A courtyard house; Li Yunlong, a subordinate of the deputy director of Harbin Military Engineering I

But he himself came from the old ranks of the Independent Regiment and was considered a direct subordinate of the old commander.

Besides, the reason he was able to become the political director at the quasi-corps level is because he followed the right person.

Zhao Gang's respect for Zhang Renfeng was no different from his respect for the old brigade commander.

Zhang Renfeng's smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression: "Alright, Jiwei and Jingsheng, you two come with me. We'll go to the ordnance factory when Old Chen and Old Nie arrive."

Qin Jiwei and Gu Jingsheng exchanged a glance.

They had known Zhang Renfeng for a long time and had long understood the old commander's temperament—when he was serious, it meant he really had something important to discuss.

The two quickly followed, walking on either side of Zhang Renfeng, along the dirt road outside the camp.

Qin Jiwei had other thoughts churning in his mind.

He knew the old commander's background, so he wouldn't think, like Li Yunlong and his gang, that the old commander had obtained his spot in North Korea by selling his body.

Who is Zhang Renfeng?

He had the support of the former political commissar and the teacher commander in the former Second Field Army, his father-in-law Nie Weiping in North China, and the Red Seventh Army in Guangdong and Guangxi.

Even after arriving in Korea, who was the commander-in-chief of the Volunteer Army?

That was the old commander of the Third Army Corps!

Zhang Renfeng was a Red Army soldier from the Third Army Corps, and that connection was stronger than anything else.

Not to mention the old commander's own expertise in the military industry.

I dare not say anything else, but the 15th Army's combat strength, equipment, anti-tank weapons, and demolition equipment are renowned as top-of-the-line in the entire army.

Why?

Because the old commander could do it himself!

Others win battles by luck and by capturing spoils, but what about the 15th Army?

They've never fought a battle without being well-funded, and their firepower is always superior to others.

Qin Jiwei has a deep understanding of this. Back in the Central Plains battlefield, the 15th Army's artillery configuration and engineering equipment were far superior to those of other units. When fighting siege battles, the explosive charges were piled up like small mountains. Where did this confidence come from?

It's all the wealth accumulated by the old army commander.

The more he thought about it, the more important it was to have a good leader.

Zhang Renfeng, a corps deputy commander in his early thirties, relied on more than just connections; his achievements and abilities were earned through countless battles and bloodshed.

Who doesn't know that Commander Chen is frail and sickly?

Zhang Renfeng is now effectively in charge of both military and political affairs for the Third Army Corps.

Who knows, if the old brigade commander really retires one day, and the old army commander takes over as the corps commander and political commissar, Qin Jiwei might at least be able to move up in rank as well.

Thinking of this, Qin Jiwei felt full of energy and walked with a brisk pace.

Zhang Renfeng didn't notice what his deputy was thinking. As he walked, he listened to Qin Jiwei's report on the specific situation of the troops, occasionally asking about the details of ammunition reserves and logistical support.

When he reached the west end of the camp, he stopped and looked at the engineering battalion training on the parade ground in the distance, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

Seeing this, Qin Jiwei opportunely asked, "Old Commander, the production of the 107mm rocket launchers at the ordnance factory has been completed as planned, with the first batch of prototypes finished... When would you like to go over there?"

Zhang Renfeng glanced at his watch: "No rush, let's wait for Old Chen and Director Nie to arrive."

He paused for a moment, then added, "I reckon they'll be here soon too."

Sure enough, less than an hour later, the sound of a car engine could be heard from the direction of the military headquarters.

Zhang Renfeng led Qin Jiwei and Gu Jingsheng back. Just as they arrived at the gate of the arsenal, they saw a convoy of vehicles entering in single file.

Leading the way was an American Jeep, with a man in a military overcoat sitting in the passenger seat. He wore sunglasses, his neck was tilted back, and he had that signature smile that made you want to punch him.

If it weren't for so many subordinates present, Zhang Renfeng would have urinated on Old Chen to save face.

The car came to a stop, and the man, leaning on his cane, got out. He stood there for two seconds, scanned the factory area with his eyes behind his sunglasses, and then raised his chin towards Zhang Renfeng, speaking in a tone befitting an older brother: "Young Master Zhang—oh, Deputy Commander Zhang, congratulations on your fortune!"

He was about to shout "Zhang Xiaogui" when he caught sight of the person getting out of the second car, and the words he was about to say took a different turn.

Zhang Renfeng, of course, noticed this detail. Suppressing a laugh, he stepped forward and extended his hand with a forced smile: "Commander Chen, hello there."

Brigade Commander Chen shook hands with him. His grip wasn't strong, but the warmth emanating from his palm was palpable.

He took a half step closer and lowered his voice, saying, "I'm not feeling well, I'm so tired, I was practically dragged here by your father-in-law."

After he finished speaking, he straightened up and pointed with his cane to the two cars behind him, "Look, your father-in-law is in the back."

The door of the second car opened, and Director Nie got out. He was wearing a slightly worn overcoat, his top button was fastened meticulously, and his complexion looked alright, but there was a hint of weariness from the journey between his brows.

He saw Zhang Renfeng, a smile appeared on his face, and he waved to him.

Zhang Renfeng strode forward and warmly supported Director Nie's arm, his tone carrying the natural warmth of a junior towards a senior:

"Dad, what brings you here? Was the ride bumpy?"

The way he called out "Dad" was so natural and fluent, as if he had been saying it for ten or eight years.

Director Nie, who had initially maintained a certain air of elder composure, couldn't suppress the urge to smile at this address. He cleared his throat to cover it up, waved his hand, and said:

"It's nothing, you go about your business. I just came to see what new thing you guys are working on."

He spoke casually, but Zhang Renfeng noticed that his gaze drifted into the factory area, his eyes showing the unique interest an old soldier had in equipment.

Just as Zhang Renfeng was about to lead Director Nie into the factory, the door of the third car was pushed open with a bang, and a middle-aged man with a booming voice strode out of the car. Before he could even stand up straight, his loud voice, thick with Hunan accent, exploded:

"Hahaha, you little rascal Zhang! I heard you've got something new up your sleeve. Let me see!"

Upon hearing the voice, Zhang Renfeng turned his head sharply and saw the familiar square face and thick eyebrows of the person who had come. All the blood in his body rushed to his head.

Without any hesitation, he raised his right hand and snapped to attention in a perfectly crisp military salute, his voice so loud that even the sentry at the factory gate turned to look: "Commander!!"

Zhao Gang: ?

Qin Jiwei: ?

Gu Jingsheng: ? ? ?

Awesome!

Zhao Gang was filled with inward感慨 (gan3 kai3, deep emotion). Just a moment ago he had acted so nonchalantly, but now he was being so obsequious? Even with his father-in-law, he wouldn't have this kind of attitude...

Previously, people from the old 129th Division were saying that Zhang Baozao was an incarnation of Brigade Commander Chen. At first, I didn't believe it, but now I, Old Zhao, truly believe it. This sycophantic tactic is exactly the same!

Zhao Gang pulled out his notebook and silently made a note: [Commander Zhang has the air of an old brigade commander. He often says I, Old Zhao, am too rigid and very annoying. Could it be that being as soft and yielding as lubricant is the style of the old troops? Hmm!! To emulate my old commanders, I, Old Zhao, must continue to be more tactful. Commanders Chen and Zhang are truly role models for us!]