New topics of conversation quickly overshadowed old news.
Some said the Yiqi Gang had seized the opportunity to swallow up the Great Fortune Gang's territory and was now stronger than ever.
Others mentioned a new restaurant had opened on the west side of town. The chef was hired from the Prefecture City, and his braised pork knuckle was to die for.
Still others spoke of war breaking out over in Caozhou, saying more and more refugees were arriving from the west.
Every day, when Yang Jing went to the market to buy meat, he would listen in on these conversations. He paid particular attention to the situation in Caozhou. His father and uncle had both gone there with a grain transport convoy, and with no word from them since, he couldn't help but worry.
...
One day, the sun was scorching hot.
Yang Jing finished his fist practice, rested for a moment, and left the Martial Arts Hall.