After settling the matter at the inn, Zhang Xiaofan turned to the steward, who had arrived early that morning. "Have you carried out the instructions I gave to the branches of the Food Mansion?"
"Reporting to the Mansion Lord! This old man wouldn't dare neglect your orders for a moment. Everything is being done as you instructed. Command Token Wang has been keeping a close eye on the matter. He's inspecting the eastern region now and should be coming here soon." Having seen how Zhang Xiaofan had punished the offending cook, the steward was deeply worried. He feared he, too, might be expelled from the Food Mansion. That would truly be worse than death!
Zhang Xiaofan quietly watched the steward standing before him with his back bent. His attitude was proper, and apart from worry, there was nothing else in his eyes. It seemed he had known nothing of the inn's wrongdoing. Zhang Xiaofan considered the matter and came to a decision.
"Although you didn't do what he did, the incident happened within your jurisdiction. Do you admit that you failed in your duty to supervise?"
"Your subordinate... admits it!" The steward's heart gave a thump. His tears flooded his heart, and he felt as if the sky were about to fall.
"Do your job well! Once Wang Yishi arrives, go to him and accept your punishment." Zhang Xiaofan looked at the steward and spoke sternly.
"Yes! Thank you, Mansion Lord, for your mercy!" Hearing Zhang Xiaofan's words, the old steward joyfully dropped to his knees and repeatedly clasped his hands in thanks.
Zhang Xiaofan waved a hand. "Take care of things here. When you see Wang Yishi, tell him to focus on the matter I instructed him about. Put everything else aside for now!"
"Your subordinate will obey!" the