Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Zhao Tianming gathered everyone to discuss countermeasures. Lin Chong said, "Gao Qiu and Cai Jing's gang are treacherous and cunning. This disturbance in the east is probably a feint attack. We need to strengthen our defenses in the west." Lu Zhishen glared angrily, "I don't care what they are, I'll fight them one by one!" Wu Yong shook his head slightly, "We must not be reckless. We need to deal with them cautiously."

As expected, the Liao army in the west launched a surprise attack. Zhao Tianming's army was prepared and fought back bravely. However, the Liao army was overwhelming, and the two sides were locked in a stalemate for a time.

Seeing that the Liao army and Zhao Tianming's army were locked in a stalemate, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing decided to resort to even more ruthless methods. They secretly colluded with some wealthy merchants on the Song border to monopolize the supply of materials, making it increasingly difficult for Zhao Tianming's army to obtain supplies.

Meanwhile, Gao Qiu sent his trusted men to bribe local bandit leaders, instructing them to lead their men to harass Zhao Tianming's army's rear. These bandits committed arson, murder, looting, and all sorts of atrocities, causing immense suffering to the people.

When Zhao Tianming learned that his rear was being harassed by bandits, he was extremely anxious. He knew that if the bandit problem was not resolved, not only would the people suffer, but the morale of the army would also waver. Therefore, he sent Lin Chong with a team of elite troops back to reinforce the area.

Lin Chong led his troops in a swift attack, engaging the bandits in fierce combat. Although the bandits were fierce, Lin Chong was highly skilled in martial arts and commanded them effectively, quickly routing them.

However, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing did not stop there. They used public opinion to spread rumors that Zhao Tianming's army was harassing the people and had lost their support. Some people who were unaware of the truth began to doubt and fear Zhao Tianming's army.

Zhao Tianming deeply understood the importance of popular support, so he decided to personally lead a contingent of his soldiers into the countryside to appease the people and expose the conspiracy of Gao Qiu and Cai Jing. Upon hearing the truth, the people unanimously expressed their support for Zhao Tianming's army.

At this time, the situation on the battlefield remained grim. The Liao army continued to reinforce its troops, while Zhao Tianming's army, due to a lack of supplies, gradually became overwhelmed.

Wu Yong offered a plan: "We can send men to feign surrender and infiltrate the enemy ranks to sabotage their food and supplies." Zhao Tianming nodded in agreement.

So, a clever young soldier disguised himself as a traitor and successfully infiltrated the enemy army. He set fire to the enemy's supplies at night, burning a large amount of their provisions.

The Liao army's supplies were burned, and morale plummeted. Seeing that the time was right, Zhao Tianming led his entire army in a counterattack.

On the battlefield, Zhao Tianming led from the front, wielding his long sword and striking fear into the hearts of the enemy. Lin Chong and Lu Zhishen, like tigers descending the mountain, were unstoppable.

Seeing that the situation on the battlefield was unfavorable, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing set their sights on Consort Shu, who was favored by Emperor Huizong of Song.

Gao Qiu secretly sent someone into the palace to deliver countless treasures to Consort Shu, along with a secret letter, imploring her to say a few good words to Emperor Huizong and find a way to turn the tide.

Consort Shu, having received bribes from Gao Qiu, used her flattery and sweet words to please Emperor Huizong. She said coquettishly, "Your Majesty, I have heard that Zhao Tianming's rebel army is extremely fierce. I have been worried these past few days and have been unable to sleep at night, fearing that it may endanger Your Majesty's country and the nation."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong of Song was also somewhat worried.

Consort Shu continued, "I have heard that Gao Qiu and Cai Jing are also wholeheartedly devoted to Your Majesty. However, Zhao Tianming is too cunning and has the help of the Liangshan bandits. I think it would be better to give Gao Qiu and Cai Jing more troops and power so that they can redeem themselves and quell the rebellion as soon as possible, so that Your Majesty can be at ease."

Emperor Huizong already doted on Consort Shu, and her words made him waver.

Gao Qiu and Cai Jing bribed the palace eunuchs to speak favorably of Emperor Huizong, saying that Gao Qiu and Cai Jing were loyal to His Majesty and that their previous setbacks were only temporary. They also said that if given another chance, they would surely be able to wipe out Zhao Tianming and his men in one fell swoop.

Emperor Huizong was finally persuaded and decided to trust Gao Qiu and Cai Jing again, sending them a large number of troops and provisions.

With reinforcements in hand, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing became arrogant once more. They regrouped and prepared to challenge Zhao Tianming again.

