"Everyone, this is the person who'll manage this medicinal herb garden from now on. He's of noble blood from the Treasure Tree Clan. You can call him Master Duo. This is Master Duo's assistant, Qian. You can call him Master Qian. These are the herb workers. From now on, they'll be responsible for tending this garden just like you, and they'll all be under Master Duo's management."
The person who had brought this group here was still the manor's steward, Master Ba. He introduced the managers and herb workers to Jiang Yue's group one by one.
Then he explained the medicinal herb garden and the situation with Jiang Yue and the other herb workers to Master Duo and the others.
Master Duo was clearly the aloof sort. After hearing the introductions, he didn't react at all, merely giving a faint nod.
His assistant, Master Qian, was the one who asked, "Master Ba, I remember you said there were nine herb workers here at first. Why are there only seven now?"
Master Ba smiled apologetically. "There were indeed nine originally, but something unexpected happened later. Two of the herb workers got into trouble."
Master Qian was clearly not so easily fobbed off. He pressed, "Got into trouble? Isn't this garden heavily guarded? What could happen while tending the garden? What exactly do you mean by 'got into trouble'? Were they attacked, did they fight among themselves, or did they run away?"
Master Ba looked embarrassed and tried to smooth things over. "Those were just minor mishaps when they first arrived. Please rest assured, Master Duo. With you here to manage things personally, I'm sure this batch of spirit herbs will meet its targets and quantities, or even exceed them."
Master Ba simply ignored Master Qian and spoke directly to Master Duo