At this time, Director-General was very busy.

He was only fourteen years old. This Directorate of Astronomy, throughout the immortal sects, no one even glanced at it.

——After all, those who cultivated immortality and pursued the Dao, how could they willingly devote themselves to the court and become its hounds?

But Di Yiqiu quickly divided the Directorate of Astronomy into four divisions.

The Azure Dragon Division was responsible for liaising with court documents, the entire Directorate of Astronomy’s accounts, and detailed records of inventory coming in and going out.

The White Tiger Division was the division of criminal law, specifically interrogating and detaining immortal sect prisoners.

The Vermillion Bird Division consisted of weapon casters, responsible for alchemy, weapon casting and other craftwork.

The Black Tortoise Division was the academy, cultivating studying disciples.

Subsequently, he searched everywhere for talent, successively finding Zhu Xiang and Tan Qi to serve as Deputy Directors of Vermillion Bird and White Tiger divisions.

Bai Qingyun, from an official family background, served as Deputy Director of the Azure Dragon Division.

The Black Tortoise Division was still held by the Seed Breeding Academy’s Director Zong Zigui.

Over several months, Di Yiqiu’s feet didn’t touch the ground.

Huang Rang had no place to find him.

But fortunately, although there was this written order of dismissal, no one actually drove Huang Rang away—He Xijin still had some face after all.

Everyone hoped she would know shame, but Huang Rang wasn’t that self-aware.

In the Black Tortoise Division’s new lecture hall, she waited daily to see Di Yiqiu once.

But Di Yiqiu didn’t return.

In the outer city of the capital, Di Yiqiu was waiting for someone, and had already been waiting many days.

Here was an old residence, reportedly purchased by a mysterious seed breeding master.

This mysterious seed breeding master called himself Di Sanmeng to the outside world.

His origins were a mystery. It was said he was born an earth demon, but his teacher and family sect were unknown.

Ten years ago, when he first arrived in the capital, he bred a variety of millet. This millet variety was not only drought-resistant, but also had an extraordinarily high yield. Most rare of all, the excellent seeds he bred could all be sold to poor commoners and scattered small farmers.

And at far below official prices.

Millet was a crop widely planted among common people. So although this millet variety wasn’t as unique and outstanding as other excellent seeds, it was needed by the vast masses of common people.

The news spread without prompting. More and more scattered small farmers came to purchase.

Di Sanmeng didn’t appear. Only the household servants in this residence, after investigating and confirming the field location and acreage, would distribute the millet seeds.

The young Director-General extremely desired to meet this renowned figure, but unfortunately waited in vain.

“Director-General, it seems we won’t see Di Sanmeng today. Why don’t we go back first?” Li Lu urged.

Di Yiqiu had been truly too busy these days. The fourteen-year-old youth had not had a moment’s rest for many days. His eyes were full of bloodshot veins from exhaustion.

And this Di Sanmeng was truly unpredictable in whereabouts. Who knew when he could be seen?

Hearing this, Di Yiqiu only said: “Wait a bit longer. He’s worth it.”

Li Lu sighed. Just at this moment, another person entered the residence compound.

The person who entered wore ordinary clothing, had dark skin, hands full of calluses. At a glance he looked like a farmer.

Yet the gate guard didn’t stop him. Instead, he pointed toward the inner courtyard: “Go inside to queue and register. Did you bring your land deed?”

That old farmer nodded, holding his land deed not knowing what to do. He stammered in answer: “May I ask, sir, where does this lowly one pay the silver?”

That gate guard said: “No rush. After the steward verifies the acreage, it will be delivered into your hands. See that table inside? Go there first!”

The old farmer could only enter. Before long, he already came out holding a receipt. His face still showed some bewilderment, seeming to wear a look of disbelief.

Di Yiqiu stepped forward and asked: “Old sir, you obtained the excellent seeds?”

The old farmer, seeing his luxurious clothing, immediately showed a face full of panic. He hurriedly bowed saying: “Could you be Master Di Sanmeng?”

Di Yiqiu quickly helped him up, saying: “I am not. You need not be so polite. Have the excellent seeds already reached your hands?”

That old farmer quickly looked at the receipt in his hand, saying: “The steward master inside said, as long as I hold this receipt and wait here, I can get the excellent seeds.”

And he didn’t wait long.

Before long, a steward-looking person came out from inside.

Although he wore luxurious clothing, his appearance was still fairly modest.

“Where is Li Rengui?” He called out clearly, his tone neither servile nor arrogant, not causing resentment.

