百万买宅，千万买邻 — “It's better to have good neighbors than to have a luxurious house”

During the Southern Dynasties, Marquis Pinggu, Lu Sengzhen, was a man of great learning, humble and sincere, attracting many to seek his company. While in office, Lu Sengzhen treated his subordinates fairly, without favoritism, and handled affairs impartially. When meeting guests for official business, even his own brothers were only allowed in the outer hall, not the reception room.

His cousin's son, Lu Hong, initially sold scallions. After Lu Sengzhen took office, Lu Hong abandoned his business, hoping to secure an official position in the prefecture through him. Lu Sengzhen advised him, "I have received great kindness from the state, but I have little to offer in return. You already have a profession suitable for your status; how can you demand an undeserved position? Hurry back to selling scallions."

Lu Sengzhen's old home was north of the market, with a postmaster's office built in front of it. Locals urged him to move the office to expand his residence. Lu Sengzhen angrily replied, "This postmaster's office has been here since its construction; how can it be moved to expand my private residence?" His elder sister married into the Yu family and lived west of the market in a small house facing the road, mixed among various shops. Lu Sengzhen often led his retinue to her house and never felt it beneath his dignity.

Lu Sengzhen's integrity and dedication to public service were highly praised by the people. An official named Song Ji'ya, after retiring to Fuyuanzhou, specifically bought a house next to Lu Sengzhen's private residence. One day, Lu Sengzhen asked him how much the house cost. Song Ji'ya replied, "It cost a total of eleven million." Lu Sengzhen was greatly surprised and asked, "Eleven million? How could it be so expensive?" Song Ji'ya smiled and replied, "One million was for the house, and ten million was for the neighbor." Lu Sengzhen thought for a moment before understanding, then he laughed too.

Lu Sengzhen later served as the Inspector of Nanyanzhou for just over a hundred days before being summoned to be the General of the Imperial Guard, continuing to work in the Imperial Secretariat as before. Lu Sengzhen was meritorious and became a close confidant of Emperor Wu of Liang. No one received greater favor from Emperor Wu than he did.

Lu Sengzhen was humble and steady by nature. When on duty in the palace during midsummer, he dared not unbutton his clothes. Whenever he attended Emperor Wu, he always composed himself and held his breath, extremely respectful and cautious, never once touching the fruit and delicacies served. On one occasion, Lu Sengzhen, being slightly drunk, took and ate an orange. Emperor Wu saw this and excitedly said, "You've made great progress!"

Lu Sengzhen passed away in his general's residence at the age of fifty-eight. Later, whenever Emperor Wu mentioned Lu Sengzhen's name, he would often shed tears, deeply regretting his loss.