Courtyard House: The Long-Lost Eldest Son Returns with Military Merit

He then said to Ma Weidong, "Vice President Ma, please arrange for more personnel to accompany us and also transport the supplies we seized from the enemy's stronghold, so as to save us the trouble of arranging transportation later."

Ma Weidong hadn't mentioned the seized supplies initially, precisely because he wanted to see if Jia Dongming would voluntarily hand them over.

Seeing that he had taken the initiative to suggest it, he showed approval on his face and said in a gentle tone, "Okay, then let's deal with it together."

I will truthfully report the achievements of the steel rolling mill's security department this time and apply for commendation on your behalf.

"Section Chief, the rice and flour have been counted. There are a total of 1,300 catties of rice, 2,000 catties of wheat flour, and 30 boxes of canned beef."

After Jia Dongming ended the call, Zhang Guoping, the head of the logistics section, excitedly reported on the newly received supplies.

Seeing his excited expression, Jia Dongming immediately instructed, "Guoping, tomorrow take a box of canned beef to the cafeteria for lunch."

Zhang Guoping nodded quickly and replied, "Yes, Section Chief, I'll arrange it right away."

Jia Dongming then remembered that Ma Weidong was about to arrive, so he instructed, "Guoping, Vice President Ma from the Public Security Bureau will be coming over with his men in a little while. Remind Comrade Ke Li to be careful with his words and actions, and absolutely not to reveal that we have kept some supplies on the side."

Zhang Guoping immediately replied, "Don't worry, Section Chief. Captain Guo has already informed everyone that the truck is carrying all the supplies we've seized tonight."

Jia Dongming nodded, and after a moment's thought, he instructed Zhang Guoping: "Also, regarding the funds that were previously placed in your office, draft an overtime allowance table. Each team member who participated in tonight's operation will receive a allowance of thirty yuan, and each team member who did not participate will receive fifteen yuan. The allowance will be paid from the funds seized tonight."

Zhang Guoping had already roughly guessed Jia Dongming's intention in leaving the funds in the bank. Hearing the specific arrangements, he was delighted and immediately asked, "Section Chief, what should we do with the remaining funds? And what should we do with the seized receipts?"

After a moment's thought, Jia Dongming instructed: "Deposit the remaining funds into the department's reserve fund account."

Regarding the bills, please organize them, separating those nearing their expiry date from those without a specified date. We'll discuss how to handle them later.

Zhang Guoping nodded and noted it down. Then, recalling the allocation plan, he advised, "Section Chief, if it weren't for your meticulous planning, the Security Section wouldn't have achieved such results tonight."

I believe you should receive an extra subsidy when the department distributes it.

Jia Dongming waved his hand in refusal, his tone firm: "No need."

Comrade Guoping, I will not concern myself with your past actions, but from now on, all assignments within the Security Section—whether to me as the section chief or to ordinary team members—must be treated equally.

Special treatment should not be given based on different positions.

Upon hearing Jia Dongming's instructions, a hint of admiration flashed in Zhang Guoping's eyes. He then straightened his posture and replied, "Section Chief! I understand. I will carry out your orders immediately."

Jia Dongming nodded slightly and replied simply, "Okay, go ahead and get busy."

About half an hour later, a jeep and a truck drove into the steel rolling mill and stopped in front of the security office building.

Upon learning of Ma Weidong's arrival, Jia Dongming quickly walked out of the building and solemnly saluted, saying, "Welcome, Vice President Ma, to the Steel Rolling Mill Security Department for your inspection."

After returning the greeting, Ma Weidong told Jia Dongming with a warm expression, "Comrade Dongming! Based on the intelligence you provided, tonight's arrest operation has been successfully completed. A total of 27 enemy agents were captured, 5 were killed, and a large number of weapons were seized."

Jia Dongming pointed to the truck beside him and reported, "Deputy Chief Ma, our department has seized 30 kilograms of gold, 20,000 silver dollars, two radios, two mortars, three heavy machine guns, five light machine guns, and 30 other items in the enemy's secret room."

After he finished speaking, he handed a list of supplies to Ma Weidong.

After reviewing the list, Ma Weidong handed it over to the accompanying police officer and instructed him, "Xiao Zhang, you complete the handover procedures with the security personnel."

After the handover arrangements were completed, Jia Dongming took out a map and respectfully presented it: "Vice President Ma, this is a map found in the enemy's secret room. It marks the locations of the enemy's strongholds and secret vaults."

