Chapter 800: Intended Meaning

Zu An was currently at the Royal National Academy. Earlier that morning, Jiang Luofu had sent someone to inform him to come to the academy.

At first, Zu An was somewhat suspicious because, after all, Jiang Luofu's family was connected to King Qi's lineage, and he worried about a potential trap. However, he soon chuckled to himself. If he had to suspect even Jiang Luofu, life would be far too exhausting. He knew Jiang Luofu wouldn't suddenly seek him out at such a crucial moment, so he didn't hesitate. He simply changed his route and headed to the academy first. Besides, the Crown Prince's examination realm was located within the academy anyway, so it wouldn't delay important matters.

Today, Jiang Luofu wore a long, sea-blue dress with a split skirt that subtly revealed her long legs in black stockings. Zu An couldn't help but exclaim, "Sister, have no men pursued you all these years?"

"Of course," Jiang Luofu replied with a smile. "Violating a woman's will, using violence, coercion, or other means to force her into sexual activity constitutes rape, which, by law, is punishable by imprisonment of no less than three years and no more than ten years."

Zu An glanced at her captivating legs in black stockings and then said, "I think many men would consider spending three years for you a worthwhile trade."

Jiang Luofu said calmly, "Don't forget, according to the Great Zhou Law, victims have unlimited self-defense rights. I am usually quite kind, so I wouldn't go as far as taking someone's life, but confiscating their 'tool of crime' to prevent them from harming others in the future would suffice."

"Confiscate their 'tool of crime'?" Zu An felt a chill run down his legs. This woman spoke such terrifying words so casually.

Jiang Luofu continued, "Since I am a legalist and a law enforcer, every action I take naturally has a legal basis. Therefore, you don't need to question the reasonableness or legality of my actions."

Zu An couldn't help but ask, "I just heard you recite the Great Zhou Law, and it seems to refer to female victims. But what if a man is forced... or humiliated?"

Jiang Luofu paused. "You've stumped me there. Reasonably speaking, it's clearly an act of rape, but legally, it can't be prosecuted as such... Hmm, your question is very constructive. I'll find a way to propose an amendment to the relevant laws to the imperial court."

Zu An was speechless.

"There's no need to be so serious. I was just joking."

Jiang Luofu shook her head. "It might be a joke to you, but for a legalist and law enforcer, it is our responsibility to improve the law, lest innocent people are bullied and justice is not served."

Seeing the resolve in her eyes and the solemn glow on her face as she spoke, Zu An felt a surge of respect. Any romantic notions he had instantly vanished. "Then, on behalf of all my male compatriots, I thank you."

"It's my job; there's nothing to thank me for," Jiang Luofu smiled, then her expression suddenly became strange. "By the way, why did you suddenly think of such a rare scenario? Could it be that you once..."

"Pah!" Zu An immediately jumped up. "How could that be? I only bully others; no one bullies me."

A dangerous glint flashed in Jiang Luofu's eyes. "Don't you dare commit a crime under my watch, or your sister won't show you any mercy."

Zu An gave an awkward laugh. "How could someone as upright and noble as me do anything illegal or disorderly? By the way, Sister, did you specifically call me over for something?"

"Indeed," Jiang Luofu opened a nearby cabinet, took out a scroll of silk, and unrolled it. It was covered with various symbols, some areas marked with red exclamation points. "This is a map of the academy's secret realm. It contains detailed information about the terrain, environment, and distribution of fierce beasts within."

Zu An was surprised. "There's even a map?"

Jiang Luofu rolled her eyes. "Of course. This is the academy's secret realm, opened every few years for students to gain experience. The last time it opened was three years ago... As an academy teacher, I naturally know the situation inside. Other major powers probably also know about the realm, but their maps definitely aren't this detailed."

"Stay as far away as possible from the areas marked with red exclamation points. Do not approach them; they are too dangerous for you."

Zu An felt a warmth in his heart. "Ever since Brightmoon City, Sister, you've taken such good care of me. Now you've even specially prepared this for my safety. I truly have no way to repay you, unless... I offer myself."

Jiang Luofu was quite touched by his words at first, but upon hearing his last sentence, she couldn't help but laugh and scold him, "Get lost! How dare you make advances on your sister!"

