New ink fragrance in old times

As the festive atmosphere gradually faded away, the Lin family's courtyard was once again filled with the busyness of autumn.

The first ray of sunlight in the early morning penetrated the mist and shone on the Lin family. They were ready and set out on the journey to their own fields.

Lin Mo followed the team with a mixture of curiosity and emotion. His eyes kept falling on Lin Sixuan in front of him, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of surprise and admiration.

Lin Jia Dalang usually appears to be gentle and bookish, as if he is incompatible with the rough activities such as farm work.

However, at this moment, Lin Jia Dalang seemed like a different person. He moved skillfully in the cornfield, breaking off the plump corns with a swift and accurate movement, and was in no way inferior to any experienced farmer in the family. He was simply a master at work.

This scene undoubtedly overturned Lin Mo's inherent impression of Lin Jia Dalang.

What surprised Lin Mo even more was that Lin Jia Dalang could actually recite "The Analects of Confucius" while working in the fields.

Lin Mo's heart was deeply touched. Recalling his school days, he couldn't help but think to himself that if he had the same learning enthusiasm and perseverance as Lin Sixuan, he would definitely be admitted to a top university in the province in the college entrance examination.

Lin Mo's admiration for Lin Sixuan was as endless as the flowing water of a river. He seemed to see a scholar who traveled through time and space, who did not forget to cultivate himself and pursue the ocean of knowledge in the intervals between busy farming work.

Lin Mo imagined that if Lin Sixuan lived in modern times, with his intelligence and hard work, he would definitely shine in his studies, and it would not be difficult for him to become the provincial top scorer.

Dalang is also humble, hardworking, filial, sensible, gentle and considerate. He is simply the embodiment of perfection.

The image of Lin Jia Dalang became increasingly prominent in Lin Mo's heart.

However, after a while, Lin Sixuan's image in Lin Mo's mind plummeted.

Lin Sixuan recited the book for a while, then suddenly stopped and said to Lin Mo, "Sanlang, come here."

Lin Mo walked over puzzled.

Lin Sixuan came close to Lin Mo and taught him how to write the character "Lin" step by step. He strived for perfection in every stroke, as if he was creating a work of art. His movements were gentle, but his words revealed unquestionable seriousness.

"Sanlang, you must remember, this is our surname - Lin." Lin Sixuan's voice was gentle but firm.

Lin Mo nodded and said, "Thank you, brother. I understand."

Lin Siyuan also stood aside, looking like a strict teacher, "Sanlang, follow me and recite it quickly."

While working, Lin Siyuan taught Lin Mo to recite the Three Character Classic word by word. Although his tone was stern, his eyes sparkled with hope for his brother's growth.

Lin Siyuan's voice sounded like a tight hoop in Lin Mo's ears, making him even more uneasy.

Although the occasional glances from the surrounding Lin family members were encouraging, they also made him feel unprecedented pressure, as if he had become the focus of everyone's attention.

Lin Mo could only transport corn to the ox cart while enduring the torture of the two men. Lin Mo recited the "Three Character Classic" numbly. The Lin family members around him would sometimes stop to encourage Lin Mo, making Lin Mo feel unprecedented pressure, as if he had become the focus of everyone's attention.

Lin Mo's heart was like a stirred lake, with waves rising and falling. He was so embarrassed that he wanted to die.

Lin Mo thought with a wry smile: If it weren't for the careful "guidance" of these two "good teachers", he might not have forgotten the "Three Character Classic" completely in just one morning.

Lin Mo worked hard to help transport the corn to the cart. Sweat slid down his cheeks and dripped onto the dry soil, but it could not extinguish the helplessness and embarrassment in his heart.

Lin Mo secretly complained in his heart: Dalang and Erlang are really a pair of wicked brothers.

For a long time afterwards, whenever Lin Mo's eyes accidentally met those of Lin Sixuan and Lin Siyuan, he would always have a stress reaction in his heart, as if reminding him of that embarrassing and unforgettable morning.

At the afternoon dinner table, the laughter and joy of the Lin family were like the summer breeze, dispelling the fatigue of work.

The table was filled with sumptuous dishes, and a plate of freshly cut smashed cucumbers exuded an enticing fragrance, forming a sharp contrast with yesterday's leftovers.

Although most of the dishes were "old acquaintances" from the previous day, they became particularly delicious amid the laughter of the Lin family.

However, Mr. Lin's voice, "Big brother, second brother, you two should leave with Dalang and Erlang today," broke the harmonious atmosphere.

Lin Xueqian: "Dad, the housework is not finished yet, I'll stay home and help."

"Yes, Dad, let us stay." Lin Xuebao agreed.

Their words were full of pleading.

But the sound of Mr. Lin's slamming of the table was like thunder, awakening their inner hesitation.

"Da Lang, you've been home for over ten days. Even if your boss values you so much, you shouldn't be so lazy."

Mr. Lin’s words were like a wake-up call, reminding Lin Xueqin of the responsibilities on his shoulders.

"You are the eldest son, and your behavior should be a role model. How can you set such a bad example for your younger brothers, sisters, and children?"

Lin Xueqin lowered his head in shame.

"And Erlang, you have been staying at home for the past half month. You are an apprentice now. How will your master view you with this attitude?" The reprimand for Lin Xuebao was even more severe.

Lin Xuebao and Lin Xueqin both lowered their heads in guilt.

"Besides, we have harvested corn from more than 30 acres of land. The most difficult and farthest areas have been harvested. Now the remaining areas are close to home. You don't have to worry. The corn will not rot in the fields." said Grandpa Lin.

"Yes, big brother and second brother, you can go without worry, I'm at home." Lin Xuejin said from the side.

"Then my second brother and I can plant vegetables in the remaining space of our vegetable garden after dinner, and then we can leave." Lin Xuebao suggested cautiously.

Old Mrs. Lin looked at her two sons with heartache, her eyes full of reluctance and concern.

"You two should take a good rest after dinner. You don't need to worry about the vegetable garden. It's more than forty miles, and it's not easy to walk." Her words were full of the tenderness of maternal love.

"Dad, Mom, just listen to me." Lin Xuebao spoke first, with a hint of firmness in his voice.

"Yes, Dad." Lin Xueqin immediately echoed.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Lin glanced back and forth between his two sons, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Just let them do what they want." Old Master Lin finally spoke.

"Old man." Mrs. Lin said puzzledly.

"Let the eldest, second oldest, Dalang and Erlang take the donkey cart to the community school today." Grandpa Lin said.

Grandpa Lin's decision comforted Grandma Lin a lot. She knew that this could reduce her sons' walking distance by twenty miles and ease their burden.