Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Wang Zhiqiang has been incredibly unlucky lately. He lost his land deed, his land was taken back, and he's furious with nowhere to vent his anger. That day, he was frantically searching everywhere, trying to find a way to recover his losses.

As luck would have it, he overheard some news from a street vendor that made him furious—Lu Wencai was having dinner with Zhao Tianming at Huiyanlou!

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhiqiang's anger flared up instantly. His eyes widened like saucers, and he kept cursing, "That Lü Wencai is simply insatiable! He took my money and then hung out with that Zhao Tianming guy. Does he have any conscience at all? All I did was accidentally lose the land deed, and he's kicking me when I'm down. He's inhuman!"

Seeing that Wang Zhiqiang was sullen, Gao Ke took him to a small tavern to have some drinks to cheer him up.

The two found a corner in the tavern and sat down, ordering a few side dishes and a pot of wine. After several rounds of drinks, Wang Zhiqiang still looked gloomy.

Gao Ke couldn't help but ask, "Zhiqiang, what's going on? You've been wearing such a long face, like someone owes you money."

Wang Zhiqiang sighed bitterly and said, "Sigh, it's all the same old troubles. The land deed is lost, and that bastard Lü Wencai is getting involved with Zhao Tianming again. I'm having a hard time."

Upon hearing this, Gao Ke patted Wang Zhiqiang on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry too much, there's always a way out."

Wang Zhiqiang looked up at Gao Ke and suddenly said, "I heard that your uncle is doing very well now."

Upon hearing Wang Zhiqiang's words, Gao Ke's expression instantly became extremely smug. He stuffed a piece of fatty meat into his mouth, bit down hard, and the oil splattered out with a "plop," landing right on Wang Zhiqiang's face.

Wang Zhiqiang looked disgusted and quickly wiped his face with his sleeve, complaining, "Ugh, you've got this all over my face!"

Gao Ke didn't care at all. While chewing the meat in his mouth, he mumbled, "My uncle is no ordinary person. He can do whatever he wants in the prefecture and county. Everyone has to give him some face."

Wang Zhiqiang's eyes lit up, and he leaned closer, saying, "Could you ask your uncle to help me?"

Gao Ke swallowed the meat in his mouth, took a sip of wine, and said, "That's hard to say. My uncle is very busy, and not just anyone can ask him for a favor."

Wang Zhiqiang quickly poured Gao Ke a drink and said ingratiatingly, "Brother Gao Ke, given our relationship, you'd better put in a good word for us with your uncle."

Gao Ke shook his head and said, "That depends on whether you have anything to offer."

Wang Zhiqiang's heart tightened, knowing that Gao Ke wanted something in return. He gritted his teeth and said, "As long as your uncle can help me solve this problem, you'll definitely get your share of the benefits."

Upon hearing this, Gao Ke's face lit up with a smile, and he said, "Alright, I'll give it a try, but I can't guarantee it will work."

Wang Zhiqiang nodded quickly: "That's enough. Come on, let's drink!"

The two drank a few more cups, and Gao Ke became more and more talkative, starting to boast about his uncle's many impressive deeds.

“Last time, some fool offended my uncle. With just one word from my uncle, that person couldn’t stay in the prefecture and had to slink away in disgrace,” Gao Ke said, gesturing wildly.

Wang Zhiqiang said with envy, "Your uncle is really amazing."

Gao Ke became more and more excited as he talked, and picked up another piece of meat, but he couldn't hold it and the meat fell onto the table. He didn't care, picked it up and stuffed it into his mouth.

Looking at Gao Ke's appearance, Wang Zhiqiang wondered to himself: Is this guy reliable? But there was no other way at the moment, and he could only hope that Gao Ke could speak up for him in front of his uncle.

After a hearty meal, Gao Ke led the way, pulling Wang Zhiqiang along as they strolled through the market. He praised everything he set his sights on.

"Zhiqiang, look at this folding fan, it's so exquisite, I'll buy it!" Gao Ke waved a folding fan painted with landscapes in front of Wang Zhiqiang.

Wang Zhiqiang's heart skipped a beat. This folding fan looked expensive, but he still forced a smile and said, "Okay, I'll buy it!"

After walking a few steps, Gao Ke spotted a carved jade pendant and his eyes lit up: "This jade pendant is really nice, it suits me perfectly, Zhiqiang, what do you think?"

Wang Zhiqiang's lips twitched, and he cursed inwardly, "You bloodsucker, all you know how to do is rip me off!" But he said aloud, "Okay, I'll buy it!"

And so, Gao Ke took whatever he liked along the way, while Wang Zhiqiang helplessly paid for it. His heart was bleeding; watching the silver flow out, he cursed Gao Ke inwardly as a bloodsucker.

Wang Zhiqiang's face grew increasingly grim, but Gao Ke remained oblivious, continuing to select items with great interest.

"Zhiqiang, this sandalwood bracelet is also nice, let's buy it!" Gao Ke picked up another bracelet.

Wang Zhiqiang finally couldn't help but say, "Gao Ke, that's enough. My money didn't grow on trees!"

Gao Ke curled his lip: "Hey, Zhiqiang, didn't you ask my uncle for a favor? You can't even spare this little bit of money?"

Wang Zhiqiang gritted his teeth and paid the money again.

After walking around for a long time, Wang Zhiqiang was carrying large bags and panting heavily. Gao Ke, on the other hand, was relaxed and carefree, with a satisfied smile on his face.

"Zhiqiang, today was truly enjoyable!" Gao Ke said with a smile.