Gao Qiu and Cai Jing received reinforcements. Gao Qiu, dressed in gleaming silver armor, rode a tall horse with an arrogant air and said to Cai Jing, "That Zhao Tianming, this time we will make sure he dies without a burial place!" Cai Jing stroked his beard, squinting and smiling sinisterly, "Let's see how we manipulate things, so that this country is still in our grasp." The two mobilized their troops, properly deploying their newly acquired forces, ready to clash with Zhao Tianming's army again.

On Zhao Tianming's side, upon learning that Gao Qiu and Cai Jing had received reinforcements, he was worried and discussed countermeasures with the others. Wu Yong waved his feather fan, pondered for a moment, and said, "Gao Qiu and Cai Jing have just gained new troops, and their morale is high. A direct confrontation might be disadvantageous. We can set up an ambush in the valley ahead to dampen their spirits first." Wu Song, holding his dagger, shouted, "I've been holding back for a long time! No matter how many men they have, I'll kill them one by one!" Song Jiang coughed lightly and said, "Brothers, don't be impulsive. Listen to Military Advisor Wu's arrangements." The others obeyed and prepared accordingly.

Gao Qiu and Cai Jing led their troops forward in a grand procession. Cai Jing looked at the valley ahead and became suspicious. He said to Gao Qiu, "This valley is treacherous; there might be an ambush." ​​Gao Qiu dismissed this with a sneer, "How much ability can that Zhao Tianming have? Don't scare yourself." With that, he urged his troops to continue advancing.

As Gao Qiu and Cai Jing's army entered the valley, a cannon boomed, and Zhao Tianming's ambush troops sprang into action. Lin Chong, spear in hand, leaped onto his horse and roared, "Gao Qiu, Cai Jing, today is your death day!" Gao Qiu was terrified and hastily ordered his troops to resist. Instantly, the valley resounded with battle cries and billowed with smoke. The two sides engaged in a fierce fight, swords flashing and blood staining the earth.

Zhao Tianming, wielding a long saber, charged into the enemy ranks as if they were nothing. His saber flashed with power, and enemy soldiers fell one after another. Lu Zhishen brandished his monk's staff, and wherever he went, enemy flesh and blood flew. As he fought, he roared, "You filthy scoundrels, dare to come again? Today I will send you all to the Western Paradise!" Wu Song was even more valiant, his pair of monk's knives flashing up and down, striking fear into the hearts of the enemy.

Seeing the situation was dire, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing tried to break through. Cai Jing turned pale with fright and said to Gao Qiu, "Grand Commandant Gao, what should we do?" Gao Qiu gritted his teeth and said, "Let's fight! Charge out!" The two, along with their trusted men, fought desperately.

Just then, Zhao Tianming spotted Gao Qiu and Cai Jing, and a surge of anger ignited within him. He spurred his horse and gave chase. He roared, "Gao Qiu and Cai Jing, you two traitors, you won't escape today!" Gao Qiu and Cai Jing were terrified and fled in panic.

However, Zhao Tianming's army was ultimately limited in strength, and Gao Qiu and Cai Jing eventually managed to escape the valley with a portion of their remaining troops. They retreated to their camp, took stock of their forces, and found they had suffered heavy losses. Gao Qiu was furious, smashing the tables and chairs in his tent to pieces: "That Zhao Tianming is truly despicable! I must avenge him!"

Cai Jing pondered for a moment, then said, "Grand Commandant Gao, a direct assault won't work. We need to devise a more comprehensive plan. I've heard that Zhao Tianming's army is running low on supplies. We could send men to cut off their supply lines and starve them out." Gao Qiu nodded repeatedly, "That's a brilliant plan. We'll do as Grand Commandant Cai suggests."

Therefore, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing dispatched elite troops to search for Zhao Tianming's army's supply convoys. Zhao Tianming's supply convoys were ambushed by Gao Qiu and Cai Jing's forces en route, suffering heavy losses.

Zhao Tianming was extremely anxious upon learning that the grain supplies had been seized. He summoned everyone to discuss the matter, and Wu Yong said, "Now that the grain supplies have been seized, the situation is critical. We must find a way to procure more supplies, otherwise the morale of the army will be thrown into chaos."

Just when everyone was at a loss, Yan Qing stepped forward: "I have some friends in the martial arts world who might be able to help gather supplies." Zhao Tianming was overjoyed: "Brother Yan Qing, I'll leave this matter to you."

Yan Qing accepted the order, disguised himself, and infiltrated a nearby town. Using his intelligence and connections, he made contact with some wealthy local merchants. These merchants had long been dissatisfied with the actions of Gao Qiu and Cai Jing, and upon hearing that Yan Qing was raising funds for Zhao Tianming's army, they generously donated.

