"Boss, boss, what are you doing? Old Master Lu is talking to you."

The Jinyiwei who came to the lobby with Zhang San had an embarrassed look on his face.

After entering the Lu family compound, they waited in the lobby. Except for Zhang San and a centurion who went in, the rest were on martial law outside the door.

Not long after, the old man of the Lu family, Lu Hongzhi, came over with his granddaughter Lu Shuang.

There was nothing special about it, but when Zhang San saw Lu Shuang for the first time, he was stunned.

No matter how Lu Hongzhi bowed and saluted, he didn't react at all and just stared at Lu Shuang.

After the embarrassment, the captain who followed him couldn't help but think: The boss has always been rude to women. I thought I had picked up the boss's bad habits, but now it seems that I haven't met the right person.

This is not bad at all. At his age, it is time for the boss to get married. Let’s just let the past go.

Thinking of this, the captain's eyes towards Lu Hongzhi and Lu Shuang became a little friendlier.

In fact, these brothers have heard something about Zhang San's affairs, but they seldom talk about it. After all, everyone has some sad past.

Most of those who follow their employers can't make a living.

Those who were able to survive have, to a greater or lesser extent, been exposed to eating human flesh.

It’s just that there are relatively few people like Zhang San who have eaten their own family members.

Lu Shuang blushed and lowered her head, not daring to face the Jinyiwei's fiery gaze.

Although she often followed her grandfather, she always dressed as a man, and pretended not to see the occasional disgusting and obscure looks.

This was the first time I had ever been stared at like this, especially when I was dressing up as a girl.

Cough, cough, cough, cough, cough, cough, cough! ! ! !

Lu Hongzhi's throat was almost broken from coughing. He was just pretending to cough, but suddenly he didn't pay attention and it turned into a real cough.

Lu Shuang hurriedly helped grandpa calm down.

"Like, really like, very like."

Zhang San's lips moved slightly, and the mumbling sound was only audible to himself.

The first time he saw Lu Shuang, he was completely shocked.

He once had a family.

That's his sister, only one or two years younger than her.

The look in my eyes when my younger sister left me during the famine in my childhood.

He will never forget it in his life.

So many years have passed, my sister's appearance has gradually become blurred in my mind, but her eyes, those watery eyes, are becoming clearer and clearer.

Waking up in the middle of the night is unforgettable.

And Lu Shuang in front of him, both in terms of look and the appearance of his eyes, looks so much like his sister.

However, Zhang San also knew that this was definitely not his sister. There was a big difference in overall appearance. The only thing that was similar was the eyes.

As Zhang San came to his senses, the awkward atmosphere in the lobby gradually dissipated.

Everyone seemed to be pretending that nothing had happened.

Lu Hongzhi's eyes shifted between his granddaughter and the thousand households in front of him, which was intriguing.

Lu Shuang lowered his head slightly, with a hint of sadness flashing deep in his eyes.

However, when he raised his head, he still had a smile on his face.

"Sir, I wonder what errand you have for coming to our Lu family. If there is anything you need the Lu family's assistance with, please just ask. We will do our best to help you."

Lu Hongzhi stood up again, bowed to Zhang San and said.

Zhang San came back to his senses, and seeing this, he also clasped his fists in return, and then said: "This time I came here, I was ordered to investigate the affairs of the elders and senior leaders of the Beggars' Sect."

"According to an informant, Master Lu has been visiting the streets quite frequently recently. Especially yesterday afternoon, when the Jinyiwei and the Public Security Bureau, under the order of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, arrested the Beggars' Gang in the capital."

"May I ask whether the old master had been to the market yesterday at noon?"

Weishi is between 1:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon.

This period of time was when the Public Security Bureau began to arrest people on a large scale.

Lu Hongzhi replied calmly, "I did go to the market yesterday at 5 pm, and I brought my granddaughter with me."

"But what does this have to do with the Public Security Bureau and the Embroidered Uniform Guards arresting the Beggars' Gang? Although our Lu family is not wealthy, it is at least a family of scholars. Our heritage can be traced back to the end of the Han Dynasty, and we have produced several distinguished ancestors."

"To this day, although our descendants are not very ambitious, we have produced a few successful candidates, and there are also quite a few scholars."

"It's not to the point where I want to be in the same league as that beggar and get mixed up with him. I will just be laughed at for nothing. If I continue like this, how can I face my ancestors?"

Lu Hongzhi spoke in a grand and majestic manner, and his tone was high.

It seemed that having their Lu family associated with the Beggars' Sect was a huge humiliation.

The current Eight Great Masters of Jiangnan are truly a legacy with a long history.

The most famous person in the Lu family's genealogy is Lu Xun from the Three Kingdoms period.

The defeat of Liu Bei at Yiling and the defeat of Cao Xiu at Shiting can be said to be the glory of the ancestors that the descendants of the Lu family must be aware of.

Of course, more than a thousand years have passed since the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty. After the bloodbath during the Qian Yuan Dynasty, it is no longer clear whether he is the legitimate descendant of the main house.

After all, their surname is Lu and they are from almost the same place, so they are related. If the family is prosperous, there must be glorious ancestors.

