Regarding the Letter of Repentance matter, Lord Jianzheng lost both face and dignity completely, but fortunately, his wife stayed.

Huang Rang unpacked the bundle she had tied up, preparing to return the items inside to their original places.

Just as she began organizing, someone beside her took out her skirts from the bundle and hung them up neatly.

Huang Rang turned her head and saw Di Yiqiu expressionless, silently working.

Neither of them spoke anymore as they quietly tidied the study quarters.

When all the items had returned to their original places, Lord Jianzheng finally pulled out a list from his chest and handed it to Huang Rang. Huang Rang awkwardly took a long while before accepting it and asking: “What is this?”

She lowered her head to look. This list seemed to be an inventory of family property, listed in great detail.

Lord Jianzheng said nonchalantly: “The betrothal gift list. I’m showing it to you first. If you have no objections, in a couple days I’ll go to formally propose.”

“This is the betrothal gift list?” Huang Rang was shocked.

“What else?” Di Yiqiu asked back.

After all, Huang Rang had been married once and wasn’t unfamiliar with such things. She immediately laughed in exasperation: “Anyone who doesn’t know better would think this is a registration booklet after confiscating property! Betrothal gifts don’t require all this.”

Lord Jianzheng said: “It’ll all end up in your hands sooner or later anyway. What’s the difference?”

“Hmph!” Huang Rang read through the list several times, then suddenly asked: “You don’t have to pay silver for your official residence, right?”

“No.” Di Yiqiu frowned. “The court provides it, with four servants.”

Huang Rang said happily: “Then after we marry, I’ll move into your official residence. These study quarters are so run-down, and they still cost five taels of silver a month!”

Lord Jianzheng reminded her: “The official residence is small.”

“What’s wrong with small? It’s the court’s wool anyway—it would be a waste not to fleece it.” Huang Rang calculated enthusiastically.

Lord Jianzheng corrected her: “What court’s wool? Every bit and piece is the people’s fat and the people’s blood.”

“Yes, yes, yes.” Huang Rang said. “Well, if we live outside, we’d still have to buy a residence, hire servants—inside and out, it would all cost silver. We’re both quite busy, where would we have time to manage servants?”

As she spoke, she sat cross-legged on the bed. Lord Jianzheng also sat by the bedside and said: “True.”

Huang Rang casually placed her feet on his legs and said: “Your food, clothing, housing, and travel—the court allocates silver for all of it, right?”

Lord Jianzheng frowned and said: “I haven’t calculated in detail. But I do live at Si Tianjian and indeed have never spent any silver.”

“The court is really the best.” Huang Rang sighed. “Now I’m leading the Breeding Institute’s students, which counts as meritorious service. Getting a half-official position wouldn’t be too much, would it?”

Lord Jianzheng’s hand pressed on her ankle, gently loosening her joints as he said: “Though that’s true, the court’s selection of officials has strict systems. If you want to hold office at Si Tianjian, you still need to be selected according to regulations.”

Huang Rang was dissatisfied: “Isn’t this just a matter of one word from you?”

Lord Jianzheng had his principles. He said: “Rules are rules.”

Huang Rang could only say: “Then if I take office at the Breeding Institute, what position could I hold, and how much salary would I get?”

When it came to official business, Lord Jianzheng became very serious.

He pondered for a long while and said: “If you take office, at most you’d be appointed as an instructor under Institute Director Zong. But… if it were Di Sanmeng, that would be different.”

He mentioned Di Sanmeng. The two looked at each other for a moment, both spirits lifting.

Di Yiqiu said: “Di Sanmeng’s current reputation has reached divine status among the people, quite on par with surpassing Old Master Xi’s momentum. If he enters Si Tianjian, the court’s prestige will certainly rise with the tide.”

Huang Rang wasn’t interested in this. She asked: “Just say how much salary the court can give!”

