Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Jiao Hen Jingchun stared wide-eyed at Gao Qiu's movements as he practiced with iron shoes. The skillful technique, astonishing strength, and precise control filled him with a deep sense of despair.

He stood there, stunned, unable to come to his senses for a long time, while his teammates around him all looked dejected.

"This... how is this possible? Even if we practice until we're exhausted, we could never reach Gao Qiu's level!" Jiao He Jing Chun muttered to himself, beads of sweat sliding down his face.

A team member approached, looking distressed, and said, "Team leader, we're worlds apart from Gao Qiu. What are we going to do?"

With a furrowed brow, Jiao Hejingchun pondered for a moment before gritting his teeth and saying, "Let's go to the palace to see Emperor Huizong. Perhaps there's still a glimmer of hope."

The group looked at each other, but had no choice but to follow the leader's decision.

So, Jiaogen Jingchun led a group of team members and hurriedly headed towards the palace. Along the way, he was extremely uneasy, constantly pondering how to approach Emperor Huizong.

Upon arriving at the palace gate, Jiaogen Jingchun cautiously explained her purpose to the guards and requested permission to pass through.

The waiting time seemed exceptionally long, and every minute and second was agonizing for Jingchun's heels.

Finally, the guard came out to deliver a message: Emperor Huizong had agreed to summon him.

Jingchun took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and led his team into the palace.

Upon seeing Emperor Huizong, Jingchun hurriedly knelt down and bowed, not daring to raise his head, and said, "Your Majesty, I have an important matter to ask of you."

Emperor Huizong sat on the dragon throne, his eyes slightly narrowed, and said, "What is it? Tell me."

Emperor Huizong looked at the kneeling Jingchun and waved his hand, saying, "Get up and speak. Stop kneeling. Tell me what brings you here?"

Jiao He Jingchun slowly stood up, bowing her back, her face full of a flattering smile, but her eyes were darting around as she quickly considered how to phrase her words.

"Your Majesty, I have come here to plead for Lord Tong Guan," said Jiaogen Jingchun cautiously.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huizong's face darkened instantly, and he said sternly, "Tong Guan is corrupt and lawless, and his crimes are numerous. What leniency can be expected from him?"

Jingchun's heart skipped a beat, but he still forced a smile and said, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Lord Tong did indeed argue with Zhao Tianming and the others this time because he was trying to find a training field for us. There may have been some misunderstanding. Lord Tong was only concerned about football, so it's understandable. I hope Your Majesty will be lenient."

As she spoke, Jingchun secretly observed Emperor Huizong's expression and continued to argue, "Your Majesty, think about it. Lord Tong is quite prestigious in the court. If he is convicted of a serious crime just because of a misunderstanding, it will inevitably discourage other ministers. Moreover, Lord Tong has done a lot for the court before. Even if he has not made any great contributions, he has certainly worked hard."

Emperor Huizong frowned, staring coldly at Jingchun at his heels, and said, "Hmph, you certainly know how to speak up for him. Then tell me, what exactly happened at the training ground?"

Jiaogen Jingchun's eyes darted around, and he quickly said, "Your Majesty, it's like this. We've been struggling to find a suitable training ground. When Lord Tong learned of this, he went to great lengths to find one. During this process, he had a disagreement with Zhao Tianming and the others about the ownership of the training ground. In the heat of the moment, his words became a bit heated, but he didn't mean to offend the law."

Emperor Huizong snorted coldly: "According to you, Tong Guan has actually rendered meritorious service?"

He quickly smiled apologetically and said, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. I just think that Lord Tong might not have intended to do evil. I hope Your Majesty will investigate and punish him leniently."

Emperor Huizong remained silent, seemingly deep in thought.

Seeing that Emperor Huizong's attitude had softened, Jingchun pressed on, saying, "Your Majesty, if Lord Tong can repent and reform, he will surely serve the court more diligently and share Your Majesty's burdens in the future."

Emperor Huizong raised his head, his gaze sharp as he looked at Jingchun, and said, "I will consider this matter myself. You need not say anything more. If Tong Guan is truly guilty, no one can protect him."

Jiao He Jingchun's heart skipped a beat, but he still tried to remain calm and said, "Yes, yes, Your Majesty is wise. Everything is up to Your Majesty to decide."

Jingchun's eyes darted around for a moment, and after a brief thought, he continued to say to Emperor Huizong, "Your Majesty, I have thought of something else. I heard Zhao Tianming and the others say that Lord Tong's biggest mistake was using the Thousand Character Classic bestowed by Your Majesty to put pressure on Zhao Tianming and the others. That's why Zhao Tianming and the others couldn't bear it any longer and had such a big conflict with Lord Tong."

Emperor Huizong frowned, his face growing increasingly gloomy.

Jingchun secretly observed Emperor Huizong's expression and then said, "Your Majesty, I think there might be a win-win solution to this matter. Why not take back the Thousand Character Classic? This would serve as a punishment for Lord Tong, letting him know that he cannot abuse Your Majesty's favor; it would also save face for Zhao Tianming and the others, letting them feel Your Majesty's fairness. In this way, I believe both sides will be very satisfied."

