New ink fragrance in old times

After dinner, the sun shone through the sparse clouds, dappling onto the bluestone slabs of the Lin family courtyard, adding a touch of warmth and peace to the quiet morning.

Lin Xuejin gently put down the bowl and chopsticks in his hands, slowly stood up, and announced: "It's a nice day today, I plan to go into the mountains."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xuebo also put down the bowl in his hand and responded enthusiastically, "I happen to be free too, so let's go together. If we two brothers go together, we can look after each other and chat on the way to relieve boredom."

When Lin Sizhe heard this, his eyes lit up immediately, as if he had discovered something new and exciting. He excitedly shouted, "Second Uncle, Third Uncle, I want to go too! I want to go to the mountains with you, okay?"

Seeing this, Lin Xuebo couldn't help but laugh. He reached out and gently patted Lin Sizhe's shoulder, trying to calm his excitement:

"Shiro, what are you going to do? We're going to work, not play. The mountain road is rugged and no joke. You fell hard last time, have you forgotten?"

When Lin Sizhe heard this, he immediately pouted, his face full of dissatisfaction and grievance. He hugged Lin Xuebo's arm tightly with both hands and said coquettishly:

"Uncle San, just take me with you! I promise not to run around and just follow you guys obediently, okay? I promise to be obedient and not fall again."

Lin Xuebo shook his head helplessly and was about to refuse again when Lin Xuejin spoke up, "Silang, if you go, the others will follow you. We'll be so busy taking care of you that we won't have time to work."

Lin Xuejin echoed, "Silang, go find those friends you're good with today. Grandma rarely lets you have a day off. You don't have to work or memorize lessons today. How wonderful!"

Lin Sizhe's little face was full of stubbornness: "No, I want to go. If you don't let me go, I will go by myself!"

As I said this, I really had the urge to turn around and run out.

Seeing this, Lin Xuejin thought for a moment, then compromised, "Okay, since you want to go so badly, I'll take you. But you have to promise me that you'll be obedient. You can't run around, grab everything you see, or eat everything you see. Got it?"

When Lin Sizhe heard this, he immediately jumped up with joy and cheered, "I know, Second Uncle."

At this moment, Tang Qing, who had been sitting nearby, watched this scene with a complicated expression, his heart stirring. He thought that he would be returning home soon, and that his chances of entering the mountains would probably become fewer and fewer, and he couldn't help but feel a bit reluctant and regretful.

He took a deep breath, mustered up his courage, and said softly, "Uncle, I want to go with you too."

Lin Xuejin turned to look at Tang Qing, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He smiled and nodded, saying, "Okay, since you want to go too, let's go together. But you have to follow us closely, the mountains are not like home."

Tang Qing glanced at Lin Xuejin gratefully, then nodded vigorously and said, "Yes! I will definitely follow you closely. Thank you, uncle!"

Seeing this, Lin Xuejin and Lin Xuebao smiled at each other, then began to pack up and prepare to leave.

The children of the Lin family excitedly circled around them, laughing happily from time to time.

While feeding He'er, Lu Yue said to Shen Xin, "Sister-in-law, look at these little ones, they're all clinging to each other and have all gone into the mountains."

Lu Yue's tone was a bit relaxed and teasing: "Our family has suddenly become quiet. I'm still a little uncomfortable with it."

Shen Xin smiled and replied, "That's good. Now that they're gone, we can have some free time. I have so many children, and they're giving me a headache every day. Finally, I can have some peace and quiet."

Han Suniang listened from the side and couldn't help laughing: "Children are like this, it's better to make some noise."

While picking vegetables, Shen Xin asked Han Suniang with concern: "Suniang, how have you been recently? Has the baby in your belly caused you any trouble?"

Han Suniang gently stroked her swollen belly, a gentle smile on her face: "Fortunately, the child is very well behaved and didn't make much trouble for me. Maybe he knows that being a mother is not easy, so he is especially considerate."

Shen Xin breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. You're getting older and heavier. If anything happens, be sure to call us. Don't try to handle it all by yourself. We're all family, and it's our duty to help each other."

