Honestly, Qu Manci wasn’t the only one who thought Di Yiqiu had a problem.

Even He Xijin, Zhang Shujiu, Wu Zichou, and the others, upon seeing Huang Rang, all felt this Director of Si Tianjian probably had some strange fetish. A single man who had reached marriageable age but didn’t consider marriage—fine if there were no warblers and swallows around him.

But to dress up a woman who couldn’t move so… magnificently—his psychology probably wasn’t normal at all.

Yet Di Yiqiu remained composed and calm. After meeting the Qu sisters, he began discussing the dream with He Xijin and the others.

Everyone’s expressions were very serious—just last night, everyone had the same dream, and even the Qu sisters were no exception. At this time, Madam He said: “This dream was from ten years ago, precisely during the days when my youngest son had his coming-of-age ceremony. Does the Director remember that back then I also mentioned to my husband about bringing my younger sister to visit?”

Only then did Di Yiqiu recall that indeed, ten years ago, He Xijin and the others had come to his door once. It was precisely about this wife’s sister’s marriage. However, at that time, Di Yiqiu had politely declined and they hadn’t met.

But in the dream, in order to keep He Xijin and the other two to help, he had agreed.

“What strange occurrence is this? Simply unheard of.” Zhang Shujiu also murmured.

At this time, Li Lu walked in. Seeing his Director’s “makeup,” he also froze, but then calmly said: “Director, just now this subordinate sent people into the inner city to question the city’s residents. Last night everyone had a strange dream, and in the dream it was precisely events from ten years ago.”

As he spoke, he took out a written record and presented it.

Di Yiqiu flipped through a few pages and casually passed it to He Xijin and the others.

Opening it, they found the times were indisputable. Moreover, in the dream everyone suddenly returned to ten years ago, without any memories from outside the dream. Within the dream, everyone still discussed the events at Yuhu Xuanzong. The incidents were interwoven and interlinked, as if time had folded back ten years—how could people not be shocked?

He Xijin said: “Dream-dream-dream…”

Zhang Shujiu took over: “In the dream, we three brothers came to the capital and passed by Taihe Restaurant, where we dined. So when we came this time, we also went to find the restaurant attendant. That attendant likewise remembered that in the dream he had served us three.”

This was truly very ominous.

Even Huang Rang, listening to them talk from the side, thought so.

When things were abnormal, there must be demons involved. But what demonic art could be so powerful as to plunge the entire world into the same dream?! And after waking, everyone clearly remembered events from the dream as if they had personally experienced them?

Everyone was at a loss, until Di Yiqiu said: “Within this dream realm, things seem to have originated from Yuhu Xuanzong. This seat would like to entrust several seniors to make a trip to Yuhu Xuanzong.”

This was natural. Yuhu Xuanzong was the foremost sect among the immortal sects. And from the current perspective, it was possibly the origin of the strange dream. They certainly couldn’t stand by with folded arms when such a major incident had occurred.

He Xijin nodded repeatedly and said: “Xie-Xie-Xie…”

Zhang Shujiu was responsible for explaining: “Moreover, within the dream realm, Xie Lingbi and Xie Hongchen were successively severely injured. We don’t know if, after waking from the dream, there might be any effects on them.”

Di Yiqiu secretly approved and said: “What the two seniors think coincides exactly with this seat’s thoughts. Among them, Xie Lingbi and Xie Hongchen have profound cultivation—they might conceal it. But please, three seniors, you must see Xie Yuanshu. In the dream realm, Xie Yuanshu was besieged and killed by us. His foundation is shallow—if he’s injured, there will definitely be traces.”

The matter was thus decided. Everyone had no objections. However, Qu Manying said: “My husband and the two uncles are going to Yuhu Xuanzong. We womenfolk wouldn’t be appropriate to go. Why not impose on Si Tianjian for a day? I wonder if it’s convenient for the Director?”

Clearly, she still intended to have her younger sister spend time with Di Yiqiu.