That old farmer quickly said: “It’s me, it’s me, master. It’s this lowly one.”

That steward looked at the receipt in his hand, then took out a bag of excellent seeds, saying: “Our master noted two types of fertilizer. If your family is well-off, you must fertilize according to the first method. Even if it’s somewhat difficult, you must also fertilize according to the method below. You cannot carelessly muddle through. If the harvest is poor, next year you won’t be able to receive this many excellent seeds, understand?”

He squatted down, pointed at the annotation on the bag’s seal, and read it in detail to the old farmer.

All farmers knew that because excellent seeds were cultivated afterward, they relied extremely heavily on land and fertilizer.

Therefore, that old farmer also listened extremely carefully.

After listening, he nodded repeatedly: “Rest assured, master. My family can tend it with the best fertilizer.”

That steward then nodded. Knowing he was illiterate, he repeated the fertilization process to him again.

That old farmer picked up the seeds, truly overjoyed, thanking him repeatedly.

Di Yiqiu watched as his feet sprouted wings, carrying the seeds out the door. He couldn’t help but sigh softly: “Di Sanmeng is a true renowned figure.”

Li Lu saw his Director-General’s eyes full of admiration and could only step forward to ask: “This steward, may I ask when your master will return?”

That steward examined Li Lu, then glanced at Di Yiqiu, saying: “You two, this isn’t certain. Our master doesn’t often return to this residence.” He pointed at the farmers coming to purchase excellent seeds, saying: “You two also see, people come and go here. Our master prefers quiet.”

Li Lu was about to ask more when Di Yiqiu personally stepped forward, saying: “Then does your master have another residence?”

“That I’m not clear about.” That steward was also troubled, saying: “After all, we work for the master. How would we dare inquire about master’s affairs? However, I advise you young master not to wait anymore. If master doesn’t come, you waiting more is wasted effort.”

Di Yiqiu sighed deeply, saying: “I sincerely admire Master Di Sanmeng.”

Hearing this, that steward laughed: “Young master doesn’t know. Inside and outside the capital, those who hate our master are numerous. Master probably also isn’t willing to show his face.”

He didn’t say more, but Di Yiqiu and Li Lu both quickly understood.

Di Sanmeng selling superior excellent seeds to common scattered small farmers—this act broke the trade rules.

He himself alone was noble, but did that mean among all seed breeding masters, everyone else was base?

Moreover, such superior excellent seeds selling at this price. How should other seed breeding masters price their seeds?

This both sickened others and blocked their paths to wealth.

Because he did this, excellent seeds on the black market couldn’t be sold at all.

Over these years, those wanting to take his head were not few.

Di Yiqiu said: “It seems the steward has also encountered much trouble.”

That steward sighed and said: “Isn’t that so? Young master sees us here being thanked profusely by everyone, but actually we’ve suffered much fear and alarm. I reckon our master is also because of this that his whereabouts have always been uncertain.”

He shook his head and again urged: “So I advise young master not to seek him either. If you truly find him, who knows if it would be fortune or disaster.”

Though his words were peculiar, they were sincere.

Di Yiqiu’s eyes showed disappointment. He could only say: “Master’s difficulties, we all understand. Please rest assured, steward. Hereafter, Master Di Sanmeng’s affairs are my, Di Yiqiu’s affairs. If steward encounters any difficulties, you may come to the Directorate of Astronomy.”

“Directorate of Astronomy?” That steward had previously spoken casually, not knowing the noble youth before him was the newly appointed Director-General of the Directorate of Astronomy.

He quickly bowed, saying: “This commoner spoke too freely for a moment, speaking without propriety. Please don’t take offense, Director-General.”

How would Di Yiqiu take offense?

His love for Master Di Sanmeng extended to all associated with him. Even looking at this steward was very agreeable. He immediately said: “Steward need not be like this. Master Di Sanmeng cares for the world, a person of great virtue. That you can work for him naturally means you’re also a person of good heart.”

The steward said: “Director-General’s words truly make one ashamed. How about this—leave your calling card, and if our master returns at some point, I’ll present it on your behalf. How’s that?”

“Excellent.” Di Yiqiu nodded. Li Lu understood his meaning, immediately took out his calling card, saying: “We truly trouble the steward.”

That steward repeatedly said: “A small effort. You two need not be polite.”

Seeing he had accepted the calling card, Di Yiqiu could only follow Li Lu out of the residence.

In this short time, several more farmers successively entered. But each person came out carrying a bag of excellent seeds, their faces full of joy.

