định took advantage of his improved socio-economic status to recruit a group of impoverished people, whom he organised for clearing land and founding a "đồn điền" ("military colony") in gò công. this occurred after emperor tự đức's 1854 order, which granted general nguyễn tri phương permission to organise southern levies in this manner. in recognition of his achievements, the mandarin authorities gave định the rank of deputy regimental commander. his success in developing "đồn điền" was attributed to his organisational ability as well as a genuine concern for the welfare of those under his protection, ensuring that they had enough to eat and something to wear. he was regarded as energetic, brave and compassionate. in gratitude for định's land development skills, the peasants gave him the middle name công, which means "great public service".