao Qiu sighed and said, "I hope what you say is true, otherwise, hmph!"

Gao Ke quickly said, "Grand Commandant, just wait and see what happens."

After this, Gao Qiu began to secretly restrain Zhao Tianming's army, as agreed with Gao Ke. He deliberately delayed the allocation of military supplies and provisions, and altered intelligence, causing Zhao Tianming's army to fall into an even more difficult predicament on the front lines.

Meanwhile, Gao Ke returned to the Liao Kingdom with the intelligence provided by Gao Qiu. Yelü Hong was overjoyed and intensified his attacks on the Song army.

On the battlefield, Zhao Tianming's army struggled to hold on, unaware that they had been betrayed by Gao Qiu.

Although Gao Qiu and Gao Ke had reached an agreement, Gao Qiu still felt somewhat uneasy. He knew that if this matter were exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

On this day, Gao Qiu secretly met with Cai Jing. In Cai Jing's study, the two dismissed everyone else.

Gao Qiu looked anxious and said, "Lord Cai, my cooperation with the Liao people is now a dilemma, and I don't know what to do."

Cai Jing stroked his beard, squinted and pondered for a moment, then said, "Grand Commandant Gao, don't be anxious. I have a plan that can deal with Zhao Tianming and keep you and me out of the mess."

Gao Qiu hurriedly said, "Lord Cai, please speak."

Cai Jing lowered his voice and said, "Now that Zhao Tianming is fighting on the front lines, we can advise the Emperor that the situation is critical and a military supervisor needs to be sent to oversee the battle. We can appoint one of our own trusted confidants as the supervisor. Let the supervisor find fault with Zhao Tianming in the army and deliberately incite discontent among the soldiers. Then, we can secretly spread rumors that Zhao Tianming is abusing his power and plotting a rebellion. In this way, the Emperor will surely become suspicious of Zhao Tianming. Even if Zhao Tianming can resist the Liao army, he will find it difficult to recover due to the Emperor's suspicion."

Upon hearing this, Gao Qiu's eyes gleamed, and he said, "This plan is brilliant, but the selection of the supervising officer is a problem..."

Cai Jing smiled slightly and said, "I have a trusted confidant named Li Tong. He is good at reading people and using flattery. He is sure to be competent."

Gao Qiu nodded and said, "That's very good. However, how to spread these rumors will require Lord Cai's careful planning."

Cai Jing said, "Grand Commandant Gao, rest assured, I will arrange this matter properly. We can have people in the taverns and teahouses of the capital pretend to accidentally reveal this news, and then bribe some literati to write articles implying Zhao Tianming's treacherous intentions. In this way, the rumors will surely spread quickly."

Gao Qiu said, "Lord Cai is indeed a man of great wisdom. If this plan succeeds, I will reward you handsomely."

Cai Jing cupped his hands and said, "Grand Commandant Gao, you flatter me. We are officials in the same court, so we should support each other."

Not long after, Cai Jing recommended Li Tong to the emperor as military supervisor to go to the front lines. Once Li Tong arrived at the army, he deliberately made things difficult for Zhao Tianming, embezzled military pay, and disrupted military discipline, causing widespread resentment among the soldiers.