Emperor Huizong remained silent, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of the dragon throne, seemingly weighing Jingchun's suggestion.

Jiaogen Jingchun felt a chill run down his spine, but he still forced himself to continue, "Your Majesty, Lord Tong may have made a mistake due to a moment of confusion, but revoking the thousand-word essay should be enough to make him realize his error. As for Zhao Tianming and the others, this will also quell their anger and make them accept Your Majesty's fair judgment. In this way, we can both maintain the dignity of the court and resolve the conflict between the two sides, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone."

Emperor Huizong raised his head, his sharp gaze fixed on Jingchun's heel, and said coldly, "You have thought things through thoroughly. But this matter is of great importance, and I need to consider it carefully before making a hasty decision."

Jiaogen Jingchun quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I am only thinking of Your Majesty's interests and the stability of the court."

Emperor Huizong snorted: "Hmph, whether your words are for me, for the court, for yourself, or for Tong Guan, I know very well."

Startled, Jingchun knelt down with a thud and said tremblingly, "Your Majesty is wise. I have no selfish motives whatsoever. I merely dare to offer a suggestion. Everything is up to Your Majesty to decide."

The atmosphere inside the palace instantly became extremely tense.

Emperor Huizong sat upright on the dragon throne, his gaze fixed majestically on Jiaogen Jingchun, his face expressionless. Jiaogen Jingchun stood below, trembling with fear, his heart in his throat, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Emperor Huizong remained silent for a moment before finally speaking: "You barbarians need not say more. Quickly withdraw, I will consider this matter myself." His voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority, as if the entire palace trembled slightly at his words.

Upon hearing this, Jingchun trembled violently, his face instantly filled with terror and panic. He hurriedly knelt down again, kowtowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I was only trying to resolve this matter and had no intention of disrespecting you whatsoever. I beg Your Majesty to investigate and hear my explanation."

Emperor Huizong frowned, a hint of impatience flashing in his eyes. He raised his voice and said, "My mind is made up. How can I allow you to make any more noise? When I govern the country, I will weigh the pros and cons and make fair decisions. I do not need you, a barbarian, to interfere."

Jingchun sensed Emperor Huizong's anger and knew that further words would be futile. He could only kowtow repeatedly and apologize: "Your Majesty, please calm down. I was presumptuous. I will take my leave now."

However, he was still unwilling to give up. As he slowly got up, he tried to look at Emperor Huizong with pleading eyes, hoping to get a chance to change things.

Emperor Huizong didn't even glance at him, turning his head to look elsewhere, and said coldly, "Hurry up and leave, or I'll have someone drag you out."

Completely desperate, Jingchun could only hunch over and retreat step by step, muttering repeatedly, "Your Majesty is wise, Your Majesty is wise..."

Only after leaving the palace did Jingchun straighten up and let out a long sigh of relief. But thinking that she had not achieved her goal, she couldn't help but frown and ponder what to do next.

Inside the palace, Emperor Huizong sat alone on the dragon throne, lost in thought. He had already made a preliminary plan regarding the matter of Tong Guan.

After Jingchun left, Gao Qiu walked briskly to the imperial study. At this moment, Emperor Huizong had just finished writing in the "Slender Gold" style of calligraphy, stretched, and looked slightly tired.

"My dear minister, accompany me to the Imperial Garden to kick a few times," Emperor Huizong said.

Gao Qiu quickly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

The two arrived at the Imperial Garden, where sunlight streamed onto the vibrant grass. Emperor Huizong and Gao Qiu began playing football, exchanging blows in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

After kicking for a while, Emperor Huizong stopped, panting, and said to Gao Qiu, "Just now, Jingchun came to plead for Tong Guan and asked for a training ground. I did not immediately grant his request."

Gao Qiu's eyes darted around, and he stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, I believe we should grant their request. This would not only demonstrate Your Majesty's magnanimity but also showcase the might of our dynasty."

Emperor Huizong frowned slightly, looking at Gao Qiu with a puzzled expression: "Oh? Why do you say that?"

Gao Qiu cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, they are nothing but barbarians. Even if we give them a training ground, I will not take them seriously. If we generously agree, we can let them know Your Majesty’s benevolence, while also making them far superior in ball skills, which will further demonstrate the strength of our dynasty.”

Emperor Huizong listened and nodded thoughtfully: "Hmm, what you said makes some sense."

Gao Qiu continued, "Moreover, this will also allow others to see His Majesty's tolerance, further demonstrating His Majesty's wisdom."

Emperor Huizong pondered for a moment, then said, "In that case, I will pardon Tong Guan and grant them Lin Chong's land to use as a training ground."

Gao Qiu laughed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. Such a decision will surely convince all parties."

Emperor Huizong looked up at the sky, seemingly plotting a grander scheme.

The sun was still warm, and the two continued playing football in the Imperial Garden, as if the decision they had just made was just a small interlude in this leisurely time.