Lord Jianzheng didn’t state it explicitly, only saying: “When His Majesty invited Bao Wu into Si Tianjian, his monthly salary was fifty thousand taels, plus he was granted a noble title and fief. His food, clothing, housing, and travel are all fully covered by Si Tianjian. With Di Sanmeng’s reputation, it would only be more, not less.”

Huang Rang calculated briefly, her face full of fury: “That means I’ve wasted at least six hundred thousand taels of silver each year?! And I’ve wasted eighteen years?!”

Di Yiqiu chuckled softly and continued massaging her ankle bit by bit.

Today she wore white silk stockings. The Jianzheng was possessed by ghosts and spirits—he somewhat wanted to remove them.

He controlled his hands and said: “Now the breeding families stand united. If Di Sanmeng is willing to enter Si Tianjian, it will be a blessing for all the people under heaven. If you’re willing, I’ll petition the court.”

“What’s there to hesitate about?” Huang Rang didn’t think twice, then murmured: “Who would have thought this young lady would one day eat the court’s salary.”

The Jianzheng leisurely massaged her feet. After a long while he said: “But not buying a residence, not keeping slaves—I’m afraid it will be too crude…”

Huang Rang waved her small hand, completely unconcerned: “Why worry about these things? Before, I always lived alone—the place was big and cold and lonely. After we marry, I want to huddle with you in one small room. When we look up, we can see each other.”

“Before? Big and cold and lonely?” The Jianzheng frowned, not quite understanding her words.

Huang Rang leaned over again and said: “Let’s invite all the guests we can, right? Collect more gift money. Si Tianjian will have plenty of places to spend money in the future!”

Thinking of the puppets Lord Jianzheng would personally forge in the future—one super-grade alone cost four hundred million spirit stones.

Huang Rang’s heart ached so much she wanted to jump into the sea.

Lord Jianzheng acknowledged with a sound. The two nestled together for a long time without speaking.

After a while, Huang Rang nudged Di Yiqiu with her shoulder and asked: “What are you thinking about?”

Lord Jianzheng said: “I’m thinking about how many invitations to send out.” After speaking, he turned and asked: “What about you?”

Huang Rang said: “I’m thinking that seeing you first thing every morning when I wake up must be a very happy thing.”

The Jianzheng froze, then slowly turned his head. Light shone in Huang Rang’s eyes, brilliant as stars. He gently cupped her face and saw her skin was crystalline and clear, her cheeks flawless. Those lips were pink as peach blossoms.

Di Yiqiu didn’t know when he leaned in. His lips barely touched hers when an electric current seemed to suddenly surge through him, his whole body tingling.

He abruptly turned his head away and released Huang Rang.

Lord Jianzheng stood up, shook out his robes, his tone serious and upright like an old pedant. He said: “This seat will go to the Ministry of Rites right now to press them about the marriage proposal matter.”

Having spoken, he strode out of the study quarters and hurried toward the Ministry of Rites.

Huang Rang jumped down from the bed, walked to the doorway, and leaned against the door watching his hurried steps.

This person, really…

So earnest.

She thought for a long time before using these two words to describe her future husband.

At the Ministry of Rites, Minister Zhuo was being bothered to death.

This was the Jianzheng’s fourth visit.

Minister Zhuo still greeted him with a smiling face. Before the Jianzheng could speak, he said: “Jianzheng, rest assured. Your marriage matter—we subordinates have already reported it to the palace. Now we’re just waiting for His Majesty’s approval, then we can arrange your proposal.”

“His Majesty hasn’t approved yet?” Lord Jianzheng was clearly anxious from waiting.

Minister Zhuo could only tactfully remind him: “Jianzheng, we only submitted it yesterday…”

And you’ve already asked four times!

Lord Jianzheng didn’t pick up on this at all, only saying: “Is that so? Then this official will come check again this afternoon.”

“Uh…” Minister Zhuo could barely maintain the smile on his face.

This was really… quite unnecessary.

Sigh, young people are just impatient, can’t stay calm at all…

That same afternoon, news spread from Si Tianjian that the Jianzheng wanted to formally hire Master Di Sanmeng as Head Instructor for the Breeding Institute.

