Auditing Windshuo Territory

Windshuo Territory lay in the middle stretch of the Water Spirit Defense Zone. With several military roads converging there, it was one of the zone's most important territories.

The main reason was that the Tear Knight Defense Line's Third Outer Warehouse stood there, handling the movement of supplies for the surrounding territories.

As a result, the lord of Windshuo Territory also served as the superintendent of the Third Outer Warehouse.

His name was Alvin. In his early years, he had worked in the Tear Knight warehousing department and was familiar with the procedures between Tear Knight City and local lords.

Even years after leaving Tear Knight City, he still had several former subordinates there willing to pass him information.

Just as Shien finished inspecting the new bridge over the Blackwater River, an express letter arrived in Alvin's study.

After reading it, Alvin set the envelope on his desk. He felt no unease whatsoever; if anything, he was rather dismissive.

He suspected that Shien's tour of the territories was mainly an attempt to claim credit for the Reconstruction Institute's achievements and make his presence felt. His visit here was probably another chance to conduct an inspection and accumulate military merit.

Of course, he also knew that Shien had earned military merit, received the governor's support, and dealt with a few matters in Tear Knight City. He had heard about all of that.

His own hands were indeed somewhat dirty. The Third Outer Warehouse's accounts contained some irregularities and muddled entries. For instance, dozens of veteran craftsmen had died during the blood moon season long ago, yet their wages were still being collected every month—a considerable sum.

Several of his servants were also listed as holding important posts in the warehousing department. Though they had never done any work, they still collected