Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Upon hearing that the men Tong Guan had sent had been beheaded by Song Jiang, he immediately summoned Gao Qiu and Cai Jing.

"Grand Commandant, Grand Tutor, what should we do? The men we sent out to sow discord were killed instead!" Tong Guan said anxiously, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Gao Qiu and Tong Guan were both surprised. Gao Qiu frowned and said, "Grand Tutor, what do you mean? The man is gone, and our plan has failed. Liangshan is not easy to deal with."

Cai Jing burst into laughter, leaving Gao Qiu and Tong Guan bewildered and looking at each other in confusion.

After laughing, Cai Jing stroked his beard and said, "Don't be anxious, gentlemen. This is just a minor setback. The fact that Song Jiang killed our men shows that he has lost his composure. Although his killing temporarily stabilized the internal situation of Liangshan, it has also left a grudge in the hearts of Pang Wanchun and Pang Qiuxia."

Gao Qiu asked in confusion, "What does the Grand Tutor mean?"

A sinister glint flashed in Cai Jing's eyes: "They will definitely think that Song Jiang acted too arbitrarily. Even if they believe they are innocent, they will not leave any room for compromise. The human heart is most vulnerable to such turmoil. We can take advantage of this and devise another plan."

Tong Guan hurriedly asked, "Grand Tutor, please enlighten us. We are too dull to figure out the secret."

Cai Jing paced back and forth, then slowly said, "Let's send spies to infiltrate Liangshan again and whisper in the ears of Pang Wanchun and his sister that Song Jiang's actions were merely a temporary measure, and that he still harbors suspicions about them. Moreover, Song Jiang is a righteous man, but also ruthless, and he will surely find a pretext to deal with them in the future."

Gao Qiu suddenly realized: "Brilliant! In this way, the brother and sister will definitely harbor resentment towards Song Jiang."

Tong Guan echoed, "Grand Tutor is indeed exceptionally wise. If this plan succeeds, it will surely cause rifts within Liangshan."

Cai Jing smiled smugly: "Hmph, no matter how united the Liangshan heroes are, they can't withstand our schemes. Once they're thrown into disarray, that's when we'll crush them in one fell swoop."

Gao Qiu cupped his hands and said, "Everything is up to the Grand Tutor's arrangements."

Tong Guan also said, "Grand Tutor's plan will surely succeed, and we will repay you handsomely."

So the three of them began to plot their next scheme, determined to plunge the Liangshan heroes into utter ruin.

Cai Jing said to Gao Qiu and Tong Guan, "Lord Tong, Grand Commandant Gao, the reason why Song Jiang killed that spy was because he had a good relationship with Pang Wanchun and Pang Qiuxia. We would do the same if we were in that situation. It's only human nature. So, to bring down Song Jiang and Zhao Tianming, we must start with the people they trust."

Gao Qiu and Tong Guan exchanged a glance, looking puzzled, and said in unison, "Grand Tutor, we are both dull-witted, please explain in detail."

Cai Jing stroked his beard, narrowed his eyes, and said, “Think about it. The Liangshan heroes seem to be righteous and loyal, with deep brotherhood, but you can’t see into someone’s heart. How can there not be a trace of distrust? Song Jiang and the Pang siblings are indeed friends, but in matters concerning the survival of Liangshan, if they are not careful, their friendship will be as fragile as paper. What we need to do is to tear a hole in this friendship.”

Tong Guan nodded thoughtfully: "Grand Tutor is absolutely right, but how exactly should it be carried out?"

Cai Jing smiled slightly, a sly glint in his eyes: "Pang Wanchun and Pang Qiuxia are not alone in Liangshan. They also have close brothers and friends. We need to find those who are close to them, offer them great benefits, and lure them to work for us."

Gao Qiu frowned: "Does the Grand Tutor mean to bribe their friends and undermine them from within?"

