Courtyard House: I Rely on Time-Space Trade to Build a Nation

The first surprise was the power of Zhao Ping'an's connections.

Ten boxes of penicillin were, in those days, strategic supplies that could significantly impact the survival rate of wounded soldiers in a medium-sized battle!

He can get his hands on it, and it seems... the energy isn't limited to that.

The second surprise was that Zhao Ping'an clearly guessed who the other party might be, yet instead of hiding it, he planned to continue the transaction.

Even those words just now clearly indicated that he had ulterior motives.

A long silence fell over the regimental headquarters. The only sounds were the faint crackling of the burning oil lamp wick and the slightly heavy breathing of the three men.

Zhao Ping'an observed the expressions of the two men. Zhao Dongliang's eyes were complex, showing shock, struggle, and uncertainty about the future.

But they didn't immediately voice their opposition or condemnation.

After his initial shock, Zhao Desheng's face showed a thoughtful expression, and he kept glancing at Zhao Dongliang, as if watching his attitude.

There's a chance! Zhao Ping'an felt certain. Silence is the beginning of wavering, especially after he had demonstrated so much "achievement" and "potential".

He decided to add fuel to the fire.

"Brother, Company Commander Desheng," Zhao Ping'an began, his tone becoming sincere.

"Let's talk about this behind closed doors. Look at how I'm training my troops now, do you know who I learned it from?"

The two looked at him.

"During our previous encounter with them, my men happened to capture two of their stragglers, the cooks," Zhao Ping'an said, half-truthfully.

"During the interrogation, we didn't get much else out of them, but we heard them repeating over and over again things like 'not taking a single needle or thread from the masses' and 'obeying all orders.'"

"Speak politely, trade fairly"... and what about the "Three Main Rules of Discipline and Eight Points for Attention"?

He paused, looking at the two of them: "At first I found it ridiculous. What soldier doesn't steal or take things?"

But later... especially recently, now that we have grain, I have strictly ordered that no one be allowed to harass the villagers anymore.

As you can see, now that the brothers are well-fed and clothed, and have straightened their backs, the villagers around us look at us differently!

Why did we always suffer defeats in the past? Why were the local people able to report to them and guide them, but acted as if they had seen the King of Hell when they saw us?

Zhao Ping'an stood up and pointed to the faint outline of the camp visible outside the window:

"In less than a month, the brothers have been well-fed and clothed, and after a little training, their spirit and energy have changed dramatically!"

I heard there are literacy classes over there, teaching soldiers to read and do math!

Once this batch of transactions is completed and we have more money, I plan to start doing it in the camp!

I refuse to believe that soldiers who can read and understand principles are worse than those who are muddle-headed and only know how to plunder!

And my older brother, you know there was a land reform there, and they distributed land to us. Back then, if we brothers had any land or food at home, would we have been able to join the army?

"These soldiers who have been given land, once we cross over, we'll have to take it back from them. Just imagine if a fight breaks out, wouldn't they fight desperately?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dongliang and Zhao Desheng's eyes widened immediately. They looked at each other and saw a hint of agreement in each other's eyes. They had known this before, but they were unwilling to believe it. Now that Zhao Ping'an had said it, they had no choice but to believe it.

Seeing their expressions, Zhao Ping'an sat down again, his voice low but more powerful:

"Let's not talk about distant issues, let's talk about something closer to home. Brother, you're one of Commander Fu's trusted old subordinates, right?"

But when we were starving and the wounded were dying, we went to the headquarters to ask for food and medicine. Didn't you see enough of the attitude of those Central Army soldiers?

Did the deputy commander show up? Brother, don't tell me the deputy commander was busy. I'm just asking if you got what you wanted!

Then again, when have they ever treated us like one of their own? Supplies? They only gave us 300 jin of cornmeal a month, like feeding beggars!

If another war breaks out, with such meager supplies and our unpopular, neglected position, what will become of us?

Brother, Company Commander Desheng, you know better than I do!

These words struck a chord with both of them.

Zhao Dongliang's face darkened as he recalled the cold, arrogant faces at headquarters and the despair of returning empty-handed.

Zhao Desheng clenched his fists even tighter.

Seeing that the two men's expressions relaxed, Zhao Ping'an knew that the most crucial moment had arrived. He softened his tone and offered them a way out:

"Of course, brother, Company Commander Desheng, this is a very important matter and cannot be rushed."

What I mean is, we have to take things one step at a time right now.

My supply channels are still open, and I'll try my best to find a way to get supplies.

Let's first feed ourselves, keep ourselves warm, and get stronger!

I see that many of our brother units around us are also running out of food, and the nearby villages have been robbed several times, and the villagers are suffering.

We can use food to recruit people, build up our team, and strengthen our forces.

At that time, whether we continue to follow Commander Fu, or...

Let's see how things go. We have soldiers, food, and guns, so our words carry weight and we have more options!

It's better than being at the mercy of others, living hand to mouth!

These words, spoken from the perspective of practical interests and survival, completely moved Zhao Dongliang.

Strengthening oneself and seizing the initiative is the most basic survival wisdom in chaotic times.

His tense expression finally relaxed, and he let out a long breath. His gaze towards Zhao Ping'an was full of complex emotions, but ultimately replaced by a resolute look.

"Hmm," Zhao Dongliang nodded slowly, "Ping An, you're right. Let's do it your way! Let's first establish a firm foothold and strengthen our forces."

He paused for a moment, then began to assign tasks. "Here's the division of labor. I'll go to headquarters as usual, continue to request the necessary supplies, and also gather some information."

"I'm leaving this household chores to the two of you."

He looked at Zhao Desheng:

"Desheng, from now on, you are the battalion commander of the 2nd Battalion of our regiment! Your primary task is to recruit soldiers in the vicinity!"

Whether they are scattered from other units or young men who can't make a living in the village, as long as they have a clean background, are willing to carry a gun, and have no bad habits, they can be taken in.

The exact number to recruit depends on how much grain Ping An can procure. Remember, better to have fewer but better quality supplies, and proceed discreetly.

"Yes, Commander!" Zhao Desheng stood at attention excitedly. Battalion Commander! This was a real promotion, which also meant that the commander truly regarded him as a core member.

He immediately declared, "I will definitely handle this matter well!"

Zhao Dongliang then looked at Zhao Ping'an: "Ping'an, you have the heaviest burden. I appoint you as the battalion commander of the Third Battalion, responsible for the entire regiment's material procurement, logistics management, and new recruit training."

Whether our group can rise again depends on you.

"Don't worry, brother," Zhao Ping'an solemnly replied.

With the division of labor clear, the atmosphere changed instantly. But Zhao Desheng immediately thought of a practical problem, and an awkward expression appeared on his face:

"Commander, Battalion Commander Zhao, I have no problem recruiting men. But... we really don't have enough weapons."

The current guns are barely enough to equip our current workforce; we can't possibly use clubs to bring in new recruits, can we?

Zhao Dongliang frowned as well: "This is indeed a problem. When I go to headquarters to request supplies, I'll think of a way to see if I can squeeze some out."

At this moment, Zhao Ping'an smiled slightly and dropped a bombshell!