Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Pang Wanchun and Pang Qiuxia wanted to present evidence of the crimes of treacherous officials such as Tong Guan, Gao Qiu, and Cai Jing to the emperor, but they encountered many troubles along the way and were eventually imprisoned.

Gao Qiu, that scoundrel, was overjoyed to see Zhao Tianming in jail and immediately divided up all of Zhao Tianming's assets. Those who had previously done business with Zhao Tianming all turned their backs on him, scrambling to seize his shops and land. A wealthy merchant named Jia Ren, who had previously had a good relationship with Zhao Tianming, now jumped out and said that Zhao Tianming was down on his luck and his assets should belong to someone else.

Zhao Tianming's good friend Li Yi, unable to bear the sight any longer, decided to seek help from a respected official named Zhang in the imperial court. Li Yi went to Zhang's residence with gifts and kowtowed to Zhang upon seeing him.

Li Yi said, "Lord Zhang, my friend Zhao Tianming has been wronged. You must help him!"

Lord Zhang frowned and said, "I've heard about Zhao Tianming's matter, but it's too complicated, and I don't dare to get involved."

Li Yi said anxiously, "Sir, Zhao Tianming is devoted to the country, but now his property has been seized and he has lost his home. Please help him!"

Lord Zhang sighed and said, "I also want to help him, but Gao Qiu has too much power in the court. If I help Zhao Tianming, I will also be in trouble. Let me think about it some more."

Li Yi had no choice but to leave.

In prison, Zhao Tianming, Pang Wanchun, and Pang Qiuxia were furious to hear that their businesses had been seized.

Zhao Tianming cursed, "That bastard Gao Qiu, I won't let him get away with this!"

Pang Wanchun also said, "Once I get out, I will definitely kill him!"

Pang Qiuxia cried beside her, saying, "What are we going to do?"

After Zhao Tianming's restaurant, silk shop, and general store were divided up, people like Gao Yanei and Duan Tianxi, who had grudges against Zhao Tianming, couldn't wait to join in and get a share of the spoils.

Relying on Gao Qiu's power, Gao Yanei forcibly seized Zhao Tianming's most prosperous restaurant. He dismissed all the original manager and staff, replacing them with his own cronies. These cronies knew nothing of business; they only knew how to squander money. The once thriving restaurant became a chaotic mess. The quality of the food declined, the service was appalling, and regular customers stopped patronizing the restaurant, causing its reputation to plummet.

Duan Tianxi seized Zhao Tianming's silk shop. In pursuit of exorbitant profits, he resorted to selling inferior silk as high-quality goods. Once the news spread, customers who had trusted the shop's quality were furious and condemned Duan Tianxi's shameless actions. Other silk shops were also implicated, plunging the entire capital's silk industry into a crisis of trust, and business plummeted.

Those small merchants who had previously clashed with Zhao Tianming seized the opportunity to carve up the grocery store. To compete for limited resources, they undercut each other, engaging in vicious competition. The previously stable price system was completely shattered, and the market descended into chaos. Some grocery stores, in an effort to reduce costs, began selling counterfeit and substandard goods, causing great harm and widespread resentment among the people.

Due to the greed and shortsightedness of these individuals, the balance of the commercial network in the capital was completely disrupted. The once prosperous and orderly market became chaotic and disorderly, and merchants lived in constant fear.

Some honest businesses were severely impacted, and their business became increasingly bleak. One long-established fabric shop, beloved by the people for its high-quality fabrics and fair prices, suffered greatly in the chaos due to unfair competition from Duan Tianxi and others. The shop lost a large number of customers, forcing the owner to lay off staff, shrink the shop, and barely make ends meet.

Street vendors are also suffering greatly. Previously, they could buy goods at reasonable prices from Zhao Tianming's grocery store, but now prices are chaotic and quality varies greatly, making it extremely difficult for them to source supplies. Some vendors, having purchased inferior goods, are unable to sell them, losing everything and forced to live on the streets.

People's lives have been severely affected. They can't buy good quality, inexpensive goods, and the cost of living has increased significantly. The once bustling streets have become deserted, and people's faces have lost their former smiles.

At the same time, problems arose with taxation. Due to the chaotic operations of various merchants, tax collection became difficult. The imperial court's revenue decreased, and the construction and maintenance of some public facilities were forced to halt.

Some far-sighted merchants realized that if things continued this way, the entire capital's commerce would be doomed. They united to try to restore order to the market, but Gao Yanei and others used their power to obstruct them.

"Hmph, you want to go against me? No way!" Gao Yanei said arrogantly.

The merchants were furious, but there was nothing they could do.

Amidst the chaos in Beijing's commerce, Zhao Tianming's friend Li Yi did not give up his efforts to help him. He knew that to save Zhao Tianming's businesses and restore commercial order to the capital, they needed to find a stronger force to support him.

Li Yi inquired around and finally learned of a highly respected retired official, Lord Wang, who still held considerable influence in the court. Li Yi decided to visit Lord Wang, hoping to obtain his assistance.

Li Yi arrived at Lord Wang's residence and respectfully presented his visiting card. Seeing Li Yi's earnest words, Lord Wang decided to listen to his request.