Yan Qing returned to the camp with the collected provisions. Zhao Tianming was overjoyed and said to everyone, "With these provisions, we can once again deal with those two treacherous villains, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing."

At this time, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing learned that Yan Qing had gathered provisions and hatched another treacherous plan. They sent men to infiltrate Zhao Tianming's camp, intending to burn the provisions. Fortunately, Lin Chong discovered the anomaly during his patrol and repelled the enemy in time, saving the provisions.

When their first plan failed, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing devised another. They sent envoys to contact the Liao army, hoping to unite them against Zhao Tianming's army. The Liao army leader, who already harbored deep hatred for Zhao Tianming's army, readily agreed.

When Zhao Tianming learned that Gao Qiu and Cai Jing were colluding with the Liao army, he was furious: "These two traitors, for their own selfish interests, actually colluded with foreign enemies. Their crimes are heinous!"

Upon hearing that Zhao Tianming had learned of their collusion with the Liao army, Gao Qiu panicked. He paced back and forth in his tent, his forehead covered in sweat, and roared at Cai Jing, "Grand Tutor Cai, what should we do now? If Zhao Tianming finds out about this, he will definitely not let it go. If we cannot win and return to the capital, how can His Majesty forgive us so easily!"

Cai Jing's face was gloomy, his brows furrowed into a deep frown. After a long period of contemplation, he slowly spoke: "Grand Commandant Gao, do not panic. Our current strategy is to first stabilize the Liao army and let them intensify their attack on Zhao Tianming's army, making sure they are caught between two difficult situations."

Gao Qiu said anxiously, "Although the Liao army hates Zhao Tianming, they are also very cunning. What if they change their minds halfway through?"

Cai Jing sneered, "Hmph, what's so difficult about that? We'll offer the Liao army even more benefits: gold, silver, silk, and several border cities. As long as we can destroy Zhao Tianming, all of these can be our reward. The Liao army, greedy for profit, will definitely do their best to help us."

Gao Qiu nodded slightly, but then said with concern, "Even so, Zhao Tianming's army is not easy to deal with. They are resourceful and cunning, and we have little chance of winning if we confront them head-on."

A sinister glint flashed in Cai Jing's eyes as he leaned closer to Gao Qiu and said, "On the surface, we'll join forces with the Liao army for an attack, but secretly we'll use some other methods. We'll send people to infiltrate Zhao Tianming's army, sow discord among them, and create internal strife. At the same time, we'll offer a large reward for the heads of Zhao Tianming and his men, making them panic."

Gao Qiu clapped his hands in approval, then asked, "What else should we do, just in case?"

Cai Jing stroked his beard, his gaze deep: "We must also make preparations in the rear. On the one hand, we should mobilize more troops as reserves to support the front lines at any time; on the other hand, we should spread rumors in the capital that Zhao Tianming intends to rebel and colludes with the Liao army to overthrow the court. First, we should smear Zhao Tianming before the Emperor, so that even if we lose this battle, we can shift the blame onto him."

Upon hearing this, Gao Qiu revealed a sinister smile: "Grand Tutor Cai is indeed cunning and shrewd. In this way, we can be invincible."

Cai Jing sighed, "However, we must proceed with caution. You should personally go to the Liao army and make sure they understand our sincerity, and send troops as soon as possible. I will handle the matters in the capital."

Gao Qiu accepted the order and immediately selected a team of elite soldiers, carrying a large amount of treasure, to go to the Liao army camp. Upon meeting the Liao army leader, Gao Qiu smiled broadly, revealed Cai Jing's plan in its entirety, and offered the treasure, promising that as long as Zhao Tianming was defeated, the border cities would be handed over immediately.

The Liao army leader had long coveted the land and wealth of the Song Dynasty. Now that Gao Qiu was so generous, he readily agreed and quickly reorganized his troops to launch another attack on Zhao Tianming's army.

Meanwhile, Cai Jing, back in the capital, began his own scheming. He instructed his confidants to spread rumors throughout the city, creating widespread panic and fear among the people, who were filled with apprehension and suspicion towards Zhao Tianming's army. At the same time, he repeatedly slandered Zhao Tianming to Emperor Huizong in court, claiming that Zhao Tianming was colluding with the Liao army and harboring treacherous intentions.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong was greatly shocked and began to suspect Zhao Tianming's army. He issued an edict ordering Zhao Tianming's army to immediately return to the capital and explain their dealings with the Liao army.

Upon learning of Emperor Huizong's decree, Gao Qiu and Cai Jing exchanged a knowing smile. They knew their plan was halfway to success. Once Zhao Tianming's army returned to the capital, they could lay numerous traps to capture Zhao Tianming and his men, thus eliminating this major threat.