Chapter 342: The Legitimate Wife's Suspicion

A fervent longing flickered in Li Zhenjian's eyes. Long ago, he had been utterly captivated by the beautiful and voluptuous duchess, but knowing the immense difference in their social statuses, he dared not entertain such a presumptuous desire.

At most, he would secretly have his household concubines dress like Qin Wanru, style their hair similarly, and even apply the same perfume, all in the quiet of the night.

He would then treat them as Qin Wanru and indulge in wild passion.

Sadly, each time left him feeling utterly unfulfilled, as those concubines were worlds apart from the real Qin Wanru.

Perhaps heaven had sensed his earnest desire, for it had unexpectedly presented him with such an opportunity.

The Chu family had suffered such a devastating blow, with even Chu Zhongtian imprisoned. Now, his goddess was seeking his help—this was truly a godsend.

The woman who had once been beyond his reach now seemed almost within his grasp.

Just as his palm was about to touch her supple curves, a sharp pain shot through his hand. Her grip had clamped down on his wrist.

Qin Wanru turned and gazed at him with a frigid stare. "Patriarch Li, what do you think you are doing?"

Li Zhenjian offered an awkward smile. "Naturally, I was thinking of helping you, Madam."

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

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

"Shameless!" Qin Wanru trembled with rage. She had never imagined that the man who had always been so deferential in her presence would harbor such vile intentions.

*Slap!* She lashed out, her palm striking his face directly.

Too disgusted to utter another word to such a vile and shameless man, she simply turned and walked away.

Li Zhenjian touched his stinging cheek, then brought his hand to his nose, inhaling deeply with a look of rapture. He couldn't help but sigh, "What a delightful fragrance."

Just then, a secretary-like figure emerged from the back hall, expressing concern. "Patriarch, the Chu family is a ducal estate after all. Is it wise to offend Madam Chu so severely right now?"

Li Zhenjian snorted, "What ducal estate? It's nothing but a fading glory. The imperial court is determined to deal with the Chu family, and Governor Sang has personally intervened. How could the Chu family possibly stir up any trouble now?"

"But what if the unexpected happens…?" the secretary mused hesitantly.

"There are no 'what ifs'," Li Zhenjian waved him off. "Do you truly believe I'm so impulsive, so ruled by lust? How else could I have refused Qin Wanru's plea for help? Besides, this gives us an opportunity to completely sever ties with the Chu family, letting everyone know that our Li family is not associated with them, so we won't get caught in the crossfire later."

"Master is truly brilliant!" The secretary gave a thumbs-up, though he inwardly scoffed. *It's easy to sound clever,* he thought. *Did I not just see that perverted look on your face?*

Meanwhile, Zu An and his companions arrived at Mingyue Academy. Chu Hanzhao, of course, headed to her classroom for class.

Chu Chuyan and Zu An then proceeded to the principal's office to see Jiang Luofu.

After listening to Chu Chuyan's explanation, Jiang Luofu unconsciously shifted the position of her legs, drawing frequent sideways glances from someone nearby.

Jiang Luofu considered for a moment, then spoke. "First, I extend my deepest sympathy and understanding regarding Duke Mingyue's plight. However, your Chu family did indeed violate imperial law this time. The academy system has always refrained from interfering in local political affairs, and it would likely be inconvenient for the academy to intervene in this matter."

In truth, Chu Chuyan had anticipated this. If Mingyue Academy were to offer assistance now, it would be an open defiance of the imperial will.

She had initially hoped that the academy system, being inherently independent, might not be so intimidated by such a stance.

Combined with their personal relationship with the Chu family, she thought they might extend a helping hand.

Unfortunately, the outcome still disappointed her.

"In that case, we apologize for disturbing you, Principal," Chu Chuyan said, forcing a smile. If even an academy with such close ties was unwilling to help, then other avenues would likely be even more fruitless.

Zu An shook his head. Chu Chuyan was exceptional in every way, but having been outstanding since childhood, she sometimes placed too much importance on appearances.

At a time like this, she was still preoccupied with noble etiquette and decorum.

So he directly intervened, stepping forward to address Jiang Luofu. "Beautiful Principal, I must say, you're in the wrong here."

