Chapter 339: The Legitimate Wife's Suspicion

Li Zhenjian's eyes flashed with intense longing. A long, long time ago, he had been utterly captivated by the beautiful and voluptuous duchess. However, he was keenly aware of the vast difference in their social status and never dared to harbor such an audacious desire.

At most, in the evenings, he would secretly have his concubines wear clothes similar to Qin Wanru's, style their hair similarly, and even apply the exact same perfume. Then, he would imagine them as Qin Wanru and indulge his fantasies.

Unfortunately, he always felt a sense of emptiness afterward, as those concubines were too far from the real Qin Wanru.

Perhaps heaven had sensed his sincerity, as it had granted him such an opportunity. With such a major incident befalling the Chu family, and even Chu Zhongtian imprisoned, his goddess coming to him for help was simply a godsend. The woman who was once unattainable now seemed within reach.

Just as his hand was about to touch her ample curves, he suddenly felt a sharp pain. His wrist had been seized by her grip.

Qin Wanru turned around and looked at him coldly, "What are you doing, Master Li?"

Li Zhenjian gave an awkward smile, "Naturally, I was thinking of helping the Madam."

Qin Wanru sneered, "Is this how you intend to help?"

Li Zhenjian dropped his smile. "If Madam grants my wish, then I, Li, will naturally grant Madam's wish."

"Shameless!" Qin Wanru trembled with rage. She never imagined that this man, who had always been so deferential to her, harbored such vile intentions. With a crisp slap, she struck him across the face. Too disgusted to say another word to such a despicable person, she simply turned and walked away.

Li Zhenjian touched his cheek, then brought his hand to his nose, sniffing it with intoxicated delight. He couldn't help but exclaim, "So fragrant!"

Just then, an advisor-like figure emerged from the back hall, saying with some concern, "Master, the Chu family is, after all, a ducal residence. Won't offending Madam Chu like this be a problem?"

Li Zhenjian scoffed, "What ducal residence? It's just a relic of the past. The imperial court is determined to deal with the Chu family now, and Prefect Sang has personally taken action. How can the Chu family possibly recover?"

"But what if... just in case..." the advisor hesitated.

"There's no such thing as 'what if'," Li Zhenjian waved his hand dismissively. "Do you think I'm truly that impulsive, driven by lust? How else could I refuse Qin Wanru's request? Moreover, this is an opportunity to completely distance ourselves from the Chu family and let everyone know that our Li family is not aligned with them, so we don't get implicated in the future."

"Master is truly brilliant!" the advisor gave a thumbs-up, though inwardly he was filled with disdain. *Easy for him to say. Did he think I didn't see that lecherous expression just now?*

Meanwhile, Zu An and his companions arrived at Brightmoon Academy. Chu Hanzhao naturally went to her classroom for lessons. Zu An and Chu Chuyan proceeded to the principal's office to find Jiang Luofu.

After listening to Chu Chuyan, Jiang Luofu instinctively shifted the position of her legs, causing someone nearby to glance over repeatedly.

Jiang Luofu thought for a moment and said, "First, I express my deep sympathy and understanding for Duke Brightmoon's predicament. However, your Chu family indeed violated imperial laws this time. The academy system has always refrained from interfering in local government affairs, so I'm afraid it would be inconvenient for the academy to intervene in this matter."

Chu Chuyan had indeed considered this beforehand. If Brightmoon Academy were to offer help now, it would be openly opposing the imperial will. She had initially thought that the academy system, being independent, might not be so intimidated. Furthermore, given its personal ties with the Chu family, she had hoped it might extend a helping hand. Unfortunately, the outcome still disappointed her.

"In that case, we apologize for disturbing you, Principal," Chu Chuyan forced a smile. If even an academy with such good relations was unwilling to help, other avenues would likely be even more futile.

Zu An shook his head. Chu Chuyan was good in every way, but because she had been too outstanding since childhood, she sometimes cared too much about appearances. At a time like this, she was still adhering to those noble etiquettes. So, he directly stopped her, stepping forward to Jiang Luofu and saying, "Beautiful Principal, this isn't right of you."

