Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

After asking around, Shi Xiu finally arrived at Zhao Tianming's restaurant. He looked hurried and anxious, and without saying a word, he rushed inside.

The waiter at the door reacted quickly and stopped him outside. "Hey, beggar, why are you barging in?"

Shi Xiu said urgently, "I have something urgent to discuss with your Manager Zhao!"

The waiter sized Shi Xiu up and down. He saw that Shi Xiu was dressed in rags, his hair was disheveled, and his face was covered in dust. He said disdainfully, "What do you want with Manager Zhao? You just want some money. I have some money here, I'll give you a few coins. Hurry up and leave, don't cause trouble here. Your barging around will affect our business!" As he spoke, the waiter took out a few copper coins from his pocket and threw them on the ground.

Shi Xiu had no interest in those few copper coins. He forcefully broke free from the waiter's obstruction, "No, I must see Manager Zhao about this. We can't delay!"

Seeing this, the waiter's face darkened. "Hey! You beggar, you're getting cocky, aren't you? Don't you know where you are? Do you think you can just barge in like this?"

Shi Xiu was extremely anxious. "I really have something extremely urgent that concerns the lives of many people. Please, please let me in!"

The waiter remained unmoved. "Stop talking nonsense! Countless people come here every day looking for excuses to see the manager. I've heard your line a million times! Get out of here!"

Veins bulged on Shi Xiu's forehead. "You snobbish bastard, if you delay important matters, can you take responsibility?"

At this moment, a group of onlookers had gathered around, pointing and whispering about Shi Xiu.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, the waiter raised his voice, "Hmph! With your appearance, what serious matter could you possibly be in? If you don't leave, I'll have someone kick you out!"

Shi Xiu's eyes were bloodshot. "I won't leave until I see Manager Zhao today!"

Just as the two were at an impasse, a waiter came out of the restaurant. He looked at Shi Xiu, then at the waiter, and asked, "What's going on? Why are you making such a fuss?"

The waiter quickly said, "This beggar insists on seeing the manager, saying he has something extremely urgent to discuss. I think he's just trying to scam money."

The waiter frowned and said to Shi Xiu, "Don't be in such a hurry, tell me what's going on?"

Shi Xiu then said to the shop assistant, "You know Dean Dai Zong, the Swift-Footed Warrior, right?"

The waiter nodded and said, "Of course, Dean Dai is a friend of our Manager Zhao. Why did you bring him up?"

Shi Xiu whispered to the man, "Dean Dai is in trouble."

The man was startled and quickly brought Shi Xiu inside to see Zhao Tianming.

Zhao Tianming was doing accounts in the accounting room when he saw the shop assistant rushing in with Shi Xiu. He frowned slightly and asked, "What's going on? Why are you in such a panic?"

The waiter hurriedly said, "Boss, this brother says Dean Dai is in trouble."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tianming's expression changed drastically. He stood up, stared at Shi Xiu, and asked, "Brother, tell me quickly, what happened to Brother Dai Zong?"

Shi Xiu then recounted how Dai Zong had gone to Daming Lake and witnessed Li Gu and a group of officials harassing Yan Qing in the market. Because Dai Zong stood up for Yan Qing, he ended up being imprisoned along with Yan Qing.

Upon hearing that Dai Zong and Yan Qing had been imprisoned, Zhao Tianming immediately became tense. He said to his assistant, "Quickly call Wu Yong, Lu Junyi, Wu Song, Lu Zhishen, and Shi Qian'er here."

The waiter dared not delay and immediately ran out to deliver the message.

Before long, everyone arrived.

Wu Yong was the first to ask, "Manager Zhao, what is the matter that you summoned us here in such a hurry?"

Zhao Tianming said with a solemn expression, "Dai Zong and Yan Qing have been imprisoned and are in critical condition."

Wu Song cupped his hands in greeting: "Manager Zhao, we can't just sit idly by. We have to find a way to rescue them."

