Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

With the old acquaintance from the money exchange as a key witness, Zhao Tianming and Wu Yong began to carefully plan their next move.

Zhao Tianming secretly settled his old partner in a safe place to prevent Wang Zhiqiang from discovering the evidence and harming him. Wu Yong, on the other hand, further analyzed the current situation and considered how to use this evidence to deal the most severe blow to Wang Zhiqiang.

“Tianming, although we have a witness, we cannot act rashly. Wang Zhiqiang has considerable influence in the city. If we cannot strike decisively, we may alert him and give him a chance to retaliate,” Wu Yong said with a grave expression.

Zhao Tianming nodded and said, "What Scholar Wu said is absolutely right. So, according to Scholar Wu, what should we do?"

Wu Yong pondered for a moment and said, "We need to collect more evidence to form a complete chain of evidence. In addition to the testimony of the old clerk at the money shop, we also need to find letters between Wang Zhiqiang and Yin Tianxi or other physical evidence that can prove their collusion."

Zhao Tianming frowned: "That's easier said than done. Wang Zhiqiang and Yin Tianxi will definitely be very cautious and won't leave any evidence against them easily."

Wu Yong smiled slightly: "We can start with the people around Wang Zhiqiang and Yin Tianxi. If we offer them benefits, they might be able to provide us with clues."

After saying this, the two decided to split up. Zhao Tianming was responsible for bribing the people around Wang Zhiqiang, while Wu Yong continued to investigate Yin Tianxi's situation.

Zhao Tianming first approached a minor steward at Wang Zhiqiang's residence. This man harbored resentment towards Wang Zhiqiang, having suffered constant oppression at his hands. Zhao Tianming explained his purpose to him, promising a large sum of money to help him escape once the deed was done. The steward initially hesitated, but under Zhao Tianming's persuasion and the lure of the large sum, he finally agreed to help.

The steward told Zhao Tianming that Wang Zhiqiang had a secret study that might contain something important. Zhao Tianming was overjoyed and decided to find an opportunity to sneak into the study to find out.

Meanwhile, Wu Yong, through some effort, finally learned from one of Yin Tianxi's concubines that Yin Tianxi had a treasure chest that might contain evidence of his dealings with Wang Zhiqiang.

Just as they were preparing to take further action, Wang Zhiqiang seemed to sense something. He began to strengthen the guards in his residence and became increasingly suspicious of those around him.

Zhao Tianming and Wu Yong had to be even more careful to avoid wasting all their previous efforts.

Finally, on a dark and stormy night, Zhao Tianming successfully sneaked into Wang Zhiqiang's study while he was out. After searching, Zhao Tianming found a secret letter from Wang Zhiqiang to Yin Tianxi, which detailed the bribery arrangements.

Meanwhile, Wu Yong also managed to obtain Yin Tianxi's treasure chest. Upon opening it, he found records of the silver Wang Zhiqiang had given him, as well as some related tokens.

With this irrefutable evidence, Zhao Tianming and Wu Yong decided not to wait any longer. They would immediately submit the evidence to the authorities and expose the crimes of Wang Zhiqiang and Yin Tianxi.

However, they also knew that this move would cause a huge uproar, and Wang Zhiqiang and Yin Tianxi would certainly not let it go.

Holding the evidence he had painstakingly collected, Zhao Tianming confidently presented it to the prefect.

The prefect quickly convened the court to hear the case, but the process was utterly absurd.

In the courtroom, the Prefect sat high behind his desk, his eyes half-closed, looking as if he hadn't woken up yet. Zhao Tianming and the steward who had identified Yin Tianxi stood below, while Wang Zhiqiang and Yin Tianxi wore smug expressions.

The prefect said weakly, "Come on, let's begin!"

Zhao Tianming hurriedly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Sir, the evidence that Wang Zhiqiang bribed Yin Tianxi is conclusive. Please investigate thoroughly!"

The prefect didn't even glance at Zhao Tianming, but turned to the steward and asked, "You say Wang Zhiqiang bribed Yin Tianxi, do you have any evidence?"

The steward quickly replied, "Sir, I saw it with my own eyes. Wang Zhiqiang took a thousand taels of silver and gave it to Yin Tianxi, asking him to help him with something."

The prefect slammed his gavel and shouted, "Nonsense! You little rascal, do you have a grudge against Yin Tianxi and are deliberately framing him?"

The steward trembled with fright and hurriedly said, "Sir, I wouldn't dare! Everything I said is true."

