Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Gao Ke had long heard that Tong Guan was currently enjoying great influence in the court and had extorted a lot of money from Wang Zhiqiang. So he found a jade craftsman to carefully craft two fine jade discs, intending to send them to Tong Guan in order to curry favor with this powerful figure.

Gao Ke, carrying the jade disc, arrived at Tong Guan's residence with great excitement. As soon as he entered the gate, he saw Tong Guan sitting in the hall, looking disheveled and utterly dejected.

Gao Ke was startled and quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully as he asked, "Lord Tong, what's wrong?"

Tong Guan looked up at Gao Ke and snorted irritably, "Hmph, don't even mention it. I wanted to take down Zhao Tianming's restaurant, but I ended up getting a cold shoulder!"

Gao Ke said with a fawning expression, "Lord Tong, is there anything you can't accomplish with your help? Could it be that Zhao Tianming has some powerful backer?"

Tong Guan slammed his fist on the table: "Backers? A bunch of bandits! But they're completely unyielding, and then this so-called 'Master Scholar' Xiao Rang came along, leaving me speechless!"

Gao Ke's eyes darted around, and he said, "My lord, please don't be angry. Perhaps those people were just lucky for a moment. However, I have brought you some good things today, hoping to calm you down."

As he spoke, Gao Ke hurriedly had someone present the jade disc.

Tong Guan glanced at the jade discs, his expression softening slightly: "You've put in a good effort, but these things are hardly enough to quell the anger in my heart!"

Gao Ke then told Tong Guan with a fawning expression, "Lord Tong, I have an idea for this trivial matter that can appease your anger." Upon hearing this, Tong Guan hurriedly asked, "Oh? What is it? Tell me quickly!"

Gao Ke leaned closer to Tong Guan and whispered, "Wang Zhiqiang bought a piece of land in the capital. The location is excellent, and he plans to build a teahouse there. I heard that the land is next to Lin Chong's property."

Tong Guan frowned and said, "Lin Chong? Is that the exiled prisoner? Although he has returned, that land was confiscated. How could it be returned to him?"

Gao Ke, his face plastered with a fawning smile, said, "Lord Tong, that's the trick. I heard that the official who handled it before accepted a bribe from Zhao Tianming, which is why he gave this land to Lin Chong."

Tong Guan's eyes lit up instantly, as excited as a fly smelling fish. A greedy smile appeared on his lips: "Hmph, so that's how it is. This is a serious violation of the law. If I can catch this, I'll definitely teach those who oppose me a lesson!"

Seeing that Tong Guan was interested, Gao Ke became even more enthusiastic and said, "Lord Tong, think about it! Zhao Tianming actually dared to bribe officials and dispose of confiscated land privately. This is a serious crime! As long as we seize this opportunity, we can not only punish Zhao Tianming, but also drag Lin Chong down with us. Lin Chong was a criminal before, and now he's involved in such illegal activities. Let's see who can protect him!"

Tong Guan stroked his beard and said in a sinister tone, "Not bad, not bad, Gao Ke, your idea is quite good. So tell me, how should we get started?"

Gao Ke rolled his eyes and said, "Lord Tong, let's secretly send people to investigate this matter and collect evidence. Once we find conclusive evidence, we'll report to His Majesty. At that time, Zhao Tianming and Lin Chong will not escape punishment, and you will have rid the court of a scourge. His Majesty will surely reward you handsomely."

Tong Guan laughed heartily: "Alright, we'll do as you say. I won't treat you unfairly after it's done."

Gao Ke immediately knelt down to express his gratitude: "Thank you, Lord Tong. I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse."

After getting up, Gao Ke continued, "Lord Tong, we must hurry up with this matter. If word gets out and they become wary, it will be difficult to handle."

Tong Guan nodded and said, "You're right, do it immediately!"

Gao Ke responded and then hurriedly left.

Tong Guan sat in his chair, smugly contemplating the impending victory. His face was full of cunning and greed, as if he could already see Zhao Tianming and Lin Chong brought to justice, and his own position in the court becoming even more secure.

Meanwhile, Gao Ke walked out of Tong Guan's residence, a smug expression on his face. He thought to himself that as long as he could please Tong Guan this time, he could do whatever he wanted in the capital. To achieve his goal, he resorted to any means necessary, without considering the great disaster this would bring to others.

Upon returning home, Gao Ke immediately summoned his henchmen and ordered them to investigate the matter. These henchmen, who were usually wicked and unruly, were all eager to make their move when they heard about this good opportunity.

