Courtyard House: From Deputy Division Commander to Civilian, Progressing All the Way

"Get out!" Xiao Li shouted angrily.

These once arrogant and self-important beasts in the courtyard now resemble a pack of stray dogs. Under the contemptuous gazes of the crowd, they slunk away and fled in a sorry state from the hall of power they could never reach in their lifetime.

And just as they were fleeing in a sorry state.

A military jeep stopped in front of the guesthouse.

He Daqing, dressed in a brand-new Zhongshan suit, and He Yuzhu, dressed in a crisp police uniform, stepped out of the car with their heads held high.

Upon seeing He Yuzhu, Xiao Li's cold expression instantly transformed into a smile. He stood at attention and saluted, "Deputy Director He! Uncle He! Please come in, the commander is waiting for you inside!"

He Yuzhu returned a standard military salute and patted Xiao Li on the shoulder. He Daqing glanced smugly at the retreating figures of Yi Zhonghai and his men as they fled in disarray, and spat out a mouthful of spittle.

"Pah! A bunch of blind bastards! They don't even deserve to be in a place like this!"

Under the respectful guidance of the guards, the father and son strode into the magnificent gate of the guesthouse.

As soon as we entered the banquet hall.

He Daqing was completely shocked by the scene before him!

A huge crystal chandelier shone brightly, and a red carpet was laid out. Dozens of large round tables were occupied by founding generals and high-ranking officials he had only ever seen in newspapers!

The gleaming stars on their shoulders and the medals plastered on their chests converged into a terrifying aura that seemed almost tangible, making He Daqing even more cautious in his breathing.

"My God... Zhu Zi, I've finally seen the light in my life..." He Daqing's legs went weak, and he gripped He Yuzhu's arm tightly.

Although He Yuzhu was also shocked, he had seen a lot of things by Lin Yang's side. He patted his father's hand and said in a low voice, "Dad, straighten your back. We are guests invited by the leader, we can't let him down."

Just then.

Another commotion arose outside the door.

"Mr. Lou Zhenhua, former director of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill and member of the CPPCC, has arrived with his daughter!"

Accompanied by the greeter's greetings.

Lou Zhenhua, dressed in a fine suit, led Lou Xiao'e, who had grown into a stunningly beautiful young woman, into the banquet hall.

Behind Lou Zhenhua were four burly men carrying two huge mahogany boxes.

"Commander Lin! Factory Director Lin! Congratulations!"

Lou Zhenhua greeted Lin Yang and Lin Fan, who were entertaining guests at the main table, with a beaming smile.

"I, Lou, have prepared a small gift; please accept it as a token of my appreciation!"

The box was opened.

A low gasp of surprise immediately rippled through the audience.

Inside the first box was a "Qilin Bringing a Child" ornament, half a meter tall and carved from a single piece of top-quality Hetian jade! Its vibrant green color and exquisite craftsmanship made it an absolute national treasure!

The second box was filled with glittering little yellow fish, as well as various longevity locks and gold necklaces, almost blindingly bright.

This is simply extravagant to the extreme!

"Committee Member Lou, this gift is too extravagant." Lin Yang frowned slightly; he didn't like this kind of overly ostentatious behavior.

Lou Zhenhua quickly lowered his voice and said with trepidation, "Commander Lin, please don't refuse. These things are nothing compared to how you saved my entire Lou family's lives back then. This is just a small token of my appreciation for my nephew. If you refuse, it would be a disgrace to me!"

Seeing Lou Zhenhua's resolute attitude, Lin Yang shook his head helplessly and gestured for the guard to accept the money.

At this time.

Standing behind Lou Zhenhua, Lou Xiao'e's eyes, as clear as autumn water, were fixed intently on Lin Yang.

Three years have passed.

The man before me had shed the naiveté of my nineteen-year-old self, becoming more mature and profound. Dressed in a general's uniform, he stood among a group of renowned generals, yet remained the most dazzling and undeniably central figure.

The domineering aura he exuded with every gesture, the fatal charm forged from the crucible of death, was like a giant magnet, fiercely drawing Lou Xiao'e's gaze away, making it impossible for her to look away.

A young girl's heart is always poetic.

Lou Xiao'e had seen countless self-proclaimed scions of wealthy and powerful families in Beijing, and countless sons of high-ranking officials and nobles. But in front of Lin Yang, those people were like dim fireflies, not even worthy of carrying his shoes!

"Godfather..."

Lou Xiao'e stepped forward, her voice soft as water, and two charming blushes rose on her fair cheeks.

In her gaze toward Lin Yang, besides deep admiration and awe, a burning love quietly blossomed, making even her heart race.

Lin Yang turned his head and looked at his goddaughter, who was already showing signs of becoming incredibly beautiful, and smiled gently.

"Xiao'e has grown up and become a young woman."

"If anyone dares to bully you in the future, tell your godfather, and he'll send troops to wipe them out."

Upon hearing this domineering and protective joke,

Lou Xiao'e's heart skipped a beat, and a blush instantly spread to her ears.

Inside the banquet hall, glasses clinked and laughter filled the air.

Lin Yang, holding a wine glass, walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window.

He looked out the window at the azure sky.

Looking at this great land, stained red with the blood of countless martyrs, which is now finally ushering in peaceful construction.

The thunderous roar of artillery fire echoed in my mind.

The lingering echoes of those beastly neighbors fleeing in disarray outside the gate echoed in my mind.

Good and evil will eventually be rewarded; the cycle of karma is inevitable.

Lin Yang downed the strong liquor in his glass in one gulp.

·····

1953, winter.

The city of Beijing welcomed its first heavy snowfall of the winter.

Yuquanshan Military Region Compound, Building No. 6, Class A.

The cold morning wind howled outside the window, whipping up fine snowflakes that lashed against the glass. Inside, the heating was on full blast, keeping the bitter cold firmly at bay against the brick walls.

In the kitchen, Tian Yu was wearing a floral apron, scooping freshly cooked noodles into an enamel bowl, preparing to add two poached eggs.

Suddenly, an indescribable acid churned up from my stomach and rushed down my throat.

Tian Yu's face turned pale. She abruptly put down the strainer in her hand, covered her mouth, and rushed to the sink.

"vomit--"

A violent retching sound shattered the morning's tranquility.

Lin Yang, who was reading documents in his study on the second floor, instantly caught the commotion downstairs with his ears, honed by countless battles.

Almost instinctively, he threw down the red and blue pencils in his hand, and his tall body sprang up from the chair like a cheetah, rushing down the stairs in three steps.

"Honey, what's wrong?"

Lin Yang placed his large, broad hand on Tian Yu's shoulder and gently patted her back with his other hand. His usually cold and composed eyes were now filled with barely concealed panic.