New ink fragrance in old times

Lin Mo's steps were brisk, as if he was being pulled by an invisible force. He could smell the fragrance wafting from the depths of the courtyard from afar. The familiar and tempting smell made his heart beat faster.

He had already pictured a series of scenes in his mind - the dining table was filled with all kinds of delicacies, and what made him salivate the most were the plates of steaming, fragrant meat.

Thinking of this, Lin Mo couldn't help but chuckle, the anticipation and joy in his heart were beyond words.

As the distance got closer, the fragrance became stronger. Lin Mo could almost imagine that those delicacies were lying quietly on the table, waiting for them to be tasted.

Finally, he stepped over the threshold, and the scene before him brightened his eyes, and his guess was confirmed: the sweetness of the sweet potato and corn rice, the richness of the bacon and vermicelli stew, the chewy texture of the fried noodles, the freshness of the stir-fried vegetables, and the large plate of perfectly pickled garlic. Every dish exuded an attractive luster.

When Lin Xiya saw everyone coming back, she hurriedly said, "The meal is ready, everyone please take a seat."

Zhao Yue'e stood beside the round table filled with sumptuous dishes, with a warm and sincere smile on her face. She clapped her hands gently and greeted everyone gently:

"Alright, let's start eating. We've been busy all morning and must be starving."

Qian Xiufang looked up at the sound and said softly, "Sister-in-law, you are so kind. Our whole family came here today, and the warmth in our hearts is warmer than anything else."

"The completion of a new house is a great joyous occasion. Firstly, we want to bring more people to the new house. Secondly, we sincerely want to share in this rare joyous occasion. We hope that both our families will be blessed with good fortune."

After hearing this, Zhao Yue'e smiled and added some food to Qian Xiufang's bowl, saying gently:

"Xiufang, you're too polite. We're all family, why should we be so formal? Come, try this dish I made and see if it suits your taste."

Lin Wenru stood up, holding a bowl of steaming hot soup in his hand. His eyes were firm and his tone was sincere:

"Brother and sister-in-law, you have really worked so hard for this family over the years. Today, I will use this bowl of soup instead of wine to toast you. I wish your family more and more prosperous, good health, and everything goes well."

Lin Wenhong stood up with a smile, and their eyes met. There was no need for words, the deep brotherly love was evident.

He patted Lin Wenru's shoulder and said with a smile, "Do we need these polite words between brothers? Yue'e and I are already very happy that you can come. Now that we've come to this, come on, I'm in a good mood today, come, let's go together."

Lin Xuerui spoke first: "Uncle, aunt, I wish your family harmony and prosperity, the completion of your new house, and may you be filled with joy and live better and better lives."

Lin Xuezhi then said, "Yes, our family will definitely become more prosperous."

Sisters-in-law Li Ling and Hua Juan also expressed their feelings.

Li Ling said gently, "Aunt, if there is anything we need help with in the future, just let us know. We will do our best and will never refuse."

Hua Juan added, "Yes, we are all family. Auntie's cooking skills are so good, I will have to ask you for advice in the future."

Lin Xiqian said to Zhao Yue'e affectionately, "Aunt, the dishes you cook are so delicious. I will definitely learn from you in the future and strive to be able to cook such delicious dishes as well."

Zhao Yue'e listened to these heartwarming words, her eyes moistened, and she said with a smile:

"Okay, okay, I'll be happy if you can come often. Come, everyone, sit down and eat. The weather is cold, and the food will get cold easily. Let's eat it while it's hot."

Everyone sat around the round table, enjoying this sumptuous lunch. Every bite of food seemed to dance on the tip of the tongue, emitting an intoxicating aroma.

Lin Mo picked up a piece of bacon stewed with vermicelli and took a light bite. The mellow taste instantly spread in his mouth. He couldn't help but squint his eyes and savor the taste of home.

The sweetness of the sweet potato and corn rice and the salty aroma of the bacon are intertwined to form a unique taste enjoyment; the fried noodles are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and paired with fresh stir-fried vegetables, it satisfies the taste buds while remaining healthy.