They didn’t have much field acreage, so they also needed few excellent seeds.

But this small bag of excellent seeds was the guarantee of their livelihood for the year.

At least they need not worry about going hungry anymore.

Di Yiqiu watched outside the gate for a while. Li Lu finally couldn’t help but say: “According to what the steward said just now, this Master Di Sanmeng’s situation in the capital is also extremely difficult. In this official’s view, the Director-General only needs to provide much protection. As long as he recognizes that the Director-General is sincere in befriending him, he will naturally appear to meet.”

“That’s right… that’s right.” Director-General immediately said: “Have the White Tiger Division secretly protect this compound. If any scoundrels harass, arrest them all.”

Li Lu quickly agreed. Di Yiqiu thought for a long time, then suddenly asked: “Although this seat and Master Di Sanmeng have not met face to face, we have long been kindred spirits. I wish to give him some gifts to slightly express my regard, but fear vulgar objects won’t catch his eye. Li Lu, what do you think this seat should give?”

How could Li Lu not understand clearly?

He immediately put his mind to work. After thinking for a long time, he said: “In this official’s view, Master Di Sanmeng wholeheartedly serves the people, his heart humble as a valley. Gold, silver, and money are indeed slightly vulgar. But his seed breeding expenses must certainly be substantial. These excellent seeds are sold at low prices, so his finances are probably not abundant. If the Director-General wishes to give gifts, I’m afraid they must be practical.”

Director-General nodded, very much in agreement.

Thus, the next day, the Directorate of Astronomy presented to Master Di Sanmeng’s old residence… a batch of fertilizer.

And at this time, the Black Tortoise Division.

Huang Rang was still bitterly waiting for Di Yiqiu. With great difficulty, Di Yiqiu finally returned.

He still wore purple robes, jade belt around his waist, feet in black official boots. Because he was too young yet held high position, he had to constantly maintain a dignified posture.

“Di Yiqiu!” Huang Rang ran up, saying: “Why are you just returning? I’ve been waiting for you so many days!”

Seeing this, Li Lu couldn’t help but cough, turning his gaze elsewhere.

Director-General’s brow furrowed tightly. Huang Rang’s face, he’d seen from childhood to adulthood. It was truly too familiar.

So familiar that he didn’t even find this woman beautiful.

——Even though everyone around him said so.

“Why are you still here?” Director-General frowned. “This seat’s written order—did you not receive it?”

“I received it.” Huang Rang’s face was thick as city walls. “But I told my uncle and aunt that I still haven’t learned seed breeding, so I want to study at the Black Tortoise Division for several more years.”

Director-General was extremely annoyed, saying: “This seat does not permit it.”

Huang Rang sidled up, saying: “All right, all right. Actually the Seed Breeding Academy’s coursework was too simple. I already know it all, really!”

Hearing these words, Di Yiqiu’s eyebrows practically knitted into a ball.

He used his hand to separate Huang Rang, afraid of being touched by her: “Stay far from this seat.”

Seeing this, Li Lu hurriedly stepped forward, urging: “Miss A’Rang, the Director-General has been away for many days without rest. He’s also tired. You should go back first.”

“You… all right.” Huang Rang ultimately still felt sorry for him. Seeing his eyes wrapped in bloodshot veins, she couldn’t help but soften her tone: “Then I’ll stew soup for you to drink later.”

Di Yiqiu didn’t care what soup she stewed. He quickened his pace and left as if avoiding a plague god.

Returning to his study, Di Yiqiu immediately wrote to He Xijin, requesting he take away his niece.

Who would have thought, as soon as the letter reached the Ruyi Sword Sect, He Xijin immediately crushed a teleportation talisman and rushed to the capital.

He personally met Director-General and delivered several thousand words of self-reflection.

Director-General listened continuously from night until noon the next day.

Then he suddenly understood why, given Zong Zigui’s temperament, Huang Rang had been able to idle about the Seed Breeding Academy for over ten years.

By the time Director-General saw off Sect Leader He in the afternoon, his scalp was numb.

Though unwilling, he no longer dared mention things like having Huang Rang expelled.

——As long as this slacker didn’t harass him, if she wanted to stay, let her stay.

Director-General set aside the matter of Huang Rang. Suddenly he saw a farmer at the entrance carrying a bag of excellent seeds, overjoyed as he hurried home.

On the bag’s seal was precisely Di Sanmeng.

Di Sanmeng…

Director-General was lost in thought—if he could befriend this person, how fortunate that would be!