New ink fragrance in old times

Lin Wenru's face changed when he heard this, and he quickly stepped forward to explain, "Sir, this... maybe it got a little wet on the way, but it's definitely not moldy. We guarantee that this food is fresh."

The officer looked up at Lin Wenru, then lowered his head to continue checking several bags of grain, and seemed not to be completely satisfied with this explanation.

Seeing this, Lin Wenhong couldn't help but feel worried for Lin Wenru's family. He quietly walked over to Lin Wenru and asked in a low voice, "What's going on?"

Lin Wenru shook his head. "It probably got wet accidentally on the way, but it's not a big deal. But now... I'm afraid it can't be resolved peacefully."

Lin Mo comforted him, "Second Grandpa, don't worry, we will find a way to solve it together."

Lin Mo gently stroked the dry food in the bag, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. Then he whispered to Lin Wenhong, "Grandpa, this food feels extremely dry. How can it be wet at all?"

Lin Wenhong smiled slightly, his eyes revealing some understanding and helplessness. He patted Lin Mo's shoulder gently, signaling him to be patient.

Then, deliberately raising his voice but maintaining a polite smile, he said to the officer, "Sir, you are very considerate. This grain does look like it has a little dew on it this morning, but you see, it will dry up as soon as the sun comes out."

Upon hearing this, the officer took the food from Lin Wenhong and pretended to examine it. A barely perceptible smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He said, "Well, yes, it is a little damp, but judging by its current state, it's completely dry. Okay, you guys should get back to business. Signing the documents is important."

Lin Wenhong and Lin Wenru quickly bowed and thanked him repeatedly, "Thank you very much for your leniency, sir. I am very grateful."

After the group left the yamen, Lin Mo finally couldn't contain his curiosity. He pulled Lin Wenhong's sleeve and asked, "Grandpa, the grain was obviously dry, why did we say it was wet? Also, why did that officer let us go so easily?"

Lin Wenru: "Alas! These are all the troubles left over from the past."

Mrs. Lin asked, "Sanlang, do you remember what your Second Grandma mentioned earlier?"

Lin Mo nodded.

Lin Wenhong sighed softly, "Sanlang, the reasons behind this are very complicated. Although the incident with your second grandfather has been resolved on the surface, it still leaves a knot in the hearts of these petty officials in the yamen. From time to time, they find excuses to make things difficult for us, simply hoping to gain some benefits from our family."

Lin Mo: "Is there no one taking care of this matter?"

Qian Xiufang also sighed and added, "At that time, the officials from the mansion came to inspect, and your second grandfather was pushed out as a target. Although the matter was eventually resolved, it left the county yamen runners unhappy. They did this to vent their dissatisfaction and also to take advantage of the opportunity to make some money."

After hearing this, Lin Mo frowned, feeling mixed emotions.

He felt unfair about what happened to the Lin family and was indignant at the behavior of those petty officials.

Lin Mo looked at Lin Wenhong and Lin Wenru, his eyes flashing with complex emotions.

He took a deep breath and tried to make his voice sound calm.

"Grandpa, even though it's been a long time since Second Grandpa's incident, it still makes me feel uncomfortable. Those officers, is there no one who can stand up and speak for justice?"

Lin Wenhong patted Lin Mo's shoulder gently, his eyes revealing a bit of vicissitudes and helplessness:

"My child, things in this world are often complex and ever-changing, and black and white logic doesn't always apply. Back then, although the masters in the mansion were fair, they couldn't always keep an eye on every little detail. It was common for the officials to take advantage of their power and occasionally do something shady. Our Lin family, while not wealthy, believes in 'harmony brings wealth' and doesn't want to make too many enemies by arguing too much."

Qian Xiufang took over the conversation, "Yes, Douzi. Your second grandfather's story taught our whole family to be patient and strong. The grain you saw was dry and not damp, but in the eyes of those officials, it might just be an excuse for them to find fault. Fortunately, we escaped danger this time, and it can be regarded as a lesson for us to be more cautious."

Lin Mo wanted to ask about the doubts that had been buried in his heart for a long time, but he was afraid of touching Lin Wenru's sad memories, so he did not continue asking.

"Grandpa, I still have a question I can't figure out," Lin Mo's voice was gentle and respectful.

"Why did you choose to have the clothes delivered to Uncle in advance instead of just telling him to pay the tax today? That way Uncle wouldn't have to worry about it."

Hearing this, Lin Wenhong's eyes flashed with approval. He stroked his beard and said slowly, "Sanlang, you are indeed thoughtful. The reason behind this is indeed worth talking about."

At this time, Lin Xueqian took over the conversation, his tone was a bit heavy:

"It's a long story, but in short, it's for safety. In the past, the roads leading to grain deliveries in our area weren't peaceful, with robbers often appearing. They were cunning and would often find out the time and route of grain deliveries in advance and then set up ambushes."

"I remember a few times when several families in the village leaked the news in advance and ended up encountering accidents on the road, suffering heavy losses, and some even lost their families. Since then, my family has been more cautious and tries not to publicize important events like grain delivery in advance."

After hearing this, Lin Mo suddenly realized. He recalled that when they set out in the morning, his family members all hid knives on them for self-defense, and Han also specially prepared scissors for himself and Erlang. It turned out that they were all for dealing with this possible danger.

"I see, uncle," Lin Mo nodded, his tone full of admiration, "I understand."

Lin Wenhong and Lin Wenru pulled the ox cart, Lin Xueqin led the mule, and Old Lady Lin, Qian Xiufang and Lin Mo followed behind.

At this time, Lin Mo asked curiously, "Grandma, where did my father and my brother go?"

Mrs. Lin smiled and replied, "They are in another place."

Lin Mo nodded after hearing this.

Soon, two familiar figures appeared in Lin Mo's sight - Dalang and Erlang.

He quickened his pace and ran towards them, shouting excitedly, "Big brother, second brother."

Lin Sixuan and Lin Siyuan heard the call and turned around at the same time.

When Lin Sixuan saw that the person coming was Lin Mo, he put away the scissors in his hand, a warm smile bloomed on his face, and he said softly: "Sanlang, you are here."

Lin Mo's gaze lingered on Lin Sixuan for a moment, and he wondered to himself: Is this still the gentle, humble and polite elder brother he usually is? In his memory, Dalang always looked like a modest gentleman, but the scissors in his hand at this moment made him feel a little surprised.

Lin Sixuan's image suddenly shattered in Lin Mo's mind.

Lin Sixuan seemed to notice something was wrong with Lin Mo, so he coughed lightly and asked:

"Sanlang, what's wrong?" This question made Lin Mo even more confused. The image of his elder brother seemed to have changed subtly at this moment.

Chapter 77 Uncle Lin, you are here!