Di Sanmeng’s current prestige among the people far exceeded any other family. Including the Xi family.

If he took office with the court, Si Tianjian would undoubtedly have wings added to its tiger.

And the court clearly took this matter very seriously.

Officials from other ministries had always been quite averse to Si Tianjian.

Only in this matter did everyone support it enthusiastically.

The improved varieties Di Sanmeng cultivated were different from the flashy ones of other families.

For eighteen years, he had dedicated himself to cultivating staple grains.

Moreover, his fundamentals were exceptionally solid. Every improved variety he cultivated truly benefited the common people.

Now Di Sanmeng’s seeds needed no court mobilization whatsoever—countless people would scramble for them naturally.

Only after his seeds sold out would it be other families’ turn to sell seeds.

How could people not resent this?

And now, such a formidable figure was going to serve the court.

When Old Master Xi got the news, he didn’t eat for a whole day. The other families weren’t much better off.

And naturally, the court wanted to make a grand affair of such a triumphant matter.

Emperor Shi Wenyu, who had been silently cultivating in Yuanrong Tower, actually decreed that he would personally bestow upon Di Sanmeng an imperially-granted golden plaque reading “Head Instructor of All Under Heaven.”

To let the common people also witness this grand occasion, the court erected a high platform at Wugu Altar in the southern suburbs of the capital. Three days later, His Majesty would personally bestow the plaque on Di Sanmeng. They proclaimed that all common people could attend the ceremony.

For a time, the common people’s idle conversation all revolved around this matter.

Yuhu Immortal Sect.

Xie Lingbi had been devoted to bitter cultivation. But today, Luofu Hall welcomed a rare guest.

“Huaiyi is someone who never visits the temple without cause.” Xie Lingbi wore an ambiguous smile on his face. Sitting opposite his visitor, he said: “Coming today, surely it’s not to reminisce about old times.”

Opposite him, Old Master Xi sighed and said: “If it weren’t truly difficult, how would I trouble Ancestor Lingbi.”

“What ancestor?” Xie Lingbi sneered coldly. “Just a useless old fellow.”

Old Master Xi said: “I won’t beat around the bush with you. You must have heard about Di Sanmeng pledging allegiance to the court.”

“Of course I heard.” Xie Lingbi poured him a cup of tea and said, “The immortal sects aren’t peaceful either—full of worldly affairs.”

Old Master Xi said: “Di Sanmeng cannot pledge allegiance to the court. We earth spirits have finally formed an alliance to stand together. All these years, precisely because the breeding families have been solid as a fortress, Shi Wenyu has been helpless.”

Xie Lingbi wasn’t interested in the grievances between breeding families and the court. After all, what did it have to do with him?

Nothing but dogs biting dogs.

His voice was calm: “The families and the court both exist for the common people. Just negotiate properly.”

Old Master Xi cursed inwardly but still smiled on the surface: “Lingbi jests. Some grudges—how can negotiation resolve them? Today I’ve come because there truly is something to discuss. These years, for the immortal herbs and spiritual medicines Yuhu Immortal Sect needs specially cultivated, the Xi family has not been vague.”

“Indeed not vague.” Xie Lingbi didn’t yield an inch. “But Yuhu Immortal Sect’s compensation to the families has also not been vague.”

Old Master Xi knew what kind of person this was and immediately said: “If Lingbi helps me this once, then from now on, Yuhu Immortal Sect’s compensation to the families can be vague.”

Xie Lingbi paused slightly. He had only stepped down from the sect master position a few years ago. He knew what kind of promise Old Master Xi was making.

Old Master Xi saw his reaction and knew he was tempted, so he smiled and said: “Speaking of which, with Di Sanmeng, the court’s strength will likely greatly increase. Lingbi doesn’t know this, but Di Sanmeng already has shrines widely spread among the people. Those who worship him come in endless streams—the incense offerings are extremely vigorous.”

