Although the Lin Family had a deep and rich heritage, for a family to prosper long-term, it had to centralize its wealth. The family's assets could only be passed down to the Direct Lineage. Otherwise, the holdings would become increasingly fragmented, and within a few generations, they would be scattered to the winds. The family would then exist in name only.
Lin Ming's branch of the family was not part of the main line, and several generations removed at that. It was impossible for them to inherit any assets; they could only help manage them. Growing up, Lin Ming had very little contact with the children of the Direct Lineage, so he didn't recognize the brother and sister at all.
