The Concubine's Daughter Travels Through Time and Space and Takes the Road of Confrontation

Guan family? Zhang's eyes were dazed. Ever since the incident with Guan Siwei, she hadn't heard anyone mention the Guan family for a long time.

"How could those bandits from outside know so much about the situation in the capital?" Zhang couldn't help but feel worried. "Could it be that there are traitors in the city working together with outsiders?"

Lu Lingcong gave a barely perceptible nod. "The government has deployed additional patrols throughout the city, and a substantial reward is being offered for any leads." What he hadn't told his wife was that there was a sense of mystery behind this incident, and that it seemed to be the work of the northern barbarians. The broadsword left at the scene last night was indeed a common weapon used by the barbarians. How could they have evaded the gate guards, entered the city, looted a large sum of gold and silver, and then vanished without a trace?

All these signs are chilling to think about.

The couple sat facing each other in silence. There were several braziers in the room. Zhang looked at the scorching charcoal through the copper net and felt a chill all over her body.

"Master," Zhang said with difficulty, "Shouldn't we also make plans early?"

Lu Lingcong looked back at his wife and saw some unfamiliar emotions in her eyes. He avoided her gaze and looked out the window. "Madam, our daughter is the queen, and I am the father-in-law of the Qin Dynasty."

Zhang's eyes reddened at these words, and she forced a smile. "What are you thinking? We are both officials of the Qin Dynasty and the majesty's in-laws, so we naturally cannot escape from the battlefield. But my brother is still young, so I thought it would be better to send him to his mother to hide for a while and then bring him back after this matter is resolved."

Unexpectedly, her husband refused without hesitation. "Madam, my brother is very talented and will definitely become the top scholar. However, if he enters the officialdom in the future, what happened today will definitely become a big stain in his life and will be of great disadvantage to him."

Zhang was furious. "I don't want my brother to become a high-ranking official. Isn't our family glorious enough now? He is my son, born after ten months of pregnancy and countless hardships. I just want him to live well."

"Madam," Lu Lingcong sighed, "Even Wang Ge'er, who is a few years younger than him, has the courage to travel thousands of miles alone to join the army, but he, as his brother, has to live a miserable life. How will you teach Wang Ge'er to cope with the future?"

Zhang's tears fell silently as she murmured to herself, "The world is difficult, and I've spent my life doing good deeds. I've raised three children. One left home at a young age, and was subsequently sent to South Vietnam, a life I'll never see again. One entered the imperial palace, so close to me, but in front of the royal family, only the emperor's grace is mentioned, not mother and daughter, and we're so far away. Finally, there's only one left, and having her by my side brings me some comfort, but I can't be so selfish and only care about myself."

Tears streamed down her cheeks like beads from a broken string. Lu Lingcong was heartbroken and held his wife in his arms, silently comforting her.

Zhang quickly regained her composure and forced a smile. "Alas, there have been so many things going on lately that Master has been making a fool of himself. People like us don't have to worry about food and clothing, and when we walk around outside, everyone gives us some respect. Why should we be dissatisfied?"

Silent all night.

The next morning, just after dawn, the servants who had gotten up early to clean the house suddenly heard a "knock knock knock" sound coming from the front of the door.

"Oh no, sir!" Zhu Sheng rushed over. "Our shop was robbed!"

Lu Ling stood up from his fear and said, "Tell me in detail."

Zhu Sheng swallowed hard and said, "This morning, the government officials came to report that our shop on Zhuque Street was broken into last night by someone climbing over the wall. The shop was completely destroyed and all the goods inside disappeared without a trace."

The Lu family only has one shop, Xiefangguan, on Zhuque Street.

When Zhang hurriedly brought people there, a crowd had already gathered around the shop, and several officers were standing at the door to maintain order.

The silk screen at the entrance had been burned with several large holes, and the ashes were blown everywhere by the wind. The tables and chairs were all destroyed, even the counter used to display goods was not spared, and it was covered with knife marks from someone who knew what had happened.

This shows the arrogance of the thieves.

The leading runner in black robes was trembling with fear as he followed beside him, wishing he could kneel down and kowtow to apologize. He was on duty last night and in the second half of the night he was so sleepy that he couldn't help but go home and take a nap, but who knew such a big mistake would happen.

Oh my god, his career is probably coming to an end.

Zhang walked around the upstairs and downstairs with a calm expression. She turned to Yin He and whispered a few words to him. After she finished, she looked at the servant who had been following her. "I ordered the shop assistants to close the shop yesterday. There are only some goods left in the shop that were not moved away in time. They are not very valuable. I would like to ask you to send a copy of the on-site inspection results to my master later."

The father-in-law and his wife were so kind! The officer was stunned at first, then overjoyed. "I understand, I understand."

Zhang walked to the window and sat down, staring at the messy shop in a daze.

Yin He led his men to clear out all the tables, chairs, and benches in the shop and put them at the door. "Everyone, my wife said that these tables, chairs, and benches cannot be used anymore. If any of you like them, please feel free to take them away."

The crowd stared at the pile of fine wood furniture and began to stir. Yin He continued, "If you have any clues about the thief, please inform the government officials immediately. On behalf of my wife, I would like to thank you all in advance."

After saying this, he bowed to everyone, turned around and closed the shop door.

Zhang sat in the carriage and glanced at the long queue in the distance. She felt deeply worried and returned to the mansion immediately to call several managers to discuss things.

"How long can the firewood, charcoal, and rice in the mansion last?"

The gray-robed steward said, "Madam, according to the current situation in the mansion, we have enough to last for another month. Although the city gates are under strict control, it is not difficult to transport some food from the farm. This should last us for three months."

Zhang nodded immediately. "Okay. Lately, there have been long lines at grain shops everywhere, and grain prices have tripled. You'll personally lead people to the farm outside the city to bring in some grain. Also, tell them I'm telling you that anyone who wants to escape and make a living elsewhere must not be stopped."

The gray-robed steward responded in a low voice.

Yuan Caohua sat next door and waited until the steward left before coming in. Without waiting for her to speak, Zhang said directly, "Let's leave Xiefang Pavilion alone for now. It's getting more and more chaotic outside."

Yuan Caohua had put a lot of effort into Xiefang Pavilion. Although she had been mentally prepared, she couldn't help but burst into tears when the day finally came. It took her a long time to recover. "Madam, are we going to keep the shop open in the future?"

Zhang said in a gentle voice, "The current difficulties are only temporary. After this period is over, I will leave the shop to you." Then she continued, "If you want to leave, I will give you some money to send you out of Kyoto."

Yuan Caohua cried even harder. "Madam, I have known you for many years and have long regarded you as my only relative. How could I abandon you and flee alone at such a critical moment?"

Zhang's eyes were slightly red. "Okay, I know I was wrong. Can't I apologize to you? Stop crying, okay?"