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Over the next few days, the anticipated threat did not materialize. The bandits launched a chaotic attack on the city, burning, killing, and looting the surrounding villages, only to be driven back by the reinforcements.

In order to prevent thieves from sneaking into the city, the city gates have been locked, and even the people who want to flee can only go far away.

There is certainly some anxiety among the people, but there is not too much panic.

Firstly, there were sufficient troops, and the thieves were standard roving bandits, so they probably wouldn't lay siege to the city. Secondly, Panyu was close to the sea, so if anything went wrong, the dignitaries would have a chance to escape by boat.

There was no panic. Although there were some inconveniences, life went on as usual, and even the brothels and restaurants did not close.

Compared to others, Lu Jian was inevitably more anxious. This situation really didn't seem like it would cause a big commotion, but he couldn't let his guard down.

If this continued, would Cheng Xi really have to live in the side room outside for ten days or half a month? Not to mention the embarrassment, just the hardship made him feel bad.

Of course, Lu Jian was secretly happy. Although Cheng Xi led the troops to help Shen Feng, could she protect him so closely? In her heart, he must have some different feelings.

However, the changes that followed left him no time to think about it.

"What? The bandits are withdrawing and heading west?" Lu Jian's face changed when he heard the news. "Could it be that we guessed wrong? The real target is still Dongning?"

If they really used Panyu as bait, they would be in big trouble this time.

Cheng Xi, however, remained calm: "Ning Fu has always used risky tactics and cunning tactics. If assassination is prioritized, it will create opportunities for both attacking the city and withdrawing troops."

"You mean, they'll take action soon?" Lu Jian frowned slightly. "But we haven't found any clues in the past few days. They can't just send a surprise attack out of nowhere, right?"

He also has spies in Panyu, and now that Lu Sanding is under Cheng Xi's command, he has more information than ever before.

We're on such high alert, there can't be no clues at all, right?

"Since it's an assassination, how could it be easily discovered? Don't worry, I'm here." Cheng Xi said.

Her expression remained calm, showing no sign of panic or nervousness. Lu Jian gradually relaxed and nodded in agreement. The actual attack came faster than he had anticipated.

In the middle of the night, a loud bang woke Lu Jian from his sleep.

It was the sound of a cannon! Lu Jian jumped up, his heart pounding uncontrollably, half in fear, the other half in panic. It was simply because the sound was too close, so close it almost sounded like an explosion in the city. Could it be that the enemy had broken in?

Just as he was about to call for help, the bedroom door was pushed open. Cheng Xi walked outside while shouting, "Close all the windows tightly, turn on the lights in the yard, and keep two sentries on duty. Don't be careless!"

As she spoke, she had already walked in front of Lu Jian. Regardless of the fact that he was only wearing his underwear, she said directly: "Someone has used explosives. The sound came from the southeast, most likely the direction of the government office. Stay indoors before dawn and don't go out."

Lu Jian's heart tightened: "Could it be that the Long Whale Gang has taken action?"

How bold was it to blow up the government office? And just to kill him, wasn't that a bit of an overreaction?

"That's possible. Do you have anyone to meet in the next two days?" Cheng Xi asked directly without making any guarantees.

Lu Jian thought for a moment before saying, "I only have an appointment with Ma, the owner of the porcelain shop. Nothing else matters."

Cheng Xi nodded immediately: "I will send someone to check. If the other party wants to change the time, remember to let me know."

With such a big thing happening, I'm afraid few people would be interested in discussing business. Lu Jian understood and nodded. Without calling the maid, he stood up and put on his clothes.

He didn't comb his hair, wash his face, let alone his body. It was the first time that Lu Jian looked so embarrassed in front of outsiders.

However, when he looked at Cheng Xi, he noticed that the other party was dressed neatly and did not look like he had just woken up at all.

Was he keeping watch, or sleeping in his clothes? His heart softened, and he opened his mouth, but nothing came out. With the situation tense now, it was best to swallow back those two bland words of comfort.

With Cheng Xi at the helm, the panic in the Lu Mansion was quickly suppressed. Everyone sat there in silence until dawn, when the news finally trickled in. It was indeed the government office that had been bombed. Rumors had it that a section of the wall had collapsed, and a dozen or so yamen runners had died.

The newly appointed prefect Liu had sent people to ask for reinforcements overnight, and martial law was imposed on the streets, saying that they wanted to catch the thieves.

"You're starting with the government office? Are you mocking me?" Lu Jian had already packed up and looked like a handsome young man again. Unfortunately, he had been up all night, so his eyes were a little dark and his temper was not very good.

The prison break case that year was the exact opposite of what happened. He had a fight with Lu's men, and asked Sun Yuanrang to rescue people from the death row in the government office. Now, he went to blow up the government office first, but did not attack Lu's mansion that night. Isn't this a mockery?

Cheng Xi did not answer, but just stared at the map of Panyu City, as if thinking about something.

Lu Jian took a deep breath and waited for a while without interrupting. Cheng Xi then said, "Since no one came that night, they must have other plans. The bombing of the government office was definitely not to intimidate or ridicule, but for other arrangements."

