My Huge Ministry of Agriculture-Where Is Everyone?

After the Arrowfish Flying Boat crossed the Canglan River, the weather became noticeably chaotic.

In Anping Prefecture north of the Yangtze River, the Awakening of Insects solar term has already passed, the earth is slightly green, and the signs of spring are already very obvious.

But once you cross the river, the landscape remains covered in snow, a pristine white expanse.

Zhao Xing stood outside the flying boat and sensed that it was during the Great Cold solar term.

After flying for another half hour, they passed through four completely different solar terms: Minor Cold, Great Cold, Vernal Equinox, and Grain Rain.

It wasn't until half an hour later, after they had moved away from the great river and entered the territory of the Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture, that the Heavenly Timing returned to normal.

However, it is still one solar term behind the prefectures north of the Yangtze River, falling around the time of the "Rain Water" solar term.

"How was your first time abroad?" Long Xiao asked with a smile. "Isn't it very different?"

"It is indeed different," Zhao Xing said. "It has become somewhat chaotic."

After leaving the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, he Knowing Realm the Solar Terms Decree of the Third-Turn of the Realm of Knowledge could easily change the Heavenly Timing on a large scale. This was because the Heavenly Timing in the small world of the Grotto-Heaven was chaotic and not as stable as that in the Nineteen Provinces.

However, once outside Pinghai Province, the Heavenly Timing gradually became chaotic again. Although the degree of chaos was not as great as that of Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, for ordinary people, the difference between the inside and outside of the Great Zhou was like heaven and earth.

Those Unranked reach the highest level can't even make it to the Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture, and they can't withstand the unpredictable weather.

"The alternation of hot and cold, and the sudden change of yin and yang inside and outside, are too much for ordinary people to bear. It is not until we reach the territory of the Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture that the Heavenly Timing becomes suitable."

"The Earthly Advantage Institute environment is also quite harsh. Within an hour of crossing the river, we witnessed three earthquakes, the earth cracked, and the mountains shifted."

It's secondary to suddenly not recognizing the road ahead while walking. What's more serious is falling into a crack in the ground or having a mountain collapse suddenly. Ordinary people Unranked would find it very difficult to survive.

Of course, this unstable area was not a big deal for Zhao Xing. After crossing the river, the Arrowfish Flying Boat flew for half an hour and arrived in the territory of Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture.

Why leave this section of land unattended? Why doesn't the Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture include this section along the river?

There are many reasons. One is to combat smuggling and illegal immigration. Ground routes are Unranked, making it difficult for smuggled goods to pass through, thus deterring many people from illegal immigration and increasing the cost of such activities. Using aircraft would also make detection easier.

Secondly, the Canglan River basin is unpredictable, and if you get too close, you may be attacked by the water veins, so a buffer zone is needed.

After all, the upstream source is controlled by the various tribes of the Southern Barbarians. They have "shamans" who can communicate with heaven and earth. If the Water Shamans do something bad, it will be a disaster for the downstream.

The Arrowfish Flying Boat continued flying above the Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture. During this time, many auras swept past the flying boat, and even patrolling flying boats came to intercept it. However, after seeing the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven military flag and the Military Realm appointment document presented by Zhao Xing, they were allowed to pass smoothly.

"Cloud City is Commandery-level County, so I am currently Agricultural Supervisorate of the Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture, and my direct superior is Tantai Ming, the prefecture-level Director of Directorate of Waterways."

"Even if I'm only temporarily in charge, I should still pay him a visit, especially since he has a relationship with the teacher."

Tian Yan did not mention this to Zhao Xing; it was mentioned in Tian Yan's three letters and tokens.

Tian Yan told him to use these tokens only when things got really tough, but what kind of person was Old Master Zhao? Would he listen to everyone else completely?

What if you're caught off guard and overwhelmed when you actually need to use it? What if you unknowingly offend the person in the letter or their family?

He's not some greenhorn; it's best to see it sooner rather than later. I may not need to use it yet, but I need to be aware of what's going on.

It must be said that Tian Hou was not exaggerating. The Tantai Ming mentioned in the first letter was his superior and the main reviewer of the Third Ring Mission.

The connections of a thousand-year-old Noble Families are no joke; Tantai Ming owes Tian Hou his life.

Two hundred years ago, when Yingyuan Prefecture was first established, Tantai Ming was only Eighth Grade and was suffering from witchcraft.

With his abilities, he couldn't find an antidote, and even if he did, it wouldn't be something he could use.

It was Tian Yan who found the antidote for him. At that time, Tantai Ming was only Official Eighth Rank, but two hundred years later he is now a junior Fourth Grade official.

In his letter, Tian Yan also explained the extent to which personal connections could be used.

Tantai Ming is a man of great loyalty and righteousness. In critical moments, he can be entrusted with tasks that Zhao Xing Tantai Ming handle and dangers that Zhao Xing cannot prevent.

The limit of this measure was that Tantai Ming was demoted three ranks after he finished his duties.

"If Tantai Ming is demoted from the Fourth Grade (lower grade) to the Fifth Grade upper grade), what serious offense must I have committed?"

