New ink fragrance in old times

After listening to what Shen's mother said, Mrs. Lin felt a little comforted, but her worries were not completely dispelled.

"Mother-in-law, I know this is difficult, but Dalang... he really needs this opportunity. If he misses the county exam because of the guarantee, I'm afraid he'll never recover."

Mother Shen gently patted the back of Mrs. Lin's hand to comfort her: "Mother-in-law, I understand how you feel. Dalang is my grandson, don't worry, I will do my best to help him."

Mrs. Lin nodded, her eyes slightly red. "Mother-in-law, I feel much more at ease with your words. Thank you, thank you so much."

Mother Shen continued to comfort her, "Mother-in-law, don't mention this to Dalang. Let him relax and prepare for the exam well. Don't let these things affect him."

Mrs. Lin nodded quickly: "Okay, okay, don't worry, mother-in-law."

Mother Shen smiled and said softly: Mother-in-law, let's discuss the children's affairs slowly, don't worry and hurt yourself.

Old Mrs. Lin nodded.

After Shen found the cloth bag containing the grain, she said, "Mother-in-law, we have been out for a while. Let's go find the children and don't let them wait anxiously."

Mrs. Lin responded while pouring the grain: "Okay, mother-in-law, thank you for taking care of Dalang's matter."

Lin Mo and Lin Sixuan sat opposite each other in the quiet hall after Old Lady Lin and Shen's mother left. There was a subtle awkwardness and discomfort in the air.

The occasional chirping of birds outside the window seemed to add a vivid footnote to the sudden silence. Lin Mo's fingers tapped unconsciously on the edge of the table, and his eyes wandered unconsciously, finally landing on the plate of exquisite and tempting pastries on the table.

He chuckled, trying to break the dullness with a relaxed attitude, reached out to pick up a piece of pastry, and took a light bite.

The sweet fragrance of the pastry instantly bloomed in the mouth. It was soft and chewy, sweet but not greasy. The perfect taste made Lin Mo's brows relax slightly, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously rose.

He looked up at Lin Sixuan and found that he was looking at him with a look that was slightly doting and a bit helpless, as if there were thousands of words hidden in those eyes.

"Brother, is this pastry really made by Grandma Shen? It's really delicious." Lin Mo said, and wanted to reach out to take the second piece, but Lin Sixuan gently pressed his wrist with his fingertips.

"Sanlang, don't worry." Lin Sixuan's voice was gentle, with a hint of the care that only an older brother could offer. "Although you and I are guests, we must also exercise moderation. Although these pastries are delicious, overeating is harmful to your health."

Lin Sixuan picked up a piece of cake and handed it to Lin Mo: "Sanlang, look, this cake is made so delicately, every bite is worth savoring, isn't it?"

Hearing this, Lin Mo took the cake handed over by Lin Sixuan and said, "Brother, you are right. I am greedy."

Lin Mo took a bite of the pastry, the sweet flavor slowly melting on his tongue, but his mind had already drifted elsewhere. His eyes sometimes focused on the pastry in his hand, and sometimes seemed to penetrate the scene before him, falling into deep thought.

"Da Lang is called Xuan Ge'er. According to ancient customs, formal names often contain the expectations and hopes of the elders. So his full name should be Lin Xuan, or Lin Mouxuan."

Lin Mo pondered silently in his mind, his thoughts like a finely woven web, trying to grasp the shadows from the family naming rules: "Grandpa and Second Grandpa's names follow the tradition of using characters, so the brothers of my generation should also have characters in their names. So, Dalang is called Lin Mouxuan, and I am called Lin Moudou."

Lin Mo's eyes flashed with curiosity and thought, and his brows knitted slightly. "No, my second grandfather's family calls my eldest brother Shitou, my second brother Chengtiao, Maowa, Chouchou... Lin Douzi is obviously a nickname given to me by the elders in the family."

'So, what would my full name be?' Lin Mo asked himself.

Lin Sixuan noticed that Lin Mo was sitting there, looking ahead with empty eyes, and had forgotten to eat the pastry in his hand. He couldn't help but feel worried.

He gently put down the teacup in his hand, walked to Lin Mo's side, and asked with concern: "Sanlang, what's wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell or thinking about something?"

Lin Mo was brought back to reality by Lin Sixuan's voice. He looked up at Lin Sixuan, a hint of doubt and curiosity flashing in his eyes.

He took this opportunity to ask a question that had been on his mind: "Brother, I have something I want to ask you. Why did that woman just now call you Xuan Ge'er and me Douzi? We are obviously brothers, why are the names so different?"

Hearing this, Lin Sixuan showed a gentle smile on his face. He patted Lin Mo's shoulder gently and explained:

"Sanlang, the reason why that grandma called me Xuan Ge'er is because on my maternal grandparents' side, they are used to calling me that. It's easier to distinguish between brothers and sisters in the name."

Lin Sixuan continued to explain, "As a large family, the Shen family naturally has more rules and regulations. They value etiquette and pay attention to seniority, so their address is more formal and strict. On our side, we value direct expressions of affection, so everyone is used to calling by nicknames, feeling that this makes it seem closer and more casual."

"Indeed, as we grow older, especially after we start school, it becomes inappropriate to call each other by nicknames. Giving equal importance to learning and etiquette is the principle we should follow as scholars." Lin Sixuan's words revealed a strict self-discipline and respect for family traditions.

Thinking of Silang's aversion to nicknames, Lin Sixuan couldn't help but smile and continued, "Silang hates being called by his nickname the most. I remember one time Second Grandma accidentally called him 'Chou Chou', and he blushed on the spot and ignored everyone for several days. Since then, our family has called us by our birth order. It's simple and clear, and it avoids unnecessary misunderstandings."

Lin Mo listened to Lin Sixuan's words and nodded secretly in his heart. He remembered Silang's reaction when the second old lady called him "Ugly". At that time, he thought it was strange and wondered which parents would give their children such a name. Now he thinks that this is the reason.

Lin Mo couldn't help but laugh in his heart, thinking that although Silang's reaction was a bit childish, it was also very cute.

"Hey, what are you two talking about?" There was a hint of joking in Shen's mother's words, and her eyes were full of love.

As she spoke, she walked closer, her eyes moving back and forth between the two of them, as if trying to find out all the unfinished stories.

Lin Sixuan quickly said, "Grandma, I'm showing off to Sanlang the cakes you made yourself."

Lin Mo also stood up: "Yes, grandma, this is the most delicious cake I have ever eaten."

Upon hearing this, Shen's mother smiled from ear to ear, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes seemed to be filled with happiness: "Look at what you said. If you like to eat, come often and I will cook for you. However, we have more important things to do today."

As she spoke, she stood up and walked towards the kitchen with ease, turning back to greet them as she walked: "Come, I'll make more for you to take back and try."

Chapter 95 Eat Banquet