—After all, Qu Manying had a notorious reputation, and Qu Manci was truly having difficulty finding a match. Now she was getting older, and the Qu family was very worried. As for Di Yiqiu—his status, position, and appearance were all very suitable.

It was just his words and actions… seemed a bit effeminate…

Since Madam He had spoken, naturally Di Yiqiu wouldn’t refuse. He immediately said: “Naturally. The capital is prosperous. I can accompany Madam and Sister Manci to enjoy the sights.”

His voice was truly soft and gentle. Huang Rang clearly saw Qu Manci shiver. But Madam He was still all smiles, saying: “Then we must trouble the Director.”

Di Yiqiu immediately stood up. Qu Manci finally couldn’t help but ask: “May I ask the Director, who is this young lady?!”

She pointed at Huang Rang in the wheelchair and asked.

Her question didn’t matter, but He Xijin immediately tensed up. All three men’s hearts leapt to their throats.

If Huang Rang’s identity was exposed, Di Yiqiu would inevitably have to explain her origins. If he gave up the three of them, everyone would suffer!

—Three grown men, secretly infiltrating Yuhu Xuanzong to steal away a person. And what they stole was the sect’s world-renowned Sect Leader’s wife!

Never mind that the three were great powers and sages in the immortal sects—when they got home, none of them would have it easy. They could look forward to kneeling on washboards!

Before Di Yiqiu could speak, He Xijin rushed to say first: “Right-right, this-this-this…”

This time Wu Zichou wouldn’t fall behind either. He continued his eldest brother’s words, saying: “Right. The Director hasn’t introduced her yet. This young lady is…”

Zhang Shujiu was even more desperately making eyes at Di Yiqiu, his entire face in chaos: “Indeed, this young lady looks unfamiliar!”

How could Di Yiqiu not understand? He calmly explained, saying: “She… is just a treasure I forged when extremely bored. Only because I used fine materials, she closely resembles a real person.”

At these words, He Xijin and the others naturally breathed a sigh of relief, but the Qu sisters’ expressions became even more strange.

—You had nothing better to do than forge such a beautiful fake doll, carefully dress her up every day, and carry her around with you—what are your intentions?!

Yet Di Yiqiu seemed completely unaware. He simply opened a box of hand cream. His left hand grasped Huang Rang’s fingertips while his right hand took some hand cream and gently applied it to the back of her hand. He presented a perfect picture of obsessive devotion, treasuring her like a precious jewel.

Li Lu couldn’t watch anymore. Huang Rang was even more speechless—do you know how creepy this looks?

But Di Yiqiu remained enthusiastic: “This afternoon I happen to be free. I’ll take Madam and Miss Manci to tour the inner city.”

Uh… Qu Manying glanced at her younger sister. Qu Manci shook her head. Qu Manying could only hesitate before saying: “We dare not trouble the Director. My sister and I can tour on our own.”

This was clearly a refusal. Di Yiqiu showed slight regret but still said in a falsetto voice: “Since that’s the case, I dare not insist. All expenses for Madam and your sister, please charge to Si Tianjian’s account, allowing me to fulfill my duty as host.”

Madam He naturally thanked him and left together with her sister. Seeing this, He Xijin and the others were greatly disappointed. But fortunately, the matter of the dream couldn’t be taken lightly. The three immediately took their leave and departed for Yuhu Xuanzong.

After the group left, Di Yiqiu had hot water brought and carefully washed his face clean.

Then he stopped speaking in a falsetto, and when drinking tea no longer raised his pinky finger. He turned to Li Lu and said: “Strengthen surveillance of the Nine-Curve Spirit Eye. Closely monitor Yuhu Xuanzong.”

Li Lu bowed and said: “This subordinate will handle it immediately.”

After he left, Di Yiqiu came to Huang Rang’s side and said softly: “So this afternoon I’ll take you to tour the inner city, alright?”

Huang Rang could see clearly now—he had done it deliberately. It seemed he had little interest in becoming one of the “Four Heroes Who Fear Their Wives.”

