New ink fragrance in old times

The visitor seemed not to notice the Lin family's attitude.

"We've just started harvesting corn. You guys are so sleepy, yet you're still planting so much land, and you all seem to be taking your time." The woman's tone was a bit teasing, with a hint of barely perceptible jealousy hidden within it.

When the Lin family heard the woman's words, instead of stopping their work, they worked even more attentively, silently responding to the woman's provocation in this way.

Seeing this, the woman became more and more dissatisfied, and her brows were furrowed as if she could pinch a fly to death.

She snorted in dissatisfaction, her voice unconsciously rising a few notes, with a hint of sharpness and provocation: "I say, you Lin family, why are you so careless? The weather is changing so quickly. You have only collected this little. Don't end up like the Shuisheng family, who were unable to pay the government grain when it came time to collect it. But you guys are not so lucky to have a kind-hearted person pay the grain for you."

He then said proudly, "Unlike our family, we have many people and good land. By then, the corn will definitely be harvested early."

As she spoke, she glanced at the Lin family out of the corner of her eye, with a smug smile on her lips, as if her achievements had far surpassed those of the Lin family. Her tone was full of boasting and sarcasm.

Old Mrs. Lin's face darkened instantly, and her eyes flashed with displeasure, but she did not lose her temper immediately. Instead, she took a deep breath and tried to calm her emotions.

She knew that arguing with such a gossipy and show-off person would only lower her status.

Mrs. Lin finally spoke. "Mrs. Wan, you have a large family, so the harvest must be quick." Her voice was low. "We in the Lin family know how to do things. Unlike you, who only care about your own petty profits and don't care about the feelings of others. When we harvest corn is naturally our own decision, and we don't need you to tell us what to do."

Mrs. Fang murmured, "What I said was the truth. You are a family of lazy people, just pretending to be rich."

"Mrs. Fang, what dirty talk did you just say?" Old Mrs. Lin continued, "Your family's corn harvest is fast, that's your ability. We in the Lin family always admire capable people. But you're going too far by cursing me for not paying the grain. We're all from the same village, we'll see each other every day. Why be so sarcastic?"

At this point, Mrs. Lin's tone became even more angry. "You are such a rotten-hearted person. If you can't be open with your own heart, then don't come here to pollute other people's ears. You have a large family, but don't do unscrupulous things just because you have so many people. If you do that, good things will turn into bad things."

When Mrs. Fang heard what Mrs. Lin said, she immediately became angry and her face turned red, like a cat whose tail was stepped on.

She stomped her feet suddenly and made a sharp and piercing sound, as if to break the tranquility of the field.

"Bullshit, Zhao!" Granny Fang cursed fiercely, her eyes blazing with fire. "You can't spit out ivory from a dog's mouth. You have evil intentions, yet you turn around and slander others. Your family always does things that will be struck by lightning, and you're not afraid of retribution!"

She became more and more excited as she spoke, and her voice became louder and louder, as if she wanted to pour out all her dissatisfaction and anger.

"I think our rice isn't growing well. It's because your Lin family secretly blocked the canal water. I'm telling you, Zhao, if my harvest isn't good this year, your Lin family will have to compensate me! Don't think your Lin family can run rampant in this village. My Wan family is not to be trifled with!"

As soon as Mrs. Fang finished speaking, the smell of gunpowder in the air around them became even stronger.

Everyone in the Lin family looked at each other, expressions of surprise and anger on their faces.

They didn't expect that Mrs. Fang would be so unreasonable and even accuse them of false charges.

Old Madam Lin's expression darkened as well. She pursed her lips tightly and stared at Granny Fang with a sharp gaze, as if she wanted to see through her. "Granny Fang, you need to have evidence for what you say. Don't spit blood!"

She said coldly, "Our Lin family acts with integrity and never engages in shady dealings. If you suspect we've blocked the canal, feel free to send someone to investigate. We, the Lin family, are not afraid of investigation."

Having said that, Mrs. Lin's eyes suddenly became sharp. She looked straight at Mrs. Fang, as if she wanted to see through all the secrets in her heart.

"Speaking of intercepting canal water, I've seen it happen several times myself. Your daughter-in-law secretly intercepted the water when there was a water shortage. When her own fields were moistened enough, she released the excess water into other people's rice paddies, burning their rice plants. How dare you fart here?"

Mrs. Fang was choked by Mrs. Lin's words and her face turned red. She curled her lips and glared at Mrs. Lin fiercely: "I'm too lazy to bother with you."

After saying that, she glanced at Lin Mo who was standing there in a daze, picked up the corn stalks and left.

"Go back and talk to your children and ask them to stay away from their families." Old Mrs. Lin whispered to her three daughters-in-law who were coming over with baskets full of corn on their backs.

Mrs. Lin's words revealed an undeniable seriousness. "Especially Sanlang, you should play less with their Huzi in the future."

When Lin Mo heard this, his heart tightened slightly. Realizing that he was also involved in this, he quickly responded, "Grandma, I understand. I will pay attention to it." His words showed his attitude.

Lin Mo speculated inwardly. From Mrs. Lin's tone, it wasn't hard to infer that despite the supposed conflict between the two families, Hu Zi and his original body were still getting along well. The relationship between the two must have been quite close.

Lin Mo couldn't help but become interested in Hu Zi, but thinking of the attitude of the Lin family, he decided to temporarily put aside his "friendship" with Hu Zi.

The Lin family members were not at all shaken by the recent minor setback and continued with their work for the day.

As the sun gradually rose higher, the Lin family members worked hard in the fields, and their figures stood out against the golden cornfields.

Lin Mo noticed that today's work seemed smoother and more efficient than usual. Without the constraints of the rugged mountain roads and the difficulty of returning home at night, they were able to focus more on the work at hand and fully enjoy the joy of the harvest.

As the sun set, the sky gradually turned orange, but the Lin family did not rush to finish work as usual. Instead, they took advantage of the early hours and picked a few more rows of corn.

When the last ray of sunlight was swallowed by the night, Lin Mo realized that they had worked nearly half an hour longer than usual today.

Lin Mo, along with the Lin family, embarked on the journey home, sighing inwardly. The advantages of the new place had been fully demonstrated tonight. The wide and flat road not only shortened the round trip time but also greatly improved the efficiency of transporting corn.

On the way home, Lin Mo looked at the fully loaded ox cart and felt a sense of accomplishment in his heart.

On the way, Lin Mo passed by the blue brick and tile courtyard again. It stood quietly in the night, like a silent watchman.

The courtyard was still dark, appearing exceptionally empty and desolate. Lin Mo couldn't help but slow his pace, secretly wondering if the owner of the courtyard had already moved away, or perhaps was experiencing some unknown story. Regardless, it didn't affect his resolve to sleep.

At night, Lin Mo lay in bed, listening to the even breathing beside him.

Lin Mo replayed the working scenes of the past few days in his mind. Compared with the strangeness and uneasiness when he first arrived, he has now gradually integrated into the working rhythm of the Lin family.