Cai Jing shook his head: "No, no, bribing them is easy to expose. What we need to do is sow discord between them, making them jealous and suspicious. For example, have the person who was won over pretend to be neglected in front of the Pang siblings and complain about Song Jiang's unfairness, or deliberately reveal some ambiguous information so that they mistakenly believe that Song Jiang is hiding something from them."

Tong Guan suddenly realized: "Grand Tutor, you are brilliant! In this way, the Pang siblings will definitely waver in their trust in Song Jiang."

Cai Jing continued, "Furthermore, we can arrange for people to create some minor frictions and misunderstandings on Liangshan, so that these conflicts are directed at the Pang siblings. Then, we can have our people fan the flames and escalate the situation."

Gao Qiu said, "This trick is extremely insidious, but if it is exposed..."

Cai Jing interrupted him: "Grand Commandant Gao, do not worry. As long as it is done cleverly, how could they possibly notice? Besides, when people are angry and suspicious, they lose all reason and cannot think calmly."

Tong Guan said, "Grand Tutor's plan is ingenious, but finding the right person who can control the situation is not an easy task."

Cai Jing said confidently, "What's so difficult about that? There are many gossipy people in Liangshan, and there are bound to be some who are dissatisfied and greedy for wealth. We just need to send people to investigate secretly, and we will definitely find some useful people."

Gao Qiu cupped his hands and said, "Grand Tutor, your wisdom and foresight are admirable. However, we still need to be cautious about the selection of this person."

Cai Jing nodded and said, "That's natural. This matter requires careful consideration and should not be rushed. Once the candidate is selected, we must plan meticulously to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Tong Guan asked, "What if the Pang siblings don't fall for it?"

Cai Jing sneered: "Hmph, whether they fall for it or not, they're already in the game. Even if they don't believe those rumors, once the seed of doubt is planted, it will take root and sprout. With our subsequent measures, we're not afraid they won't become disloyal to Song Jiang."

Gao Qiu said, "Grand Tutor, what you say is absolutely right. However, the Liangshan forces are too powerful, and I'm afraid this plan alone will not be enough to defeat them in one fell swoop."

Cai Jing said, "Grand Commandant Gao is right. This is only the first step. There are many more plans to follow. When the people of Liangshan are in a state of panic, we will put pressure on them from the outside, either by sending troops to surround and suppress them or by setting traps, so that they cannot take care of themselves."

Tong Guan said excitedly, "When that time comes, Liangshan will surely be in chaos, and we can then reap the benefits."

A sinister glint flashed in Cai Jing's eyes: "Indeed, the Liangshan heroes think themselves righteous and capable of standing up to the imperial court. Little do they know that in the face of our strategies, they are nothing but a rabble."

Gao Qiu chimed in, "We are fully relying on the Grand Tutor's brilliant plan to wipe out the Liangshan bandits in one fell swoop."

The three men exchanged a smile and continued to plot their treacherous scheme, determined to kill the Liangshan heroes.

Upon hearing Cai Jing's suggestion, Gao Qiu had a sudden thought and remembered Zhang Bangchang.

"Grand Tutor, you said that Zhang Bangchang is greedy for life and cowardly, and he is also Zhao Tianming's father-in-law. This is indeed a breakthrough that can be used." A calculating glint flashed in Gao Qiu's eyes.

Cai Jing nodded slightly, "Grand Commandant Gao, as long as we have Zhang Bangchang under control, we need not fear that Zhao Tianming will not submit."

Gao Qiu immediately set about arranging for people to find out Zhang Bangchang's whereabouts. Soon, news came that Zhang Bangchang had been secretly found by Gao Qiu's men and brought before Gao Qiu.

When Zhang Bangchang was brought up, he was trembling all over and his face was ashen.

Gao Qiu sneered, "Zhang Bangchang, do you know why I brought you here today?"

Zhang Bangchang knelt down with a thud. "Grand Commandant Gao, please spare my life! I don't know where I offended you."

Gao Qiu walked up to Zhang Bangchang, looking down at him. "Your son-in-law, Zhao Tianming, is now opposing us. Tell me, isn't this your fault?"

