Chapter 777: Doing the Work of Oxen and Horses

At this moment, Zu An said with an embarrassed expression, "But I'm usually very busy, so I might not have time to teach students." He used to be a visiting lecturer for arithmetic at Bright Moon Academy, but he often didn't have time to go to school back then, which left him with a sense of guilt about neglecting his students. Now in the capital, he has duties at the Eastern Palace and also serves as an Embroidered Uniform Envoy. He's incredibly busy every day, so with his hands full, how could he possibly take on another teaching position?

The Crown Princess in the wooden house immediately grew anxious when she heard him. This guy usually seems so clever and sharp, but why is he acting so foolish now? Doesn't he know how many benefits there are to being a teacher at the academy, and how difficult it is to become one? Now these people are willing to make an exception and let you be a teacher, and you're still making excuses. Saying you're busy? You're the one who's least punctual at the Eastern Palace every day. Who knows which woman you're busy with?

Just as she was getting anxious, she heard Wang Shuyang say, "No problem at all. Mr. Zu's caliber is too high to be wasted on teaching students. We'll simply notify the academy not to assign you any classes."

Jiang Luofu seemed a bit hesitant: "But if he doesn't teach, many procedures might not go through, and it would be difficult to silence public opinion."

"That's simple," Hei Baizi said. "Although Mr. Zu doesn't need to teach students, he can teach us teachers instead. As for class times, there won't be any mandatory schedule; Mr. Zu can come whenever he's free. And for the class format, let's use chess. That way it's relaxing, and Mr. Zu won't get too tired." In his opinion, it would be a complete waste for Zu An to teach students; it would be much more practical for him to play a couple more games of chess with him.

Yin Shizhong, whose silencing effect had finally worn off, immediately jumped up and exclaimed, "Shameless fellow! How can Mr. Zu's lessons take the form of a game? He should debate with me in front of a group of students! That way, he can teach us and inspire the students at the same time."

Wang Shuyang grew annoyed: "What kind of nonsense are you all talking about? The best approach, of course, is for Mr. Zu to discuss hybrid rice with me. That would be a great deed, benefiting billions of people across the land!"

"Our cultivation path isn't the Buddhist one; why do we need great merits?" Hei Baizi snorted. "Besides, Mr. Zu already gave you ample instructions just now. Why are you still bothering him for details? And you call yourself an agriculturist! Mr. Zu's wisdom belongs to all humanity, not just to you. Little Junior Sister, don't you agree?"

"Yes, yes," Qi Yaoguang nodded. Just as Hei Baizi let out a sigh of relief, she changed her tone: "Mr. Zu's wisdom does indeed belong to all humanity, and the future of humanity lies in the stars and the sea. He should come with me every night to observe the constellations and discuss Ziwei Doushu."

"You little brat, I've spoiled you for nothing all these years! Do you believe I'll hit you?"

"Hmph, bring it on! Who's afraid of whom? You can't beat me at chess, so do you really think you can beat me in a fight?"

Seeing several people arguing loudly, their faces flushed red with contention, the Crown Princess in the wooden house was so astonished her jaw almost dropped to the floor. Are these truly the academy teachers in the capital, widely known for their unyielding integrity and proud independence?

At this point, even the Grand Tutor couldn't stand it anymore and lightly coughed, "All of you, scram. Don't disturb my peaceful cultivation with your noise here." Sensing their teacher's displeasure, the bickering individuals dared not act presumptuously any longer. They quickly bowed respectfully towards the wooden house, then left with a sense of guilt.

On the way, several people whispered to each other: "Do you think the teacher really got angry?"

"What's there for the teacher to be angry about?"

Jiang Luofu, who was standing nearby, finally couldn't help but quip, "Haha, you all keep addressing him as 'Mr. Zu,' practically on the verge of taking him as your master. Where does that leave the Grand Tutor's dignity?"

"Didn't the Grand Tutor teach us before that 'among three people, there must be one who can be my teacher'?" Wang Shuyang said in a deep voice. "Even if we really were to take Mr. Zu as our master, it shouldn't be a big deal, should it?"

"When did your emotional intelligence become as low as our little junior sister's? You actually took those polite remarks seriously?" Jiang Luofu said, looking exasperated.

