New ink fragrance in old times

Old Mrs. Lin knocked on the door gently, her voice filled with tenderness and respect:

"Mom, I'm coming in."

"Yue'e, you're here."

As soon as the door was gently pushed open, a slightly old but powerful voice came from inside the house, accompanied by the sound of a crutch knocking on the ground.

Although this man is over 80 years old, he is in good spirits and his eyes are still as bright as torches, as if he can see into people's hearts.

Zhao Yue'e (Mrs. Lin) stepped forward quickly, holding Zhao Wan's arms with both hands, a warm smile on her face: "Mother, your daughter has brought the third son and Sanlang to see you."

Zhao Wan nodded with a smile and tapped the ground lightly with her cane, as if she was pleased with the arrival of this family affection: "Okay, okay, okay. I'm very happy that you can come."

Lin Xuebao and Lin Mo followed closely behind and walked into the house.

Lin Xuebao stepped forward and said respectfully, "Grandma, do you remember me? I'm Chuanzi." There was a hint of expectation in his voice, as if he hoped Zhao Wan would recognize him immediately.

Lin Moze remembered what Zhao Yue'e and Lin Xuebo had told him on the way, so he hurried forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Hello, great-grandmother. I'm Douzi."

Lin Mo's voice was a little nervous, but he tried his best to make his eyes full of respect for this elder.

Zhao Wan looked at them with a smile, her eyes full of love.

She waved her hand, motioning them to come closer: "Come closer, let me take a better look."

Lin Xuebo walked over to Zhao Wan. Zhao Wan took his hand and looked at him carefully: "Chuanzi, you've grown a lot stronger."

Lin Xuebo scratched his head sheepishly and said with a smile, "Grandma has a really good memory."

Zhao Wan held Lin Xuebao's hand, her eyes full of love.

Then, Zhao Wan turned to look at Lin Mo: "You are the second child in the family of giving birth to a child, right? The last time I saw you, you were still holding me in your arms. You have grown so tall now."

Lin Mo nodded uncertainly, and touched his head shyly: "Yes, great-grandmother. I was still young at that time, and I don't remember many things."

Zhao Wan was filled with emotion: "Time flies so fast. In the blink of an eye, you have all grown up."

When Lin Mo heard his great-grandmother sigh like this, he wanted to learn how they responded to such questions, but he never expected that the other party would suddenly change the tone.

Zhao Wan asked Lin Xuebo, "Hey, this road at night is not easy to walk on, right?"

Lin Xuebo responded with a smile: "Grandma, why are you asking about the night road?"

Zhao Wan gently patted the back of Lin Xuebo's hand, her eyes full of love. "Grandma is worried about you. This mountain road is rugged and difficult to walk at night. What if something goes wrong? What will happen?"

Lin Xuebao quickly explained, "Grandma, don't worry. We arrived yesterday and didn't travel at night."

Zhao Wan was slightly stunned, then smiled and said, "You came yesterday, so why didn't you come to see grandma?"

At this time, the woman beside Zhao Wan—Zhao Wan's daughter-in-law, Lotus—softly explained, "Mother, when Yue'e and the others came yesterday, you had already rested. They were tired after a long day's journey, so I let them rest."

Zhao Wan frowned slightly upon hearing this, and said with a hint of reproach, "Why didn't you tell me? Even if I rested, you could have woken me up. They rarely come here."

Zhao Yue'e hurried forward, took Zhao Wan's hand, and said, "Mother, this is my fault. I was so happy to see you yesterday that I forgot to mention it to you. So, I came early this morning to call them to say hello to you."

Zhao Wan looked at Zhao Yue'e, patted the back of her hand gently, and said with a smile: "Okay, okay. I'm very happy that you can come. Next time you come, tell me earlier and make me very happy."

Lotus and Zhao Yue'e nodded: "I understand, mother."

Zhao Wan smiled and nodded, then turned her gaze gently to Zhao Yue'e, her voice filled with anticipation: "Yue'e, where are the others? Have they arrived? I've been thinking about them the whole time."

Zhao Yue'e shook her head gently, a hint of apology flashing in her eyes, and she explained softly:

"Mom, the eldest and second sons couldn't come this time. As you know, they each have their own families and are busy with things, so they really can't spare the time. But, Mom, don't worry, I will definitely let them come to see you in a while and let them know how much you miss them."

A subtle hint of disappointment flashed across Zhao Wan's face, but she quickly regained her warm smile. "It's okay, Yue'e. I'm very grateful that you can come to see me. I know you all have your own things to do and can't always be with an old woman like me. I understand. I understand everything."

Zhao Yue'e quickly shook Zhao Wan's hand, her eyes full of sincerity: "Mother, what are you talking about? These younger generations, no matter how busy they are, should accompany you. It's just a coincidence that they are all busy this time. But please believe that they are thinking of you in their hearts."

Lotus, who was standing by, also came over. She gently patted Zhao Wan on the back and said softly, "Mother, what my sister-in-law said is right. You are the elder, and we should be filial to you."

Zhao Wan: "Let's not talk about this anymore. They are all my children. I understand your difficulties. Yue'e, please stay a few more days this time and talk to me."

Lotus echoed, "Yes, Yue'e, please stay with me more this time."

Zhao Yue'e smiled and nodded: "Mom, I came here this time just to accompany you."

Zhao Wan couldn't stop smiling when she heard this. Her smile was full of relief and satisfaction: "Okay, okay, if you can stay a few more days, mother will be even happier."

Zhao Wan gently patted the back of Hehua's hand, her eyes full of tenderness: "Hehua, go and get busy. I don't need you here. There are a lot of things to do at home, you have to take care of them too."

Lotus smiled and nodded: "Okay, mother, I'll go get busy first. If you need anything, feel free to call me."

After saying that, Lotus stood up and left the room.

Zhao Wan's gaze fell on Zhao Yue'e again, her eyes full of concern and inquiry: "Yue'e, is everyone else at home okay? Talk to me so I can have an idea."

Zhao Yue'e smiled and nodded, with a hint of pride in her tone: "Mom, don't worry, everyone in the family is doing well. The eldest son is working in the county now and can earn a lot of money. The second son helps take care of the family, and the daughters-in-law are also filial.

Brother Hong and I are both in good health. Dalang and Erlang are both studying at the community school. The teacher always praises Dalang for his good academic performance. The younger ones at home are also very obedient and don’t make any noise.

Zhao Wan heard this and said, "That's good, that's good. The children are doing well, and you can worry less."

Zhao Wan: "Chuanzi, where are you working now?"

Lin Xuebo replied from the side: "Grandma, I am still an apprentice in the county, learning the craft from my master."

I can't bear it any longer. I'll write the rest during the day.