Zhang Bangchang quickly kowtowed, "Grand Commandant, this has nothing to do with me. My daughter married him because I didn't know he would be so disrespectful."

Gao Qiu snorted, "I can spare your life, but you must do as I say."

Zhang Bangchang grasped at a straw, saying, "Grand Commandant, please give your orders, and I will certainly do as you say."

Gao Qiu's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Go and persuade Zhao Tianming to submit to me. If he is willing to bow his head, I will guarantee your whole family's safety and endless wealth and honor. If he does not comply, hmph, your entire Zhang family will not live."

Zhang Bangchang was so frightened that he collapsed to the ground. "Grand Commandant, my daughter and grandson are with Zhao Tianming. I really..."

Gao Qiu abruptly flicked his sleeve, "Stop talking. If you fail to accomplish this, you will bear the consequences."

Zhang Bangchang had no choice but to agree.

Under Gao Qiu's coercion, Zhang Bangchang left Gao Qiu's residence in fear and trepidation, heading towards Zhao Tianming's location. Along the way, he was filled with apprehension, both afraid that Gao Qiu's threats would come true and unsure how to face his son-in-law, Zhao Tianming.

Zhao Tianming was discussing with his brothers how to deal with Gao Qiu's conspiracy when his subordinates announced that Zhang Bangchang was requesting an audience. Zhao Tianming's heart skipped a beat, wondering what his father-in-law wanted to do.

Upon seeing Zhao Tianming, Zhang Bangchang burst into tears before he could even speak. Seeing this, Zhao Tianming hurriedly asked, "Father-in-law, what happened?" Zhang Bangchang stammered, unable to give a coherent explanation for a long time.

Zhao Tianming grew suspicious. "Father-in-law, please speak freely." Zhang Bangchang gritted his teeth and finally revealed Gao Qiu's threat. Upon hearing this, Zhao Tianming was furious. "That treacherous Gao Qiu! How could he resort to such despicable means!"

Zhang Bangchang cried, “Tianming, I have no choice but to do this. Gao Qiu is ruthless. If you don’t agree, our whole family will be in danger.” Zhao Tianming pondered for a moment and said, “Father-in-law, I, Zhao Tianming, will never bow down to that traitor. At worst, I will fight them to the death.”

Zhang Bangchang was so frightened that he collapsed to the ground. "Tianming, don't be impulsive! That could lead to the extermination of your entire family!" Zhao Tianming helped Zhang Bangchang up. "Father-in-law, don't be afraid. Gao Qiu has committed many unrighteous acts and will surely bring about his own downfall. We have many brothers in Liangshan, and we will surely be able to come up with a solution."

At this moment, Chai Jin walked in. After understanding the situation, he said, "Brother Zhao, this matter needs careful consideration. Old Zhang was forced into this situation; we cannot act rashly." Zhao Tianming nodded and said, "Brother Chai is absolutely right, but how can I submit to that traitor for my own safety?"

Chai Jin pondered for a moment, "Perhaps we can turn the tables on him and use Zhang Laozhang to deal with Gao Qiu, buying us time to find evidence of Gao Qiu's crimes, expose his conspiracy, and let the Emperor know his true colors." Zhao Tianming's eyes lit up, "This plan is feasible, but my father-in-law may be in danger."

Zhang Bangchang mustered his courage at this moment, "Tianming, for the sake of the whole family and for justice, I am willing to take the risk." Zhao Tianming was deeply moved, "Father-in-law, rest assured, I will definitely protect you."

So Zhao Tianming and Chai Jin plotted in detail. Zhang Bangchang returned to Gao Qiu, falsely claiming that Zhao Tianming was willing to surrender, but Gao Qiu needed to guarantee the safety of his family and offer some benefits first. Gao Qiu was skeptical, but in order to get Zhao Tianming to submit as soon as possible, he temporarily agreed to Zhang Bangchang's demands.