"Here will do. This should be the village ancestral hall. There's enough room inside for all of us. Everyone, check carefully for anywhere someone could hide."
"No problems here. They're all wooden houses with simple furnishings."
"No hidden compartments."
"Watch out for fire attacks."
"Open all the doors and set up sentry posts."
"In the village too. Since we're all staying together, we can spare more men for sentry duty."
"Thirty men per shift, four shifts to cover the night. Any objections?"
"Fine by me. I could fall asleep the moment I lie down-"
"Don't sleep too deeply, and keep your weapons close."
The group entered Guanghan Stronghold and found the largest courtyard compound. The people from Dam Market began talking over one another.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard members were much quieter by comparison. The ordinary Embroidered Uniform Guard Cavalry were tight-lipped and stiflingly reserved, simply following orders.
Only the squad officers and Banner Commanders exchanged a few words with the people from Dam Market.
"Let's see what Hundredhousehold Officer Liu arranges."
"Find the best observation points first."
"These makeshift torches will only last about a quarter of an hour. Have the patrols outside return once every quarter hour. Build a couple of bonfires outside too. There's certainly no shortage of wood here."
A Banner Commander surnamed Huang made a few preliminary arrangements. He was older than Liu Xun and more seasoned at organizing things like this. He usually handled these miscellaneous matters.
The cavalry began carrying out their orders.
"That building blocks our view of the village entrance. Tear it down."
"There's our firewood."
Crack! Crack!
They were all strong, capable men, and with so many working together, they dismantled the wooden house quite quickly.
They cleared away some obstructions to their view outside, then built the bonfires.
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