Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Just as Gao Qiu was in such a predicament, a shout came from behind.

Everyone turned around and saw several Japanese men swaggering arrogantly towards them. Leading them was none other than Kiyoharu Kakeru, a portly man with exaggerated pigeon-toed gait, each step seemingly designed to pierce the ground. He held his head high, his face radiating arrogance, his eyes sweeping over everyone around him as if they were nothing more than ants.

The Japanese men behind him also walked with an air of arrogance, some with grass roots in their mouths, others humming off-key tunes, oblivious to everyone else. Their clothes were strange and ornate, and the long swords at their waists swayed with their steps, clanging together.

As Jingchun approached, he shouted in broken Chinese, "Get out of my way!"

The crowd exchanged glances, feeling resentful, but seeing their arrogant demeanor, they dared not utter a sound.

Seeing that reinforcements had arrived, Gao Qiu felt a little more at ease, but still said with some hesitation, "You've come at the right time!"

Jiao Hen Jingchun glanced sideways at Gao Qiu, a look of disdain on her face, as if mocking Gao Qiu's incompetence.

Seeing the arrogant behavior of these Japanese, Ruan Xiaoqi's anger intensified, and he shouted loudly, "Where did these barbarians come from, daring to run wild here!"

Hearing Ruan Xiaoqi's rebuke, Jingchun sneered and walked towards Ruan Xiaoqi.

With his thick fingers almost poking Ruan Xiaoqi's face, Jingchun arrogantly said, "What are you, daring to bully Grand Commandant Gao? Let me tell you, Grand Commandant Gao is my friend!"

His triangular eyes glared at Ruan Xiaoqi, his face trembling with anger, like a vicious dog that had been provoked.

Upon hearing this, Ruan Xiaoqi's anger erupted like a volcano. His eyes widened, seemingly spitting fire, as he stared intently at Jingchun's heel. His gaze was filled with rage, disdain, and determination, as if he could devour this arrogant Japanese man alive.

Seeing Ruan Xiaoqi's anger, Jiaogen Jingchun showed no fear whatsoever. Instead, he arrogantly said, "We are Japanese. Try touching me."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Xiaoqi was so angry that he laughed instead, saying, "I don't care what kind of pumpkin, winter melon, or watermelon you are! Today I'll show you what Grandpa is all about!"

Before he could finish speaking, Ruan Xiaoqi's figure flashed, closing in on Jiao He Jingchun like a ghost. He used his family's ancestral "Swift Wind Step," his movements light and swift, making him difficult to predict. In an instant, he was in front of Jiao He Jingchun. Before Jiao He Jingchun could react, Ruan Xiaoqi had already used the "Iron Palm Grappling Hand," his palm gripping Jiao He Jingchun's arm like an iron clamp.

Jiaoge Jingchun felt as if her arms were bound by steel cables, the pain unbearable, and she couldn't move at all despite trying to break free. Ruan Xiaoqi gave a slight flick of her wrist and tripped her at the same time, sending Jiaoge Jingchun flying.

This seemingly simple flick and trip was actually imbued with the internal strength and skill that Ruan Xiaoqi had cultivated over many years. His internal strength was profound, like a surging river, endless and continuous. At this moment, even a slight exertion of it was far beyond what a petty person like Jiao Hen Jingchun could withstand.

Jingchun flailed his arms and legs in the air, trying to maintain his balance, but to no avail. With a "bang," he fell flat on his face, his mouth full of dust, looking utterly pathetic.

The people around were stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Ruan Xiaoqi crossed her arms, looked at Jiao He Jingchun lying on the ground, and sneered: "Is this all the skill you have? You dare to be arrogant in front of Grandpa!"

Jingchun struggled to get up, but found himself sore all over and unable to muster any strength. He mumbled incoherent words, trying to salvage some face.

Ruan Xiaoqi stepped forward, put her foot on his back, and said, "Still dare to be stubborn?"

At this point, Jingchun dared not be defiant anymore and could only beg for mercy repeatedly.

