Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Zhao Tianming successfully obtained the land use permit for the imperial city through bidding. While actively preparing to establish a football club, he also brought several boxes of bath gel to the palace to present to the Empress and other concubines. The Empress and concubines, having received favors from Zhao Tianming, repeatedly praised his abilities to Emperor Huizong. Hearing the palace's praise of Zhao Tianming, Emperor Huizong became curious and sent Eunuch Guo to invite him to the Imperial Study.

"Zhao Tianming, how is the project progressing?" Emperor Huizong asked as he stood before his desk, writing with a brush in hand.

"Your Majesty, the project is progressing smoothly and the club is nearing completion," Zhao Tianming replied confidently, his face beaming with pride.

"Yes, make sure the project is completed on time and of the highest quality. In addition, I have fully entrusted Tong Guan as the project supervisor. If he reports any quality problems with the football club to me, I will not let him off lightly." Emperor Huizong's face was serious, and his eyes revealed his authority.

Zhao Tianming's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this humble subject will do his utmost and dare not slacken in the slightest."

After speaking, Zhao Tianming presented a feasibility report that he had meticulously prepared. Emperor Huizong carefully reviewed it and was quite satisfied with the plans and ideas presented. He immediately ordered the Ministry of Personnel to allocate funds to Zhao Tianming.

After winning the bid, Zhao Tianming was overjoyed and rode in a lavishly decorated carriage to Zhang Bangchang's mansion.

"Excuse me, is the Prime Minister in the mansion?" Zhao Tianming asked the steward calmly, holding a folding fan.

"Oh, it's Manager Zhao. Our master is enjoying the scenery with Miss in the garden of the mansion," the butler replied with a beaming smile.

"Thank you for your trouble, Steward. This is just a small token of my appreciation," Zhao Tianming said, handing over a silver note.

The butler took the silver note from Zhao Tianming and saw that it contained one thousand taels. "Oh my, Manager Zhao is truly wealthy and generous!" the butler exclaimed, overjoyed, and quickly thanked him.

Zhao Tianming smiled slightly, straightened his clothes, and entered the mansion, arriving at the garden.

"Isn't this Manager Zhao? What brings you to my humble abode today?" Zhang Bangchang asked, picking his teeth as he looked up at Zhao Tianming with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

"Your Excellency, the successful acquisition of this football club project is largely thanks to your secret assistance. I have come here to express my gratitude," Zhao Tianming said respectfully, holding two gift boxes in his hands.

"Prime Minister, this is a secret ginseng soup. It will make you strong and healthy. The other box of shower gel is for Miss."

"Hmm, that's thoughtful of you." Zhang Bangchang hummed in satisfaction, a slight smile playing on his lips.

He Xiang had heard that Zhao Tianming had recently gained fame in the capital and had long wanted to meet him. Today, seeing that he had sent such a fine gift, she felt even more favorably toward him.

“Manager Zhao is not only handsome, but also wealthy. Isn’t he the perfect match everyone desires?” He Xiang said sweetly, her gaze lingering on Zhao Tianming.

"You flatter me," Zhao Tianming said modestly, but his face couldn't hide his pride.

"I wonder what Manager Zhao's parents do for a living?" He Xiang asked curiously.

"The two of them run a sauerkraut business," Zhao Tianming answered truthfully.

Seeing He Xiang chatting happily with Zhao Tianming, Zhang Bangchang thought to himself: Could this girl have taken a fancy to this rich young man? How can she be so unreserved? What kind of behavior is this?

Thinking of this, Zhang Bangchang coughed several times.

"Prime Minister, your cough is quite severe. You should wear a mask when you go out." Zhao Tianming took one out of his pocket and handed it to Zhang Bangchang.

Zhang Bangchang took the mask, unsure how to use it, and almost dropped it.

"How did the pig die?" He Xiang suddenly asked, a sly glint in her eyes.

"They ate themselves to death," Zhang Bangchang replied confidently.

“Wrong, you’re just stupid,” He Xiang said with a laugh, her laughter as clear and crisp as a bell.

Zhang Bangchang then realized what was happening and pointed at He Xiang angrily, saying, "Go back to your room and study your lessons properly."

"I don't want to work hard, I just want to rely on my family." He Xiang muttered, reluctantly turning around and going back into the house.

"Manager Zhao, you've come here for more than just a gift, haven't you?" Zhang Bangchang's smile faded, and he looked sharply at Zhao Tianming.

"Prime Minister, the Japanese football team's visit to Bianliang for this match is a fantastic business opportunity," Zhao Tianming said, leaning closer to Zhang Bangchang and lowering his voice.