Since he wanted to tour the capital, naturally Huang Rang couldn’t refuse. She could only silently answer: “Fine.”

When she first woke from the dream, her heart was full of sorrow and resentment, even nurturing thoughts of death. But Di Yiqiu had kept her with him all day. Following him here and there, her heart actually felt somewhat better.

Di Yiqiu was also straightforward. Having said he’d take her out to play, he went out the door.

Outside the main gate of Baihu Si was Yongshou Street in the inner city. Named Eternal Longevity, it actually sold all sorts of inauspicious items like incense, candles, coffins, and burial clothes. This was because prisoners who entered Baihu Si were mostly doomed. Over the years, countless people had died inside.

Baihu Si was an evil prison, so naturally the outer street was also inauspicious.

Huang Rang sat in the wheelchair. Di Yiqiu held an umbrella and pushed her forward.

These paper and candle shops naturally weren’t much to browse.

But walking further ahead was Jiangxin Studio. Di Yiqiu pushed Huang Rang inside, and the shopkeeper immediately came forward. His gaze swept across Huang Rang’s face. Clearly he’d never seen such a strange customer and was momentarily stunned. But he quickly recovered his smile: “This official, are you looking to pick out some jewelry for your lady?”

Di Yiqiu made an acknowledging sound and took Huang Rang to look at various types of jewelry on the shelves.

That heart of Huang Rang’s that had wanted to die was now cast to the ninth heaven!

She used to love browsing such shops. Of course, Xie Hongchen would never accompany her. For a period, she brought Jiu’er, and the mother-daughter pair strolling about was quite leisurely. Later, when Jiu’er grew distant from her, she went alone. Or she’d bring an clever disciple to help carry things.

She didn’t come to the capital because it was Si Tianjian’s territory. And Yuhu Xuanzong and Si Tianjian had opposing positions after all.

Now that she was here, she discovered the capital’s shops were actually much more prosperous than she’d imagined. The items were also more refined.

Huang Rang’s gaze swept row by row across the various earrings, bracelets, pearl flowers displayed on the shelves… The shopkeeper very cleverly lit lamps in the shop, so the light from those ornaments fell into her eyes—a feeling of magnificent radiance.

So beautiful! As Huang Rang looked, she felt life was worth living again.

She was actually resilient by nature. Even when reaching the end of her road, she always hoped for a new path to appear.

But these items met with the Director’s disdain.

After looking for a long time, he said: “Too crude. Don’t you have anything more refined?”

In short—what is all this!

The shopkeeper was shocked. He wasn’t one to fear authority! Even if Di Yiqiu wore purple official robes, indicating he was definitely some noble from the court, he still couldn’t disparage his goods like this!

Angered, the shopkeeper immediately said: “Sir speaks improperly. This humble one has run Jiangxin Studio for decades—it’s quite renowned in the capital. Every piece of jewelry here came from this humble one’s hands. From the designs to every polishing detail, all are meticulously crafted. Sir holds high position and great authority, surely well-traveled and knowledgeable, but to call them crude—this humble one refuses to accept!”

Huang Rang was also shocked—if you don’t want to buy, just say so directly! No need for this!

Di Yiqiu casually picked up a pearl hairpin, examined it for a long time, and finally put it back. He extended his hand: “Paper and brush.”

The shopkeeper, full of grievance, still brought paper and brush.

Di Yiqiu glanced at Huang Rang, spread the paper on the customer table, and quickly drew a design draft. He marked all the dimensions clearly and noted materials and craftsmanship one by one. The shopkeeper stood beside him, at first still angry-faced, but gradually his expression became very serious.

Di Yiqiu handed him the design and said: “Custom-make according to the design. After completion, deliver to Si Tianjian.”

The shopkeeper held that design in his hands, looking at it for ages, then suddenly blurted out: “Si Tianjian… You’re the Director?!”

Di Yiqiu didn’t answer and pushed Huang Rang to leave. Who knew the shopkeeper would suddenly go mad and block the door: “Director! It really is you! This humble one has no eyes—I’ve seen the phoenix hairpin you crafted for the late Empress, and was once stunned as if seeing a celestial being! Today to receive your guidance, this humble one is supremely honored!”