Ruan Xiaoqi then released his foot and warned him, "Don't try to act tough here just because you're Japanese, or I'll beat you every time I see you!"

When Gao Qiu saw that Ruan Xiaoqi had struck Jingcun's heel, he was so angry that he trembled on his horse. His eyes widened, his face turned ashen, and he looked as if he could devour someone.

"Ruan Xiaoqi, you've got some nerve! You even dare to hit the Japanese! These Japanese are people His Majesty values. If you hurt them, His Majesty will definitely demote you and punish you. Just you wait, just you wait!" Gao Qiu roared, his voice sharp and shrill with rage.

As he spoke, he brandished his whip, seemingly wanting to lash Ruan Xiaoqi, but hesitated. Gao Qiu's horse, also affected by his emotions, thumped its hooves restlessly and neighed.

Ruan Xiaoqi remained unmoved. He straightened his back, looked firmly at Gao Qiu, and said loudly, "Gao Qiu, you traitor! You only know how to curry favor with these Japanese, but you don't care about the lives of ordinary people. I'm going to beat this arrogant and domineering guy. What's there to be afraid of!"

Gao Qiu trembled with rage at Ruan Xiaoqi's rebuttal, "You ignorant fool, you're utterly lawless!"

At this moment, Gao Qiu's followers looked at each other, not daring to utter a sound. They knew Ruan Xiaoqi's bravery and Gao Qiu was currently in a rage, so none of them dared to easily provoke him.

Gao Qiu glared at Ruan Xiaoqi, then looked at the disheveled Jiaogen Jingcun lying on the ground, gritted his teeth and said, "Men, take Jiaogen Jingcun and his men away!"

The attendants then seemed to wake from a dream and stepped forward to carefully help Jiaoji Jingcun and his injured companions to their feet.

Jingcun's feet were covered in dust and dirt, and he was groaning in pain. Gao Qiu glared at him fiercely, cursing him inwardly for being useless and causing him so much trouble.

"Ruan Xiaoqi, just wait for the Emperor's punishment!" Gao Qiu said this harshly, and then hurriedly left with his entourage.

Watching their departing figures, Ruan Xiaoqi showed no fear whatsoever. Instead, she declared loudly, "I, Ruan Xiaoqi, have done nothing wrong and have nothing to fear from your threats!"

After seeing Gao Qiu and his men leave, Wu Yong said to Ruan Xiaoqi with a worried expression, "Qilang, you've really gotten yourself into trouble this time. That Gao Qiu is narrow-minded and will definitely try every means to retaliate. I'm afraid this matter will not end well."

Ruan Xiaoqi, however, remained calm and fearless, saying, "Scholar, one should take responsibility for one's actions. I will never drag anyone down with me." His gaze was firm, and his tone resolute, as if he had already disregarded life and death.

Zhao Tianming stepped forward, patted Ruan Xiaoqi on the shoulder, and said, "Brother, what are you saying? We've been through thick and thin together, like brothers. How can I just stand by and watch you get into trouble? Don't worry, we'll share the good times and the bad!" Zhao Tianming's eyes were full of sincerity and loyalty.

Hearing Zhao Tianming's words, Ruan Xiaoqi was deeply moved, her eyes slightly reddening, and she said, "Brother Zhao, with your words, I, Ruan Xiaoqi, can die without regrets."

Song Jiang also stepped forward. His expression was solemn, but his tone was firm. He said, "Brother Xiao Qi, I, Song Jiang, have always advocated putting righteousness first. What you have done today is a righteous act. How could we let you face this alone?"

Li Kui brandished his broad axe and shouted, "That's right! I, Tie Niu, am not afraid of that old man Gao Qiu. I'll fight them to the death!"

Lu Zhishen clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha, Brother Qi, don't be afraid, I will face this with you."

Shi Qian and Shi Xiu also said in unison, "Brother Qi, we will always support you!"

Lu Junyi said loudly, "Xiao Qi, with everyone here, there's no need to worry."