Han Suniang nodded gratefully: "Thank you, sister-in-law, I understand."

Lu Yue, who was listening on the side, also interjected, "It's strange, our children have been sensible since they were in the womb. He'er and my two boys have never made any noise. It seems that they know how hard it is for us mothers, so they are especially relieved to worry about us."

Shen Xin nodded in agreement. "That's true. My sister-in-law on my mother's side suffered a lot during her pregnancy. The baby was fussy all day, and she hardly got a good night's sleep. In comparison, we are much luckier."

Lu Yue couldn't help but sigh: "Who says it's not true? It seems that our children are here to repay their gratitude."

At this point, Lu Yue suddenly changed the subject, moved closer to Shen Xin and Han Suniang, and asked in a low voice, "Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, what do you think of Tang Ming?"

Shen Xin frowned slightly, as if he was having trouble judging. "I can't really put my finger on it. He's a person I can't quite fathom."

Lu Yue bluntly expressed her opinion: "I think Tang Ming's behavior is too shameless. As the head of the family, how could he be so irresponsible? If this happened to my man, I would definitely give him a good beating. He is so unmanly!"

Han Suniang also nodded in agreement, "I think so too. I finally understand. Tang Ming is a man with many thoughts and pretends to be a decent person. Ordinary people really can't handle it."

Lu Yue: "It's really strange. I never realized he was this kind of person before."

Shen Xin quickly made a gesture to silence him: "Keep your voice down, don't let Mom and Dad hear you."

Lu Yue stuck out her tongue, realizing she had gone too far, and quickly changed the subject: "Sister-in-law, what do you think about this? If my parents can tolerate this, will our trip to the Tang family be in vain?"

Shen Xin frowned, and after a moment's contemplation, he said, "This matter still needs the decision of our parents. As the younger generation, we can't make the decision on our own. However, I don't think this matter can be let go like this."

Lu Yuewen couldn't help but worry: "My two children are still young, but you, sister-in-law and sister-in-law, have to think about the little ones and don't let this matter affect you."

Shen Xin knew what Lu Yue meant, but as a daughter-in-law, she couldn't interfere in this matter without permission.

Han Suniang said thoughtfully, "We can't just let this go. I'll ask my family tonight and see what my parents think."

Lu Yue also quickly expressed her opinion: "Then I will ask tonight, and we will talk about it tomorrow."

The three of them smiled at each other, and the tacit understanding and trust between them were sublimated at this moment.

Lin Wenhong pulled Tang Ming to a quiet corner and asked in a low and serious voice, "Tang Ming, why didn't you tell me before you went back? We're family, can't we discuss anything together?"

Tang Ming's heart trembled, and he immediately explained, "Dad, I was inconsiderate and acted rashly. I just wanted to deal with things over there as soon as possible."

Lin Wenhong shook his head gently and interrupted Tang Ming: "Tang Ming, you're doing this because you want to protect Yaya and the children, and you don't want to embarrass your in-laws. I understand your intention. But in this world, there's no such thing as a perfect solution. The more you try to be thorough, the more likely you are to fall into a dilemma."

After hearing this, Tang Ming's expression darkened. He whispered, "Dad, you... you know everything?"

Lin Wenhong gently patted Tang Ming's shoulder, his eyes full of understanding and love. "Silly child, Dad has been through this before, and I know your difficulties very well. Am I the kind of unreasonable person? Don't worry, child. If there is anything, we can always discuss and solve it as a family."

A warm feeling welled up in Tang Ming's heart. He looked at Lin Wenhong gratefully, bowed, and said sincerely, "Thank you for your understanding and teachings, Dad. I have learned a lot from you."

Seeing this, Lin Wenhong nodded with satisfaction. "Tang Ming, you're a good boy. Dad has always treated you like his own son. I know you've been troubled by the rumors lately. Don't worry about this matter. Dad will help you make a decision, and we can resolve this matter satisfactorily together."

After hearing this, Tang Ming felt relieved. He said with a choked voice, "Thank you, Dad. I will definitely follow your instructions."

Lin Wenhong said earnestly, "As long as you and Yaya can live a good life, that's better than anything else."