Xie Lingbi pondered for a long while, then said: “What do you intend?”

Old Master Xi said: “Eliminate Di Sanmeng. As long as this is accomplished, from now on, the Xi family will cultivate immortal herbs for Yuhu Immortal Sect… no, for Brother Lingbi, without collecting any compensation.”

Old Master Xi’s offer this time was truly too generous.

So much so that even Xie Lingbi began to be tempted. He pondered for a while. Old Master Xi added: “Only this matter—I’m afraid it must be hidden from Sect Master Xie. Last time, this old man intended to eliminate that girl Huang Rang but was righteously rescued by Sect Master Xie.”

His words had hidden meaning. Xie Lingbi naturally understood.

Xie Hongchen would absolutely never agree to this matter.

He sighed and said: “Hongchen, this child, is too magnanimous.”

Old Master Xi said: “Precisely. Then this matter is settled?”

Xie Lingbi lifted his teacup and drank with him.

Three days later, southern suburbs of the capital, Wugu Altar.

This had originally been the imperial place to pray for bountiful harvests. Now a high platform had long been erected.

People from all directions came to watch the excitement. Countless people had been waiting here since the news was released, just to catch a glimpse of Master Di Sanmeng’s true appearance.

Even the curious from the immortal sects came rushing over.

Miao Yunzhi, He Xijin, Wu Zichou, Zhang Shujiu—these people naturally had to attend.

After all, Di Sanmeng had saved countless people from fire and flood. Everyone coming to the scene counted as boosting popularity.

On this day, Shi Wenyu’s ceremonial procession came this way. The surroundings were already packed with onlookers.

Bao Wu led Baihu Division’s elite guards patrolling the perimeter.

“Where is Master Di Sanmeng?” Such inquiries filled the crowd.

But no one could provide an answer.

Heads bobbed everywhere around them—truly dizzying.

When the auspicious hour arrived, Minister Zhuo of the Ministry of Rites personally recited the sacrificial text. First praising the Son of Heaven’s virtuous rule, turning calamity to fortune, safely weathering disaster years. Then enumerating Si Tianjian’s achievements over its four years of establishment.

Then he mentioned Di Sanmeng’s personal history.

The common people still looked around everywhere, only wanting to glimpse Di Sanmeng. They didn’t care about these ceremonial formalities.

Huang Rang had long since changed into black robes. She still wore a black gauze veil hat. Appearing before the emperor like this was actually discourteous. But Shi Wenyu didn’t take offense, so naturally others didn’t say more.

—Di Sanmeng’s current status and position allowed him to act as he pleased.

The outside sacrificial announcements and congratulatory memorials were extremely lengthy. Huang Rang waited until she wanted to yawn.

Finally, Di Yiqiu entered and said: “Follow me!”

So Huang Rang followed him all the way out of the curtains erected by the court.

“They’re coming, they’re coming!” The people outside called out!

Huang Rang followed Di Yiqiu step by step up onto the high platform.

“This is Master Di Sanmeng? Why is their face covered?” Someone said quietly.

Someone else explained: “These years the master must have encountered countless dangers. Better not to show their face.”

However, if some understood, naturally others questioned: “He’s covered so thoroughly, how do we know if it’s really Di Sanmeng? Could the court be using his venerable name to randomly grab someone to fill in?”

The observers debated amongst themselves, but Huang Rang followed Di Yiqiu and finally ascended the high platform.

On the high platform stood a person in imperial robes, wearing a crown. Between his brows was the majesty of the Son of Heaven. This was Emperor Shi Wenyu.

When Huang Rang saw him, she nearly tripped over her own hem.

—This man inexplicably made her feel familiar!

At this moment, Shi Wenyu spoke, each word exploding like thunder in Huang Rang’s ears: “Master Di Sanmeng, I have long admired you.”

This familiar voice—Huang Rang’s right hand clenched tightly. Inexplicably she reached into her sleeve and grasped that transparent tea needle!