Qi Yaoguang complained, "Eighth Senior Sister, scold them all you want, but why bring me into it?" The other senior and junior brothers exchanged glances, realizing they had unintentionally offended their master, and each felt a little guilty.

Jiang Luofu took the opportunity to pull Zu An away, saying, "I still need to take him to complete some paperwork, so I won't be with you." The others were each filled with worry and didn't bother to try to detain them at that moment.

Zu An asked curiously, "Where are we going now?"

"Didn't you say you wanted an alchemy furnace before? I'll take you to find Fourth Senior Brother," Jiang Luofu replied.

Zu An was startled, "Didn't you tell them we were going to handle procedures?"

Jiang Luofu rolled her eyes, "How else could I get rid of them if I didn't say that?"

Zu An couldn't help but chuckle, "I didn't realize you had such a sly side to you, Sister."

A faint smile played on Jiang Luofu's lips: "When dealing with these individuals, you need to be extra vigilant. So, make sure you never offend me in the future, or I might just get my revenge."

Zu An asked curiously, "How do you plan to get revenge, Sister?"

Jiang Luofu's lips curled upward: "Have you forgotten my area of expertise? I am a Legalist law-enforcer, and I am familiar with a total of thirteen thousand six hundred and eighty-two types of punishments throughout history. If you're interested, I can let you experience each one."

Zu An showed no fear at all: "Since you are a law-enforcer, you naturally wouldn't break the law yourself. As long as I don't violate any relevant laws, I imagine you wouldn't punish me for a minor offense."

"Oh?" Jiang Luofu was a bit surprised. "You really are something. I originally thought your earlier ability to impress them was just a coincidence, but judging by this, you truly understand many different fields. This is quite strange. Human energy is limited after all, so how do you know so much at such a young age?"

Zu An's heart tightened, but his tone remained casual: "I don't know, either. Ever since I was little, it seems I could understand things just by reading. I've read a bit of everything, so I know a little about many topics, but I'm not proficient in any of them, unlike those of you who deeply specialize in your fields."

Jiang Luofu laughed, "You're quite humble, aren't you? Are you afraid we'll get jealous? But then again, your super-grade talent truly is enviable."

Zu An cautiously asked, "Does the Grand Tutor also know about my talent?" He wondered if this was why the Grand Tutor treated him differently.

Jiang Luofu shook her head, "This matter is very important. Without your permission, how could I reveal it to others? It could easily endanger your life."

Zu An's heart warmed, "You're so good to me, Sister. I have no way to repay you. How about I be your ox or horse for this lifetime?"

Jiang Luofu laughed, "I don't farm, what would I do with an ox or a horse?"

Zu An felt a pang of regret. To be her ox or horse would only require feeding him grass, and she wasn't even willing to accept that.

Just then, Zu An's heart tensed, and he quickly pulled Jiang Luofu back, "Watch out!" No sooner had he spoken than a huge figure landed where he had just been. Dust flew everywhere, and the entire ground shook. Zu An gazed warily at the colossal figure before him. It stood over ten feet tall and was entirely brownish-red. He initially thought it was some kind of fiendish beast, but there was no sign of life from it. Its appearance was remarkably human-like, though magnified many times over.

"Is this... a robot?" Zu An was somewhat incredulous.

At this moment, Jiang Luofu stopped him, "Don't worry, this is Fourth Senior Brother's guardian puppet. It probably hasn't seen you before and mistook you for an invading enemy." After speaking, she took out a token and held it in front of the puppet: "I need to see Fourth Senior Brother about something."

A red light flashed in the puppet's eyes and landed on her token. Then, it emitted a stiff, dry voice: "Identity verification passed. Proceed." After speaking, the puppet moved aside, then slowly sat down on the ground. The red light in its eyes faded, and it sat there like a lifeless sculpture, completely devoid of the imposing presence it had just moments before.

Zu An kept looking back, his expression a little excited. A robot! For a moment, he felt as if he had returned to his previous world, Earth.

---

Someone asked me what Xinjiang girls are like. What are you thinking? I'm a respectable person! But honestly, young women from Xinjiang are indeed very tall and have great figures. It really is a good place.