By March, the Si Tianjian had been monitoring celestial phenomena and discovered that next year would bring a severe drought unseen in a century.

Although current grain varieties included drought-resistant crops, they were far from sufficient to withstand such a natural disaster.

Moreover, the imperial court had no seed cultivators who could develop truly effective drought-resistant varieties in such a short time.

For a time, public sentiment grew unstable and rumors ran rampant.

Commoners began hoarding grain, causing immediate chaos in grain prices. Many rice shops were even subjected to looting. Crops in the fields that hadn’t yet matured were already being secretly harvested.

Left with no choice, the court had to dispatch heavy military forces—both to maintain order and to stabilize grain prices.

However, no matter what, they absolutely needed new superior grain varieties to resist the drought.

Di Yiqiu had no choice but to visit the Xi family to call upon Old Master Xi.

Among the current seed cultivation families, Old Master Xi undoubtedly possessed the strongest capabilities.

As long as he was willing to lend his aid, perhaps the matter of grain and rice could still be resolved.

The Xi residence.

The soil here was unlike that of any other place.

The fine, smooth earth resembled golden sand, soft as water when held in one’s palm.

Passing through an intricately carved spirit wall, one truly entered the courtyard.

Beyond the long corridor, there were naturally decorative rocks and flowing water, with pavilions like paintings.

Di Yiqiu was led by a servant, advancing all the way. After passing through who knows how many layers of courtyards, he finally arrived at the flower hall where guests were received.

Old Master Xi wore a complete set of black cloth—cloth garments, cloth trousers, and even just a pair of cloth shoes on his feet. Only at the collar and cuffs did a line of snow-white inner clothing show through.

He sat upright in the host’s seat, holding a string of prayer beads in his hands, turning them over repeatedly.

Upon seeing Di Yiqiu, he merely nodded slightly and said, “Jianzheng, please be seated.”

Di Yiqiu gave him a slight bow with cupped hands and took a seat in the guest’s place.

A servant naturally presented fragrant tea. Old Master Xi extended his hand lightly and said, “Jianzheng, please enjoy the tea.”

Di Yiqiu expressed his thanks, lifted the teacup for a small sip, then said, “Old Master Xi has likely heard that the court has observed celestial phenomena and discovered that there will definitely be a drought next year. This official has come here to discuss with Old Master Xi and request that you personally come forth to rescue the myriad people from fire and flood.”

“Mm.” Old Master Xi responded through his nose, then said, “This matter—this old man has also heard of it.”

Seeing his expression wasn’t particularly enthusiastic, Di Yiqiu naturally knew he had more to say. He said, “If we could obtain Old Master Xi’s assistance, this matter would surely be resolved with ease.”

No matter what, flattery came first.

However, Old Master Xi clearly didn’t buy into this approach. Hearing this, he smiled and said, “Jianzheng flatters me too much. It’s just that this old man has also encountered a difficult matter here and currently cannot spare the attention to cultivate superior varieties.”

“Oh?” Di Yiqiu raised an eyebrow and said, “Please speak, Old Master Xi.”

Old Master Xi turned over his prayer beads, and only after quite a while did he slowly say, “In recent years, selling superior varieties has become extremely difficult, and I’ve also heard many seed cultivators complaining. Certain practices that violate trade rules can only serve some petty individuals lurking in the shadows to fish for fame and reputation. But in reality, they are extremely detrimental to the future prospects of superior varieties. The court really should take action.”

His words were veiled, and Di Yiqiu was slightly stunned. Gradually, an ominous guess formed in his heart.

“Old Master Xi is referring to…” He remained composed, testing the waters in a gentle voice.

Old Master Xi slowly set down the teacup in his hand, revealing the loving expression of an elder, and said, “It’s just casual talk. Jianzheng, please don’t take it to heart. This old man is advanced in years and cannot stand to see people or matters that don’t follow the rules. I inevitably become long-winded. Feng’er… you keep Jianzheng company and sit with him a while longer. Afterward, please invite Jianzheng to stay at our home and have a few more cups.” He turned to instruct his eldest son, Xi Feng. “You’re all young people, so you’ll be more lively together. I won’t get involved.”

