Tian Xiaoyu was deeply worried that this operation had greatly diminished Liu Yu's opinion of her.
So although she maintained a calm facade, her heart was already wavering between hope and fear.
Liu Yu leisurely sipped his spirit tea. Hearing her speak, he glanced at her without immediately responding.
He had observed Tian Xiaoyu's performance throughout the operation. As a steward, she had been competent, even outstanding.
But regardless of how well the preliminary work had gone, failure to persuade the Feng Household's patriarch meant the operation was ultimately a failure.
Although she had performed well, he could not let that exempt her from punishment.
Good work deserved rewards, and poor results demanded punishment. Only clear rewards and punishments could keep the cultivators under him properly managed.
When managing a team of a few people, perhaps he could simply smile and let it pass.
But when managing a force of hundreds or thousands of cultivators, what if poor work went unpunished and good work went without its due rewards?
How could he then ensure that his subordinates would devote themselves wholeheartedly to their duties?
So even if it was merely symbolic, some punishment and warning were necessary.
For an organization of hundreds or thousands to operate efficiently, clear rewards and punishments were the most basic requirement.
Perhaps his subordinates would be too awed by their leader's authority to say anything to his face, but the seeds of trouble would be planted in their hearts.
Liu Yu had led teams many times. He, too, had only a vague understanding at first, but with growing experience, he had gradually become familiar with all of this.
"I saw your performance for myself. You did indeed handle the preliminary preparations well."
"The responsibility for the operation's failure cannot all be laid at your feet."