Wang Zhiqiang said irritably, "You're satisfied now, but I'm in trouble!"

Gao Ke patted Wang Zhiqiang on the shoulder: "Don't worry, once my uncle gets things done for you, this little bit of money is nothing."

Wang Zhiqiang silently prayed, hoping that Gao Ke's uncle could really help him solve the land deed problem, otherwise the money would be wasted.

Gao Ke was delighted to see the bounty he had brought back. He patted Wang Zhiqiang on the shoulder and said, "Brother Wang, don't worry, I've got your business covered. Just go back and wait for my news." Wang Zhiqiang nodded and dragged his weary body back home.

Gao Ke took some gifts and rushed to his uncle Gao Lian's house.

Gao Lian was very happy to see Gao Ke, poured him a cup of tea, and said, "You rascal, what brings you to visit your uncle today?"

Gao Ke chuckled and said, "Uncle, I have something important to discuss with you."

Gao Ke relayed Wang Zhiqiang's request to Gao Lian, and then told Gao Lian, "That Wang Zhiqiang is a nouveau riche; we must fleece him severely."

Gao Lian smiled and said, "I have my own ideas about this. Just call him over when you have time."

Gao Ke nodded quickly: "Okay, Uncle, I'll go and call him tomorrow."

The next day, Gao Ke went to see Wang Zhiqiang. Wang Zhiqiang was overjoyed to hear that Gao Lian was willing to see him, and hurriedly followed Gao Ke to Gao Lian's house.

Upon entering, Wang Zhiqiang greeted Gao Lian with a broad smile, saying, "Lord Gao, I have long admired you. It is truly an honor to meet you today."

Gao Lian sat upright in the chair and slightly raised his hand: "No need for formalities, please sit down."

Wang Zhiqiang sat down cautiously, looking at Gao Lian with expectant eyes.

Gao Lian took a sip of tea and said slowly, "Gao Ke has told me everything about your situation. However, this matter is not easy to handle."

Wang Zhiqiang quickly said, "Lord Gao, I'll agree to any condition as long as you can help me solve this."

Gao Lian smiled slightly: "Don't rush, I need to understand the specific situation first."

Wang Zhiqiang quickly explained the whole story in detail.

After hearing this, Gao Lian frowned: "This matter is indeed tricky, but it's not entirely hopeless."

Upon hearing that there was hope, Wang Zhiqiang said eagerly, "Lord Gao, please just name your price. I'm willing to pay whatever it takes to bribe people."

Gao Lian gently put down his teacup and said, "As for money, it's naturally indispensable. Moreover, there are quite a few people involved, and we need to smooth things over with them all."

Wang Zhiqiang gritted his teeth: "Lord Gao, please name a number."

Gao Lian stretched out one hand and shook his five fingers.

Wang Zhiqiang was startled: "Five hundred taels?"

Gao Lian shook his head: "Five thousand taels."

Wang Zhiqiang almost fell off his chair, inwardly groaning, but for the sake of the land deed, he gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, as long as it solves the problem, five thousand taels it is."

Gao Lian smiled with satisfaction: "Then go back and prepare the money, and wait for my news."

Wang Zhiqiang left Gao Lian's house dejectedly, wondering if spending five thousand taels of silver would really resolve the land deed issue.

After receiving the five thousand taels of silver notes, Wang Zhiqiang prepared some generous gifts and followed Gao Ke to Gao Lian's home.

Upon seeing their arrival, Gao Lian greeted them with a beaming smile. Wang Zhiqiang quickly stepped forward and respectfully presented the silver notes and gifts.

Gao Lian took the silver note, glanced at it, nodded in satisfaction, and then looked at Wang Zhiqiang and said, "Manager Wang, don't worry. This Zhao Tianming is so ignorant of the times, actually daring to compete with you for this land. I think he's got a death wish. You can rest assured about this matter; leave it to me. I'll definitely make sure that Zhao Tianming suffers a great loss!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhiqiang was overjoyed and quickly thanked him, saying, "Lord Gao, I'm really counting on you. If we can get the land back, you'll be my great benefactor."

Gao Lian patted his chest and assured him, "No problem, no problem. There's nothing I, Gao Lian, can't do in this area."

Gao Ke chimed in, "That's right, with my uncle on the case, he's worth two men. Manager Wang, just wait for the good news."

Wang Zhiqiang nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, with the help of Master Gao and Brother Gao, I believe this matter will definitely succeed."

Gao Lian said, "However, Zhao Tianming is no pushover either. It may take some time to deal with him. Manager Wang, you'll have to be patient."

Wang Zhiqiang hurriedly said, "Lord Gao, I understand. As long as the matter can be resolved, I am willing to wait as long as it takes."

Gao Lian smiled and said, "That's good. Just do what you need to do during this time and don't worry too much."

After thanking Gao Lian again, Wang Zhiqiang and Gao Ke left Gao Lian's house.

On the way back, Wang Zhiqiang was still a little uneasy. After all, five thousand taels of silver was no small amount, and he didn't know if Gao Lian could really get things done.

Gao Ke seemed to see through his thoughts and comforted him, "Manager Wang, don't worry. Don't you know how capable my uncle is in this area? No matter how powerful Zhao Tianming is, he can't beat my uncle."

Wang Zhiqiang forced a smile: "I hope so."

In the days that followed, Wang Zhiqiang anxiously awaited news from Gao Lian, his mind constantly on edge. Meanwhile, Gao Lian, having received the money, did nothing to harm Zhao Tianming.