When compiling a family tree, it doesn't matter much whether they are real ancestors.

Zhang San was not impressed by Lu Hongzhi after listening to him. He looked at Lu Hongzhi deeply and said, "The Beggars' Sect has a large number of members and many spies. There are many stakeholders involved in the interests."

"Even the Jinyiwei and Wucheng Bingmasi have their own share of respect."

"Mr. Lu's words may fool others, but there is no need to say them in front of me. It will only make people laugh."

"The demise of the Beggars' Sect was not due to any other reason, but because it secretly carried out the practice of cutting people's lives into pieces, which was unacceptable to the world."

"There are always people who are harboring evil, secretly protecting us, and sharing the profits. We can never completely kill them off."

"This time, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has issued an order to completely eliminate them. Even the Beggars' Sect will not be spared."

"The old man understands."

Zhang San spoke slowly and leisurely, without any reservations about some inside information.

With his status, he could naturally say it, and Zhang San also knew that these families had deep roots and many tricks, so it would be better to put it out there directly to avoid being beaten around by them.

These words made the old man's face turn pale instantly.

He didn't expect that the Jinyiwei would be so straightforward, but while he was shocked, he looked at his granddaughter and had an idea.

I thought to myself: It seems that my deeds were not exposed, but were just observed by someone with ulterior motives.

I have never seen such polite Jinyiwei in doing things. They always arrest people first and then talk about it.

This captain must have seen Shuang'er somewhere, and then received the news, so he came here specially.

This matter of the Beggars' Gang is just talk.

After figuring it out in his mind, Lu Hongzhi relaxed a little.

"Sir, I swear in the name of my ancestors that I have never done such vile and despicable things as cutting and mutilating living beings with the Beggars' Gang, and I have never accepted a single cent of money from them."

"The Capital Beggars' Gang has the largest number of members among all the gangs. Some of their secret channels or certain transactions have the fastest sources of information."

"Not only the old Lu family, but also the various business groups, as well as the yamen of the adults, the Five Cities Military Department, all have dealings with them. Buying and selling intelligence has always been an important source of income for the Beggars' Sect."

"In the past, when I went to the market, besides buying some rouge and powder for my beloved Shuang'er, I did buy some information, but that was all."

"Your Excellency also knows that my family values ​​its reputation the most, and this is even more true since we moved from Jiangnan to the capital. Therefore, there is no need to talk about colluding with the Beggars' Sect."

Lu Hongzhi's words really came from the bottom of his heart.

Speaking of the Lu family, they have nothing to do with the Beggars' Sect. He is the only one who acts in secret.

He, Lu Hongzhi, transformed himself into an elder named Chen and was listed among the top leaders of the Beggars' Sect. He had two main ideas.

One is to have an additional way secretly.

There is another piece of information that doesn't cost any money.

The power within the Beggars' Sect is probably just a figurehead because they are afraid of being exposed.

After all, whenever something big happens, the gang will hold a meeting.

Go to the Intelligence Department to get some information in the name of the elders, and there is no cost.

Compared with this, Lu Hongzhi's words were not wrong.

After listening to this, Zhang San thought for a while and nodded slightly.

From all aspects, it is highly likely that the Lu family did not participate in the business of cutting and mutilating living beings.

After saying a few words casually, Zhang San stood up and prepared to leave.

"Shuang'er, see Captain Zhang off."

After Lu Hongzhi stood up and bowed, he gave instructions to Lu Shuang beside him.

"Yes, grandpa." Lu Shuang bowed and replied.

Zhang San wanted to say something, his lips moved slightly, but in the end he did not refuse.

Perhaps it was because he felt a little closer to this woman who looked somewhat like his sister.

Zhang San now has no relatives. Although he holds great power in the capital, the emptiness in his heart cannot be filled.

Seeing Zhang San's expression, Lu Hongzhi smiled.

Lu Shuang blushed slightly and stood up to follow.

The captain who followed was extremely proud.

As soon as I walked out of the lobby and into the front yard, several brothers came over and asked, "Boss, what do you mean? Are you going to arrest all the people?"

As soon as the words fell, the captain immediately said impatiently: "Go away, what do you know? Get out of the way and don't delay the boss from doing his work."

As he spoke, he pulled people on both sides and walked out of the yard together.

Most of the brothers looked confused and didn't understand what was going on. At this moment, Lu Shuang appeared from behind with his head slightly lowered.

In an instant, no one had to say anything and everyone understood.

After everyone dispersed, only Zhang San and Lu Shuang were left in the front yard.

Naturally, there would be no ignorant servants or maids, and the surroundings were eerily quiet.

"Sir." Lu Shuang said softly.

She really didn't know how to start. Although she knew what her grandfather meant and felt a little uncomfortable, she grew up in the family and knew that this day would eventually come.

Zhang San looked at Lu Shuang and gently raised his hand, wanting to help her smooth the long hair on her forehead.

Lu Shuang had never been so close to someone of the opposite sex before, and subconsciously took half a step back.

Zhang San raised his hand, and it just stayed stiff in the air.

