Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Just as Tong Guan was searching Zhao Tianming's restaurant with the imperial sword in hand, countless grasshoppers and flies suddenly flew in.

As if driven by some mysterious force, these grasshoppers and flies swarmed in a dark mass, instantly filling the entire restaurant. The already tense atmosphere inside the restaurant was thrown into even greater chaos by this sudden turn of events.

Tong Guan was stunned by this scene, and the imperial sword in his hand froze in mid-air. "What... what's going on?" he cried out in panic.

His men were also terrified by the overwhelming swarm of insects, some running away with their heads in their hands, others waving their weapons in an attempt to drive them away, but to no avail.

Zhao Tianming was also somewhat bewildered by this unexpected situation, but he quickly calmed down and thought to himself, "Could this be heaven helping me?"

The grasshoppers and flies multiplied, and Tong Guan was surrounded by them, his body covered in them. He frantically tried to swat them away, looking utterly disheveled. "Quick, protect me!" he shouted to his men.

However, his men were struggling to survive themselves, so they had no time to care about him.

Just then, a large grasshopper jumped directly onto Tong Guan's face, startling him so much that he screamed and dropped his imperial sword.

Seeing this, Zhao Tianming seized the opportunity to shout, "Tong Guan, you have committed so many evils that even Heaven cannot bear to look at you anymore!"

While flailing about haphazardly, Tong Guan shouted angrily, "Zhao Tianming, stop playing tricks on me!"

The grasshoppers and flies all flew into the kitchen in no time. When Tong Guan saw this, he laughed loudly, his face full of smugness and mockery: "Zhao Tianming, you still dare to talk about the hygiene of your restaurant? Isn't this obviously a filthy place that has attracted so many pests!"

Zhao Tianming frowned, his heart filled with doubt, but he still tried to remain calm: "Tong Guan, there must be something fishy about this. My restaurant has always been clean and tidy, and we have never encountered such a situation before!"

Tong Guan sneered and strode towards the kitchen: "Hmph, sophistry! Let me go in and take a look, then let's see what you have to say!"

Zhao Tianming followed closely behind, only to find the once neatly arranged ingredients and cooking utensils in the kitchen now a chaotic mess, swarming with grasshoppers and flies. Tong Guan looked around, pointing to a stain on the stove and saying, "Look at this, is this what you call cleanliness?"

Zhao Tianming glanced at it and replied, "It's just a little oil splatter, which we clean up promptly every day."

Tong Guan ignored him completely and continued to nitpick in the kitchen: "And the dust in this corner, the tiny scratches on this cutting board, aren't they all evidence of your poor management?"

Zhao Tianming gritted his teeth: "Tong Guan, you're clearly nitpicking!"

Tong Guan laughed triumphantly, "Zhao Tianming, what do you have to say now? Just based on the state of this kitchen, I can convict you!"

At this moment, the restaurant staff also gathered around, all speaking up for Zhao Tianming.

“We clean diligently every day, this must be a setup!” one of the workers shouted.

Tong Guan glared at the waiter: "You audacious lackey, how dare you spout such nonsense!"

Zhao Tianming took a deep breath and said, "Tong Guan, even if the kitchen is a bit messy right now, it doesn't mean there's a problem with my restaurant. Perhaps someone is secretly causing trouble and using special methods to attract these grasshoppers and flies."

Tong Guan glared at him: "Stop making excuses! The facts are right in front of you. Your restaurant's hygiene is substandard, and you can't escape responsibility!"

Zhao Tianming's gaze was firm: "Tong Guan, don't even think about using this opportunity to slander me! I will definitely investigate thoroughly and prove my innocence!"

The two remained deadlocked, while grasshoppers and flies continued to buzz around in the kitchen, creating an extremely tense atmosphere.

Tong Guan stopped arguing with Zhao Tianming. A fierce look appeared on his face, and he suddenly drew his imperial sword. The sword gleamed coldly in the dim kitchen, reflecting Tong Guan's smug yet ferocious expression.

"Men, seize Zhao Tianming and all the restaurant staff!" Tong Guan shouted, his voice echoing in the small kitchen, carrying an undeniable authority.

Upon hearing the order, his men pounced on Zhao Tianming and his fellow workers like wolves. The kitchen was instantly filled with shouts and cries of struggle.

Zhao Tianming glared angrily and roared, "Tong Guan, you are abusing your power and framing an innocent person!" But his protest did not sway Tong Guan in the slightest.

Several strong soldiers quickly grabbed Zhao Tianming's arms and held him firmly in place. Zhao Tianming struggled desperately, but could not break free from the soldiers' grasp.

The restaurant staff were also subdued one by one, crying out in terror, "Sir, we are innocent!"

Tong Guan looked at the people who had been subdued and a smug smile appeared on his lips: "Hmph, Zhao Tianming, this is what happens when you go against me."

Just as Tong Guan was about to throw Zhao Tianming and his gang into the prison cart, Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Wu Yong, Dai Zong, Wu Song, Lu Zhishen, Shi Qian, Li Kui, and Shi Xiu arrived in time.

Li Kui, holding a broad axe, roared at Tong Guan, "Hey! You filthy official, how dare you arrest people arbitrarily!" His charcoal-black face was full of anger, his eyes wide open as if they were about to spit fire.

Tong Guan was startled by the sudden roar. When he saw who it was, he was also shocked, but he still tried to remain calm and said, "You bandits, how dare you obstruct this official from enforcing the law!"