"What kind of business opportunity? Tell me about it." Zhang Bangchang became interested.

"First, we'll buy up large quantities of Japanese squash, creating a market shortage. Then, we'll have restaurants introduce squash-themed dishes, which will inevitably drive up prices. Furthermore, since the public is unsure about the strength of the Japanese national football team, we can manipulate the odds to make huge profits. During the matches, we can also sell souvenirs for profit," Zhao Tianming enthusiastically described his plan.

After a moment's thought, Zhang Bangchang praised Zhao Tianming's idea highly.

Zhao Tianming gave 60% of the silver allocated by the Ministry of Personnel to Zhang Bangchang.

Zhang Bangchang accepted the silver notes without hesitation and went out to enjoy a meal.

Zhao Tianming strolled around the garden for a while, then, finding it uninteresting, prepared to return home. Just as he reached the garden gate, he saw a maidservant hurrying towards him. Zhao Tianming recognized her; she was Cuiyu, Miss Hexiang's personal maid.

"Manager Zhao, why are you leaving so soon?"

"What do you mean, young lady? Is there something else?" Zhao Tianming stopped and looked at Cuiyu with a puzzled expression.

"My young lady invites Manager Zhao to Lotus Fragrance Garden for a chat."

"Good!" Zhao Tianming thought of He Xiang's previous performance and couldn't help but feel excited. He followed Cuiyu to He Xiang Garden.

In the Lotus Fragrance Garden, He Xiang, dressed in pink gauze, reclined on a soft couch, her eyes slightly closed, seemingly resting. A fragrant aroma filled the air, intoxicatingly sweet. Seeing He Xiang's flushed face and noticing the empty wine pot on the table, Zhao Tianming knew she must have drunk too much.

"Manager Zhao, please have a seat!" He Xiang said with a smile as she saw Zhao Tianming enter the room.

"What brings Miss He Xiang to see me?" Zhao Tianming asked, his gaze involuntarily falling on He Xiang's graceful figure.

“Manager Zhao is so intelligent, he must know what’s going on.” After He Xiang finished speaking, she raised her jade finger and gestured for Zhao Tianming to sit on the low stool next to her.

Zhao Tianming sat down as instructed.

"Miss He Xiang, please speak frankly."

"I've heard that Manager Zhao is doing very well lately, and even Minister Li from the Ministry of Personnel is interested in hiring you as an advisor. How could a young talent like you be without a companion? I wonder when Manager Zhao plans to marry He Xiang?" He Xiang finished speaking and gently placed her jade-like arm on Zhao Tianming's shoulder.

"Miss He Xiang, please don't tease me," Zhao Tianming said, gently taking He Xiang's hand.

He Xiang withdrew her hand and said with a smile, "Manager Zhao, He Xiang is not an ignorant woman. You helped He Xiang obtain the football club project."

"Hmph, so that's what it was about." Zhao Tianming muttered to himself.

Seeing Zhao Tianming remain silent, He Xiang continued, "Manager Zhao, rest assured, once the football club is completed, I will marry you and bear your children. Our two families will surely create a brilliant future together through marriage."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tianming's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly regained his composure.

“Miss He Xiang, I come from an ordinary background. I hope you will reconsider and choose a better match.”

He Xiang looked at Zhao Tianming with admiration in her eyes. This man is no ordinary person.

"Don't pretend, I've already decided on you," He Xiang said coquettishly.

Hearing He Xiang's frankness, Zhao Tianming smiled, feeling a sense of smugness. He had come to the Prime Minister's residence with ulterior motives. Now that He Xiang was taking the initiative to befriend him, it suited his purposes perfectly.

“Miss He Xiang, I wish to obtain an official position in the imperial court. Only in this way can we be a good match and have a wider path to wealth in the future,” Zhao Tianming said with a determined look in his eyes.

“Manager Zhao’s idea makes sense. My father has already agreed to betroth me to you, and we are just waiting for the Emperor to issue an imperial decree so that the marriage can be officially arranged.” He Xiang’s face flushed slightly.

"That's wonderful! I was worried that Miss He Xiang wouldn't think much of me." Zhao Tianming's flattery was perfectly timed.

He Xiang smiled, picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said unhurriedly, "Manager Zhao, you were personally betrothed by Her Majesty the Empress. Moreover, Her Majesty the Empress said that she would definitely protect you in the future."

"Hehe, a box of shower gel in exchange for the Empress's backing, this deal is worth it." Zhao Tianming was secretly delighted.