After a few playful exchanges, Jiang Luofu suddenly spoke with some seriousness, "Once you're in the secret realm, no matter what happens, your first priority is to preserve your life. Don't be foolish or try to be a hero. Remember how many people are waiting for you outside."

Zu An blurted out, "Does that include you?"

Jiang Luofu paused, a hint of a dangerous smile appearing in her eyes. "Oh, you're quite something now. You've really grown up, teasing your sister at every opportunity."

"I was never small to begin with," Zu An snorted.

Jiang Luofu didn't catch his double entendre. "You're my good younger brother; of course, I want you to come out safely."

Zu An gazed at her elegant, cold face. Although she usually maintained a serious expression and exuded a powerful aura, his mind kept conjuring strange, suggestive images, making the atmosphere instantly awkward. He quickly dispelled these random thoughts and asked seriously, "Sister, do you know something?"

Jiang Luofu shook her head. "I've already told you what I can. I don't know anything else. Just remember that your safety is paramount."

Seeing that she was unwilling to say more, Zu An didn't press her, though countless possibilities flashed through his mind.

At this moment, Jiang Luofu stood up and said, "Follow me."

"Where are we going?" Zu An asked curiously.

Jiang Luofu didn't speak, simply leading the way, and Zu An followed. Despite his curiosity, admiring her graceful long legs in black stockings, revealed beneath her skirt as she walked, was quite a pleasing sight.

Jiang Luofu suddenly stopped ahead. Zu An faintly noticed a faint blush on her neck. She snorted, "You walk in front."

Zu An: "???"

"I don't even know where we're going."

"I'll guide you."

"Oh~"

Zu An was a little annoyed. Who was she guarding against? Wasn't it she who had once said she didn't mind being looked at, claiming it was an appreciation of her beauty? Women truly were deceivers.

The two of them walked in circles for a bit before soon arriving at a secluded courtyard. Seeing the black and white tiled floor, Zu An knew without asking that they had reached the territory of Hei Bai Zi.

At that moment, a handsome man with dark circles under his eyes was shaking his head, reciting from a chess manual. Seeing the two, tears almost welled up in his eyes instantly.

"Teacher Jiang, Ah Zu!"

"What happened to you?" Zu An was startled. Was this still the Xie Second Young Master who was even prettier than a woman? He looked utterly haggard, as if he'd been completely drained, and his hair seemed greasy, as if he hadn't washed it in days.

"My teacher plays chess with me every day, tormenting me day and night. Once he's had his fill, he goes back to rest, but I have to stay here memorizing chess manuals. I haven't closed my eyes in days..." Just as Xie Xiu was complaining, a chess piece flew out and hit him on the head.

Hei Bai Zi's lazy voice drifted over, "Speaking ill of your teacher behind his back again? Then you'll be penalized an extra hundred chess manuals."

Xie Xiu's face immediately fell, and tears welled up in his eyes.

Jiang Luofu smiled and comforted him, "Your teacher is doing this for your own good. This kind of training can expand your spiritual sea, leading to a qualitative improvement in your memory and computational abilities, which will allow you to cultivate the Chess Gate's techniques better."

Xie Xiu was stunned, clearly not having expected this reason.

"Eighth Junior Sister, why tell him all that? My intention was also to temper his character. This slick, pampered boy just needs more training. Now that you've revealed it, the effect will be diminished," Hei Bai Zi emerged, sounding quite displeased.

However, when he saw Zu An, his stern expression immediately turned eager. He quickly approached Zu An, saying, "So it's Mr. Zu! Quick, please come in! Let's play a game of chess. I've already found a way to solve our last match. Little Xie, why are you just standing there? Go make some tea!"

Xie Xiu wanted to cry but had no tears. He wondered why there was such a huge difference in treatment between people. He simply couldn't reconcile the fawning figure before him with his usually strict teacher. Just a few months ago, he had been drinking and chatting with Zu An, even offering him guidance and care. Who would have thought things would change so quickly?

Zu An quickly said, "I have to enter the secret realm with the Crown Prince today, so I'm afraid I won't have time for chess."

"Crown Prince or no Crown Prince, what's more important than chess?" Hei Bai Zi said indifferently.

Zu An was speechless. It seemed the academy's people didn't hold the royal family in high regard.

Jiang Luofu, standing nearby, lightly coughed. "Senior Brother, we actually came here to ask you for an item."