From Hoarding to Time-Travel: My Supplies Saved Him

Chapter 429: Chapter 430: The Li Family

Luo Gang felt a surge of anxiety and frustration. He knew he couldn’t reason with the old master at a time like this, so he turned and went out, heading straight for the Gu family members who were still discussing matters.

Gu Yi and the others were at a loss for words when they heard. They couldn’t understand how the once honest and dull Gu Dashishi had turned into the person he was today.

"Luo Gang, why don’t you make the trip first? After all, your Old Madam was the one who sent you. You can go and check on them on her behalf."

Gu Datian knew better than anyone else in the village that Da Shi’s wife’s family had helped them immensely in the past. Otherwise, how could they have raised so many children so easily? He just never expected Gu Dashishi to be so ungrateful.

This was what Luo Gang wanted as well, but as a servant, he couldn’t make the decision himself. Now that a family elder had spoken, he would have a valid reason even if he had to face the old man’s scolding.

"But what about our old master?"

Gu Datian said, "I’ll go talk to him in a bit. When you get to the Li family, don’t say too much. Just say that the journey has been hard on Dashishi and he’s not feeling well, and that he’ll pay them a visit another day."

Now that they had an excuse ready for him, they hoped Gu Dashishi would be sensible enough to use it. Otherwise, if Li Cuicui found out when they returned, there would surely be another scene.

After Luo Gang left, they sat down again to continue their discussion. As for Gu Dashishi’s current behavior, they couldn’t be bothered to talk about it anymore.

Unsure of the way, Luo Gang asked a grain Shopkeeper for directions. Then he rented an ox-cart nearby, bought some pastries, and headed straight for Li Family Village.

「The Li Family Home」

Li Bingkun struggled to sit up on the kang bed. Li Zhengming, who was watching over him, immediately jumped up and went to support him. "Father, would you like some water?"

Li Bingkun caught his breath, pausing for a moment before speaking. "I dreamt that your grandparents and your Eldest Uncle were at the door. It seems my time is short. Go get Zhengda and Zhengguang."

An ominous feeling rose in Li Zhengming’s heart. He knew this was likely what the old folks called a final burst of energy before death. But he forced a smile and said, "Father, you were probably just groggy from sleep. Zhengda and Zhengguang should be working in the fields right now. I’ll have Xiao Bei go get them."

Li Bingkun nodded. "It’s good to have Xiao Bei make the trip. I’ve been lying down for so long. Help me up so I can wash."

Li Zhengming fought back the tears in his eyes. "Alright, you wait here. I’ll go get the water."

The moment he stepped out the door, Li Zhengming could no longer hold back his tears. He called for his son, Li Xiaobei. "Go to the fields and call your First Uncle and Second Uncle back."

Li Xiaobei glanced worriedly at the room behind his father, then immediately turned and ran.

Li Zhengming walked to the kitchen, where Mrs. Li Dai was pressing a hand to her stomach as she bustled about.

"If you’re not feeling well, you should get some rest," Li Zhengming said, looking at her with concern. "Xiao Bei and I can handle things around the house."

"I’m fine, it’s just the usual trouble. How is Father?"

Li Zhengming shook his head. "He asked me to prepare water for him to wash up."

Mrs. Li Dai sighed and silently added more fuel to the stove. "Go get some more cold water. I can mix it in once this pot boils."

"See if you can make Father a bowl of noodles with two eggs," Li Zhengming added as he reached the doorway.

"Mm-hmm!"

The moment Luo Gang entered Li Family Village, he saw two men running ahead. He quickly had the ox-cart driver catch up. "Excuse me, friends, could you tell me how to get to Li Bingkun’s house?"

Li Zhengda stopped and looked at him. "Where are you from? What do you want with him?"

It was only then that Luo Gang noticed a young boy between them. "Our Old Madam sent me to pay a visit. Could you please tell me how to get to his house?"

Li Zhengda said, "He’s my second uncle. But I don’t know who your Old Madam is."

Li Zhengguang said, "Big Brother, this is no time for questions! We need to hurry back, Second Uncle is waiting to see us."

Li Zhengda said, "It’s really not a convenient time for guests at home right now. Please leave!"

With that, he and Li Zhengguang each grabbed one of the boy’s arms and broke into a sprint toward home.

Luo Gang quickly jumped off the ox-cart, paid the fare, and chased after them with his things in hand.

Xiao Bei looked back at Luo Gang chasing them. "Uncle, that man is following us."

"We don’t have time for him now. He’s probably looking for the wrong person. He’ll leave on his own when he realizes his mistake. ’After those years of famine, what relatives or friends could we possibly have left? Now, even our dearest Second Uncle is about to leave us. I’m in no mood to meddle in someone else’s business.’"

Panting for breath, they arrived at their doorstep and saw their younger brother carrying hot water out of the kitchen.

"What’s going on?"

"My father wants to wash up."

The three brothers said no more and began to busy themselves with the task.

Hurrying and scurrying, Luo Gang finally caught up. Looking at the yard, which was simply enclosed by a wicker fence, he could see everything inside without even needing to enter.

"Excuse me, is this Li Bingkun’s home?" Luo Gang asked, confirming one more time.

Li Zhengguang let his older brother and younger brother go in first to help the old man wash up. He walked over himself. "We don’t have any high-ranking relatives. You’re in the wrong place."

Just as Li Zhengguang was about to drive him away, Luo Gang quickly explained his purpose. "Our Old Madam is named Li Cuicui. I’ve come on her orders to find her two brothers, Li Bingqian and Li Bingkun."

"Who did you say?" Li Zhengguang asked, clutching his chest in excitement, his voice trembling.

Some of the people who had fled the famine had returned, and they had asked around, but sadly, no one knew of their aunt’s whereabouts.

They had thought their aunt’s family had likely met with misfortune, but now, today, they were hearing such unexpected news.

"My old master is Gu Dashishi, the Old Madam is Li Cuicui, the young master is Gu Yuanjin..."

Li Zhengguang was convinced now. He quickly stepped aside and invited the man into the house.

"How is my aunt now? Is she doing well?"

Luo Gang glanced at the dilapidated adobe houses. "They are all doing well. It’s just that the Old Madam has been constantly worried about her family back home."

"As long as she’s well," Li Zhengguang suddenly stood up and ran toward the main room, only to stop at the doorway.

He stood quietly outside the door, waiting until things were settled inside. Then, he composed his expression and pushed the door open.

As soon as he entered, he saw Li Bingkun, who had been cleaned up and looked much more spirited, sitting on the kang bed and looking at him with a loving expression.

He quickly walked over and took the old man’s hand. "Uncle, how are you feeling now? A little more comfortable?"

Li Bingkun nodded. "Much better. I feel like I have strength all over my body again.

You three brothers must support each other from now on..."

"Uncle, let’s not talk about that right now. I just received some good news. Do you want to hear it?"

"What kind of good news could make the ever-steady Zhengguang blush with excitement?"

After speaking, the old man reached out and stroked his nephew’s cheek. ’My nephew has gotten old, too,’ he thought. ’Look at all the wrinkles on his face.’