Zhao Tianming nodded in agreement, "Miss He Xiang is absolutely right. With the Emperor and Empress's protection, our future is sure to be bright."

"Of course, I've followed you, you can't let me down." He Xiang's eyes were full of expectation.

"Hehe, of course not. But could you allow me to..." Zhao Tianming hesitated, then stopped himself from speaking.

"What's allowed?" He Xiang looked at Zhao Tianming with a puzzled expression.

"It's nothing, I was just confused and said the wrong thing," Zhao Tianming quickly changed the subject. "Hehe, of course I wouldn't let Miss Hexiang down..."

After his conversation with He Xiang, Zhao Tianming was in a good mood. He knew that He Xiang's words might not be entirely sincere, but at least it showed that she was interested in a marriage alliance. Since that was the case, he could proceed with the subsequent plans.

Zhao Tianming left Hexiangyuan and encountered a servant-like man on his way back to the company.

"Brother Zhao!" the man called out to Zhao Tianming.

Zhao Tianming turned his head and smiled, "Isn't this the waiter from Xunyang Restaurant? What are you doing here?"

"Brother Zhao, don't even mention it. It's all because Clerk Song graffitied on the wall after drinking, and I didn't stop him. The manager said the newly painted wall was ruined, and in a fit of anger, he fired me," the servant said helplessly.

"Oh, so where are you staying now?" Zhao Tianming asked with concern.

"I now work in the Ministry of Personnel," the servant said with a hint of pride.

"So you're a servant from the Ministry of Personnel. My apologies for not recognizing you." Zhao Tianming cupped his hands in greeting.

"Brother Zhao, you're too kind."

After exchanging pleasantries, the servant said to Zhao Tianming, "Brother Zhao, this is something my master asked me to give you. Please accept it." The servant then handed over a letter.

Zhao Tianming took it, opened it, and a look of surprise immediately appeared on his face.

"Thank you brother."

"Brother Zhao, you're too kind." The servant waved his hand and smiled, "Now that Brother Zhao has received the letter, I'll go back and report."

"Take care, brother."

With the support of the emperor and empress, and having secured a fifth-rank official position in the Ministry of Personnel, Zhao Tianming was riding high. He worked with Gao Qiu, Gao Kan, and others to prepare for the construction of the Imperial City Football Club, aiming to compete against the Japanese football team.

That morning, Zhao Tianming was doing his morning exercise outside his residence when he heard the sound of horses' hooves behind him. He stopped and turned around to look.

The newcomer was a man dressed in a dark blue long robe, about twenty-four or twenty-five years old, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and an extraordinary appearance.

"You..." Zhao Tianming was about to speak when the young man sped past him and ran off ahead.

Watching the young man's departing figure, Zhao Tianming pondered the man's identity and intentions. He shook his head and continued his morning exercise, a sense of unease creeping into his heart.

Back at his residence, Zhao Tianming was about to discuss the club's future with his steward when a eunuch hurried over.

"Lord Zhao, the Emperor has decreed that you be summoned to the palace immediately," the eunuch said in a shrill voice.

Zhao Tianming dared not delay, so he quickly changed into his court robes and followed the eunuch into the palace to meet the emperor.

Upon arriving at the Imperial Study, Emperor Huizong was sitting on the dragon throne, his face gloomy.

"Zhao Tianming, I have heard that you have been secretly colluding with Zhang Bangchang for personal gain. Is this true?" Emperor Huizong roared.

Zhao Tianming was startled and immediately knelt down to defend himself, saying, "Your Majesty, please investigate! This humble subject is utterly loyal to Your Majesty and there is absolutely no such thing!"

"Hmph, still dare to argue! Someone reported you for bribing Zhang Bangchang and manipulating football matches. Do you know your crime?" Emperor Huizong slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

Zhao Tianming broke out in a cold sweat, wondering to himself: Who exactly is behind this and trying to frame me?

Just then, a commotion arose outside the door.

"Let me in, I want to see the Emperor!" a woman's voice called out.

Zhao Tianming turned around and saw that it was He Xiang.

"Your Majesty, Zhao Tianming is definitely not that kind of person. Someone must be framing him!" He Xiang knelt beside Zhao Tianming, pleading for him.

Emperor Huizong looked at He Xiang, and his expression softened slightly.

"I will investigate this matter myself. If Zhao Tianming is truly guilty, I will show no leniency!" Emperor Huizong said.

After expressing their gratitude, Zhao Tianming and He Xiang left the Imperial Study.

Zhao Tianming knew that if he wanted to turn this danger into safety, he had to find the mastermind behind it all as soon as possible and clear his name.