Song Jiang stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said righteously, "Lord Tong, Zhao Tianming is an upright man. There must be some misunderstanding here. I hope you will investigate thoroughly."

Tong Guan sneered, "Song Jiang, you are all rebels, what right do you have to speak here!"

Lu Junyi raised his thick eyebrows and said, "My lord, please do not make false accusations. We have already accepted the imperial pardon and are wholeheartedly devoted to serving the court. If you insist on acting recklessly today, do not blame us for being impolite!"

Wu waved his feather fan and smiled slightly, saying, "My lord, this matter needs to be considered carefully. We must not wrong an innocent person and chill the hearts of the people."

Tong Guan's face darkened, and he shouted, "Stop talking! Men, seize them all!"

Wu Song roared, "Let's see who dares!" Lu Zhishen also brandished his monk's staff, looking imposing.

Shi Qian flashed and jumped in front of Tong Guan, saying with a grin, "Sir, it won't be that easy for you to catch us."

Shi Xiu gripped the steel knife tightly, glaring angrily.

Seeing Song Jiang and the others come to obstruct him, Tong Guan was furious. He straightened up and said loudly, "This is the Imperial Sword. It is as if I am here in person. If you dare to obstruct me, you will be killed without mercy." His voice was sharp and full of threat. He held the Imperial Sword, which symbolized supreme authority, high in his hand. The blade reflected a dazzling light.

Tong Guan stared intently at Song Jiang and his men, his eyes filled with fierce determination: "Song Jiang, you are all bandits, yet you dare to defy the authority bestowed upon me by the Emperor. This sword represents the Emperor's decree; anyone who disobeys it will be a grave disrespect to the Emperor, a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of their family!" As he spoke, he brandished the imperial sword, making a gesture as if to strike.

Song Jiang's expression was solemn. He cupped his hands and said, "Lord Tong, we did not mean to offend you, but there is indeed a miscarriage of justice in this matter. We hope that you can investigate the matter thoroughly and not wrongly kill an innocent person."

Tong Guan ignored him completely and roared, "Insolence! You traitors and rebels, what right do you have to speak so eloquently before me? The Imperial Sword is here, and you cannot utter a word of argument. Guards, take action!"

Upon hearing the order, his men drew their weapons and approached Song Jiang and his men. The atmosphere instantly became tense and fraught with danger.

Tong Guan continued to roar, "If I don't take you all down today, how will I, Tong Guan, have the face to stand in the court!" His voice echoed in the air, as if to intimidate everyone.

Li Kui, holding a broad axe, glared angrily at Tong Guan and said, "Grandpa will chop you up first." His thick arms gripped the axe tightly, veins bulging, as if he was about to swing it at Tong Guan at any moment.

Li Kui's voice was like a booming bell, making everyone present's ears ring. His full beard trembled slightly with his roar, and he looked like an enraged lion, exuding a chilling aura.

Startled by Li Kui's sudden roar, Tong Guan took a few steps back, his face instantly draining of color. But he still forced himself to shout, "You audacious Li Kui! How dare you disrespect me? Aren't you afraid of having your entire family executed?"

Li Kui snorted coldly, took a big step forward, and shouted back, "I, Tie Niu, am not afraid of your threats, you worthless official! You think you can scare me with a broken sword? Today, I will seek justice for the people and chop you down, you dog of an official!"

As he spoke, Li Kui raised his axe again, poised to charge. Song Jiang, standing nearby, quickly reached out to stop him, saying, "Brother Tie Niu, don't be impulsive!"

Li Kui forcefully broke free from Song Jiang's obstruction and angrily said, "Brother, this corrupt official is so arrogant, I can't quell my hatred without killing him!"

Seeing this, Tong Guan was even more panicked, but he still shouted with a fierce but weak voice, "Come on, who dares to lay a hand on me?"

Li Kui glared at Tong Guan, gritting his teeth and saying, "You ignorant fool, I'll teach you a lesson today!" At this moment, Li Kui was radiating endless rage, as if he would break free of his restraints at any moment and cut Tong Guan down with his axe.

Seeing that the heroes were about to fight Tong Guan to the death because of him, Zhao Tianming was extremely anxious. He quickly stepped forward, spread his arms, and loudly dissuaded them, "Heroes, please don't be impulsive!"

The crowd paused slightly, their gazes all turning to Zhao Tianming. Zhao Tianming, his expression anxious, spoke rapidly, "I appreciate the heroes' good intentions, but I'm not afraid of suffering losses right now. To truly disregard this imperial sword would be tantamount to treason, a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family!"

He turned to face Tong Guan, his tone sincere yet firm: "Lord Tong, I, Zhao Tianming, have acted uprightly and am willing to return with you to accept the investigation. I believe justice will prevail, and the truth will eventually come to light." Tong Guan, upon hearing this, revealed a smug, cold smile: "Hmph, you're smart to know what's good for you!"

Ignoring Tong Guan's sarcasm, Zhao Tianming once again clasped his hands in a fist salute to Song Jiang and the others, saying, "Heroes, I thank you all for your righteous assistance. However, we must not act rashly in this matter, so please be patient for now."

Song Jiang frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Since Brother Zhao has said so, we should certainly discuss this further."

Lu Junyi nodded: "Don't worry, Manager Zhao. If there is any injustice, we will definitely not stand idly by."

Zhao Tianming glanced gratefully at everyone, then turned and walked towards Tong Guan: "Lord Tong, let's go."

Tong Guan waved his hand: "Take him away!" The soldiers then escorted Zhao Tianming to the prison cart.