Lu Zhishen brandished his monk's staff and shouted, "I'm going to smash that prison door right now!"

Shi Qian'er's eyes darted around: "Wait a minute, it might not be wise to force our way in. We need to think this through carefully."

After some thought, Wu Yong said with a solemn expression, "Gentlemen, in my opinion, the one who started this is probably none other than Liang Zhongshu."

Upon hearing this, everyone looked puzzled. Lu Junyi frowned deeply and asked, "Mr. Wu, what makes you say this? I, Lu Junyi, have some prestige and reputation in this area. Normally, Liang Zhongshu should give me some face. Why would he act like this?"

Wu Yong lightly shook the feather fan in his hand and analyzed, "Master Lu, you don't know this. This Liang Zhongshu is a greedy and sycophantic person by nature. The reason why he dares to openly oppose you and imprison Dai Zong and Yan Qing is definitely not an impulsive act. Someone must have given him great benefits behind the scenes, making him willing to take this risk."

Wu Song clenched his fists and roared, "Hmph! This corrupt official must have taken bribes to dare to act so recklessly!"

Lu Zhishen chimed in, "That's exactly what I think. That fellow usually preys on the people, so it's not surprising that he would do such a heinous thing!"

Wu Yong nodded slightly and continued, "Furthermore, Master Lu, your family is wealthy and influential, and your reputation is widespread, so it's inevitable that you'll attract jealousy. Perhaps your rivals have seized the opportunity and bribed Liang Zhongshu to use this matter to suppress you. And Liang Zhongshu is narrow-minded by nature; seeing an opportunity to profit, he naturally won't let it pass."

Shi Qian'er interjected from the side, "Then, in your opinion, sir, what should we do?"

Wu Yong paced back and forth for a moment, then said, "Our current plan is to first find out Liang Zhongshu's background, who his backers are, and what their purpose is. At the same time, we should also send people to look after our brothers Dai Zong and Yan Qing in prison to ensure their safety. In addition, we need to contact heroes from all sides in case of emergency."

Lu Junyi said firmly, "Everything is up to Mr. Wu to arrange."

Wu Yong cupped his hands and said, "Don't worry, Master Lu, we will do our best to find out the truth, rescue the two brothers, and give Master Lu justice."

After everyone left, Wu Yong paced back and forth in the room alone, racking his brains for a plan to rescue Dai Zong and Yan Qing.

The next morning, Wu Yong summoned everyone together again. His eyes gleamed with wisdom as he said, "Gentlemen, I have devised a rescue plan."

Everyone immediately perked up their ears and listened attentively.

Wu Yong gently waved his feather fan and slowly said, "First, we need to send someone to infiltrate the prison and become a jailer. This person must be clever and reliable, able to obtain specific information about Dai Zong and Yan Qing in the prison, as well as the layout of the cells and the guard shift change patterns. Brother Shi Qian, this task is perfect for you. With your skills and cleverness, you will definitely be able to handle it."

Shi Qian patted his chest and said, "Mr. Wu, rest assured, I will certainly not fail in my mission."

Wu Yong continued, "Brothers Lu Zhishen and Wu Song, you two lie in ambush outside the city, prepare horses and men for the rescue. Once we successfully rescue Dai Zong and Yan Qing, you must quickly lead them away and ensure their safety."

Lu Zhishen and Wu Song replied in unison, "Understood!"

Wu Yong then looked at Lu Junyi: "Master Lu, you need to use your reputation and connections to spread the word that Liang Zhongshu has committed various crimes of corruption, bribery, and disregard for human life. This will arouse public anger and dissatisfaction, putting pressure on Liang Zhongshu through public opinion."

Lu Junyi nodded and said, "Okay, I'll go and make the arrangements right away."

Wu Yong continued his plan: "I will try to forge a secret letter from the imperial court, claiming that we are investigating Liang Zhongshu. This will distract him and keep him preoccupied with his own affairs."