So they’d encountered a fervent devotee.

Huang Rang watched the shopkeeper kneeling and bowing. Di Yiqiu remained unmoved: “Move aside.”

The shopkeeper looked at Huang Rang. He suddenly had an epiphany and said: “Director, this humble one can craft jewelry for this young lady long-term. All the jewelry here, she can take at will! As long as the Director is willing to continue guiding this humble one!”

Di Yiqiu’s footsteps halted.

Seeing there was hope, the shopkeeper immediately crawled forward on his knees: “This young lady’s beauty rivals an immortal’s. To have her test-wear jewelry for my Jiangxin Studio would be this humble one’s fortune across three lifetimes. To receive the Director’s guidance—that would make my ancestors’ graves emit auspicious smoke…”

He slapped on a barrage of flattery that rang like thunder. Di Yiqiu finally spoke: “This seat is busy with official duties and originally had no leisure. But seeing your such sincerity, hereafter each month, you must craft at least three complete sets of jewelry for this seat. For other items requiring longer production time, extensions will be calculated separately.”

“This humble one obeys!” That shopkeeper quickly said. “Director, though these jewelry pieces are crude and inadequate, please let the young lady choose some. This humble one will first deliver them to Si Tianjian to meet urgent needs.”

Huang Rang: “…” Fine then, after all that talk, you brought me here to freeload. Huang Rang finally understood.

Sure enough, Di Yiqiu casually selected over ten sets. That shopkeeper, having been freeloaded off, still felt honored and quickly had all the jewelry packed. Afterward, Di Yiqiu pushed Huang Rang out. He followed behind, seeing them off for quite a distance.

This way, Huang Rang gained an exclusive jewelry shop. And without paying a single cent.

Afterward, Di Yiqiu took Huang Rang to Liuxian Workshop.

This place specialized in custom-making women’s dresses. He selected several outfits and personally changed them on Huang Rang without entrusting others. The workshop’s proprietor, seeing Huang Rang, though finding it strange, could tell from Di Yiqiu’s clothing that he couldn’t be offended. So he maintained a smile throughout.

The dress varieties here were numerous, yet what he chose were all heavily worked and thickly woven—luxurious and elaborate. And this style was especially suitable for Huang Rang’s current state.

The mirrors at Liuxian Workshop weren’t ordinary bronze mirrors. The mirror surfaces were especially clear.

Huang Rang saw herself in the mirror. She had been changed into a black dress with a gauze hem and an extremely large skirt. The bodice was quite tight, outlining an extremely exquisite figure. The silk threads of the entire dress were mixed with scales of some unknown creature that reflected light in twinkling points.

Huang Rang sat in the wheelchair. The shop’s lamplight reflected—it felt like a river of stars flowed across her body.

The proprietor quickly came forward and took a black fan-shaped hair ornament to re-style Huang Rang’s hair.

Di Yiqiu watched from the side, as serious as if selecting clothes for himself. Huang Rang felt this outfit was beautiful—magnificently dark, like a witch resurrected from darkness.

Di Yiqiu was clearly also very satisfied, but paying was out of the question.

He had the proprietor bring out the design drafts for this outfit and made many modifications to the original.

The proprietor watched dumbfounded.

A quarter hour later, the Director employed his old trick again and freeloaded another clothing workshop for Huang Rang. He only needed to produce one or two design drafts per month, while Huang Rang could receive all of Liuxian Workshop’s new finished garments.

—The way you shop on this street, you’ve really figured it out. Huang Rang was speechless.

And Di Yiqiu took the two words “freeload” to the extreme.

He also went to an embroidered shoe shop called Tayun Workshop and conveniently solved the shoe problem as well.

Huang Rang didn’t know why he had suddenly gone mad, freeloading so many clothes and jewelry for her. But regarding this behavior, Huang Rang was willing to call him the True Master of Freeloading.