New ink fragrance in old times

Inside the room, Lin Xueqin looked at the worried Lin Xuejin, patted him on the shoulder gently, and comforted him in a warm voice: "Second brother, you should get some rest tonight. We will set off early tomorrow morning. Old Song is a skilled doctor, and Sanlang will be fine."

Lin Xuebo also echoed: "Yes, second brother, we are here, just relax. Sanlang is so strong, he will definitely get through it."

Seeing his sons supporting each other, Old Man Lin felt very relieved. He waved his hand and told the three of them to go back to their rooms to rest. "Okay, go back to sleep and get enough rest so you can travel quickly tomorrow. I'll go to the village to borrow a donkey cart from Old Man Li so we can travel faster."

In response to Mr. Lin’s request, Old Man Li refused to lend him the donkey cart. It was more than 40 miles to the town, and the mountain road was difficult to walk on. What if the donkey got tired out?

Faced with Mr. Li's concerns, Mr. Lin seemed both understanding and anxious. He knew that the mountain roads were rugged and the long journey was indeed a heavy burden on the livestock, but Sanlang's condition could not be delayed.

So, after a moment's silence, Mr. Lin said to Old Man Li sincerely:

"Old Li, I understand how you feel. This mountain road is indeed difficult to travel on, and I'm afraid I'll tire out your good donkey. But you see, my Sanlang's illness can't be delayed, and going to the town clinic is the only way. How about this? I, Lin, am not the kind of person who would be unreasonable. I promise you that during the spring plowing season next year, you can use my ox as you please, and I won't charge you a penny. Just consider it a thank you for borrowing my car this time. Do you think this is feasible?"

After hearing what Old Man Lin said, Old Man Li showed some hesitation. He knew the Lin family well and the importance of oxen during the spring plowing season. But then he thought, Sanlang was usually well-behaved and sensible. Now that he was sick, helping him would be a good deed.

So, he sighed and nodded: "Brother Lin, since you've said so much, it would be unkind of me to refuse. How about this? I'll lend you the donkey cart, but you have to use it carefully and don't wear it out. Also, let's make a deal about next year's spring plowing. Don't go back on your word!"

When Mr. Lin heard this, he quickly nodded and agreed: "Don't worry, Old Li, I, Lin, will keep my word and will never let you suffer any loss. Thank you, you really helped me a lot this time!"

In this way, Old Man Li finally gave in and lent the donkey cart to Mr. Lin, and asked his son to drive the donkey cart to Mr. Lin's house. Mr. Lin was very grateful.

Mr. Lin returned home, filled with worry and concern for his son and grandson's journey to seek medical treatment tomorrow. Although it was early autumn, the mountain dew was heavy and the temperature was low, so he had to be fully prepared.

So he hurriedly called Mrs. Lin and said, "Old woman, please prepare the mattress and quilt quickly. Make sure they are thick. Tomorrow morning, the eldest brother and his family will be driving the donkey cart to town. The mountain road is long and difficult to travel. The morning dew is heavy and the mountains are cold. I'm worried that Sanlang won't be able to withstand the cold. We need to keep the children warm on the road."

When Mrs. Lin heard this, she immediately understood the urgency of the matter. She agreed and turned to go back to the inner room, muttering, "Yes, yes, yes, I'll go find some bedding right away. You don't have to sit around either, go prepare some hay and feed the donkey so it has enough food and water to have the strength to carry them for the journey."

After hearing this, Mr. Lin nodded, turned and walked towards the backyard, and began to get busy, selecting food for the donkey.

As night fell, all was silent, save for the occasional barking of dogs in the distance and the chirping of insects nearby, which woven into the night's music. In the Lin family's courtyard, soft lights shone from the few simple houses, reflecting the thoughts of each family member.

Mr. and Mrs. Lin lay in bed, all around them quiet, broken only by the occasional sound of wind outside the window. They tossed and turned, their eyes filled with deep worry for their son, who was about to go on a long journey, and their ailing grandson, Sanlang.

