Chen Shi'an cleared his throat. "Previously, the two of you had been helping Master manage certain affairs.
"Master is a tolerant man. When you displayed minor faults or made small mistakes, he often kept one eye open and the other shut.
"But things are different with me. I've just taken office, and I need to show the sect master and the sect's senior leadership what I'm capable of.
"So I won't tolerate even a grain of sand in my eyes. From now on, you'd better handle your duties carefully and conscientiously. If you make even the slightest mistake, I absolutely won't let you off lightly. I'll punish you severely."
At his words, both Chu Tianshu's and Dong Xiaochai's expressions changed.
Chu Tianshu looked stifled and aggrieved, while anger appeared in Dong Xiaochai's eyes.
Chen Shi'an sneered inwardly, then turned his gaze to Chu Tianshu. "These past few days, rumors have been circulating in the sect that I've been using the Spirit Herbs purchases to buy low and submit inflated expenses, embezzling the sect's money.
"Have either of you heard about this?"
Dong Xiaochai lowered her head, and Chu Tianshu said nothing.
"Since neither of you is speaking, I'll take that to mean you both know."
Chen Shi'an raised his voice slightly. "Not long ago, I had a conversation with Elder Liu Quan. He told me a few things."
At this, Chu Tianshu's eyes flickered, and he lowered his head, not daring to meet Chen Shi'an's gaze.
Chen Shi'an cleared his throat. "This concerns my integrity and reputation. Naturally, I must make whoever spread these rumors pay.
"Do either of you have any leads on who spread them?"
Dong Xiaochai remained expressionless. Chu Tianshu shook his head repeatedly. "Deacon Jing, we know nothing about this."
"Oh?" Chen Shi'an said. "You really