The prefect snorted: "You ungrateful wretch, who can guarantee that you didn't come here to make false accusations because you resent Yin Tianxi for not giving you any benefits?"

The steward was almost in tears: "My lord, I swear to heaven, if I have uttered even the slightest lie, may I be struck by lightning!"

The prefect said impatiently, "Alright, alright, stop making oaths and vows. I don't buy into that."

At this moment, Wang Zhiqiang said sarcastically from the side, "My lord, you are wise. This servant is always slacking off and cheating. I have taught him a lesson a few times. He must be holding a grudge and want to take revenge."

Yin Tianxi chimed in, "That's right, sir. How can we believe the words of such a disloyal and unjust person?"

Zhao Tianming's face turned red with anger, and he shouted, "Sir, you can't be so biased towards them! The evidence is right here!"

The prefect glanced at Zhao Tianming and said, "Manager Zhao, stop making a scene here. I will make my own judgment."

As he spoke, the prefect picked up the evidence, flipped through it casually, and said, "What kind of evidence is this? It might even be forged by you!"

Zhao Tianming nearly fainted from anger, saying, "Sir, how could this be a forgery? Please take a closer look!"

The prefect threw down the evidence and said, "I've looked at it, and it's useless. Court adjourned!"

Zhao Tianming was furious when he saw the prefect protecting Yin Tianxi so much. He rushed forward to stop the prefect, but was held back by the yamen runners.

"Sir, you can't do this! Is there no law anymore?" Zhao Tianming shouted.

As the prefect walked towards the back hall, he said, "Hmph, the law? In this area, what I say is the law!"

Zhao Tianming was wheeled out of the courtroom by the bailiffs. Standing at the door, he gritted his teeth and said, "What kind of world is this! I, Zhao Tianming, will never let this go!"

Inside the courtroom, Wang Zhiqiang and Yin Tianxi laughed heartily and said to the prefect, "Your Excellency is truly wise; you can handle such a small matter with ease."

The prefect said smugly, "Of course, as long as I'm here, you can rest assured!"

Zhao Tianming returned from the government office, his face contorted with rage, looking as if he could breathe fire. Seeing his expression, Wu Yong immediately understood that the prefect had not acted impartially.

Wu Yong stepped forward and asked softly, "Manager Zhao, is it true that the prefect is openly protecting Yin Tianxi and his group?"

Enraged, Zhao Tianming slammed his hands on the table and roared, "This bastard is utterly lawless! He blatantly favors them and completely disregards the evidence!"

Wu Yong frowned and said with a solemn expression, "Manager Zhao, don't get angry. Getting angry won't solve the problem. This matter is probably more troublesome than we expected."

Zhao Tianming's eyes widened in anger as he shouted, "What can we do? Are we just going to stand by and watch Wang Zhiqiang and Yin Tianxi get away with it? Instructor Lin is still suffering in prison!"

Wu Yong sighed and said slowly, "Manager Zhao, please calm down. Given the current situation, Wang Zhiqiang and his men will definitely be on guard. Moreover, after this incident, they will certainly adopt more covert methods and will not let us find evidence so easily again."

Upon hearing this, Li Kui, enraged, picked up his axe and was about to rush out, shouting, "I'm going to chop down that bastard and Wang Zhiqiang and his gang, let's see if they still dare to be so arrogant!"

Song Jiang quickly stopped Li Kui and shouted, "You black bastard, shut up! Don't cause trouble at a time like this!"

Li Kui's eyes widened, and he said defiantly, "Brother, are we just going to let this go? I can't swallow this!"

Song Jiang said, "What problem can your impulsiveness solve? It will only make things worse!"

Li Kui angrily threw the axe on the ground, plopped down on the stool, and stopped talking.

Wu Yong looked at everyone, pondered for a moment, and said, "We can't force things now; we need to plan carefully. Since the path of the prefect is blocked, we have to think of another way."

Zhao Tianming asked eagerly, "What good plan does Scholar Wu have?"

Wu Yong said, "We can contact some people who have had grudges against Wang Zhiqiang and Yin Tianxi, and unite all forces that can be united. Furthermore, we can send people to the capital to see if there are any officials who can stand up for us. Also, we can spread this matter among the people to attract public attention and put pressure on the prefect and Wang Zhiqiang."

Song Jiang nodded and said, "Scholar Wu, your plan is excellent, but we must be careful in its implementation."

