New ink fragrance in old times

Lin Sixuan first patiently explained to Lin Sizhe: "Silang, look at this character '四'. It has a 口 (mouth) on the outside and a 儿 (child) on the inside. Remember, every stroke must be steady. Don't be impatient."

Lin Sizhe listened attentively, his eyes fixed on the path his brother's branch traced on the ground, and he began to imitate his brother's writing. Although his handwriting was a little crooked at first, Lin Sixuan's constant encouragement helped him gradually find the rhythm.

Then, Lin Sixuan turned to Lin Mo and said with a smile, "Sanlang, now let's learn to write the character '壹'. This character has a '士' character on top, which is longer at the top and shorter at the bottom. In the middle is a '冖' character, and at the bottom is a '豆' character. When writing, you need to coordinate the top and bottom parts and grasp the proportions and spacing of each part."

Lin Mo nodded and began practicing on the ground with a stick. He followed the instructions and wrote stroke by stroke. He found that the number one he wrote did not look so awkward anymore.

Everyone practiced for a while, and Lin Siyuan assisted from the side.

Lin Sixuan said loudly to everyone, "Okay, next let's learn to write the characters 'five', 'six', 'seven', and 'two'."

As he spoke, Lin Sixuan waved the branch again, fluently writing the words on the ground as a demonstration. Everyone gathered around him, their eyes wide open, afraid to miss any detail. They followed suit, picking up branches and practicing diligently on the ground.

"Brother, this character '贰' is so difficult to write!" Huaer frowned and said a little frustrated.

Lin Sixuan walked over to her with a smile and patiently instructed, "It's okay, take your time. Look, the structure of this character should be compact. The 'two' at the top should be written a little smaller, and the bottom part should be stable and powerful. Try it."

“Pay attention to its overall structure, making it tight at the top and loose at the bottom, and making sure each part is written clearly and powerfully.”

Huaer nodded, picked up the branch again, and wrote stroke by stroke according to Lin Sixuan's instructions. Gradually, her handwriting began to take shape. Although it was not perfect, it was much better than before.

After Lin Sixuan and Lin Siyuan patiently instructed everyone on how to write, they smiled with satisfaction. Then, they went about their own business.

Seeing the two leave, Hua'er couldn't contain her joy, eager to share it with her sister. She excitedly ran to find Xing'er. Along the way, she clutched her reward, imagining the look on Xing'er's face when she saw it.

The others excitedly picked up branches and continued to scratch in the yard, imitating the strokes they had just learned and immersed in their own world of calligraphy.

The sunlight shines on them, giving their efforts and persistence a golden glow.

When Hua'er ran to Xing'er breathlessly and handed her the piece of osmanthus cake that was specially reserved for her, Xing'er was stunned for a moment, and then a bright smile broke out on her face.

"Hua'er, you're so kind!" She gratefully accepted the osmanthus cake and said mysteriously, "Did you know? Dalang just came to see me and gave me a whole piece of chestnut cake! Let's eat it together."

So, the two little girls sat in a corner of the yard, sharing each other's sweetness and joy.

In the distance, other children were still practicing calligraphy seriously, and the whole yard was filled with warmth and harmony.

In a blink of an eye, the sun was high in the sky, and the golden sunlight filled the Lin family's courtyard. The family sat together and enjoyed a sumptuous lunch.

Holding chopsticks, Old Master Lin swept his eyes gently over everyone, and finally spoke slowly: "Today is a festival. After dinner, go to your second uncle's house. Everyone will be happy during the festival."

"Okay, Dad." Lin Xueqin responded.

Lin Mo was surprised when he heard this. "A new character? Who is Second Uncle? I hadn't seen him before during the Ghost Festival."

After dinner, Lin Mo was arranged to follow Lin Xueqin, Lin Sixuan, and Lin Siyuan on the journey to his second uncle's house.

Lin Xueqin walked in front, followed closely by Lin Mo, who chatted in low voices with Lin Sixuan and Lin Siyuan from time to time. The air was filled with the warmth and excitement unique to the festival.

In less than a quarter of an hour, they stopped in front of a house.

Lin Xueqin knocked on the door gently. After three crisp sounds, the door opened slightly. A young man with a handsome face and bright eyes stuck his head out. When he saw them, he immediately smiled brightly: "Brother Shitou, you are here, come in!" As he spoke, he stepped aside to make way, his movements revealing a sense of enthusiasm and intimacy.

"Come and visit." Lin Xueqin said to the visitor with a smile.

Lin Mo followed the team and stepped over the threshold. He saw that the yard was decorated simply and warmly. Although it was not as big as the Lin family yard, it was not small either.

The young man turned around and shouted towards the inner room, "Dad, Mom, Brother Shitou and the others are here!" There was some excitement in his voice.

At this time, an old lady who looked slightly younger than Mrs. Lin, but equally kind and gentle, slowly approached. As she walked, she asked with concern, "Shi Tou is here. Have you eaten yet?"

Lin Xueqian replied respectfully, "Aunt Xiufang, I've eaten."

Qian Xiufang approached and found Lin Sixuan, Lin Siyuan, and Lin Mo. She greeted them happily, "Mutou, Chengtuo, Douzi, you are here too. Come and sit down."

Lin Sixuan and Lin Siyuan hurried forward and politely called her "Second Grandma".

Then, Qian Xiufang turned to the young man and said, "Shuisheng, go ask your wife and Shuizhi's wife to make tea."

Shuisheng, also known as Lin Xuerui, responded with "Okay, Mom" and turned back to the house to pass on the message.

Lin Mo listened quietly, thinking to himself, "These people's names are truly unique." Even though he was called "Douzi," it wasn't unacceptable.

Just then, Lin Wenru, Lin Xueqin's second uncle, walked out of the house.

Seeing this, Lin Xueqian quickly stood up and said respectfully, "Second Uncle."

Lin Sixuan and Lin Siyuan pulled Lin Mo to stand up as well: "Second Grandpa."

Lin Wenru nodded: "Shitou, you are here, please sit down."

Lin Xueqin: "Uncle, my father asked me to bring some mooncakes, some snacks and walnuts, as a little gift from my family." As he said that, he took out the items in the basket one by one.

He mentioned one of the snacks in particular: "This chestnut cake was brought back by Dalang specifically, saying that he wanted to honor his second uncle."

Lin Wenru looked at the gift on the table, his eyes sparkling with emotion. He turned to look at Lin Sixuan and said gently, "Mu Tou, you are so thoughtful."

Lin Sixuan responded modestly: "Second Grandpa, as long as you like it."

Lin Wenru turned to look at Lin Xueqian and asked with concern, "Shitou, is everything okay at home lately? How's the work in the fields going?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Xueqin replied respectfully, "Uncle, my third brother and I returned to the county to continue working after the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. The corn harvest at Yanwan has been completed, there's still some left at Songjiapo, and the corn at the back mountain hasn't started yet. As for the rice, the rice at the back mountain has been harvested, and the rice at Songjiapo is almost halfway done."