Ma Weidong took the map, but did not examine it immediately. Instead, he put it into his briefcase and then said goodbye to Jia Dongming: "Comrade Dongming, the mission is urgent, and we need to return to headquarters immediately."

I will report the achievements of the steel mill's security department to my superiors after the entire operation is completed.

While a collective second-class merit cannot be guaranteed, a collective third-class merit should be assured.

Jia Dongming replied solemnly, "Vice President Ma, protecting the safety of the people is our department's duty; it's our responsibility."

Ma Weidong nodded, then turned to Yang Weimin's arrangements, solemnly instructing: "Jia Dongming, before departure, General Manager Kou of the Ministry of Industry called, requesting that Yang Weimin be transferred to the Ministry of Industry's disciplinary department for investigation."

I have agreed. The Ministry of Industry will send someone to meet with you tomorrow. You can hand over the personnel then.

Jia Dongming originally thought that the General Administration would investigate Yang Weimin personally, but unexpectedly the case was transferred to the Ministry of Industry.

This matter had no direct connection to him, so he immediately accepted the order: "Vice President Ma, I've got it."

The handover was initiated immediately upon the arrival of the Ministry of Industry personnel.

After seeing off the delegation from the General Administration, Jia Dongming announced to the team members present: "It's getting late. Except for those on duty, the rest of you can go back and rest."

He was about to return to his office to organize his belongings when he suddenly remembered something and added, "Comrades who participated in tonight's operation can collect their overtime allowance from Section Chief Zhang of the Logistics Section. It's 30 yuan per person; those who did not participate will receive 15 yuan per person."

Also, meat dishes will be served in the cafeteria tomorrow at noon.

The team members had already learned about the subsidy from Zhang Guoping, and upon hearing this, they all beamed with joy and went to the logistics department to collect their subsidies.

"Section Chief, Yang Weimin has woken up and requests to see you."

Just as Jia Dongming finished packing and was about to leave, a security guard rushed over to report.

Upon learning that Yang Weimin had regained consciousness and was requesting an audience, Jia Dongming instructed the security guard who came to report, "Xiao Liu, all the comrades who participated in tonight's operation will receive 30 yuan in overtime pay. You can go directly to Section Chief Zhang of the Logistics Section to collect it."

Xiao Liu was looking after Yang Weimin in the infirmary and was unaware of the subsidy.

Upon hearing that there was a thirty-yuan overtime pay, he asked incredulously, "Section Chief, is this true? Thirty yuan for participating in tonight's operation?"

Jia Dongming answered affirmatively: "Absolutely certain."

However, this matter is to be kept confidential internally and should not be publicized.

Xiao Liu nodded quickly: "Don't worry, Section Chief, I'll go get it right away."

Inside the logistics section office, the security team members who were collecting their allowances were surprised to learn that Jia Dongming received the same subsidy as everyone else, and their respect for this section chief, who had only been in office for a week, grew even stronger.

Jia Dongming watched Xiao Liu run towards the logistics section, then got on his bicycle and headed to the steel rolling mill's clinic.

Upon seeing him, the security personnel standing outside immediately straightened up, saluted, and greeted him: "Good morning, Section Chief!"

Jia Dongming returned the greeting and went straight into the infirmary.

He pushed open the door to a rest room and saw Yang Weimin sitting blankly on the hospital bed, his eyes unfocused.

Jia Dongming walked to the bedside and asked, "Yang Weimin, I heard you wanted to see me."

Now that I'm here, what do you want to say?

Yang Weimin slowly came to his senses, looked at Jia Dongming in his uniform, and asked in a hoarse voice, "Jia Dongming... they said my wife is a Japanese spy, is that true?"

Jia Dongming gazed at his dejected expression and calmly replied, "You already know the answer in your heart, you just don't want to admit it."

These words extinguished Yang Weimin's last shred of hope.

He recalled his time with Zhang Huizi and couldn't reconcile the seemingly gentle and considerate woman with the image of a spy.

After a long silence, Yang Weimin asked blankly, "What will the higher-ups do with me?"

Jia Dongming shook his head: "Over the years, Zhang Huizi has used her status as the factory director's wife to obtain a lot of intelligence from you."

How do you think your superiors will handle this?

"Before I arrived, General Kou of the Ministry of Industry had personally contacted the State Public Security Bureau, requesting that you be transferred to the Ministry of Industry for processing."