The perfectly pickled garlic adds a touch of flavor to the whole dish, making it irresistible.

"It's so delicious, Mom! Your cooking skills are even better than the chefs in the town's restaurants!" Lin Xuebao praised it endlessly. His chopsticks never stopped moving. Every time he picked up a piece of dish, it was like he was tasting a rare delicacy in the world.

Zhao Yue'e smiled from ear to ear and picked up a few dishes for Lin Xuebo: "It's good if you like it. If you like it, eat more."

Lin Wenhong continued, "It's a rare occasion for us to get together for a meal today. Let's all eat and drink well."

After dinner, Lin Wenhong, Lin Wenru and their respective sons took ropes, axes and wood saws to cut down the big trees not far from the Lin family's house that they had protected for more than ten years.

At the same time, in another corner of the Lin family's yard, Lin Mo and his brothers and sisters, cousins and cousins sat in a circle and began their compulsory course for the day - reciting "Child Prodigy Poems".

"The emperor values heroes, and teaches you to write. All other pursuits are inferior, only reading is superior..."

The clear voices of children echoed in the yard, and every word was filled with expectations and longings for the future.

Just as everyone was immersed in the artistic conception of the poem, a childish and slightly doubtful voice suddenly interrupted the tranquility:

"Third brother, what does this poem mean?"

Lin Sijian, Lin Mo's cousin, was blinking his bright big eyes and looking at Lin Mo with curiosity. Those eyes seemed to contain curiosity and exploration of the whole world.

Lin Mo turned to look at Lin Sijian, and when he was about to explain, he suddenly remembered that he was just a child and how could he understand this profound ancient poem.

So, he coughed lightly and said in a deep voice, "Maowa, I don't know about this either."

A trace of loss flashed across Lin Sijian's face, but it was quickly replaced by a desire for knowledge.

Shen Xin just came out of the kitchen and saw everyone's sad faces, so he explained:

"This poem means that the emperor values talented people and teaches people to study hard. In this world, there are many things to do, but studying is the most powerful. You should also study hard and pass the imperial examinations in the future, understand?"

Lin Sijian nodded, not quite understanding: "I understand, Auntie."

Shen Xin's words were like a spring breeze, which not only answered Lin Sijian's doubts, but also made the children present fall into deep thought.

Shen Xin smiled and said, "Okay, you guys continue."

As the children's recitations rose and fell, the sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves and shone on them, adding a bit of warmth and hope to this winter afternoon.

Lin Mo looked at the energetic children around him, and a warm feeling surged in his heart.

In this situation, he wanted to write a few poems, but due to his limited knowledge, he could only sigh that it was so healing.

Lin Mo was leading Lin Sizhe, Tang Qing and a few other little ones to immerse themselves in the rhythm of "Poems of a Child Prodigy". Suddenly, a slight noise came from the backyard, breaking the tranquility.

Lin Mo raised his head, his ears twitching slightly, and then he put down the scroll in his hand and smiled at Lin Sizhe and Tang Qing beside him: "Did you hear it? There seems to be some movement in the backyard, why don't we go check it out?"

Lin Sizhe's eyes lit up. He was always curious about everything new at home, and he immediately nodded in agreement: "Okay, okay!"

When they arrived at the backyard, they saw Lin Xuebao standing in front of his woodworking workshop, holding a sharp carving knife in his hand, concentrating on examining a piece of wood that had just been sawed.

The sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds and shone on him, adding a touch of sacredness and solemnity to his focused expression.

Lin Mo stood aside curiously, his eyes closely following the carving knife in his uncle's hand.

He watched the sharp blade move lightly across the wooden board, like a dancer dancing on the stage, every cut was just right, every carving was extremely precise.

Lin Mo couldn't help but feel a bit of admiration and yearning:

"Carpentry is such a wonderful craft! No matter how the times change, this craft will never fade away. I must learn it. If I return to the modern world, I will definitely be able to support myself."

Lin Mo secretly made up his mind and his eyes became more determined.