Ruan Fengshan’s face still showed traces of fatigue.

He held a thick stack of items, standing tall and sturdy, his gaze like lightning, exuding the aura of a superior, sweeping across the room.

"Everyone should have heard about the recent issues with the account room."

Ruan Fengshan said, raising the thick envelopes in his hand. "These are denunciation letters written by the account room staff."

When Ruan Fengshan mentioned the word "denunciation letters," a few people’s shoulders trembled imperceptibly.

"These were handed to me by Luan Bao last night. However, I haven’t read any of them." Ruan Fengshan glanced at the two thick, bulging envelopes in his hand and said solemnly, "Zheng Wei, bring the fire basin!"

Zheng Wei immediately emerged from behind the screen, carrying the brazier used to warm the back hall, and placed it in front of Ruan Fengshan.

The high-quality hollow beast charcoal burned bright red...

Ruan Fengshan pinched an envelope, inserting a corner into the center of the brazier. Surrounded by high temperatures, the corner of the envelope quickly curled into ash, and flames leaped up. Ruan Fengshan waited for the flames to climb, then tilted the envelope slightly. As the fire raged, he threw it into the brazier, using the rising flames to burn the other bulging envelope too.

Watching the paper in the brazier curl, char, and turn to ash, many people’s heavy burdens in their hearts were relieved.

Yet, quite a few showed puzzled expressions.

Among all present, the calmest person seemed to be Xu Fuxian, sitting next to Luan Jingfu.

He sat unmoved, as if completely oblivious to Ruan Fengshan burning those denunciation letters.

In fact, he had anticipated Ruan Fengshan would act this way.

An hour before the meeting this morning, Ruan Fengshan suddenly ordered the guards surrounding the back courtyard account room to be withdrawn.

Everyone could enter normally. However, Wang De’an, Zhu Shicheng, and their assistants were detained separately in the firewood room.

Even the body of Li Jun, parked in the main hall of the back courtyard, was just now taken away by Li Jun’s family.

Li Jun’s body lay in the account room for less than a day.

These actions hinted at some secretive intention of Ruan Fengshan in handling this matter.

It was clear; Ruan Fengshan wasn’t trying to be exacting, punishing every mistake, but instead attempted to take a broad approach to stabilize people’s hearts.

Xu Fuxian greatly admired Ruan Fengshan’s determination and courage; within just a day, he swiftly resolved the complication and discerned the situation.

Duan Rong sat in the corner, his gaze swept across Xu Fuxian’s face, he paused slightly. Actually, he didn’t know Xu Fuxian well; he recommended Xu Fuxian just based on the accounts. Now it seemed perhaps a bit narrow-minded... However, at the time Duan Rong recommended him more to extricate himself swiftly.

By now, Ruan Fengshan had returned to the tall, wide chair, his gaze sweeping over everyone. He said, "The Escort Agency is so large; things still need to be done by you."

"I know some of you have done some unsavory things over the past few years." Ruan Fengshan spoke, with his gaze seemingly intentionally sweeping over Luan Jingfu.

"However, the full responsibility doesn’t lie with you!"

"At least half of the responsibility is mine," Ruan Fengshan said with a serious expression, "Over the years, I’ve indeed neglected many matters of the Escort Agency. Starting next year, the year-end account checks, I will no longer delegate to others. No matter how busy, I will personally oversee them."

"I hope everyone will manage your own affairs and personnel well. I can overlook past matters, but if I discover anyone falsely reporting or embezzling again, don’t blame me for settling old accounts along with new ones!"

Ruan Fengshan’s words rendered Juyi Hall silent; no one dared to breathe.

After a pause, Ruan Fengshan continued, "Xu Shouxian served as Chief Accountant for over twenty years, and though he made mistakes, he has already paid the price. As colleagues, after the meeting, make some time to visit his estate to pay respects."

Xu Fuxian’s lips trembled slightly upon hearing Ruan Fengshan’s words. He hadn’t expected Ruan Fengshan to grant his brother this respect in the end.

If Ruan Fengshan remained silent, fearing taboos, likely no one in the Escort Agency would pay condolences.

Ruan Fengshan suddenly softened his tone, "Enough. No matter how difficult this year was, it’s already over! From now on, Xu Fuxian will be in charge of the account room, cooperate well with him."

The eyes of those present instantly focused on Xu Fuxian.

Xu Fuxian’s thin face showed no expression; he clasped his hands before him, slowly moving half a circle, "All Escort Masters and Stewards, the new accounting method will be formalized and distributed by the fifteenth day of next year. I ask everyone to report according to the listed items of the new method to avoid errors."

Xu Fuxian’s words stirred some unrest in the scene.

The saying goes, "three fires for a new official," and it seemed the first blaze had begun. The new method with listed items! This wasn’t cutting off everyone’s financial path!

"That’s enough!" Ruan Fengshan suddenly said, "Next year’s matter will be attended to next year. Before New Year, there’s one more issue to handle."

Upon hearing another matter, everyone quieted immediately.

"In March next year, it’s Taiyi Sect’s triennial Registered Disciple selection examination. For young people, it’s a chance to leap to greatness!"

"Initially, our Escort Agency had Luan Bao and Xiao Yu, two youngsters with potential."

"Before mid-year, I promised their registration costs would be covered by the Escort Agency. Firstly, it’s my support for young people, adding a touch of flair for them. Secondly, Elder Xiao and Mr. Luan have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to Yuan Shun Escort Agency, it’s also a modest recompense for their years of labor." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"However..." Ruan Fengshan said, shifting his tone, "things have changed in the past six months!"

"Duan Rong, the Escort Master from the Second Escort Team, has accomplished great deeds!"

"Around mid-year, he rescued Jing’Er from the Bitter Fate Gang, firstly. Later, during an Escort for the Second Escort Team, he grew rapidly, contributing significantly to the Escort Team. Sun Huang just applied for an Award Order for him last month, second. This recent account scandal, in terms of the Escort Agency, was nearly a cancer; initially, Duan Rong was tasked with investigating it, third."

"Duan Rong’s great achievements deserve reward!"

"Moreover, Duan Rong has achieved the Third Level of Inner Breath Realm, Minor Success Realm, and has qualified to participate in Taiyi Sect’s Registered Disciple selection."

Following Ruan Fengshan’s words, many present turned their gaze to Duan Rong.

Duan Rong’s rise was unbelievably swift; many hadn’t yet reacted.

During the mid-year formal assessment, besides Xiao Zongting, four Escort Team Leaders were present. At that time, Duan Rong, as an Intern Escort Master, achieved the Inner Breath Realm Second Level standard, already drawing attention. Unexpectedly, in just half a year, Duan Rong broke through again to the Third Level, Minor Success Realm.

They didn’t know, however, that Duan Rong had already achieved the Fourth Level, Great Success Realm, and even broke through the Micro level.

The Inner Breath Realm’s top tier, only a thin Great Perfection layer remained!

However, this layer, though thin as window paper, Duan Rong still couldn’t break through!