"If we can avoid using it, we should; there are profound reasons behind this," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

There were two more letters and tokens like this, and he estimated that they were of roughly the same weight.

Why did Tian Hou give it to him? It wasn't just a simple matter of teacher-student relationship; it was also an investment in the future.

Old Tantai is already 389 years old. If he doesn't reach the rank of Fourth Grade, under normal circumstances, he won't live past 500.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it would be difficult for Lao Tantai to rise to the rank of Fourth Grade.

If Tian Yan were to ask for favors, it would likely be around the age of four hundred.

Otherwise, if this drags on for several more decades, the value of this favor will decrease.

Why? Because he can't handle it anymore. If we ask for favors from the old Tantai when he's over four hundred years old, wouldn't it be like taking his life? Removing someone from their official position when they're nearing the end of their lifespan is tantamount to taking their life!

Therefore, all three letters were written at a suitable time when favors were being requested, or rather, during a period of transferring favors.

Zhao Xing had to use three letters, so he had to accept this favor. Zhao Xing was still very young and had Boundless. Whether exchanging three letters for one was a loss or not, only time would tell.

"Your humble servant Zhao Xing greets Lord Tantai!"

Tantai Ming sat upright in the Directorate of Waterways Bureau, wearing a dark scarlet crown and robes, the crown of Fourth Grade, with a golden finial top adorned with flowers.

The crown is adorned with a sapphire at the top and a small sapphire in the center; the crown itself is a magical artifact.

By gathering the three flowers at the top of the head, one can constantly refine the primordial energy of heaven and earth. Officials do not need to cultivate themselves; they can be nourished by the primordial energy day and night and maintain their peak condition at all times.

The difference between the Fourth Grade and the regular Fourth Grade lies slightly in the number of sapphire stones set in their crowns.

The Civil Official of Fourth Grade civil official were divided into regular robes and court robes. The court robes were embroidered with larks, signifying adherence to laws and etiquette.

The Fourth Grade military officer's robes were embroidered with a fierce tiger, symbolizing bravery and martial prowess.

However, the dress code of the Great Zhou was quite complex. Officials' attire was also related to their Nobility Title and ranks. In addition, there were subtle differences between different positions.

For example, Tantai Ming was the Waterways Magistrate, and the lark on his body was situated between clouds and lake water.

If the Priest is of the Fourth Grade, the lark will perch on the eaves of the temple.

Logically speaking, Tantai Ming is currently considered Civil Official, but if the Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture goes to war, he will immediately become a military official, because the Waterways Magistrate) can be both a civil and military official.

Then his official robes will have to be changed again.

Even now, Tantai Ming's attire is different from that of ordinary Civil Sima Nong; his belt is the Only Martial belt worn by second-class marquises.

The sash was made of gold and silver, and there were three circles of blue and white patterns on the sleeves. There were also Literary Office, Celestial Heart Decree Token and Sacred Page on the desk. This means that this person also held the Grand Master of Upright Governance, which allowed him to participate in court affairs and submit his memorials directly to the central government. He could even write letters to the emperor.

Zhao Xing's past life memories were so complicated that they made his head spin, but now he can recognize them at a glance.

During the visit, he glanced at Tantai Ming. Although he was nearly four hundred years old, he still looked like a middle-aged man with black hair.

Tantai Ming was tall, and even when he was sitting, his upper body was much taller than the desk in front of him. Wearing the official robes of Fourth Grade official, it was as if all the light in the hall was focused on him, making people afraid to look directly at him.

When Tantai Ming paid his respects to Zhao Xing, he was also sizing up this genius Agricultural Official who came from Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

Normally, geniuses wouldn't catch his eye, and it wouldn't be his place to personally receive someone taking office.

However, Zhao Xing also had another identity: he was Tian Yan's student.

In this training program for Military Sima Nong, Tian Yan only accepted one student, which naturally made it different.

"No need for formalities, please take a seat." Tantai Ming was deeply indebted to Tian Yan, and his attitude towards Zhao Xing was also very amiable. As soon as Zhao Xing bent down, he spoke, without putting on any official airs.

"Thank you, sir." Zhao Xing straightened up, lifted his robe, and sat down.

"This is your temporary appointment letter, the official robes and insignia of a Seventh Grade Waterways Magistrate."

Tantai Ming waved his hand, and a box floated to Zhao Xing's front.

Zhao Xing quickly got up and took it, then waited for Tantai Ming to give his instructions.

"On your way to Cloud City, you must keep the people in mind, be diligent in military affairs, and not waste your time."

"Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture is different from the inland areas. You have just taken office, so you must not be too hasty. If there are any unusual situations, you can report them to the Agricultural Supervisorate of the Prefecture City."

"Yes, I will follow your teachings, sir." Zhao Xing bowed again, holding the box.

"Go."

"This humble official takes his leave."

Zhao Xing bent over and slowly retreated from the main hall. Only after he had left the hall did he straighten up and walk with light steps.

There's no other way; that's just how it is when you meet with your superior.

"Finished meeting?" Long Xiao, who was waiting outside, immediately followed Zhao Xing when he came out.

"Yes, I've finished meeting them."

