Flourishing of the Ming Dynasty Novel - Chapter 188

Chapter 188 The Problem Came Again

Lu Zhen had indeed drunk a few more drinks tonight, but he was only on the top, but he wasn’t completely drunk. If it was an example, it would be just enough to cause drunken disorder. Therefore, when the sounds of fighting suddenly came from outside, he quickly woke up.

The scene of the assassination that day was truly shocking, and Lu Zhen remembered it deeply. Even if he was drunk and nervous, his alcohol intent would turn into cold sweat, and he would wake up completely. After realizing that there was only one person in the outside world and that Lin Lie had taken him down, he walked out to take a look and recognized Zhu Chang’s identity.

After the three of them returned to their rooms and sat down, Lu Zhen looked at the uninvited guest who came late at night strangely, “You said you came to save me. What exactly happened?”

‘”I” Zhu Chang hesitated for a moment before he finally regained his courage and said, “I hope that Lord can save the lives of our Green Bamboo Gang and Big Brother Lin in terms of love that day. As long as this matter is successful, I, Zhu Chang, will definitely repay this kindness even if my body is shattered!” As he spoke, he got up from his chair and knelt down again.

“This … you should get up and talk first. What exactly happened?” Lu Zhen was astonished and hurriedly winked at Lin Lie, signaling him to help him up.

Lin Lie hurriedly went over and barely managed to lift him up. He asked curiously, “What exactly happened to your Green Bamboo Gang? Why do you look like this?”

Did they really not know what went wrong with our Green Bamboo Gang? Seeing the two of them look like this, Zhu Chang’s suspicions faded away, but his worries did not lessen. He looked at Lu Zhen with some misgivings and said, “This matter …”

Lu Zhen couldn’t help but feel even more curious when he looked like he wanted to say something but was in a dilemma. “Brother Zhu, it’s fine if you say it. After all, you’ve helped me before. As long as it’s not against the law or the morals, I won’t stand by and watch,” Lu Zhen said curiously.

Hearing this, Zhu Chang’s expression turned ugly again. Then, he finally gritted his teeth and told the truth about the current predicament of the Green Bamboo Gang–

It turned out that the Shangyuan Festival fire had a lot to do with his Azure Bamboo Gang, and those who were taken down by the Shuntian Manor were their help, Lin Qing, and many of his brothers in the gang. Zhu Chang’s luck was slightly better. At that time, he happened to be out, so he dodged a calamity. However, because his name was not small, he was also wanted, so he didn’t dare to show his face during the day, so he could only take advantage of the night to meet Lu Zhen.

Hearing this, Lu Zhen frowned, “It’s actually related to the fire. This matter has been accepted by the people of Shuntian Prefecture, and the evidence is conclusive. I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do about it.” There was another point that he did not say clearly. The fire had caused quite a few casualties. Since the Azure Bamboo Gang had done it, they should naturally shoulder the corresponding responsibility. If it weren’t for Zhu Chang’s kindness, he would have killed Lin Lie and taken him down.

Zhu Chang also saw through Lu Zhen’s thoughts and hurriedly said excitedly, “Lord Lu, this matter is not the fault of our Green Bamboo Gang. It is really just taking the blame for others!”

“Are you saying that someone has falsely accused you?” Lu Zhen’s expression did not change much as he asked doubtfully.

“Exactly. My Azure Bamboo Gang is only a small gang in the capital, so I don’t have the guts to do such a thing. It was like this back then. On that day, Shangyuan, our big brother Lin brought a few brothers to enjoy the lanterns, and then he fought with some local gangs because of a quarrel. “But at this time, a nearby shop suddenly caught fire … In the end, for some reason, the yamen added this charge on us, but none of the gang members who attacked our Green Bamboo Gang were convicted because of this …”

Looking at his aggrieved expression, Lu Zhen unconsciously believed him, but he said, “Your words are just one side of the story. How can I believe you? Furthermore, you shouldn’t have been there that day, so how could you know so clearly?”

“Yes … one of the gang brothers escaped capture by the government and only told me after meeting me.”

“Really? There’s such a coincidence?” Lu Zhen smiled noncommittally.

Seeing his appearance, Zhu Chang blushed and said anxiously, “My brothers from the Green Bamboo Gang have always been honest. If we really did it, we would never deny it. However, this time, someone really tricked us …”

“But you still have something to hide.” Lu Zhen interrupted him and then his gaze fell on his face, “If you really want me to help you, you shouldn’t hide something from me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have agreed to help you rashly.”

Actually, Lu Zhen felt that something was wrong with Zhu Chang from the moment he saw him. After all, the other party was only a person in Jianghu, so his ability to conceal his true heart was naturally not enough. Moreover, Lu Zhen, who had been training in the official circles for more than a year, was accustomed to observing his words, so he could see the flickering of his words.

