New ink fragrance in old times

Lin Sixuan stood up and said to Lin Wenhong with a firm look: "Grandfather, Erlang and I also want to go together. We can also contribute."

Lin Siyuan immediately echoed, "Yes, Grandpa. Let us go together. We promise not to cause any trouble for you."

Lin Mo thought, I finally have the chance to go out and take a look, how can I give up this opportunity?

With a gleam in his eyes, he pulled Lin Wenhong's sleeve and begged, "Grandpa, I want to go too! Please let me go!"

Lin Wenhong looked at the eager eyes of his three grandsons, pondered for a moment, and finally nodded, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Alright, since you're all so willing, let's go together. But remember, you must obey instructions along the way and not act on your own. Your safety is more important than anything else."

As soon as Lin Wenhong finished speaking, his three grandsons cheered and jumped for joy, their faces full of excitement and excitement.

At this time, Lin Wenru stood up and said to Lin Wenhong, "Brother, let's make it this way. Xiufang and I will go back and prepare and take care of things at home. You should also hurry up and prepare here. Let's try to leave as soon as possible."

Lin Wenhong nodded in agreement: "Okay, second brother, don't worry. I'll let the second brother come to you if there's anything."

Lin Wenru and Qian Xiufang exchanged glances and left the house together.

After the two left, Lin Wenhong's gaze fell on Lin Mo again. His expression grew serious, and he said earnestly, "Sanlang, you must not tell anyone what you heard today. Not even Silang. This concerns the livelihood and safety of our two families. We cannot be careless or negligent in the slightest."

Hearing this, Lin Mo nodded seriously: "Grandpa, don't worry. I know the priorities. I won't say anything nonsense."

Lin Mo nodded, and then asked his own question: "Grandpa, why is the sum of the taxed land and the rented land different from the total?"

Lin Wenhong seemed shocked by Lin Mo's question. He didn't expect Lin Mo to ask such a question.

Mrs. Lin, who was standing by, said happily, "Our Sanlang is really smart. He figured out the key."

Lin Mo looked at Old Lady Lin in confusion, and heard Lin Sixuan say, "Sanlang, that's because everyone reclaims wasteland and cultivates farmland in their spare time."

Lin Mo was puzzled: "Ah?

"Sanlang, what you are asking today is a secret known to our entire village, and even the entire county."

Lin Wenhong's voice was deep and powerful, and every word sounded like it was uttered after careful consideration. "The reason behind this is a long story, but since you asked, I will tell you in detail."

"Our land has gone through many ups and downs, changed hands several times, and finally settled down. It was not easy."

Lin Wenhong said slowly, "The annual taxes levied by the imperial court are based on the amount of registered land. However, the land in this world is not static. To make a living, the people will always find ways to reclaim wasteland and increase the cultivated area. If all these newly reclaimed lands were reported one by one, not only would the tax burden increase, but it might also cause unnecessary trouble."

Having said that, Lin Wenhong paused, as if recalling the hardships and wisdom of the past.

Lin Sixuan asked in confusion, "But the law stipulates that the land must be re-measured and the land register updated every ten years. Wouldn't our land be out of balance by then?"

Lin Wenhong explained, "Our ancestors reached a tacit understanding with the government long ago. Over the past ten years, the government has turned a blind eye to the wasteland that villagers have reclaimed on their own initiative, as long as it doesn't cause too much trouble. This has both reduced the burden on the people and enabled them to reclaim wasteland. It's like killing two birds with one stone."

Lin Mo listened attentively and couldn't help but admire the wisdom of the ancients.

He sighed, "I see. No wonder I always felt the numbers didn't add up."

At this time, Lin Siyuan raised his own doubts, "But, isn't this against the law? If the court finds out, won't we be in trouble?"

Lin Wenhong smiled slightly, a hint of calmness flashed in his eyes.

"Erlang, matters in this world often have their pros and cons, and the key lies in balancing them. Although we haven't directly reported all of the newly acquired land, we have done our best to repair water conservancy projects to demonstrate our loyalty. Furthermore, the court officials are not completely unaware of the people's suffering. As long as it's not excessive, they will choose to turn a blind eye."

Lin Sixuan and Lin Siyuan exchanged a glance, then stood up respectfully and bowed deeply to Lin Wenhong. They said in unison, "Thank you, Grandfather. I'm grateful for your guidance."

Seeing this, Lin Wenhong smiled with satisfaction. He reached out and gently patted his two grandsons on the shoulders, his eyes full of love and encouragement: "Good children."

Mrs. Lin nodded, her eyes full of love and pride. "Our children have really grown up and know how to think about these important things."

……

Lin Mo stood on the threshold, watching Han's busy figure, and couldn't help but feel a little surprised and moved. Han, this usually gentle and virtuous woman, now showed unprecedented determination and consideration.

She held two sharp pairs of scissors in her hands and handed them to Lin Mo and Lin Siyuan respectively, her eyes full of seriousness and worry.

"Erlang, Sanlang, keep these two pairs of scissors with you. If you encounter anything on the road, you will have something to protect yourself." Han's voice was extremely firm.

Lin Mo took the scissors, feeling a mixture of emotions. "Don't worry, Mom, we'll be careful," he promised solemnly.

"Erlang, Sanlang, remember what mother said. No matter what happens, you must stay close to your father, okay?" Han reminded them again, with a hint of reluctance in her voice.

"Don't worry, Mom." Lin Mo looked at Lin Siyuan, and the two exchanged a look that needed no words.

Lin Siyuan also quickly responded: "Mom, we will take good care of ourselves and our brother."

Han seemed still worried and kept reminding them a few more times until Lin Mo and Lin Siyuan could almost recite them by heart. Only then did she feel a little relieved.

When he walked out of the house, the scene in front of him made Lin Mo dumbfounded.

Lin Wenhong was hiding his hoe in the gap of the ox cart, and the family's axes, sickles and other farm tools were also hidden in backpacks or carried by their family members in case of emergency.

The most ridiculous thing is that Mrs. Lin didn't even drop the kitchen knife, but hung it carefully around her waist, which was particularly eye-catching.

"Grandma, what are you doing..." Lin Mo couldn't help laughing.

Mrs. Lin smiled and patted the kitchen knife on her chest. "I'm old now, so I can't help with much else, but this knife can still help me cut vegetables and protect myself at critical moments."

Everyone smiled at each other, adding a bit of warmth and tacit understanding to the tense atmosphere.

Chapter 75 Why is the food in your house a little damp?