Before Zhou Zhiren came, he had made some inquiries about Xu Qingtong. Learning that his cultivation was profound and that the City Lord's Manor held him in high regard, he abandoned any thought of vying with him for authority.
"Whatever you require, Garrison Commander, I would not dare refuse!"
Xu Qingtong nodded in satisfaction and said, "Sorry for the trouble, Magistrate Zhou. Please select two capable, sharp-witted men to serve at the Garrison Manor! Also, have someone send me information on the planting areas for demonized garden balsam, the people managing them, and so on!"
Zhou Zhiren nodded in agreement. "I'll make the arrangements right away!"
"Good. Thank you, Magistrate Zhou!"
After seeing Zhou Zhiren off, Xu Qingtong walked around the Garrison Manor to familiarize himself with his surroundings.
About two hours later, two young men in their twenties or thirties arrived at the Garrison Manor.
"This humble one is Guan Ke. My respects, Garrison Commander!"
"This humble one is Yin Sheng. My respects, Garrison Commander!"
"Dispense with the formalities! You two will serve at the Garrison Manor from now on. Do well, and I will certainly reward you!" Xu Qingtong said.
"Rest assured, my lord. We will strain every nerve and fulfill our duties faithfully!"
"Yin Sheng, notify all the guards in town to assemble at the drill ground. I have something to tell them!" Xu Qingtong said. "Guan Ke, go to Magistrate Zhou, gather all the information on demonized garden balsam, and bring it back!"
Within the time it took to drink a cup of tea, over a hundred guards had arrived at the drill ground. They gathered in groups of three or five, discussing something.
Yin Sheng entered the Garrison Manor, came to Xu Qingtong's room, and bowed. "Garrison Commander, everyone has been assembled. Please come and