The man she had seen twice before in dreams at the tower top was actually Emperor Shi Wenyu!

Huang Rang had too many doubts, but this time and place were not where answers could be found.

She gave Shi Wenyu a shallow bow, counting it as completing the ceremony.

Shi Wenyu didn’t take offense either. He smiled in praise: “Master has cultivated beam rice, planted bitter lotus—over a dozen years serving country and people. Making it so a once-in-a-century drought didn’t claim our people’s property or lives. You deserve this golden plaque from me.”

Having spoken, he waved his hand. Someone carried over a golden plaque. On it, the four characters “Head Instructor of All Under Heaven” gleamed with golden brilliance.

Huang Rang bowed to him again, her heart a tangled mess.

What was strange about this emperor?

Why could he draw her into this bizarre dream?

She was lost in thought when suddenly, a sword broke through the wind behind her!

Bao Wu roared furiously and came this way. Huang Rang turned and blocked the attacker’s assault with her sword. Then both she and this assassin froze.

Heart Sword!

What Huang Rang held was precisely Yuhu Immortal Sect’s supreme sword technique!

This assassin’s sword was quite ordinary.

After his momentary shock, he exchanged moves rapidly with Huang Rang. Huang Rang quickly recognized this person’s techniques—Xie Lingbi!

She understood this person far too well.

Sure enough, after exchanging thirty moves with her, Xie Lingbi was also greatly shocked in his heart.

This Di Sanmeng not only used Yuhu Immortal Sect’s supreme technique but also knew his moves and sword techniques like the back of their hand.

He even suspected this person had already seen through his identity!

The people below were already in an uproar, and court guards had already surrounded the assassin layer upon layer.

Shi Wenyu retreated to the side, leisurely watching the scene.

Unable to prevail after prolonged fighting, Xie Lingbi broke out in a cold sweat.

If he didn’t use Heart Sword, ordinary magical treasures simply couldn’t deal with Huang Rang’s Heart Sword.

But if he summoned Heart Sword, his identity would certainly be exposed beyond doubt.

Of course, he had another choice!

With a furious roar, his body suddenly transformed into a mass of black clouds. Within the black clouds, countless skulls with fangs protruding, hideous and terrifying!

Soul Demon Ghost Scripture!

He finally revealed this evil technique!

Huang Rang was knocked back by his energy. She retreated backward as skulls lunged at her. Breaking through her sword wind, tearing and biting, Huang Rang’s black gauze veil hat shattered!

Her long hair scattered, revealing her smooth face beneath.

The people cried out in surprise, but Huang Rang had no time to cover her face!

She swung her sword in resistance. The skulls formed from black mist multiplied.

Even so, she clearly sensed that Xie Lingbi’s evil technique now was far less powerful than outside the dream!

Why such a vast difference?

Could it only be because outside the dream he had possessed Xie Hongchen’s body?

Huang Rang couldn’t figure it out, but she didn’t have extra time to think.

She knew far too little about this Soul Demon Ghost Scripture.

She struggled left and right until Bao Wu came to her rescue.

The two fought together, and the pressure suddenly decreased.

At this moment, Lord Jianzheng took out a bow and a golden arrow from his storage artifact.

He drew the bow, nocked the arrow, aimed at Xie Lingbi, and shot through the clouds!

A light sound like a silver bottle breaking—the golden arrow entered the clouds, scattering light.

The black skulls shrieked in pain as if burned.

Indeed, now this demonic technique had much less power.

At least outside the dream, Di Yiqiu had no magical treasure that could do anything to him.

Huang Rang was puzzled in her heart. Before her, Xie Lingbi had suffered a hidden loss and didn’t continue fighting. He turned to escape, but at this moment, He Xijin, Wu Zichou, Zhang Shujiu and others had already surrounded him.

In an instant, he was trapped in encirclement.

Xie Lingbi looked toward Shi Wenyu in the distance and suddenly roared violently. The black skulls scattered abruptly, transforming into masses of ghost fire!