Lu Jian suddenly thought of something: "Could it be that they want to put the blame on the Red Flag Gang? Do they have a backup plan?"

Such powerful explosives are not something that ordinary people can get. If someone tamper with it, it will be difficult to explain.

"Actually, it doesn't have to be that troublesome." Cheng Xi turned her head to look at Lu Jian, and suddenly smiled, "Just rest at home this morning and see how Shopkeeper Ma reacts. After a couple of days when things are quiet, you can go out again."

What kind of operation is this? Isn't she worried at all? Lu Jian couldn't help but say: "The thieves have such powerful explosives. If they are used in the Lu Mansion, I'm afraid it will be difficult to deal with..."

"It's just that explosives like this are easier to deal with." Cheng Xi shook his head. "Don't worry, I've sent people to investigate, and there will be results soon."

The Lu Mansion and the Red Flag Gang are two different teams. Even though they are together day and night, Lu Jian cannot guess what Cheng Xi has prepared. Fortunately, he still has the patience to wait.

He postponed all his errands and did not go out for the whole day. In the afternoon, someone from the Ma residence came and said that there was unrest in the city and cancelled their meeting.

After waiting for another day, only some yamen runners and soldiers were left on the street.

"It's time for us to go out for a walk." Cheng Xi found Lu Jian and said straight to the point.

Lu Jian's heart tightened: "Have you found out? Where should I go?"

If there were no clues, why would Cheng Xi let him take the risk of going out on the street?

"Bank, the trading floor has been shut down for two days. It's time to resume operations and calm people's nerves." Cheng Xi replied.

"Isn't it too early to go to the bank? What if the thieves start a business at the trading floor?" Lu Jian frowned. The trading floor was always crowded, and if something went wrong, no one would be able to bear the consequences.

Cheng Xi shook his head: "They would only attack the bank if you hadn't shown up. If you had shown up, things would have been different."

This is using him as bait. Lu Jian laughed: "Then is the gang leader sure?"

After all, he's risking his life, and he refuses to elaborate, so it's not too much to ask, right?

Cheng Xi did not avoid his inquiring gaze and just said, "Don't worry, I will follow you."

This is protecting someone with his life. As a man, what is there to hesitate about? Lu Jian stood up and said, "Then I will listen to the leader's arrangements."

…

Because of the major case in the government office the day before yesterday, Panyu City has been extremely deserted these past two days, with not many people daring to go out on the streets.

If it was an ordinary fight, it would not have caused such an effect. The explosion was simply too horrifying. If they even dared to blow up the government office, what else would they not dare to do?

People were in such a panic that the dignitaries who went out would only take as many personal guards as they had. Their carriages were surrounded tightly with three layers of guards inside and outside. They wished they could go out with only a turtle shell on their backs.

Therefore, there was nothing strange about the Lu Mansion's convoy. Twenty guards surrounded it on both sides, protecting the carriage in the middle as it moved slowly, showing a typical attitude of cherishing one's life.

Unexpectedly, not long after leaving the alley, they were stopped by a group of soldiers. The leading centurion held his sword and shouted, "Official patrol, please identify yourself!"

Hearing this, a servant hurried down from the car and saluted everyone, saying, "Sir, this is the car of the Lu Mansion in Pingjiang Lane. The master is going to the bank."

The surname Lu, and he wanted to go to a bank, which bank could it be? China Merchants Bank was now the most ostentatious shop in the city, and it was also involved with major pirates at sea. Even the prefect had to be careful with it, so how could a mere soldier dare to provoke it?

Unexpectedly, the leading centurion was a foolish young man who shouted, "The prefect has ordered that all vehicles coming in and out must be inspected! Could it be that you have a criminal hidden in your vehicle?!"

These words were too serious. The carriage curtain was immediately lifted, and a young and handsome man said to the few people: "My name is Lu Jian. I am the only one in the carriage. Would you like to come up and inspect it?"

This gesture was beyond words, and coupled with the other party's noble air, it really made people feel a little breathless. The captain opened his eyes wide, stared into the carriage for a long time, and then waved his hand: "Let's go."

The boy thanked him hastily, returned to the carriage and pulled up the curtain.

The horses pranced on, continuing forward. The guards also carefully watched the front, fearing any mishaps. Just as the two groups were about to pass each other, the captain suddenly shouted, "Thieves!"

All the soldiers, blades drawn, charged the convoy. Crossbows flew faster than the roars, pelting the carriages whose curtains had just been lowered. Who could have imagined the sudden attack from the government troops? This was a sure-kill blow, unstoppable!

Just as the young man surnamed Lu was about to die, a loud "bang" suddenly came from the street, and a bunch of lead bullets shot out and hit the group of government troops.

The distance was too close and the attack was unexpected, so there were screams and blood everywhere.

It was only at this moment that the guards started shouting, "Thieves are killing people!"

However, they did not pursue the group of people who fired the cold guns. Instead, they surrounded the carriage and ruthlessly killed the group of officers and soldiers with swords and crossbows.

For a moment, the streets were in chaos.