Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Since starting to sell snacks near Gao Qiu's training ground, Wang Zhiqiang's business has flourished, making him incredibly wealthy. His stall is always packed with people, and the soldiers rave about his braised beef, tea eggs, and other snacks.

However, Gao Qiu's attitude of turning a blind eye to the matter infuriated Yin Tianxi, who had always wanted to suppress Zhao Tianming. In particular, because Li Kui interfered and did not convict Lin Chong, but instead released him, giving Zhao Tianming a chance to breathe, Yin Tianxi was even more enraged.

That day, Yin Tianxi summoned Lu Qian to his residence. Lu Qian asked with a fawning expression, "My lord, what brings you here today?"

Yin Tianxi said with a gloomy face, "Lin Chong has been released, and Zhao Tianming is temporarily at peace. I really can't swallow this insult!"

Lu Qian's eyes darted around, and he said, "Sir, I have an idea. Isn't Wang Zhiqiang's business booming? We can use this opportunity to deal with Zhao Tianming again."

Yin Tianxi raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh? Tell me about it."

Lu Qian's eyes darted around, and he leaned closer to Yin Tianxi, saying, "Sir, Wang Zhiqiang's business is booming right now. You could try to get a piece of the pie from him. Then we can send people to sell near Zhao Tianming's restaurant. With so many people, it'll definitely cause congestion and obstruction. Zhao Tianming's restaurant business will definitely suffer. Next, we can send a few shrewd people to Zhao Tianming's restaurant to order food, and then say that his restaurant is unhygienic and that the braised beef made people sick. After that, we can find a doctor to write a diagnosis. As long as we make a big fuss, we'll have a solution. This way, you can get your revenge and make money at the same time."

Upon hearing this, Yin Tianxi revealed a sinister smile and nodded, saying, "Hmm, Lu Qian, you're quick-witted. But will Wang Zhiqiang obediently submit and let me have a share?"

Lu Qian quickly said, "Sir, this Wang Zhiqiang is just a money-grubber. If you put a little pressure on him and offer him some benefits, wouldn't he obediently listen to you? Besides, with his small business, how could he dare to offend someone as important as you?"

Yin Tianxi stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and said, "Hmm, that makes sense. Then I'll leave this matter to you. Make sure you handle it perfectly. If anything goes wrong, I'll hold you responsible!"

Lu Qian quickly bowed and said, "Rest assured, sir, I will certainly live up to your expectations."

Upon receiving Yin Tianxi's order, Lu Qian immediately went to find Wang Zhiqiang.

Wang Zhiqiang was busy greeting guests when he saw Lu Qian arrive. His heart skipped a beat, and he knew something was wrong.

Lu Qian said with a forced smile, "Wang Zhiqiang, your business is doing quite well."

Wang Zhiqiang said with a forced smile, "Lord Lu, you flatter me. It's just a small business, enough to make a living."

Lu Qian snorted coldly: "Hmph, just trying to make a living? You're making a fortune every day, it's not just about making a living."

Wang Zhiqiang's heart tightened, and he said, "Lord Lu, what do you mean? I don't understand."

Lu Qian leaned closer to Wang Zhiqiang and said in a low voice, "Wang Zhiqiang, let's not beat around the bush. Lord Ren has his eye on your business and wants to cooperate with you to get a share of the profits. If you know what's good for you, you'll be obedient and you'll get your share of the benefits. If you don't, well, you can forget about doing business here."

Wang Zhiqiang's face turned ashen. He knew that Yin Tianxi and Lu Qian were not to be trifled with, and although he was unwilling, he did not dare to refuse directly.

Wang Zhiqiang stammered, "Lord Lu, this... this matter needs some consideration."

Lu Qian glared at him: "Consider? You dare to consider? Let me tell you, Lord Ren doesn't have that much patience. I'll give you one day. Give me your answer by this time tomorrow." With that, Lu Qian strode away.

Wang Zhiqiang, completely at a loss, went to Gao Ke for advice. Gao Ke stroked his chin, sighed, and said, "Let me tell you, Wang Zhiqiang, Lord Yin has gone to great lengths for you. Moreover, if it weren't for the Emperor's intervention, who knows what Li Kui would have done to Lord Yin. He's seething with anger because of you. If you refuse, you'll be in deep trouble later. You'll run into obstacles everywhere you go. Be careful. He's related to Consort Shu."

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhiqiang broke out in a cold sweat and stammered, "Brother Gao, then... then what should I do? My small business can't withstand their mistreatment."

Gao Ke glanced at him sideways and said, "Hmph, you brought this trouble upon yourself, so figure out how to solve it yourself. However, I advise you to behave yourself, and perhaps Lord Yin will spare your life."

Wang Zhiqiang looked distressed and pleaded, "Brother Gao, you have to help me! I'll do whatever you say."

Gao Qiu pondered for a moment and said, "How about this, you first agree to Lord Yin's request, and then act according to the circumstances. I will try my best to help you, but whether it works out or not depends on your luck."

Wang Zhiqiang nodded helplessly and left dejectedly. He knew in his heart that he had been drawn into a trouble from which he could not extricate himself.

