Today’s events were entirely unexpected. The inn, usually peaceful and quiet, suddenly became tense as the conflict between Niu Youfu and Gong Shouhuan escalated in an instant. Niu Youfu, a spoiled and arrogant young master, never expected anyone to disregard him so thoroughly. In a fit of rage, he lashed out at Gong Shouhuan, his fists raining down like a violent storm. Gong Shouhuan refused to back down, returning two blows, and the two seemed locked in a contest of strength.
Niu Youfu was knocked heavily to the ground; his fury only intensified. He scrambled up and kicked Gong Shouhuan, putting all his resentment and rage into the strike. However, Gong Shouhuan, now suddenly cautious after the initial impulse, began to fear the consequences and significantly pulled back his punches.
Madam Chang, unable to sit by while her son was bullied, joined the fray. Niu Liu-shi came over to assist Niu Delu, and soon the mother-son pair and the Niu couple were brawling together. The situation grew increasingly chaotic, spiraling far beyond a minor dispute into an unforeseen confrontation. The onlookers were dumbfounded, none expecting the argument to devolve to this point. The laughter and casual chatter that had filled the room were replaced by this sudden, violent clash.
Chapter 73