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After a rain in autumn, the cold sets in, and by the end of October, the temperature dropped suddenly, making the bleakness of fall all the more palpable.
The farm work in the fields was pretty much done, and the farmers, now having some leisure time, were looking for odd jobs to earn a little extra to ensure a comfortable year. This time of year was the best for hiring short-term laborers.
The Qian family's third wife and the Wan family were both looking to hire short-term laborers to dig ponds. Because many workers were needed, not only did people from the nearby Huaxi Village, Darong Village, and Erliu Village come, but also people from neighboring towns.