Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

After finishing their official business, Song Jiang and Dai Zong felt hungry. The sun was shining brightly, and when they looked up at the sky, it was already noon.

The two exchanged a glance, and Song Jiang said, "Dean Dai, I've been busy all morning, and my stomach is rumbling."

Dai Zong laughed and replied, "Brother Song is absolutely right. There happens to be Zhao Tianming's restaurant up ahead, so why don't we go there for a treat?"

Song Jiang nodded in agreement, and the two then headed towards the restaurant.

Zhao Tianming was doing accounts at the counter when he looked up and saw Song Jiang and Dai Zong approaching. His face immediately lit up with a smile as he stepped forward and said, "Brother Song Jiang, Dean Dai, what brings you two to my restaurant today? Please come in!"

After saying that, he personally led them upstairs to a private room.

Upon entering the private room, Zhao Tianming hurriedly greeted them, "Please have a seat, gentlemen. I'll have someone prepare wine and dishes right away." He then called downstairs, "He Xiang, quickly prepare some fine wine and dishes to entertain these two officials."

A moment later, He Xiang brought in tea, poured a cup for Song Jiang and Dai Zong, and said with a charming smile, "Please wait a moment, gentlemen, the wine and dishes will be here shortly."

Song Jiang and Dai Zong thanked He Xiang and then sat down at the table to chat.

Dai Zong said, "I've been very busy with official duties these past few days, and it's really exhausted me."

Song Jiang took a sip of tea and replied, "Dean Dai has worked hard, but it's all worth it for the sake of the people here."

As they were talking, one delicious dish after another was served, including braised carp, braised beef, stir-fried shredded potatoes with vinegar, and a jar of fragrant old wine.

Zhao Tianming said from the side, "Gentlemen, these are all our shop's signature dishes, please enjoy them."

Song Jiang cupped his hands and said, "Manager Zhao, you're too kind. Thank you for your trouble."

The three chatted and laughed as they ate. After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Song Jiang couldn't help but sigh, "Life is busy, but it's rare to have such a pleasant time."

Dai Zong nodded in agreement: "Yes, it's all thanks to Manager Zhao's warm hospitality."

Zhao Tianming said with a smile, "It's an honor for you two gentlemen to come to my humble shop. As long as you enjoy your meal, I'll be satisfied."

Song Jiang, Dai Zong, and Zhao Tianming were chatting enthusiastically, laughing constantly, creating a lively atmosphere.

Just then, with a loud crash, the door was flung open, and Li Kui burst in like a black whirlwind. His eyes widened, his fleshy face trembling, and when he saw the three of them sitting together enjoying the food, his displeasure immediately showed, as if someone owed him hundreds of taels of silver.

He put his hands on his hips and shouted at the three of them, "You three are so heartless! You didn't even invite me to eat with you!"

Song Jiang was startled by his sudden shout. After regaining his composure, he said irritably, "You black rascal, who knows where you've been all day? Where are we supposed to find you?"

Upon hearing this, Li Kui became even more furious. He plopped down on the stool, making the table shake a few times, and said, "Brother, you're being heartless! I, Li Kui, have always served you faithfully, and now that there's something good to eat, you've forgotten all about me."

Dai Zong chuckled and teased, "Brother Li, with your whirlwind personality, who can keep up with you? We just sat down, barely touched our food, and you arrived. Isn't that like we're telepathically connected?"

Li Kui snorted: "Dean Dai, don't try to fool me. I don't care. I'm going to eat my fill of this feast today!"

Zhao Tianming quickly said, "Brother Li, don't be angry. I'll have someone bring more wine and dishes right away."

Li Kui, however, was unmoved and said, "Why add more? This is enough for me!" As he spoke, he reached for the beef on the plate, stuffing his mouth full, and mumbled, "Delicious, delicious!"

Song Jiang shook his head helplessly: "You black scoundrel, your eating manners are too ugly. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at?"

Li Kui chewed on his meat and said, "A joke? Who dares to laugh at me? I, Li Kui, don't care!"

Everyone was both amused and annoyed by his appearance. Li Kui continued to eat and drink heartily, muttering to himself, "Hmph, next time there's something like this, you'd better invite me first, or I'll never forgive you."

Before long, the plates in front of Li Kui were piled high, and he had drunk several bowls of wine. He let out a burp, wiped his mouth, and said, "That's more like it. At least you guys have a conscience."

Song Jiang and Dai Zong exchanged a glance, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. This originally relaxed and pleasant gathering had become even more lively because of Li Kui's sudden intrusion.

With Li Kui joining them, the four of them chatted and laughed even more, creating a lively atmosphere. The food and wine on the table were devoured in a flash, accompanied by constant laughter and banter.

However, just then, a series of sharp screams suddenly came from downstairs at the restaurant, shattering the previously cheerful atmosphere. Immediately afterwards, someone cried out in terror, "What's going on? A ghost in broad daylight!"

Upon hearing the commotion and shouts, Song Jiang, Zhao Tianming, and the others immediately lost their appetite for drinking and eating. They put down their bowls and chopsticks, got up, and hurried downstairs. Li Kui, with a piece of meat still in his mouth, also hopped over to join the fun.

Upon reaching the stairwell, they looked down and were immediately stunned by the sight before them. The patrons' dishes were all floating in the air—chicken, duck, fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits—swaying gently as if under a spell. Even the kettle in the kitchen had appeared on its own, its spout pointing upwards, pouring water downwards to form eerie curtains of water.

