One side felt that they had to guard the residence tightly, while the other felt that they should bring their families out to seek refuge. All of them had their own reasonings.
Those who wanted to guard their houses felt that it was more dangerous to escape. Now that the city was in chaos, it was very likely that they would randomly encounter thieves on the streets. At least there were still servants that could protect them in their residences. Chen Feng might not dare to cause trouble again after beating up two families.
As for those who wanted to take refuge, they did not dare to bet on the thoughts of the thieves. They were completely frightened out of their wits. They felt that the Yama King would definitely get rid of all four noble families today. The criminal behaved as though he had some divine or demonic possession, washed the He and Huang families with blood despite the numbers. What was the use of their guards? Staying at home was equivalent to waiting for death!
Lu Ancheng was annoyed by the commotion from both sides. However, he himself was also hesitant.
His first reaction was to think that it was impossible for the thief to commit another crime. Even if the thief still had the strength, he should consider the risk of the state army to moving out to suppress him. It was impossible for him to be so reckless.
However, Chen Feng’s deeds were too terrifying. Lu Ancheng did not dare to confirm this thief’s thoughts. At the same time, he was conflicted about Chen Feng’s words in the He family. He was really afraid that this person was planning to kill for the sake of the citizens and was thus panicking.
But as the backbone of the family, Lu Ancheng could not show his lack of confidence. He glanced at the panicking family members before he lowly shouted,
“Quiet down, all of you. Look at the state you’re in now! Where’s your decency?!”
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone present fell silent, not daring to show any fear.
Lu Ancheng took a deep breath and deliberated over his words,
“There’s no need to panic. In my opinion, the thief won’t do anything anymore. The Huang family has changed for so long, but the villain hasn’t done anything. This is evidence. He most likely saw the reinforcements and knew that nothing could be done. He really fled…”
When everyone heard this, they composed themselves and suddenly realized that what he said made sense.
After the He family’s incident, the Huang family’s incident also happened shortly after.
However, it had been a long time since the incident with the Huang family, but there was no change to the remaining Lu and Chen families. This proved that the thieves should have really stopped.
The more Lu Ancheng spoke, the more he believed it. He felt that this was the case and gradually convinced himself. His tone could not help but soften.
“Therefore, that criminal should be thinking of a way to escape our pursuit now. He’s hiding everywhere and won’t come to our Lu Manor again.”
Hearing this, everyone felt a little relieved.
However, at this moment, a servant rushed in and shouted in panic.
“Master, bad news! That thief went to Spring Rain Restaurant and harmed the magistrate! The magistrate is seriously injured and has lost an arm. We don’t know if he’s still alive!”
“What?!”
Everyone was left in disbelief.
Lu Ancheng’s expression changed drastically as he stood up in shock.
“The criminal is actually so bold?!”
He did not expect that this villain Chen Feng would turn around and attack the officials of the Imperial Court instead of continuing to attack them.
Was he tired of living?! Did he wish to go on a fast track to reincarnate?!
This was madness!
At this moment, Lu Ancheng’s expression froze as he suddenly realized his situation.
The thief’s original intention was to attack wealthy families like them, but now, he had implicated the magistrate… If the Imperial Court discovered that the death was related to their four families, the Imperial Court would pursue the matter. A wealthy family like them was nothing. They might even have their houses confiscated!
Moreover, even if their backer, Magistrate Lin, still managed to live, the magistrate had been implicated by their lousy matters and was unfortunately crippled. How could he not blame them?!
No matter what the outcome was, they would not end up well!
For a moment, Lu Ancheng was at a loss. His limbs were cold, and he only felt that their future was bleak.
Hua la la ——
At this moment, there was a commotion in the front yard.
When the people in the main hall heard the commotion, the emotions that they took a long while to calm down instantly broke.
“The villain must have come!”
“It’s over, run!”
Many people from the Lu family panicked. Some of them stood up and were about to run away.
Lu Ancheng was also jolted out of his reverie. Putting thoughts about their future aside, he anxiously asked,
“What’s going on in the front yard? What are they shouting about? Is that criminal here? Hurry up and take a look!”
The servants quickly left the hall and went to the front yard.
Not long after, the servants returned with a bloodstained iron spear wrapped in a cloth.
Seeing this, Lu Ancheng asked in confusion, “What is this?”
The servant trembled and said in a trembling voice, “R-Reporting to Master, someone threw this spear in from outside the courtyard and stuck it on the gatepost of the front yard. The cloth wrapped around the spear even has words written on it.”
“W-What did he write?” Lu Ancheng took two steps forward before subconsciously stopping, his heart pounding.
The servant looked around at the nervous masters present and spoke in fear.
“It says, ‘Your heads will remain on your necks for the time being. Wait for this Grandpa to come and collect them in the future — Chen Feng’. It seems that the criminal passed by the door but did not break in…”
There was a sudden silence.
Plonk!
Lu Ancheng could no longer hold it in. His legs went limp and he sat on the ground. His face was pale, and he felt as if he had walked through the gates of hell.
The fear that seeped into his bones was like an invisible hand pinching his heart, as if it wanted to squeeze out all of his blood.