Ding Qianxi, a man from Zhucheng, possessed considerable wealth and was known for his chivalry, looking up to the ancient hero Guo Jie as his exemplar. When the Censor arrived to pay a call, Ding Qianxi wished to avoid him and slipped away. Fleeing to Anqiu, a sudden downpour struck, forcing him to seek shelter under the eaves of an inn. Just then, a young man approached and offered him provisions; the feast set before him was quite lavish. As dusk fell and the rain persisted, the youth invited Ding Qianxi to stay at his home, providing food and tending to his horse with warm hospitality.

Ding Qianxi inquired about the young man's name, to which the youth replied, "My master’s surname is Yang, and I am his nephew. My master delights in making friends but happens to be away on business; only my mistress is at home. Our household is poor and cannot offer much worthy of such a distinguished guest, so please forgive our shortcomings."

"What is your master's trade?" Ding Qianxi asked.

The youth responded, "The family owns no assets; we make a living by running a gambling den."

The following day, the rain still had not ceased. When the youth brought fodder for the horses, Ding Qianxi noticed it was of uneven length, some dry and some damp, and he asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

The youth confessed, "To tell the truth, sir, we are so poor we cannot even afford proper feed for the horses. This fodder was taken by the mistress from the thatch of our humble roof."

Deeply moved, Ding Qianxi immediately brought out gold and silver to present to the youth, who refused to accept it, saying, "The mistress instructed that since you are our guest, it is only proper for us to entertain you; we cannot accept payment, or the master will be displeased when he returns."

Hearing this, Ding Qianxi was even more touched, praising them sincerely, "Your master and mistress possess noble character, and I hold them in high esteem. I am Ding Qianxi of Zhucheng. When your master returns, please relay a message for me: ask him to visit my humble abode for a gathering when he has time." With that, he took his leave.

Several years later, a severe famine afflicted the land, and the Yang family could not sustain themselves. The wife urged her husband, "That Ding Qianxi once said that if we ever faced hardship, we could seek him out. Now is surely the time."

Mr. Yang nodded, "Indeed, things being as they are, this is our only hope." He then traveled alone to the Ding residence and announced his name. Upon hearing that an old acquaintance had arrived, Ding Qianxi was both surprised and delighted. Without bothering to change his clothes, he rushed out in his slippers to greet him. Seeing Mr. Yang clad in rags with his toes showing through his worn-out shoes, he immediately ushered him into the warm main hall and arranged a grand banquet, treating him with utmost formality.

The next day, Ding Qianxi also procured new clothes, hats, shoes, and socks for Mr. Yang, making him look entirely refreshed. Mr. Yang felt a warmth in his heart, but the thought of his wife back home without provisions soon brought renewed worry. He stayed for several days, entertained daily with fine wine and rich meat, yet Ding Qianxi never broached the subject of provisions or showed any sign of preparing for his departure. Growing anxious, Mr. Yang finally spoke, "I have considered this deeply and can hide it no longer. When I arrived, we had less than a sheng of rice at home. Here I am enjoying lavish meals and a carefree life, but how is my wife managing?"

Ding Qianxi smiled, "My elder brother need not worry about this matter; I have already made thorough arrangements. Please stay a few more days with peace of mind; I will surely give you traveling funds when you depart." As he spoke, a large group of gamblers arrived for a visit. Ding Qianxi gathered them for a high-stakes session, allowing Mr. Yang to take a commission from the winners' pots. Overnight, they amassed a hundred jin, after which Ding Qianxi politely escorted him back to his hometown.

Upon returning, Mr. Yang found his entire family newly attired. His wife was now attended by a maid, and he rushed to ask the reason. His wife replied, "Since you left, Young Master Ding sent men the very next day with a carriage laden with grain and cloth—piled high in the storeroom. This maid was also a gift from Young Master Ding."

Hearing this, Mr. Yang was overwhelmed with gratitude. From that day forward, the whole family lived in comfort and peace, never returning to their former profession of gambling.