New ink fragrance in old times

In the early morning, there were still a few rays of morning light hanging in the sky, but it was quietly covered by a thick layer of dark clouds, as if nature had accidentally overturned an ink disk, dyeing the entire sky lead gray.

Lin Xueqian stood in the courtyard, watching the ever-changing weather, feeling a sense of emotion. "August weather is like a child's face, changing in an instant. Yesterday, the sun was blazing, the autumn heat was raging, and today, dark clouds are gathering over the city."

Seeing the frightening sky, Old Lady Lin was extremely anxious, her eyes filled with worry. "Looking at this situation, I'm afraid it's going to rain heavily. Have Dalang and Erlang's bags been packed?"

"Don't worry, mother. Everything is ready." Shen followed closely behind Old Lady Lin and replied gently, "I was just about to tell you that we should send them to the community school in advance so they don't get caught in the rain and miss their studies."

When Mrs. Lin heard this, a hint of approval flashed in her eyes, and she nodded decisively: "Yes, that's it. Second brother, go pack up, take some dry food, and quickly send Dalang and Erlang to the community school. Make sure they arrive safely."

"Mom, I'll go right away." Lin Xuejin responded, turned around and quickly went back to the house to pack up.

"Second and third daughters-in-law, go pack some mooncakes and persimmons and ask the second daughter to deliver them to Madam Du. We must thank her for helping take care of Dalang and Erlang in the community school." Old Mrs. Lin continued.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Lin suddenly thought of something and added, "Second and third daughters-in-law, go pack some mooncakes and persimmons and have Second take them to Madam Du. Madam Du is helping take care of Dalang and Erlang at the community school, so we should thank her very much."

"Oh, okay." Han and Lu responded quickly and hurried to prepare gifts.

Before leaving, Lin Siyuan ran to Lin Mo. The two brothers smiled at each other. Lin Siyuan patted Lin Mo on the shoulder and said, "Sanlang, take care of yourself and mother. I'll be back soon."

Lin Mo smiled and nodded: "Don't worry, brother. You should be careful on the way too."

As Lin Xuejin, accompanied by Lin Sixuan and Lin Siyuan, as well as the dry food and gifts carefully prepared for them, slowly walked out of the house and set out on the road to the community school, the Lin family's courtyard gradually returned to its former tranquility, with only the sound of the breeze gently blowing through the treetops.

Shen and Han looked at the children's backs as they walked away, their eyes filled with a mother's love and reluctance to part with her children.

"Sister-in-law, don't worry too much. Dalang and Erlang will take good care of themselves. Besides, my second brother is here." Lu came over and comforted the two of them softly.

After Mr. Lin sighed softly, he said to the others in the family, "It's getting late, let's eat first."

After dinner, the Lin family sat in the yard. The sky remained the same. Old Man Lin said to everyone, "It hasn't rained yet, so we can't sit idle. Let's not harvest rice today. Let's go pick corn." Everyone put on their backpacks and went to Songjiapo to harvest corn.

Everyone responded, picked up their backpacks, and set off for the fields.

Arriving at Songjiapo, despite the gloomy sky, which looked as if it could squeeze water out of it, the path leading to the fields was bustling with activity. Workers were constantly coming to work, and no one chose to stay home and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet. Some carried straw on their shoulders, while others carried baskets on their backs, their steps hurried yet steady.

"Old Li, why did you go out so early today? Have you finished the work in the cornfield?" Old Master Lin wiped the sweat from his forehead and asked the person walking towards him with a smile.

"Hey, don't mention it. I'm just thinking of doing more work before it rains. How are the corns in your acres of land growing? I heard there was enough rain this year, so they should be good, right?" Old man Li stopped and the two walked side by side, chatting as they walked.

"Yes, the rain is indeed good this year. My corn is growing well and it looks pleasing to the eye." Grandpa Lin said with a smile.

At this time, Xiao Zhang who was passing by also interrupted: "Oh, the two uncles are chatting so happily. I just came back from the town and bought some fresh cakes. Would you like to try them?" As he said, he took out a few cakes from the basket and handed them to Grandpa Lin and Old Man Li.

"Xiao Zhang, you're such a sensible kid. Every time you come back, you never forget to bring us some delicious treats." Old Man Li took the cakes and smiled from ear to ear. He then teased, "But you'd better save these cakes, or you won't have enough money to buy seeds later!"

As soon as these words came out, everyone around laughed. Xiao Zhang was not annoyed. Instead, he said cheerfully: "Don't worry, uncles and aunts, I made a little money this time, enough to buy seeds."

Some asked each other about the progress of their farm work, while others shared information about the growth of their crops in their fields. Occasionally, someone would make a joke, making everyone around them laugh. It seemed that even the gloomy weather was infected by the laughter and joy, becoming less depressing.

As time passed, the sky grew darker and the wind picked up quietly, bringing a hint of coolness, but no raindrops fell.

"Dad, Mom, Dalang and Erlang have arrived at the community school safely." Lin Xuejin wiped the sweat from his forehead, joined the ranks of harvesting corn with a relaxed smile.

Then he said to Mr. and Mrs. Lin, "However, when I arrived at the community school, I found out that Madam Du had returned to her parents' home today and was not at the community school. I asked Dalang and Erlang to wait at the old aunt's place and give Madam Du the things when she returns."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Lin frowned slightly. "Oh, doesn't that mean there's no one to take care of the community school now? Then Dalang and Erlang won't have to wait outside all day?"

Lin Xuejin quickly comforted her, "Mom, don't worry. Although Madam Du is not at the community school, there is still an old auntie there. She is a very kind person. I have already told the old auntie to pay more attention."

"That's good, that's good." Old Mrs. Lin breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Lin Xuejin's words.

For a whole day, the Lin family took advantage of the fact that the wind and rain had not yet come, and kept going back and forth between Songjiaopo and the Lin family courtyard, racing against time to harvest corn before the heavy rain fell.

In the evening, the sky became darker and covered with dark clouds, and it seemed that heavy rain would pour down at any time, but it did not come.

Between the dark clouds, a faint sunset glow stubbornly shone through, adding a touch of gentle color to the dull sky.

In between working in the fields, Old Mrs. Lin straightened her aching back, looked up at the sunset, and felt mixed emotions.

Old man, the weather is really strange. If I had known it wouldn’t rain today, I wouldn’t have let the children go to community school so early.”

While wiping her sweat, Mrs. Lin said to Mr. Lin beside her, with a hint of regret in her words: "This way, Dalang and Erlang can also eat hot meals."

Old Master Lin looked up at the sky, then turned to look at Old Lady Lin and said comfortingly, "My dear, you are just too careful. Things in the world are unpredictable, who can predict them? Just like the weather, it changes at any time. It would be better if the children could go to community school earlier, so that we can worry less."

"Oh!" After hearing what Grandpa Lin said, although Grandma Lin felt reluctant, she gradually felt relieved.

After returning home, Mrs. Lin stood in the yard, looking at the gradually blurred horizon in the distance, and prayed silently in her heart: I hope tomorrow will be a good day.