New ink fragrance in old times

Everyone was buried in the green cornfield, their hands deftly breaking off the plump corn kernels. Sweat slid down their foreheads and dripped into the soil, nourishing this land of hope.

"Grandpa and grandma, it's time for dinner!" Xing'er's clear voice penetrated the tranquility of the field.

Upon hearing this, the Lin family and others put down their work and came under the shade of the tree. Xing'er and Hua'er skillfully served food to everyone.

The autumn heat was exceptionally intense, even drier and more unbearable than summer. Although everyone had already drunk the water they had brought with them, the deep-seated thirst lingered, as if even breathing absorbed the heat from the air.

The sun, like a merciless flame, scorched the earth mercilessly, scorching every inch of it. Working in such weather, everyone's face was covered with sweat, and their clothes were soaked with sweat, clinging to their bodies, making people feel even more uncomfortable.

Seeing this, Mr. Lin made a decisive decision. He called out, "Eldest, second, third son's wives, Xing'er and Hua'er, take your baskets full of corn home first. Bring some water with you when you get back, and wait until the sun sets a little before bringing the cows back."

After hearing Mr. Lin's instructions, the three daughters-in-law and Xing'er and Hua'er immediately took action.

After returning home, they couldn't wait to find a cool place to sit down and drink the clear and sweet well water in big gulps. The coolness instantly penetrated their bodies, dispelling all the heat and fatigue.

After a short rest, they regained their spirits, got up and started to get busy.

Xing'er carried a bucket and went to the backyard, drew half a bucket of water from the well, and carefully added cool water to the livestock at home; Hua'er was busy at the stove, carefully washing the pots and pans with a brush.

Shen and Han worked in perfect harmony, scooping water into the large clay pots until each was completely filled. Then, they carefully placed the heavy pots into their backpacks and prepared to set off again.

At the same time, Lu was worried about her little daughter He'er. She took some time to return to her room and saw He'er lying quietly on her crib, breathing evenly and sleeping soundly.

Lu's heart was instantly filled with tenderness. She gently walked to the bedside, afraid to disturb the tranquility. She carefully picked up He'er, held her in her arms, and rocked her gently, letting her daughter feel the warmth and security from her mother.

During the feeding process, He'er snuggled contentedly in Lu's arms, and her innocent smile filled Lu's heart with happiness and satisfaction.

After completing this brief parent-child time, Lu put on a straw hat, picked up a backpack full of water, and set off for the fields together with Shen, who was carrying a bucket of water, and Han, who was carrying a backpack.

After the three people left, Xing'er carefully closed the door gently to ensure the safety of the house.

She turned back inside, settled her younger siblings, and coaxed them into a sweet nap with gentle words. Once everything was settled, Xing'er began to feel tired. She slowly lay down, and soon, along with the sound of her younger siblings' breathing, she fell into a peaceful dream.

The sun gradually sets in the west, and golden sunlight shines through the window into the house, giving the room a layer of warm glow.

Xing'er gently walked to the bedside and gently woke up her sleeping brother and sister. They rubbed their eyes, slowly sat up, their faces full of confusion and cuteness, and slowly walked out of the room.

Lin Mo also walked out of the house. He scooped up a handful of cool well water and washed his face casually. The water droplets slid down his face, instantly making him much more awake.

Xing'er said to Hua'er, "Hua'er, remember to keep an eye on the porridge in the pot and don't let it get mushy."

Hua'er nodded and replied, "Don't worry, Sister Xing'er, I will always keep an eye on it."

Then, Xing'er turned her gaze to Lin Mo and Lin Sizhe: "Sanlang, Silang, I'll leave He'er to you two. She's still young, you have to take turns watching her and make sure she doesn't fall off the bed, understand?"

Lin Mo nodded and responded, "Okay... Sister Xing'er."

Lin Sizhe, who was standing by, patted his chest and assured, "Don't worry, Sister Xing'er, I will protect Sister He'er."

At this time, the two little guys, Lin Sinan and Lin Siheng, also excitedly joined the conversation. They surrounded Xing'er and called out in their baby voices, "Sister, sister."

Xing'er assigned tasks to her younger brothers and sisters properly, nodded with satisfaction, then turned and walked towards the cowshed in the backyard.

Lin Mo thought to himself. He already knew the ranking of the Lin family's children and the names of the girls, but he didn't know the names of the remaining boys. He could only call them "brothers" according to their serial numbers.

Thinking about how I racked my brains at noon and tried to get any useful information out of these little guys, I couldn't find any. After all, they were too young and didn't know much, so I had to find another way.

Lin Mo secretly encouraged himself in his heart: "It seems that the revolution has not yet succeeded, comrades still need to work hard!" He prayed that he could get some useful information from Dalang and Erlang who were studying abroad.

Xing'er led the cow and slowly walked out of the yard and towards the field.

A gentle breeze blew along the road, bringing a touch of coolness and dispelling the afternoon heat. Cows trudged leisurely along the roadside, occasionally lowering their heads to enjoy the grass by the roadside, each bite making them moo contentedly.

At about three quarters after noon, Lin Mo suddenly heard the sound of cows mooing outside the house, followed by a brisk knock on the door.

He quickly got up, walked to the door, unbolted the bolt, and then slowly pulled the heavy wooden door open with force.

Outside, the setting sun poured down like molten gold, casting a warm and gentle glow on Xing'er. She was holding a sturdy yellow ox in her hand. Behind it was a cart loaded with corn.

On the cart, corn (in ancient times, people often called this crop "corn" or "maize") was piled up like a small mountain. Each cob was plump and tempting, exuding the joy of a good harvest.

The corns were carefully tied with ropes to prevent them from falling apart during transportation. At the back, Aunt Shen and Aunt Lu were working together to push the cart.

The three of them worked together to park the cart full of corn in the front yard. Lin Xueqin, Lin Xuejin and Lin Xuebao, who were walking behind, came into the yard carrying baskets on their backs.

Everyone busied themselves unloading the goods. Shen untied the ropes, and the others began to move the corn, their movements expertly and in unison.

After unloading the corn, Lin Xueqin looked at Lin Mo with some trust and entrustment in his eyes: "Sanlang, you take good care of the door at home." He patted Lin Mo's shoulder to show encouragement and recognition.

Afterwards, Lin Xueqin, Lin Xuebao and others drove ox carts and left home.

Lin Mo closed the door and sat in the yard waiting. After a while, he became bored and went to thresh the corn.

An hour or so later, the familiar sound of an oxcart rang in Lin Mo's ears again. He opened the door and saw the cart slowly approaching. This time, it was being pushed by this body's mother, while Lin Mo's father and Lu were pushing the cart. Together, they pushed the wheels, their steps steady and powerful.

As the ox cart approached, everyone worked together to unload the corn again and left again.