“I…” I didn’t expect Lu Zhen to see through his flaws in an instant. This caused Zhu Chang’s face to turn pale, and he didn’t know how to speak.

But Lu Zhen did not give him any chance to catch his breath. He immediately forced him to say, “If you really are wronged and want me to help you, then tell me the truth. Otherwise, please return. Although I, Lu Zhen, know how to repay my kindness, I will not be taken advantage of by others in a foolish manner.”

Seeing his resolute attitude, Zhu Chang was a little discouraged. In this situation, the only thing he could rely on was the county magistrate of Daxing, who had once had some friendship with him, so after a moment of hesitation, he finally said, “County magistrate Lu really can’t rub the sand in his eyes. I admire him.” “Actually, the matter is not that simple. Someone is deliberately targeting our Green Bamboo Gang, and this person should have a lot to do with our Green Bamboo Gang saving you that day …”

“Huh? Are you saying that the factory guards are eyeing you?” Lu Zhen raised his eyebrows and couldn’t help but straighten his body.

“Exactly. Actually, after that day, our Green Bamboo Gang brothers’ days in the capital have become sad. People from other gangs have constantly come to snatch our docks. In the event of a conflict, as long as the government is alerted, it will be us who will be at a disadvantage.” As Zhu Chang spoke, he glanced at Lu Zhen.

Although Lu Zhen didn’t complain much at this glance, he still touched his nose uncomfortably. If the other party’s words weren’t false, then his responsibility was really not small.

“But we chose the road ourselves, so even so, our brothers have no complaints. Since we can’t do the work on the dock, we have to make a living. Afterwards, we got some hard work from some shops in the city, so we only worked hard.” Zhu Chang continued.

Originally, Lu Zhen wanted to ask the other party why he didn’t look for him since it was all because of him. But then he realized that the people in Jianghu also had their own bottom line and backbone. Since they thought that they didn’t know what to do, they naturally wouldn’t be able to come to Lu Zhen’s door to ask for benefits if they didn’t manage Lu Zhen’s affairs well.

Actually, Lu Zhen didn’t know much about it. At this moment, the people all had the saying that they couldn’t enter the official sect or die in hell. To these Jianghu people, the government was even more taboo. If something happened that shocked the officials, they would be looked down upon in Jianghu, and it would be even harder for them to gain a foothold here in the capital in the future. If it weren’t for the fact that he was forced into a corner this time, Zhu Chang wouldn’t have begged Lu Zhen to come in front of the county magistrate.

Zhu Chang continued to say, “This time, they were provoked and attacked. After that, it seems that they had already arranged for the fire to be brought to the head of our Green Bamboo Gang.” Although those who attacked us were indeed members of the gang, not long after the fire broke out, the people from the Military Horse Division and Shun Tian Manor arrived in time. Furthermore, the people who only took us were able to let those fellows leave. Afterwards, they didn’t give us any chance to argue and insisted that we set the fire. Judging from all of this, they were prepared to harm us. ”

Lu Zhen nodded. Although there was no conclusive evidence, what he said was reasonable, which made him believe it easily. “So, someone is plotting against you behind your backs, and it might have something to do with the factory guard who has been dealing with you all this time?”

“Exactly.” Zhu Chang lowered his head, looking very nervous. He had concealed all of this just now because he was worried that Lu Zhen wouldn’t dare to take over. After all, which official in the capital wasn’t afraid of the factory guards?

Under his uneasy gaze, Lu Zhen lowered his eyelids and pondered. After a while, he said slowly, “This matter is not under the authority of my Daxing County, and it involves such complicated variables, so I can’t promise you that I will help you reverse the case right now. You have to give me time to investigate. As long as it is as you said, I will make the decision for you.”

“Really?” This answer was indeed pleasantly surprising, and Zhu Chang couldn’t help but ask with some uncertainty.

Lu Zhen nodded seriously, then raised a finger and said, “But I also have one condition.”

“Say, as long as you are willing to save our brothers, I, Zhu Chang, will not hesitate to go through fire and water!”

“I don’t need you to do this. I just want you to stay at the county government and stay by my side. You can’t leave without permission. I need you to help me find those members of the gang who have clashed with you. Are you willing?”

“This is my duty!” Zhu Chang immediately agreed happily, his face full of joy.

Lu Zhen also smiled and asked Lin Lie to settle him in an empty room in the second hall. After the two of them left, a serious expression appeared on his face. A case that he originally thought had nothing to do with him had actually circled in front of him. This time, he couldn’t ignore it.

Originally, they planned to keep a low profile during this period of time so that they could wait for the transfer of the Ministry of Officials and then safely head to Jiangnan. But now, this plan was going to fail.

“The factory guards actually colluded with the local gangs to deal with the Green Bamboo Gang? If that’s the case, then I should be held responsible. They must have been hated by the factory guards or Wang Zhen because they helped me before!” After taking two steps, Lu Zhen secretly made a decision.