The hour of the first watch had just arrived.
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The fluffy, snow-white cotton was evenly spread beneath the white quilt, topped with a red satin cover embroidered with the auspicious character for happiness. The women folded up the white lining and each held a corner, pulling long cotton threads that made a "zing-zing" sound as the even stitches spread out.
The women's hands were busy, and their mouths were just as busy.
"Second sister-in-law, you and your husband are truly blessed. I mean, there are plenty of people in our village with a bunch of kids, but who has received such blessings from their children?
"Indeed, just look at this tile-roofed house. You won't find a second one like it in the whole county!"