Old Mrs. Lin finally couldn't help it, she sighed softly and broke the silence: "Old man, I can't let go of Sanlang in my heart. He was so young, how could he suffer like this. Do you think his illness... can be cured?" There was a hint of sob in her voice, and her eyes were slightly red.

Hearing this, Mr. Lin felt a pang of sadness in his heart, but he tried not to show it. He just patted the back of Mrs. Lin's hand and said, "Don't worry, the child will be blessed by fate. Tomorrow, the second son will take him to see Elder Song. Elder Song is the most famous doctor in our area within a hundred miles. He will definitely find a way."

Although he said this, Mr. Lin was also secretly worried.

Shen patiently coaxed her young child to sleep. After the child's breathing became even and he fell asleep, she gently put him to bed and turned her gaze to Lin Xueqian, who was sleeping soundly beside her.

Lin Xueqin's face looked particularly peaceful in the faint moonlight, but Shen's heart was filled with all kinds of thoughts and worries like a tide.

She had many questions in her heart, but everything was not settled yet, and it was not the right time to speak. In the end, she just sighed softly, shook her head, swallowed all the worries back into her stomach, and fell asleep.

Han looked at her son beside her. Moonlight shone through the window lattice onto her face, illuminating the worry in her eyes. Han gently stroked Lin Mo's forehead, hoping to bring him some comfort with her warmth.

Seeing this, Lin Xuejin felt a pang of distress. He gently patted the back of her hand and said, "Tomorrow morning, my eldest brother, my third brother, and I will take Sanlang to see Elder Song. Elder Song is a well-known doctor in our area. There is no disease he cannot cure. Believe me, Sanlang will definitely get better."

Han looked up at Lin Xuejin, tears glistening in her eyes, but more of it was her trust and reliance on her husband. "Xuejin, I feel much more at ease with you here. I'm just afraid... afraid that Sanlang, who is still so young, will have to suffer like this."

Lin Xuejin gently embraced Han in his arms, letting her feel his solid support, and gently comforted her, "I understand everything. I understand how you feel. But you also have to think about yourself and the baby in your belly, and not worry too much. Right now, the most important thing is that you rest well and take good care of your body. I will always be by your side, don't worry."

The third daughter-in-law lay in bed, tossing and turning, her thoughts a tangled mess, tangled with worries about the future.

"Brother Bo, I... I can't sleep." She finally couldn't help it and gently pushed Lin Xuebo who was sleeping beside her.

Lin Xuebo was awakened by his wife's movement. He turned around and asked gently, "What's wrong? Are you worried about Sanlang's condition?"

Mrs. Lu shook her head, then nodded, her complex emotions difficult to articulate. "It's not just Sanlang. I'm also thinking about Dalang and Erlang's private school fees, which are getting higher every year. Now Sanlang is sick again, and I don't know how much money that will cost. Our children are still so young. How much of this family's wealth will belong to us in the future?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Xuebao said, "Don't overthink it. Big Brother, Second Brother, and I are all brothers. Dalang, Erlang, and Sanlang are also our nephews. We are all family, so what about you and me?"

"But..." Shen felt uncomfortable.

"Besides, don't forget, although I'm a carpenter's apprentice, my skills are improving day by day. My neighbors and fellow villagers all praise the things I make, and my monthly salary is slowly increasing. Our son won't be at a loss in the future." Lin Xuebao turned around and went back to sleep.

Shen watched Lin Xuebo turn away, remaining silent. Suddenly, an indescribable feeling of grievance and anger welled up in her heart. She pursed her lips, her eyes slightly red, a surge of anger swirling in her chest, but she couldn't find a suitable outlet to vent it.

She thought about how she toiled day and night, taking care of her children while also taking care of her own small family. "Who am I doing this for?" she murmured to herself, her voice choked with sobs and resentment.