As for the final outcome, that's not my concern.

After saying that, Jia Dongming ignored Yang Weimin, who was sitting there stiffly, and turned to leave the infirmary.

When Jia Dongming returned to the courtyard house, it was nearly midnight.

The courtyard gate was tightly shut. Not wanting to disturb Yan Bugui, he leaned his bicycle against the outer wall, climbed onto the crossbar, and called out into the house, "Huai Ru! Huai Ru!"

Due to renovations of the old house, Qin Huairu is temporarily staying at a separate courtyard for the next few days.

Perhaps it was the change of environment, but she couldn't sleep.

As I was counting the sheep, Jia Dongming's shouts suddenly came from outside the window.

She immediately turned on the light, put on her coat, opened the door, and asked into the dark courtyard, "Uncle, is that you?"

When Jia Dongming saw the light on, he quickly replied, "I just got back from working overtime. The gate was locked."

"Could you grab a flashlight and come to the front yard to open the door for me?"

Qin Huairu looked in the direction of the sound and saw Jia Dongming peeking out from the top of the wall. She quickly nodded and said, "Please wait a moment, I'll go get the flashlight."

Upon hearing this, Jia Dongming jumped off the wall and pushed his bicycle toward the gate.

A moment later, the sound of a lock being opened came from inside the door.

Qin Huairu opened the door and saw Jia Dongming pushing a cart. She couldn't help but ask curiously, "Uncle, didn't you go to the Public Security Bureau for a meeting today? Why are you back at the factory working overtime again?"

Jia Dongming carried the cart into the courtyard. After Qin Huairu locked the gate again, he pushed the cart toward the central courtyard, saying in a low voice, "Tonight we arrested Yang Weimin and his wife."

Starting tomorrow, there will be major changes at the steel rolling mill.

"What? Factory Director Yang has been arrested? Really?"

Qin Huairu stood beside her, her face filled with disbelief.

Jia Dongming was not surprised by her reaction and nodded affirmatively: "Absolutely true."

His wife was a Japanese spy, and Yang Weimin was implicated as a result. This time, he'll be severely punished, if not killed.

Shocked, Qin Huairu blurted out, "Could it be... that Director Yang's wife is in cahoots with the spy we arrested a few days ago?"

Jia Dongming nodded: "Not only is she involved, she's also the leader of this group."

He paused, then solemnly reminded, "This matter has had a very bad impact; even the leaders of the Ministry of Industry have been alarmed."

It is estimated that a working group will be stationed here soon to rectify the situation.

Once you start work, you must be careful with your words and actions.

Qin Huairu nodded quickly, then asked with concern, "Uncle, are you hungry? Would you like me to cook you a bowl of noodles?"

As soon as Qin Huairu brought up the topic of dinner, Jia Dongming noticed he was hungry and immediately felt a pang of hunger. Without any pretense of politeness, he said to her, "Huairu! Now that you mention it, I really am a little hungry. Could you please cook me a bowl of noodles?"

Upon hearing Jia Dongming's words, Qin Huairu immediately replied happily, "Uncle! There's no trouble at all. You rest for a while, and I'll go cook some noodles right away."

A short while later, Qin Huairu brought out a steaming bowl of noodles from the kitchen.

Already starving, Jia Dongming immediately picked up his chopsticks and began to eat heartily as soon as he smelled the aroma of the noodles.

Seeing Jia Dongming enjoying his meal, Qin Huairu turned and went into the kitchen. A short while later, she brought out a wooden basin, placed it in front of Jia Dongming, and said shyly, "Uncle! You must be tired after a long day."

"Stretch your feet out here, I'll give you a foot soak and a massage."

Jia Dongming, who was eating noodles, was quite surprised when he heard Qin Huairu offer to wash his feet. He quickly waved his hand and said, "Huairu! I can wash them myself after I finish eating. You should go and rest early."

When Qin Huairu saw Jia Dongming decline, she did not go back to her room to rest as he had suggested. Instead, she squatted down in front of him, reached out and held one of his feet, and took off his shoes before he could refuse again.

Feeling the temperature of the hot water and the kneading force from the soles of his feet, Jia Dongming felt a little uncomfortable.

To hide his embarrassment, he had no choice but to turn his head away and continue eating his noodles.

Soon, Jia Dongming finished the noodles in his bowl.