His words, though brief, had an exceptionally clear intention.

Although Di Yiqiu was young, he was after all born into the imperial family—how could he possibly not understand such words?

Old Master Xi must have learned about Di Sanmeng and was demanding that the court take action to deal with the situation.

Di Yiqiu accompanied Xi Feng for a round of drinks. Xi Feng was warm and attentive, making no mention whatsoever of what Old Master Xi had said earlier. Of course, he also didn’t mention the matter of cultivating drought-resistant superior varieties.

The Xi family’s meaning had been expressed very clearly.

After finishing his meal and emerging, Li Lu and Baowu, who had been waiting in the side hall, hurriedly came forward.

“Jianzheng, how did the discussion go?” Li Lu followed behind him, asking in a low voice.

Di Yiqiu was preoccupied with worries. After a long while, he finally said, “He wants to deal with Di Sanmeng.”

“Wh-what?” Baowu was slightly stunned. He scratched his head. “Old Master Xi? Why? Although Teacher Di Sanmeng is quite popular, he only sells superior varieties to scattered commoners. With the Xi family’s status and position, why would they make things difficult for him?”

He couldn’t figure it out.

It was Li Lu who explained, “Because the Xi family also has large quantities of superior varieties flowing into the black market every year. These superior varieties often sell for prices much higher than official rates. With Teacher Di Sanmeng selling seeds at fair prices, common scattered farmers no longer trade with the black market. Naturally, he has cut off one of their revenue streams.”

Baowu was shocked. “The Xi family? The legitimate main branch of the Xi Rang clan! They still need to earn this bit of money?”

Di Yiqiu said, “Not just the Xi family—almost all seed cultivation families earn this money.”

Baowu seemed to understand yet not understand. After a while, he asked, “Isn’t that drinking the blood of scattered commoners?”

Di Yiqiu didn’t speak further.

Baowu was obsessed with martial arts. Someone as simple as him naturally couldn’t comprehend the intricacies within.

Li Lu patiently explained, “This isn’t just a source of income—it’s also the seed cultivators’ way of disposing of defective products. Otherwise, who would they sell those inferior superior varieties to?”

Baowu looked incredulous. “Inferior seeds are also sold—then how can the common people’s next year’s harvest be guaranteed?”

“Why else would it be called the black market?” Li Lu sighed. “At least they’re still better than ordinary grain seeds. Also, the status hierarchy of seed cultivators is deeply entrenched. If a seed cultivator who exclusively sells to scattered commoners can cultivate superior varieties better than the vast majority of seed cultivators and gains popularity and public support because of it, what does that make the other seed cultivators?”

Baowu’s scalp went numb as he listened. Li Lu said, “Who would have thought that seed cultivators are already so wary of Teacher Di Sanmeng. What is Jianzheng’s intention?”

Di Yiqiu’s expression had become very grim. Hearing this, he said, “No one is allowed to harm Teacher.”

Li Lu nodded and said, “It’s a pity that Teacher Di Sanmeng’s whereabouts are difficult to trace—otherwise we could also seek his help. If he were willing to cultivate superior varieties, this matter could also be resolved with ease.”

Di Yiqiu sighed deeply and said, “That’s true. But Teacher’s whereabouts are ultimately unknown—how can we request his assistance?”

“Aiya!” Baowu beside them said impatiently, “In my old Baowu’s opinion, that Teacher Di Sanmeng is also someone who worries about the realm. As long as he learns that Jianzheng is seeking superior varieties for the myriad people, he’ll definitely help. Why don’t we just plaster the capital city with notices seeking his appearance!”

“That’s also a method.” Li Lu nodded.