This bizarre sight terrified everyone present. The patrons turned pale with fright and fled towards the door in a panic. Some lost their shoes in fright, some knocked over tables and chairs, and others pushed and shoved each other, creating a chaotic scene.

Li Kui stared wide-eyed at the floating dishes and the kettle of water, forgetting to chew the meat in his mouth. After a moment of stunned silence, he suddenly blurted out, "What? A flying saucer?" His shout made the already tense atmosphere even more comical.

Song Jiang glared at Li Kui, both amused and annoyed: "You black bastard, what nonsense are you spouting! This isn't a flying saucer at all!"

Zhao Tianming looked terrified and stammered, "This...this...could it be some kind of monster causing trouble?"

Dai Zong frowned, trying his best to remain calm: "Everyone, don't panic, let's see what's going on first."

Just then, a roast duck wobbled towards Li Kui. Li Kui instinctively reached out and grabbed it, stuffing it into his mouth while eating, muttering, "Who cares about demons and monsters, I'll eat it first."

Everyone was left speechless, both amused and exasperated by his actions.

At this moment, one of the drinkers collapsed to the ground in fright, pointing tremblingly at the sky and saying, "This...this must be divine punishment. Have we done something wrong?"

Song Jiang quickly reassured everyone, "Don't panic, everyone. Maybe someone is playing a prank."

However, the bizarre scene before our eyes is so hard to believe that it was man-made.

The once bustling restaurant was now in chaos. The injured patrons were furious and shouted at Zhao Tianming, "Your restaurant has a monster! Look, it doesn't matter if our clothes are dirty, but this boiling water and cups and saucers have scalded and cut us. How are you going to compensate us for this?" They were agitated and pounded on the table, making a loud "bang" sound.

Zhao Tianming looked helpless and anxious, sweat beading on his forehead. He hurriedly took out some silver from his pocket and said with a forced smile, "Esteemed guests, I am truly sorry, this was our shop's oversight. Please take this silver and go back to see a doctor for a proper check-up."

The patrons left, still grumbling and cursing under their breath. Zhao Tianming and his staff quickly closed the restaurant door, shutting out the noise from outside.

Zhao Tianming's face was gloomy. He turned to Song Jiang and said, "Brother Song, you have traveled all over the country and have a lot of experience. Do you know what exactly happened?"

Song Jiang also looked grave, stroked his beard, and slowly said, "This matter is quite strange, and I have never seen anything like it before. But Brother Zhao, don't worry, leave this to me. I will definitely investigate it thoroughly. If it is a prank, I will bring that person to justice. If it is something else, I will find someone to help you solve it."

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope flashed in Zhao Tianming's eyes. He quickly cupped his hands in thanks and said, "Brother Song, thank you so much. My restaurant has always run its business honestly and has never offended anyone. How could I have encountered such a strange thing? If it weren't for you here today, I really wouldn't know what to do."

Song Jiang patted Zhao Tianming on the shoulder and comforted him, "Brother Zhao, don't panic. Let's calm down and think carefully about whether there are any suspicious signs. Although the mechanism that child created can make things fly, there may be other hidden stories behind it."

Zhao Tianming frowned, trying hard to recall: "Nothing unusual has happened at my restaurant recently, but what happened today is really baffling."

Dai Zong chimed in from the side, "Could it be that someone is jealous of Manager Zhao's business and is deliberately sabotaging him?"

Li Kui shouted, "Who cares who he is? My Li Kui's axe is not afraid of him!"

Song Jiang glared at Li Kui: "Don't be rash. Let's find out the truth first."

Everyone fell into deep thought, and the restaurant was so quiet that only their breathing could be heard. After a while, Song Jiang said, "Brother Zhao, call all the waiters in the restaurant and ask them if they have noticed anything unusual."

Zhao Tianming nodded and quickly gathered all the workers over. Thus began a search for the truth.

After leaving Zhao Tianming's restaurant, Song Jiang and Dai Zong walked down the bustling street. Song Jiang, utterly perplexed, turned to Dai Zong and said, "Dean Dai, what do you think of this matter? I have absolutely no clue what to do."

Dai Zong pondered for a moment, then slowed his pace and said, "Brother Song, when Brother Chao and the others held their Seven Stars Gathering in Dongxi Village back then, do you still remember Gongsun Sheng?"

Song Jiang paused slightly, then said, "Of course I know. Gongsun Sheng, the Cloud Dragon, why are you suddenly bringing him up?"

Dai Zong looked serious and lowered his voice, saying, "Brother Song, think about it. These bowls and plates flew up for no reason. I don't think it's controlled by any mechanism. There were no suspicious people around at the time. It seems more like some kind of Taoist magic or sorcery."

Upon hearing Dai Zong's words, Song Jiang was startled and stopped in his tracks, his eyes filled with surprise: "What you say makes sense. Daoist Gongsun Sheng is an expert in this field; perhaps he can see some clues."

Dai Zong nodded in agreement, “That’s right. Why don’t we tell Gongsun Sheng about this and ask him to help analyze it? Perhaps he can find a solution and give Manager Zhao an explanation.”

After a moment's thought, Song Jiang decisively said, "Alright, let's not delay, let's go find Master Gongsun Sheng right now." With that, the two quickened their pace, preparing to seek out Gongsun Sheng to unravel the mystery behind this bizarre event.