"Why bother with all this trouble?" Long Xiao said. "You have a Military Realm appointment, do you think the Cloud City Agriculture Office would dare to deny it? Do you really need to go in and pay such a visit?"

"Showing your face in the prefectural city can only bring benefits and no harm. Otherwise, when you write a letter, all you'll have is your name, and no one will remember you. What difference does it make whose business you're dealing with? Just postpone your official report for a few days, and someone might die."

"And..."

"Alright, you don't need to explain anymore," Long Xiao waved his hand and said. "There are too many twists and turns. I'm not interested. I'm just a Martial Man, I don't want to know so much."

Zhao Xing smiled and immediately boarded the boat.

Actually, the reason he insisted on coming to see him was because he wanted to see Tantai Ming in person.

He did not disbelieve Tian Yan's judgment in the letter, but as he had said before, he would not believe it entirely.

If Tantai Ming is the kind of person who would "give you back a hundred doses of the antidote," then if I rely on him, wouldn't I be doomed?

Didn't Tian Yan also have this in mind, which is why he prepared three letters? Otherwise, even if he, a mere Eighth Grade Agricultural Official, was capable of causing trouble, a Fourth Grade official would have been enough to handle him.

"From the personal meeting with Tantai Ming, the initial impression was quite good. He was also quite gentle during the reprimand. He also said that anything could be reported, which was a kind of hint."

As for the people mentioned in the other two letters, Zhao Xing decided it was best not to meet them.

Since it has nothing to do with this trip, suddenly going to visit would be very conspicuous.

For now, Tantai Ming is enough.

"Let's go, let's go to Cloud City."

Cloud City is located on the southeastern border of Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture.

Zhao Xing had flown over the Canglan River before.

Now, flying towards Cloud City, I see the Canglan River again.

Because this river does not flow horizontally, but meanders southward, penetrating deep into the Southern Wilderness.

He crossed the river from Anping Prefecture to the prefectural city, and then went to Cloud City in the southeast, where he saw the great river again.

If we were to cross the river again at this point, it wouldn't be within the territory of the Great Zhou, but rather a desolate wasteland unwanted by anyone on either side. The environment is harsh, with high temperatures, desert, swamps, miasma, Astral Wind, making it essentially an uninhabited area.

It took the Arrowfish Flying Boat a whole day to reach Cloud City after departing from the capital city.

We arrived in Cloud City at 3:45 AM.

Outside, the cold wind howled, and frost had formed on the ground; there was no sign of spring at all.

"Should we go straight into the city or go on a clandestine visit?" Long Xiao asked.

"Why would I go on an incognito visit? There's no need for that," Zhao Xing said. "In a state of war preparedness, and as the highest-ranking officer, anyone below me who dares to lie to me is courting death. I'd rather someone conceal something so I can behead them and establish my authority."

There's no way to hide it anymore. A trip to the Cloud City Temple will reveal everything.

"Then let's go straight in."

Long Xiao piloted the flying boat, pressed down on the bow, and began to descend into the interior of Cloud City.

The border military city had many fortresses on its walls, all of which were bases for Magic Array. However, Zhao Xing was not hindered. His Arrowfish Flying Boat was also registered, so he entered directly.

"Arrive."

The Arrowfish Flying Boat landed outside the Cloud City Agriculture Office.

"Why is no one here to greet you, your superior?"

Once Zhao Xing's vehicle enters, the Cloud City County Office's Patrol Office will receive the news immediately.

When the County Office sees a new official taking office, it will immediately notify the Agricultural Supervisorate.

"Wait a little longer. We're here so early; we need to give people Favorable Weather."

Zhao Xing and Long Xiao waited for a moment at the main gate of the Agricultural Supervisorate.

But a quarter of an hour later, only three people showed up.

Long Xiao was already chuckling to himself, while Zhao Xing's expression was rather unpleasant.

The Agricultural Supervisorate type of agricultural supervisory office) in Gucheng has one chief official and nine assistant officials. The Agricultural Supervisorate in Cloud City, a Commandery-level County, is definitely of a higher level than that in Gucheng, a superior county.

Only three people came to greet me? I am such a high-ranking Agricultural Supervisorate, and only three people came to greet me?

Damn it, they really dare to not treat their temporary post as an official!

"Zhang Zhong Metropolitan Intendant Cloud City."

"Yuncheng Agricultural Supervisor Jiang Xi".

"He Fengnian, the Equitable Transport Magistrate Cloud City Transportation Bureau."

"Greetings, sir!"

After the three figures ran over, they saw the Arrowfish Flying Boat and Zhao Xing, who had changed into Seventh Grade official's robe, and immediately bowed to pay their respects.

Zhao Xing didn't put on airs with the three men, because those who came at least respected him as their superior.

"You three may rise without the formalities," Zhao Xing returned the greeting with a cupped hand. "Where are the other officials of the Cloud City Agriculture Office? Are they busy with official duties?"

The three Agricultural Official exchanged glances. Zhang Zhong clasped his hands and said, "It's windy outside. Please, sir, enter the Agricultural Supervisorate first, and I will then give you a detailed report."

The next chapter is expected to be released at 12:30, and the third chapter is expected to be released at 2:30.