Reborn in 72, I hunt to support my family and spoil my younger sister rotten.

Li Xiangyang recounted the whole story, from Wang Ming's background to his father's background and the hidden gold bars, explaining everything in detail.

After hearing this, Wang Jingyun froze on the spot for a moment before finally coming to her senses: "You mean, Wang Ming has gold bars hidden in his house?"

“Yes.” Li Xiangyang nodded. “I’m sure.”

"You trust me that much?" Wang Jingyun narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Li Xiangyang. "This is no small matter."

Li Xiangyang smiled calmly: "Mr. Wang, do you think I'm the kind of person who would joke about something like this?"

“It doesn’t seem like it.” Wang Jingyun shook his head. “But why did you choose to tell me?”

“Because you are a scholar,” Li Xiangyang said solemnly. “From your demeanor and speech, from the bookshelves in your courtyard, from your character and conduct, I know you are a noble person.”

Wang Jingyun was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "If it's true, this is a big deal."

“Yes,” Li Xiangyang sighed, “that’s why I came to ask you for help. After all, I’m just a farmer, and I know nothing about these procedures.”

“If this is verified, it will be a great achievement.” Wang Jingyun’s eyes lit up.

Li Xiangyang waved his hand: "The credit won't go to me. With my position, at most I'll receive some recognition. But it's different for you; if you could be reinstated because of this..."

The words weren't finished, but the meaning was already quite clear.

Wang Jingyun's eyes were slightly red: "You child..."

“Mr. Wang,” Li Xiangyang said seriously, “I’ll write the complaint letter; you just need to sign it. If it turns out to be false, that’s my responsibility.”

Wang Jingyun was moved by Li Xiangyang's words and stood up, pacing back and forth in the study: "This matter needs to be handled in the city; there are too many people and too much scrutiny in the county."

"What about Xiaoying?" Li Xiangyang asked.

“Yes,” Wang Jingyun sighed, “I’m really worried about her current condition.”

“If you trust me…” Li Xiangyang hesitated for a moment.

Wang Jingyun was taken aback, then understood what Li Xiangyang meant: "You mean..."

“I’ll take care of Xiaoying,” Li Xiangyang said firmly.

Wang Jingyun gave Li Xiangyang a deep look: "Xiaoying, come here for a moment."

Soon, a pale-faced little girl walked in.

"dad?"

"Xiaoying, this is Uncle Li," Wang Jingyun said gently. "Dad needs to go to the city on some business, so I'll have to trouble Uncle Li to take care of you for the next few days."

Upon hearing the word "uncle," Li Xiangyang quickly waved his hand, saying, "Mr. Wang, that's not a suitable way to address me. Xiaoying and I are only a few years apart; calling me 'uncle' is too formal."

“No, you should call him Uncle.” Wang Jingyun said seriously, “It’s a matter of respect for elders and trust in your caregiver.”

Li Xiangyang was taken aback, and he read a deeper meaning in Wang Jingyun's eyes.

In this era, a form of address is not merely a simple name, but a definition of identity and an establishment of a relationship.

Wang Ying glanced timidly at Li Xiangyang.

She was not tall, about twelve or thirteen years old, the same age as Li Xiaohua.

Her pale face had a sickly flush, but her eyes were very clear.

“Xiaoying,” Wang Jingyun crouched down, looking directly into his daughter’s eyes, his tone gentle yet firm, “Daddy might be gone for ten days to two weeks this time. You must listen to Uncle Li. He’s a very good hunter and will bring you good food to help you recover.”

"Mmm," Wang Ying nodded obediently, her voice soft, "Dad, don't worry, I'll take good care of myself."

These words, though spoken with such understanding, brought tears to Wang Jingyun's eyes.

He gently stroked his daughter's hair, and after a long while, he spoke: "Daddy went out this time so that our lives could be better in the future."

"I know," Wang Ying said with a sensible smile. "Dad, you go ahead and do your work. I'll definitely get along well with Uncle Li."

Before she could finish speaking, the little girl's eyes reddened, clearly as she struggled to hold back her tears.

Looking at the stubborn little girl, Li Xiangyang's heart softened: "Xiaoying, don't worry, I also have a little sister about your age, named Xiaohua. You're close in age, you'll definitely become good friends."