In the days that followed, the shadowy corners of the capital were filled with the atmosphere of conspiracy, and a storm was brewing.

In order to successfully bring down Zhao Tianming and Lin Chong, Gao Ke obtained a warrant from Cai Jing, which gave him more confidence and leverage.

Afterwards, he led a group of henchmen, carrying gold and silver treasures, and quietly arrived at the home of the official surnamed Liu who had originally handled the matter. Gao Ke knew that in order for things to proceed according to their plan, they had to first bribe Liu's servants and break through from within.

After some inquiries, they found one of the official Liu's trusted servants, named Liu Fu. Gao Ke pulled Liu Fu to a secluded corner and said with a beaming smile, "Brother Liu Fu, let's not beat around the bush. As long as you help me with one thing, all this gold and silver treasure is yours." As he spoke, Gao Ke opened a bundle, and the gold and silver jewels inside glittered in the sunlight.

Liu Fu stared wide-eyed at the treasures, but a hint of hesitation and fear lingered in his heart. He said in a trembling voice, "Lord Gao, please tell me what this is about. If it's too dangerous, I dare not."

Gao Ke leaned close to Liu Fu's ear and whispered, "Actually, it's not that difficult. You just need to say that your master accepted a bribe from Zhao Tianming and gave that piece of land to Lin Chong."

Upon hearing this, Liu Fu was so frightened that he almost collapsed to the ground. He hurriedly shook his head and said, "Lord Gao, this is absolutely unacceptable! If my master finds out, he'll skin me alive!"

Gao Ke's face darkened, and he threatened, "Liu Fu, have you thought this through? This treasure will ensure you a comfortable life for the rest of your days. If you don't agree, hmph, I have plenty of ways to make you wish you were dead!"

Liu Fu was pale and in a state of extreme struggle. Finally, under the temptation of wealth and the threat of Gao Ke, he gritted his teeth and said, "Lord Gao, I agree, but you must guarantee my safety."

When Gao Ke saw that Liu Fu had agreed, a satisfied smile immediately appeared on his face. He said, "Don't worry, as long as you behave and do as I say, I'll guarantee you'll be fine after it's done."

Then, Gao Ke gave Liu Fu some detailed instructions, telling him to say those words at specific times and places.

To ensure the plan's success, Gao Ke employed other methods. He sent people to spread rumors in the capital, claiming that Zhao Tianming and Lin Chong were colluding with officials to illegally seize land. These rumors spread like wildfire, quickly causing a huge uproar in the capital.

At the same time, Gao Ke bribed some street thugs to provoke Lin Chong in places he frequented, in an attempt to provoke him and make him make a mistake.

Meanwhile, Tong Guan was not idle either. Using his power, Tong Guan suppressed and threatened those associated with Zhao Tianming and Lin Chong, forcing them to provide testimony detrimental to Zhao Tianming and Lin Chong.

In an instant, a gloomy atmosphere enveloped the capital, and Zhao Tianming and Lin Chong found themselves in extreme danger. Meanwhile, Gao Ke and Tong Guan smiled smugly behind their backs, waiting for the moment to close the net.

After receiving the evidence from Gao Ke, Tong Guan was filled with pride and eagerness. He led a group of fierce-looking men and rushed to Zhao Tianming's restaurant again.

At the entrance of the restaurant, Zhang Bangchang's daughter, Hexiang, was startled to see Tong Guan approaching in such a menacing manner, but she still forced herself to remain calm and stepped forward, bowing slightly as she asked, "Lord Tong, what brings you here?"

Tong Guan glanced at He Xiang and said disdainfully, "He Xiang, go away, I have official business to attend to!"

He Xiang frowned and spoke again: "Lord Tong, for my father's sake, could you please show some leniency?"

Tong Guan sat on his horse, sneer arrogantly, "Hmph, your father has retired, do you think I'm afraid of him? Don't try to intimidate me with your father!"

He Xiang's face turned pale instantly. She bit her lip, her voice trembling slightly: "Lord Tong, my father had some dealings with you when he was an official. Now that you are so heartless, aren't you afraid of being called ungrateful?"

Tong Guan glared angrily and shouted, "Little brat, stop talking nonsense! No one can stop what's happening today!"

Tears welled up in He Xiang's eyes, but she still refused to back down: "Lord Tong, our restaurant has always conducted business in an honest and upright manner, and has never done anything illegal or disorderly. Your so-called official business is probably just a frame-up on someone's orders!"

Tong Guan's face darkened, and he threatened, "Slander? The evidence is irrefutable, and you have no choice but to admit it! If you dare to say another word, you'll be punished along with them!"