"Ah Zu," Chu Chuyan quickly pulled him. She knew that Principal Jiang was powerful and held an extraordinary position in Brightmoon City. Although she was unwilling to help now, she was at least not hostile to the Chu family. If they provoked her, it would truly be counterproductive.

Zu An patted her hand, signaling her to relax.

Jiang Luofu sat on the sofa and said indifferently, "What's wrong with me?"

Zu An took a step forward, his gaze suddenly focusing. Today, Jiang Luofu was wearing shimmering flesh-colored stockings, her beautiful legs radiating an alluring glow. Coupled with the decorative tortoiseshell glasses she wore and her crisp uniform... she truly was a captivating enchantress! He quickly reined in his wandering thoughts and said in a deep voice, "As far as I know, Duke Brightmoon has been good to Principal Jiang over the years, hasn't he? And the Chu family donates a large amount of money and resources to the academy every year. Now that the Chu family is in trouble, you, Principal Jiang, are standing idly by."

"I haven't been at Brightmoon Academy for long, but I know the academy values repaying kindness with kindness and reciprocating favors. If you act like this now, aren't you slapping the academy's own face? How will you have the confidence to teach students moral principles in the future?"

"Ah Zu..." Chu Chuyan's heart leaped to her throat. She hadn't expected him to speak so unsparingly, but it was too late to stop him.

Jiang Luofu narrowed her eyes and stood up. Her tall figure showed no weakness before Zu An, and her imposing aura was clearly superior. "Very well," she said. "It's been a long time since anyone dared to speak to me like that."

As she spoke, she walked towards him, releasing an oppressive aura that even Chu Chuyan couldn't withstand, causing her to instinctively take a step back.

Zu An swallowed with difficulty. Being directly in her path, he felt the pressure even more acutely. But his stubborn nature kicked in; he refused to show weakness in front of a woman. So, he steeled himself, puffed out his chest, and stood rooted to the spot like a nail, not yielding an inch.

Although Jiang Luofu's oppressive aura was powerful, it was still not comparable to Mi Li's from before. He had endured even Mi Li's scrutiny, so how could he not withstand this?

Jiang Luofu had expected him to retreat, but to her surprise, he stood his ground. Her forward step brought her right into him, leaving their lips barely an inch apart.

Ultimately, her reaction was quick. Tapping her toes, she swiftly retreated, widening the distance between them. A faint blush flashed across her usually pale and stern face, though it was unclear whether it was due to shyness or anger.

At this point, Chu Chuyan quickly stepped forward to explain, "Principal, Ah Zu's words were unintentional. I hope you won't mind."

Jiang Luofu waved her hand, "Don't worry, I'm not that petty. Besides, he and I are more familiar than you might imagine."

Chu Chuyan looked astonished. Principal Jiang's tone was as if she were speaking of a friend. How could Ah Zu have any connection with someone as lofty as her?

Zu An also smiled, "Just now I saw the beautiful Principal's face looking frosty, and I thought you were going to turn hostile."

Jiang Luofu glared at him, "I'll settle the score with you later."

Then, she turned to Chu Chuyan and said, "Chuyan, I had initially thought I couldn't publicly help you in the academy's name, but I could do so privately as an individual. However, Ah Zu's words reminded me and gave me a reason for the academy to intervene."

"However, the academy isn't solely mine, and many decisions aren't entirely up to me. So, I can't give you too much assistance, only about one million taels."

Chu Chuyan was both surprised and delighted, "Thank you, Principal!" This amount far exceeded her expectations.

Jiang Luofu smiled faintly, "Additionally, I will make a trip to Sunblaze City to speak with Prefect Sang and see if the punishment for this incident can be mitigated."

Tears welled up in Chu Chuyan's eyes. "Principal Jiang, I truly don't know how to thank you enough."

Jiang Luofu smiled slightly, "Don't thank me. You should be glad you have a good husband."

After the two emerged from the office, Chu Chuyan stared at Zu An, looking him up and down. After a long moment, she said with a complex expression, "Is there something between you and Principal Jiang...?"