Wang Ying looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "Really?"

“Of course it’s true,” Li Xiangyang laughed. “And my mom’s cooking is amazing.”

"Then...then I need to take good care of myself and get well so my appetite can return." Wang Ying smiled through her tears. "When I get better, I can play with Sister Xiaohua again."

Seeing the innocent smile that finally appeared on her daughter's face, Wang Jingyun's eyes softened even more.

He gently stroked his daughter's hair, hesitating to speak.

Seeing that the atmosphere had eased, Li Xiangyang finally asked, "Mr. Wang, do you have the money to go to the city?"

This question is asked naturally, showing concern without seeming abrupt.

“Yes.” Wang Jingyun smiled. “Of the ten yuan you lent me, I only spent a little over six.”

Li Xiangyang breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed that the trip to the city should be fine.

"Then it's settled," Wang Jingyun said decisively. "I'll leave first thing tomorrow morning."

Watching Wang Jingyun pack his things, Li Xiangyang thought to himself, "This move will definitely checkmate Wang Ming."

He deserves it!

After all, there's never a free lunch in this world.

"By the way, Mr. Wang, I haven't processed the wild game I brought with me yet. Could I borrow your kitchen?" Li Xiangyang asked with a smile.

"This..." Wang Jingyun said somewhat embarrassedly, "I usually just throw things together casually, and the kitchen hasn't been used in a long time, but I still have all the seasonings."

“That’s perfect for me to show off my skills,” Li Xiangyang said without hesitation. “I hunt in the mountains and often cook for myself, so my cooking skills are pretty decent.”

Wang Jingyun led Li Xiangyang to the kitchen, and as he had said, the kitchen was covered in a layer of dust, and the pots and pans were scattered about.

Without saying a word, Li Xiangyang rolled up his sleeves and started tidying up.

He first cleaned the kitchen and then cleared the stove before starting to process the spotted dove.

Before long, a fragrant aroma wafted from the pot.

Li Xiangyang skillfully controlled the heat, occasionally lifting the lid to check, and adding seasonings as needed.

"It smells so good." Wang Ying couldn't help but swallow.

"Just a little longer," Li Xiangyang said with a smile. "It smells delicious, which means you have a good appetite, that's a good thing."

As dusk approached, a pot of mountain pigeon soup was finally ready.

Li Xiangyang served three bowls, which were filled with a fragrant aroma.

"Xiaoying, drink it while it's hot." Li Xiangyang placed the tenderest piece of meat on Wang Ying's plate. "It's important to nourish your body."

Wang Ying took a sip of the soup, and her eyes immediately lit up: "It's so delicious!"

Seeing her daughter's unusually good appetite, a hint of relief flashed in Wang Jingyun's eyes.

By the time we finished our meal, it was completely dark.

"It's getting late," Li Xiangyang said, standing up. "Xiaoying, shall I take you home?"

Wang Ying subconsciously looked at her father, her eyes filled with reluctance and trepidation.

“Go,” Wang Jingyun said softly. “I’ll leave first thing tomorrow morning. You must listen to Uncle Li.”

"Mmm." Wang Ying nodded, her voice so soft it was almost a whisper to herself, "Dad, come back soon."

Wang Jingyun knelt down and straightened his daughter's collar: "The matter Dad is going to take care of this time is very important, it might take about ten days. You need to take good care of yourself, take your medicine on time, and get well soon."

"I understand." Wang Ying forced a smile, fighting back tears.

Li Xiangyang said softly from the side, "Mr. Wang, please rest assured, I will definitely take good care of Xiaoying."

Wang Jingyun nodded and handed the packed bag to Li Xiangyang.

The bundle wasn't big; it contained Wang Ying's change of clothes, a few pieces of underwear, and several bottles of medicine.

"Then we're leaving." Li Xiangyang took the bag and said to Wang Ying, "Xiaoying, say goodbye to Daddy."

"Goodbye, Dad," Wang Ying said reluctantly before following Li Xiangyang out.

As she was leaving, Wang Ying looked back at the home she had lived in for over ten years, and her eyes welled up with tears again.