Unlike Cui Hao's delight at advancing in the martial realm, the Hu family's inner hall was brightly lit, yet the oppressive gloom filling the room remained undispelled.
Hu Tang, who looked wealthy but lived frugally, sat upright in the seat of honor. The cup of tea in his hand had long since gone cold.
At that moment, his brows were tightly furrowed, and his knuckles tapped unconsciously against the sandalwood armrest, making a dull "thunk, thunk" sound.
It was as if the sound were knocking on everyone's heart.
Several Hu family members stood or sat below, each wearing a more grim expression than the last.
The eldest daughter, Hu Xing, sat on the left, clutching a handkerchief until her knuckles turned white.
The third daughter, Hu Man, stood by the window, staring blankly into the night.
The fourth, Hu Miao, was the youngest and had the most impatient temperament. She paced back and forth across the hall, her embroidered shoes making a soft patter.
"Creak—!"
The hall door was suddenly shoved open. Hu Zhi hurried in, a sheen of sweat on her forehead. Gasping for breath, she asked, "Father, what did the Yan Family say?"
"Business taxes have gone up, and trade is difficult," Hu Tang said hoarsely as he set down his teacup. "The Yan Family demanded a fist match. The loser... has to close two shops."
After a pause, Hu Tang's mustache trembled. "Naturally, I refused. I went with Yan Sheng to the authorities, and Tao He told us to settle the matter with a 'same-realm fist match.'"
The city governor rarely showed himself.
All government affairs were handled and managed by the aide appointed by the city governor—in other words, Tao He.
Hu Zhi asked anxiously, "Who did the Yan Family hire?"
"Zong Gaonian of Wanxiang Martial