New ink fragrance in old times

Chapter 89 Building a House

After the three men finished drying the rice, they turned to carry the soybeans on the racks to the drying yard, and covered them with bean stalks in an orderly manner.

In the sunshine, they held flails and tapped the pods from time to time. The pods crackled and plump soybeans fell off one by one.

Lin Wenhong was busy preparing his "ox-drawn mill".

He first harnessed the ox and carefully blindfolded it to prevent it from frightening. Then, he expertly guided the ox, letting it walk slowly across the yard, pulling the stone mill behind it. As the wheels turned, white grains of rice poured out of the chariot and landed in a pre-prepared basket.

Old Mrs. Lin was busy picking up the fresh rice grains and then gently sifting away the chaff with a winnowing basket, her movements extremely careful.

Lin Mo and Lin Sizhe are responsible for taking care of the other children in the family.

They took their younger brothers and sisters to play in the yard, sometimes chasing and playing, sometimes practicing the words that Lin Sixuan taught them.

When they see birds trying to get close to the drying grain, they will immediately pick up bamboo poles or stones to drive them away, protecting the fruits of their labor at home.

Lin Sixuan and Lin Siyuan had already returned to their rooms. The room was filled with the faint scent of books. The two of them sat at their desks, buried in their books.

Their eyes were focused and determined, as if the whole world consisted only of them and the knowledge before them. Occasionally, they would look up and smile at each other, and without saying a word, they could read the meaning of each other's eyes.

As night falls, the Lin family courtyard is gently shrouded in soft moonlight.

After the family sat together and enjoyed dinner, they went back to their rooms to rest.

Lin Mo lay on the bed, thinking, this should be the earliest day I have fallen asleep in the past two months. Then he yawned and went to meet Zhou Gong.

As night fell, the stars filled the sky like fine silver sand. The Lin family courtyard was filled with peace and tranquility.

In the bedroom, some people have fallen asleep in the gentle night, their dreams floating in the air; while others are gazing at the stars outside the window, their thoughts stretching like a tide, weaving their sleepless thoughts in the silence.

Old Mrs. Lin turned over gently, with a hint of imperceptible worry in her movements. She faced Lin Wenhong beside her, and complex emotions flashed in her weathered eyes.

"Old man, why did you refuse when the Du family asked to buy grain today? Our harvest this year is pretty good. Selling more grain can also provide more for the household." Old Mrs. Lin's voice was low and gentle, as if she was afraid of disturbing the tranquility of the night.

Upon hearing this, Lin Wenhong slowly turned sideways. In the faint light coming in from the window, his wrinkled face looked particularly resolute.

He sighed softly, his eyes showing both helplessness and determination:

"The Du family said they were buying grain, but I knew the truth. We've been farming their land for years, and we can't take the money they offer. It's obvious they want the grain we grow."

As he spoke, Lin Wenhong's hands unconsciously clenched the quilt beside him.

"Also, I've noticed that the Du family has been very active recently, having similar transactions with several other households in the village. I suspect they're looking to raise the rent."

Mrs. Lin frowned, a trace of worry flashed in her eyes:

"After all, the Du family and everyone else are from the same village, and they're closely related to everyone else. They originally set a number, then changed it once, and now they want to change it again. How can he have the guts to do that?"

Lin Wenhong shook his head, his tone somewhat helpless: "The world has changed, and people's hearts have changed with it. The Du family has many places to spend money now, so they might really do this."

Mrs. Lin suddenly thought of something: "Isn't it possible that only our family will be increased by then?"

Lin Wenhong comforted Mrs. Lin, "Yue'e, don't worry too much. Let's hold our ground and see how things develop. If they really dare to raise the rent, we can just stop farming. We have plenty of land now."

Mrs. Lin felt relieved when she heard this, but then she thought of another thing:

"Sanlang and Silang are already grown up, and they're still living in the same room with their parents. This isn't a long-term solution. Besides, the second child is having a baby this year, so it's not very convenient for Sanlang to live there either."

Lin Wenhong reached out and patted Old Lady Lin gently: "You're right, we need to plan this matter early. I think it's a waste to leave the wasteland next to our yard idle. Why not dig it up and use it as a foundation to build a few new houses? We can build four or five."

Mrs. Lin nodded and said, "It should be enough. Sanlang and Silang can have one room, and Wulang and Liulang can have one when they grow up. We can keep two more rooms, one for guests and one for Dalang, and build a warehouse to store food and firewood."

Lin Wenhong: "Well, it's settled. We have to take advantage of the good weather and get this done quickly. Tomorrow morning, I'll go dig in the back mountain with the eldest and second brothers."

After the two of them had finished their discussion, Mrs. Lin's gaze unconsciously drifted out the window again. The village under the moonlight seemed particularly quiet and peaceful, but her heart was uneasy.

After a moment's silence, her brows furrowed slightly again, and the topic naturally turned to her eldest grandson Lin Sixuan.

"Old man, when it comes to the children, I always have a knot in my heart that I can't untie. The county exam is just over four months away, but I'm still worried." There was a bit more worry and expectation in Mrs. Lin's voice.

Lin Wenhong knew exactly what Mrs. Lin was worried about. "Dalang is a smart, studious, and hardworking kid. I'm sure he'll do well on the test. However, this guarantee issue is a real challenge."

Mrs. Lin sighed, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes. "Yes, that's what I'm worried about. Without a guarantee, no matter how well Dalang studies, he can't take the exam. Our Dalang has already been delayed for a year."

Lin Wenhong pondered for a moment and said, "How about we try visiting our in-laws? You take Dalang with you and some newly harvested grain. First, let them taste the fresh produce, and second, you can take the opportunity to bring up this matter. See if your in-laws have any connections. Maybe they can help you find out."

When Mrs. Lin heard this, a glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes: "Yes, why didn't I think of it? I will prepare it early tomorrow morning."

Shen patted Lin Siheng's back gently until the sound of even breathing could be heard, and a look of peace filled his little face.

She stood up, her eyes gently passing over the sleeping Lin Sizhe and Lin Siheng, then turned to the deep night sky outside the window, dotted with stars, and seemed to have endless thoughts.

She sighed softly, then lay back on the bed, closed her eyes, and let her thoughts drift away.

Lin Xuejin gently pulled open the curtain beside the small bed, and the moonlight shone through the half-open window lattice onto the tender little face. Lin Mo's breathing was even and peaceful, with a faint smile on his little face, as if he had dreamed of something beautiful.

He leaned over and gently brushed the child's hair on his forehead with his fingertips, his eyes full of tenderness and love.

Turning around and looking at Han, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, gently stroking her slightly bulging belly with one hand and a gentle look in her eyes, Lin Xuejin felt a warm feeling in his heart.

Chapter 90 You Are Crazy

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