Di Yiqiu felt something wasn’t quite right, but in the end he didn’t stop them—might as well try anything at this point.

Sure enough, upon returning to the capital, the Si Tianjian immediately posted notices.

The myriad people gathered to watch, discovering this was a letter from the court written to Teacher Di Sanmeng.

The letter stated that in order to respond to next year’s drought, they were requesting Teacher Di Sanmeng’s assistance.

This letter made public to all numbered over a hundred copies, posted throughout the capital, inside and out.

And each one was written in Di Yiqiu’s own hand.

“This is respect for Teacher Di Sanmeng,” Jianzheng solemnly put down his brush. “He deserves it.”

Once the open letter was posted, the myriad people were in an uproar.

Teacher Di Sanmeng had moved from darkness into light.

Previously, he was merely a seed cultivator hidden among the marketplaces, silently cultivating superior varieties to sell to scattered farmers.

Although many scattered farmers knew his skills were excellent and secretly spread word of him, he was after all just a wandering seed cultivator with no lineage or background whatsoever.

But now, the court had publicly extended an olive branch.

How could public sentiment not boil over?

The common people discussed it endlessly—who didn’t want to meet this teacher?

Yet many people also worried.

By doing this, what great risks had Teacher Di Sanmeng taken? These scattered farmers probably understood much better than the court.

What were the black market grain seed prices in previous years? And what were the prices for superior varieties bought from Teacher Di Sanmeng now?

They understood this all too clearly.

Therefore, some common people kept vigil day and night beneath the public notices, calling out for Teacher Di Sanmeng to absolutely not reveal himself.

Even the next day, all the public notices were completely defaced or torn down.

The common people began questioning the court’s motives, because someone spread a rumor that after Jianzheng visited the Xi family, he designed a scheme to trick Di Sanmeng into appearing.

When Old Master Xi first saw the open letter, he had been furious. But later, hearing the common people’s discussions, he grew rather suspicious in his heart—could it truly be the court’s scheme to trick Di Sanmeng into appearing so they could secretly deal with him?

These tricks—he knew them all too well.

Therefore, he decided to observe for the time being.

If Di Yiqiu could truly deal with this menace, then when the time came, he himself could still take action and gain a beautiful reputation that would be praised for ten thousand generations.

Thus the Xi family stood by with folded arms, and the other seed cultivators held their forces in check.

—They all watched Old Master Xi’s expression, and moreover, this Di Sanmeng truly was a malignant tumor that absolutely had to be excised.

Thus for a time, the story had various versions.

And the name Di Sanmeng gradually became known to everyone.

Although he didn’t appear in person, the “business” at the old residence grew better and better.

During these days, people continuously came to visit.

Some people submitted petitions one after another, demanding that Teacher Di Sanmeng absolutely hide his identity and not appear.

Others disguised themselves as poor scattered farmers, hoping to purchase superior varieties at low prices.

Of course, the steward here was no ordinary person. His investigations were extremely meticulous, and besides, scattered farmers didn’t have much land. These imposters also found it extremely difficult to gain any advantage.

For a time, even more people gnashed their teeth in the shadows.

—The superior varieties they themselves purchased in bulk through the court were actually inferior in quality to what was being sold to scattered farmers. And the prices were even higher.

Who wouldn’t be angry about this?

For a time, seed cultivators were dissatisfied, and major landowners from various regions complained.

Finally on this day, several people gathered and came together. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they began smashing and causing trouble.

“Di Sanmeng, come out here! The superior varieties you cultivated—we carefully tended them for half a year, and the result was not a single grain harvested!” Several burly men threw a bundle of grass-like millet stalks on the ground and cursed, “My whole family was counting on this grain to survive! Di Sanmeng is earning money with no conscience—this is drinking our blood and gnawing our bones…”

As the man’s words fell, his “eighty-year-old mother” immediately collapsed on the ground and began wailing to heaven and earth, weeping bitter tears.