The thought of constantly hitting roadblocks and possibly being forced to pack up and leave the capital with nothing filled Wang Zhiqiang with resentment. How could he hand over all the businesses he had worked so hard to build to someone else? After a fierce internal struggle, Wang Zhiqiang finally gritted his teeth and decided to agree to Yin Tianxi's request.

So he quickly contacted Lu Qian, and said with a smile, "Lord Lu, I've thought it through. I agree to Lord Yin's request."

Upon hearing this, Lu Qian's face revealed a sly glint, and he sneered, "Manager Wang, I can't make that decision. I need to go back and ask Lord Yin for his opinion. If he agrees to this condition, I will get back to you immediately."

Wang Zhiqiang hurriedly nodded and bowed: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Lord Lu. I'll wait here for good news."

Lu Qian snorted and turned to leave. Wang Zhiqiang watched Lu Qian's departing figure, his heart pounding with anxiety, unsure of what awaited him.

Upon returning to the Yin residence, Lu Qian greeted Yin Tianxi with a cupped-hand salute and said, "My lord, Wang Zhiqiang has already agreed to your request."

Yin Tianxi sat down in his chair, picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said, "Oh? He's quite sensible. However, this matter cannot be settled so easily."

Lu Qian asked, puzzled, "Sir, Wang Zhiqiang has already agreed, so what is there to worry about?"

Yin Tianxi put down his teacup and sneered, "Hmph, Wang Zhiqiang only agreed because of the circumstances. Who knows what he's really up to? We need to plan carefully and not give him a chance to turn against us."

Lu Qian echoed, "What you say is absolutely right, sir. So, in your opinion, what should we do?"

Yin Tianxi thought for a moment and said, "Go and tell Wang Zhiqiang that I have agreed. Then send someone to keep an eye on his every move. If they find that he has done anything improper, report it to me immediately."

Lu Qian nodded in agreement and then hurriedly went to find Wang Zhiqiang.

Wang Zhiqiang was anxiously waiting for news at home. When he saw Lu Qian arrive, he hurriedly went up to him and asked, "Lord Lu, what did Lord Yin say?"

Lu Qian said with a forced smile, "Manager Wang, congratulations, Lord Yin has agreed."

Wang Zhiqiang secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Thank you, Lord Lu, thank you, Lord Yin."

Lu Qian continued, "However, Manager Wang, Lord Yin said that you must manage your business well from now on. If anything goes wrong, don't blame Lord Yin for being impolite."

Wang Zhiqiang nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, Lord Lu, I will do my best."

After Lu Qian left, Wang Zhiqiang had temporarily resolved the immediate crisis, but he remained uneasy. He knew he was trapped in a quagmire from which he could not escape, and a single misstep would lead to utter ruin.

Meanwhile, Yin Tianxi was also busily arranging his follow-up plans. He wanted to completely control Wang Zhiqiang's business and turn it into a tool for his own personal gain.

Several days passed, and Wang Zhiqiang noticed unfamiliar faces appearing around him. He knew these were people sent by Yin Tianxi to monitor him. He became increasingly cautious, fearing that he would be caught doing something wrong.

Meanwhile, Zhao Tianming's restaurant business had not recovered due to the previous turmoil. He also sensed that Yin Tianxi might be behind it all and was secretly investigating.

The situation in the capital is becoming increasingly complex, with various forces secretly vying for power, and an even greater storm is brewing.

Soon after, a number of vendors inexplicably appeared near Zhao Tianming's restaurant. These vendors sold all kinds of snacks, such as braised beef and tea eggs, and the aroma filled the air.

At first, Zhao Tianming didn't pay much attention, treating it as just an ordinary small business. However, not long after, a surprising scene unfolded. More and more people flocked to the stalls, forming long queues to buy the snacks. The queue meandered, intentionally or unintentionally blocking the entrance to Zhao Tianming's restaurant.

It became extremely difficult for customers to enter and exit Zhao Tianming's restaurant. Some customers had to squeeze through the crowd sideways, while others were blocked by long queues and could only shake their heads in frustration and leave.

Zhao Tianming noticed something amiss and went out to investigate. He saw that the people in line all looked anxious, their eyes fixed on the food in the vendor's hands, as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.

Zhao Tianming tried to communicate with the vendors, asking them to move their positions slightly so as not to affect the restaurant's business. However, the vendors pretended not to hear him and continued to busy themselves with their own things.

Some impatient customers began to complain: "What kind of situation is this? It's so troublesome to come here for a meal!"

"That's right, the entrance is completely blocked, making it inconvenient to get in and out!"

While reassuring the customers, Zhao Tianming negotiated with the vendors again: "Gentlemen, could you please do me a favor and move over a little bit?"

But the vendors replied, "We're doing business here, we haven't broken any laws, why should we move?"

Zhao Tianming was speechless for a moment, feeling angry but helpless.

And so, due to the congestion at the entrance, Zhao Tianming's restaurant business was once again severely affected. The once bustling restaurant became deserted, and Zhao Tianming, looking at the chaotic scene, frowned and racked his brains for a solution.