Seeing that he asked no further questions, the Second Elder continued, "Besides the trade routes, there are a few minor matters we need your decision on. There is a batch of old inscription materials in the storeroom. They've been there for years and aren't in very good condition. The steward asked whether we should dispose of them and buy a new batch. Also, the roofs of those old storerooms in the front courtyard leak a little. During the rain a few days ago, water got in and soaked several crates of medicinal herbs. The steward has set those crates aside and asked what should be done with them."
Shen Fei thought for a moment and said, "Take inventory of the old inscription materials first and make a list. Keep whatever is usable and sell the rest at a discount on the market price. Find someone to repair the leaking storerooms. Check the soaked herbs first. Dry any that haven't spoiled and put them back into storage. Throw out the spoiled ones. Charge the repairs to the accounts. Don't skimp."
The Second Elder agreed to each instruction without asking further questions.
After finishing, Shen Fei leaned back in his chair and glanced at the Second Elder. Sitting opposite him, the Second Elder kept his back straight and his hands on his knees, his expression composed as he waited for Shen Fei to continue.
Shen Fei knew that the Second Elder had come today for more than a report on clan affairs. He had something else to discuss.
Sure enough, after a few breaths of silence, the Second Elder spoke again. His voice was a little lower than before, as though he were broaching a matter that required careful consideration.
"Clan Head, there is one more thing," the Second Elder said. "Judging