"A'Zu," Chu Chuyan quickly pulled him back. She knew that Principal Jiang was incredibly powerful and held extraordinary status in Mingyue City. Even if she wasn't willing to help, at least she wasn't hostile towards the Chu family. Provoking her now would truly be counterproductive.

Zu An patted her hand, signaling her to relax.

Jiang Luofu, still seated on the sofa, calmly stated, "How am I in the wrong?"

Zu An took a step forward, his gaze suddenly sharpening. Today, Jiang Luofu was wearing shimmering flesh-toned stockings, her beautiful legs exuding a captivating glow. Coupled with her decorative tortoiseshell glasses and crisp uniform…

She was truly a deadly enchantress!

He quickly composed himself, suppressing his scattered thoughts, and spoke in a deep voice. "As far as I know, Duke Mingyue has been quite generous to you, Principal Jiang, over the years. And the Chu family also donates large sums of money and resources to the academy annually. Yet now, with the Chu family in such distress, you, Principal Jiang, are standing idly by."

"I haven't been at Mingyue Academy for long," he continued, "but I understand that the academy emphasizes repaying kindness and reciprocating favors. By acting as you are now, aren't you essentially shaming the academy itself? How will you have the moral authority to teach students about righteous conduct in the future?"

"A'Zu…" Chu Chuyan's heart pounded in her throat. She hadn't expected him to speak so unreservedly, but it was too late to stop him now.

Jiang Luofu's eyes narrowed as she rose. Her tall, commanding figure didn't yield an inch before Zu An, and her aura was undeniably superior. "Very well," she stated, "it's been a long time since anyone dared to speak to me like that."

As she spoke, she advanced towards him, radiating an oppressive aura that made even Chu Chuyan instinctively step back, unable to endure it.

Zu An swallowed hard, feeling the pressure even more intensely as he was directly in its path. Yet, his innate stubbornness flared, refusing to show weakness before a woman.

He therefore steeled himself, puffed out his chest, and stood his ground like a nail hammered into the floor, not retreating an inch.

Although Jiang Luofu's formidable aura was powerful, it still couldn't compare to Mi Li's back then.

Having even survived Mi Li's ordeal, how could he possibly fail to endure this?

Jiang Luofu had expected him to step back, but to her surprise, he remained rooted to the spot. Her forward step brought her right into him, their lips barely an inch apart.

With a quick reaction, she lightly pushed off her toes and swiftly retreated, creating distance between them.

A faint blush, whether from embarrassment or anger, colored her usually pale and stern face.

At that moment, Chu Chuyan quickly stepped forward to explain, "Principal, A'Zu's action was unintentional. Please don't take offense."

Jiang Luofu waved a hand. "Don't worry, I'm not that petty. Besides, he and I are more familiar with each other than you might think."

Chu Chuyan looked utterly astonished. Principal Jiang's tone was as if she were speaking of a friend. How could A'Zu possibly have such a connection with someone so high above him?

Zu An also smiled. "Just now, seeing the beautiful principal's icy expression, I thought you were going to turn your back on us and disavow any connection."

Jiang Luofu glared at him. "I'll deal with you later."

She then turned to Chu Chuyan. "Chuyan, I had initially considered not publicly assisting you in the academy's name, but rather privately as an individual. However, A'Zu's words have given me a valid reason for the academy to step in and offer assistance."

"However, this academy is not solely mine, and many decisions aren't made by me alone. Therefore, I can't offer extensive help, but I can provide a donation of around one million taels."

Chu Chuyan was both surprised and overjoyed. "Thank you, Principal!"

This amount was far beyond her expectations.

Jiang Luofu smiled faintly. "Additionally, I will travel to Riyue City to speak with Governor Sang and see if the penalties for this incident can be reduced."

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

Jiang Luofu smiled subtly. "Don't thank me. You should be grateful for having a good husband."

After they exited the office, Chu Chuyan scrutinized Zu An from head to toe. After a long moment, she spoke with a complex expression, "Is there something going on between you and Principal Jiang...?"

A reader promised to become an Alliance Master (a top-tier patron) if I published four chapters. It seems they mentioned this last time when I published three. I'd love to release four chapters, but unfortunately, I'm not capable right now; my head is already spinning. I hope there will be another opportunity… I'm going to go cry for a bit first.