Zhao Tianming said, "As long as I can seek justice for Instructor Lin and get Wang Zhiqiang and the others punished as they deserve, I'm not afraid of any difficulties."

Wu Yong continued, "Also, we must keep a close eye on Wang Zhiqiang and his men's movements to prevent them from harming us."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Li Kui then stood up again and said, "Hmph, if they dare to come, my axe won't be blind!"

Song Jiang glared at him and said, "You think you're so great? Listen to Wu Xuejiu's arrangements first."

Wu Yong said, "Everyone, go back and prepare. Remember, this matter must not be rushed. We must plan carefully before we act."

The crowd dispersed to prepare. But the atmosphere in the room remained heavy; everyone knew that the road ahead would be even more difficult.

Lu Qian was in high spirits that day because he had just learned that Zhao Tianming had suffered a great loss at Wang Zhiqiang's hands and had taken a big tumble. He couldn't wait to tell Cai Jiu this "good news" so they could share the joy.

Lu Qian jogged all the way to Cai Jiu's residence. Before even entering the back garden, he shouted at the top of his lungs, "Lord Cai, great news! Great news!"

At this moment, Cai Jiu was leisurely enjoying himself in his backyard. He was lying on a rocking chair, with a pot of fine wine and a dish of fragrant peanuts on a small table beside him. He crossed his legs, holding a wine glass in one hand, taking sips from time to time, and constantly tossing peanuts into his mouth with the other hand. He looked extremely content.

Hearing Lu Qian's loud voice, Cai Jiu frowned and said lazily, "Lu Qian, what kind of behavior is this, making such a fuss! What's with all this talk about big joy or small joy? Speak slowly."

Lu Qian strode up to Cai Jiu, his face beaming with joy, and said, "Lord Cai, you have no idea! Zhao Tianming got humiliated by Wang Zhiqiang and was thoroughly humiliated. His pathetic state was absolutely laughable!"

Upon hearing this, Cai Jiu became interested and sat up straight, asking, "Oh? Is that really true? Tell me about it in detail."

Lu Qian began to describe it with great enthusiasm: "Lord Cai, you didn't see it! Zhao Tianming originally thought he was so powerful, and went to find Wang Zhiqiang with great momentum, but Wang Zhiqiang shut him up with just a few words, and his face turned red, like a boiled shrimp!"

Cai Jiu couldn't help but laugh out loud, took another sip of wine, and said, "Haha, Zhao Tianming has finally met his match!"

Lu Qian continued, "And another thing, Wang Zhiqiang deliberately teased Zhao Tianming, making him look foolish in front of everyone. Zhao Tianming wanted to get angry but didn't dare, and his sullen and aggrieved appearance still makes me laugh when I think about it now!"

As Cai Jiu listened, he laughed so hard he almost choked on peanuts.

"Oh my, this is so satisfying! Zhao Tianming is always so arrogant and domineering, always thinking he's something special. Now, finally someone can teach him a lesson!" Cai Jiu laughed until tears streamed down his face.

Lu Qian laughed along, saying, "That's right, Lord Cai. I heard that when Zhao Tianming went back, his steps were unsteady. He was probably furious, haha!"

Cai Jiu popped a few more peanuts into his mouth and said, "Lu Qian, your news came at just the right time, making this wine even more delicious!"

Lu Qian quickly said ingratiatingly, "I'm glad you're happy, Lord Cai. I came to tell you as soon as I heard the news."

Cai Jiu waved his hand and said, "Not bad, not bad. Come on, have a few drinks with me and have some fun."

Lu Qian quickly agreed and picked up his wine glass to start drinking.

After a few drinks, Lu Qian got a little tipsy and started gesticulating wildly, imitating Zhao Tianming's awkward situation, muttering, "Wang Zhiqiang, you, you wait..."

Cai Jiu laughed so hard he spat out his wine, saying, "Lu Qian, your imitation is too perfect, haha!"

The two men were laughing so unrestrainedly in the back garden that their voices carried far. Passing servants peeked in curiously, wondering what amusing thing had happened to these two gentlemen.

After a while, Cai Jiu and Lu Qian were so tired from laughing that they finally stopped.

Cai Jiu leaned back in his rocking chair, panting, and said, "Today was really exhilarating! That kid Zhao Tianming, let's see if he dares to be arrogant again!"

Lu Qian chimed in, "That's right, Lord Cai, he'll get what's coming to him!"

The two drank a few more glasses of wine and ate some peanuts before finally ending their joyful "celebration" with satisfaction.