Of course he didn't have any other ideas, it was just that he was the one who combed his sister's hair when she was a child.

With a slight sigh, Zhang Sanneng said, "Just send it here."

Then turned and left.

Lu Shuang froze, at a loss as to whether to continue sending him off or just stop.

While hesitating, Zhang San had already left.

The door at the entrance of the Lu family's house was empty, so Zhang San pushed it open without thinking much.

“Ouch!”

The door seemed to hit multiple objects when it was opened. After opening the door, Zhang San was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. It turned out that more than a dozen brothers were eavesdropping at the door.

"Boss, why are you walking so quietly? I just heard some noise and they're here."

"Ouch, don't press me, boss. You're going too fast. I was counting. It's not even 300 breaths. Is it over already?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? How could the boss be such a person?"

"Who is talking nonsense? The first time, it only took me a few dozen breaths. I hadn't even taken off all my clothes before it was gone."

"You idiot, you still have the nerve to say that. You're going to make me die of laughter, hahahaha."

"Get lost!!!"

Zhang San's face had completely darkened, and he said coldly, "Go back to the government office. Today is a special training day. I think you guys are itching for a long rest, so let's train you well."

Suddenly, there were sounds of ghosts crying and wolves howling.

In the courtyard at this moment.

"Shuang'er, you are usually so smart, how come you didn't seize the opportunity at this critical moment?"

"He is a captain of the Imperial Guard, a top-ranking official. Don't underestimate him, but in this imperial city, even the important officials in the court don't dare to provoke him."

"Even if the Shangshu meets him, he has to give him some face. The position of Qianhu is hereditary. How can such an opportunity be left to him for nothing?"

Lu Hongzhi's tone was so heartbreaking.

A captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. This is a captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Even if there is a top scholar in the family, it cannot be compared. The concepts are completely different.

If they could let their granddaughter marry there, who in the imperial capital would dare to mess with their Lu family?

Just now, Lu Hongzhi hid at the side of the courtyard gate, pricked up his ears and listened, and could vaguely see something through the cracks in the stones.

Looking at his granddaughter's confused attitude, Lu Hongzhi almost couldn't help but take her place himself.

"But, but my grandson doesn't understand these things yet, and he has never come into contact with people on a daily basis. I..." Lu Shuang explained.

Lu Hongzhi said angrily: "Even if you are being reserved, you have to hint to him. You can't let the adults speak for you on such matters."

"Besides, why did Shuang'er dodge when he reached out his hand just now? That was a great opportunity."

Thinking about what happened just now, Lu Hongzhi felt a dull pain in his heart and covered it with his hand.

"Grandpa, next time, next time I will definitely not back down." Seeing this, Lu Shuang hurried forward to help Grandpa calm down.

“Hey!”

Lu Hongzhi sighed and said, "I don't know if there will be another good opportunity like this."

"This captain Zhang San seems to be a kind person. Shuang'er will not lose out if she marries him. However, I don't know his situation yet. I will ask someone to find out tomorrow if he has a family."

At this point, Lu Hongzhi said with some pity: "If you have a family, you will have to let Shuang'er be your mistress."

When Lu Shuang heard this, his face suddenly turned pale.

In the Ming Dynasty today, there is no such thing as having three wives and four concubines.

Not to mention the royal family, in the common people, it is a serious monogamous system, and the status of a concubine is not much different from that of a maid.

Sending people off or accompanying them in bed are common occurrences.

Lu Shuang grew up in a family and was well versed in these things, having seen quite a bit.

Thinking of this, Lu Shuang couldn't help but say: "Grandpa, grandson doesn't..."

Lu Hongzhi raised his hand to interrupt, and said earnestly: "This is a captain of the Jinyiwei, who can call the wind and rain in this imperial city."

"If Captain Zhang is jealous of Shuang'er's matter, I'm afraid that our Lu family, with more than 300 people, will not have a good ending."

"Shuang'er also knows about the Jinyiwei incident. Even if Captain Zhang doesn't do it himself, can those brothers who follow him give us a chance? If they just pick on us, there will be no way for our Lu family to survive."

"Shuang'er is also aware of the current family situation. If we were in Jiangnan, we wouldn't have to worry. But for us, how can we have the chance to return to Jiangnan?"

"This capital city is in danger at every step. We are relying on your second uncle and third uncle to hold on. You know the temperament of the current emperor."

"Look at your second uncle and aunt, and your third uncle and aunt. Every morning when they go to court, they burn incense and pray. If they are not there at the end of the court, they cry like a tearful person. The cabinets in the house are almost full of suicide notes."

"If something really happens one day, our Lu family will have nothing to rely on. I'm afraid... I'm afraid..."

As he spoke, Lu Hongzhi's voice began to choke up, tears streamed down his face, and he seemed to recall some past events, leaning against the wall.

You should know that the Lu family used to have thousands of people, but today, there are only three hundred left.

Some of the stories during this period are really hard to recall.

Lu Shuang supported her grandfather and said in a sad voice: "Grandpa, I promise you, no matter what, I will definitely...definitely marry him!"