The ghost fire scattered in all directions, rushing toward the watching common people.

Everyone could only form arrays to protect the mortals.

Only then could Xie Lingbi break through the obstruction and escape.

At this moment, someone in the crowd roared angrily: “Huang Rang! You actually dared impersonate Master Di Sanmeng and deceive the court?!”

The common people were still shaken. After this angry roar, some people reacted and looked toward Master Di Sanmeng’s true face.

Huang Rang stood at the edge of the high platform in black robes, her long hair scattered to her waist.

Even He Xijin and others were stunned and dazed. After a long while, Miao Yunzhi said angrily: “Stinking girl, how dare you impersonate a great sage!”

Sigh.

Huang Rang didn’t know how many times she’d cursed Xie Lingbi.

—If there’s ever a Di Sanmeng the Fourth, this old lady will dig up your ancestral grave!

She looked toward He Xijin. After a long while, she forced out a smile: “Uncle, actually I am Di Sanmeng.”

He Xijin hadn’t yet recovered from his shock. From the crowd, Old Master Xi led a group of earth spirit family patriarchs and elders this way.

“You say you are Di Sanmeng?” Old Master Xi’s expression was icy as he smiled. “Simply the most absurd thing under heaven!”

The other patriarchs and elders also laughed mockingly.

Huang Shiyi even said: “In my opinion, Si Tianjian simply couldn’t find Di Sanmeng, so they found a girl to impersonate him and claim credit before His Majesty, right?”

Sha Jingyuan also turned to address the common people: “Everyone, don’t be deceived by this girl. Di Sanmeng appeared eighteen years ago. How old is this girl now? Could it be that back then, a girl of just a few years old could already breed famous varieties for you?”

The watching common people didn’t answer.

After all, they really couldn’t be sure.

Old Master Xi even pointed his sword directly at Huang Rang: “The charade has been exposed. Why don’t you beg His Majesty’s forgiveness?”

Huang Rang looked at these people—You lot have truly exhausted all this old lady’s patience.

She stood perfectly straight, scanning the crowd, her voice resonant: “Everyone, this humble person is precisely Di Sanmeng. Eighteen years ago, I came to the capital and enrolled at Si Tianjian’s Breeding Institute. Seeing the people’s suffering and the families’ refusal to give seeds to independent farmers, on a whim I took the name Di Sanmeng and cultivated improved varieties.”

Her voice was calm. Someone below asked: “What proof do you have?”

He asked what everyone cared most about. In an instant, myriad gazes shot toward Huang Rang.

Huang Rang walked before Di Yiqiu, reached out to pull a carbon pencil from his waist. She strode to the high platform and casually drew on the white curtain.

Zong Zigui hurried forward. After looking for a long while, he said: “This—this is Master Di Sanmeng’s seal!”

Seals were often a breeding master’s mark.

The common people were still skeptical. Those close by came forward to examine it closely. After a long while, someone said: “I’ve used Master Di Sanmeng’s seeds. This is indeed his venerable seal!”

Such voices grew more numerous. When people looked again at the beauty on the platform, their gazes immediately became complex.

Huang Rang took out an item from her storage artifact. After unfolding it, she said: “This is the property deed for an old residence in the capital. This deed dates precisely from eighteen years ago.”

Seeing this deed, the crowd stirred even more.

Huang Rang scanned the crowd and said: “Everyone, Di Sanmeng is me, yet also is not me. It comes from elders’ teachings, from the immortal sects’ righteousness, from the people’s suffering, from the emperor’s realm and altars. For many years, the earth spirit families have taken pride in keeping improved varieties from independent farmers. But today, I will devote myself to Si Tianjian and break these old rules.”

Everyone paused, then quickly understood what these words meant.

In an instant, cheers rose like mountains calling and seas roaring.

Huang Rang looked at the excited crowd, but her heart was beating like a drum…

Enjoy being surrounded by ten thousand people to your heart’s content. When you return home, you probably won’t escape a sound beating.