Andrew Carter dashed back home, just in time to see Elder Uncle carrying water buckets, returning from the village well. As soon as he saw Andrew Carter, he shouted, “You brat, the old lady said you should fetch water and chop wood. From now on, Elder Uncle won’t do it for you anymore. If there’s no water or firewood, I won’t even need to beat you—your second aunt-in-law won’t let you off!”

Henry Carter spoke while laughing smugly, looking completely gloating, without a trace of the kindness an uncle should have.

No wonder the Wang family declined—everyone’s so odd, it’d be unnatural if they didn’t fall apart!

Andrew Carter suppressed his anger and moved closer to Elder Uncle.

“Your nephew was busy for your sake, Elder Uncle. Look, I’m drenched in sweat.”

Henry Carter scoffed, “Don’t try to fool me. What were you really up to?”

“Elder Uncle, I’m not lying to you. Trust me, soon there’ll be money at home to help you find a wife, and then I’ll have an aunt from you.” Andrew Carter blinked his bright eyes, swearing earnestly.

Henry Carter’s face flushed red, and he snapped, “You little rascal, what nonsense are you spouting?”

“Elder Uncle, just come with me!”

Andrew Carter pulled Henry Carter and ran toward Sanhe Village, telling him about Richard Carter stealing the horse as they went, then complained, “Elder Uncle, you’re the head of the family, you have to stand up for your nephew!”

Hearing the words “head of the family,” Henry Carter was jolted. Wasn’t it true? Grandpa had passed away, father was gone, and he was the oldest male in the Wang family, the rightful head.

Ever since his wife died, what kind of life had he been living? The old lady looked down on him, the second brother bullied him, feeding horses, plowing fields, fetching water, chopping wood… Damn it, he’d become a servant!

He’d always disliked Cui-shi, but never had the chance. If Richard Carter really did steal the horse, it was time to teach the second brother’s family a lesson.

It’d be best if the second brother and his son couldn’t study anymore. Grandma was senile, treating those two fools like treasures. She’d be better off saving the money to get me a wife! I’m not that old yet—if I hurry and have a son, maybe my boy will be the real star scholar, and one day have his name called at Donghua Gate… Honestly, there aren’t many reliable people in the Wang family.

But using him to deal with Cui-shi was just perfect.

Night was falling as Andrew Carter finally brought Henry Carter to the Li family’s backyard.

“Elder Uncle, look! Isn’t that our family’s horse?”

Henry Carter didn’t even need a close look. Before Andrew Carter, he’d always been in charge of the horses—how could he not recognize it!

“Ha! The horse thief is right here!”

He lifted his big foot and kicked the gate. The Li family’s yard was made of brick, but the gate was wooden. With one kick from Elder Uncle, it flew open, and he rushed in with the carrying pole, hurrying to the cowshed. When the horse saw its owner, it was overjoyed, pacing around and affectionately rubbing its big head against Elder Uncle’s chest.

Henry Carter untied the reins, grabbed them, and growled through gritted teeth, “Which filthy scoundrel dared steal the Wang family’s horse? You wretch, you good-for-nothing, you beast who doesn’t deserve to eat—get out here!”

Elder Uncle cursed loudly as he charged forward.

Inside the house, Richard Carter and David Thompson were startled. In an instant, Richard Carter’s face turned pale. “Oh no, my Elder Uncle is here!” Richard Carter turned to run out the front yard.

But David Thompson wouldn’t let him go—if you leave, I’ll be the horse thief!

“Brother Carter, calm down!”

David Thompson was quick-witted, leaned in to whisper a few words to Richard Carter, and Richard Carter felt a bit more confident. He hurried to the back, running right into Henry Carter.

“Well, isn’t this James? Could it be you stole our horse?”

Richard Carter quickly forced a smile, “Elder Uncle, you’re here?”

“If I hadn’t come, I wouldn’t know what you really are! Hurry home and accept your punishment!”

Richard Carter put on an innocent face, “Elder Uncle, what do you mean by that? Your nephew is going to Cangzhou to see father, and Brother Thompson and the child are coming along. We brought the horse as transport—it’s dozens of miles, we can’t walk all the way, can we?”

At this moment, David Thompson also hurriedly bowed and said, “Yes, Uncle Carter, your nephew and Brother Carter are good friends. Since the private school is on break, we’re going to Cangzhou together to broaden our horizons. I hope you don’t mind?”

“Of course I mind!” Henry Carter, in his thirties, wasn’t about to be fooled by kids. He sneered, “If you wanted to use our horse, why didn’t you tell me?”

“I… I… I told Thomas!”

“Pah!” Henry Carter spat fiercely. “Your mother dragged Thomas to the ancestral hall and beat him. If you borrowed the horse, why didn’t he say so? Why would he get beaten, almost to death?”

Richard Carter trembled in fear, but still tried to argue, “Maybe he forgot… uh, no, I forgot. I’m sorry to Thomas, I’ll go apologize to him!”

Andrew Carter heard everything clearly and was nearly furious enough to curse. What a stubborn liar! He’d clearly wanted to sell the horse for four strings of cash, but as soon as Elder Uncle showed up, he changed his story to borrowing the horse. His lying skills were truly impressive!

Just as he was thinking about how to expose him, a middle-aged man strode into the Li family’s yard, shouting as he walked, “James Carter, I’ve brought the money. Hand over the horse!”

His voice was so loud that everyone heard it clearly.