Li Yi explained Zhao Tianming's injustice and the chaos in the capital's commerce to Lord Wang in detail.

After hearing this, Lord Wang sighed deeply: "Such chaos is truly a misfortune for the country. Although I have retired, I cannot sit idly by."

Lord Wang decided to rely on his connections and prestige to submit a petition to the imperial court, earnestly requesting the rectification of the commercial order in the capital and the restoration of justice for Zhao Tianming.

However, whether this matter would succeed remained uncertain. Meanwhile, Zhao Tianming and the others, imprisoned, continued to worry, unsure of their future fate.

Just as the commercial order in the capital was thrown into chaos due to the division of Zhao Tianming's assets, Chai Jin learned of the situation. Chai Jin was a righteous man who had long been dissatisfied with the evil deeds of Gao Yanei, Duan Tianxi, and others. This time, he decided to step forward to stop them from continuing to seize Zhao Tianming's assets and to maintain the normal order of the market.

One day, Chai Jin, accompanied by a group of servants, arrived at the restaurant that had been seized by Gao Yanei.

"Young Master Gao, your forceful plundering is against all reason! Return this restaurant to Zhao Tianming at once!" Chai Jin shouted.

Gao Yanei was drinking and making merry in the restaurant when he heard Chai Jin's voice and slowly walked out.

"Who do we have here? It's Master Chai. This restaurant is mine now, so don't meddle in other people's business!" Gao Yanei said arrogantly.

Chai Jin glared angrily: "Young Master Gao, you have been doing all sorts of evil deeds by relying on the power of your father, Gao Qiu. Today, I will definitely uphold justice!"

Gao Yanei sneered, "Chai Jin, don't be ungrateful. I advise you to leave now, or don't blame me for being impolite!"

Chai Jin did not back down: "If you do not return it, I will act on behalf of Heaven!"

After saying this, Chai Jin's servants stepped forward and confronted Gao Yanei's men.

Enraged, Gao Yanei shouted, "Go! Teach them a lesson!"

A chaotic battle ensued. Chai Jin's servants were well-trained, while Gao Yanei's men were mostly a disorganized rabble relying on their power. Gao Yanei's forces quickly found themselves at a disadvantage.

Just then, Duan Tianxi heard the news and rushed over with his men to support Gao Yanei.

"Chai Jin, how dare you oppose us! Today we'll teach you a lesson!" Duan Tianxi shouted.

The situation became more tense, and the conflict between the two sides intensified. Chai Jin personally joined the fray, fighting against Gao Yanei and Duan Tianxi's men. He was agile and quickly defeated several enemies.

Seeing that things were going badly, Gao Yanei shouted, "Everyone, grab your weapons!"

His men drew their swords, and Chai Jin's servants, not to be outdone, picked up sticks to prepare for battle.

At this moment, the people on the street gathered around, watching the fierce conflict unfold.

"Gao Yanei and Duan Tianxi have gone too far! Master Chai is fighting for justice!" a citizen shouted.

"Yes, they've seized other people's property and made the capital a mess!" Everyone chimed in.

With the support of the people, Chai Jin's servants became even more courageous.

Seeing this, Duan Tianxi felt a little apprehensive: "Young Master Gao, this Chai Jin is not easy to deal with."

Gao Yanei gritted his teeth: "What are you afraid of? Keep fighting!"

However, as the conflict continued, Gao Yanei and Duan Tianxi's men found it increasingly difficult to withstand Chai Jin's offensive.

Just then, government officials arrived after hearing the news.

"Stop it, all of you!" the officer shouted.

Only then did everyone stop.

Inside the yamen, the official addressed Chai Jin politely, saying, "Master Chai, it's not that I don't want to uphold justice, but Gao Yanei has all the legal procedures for acquiring Zhao Tianming's property. You shouldn't get involved in this mess."

Upon hearing this, Chai Jin's eyes widened in anger, and he pointed at the official, shouting, "What legal procedures? You're clearly in cahoots! Gao Yanei is abusing Gao Qiu's power and committing all sorts of atrocities, yet you turn a blind eye and even help them oppress the good! Is there any law in this world? Is there any justice?"

The official looked troubled and lowered his voice, saying, "Master Chai, your status is noble, but we really can't afford to offend Gao Yanei. Even if you beat yourself to death, you won't have to pay with your life, but I still have to make a living in this officialdom."

Chai Jin was furious and shouted, "You cowardly and timid official! This world belongs to the Zhao family, not to Gao Qiu and his son! How can you so distort the truth? Aren't you afraid of being punished one day?"

The official was sweating profusely from Chai Jin's scolding, but dared not refute it.

Chai Jin continued, "I, Chai Jin, am making this clear today: I'm determined to handle this matter! Even if it costs me my life, I will seek justice for Zhao Tianming and restore order to the capital!"

Having said this, Chai Jin turned and strode away, leaving the official standing there, his face turning pale and then red, unsure of what to do. Meanwhile, the people outside the yamen, hearing Chai Jin's words, cheered and admired his righteous act even more.