In the study, Chen Dao picked up a stack of official documents and placed them in front of Yue Jinshan.

“Old Yue, there have been eleven fires in granaries large and small across the region this month. Isn’t that a bit too many?”

Yue Jinshan said nothing at first. He picked up the documents and read through them all carefully. Chen Dao waited patiently, showing no sign of urging him on whatsoever.

When he had finished reading all the documents, Yue Jinshan said, “Seven of the fires occurred in the granaries of Bianning Commandery. Only two were related to the border troops on the front lines, and the other two were not under my command.”

“You’re the Commander-in-chief of the Ningxi Commandery. They’re technically all under your command.”

“If you put it that way, then I will replace several of the staff generals tomorrow. I ask that you issue a directive as well, Lord Chen.”

Chen Dao sighed helplessly. “You’re still a bit short on tact, Old Yue. Let me put it to you plainly: your nephew is stationed in Bianning Commandery. I’ve heard that Young General Yue holds absolute power over the military affairs there, so much so that the commandery administrator himself couldn’t get a foot in the door. Of those seven granaries, at least four belong to the military. Have you anything to say about this, General Yue?”

Yue Jinshan remained composed as he replied indifferently, “Which unit doesn’t experience a few granary fires every year? These just happened to occur this month—it’s pure coincidence.”

Chen Dao took a sip of tea, his expression unreadable as he countered, “And if this inspector-general does not believe in coincidences and insists on investigating?”

For the first time since the conversation began, Yue Jinshan showed some emotion and let out a cold chuckle....