At this moment, the guests in the restaurant heard the commotion outside and began to peek out. Seeing this, He Xiang became even more anxious, knowing that the restaurant's reputation could not be damaged.

He Xiang took a deep breath and said, "Lord Tong, even if you want to carry out this official business, you must explain things clearly so that everyone is convinced. You can't just accuse us of crimes without reason."

Tong Guan waved his hand impatiently: "Enough talk! Once we bring Zhao Tianming back, the truth will come out!" With that, he was about to order his men to rush into the restaurant.

At this critical moment, Zhao Tianming slowly walked out of the restaurant...

Behind Zhao Tianming stood Song Jiang, Chai Jin, Wu Yong, Li Kui, Wu Song, Dai Zong, Shi Qian, Lu Zhishen, Shi Xiu, Lu Junyi, Yan Qing, and others. They all wore solemn expressions, ready for battle.

Tong Guan led his men, swaggering into the restaurant. Seeing the group behind Zhao Tianming, he felt a slight apprehension, but still forced a dignified air.

"Who do we have here? It's Lord Tong! What an imposing official!" Zhao Tianming spoke first, his tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction and questioning.

Tong Guan sneered, "Zhao Tianming, you won't escape today!"

At this moment, Chai Jin stepped forward. He was dressed in luxurious clothes, and his demeanor was refined yet dignified. He slightly cupped his hands and said, "Lord Tong, I have long admired your name. Why are you making such a fuss today? May I ask what offense has Manager Zhao committed?" Chai Jin's voice was neither humble nor arrogant, and his face carried a composed smile, displaying the demeanor of a magnanimous person.

Tong Guan looked at Chai Jin and said, "Master Chai, this matter has nothing to do with you. Don't meddle in other people's business."

At this moment, Song Jiang also spoke up: "Lord Tong, this matter concerns justice and fairness, how can it be considered a trivial matter?"

Tong Guan didn't take him seriously at all, and sneered, "You, a mere minor official from Yuncheng, dare to show off your power in front of me."

Song Jiang's face darkened, but he still suppressed his anger and said, "Lord Tong, although I am of humble origin, I know right from wrong. Manager Zhao has always been innocent. Lord Tong cannot convict him based on just one side of the story."

Tong Guan glared angrily: "Song Jiang, who do you think you are, daring to lecture me?"

Just as Tong Guan disregarded Chai Jin and Song Jiang and even insulted Song Jiang, Li Kui's fiery temper was instantly ignited.

Li Kui's eyes widened like copper bells, his face flushed red, and his fists clenched tightly. He charged at Tong Guan like an angry bull. He grabbed the reins of Tong Guan's horse with astonishing strength, almost pulling Tong Guan off the horse.

Tong Guan was so frightened by the sudden tug that his face turned pale and he almost fell flat on his face from his horse.

Li Kui roared at the top of his lungs, "I don't care if you're a child prodigy or a chamber pot, today I'm going to beat you into a can!" His shout was as loud as thunder, and the ears of the people around him were ringing.

Tong Guan finally regained his balance and shouted in shock and anger, "You audacious scoundrel, how dare you be so disrespectful to me!"

Li Kui completely ignored his shouts and continued to curse, "You ungrateful wretch, how dare you insult my brother Song Jiang! I'll teach you a lesson!"

Upon seeing this, Tong Guan's men swarmed around him, trying to protect him.

Li Kui, however, showed no fear. He waved his fist and shouted at his men, "Come on, come on! You bunch of shrimp soldiers and crab generals, I, Tie Niu, am not afraid of you!"

Li Kui's men were too intimidated by his imposing presence to dare to step forward.

At this moment, Song Jiang and Chai Jin quickly came over and pulled Li Kui away.

Song Jiang said, "Brother Tie Niu, don't be impulsive, don't act rashly."

Li Kui said angrily, "Brother Song Jiang, this corrupt official is too much of a bully! I really can't stand it!"

Chai Jin also advised, "Brother Li Kui, let's calm down and make a long-term plan. We can't fall into Tong Guan's trap."

Li Kui snorted and released Tong Guan's reins, but still glared at Tong Guan fiercely and said, "Consider yourself lucky. Today, Brother Song Jiang and Master Chai are holding you back. Otherwise, I would definitely make you pay!"

Tong Guan, still shaken, straightened his clothes and said in a fierce but weak voice, "You bunch of bandits, just you wait!" After saying that, he hurriedly led his men away, looking extremely disheveled, which drew laughter from the crowd.