After hearing this, everyone thought the plan was brilliant.

Using his skills, Shi Qian successfully infiltrated the prison. He quickly figured out the exact location where Dai Zong and Yan Qing were being held, as well as the guards around the cell.

Outside the city, Lu Zhishen and Wu Song were fully prepared. Their horses were well-fed and their weapons were sharpened. They were just waiting for the signal to begin their operation.

Following Wu Yong's plan, Lu Junyi spread rumors throughout the city about Liang Zhongshu's various misdeeds. Upon hearing this, the people were outraged and demanded that Liang Zhongshu be severely punished.

Wu Yong's forged secret letter was also delivered to Liang Zhongshu's residence. Upon seeing the letter, Liang Zhongshu panicked and summoned his subordinates to discuss countermeasures.

Just as Liang Zhongshu was in a state of panic, Wu Yong led his men in a nighttime rescue operation. Shi Qian secretly unlocked the cell in the prison, and Wu Yong and the others rushed in.

The guards realized something was wrong and rushed over, but were quickly subdued by the brave resistance of the crowd.

Dai Zong and Yan Qing were successfully rescued, and Lu Zhishen and Wu Song led them onto the horses that had been prepared beforehand, and quickly rode out of the city.

However, their actions were discovered by Liang Zhongshu's men, and pursuers were hot on their heels.

Lu Zhishen and Wu Song fought back as they ran, buying time for Dai Zong and Yan Qing.

As the pursuers drew ever closer, Wu Yong devised a plan. He divided his men into two groups: one continued to lure the pursuers away, while the other led Dai Zong and Yan Qing to escape via a side path.

Ultimately, thanks to Wu Yong's clever arrangements, the group successfully evaded their pursuers, met up with their backup outside the city, and escaped safely.

Zhao Tianming personally hosted a welcoming banquet for Dai Zong and Yan Qing, preparing a lavish feast in the hall to calm their nerves. The hall was brightly lit, laden with delicious food and fragrant wine.

Dai Zong and Yan Qing entered the hall and were deeply moved by the grand scene. They quickly stepped forward and bowed to Zhao Tianming with clasped hands.

Zhao Tianming quickly stepped forward, helped the two men up, and laughed heartily, "Brothers, please sit down. Let's drink until we drop today!"

Everyone took their seats, and the atmosphere became lively.

With tears in her eyes and her voice trembling slightly, Yan Qing said, "Manager Zhao, if it weren't for your righteous help this time, Dean Dai and I would have suffered countless hardships. We will never forget this kindness."

Dai Zong also said excitedly, "Yes, Manager Zhao, I, Dai Zong, have no way to repay your great kindness."

Zhao Tianming waved his hand and said, "All men are brothers under heaven. Although I am a businessman, I also value loyalty. I will help those in need when I see injustice. You two brothers don't need to worry about this."

Lu Junyi also raised his glass and said, "We are honored by Manager Zhao's high regard. We brothers will repay him tenfold in the future. If there is anything we can do to help you, just let us know."

Zhao Tianming smiled and raised his glass, saying, "Come on, let's drink to celebrate the safe return of our two brothers!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank it all.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, everyone started talking.

Lu Zhishen exclaimed loudly, "This drink was truly enjoyable! Manager Zhao, you are a true hero!"

Wu Song nodded and said, "That's right, Manager Zhao is a man of great righteousness and integrity, worthy of our respect."

Zhao Tianming said with a smile, "It is my honor to meet all of you heroes. Today, let's just drink to our hearts' content and forget our troubles!"

Everyone raised their glasses again and drank happily.

Shi Qian told jokes, making everyone laugh. Wu Yong and Zhao Tianming chatted about various interesting things in the martial arts world, and the atmosphere became more and more harmonious.

The banquet lasted until late at night, and everyone was a little tipsy, but their hearts were filled with warmth and joy.