Yan Qing smiled and looked at Ruan Xiaoqi, saying, "Seventh Brother, we've always stood together through thick and thin, and this time is no exception."

As everyone chimed in with their own words, Ruan Xiaoqi was overwhelmed with emotion. Looking at his brothers who had shared life and death with him, he said with a choked voice, "To know and befriend all of you is the greatest blessing of my life. I will never let you down."

At this moment, everyone's hands were clasped tightly together, their eyes filled with determination and unity. They knew that the future might hold many difficulties, but as long as the brothers were of one mind, there was no obstacle they could not overcome.

Gao Qiu and his men, all with gloomy faces, hurried back in a huff. All the way, Gao Qiu, mounted on his horse, kept his brow furrowed, still seething with anger over Ruan Xiaoqi's matter.

Halfway through his journey, he passed by the Jingzhao Prefecture. There, he saw the Prefect of Jingzhao leading a group of people in a hurry, accompanied by a man with a pointed face and monkey-like features. Upon seeing Gao Qiu pass by, the Prefect abruptly stopped him.

Gao Qiu was already in a terrible mood, and this sudden obstruction only fueled his anger. He glared at the prefect, his eyes wide with fury, and said irritably, "What is it? Can't you see I'm annoyed?"

The prefect's heart skipped a beat, but he still forced a smile and said, "Grand Commandant, please calm down. I really have something important to tell you, which is why I dared to stop you."

Gao Qiu snorted coldly: "Speak quickly if you have something to say, or shut up if you have something to say! If it's not important, watch your head!"

The prefect immediately pushed the man with the pointed mouth and monkey-like face to Gao Qiu's side. As soon as the man saw Gao Qiu, he hurriedly knelt down and performed a grand salute, his body trembling slightly with fear.

Gao Qiu looked down at him with obvious impatience and asked, "Who are you?"

He answered tremblingly, "My name is He Qing, and I'm a hoodlum from Shijie Village." His voice was full of flattery and ingratiation.

Gao Qiu frowned and raised his voice, saying, "What business do you have with me, Grand Commandant?"

He Qing swallowed hard, composed himself, and said, "Reporting to the Grand Commandant, I was originally helping the Prefect collect taxes in Shijie Village, but who would have thought that Ruan Xiaoqi not only refused to pay, but also led the fishermen to beat me up." As he spoke, he raised his head, revealing a wronged expression, his thin face almost scrunched up with wrinkles.

Upon hearing the name "Ruan Xiaoqi," Gao Qiu's suppressed anger was instantly reignited, and he roared, "It's that Ruan Xiaoqi again! She's utterly lawless!"

Seeing Gao Qiu's anger, He Qing was secretly delighted and continued to embellish the story: "Grand Commandant, you don't know, that Ruan Xiaoqi is incredibly arrogant. I tried to reason with him, but he wouldn't listen at all, saying he wasn't afraid of even the Heavenly King himself. He led those fishermen, all fierce and menacing, and beat me black and blue." As he spoke, he gestured to his own injuries, most of which were exaggerated and fabricated by himself.

Gao Qiu gritted his teeth and said, "This Ruan Xiaoqi, I, the Grand Commandant, will not let him off! Tell me in detail what exactly happened back then?"

He Qing's eyes darted around, and he began to describe the scene vividly: "When I arrived at Shijie Village with my men, we asked them to pay their taxes as usual. Ruan Xiaoqi rushed out and started cursing, saying that there were too many exorbitant taxes and that the people couldn't survive. I told him that it was an order from above, and we were just following orders. Without saying a word, he raised his fist and started hitting us, and the fishermen joined in the commotion and swarmed us. I was outnumbered and outmatched."

As Gao Qiu listened to He Qing's description, his face grew increasingly gloomy, and he was already plotting how to deal with Ruan Xiaoqi.

He Qing secretly observed Gao Qiu's expression. Seeing that his goal had been achieved, he was secretly pleased and continued, "Grand Commandant, you must do justice for me!"