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

(Note before the main text: Chapter 168 has been updated, but due to a mistake by the capybara, it was moved to the end of Chapter 160. Chapter 159 was suddenly interrupted by Xiao Hei. The other issues were things I didn't notice. Fortunately, they are transitional chapters and don't affect the overall reading experience too much. I'll update this chapter first. There will be another chapter today. I'll try my best to ensure that everyone can read more than 3 chapters of 9000 words directly.)

Early spring in March, in the mountain city.

When Zhao Ping'an came out of the train station, it was drizzling.

Mist shrouded the river, and the distant mountain shadows appeared and disappeared.

Zhu Hui followed beside him, carrying a briefcase.

"Minister, would you like to return to the guesthouse to rest?"

Zhao Pingan shook his head: "Let's go check out a few factories first. Time is tight, we'll talk about it after we've looked around."

The Southwest has a weak industrial base, but Chongqing and Sichuan have some. During the War of Resistance against Japan, many factories were relocated inland; some of their equipment is still usable, while others need to be replaced.

Zhao Ping'an came here for two reasons: first, to assess the actual situation so he could make a plan; and second, to coordinate the transportation of equipment.

Normally, he could just look at the reports in his office, but Zhao Ping'an received a telegram from his elder brother, Zhao Dongliang.

When Zhao Ping'an learned that some leaders from Sichuan Province had been "frequently" visiting factories in Yunnan Province to "learn from their experience," he understood.

They must have seen the development of Yunnan Province and some leaders were getting anxious.

But look at the "debt collectors" who are chasing after Zhao Ping'an every day; they are either commanders of the three armed forces or heads of major military regions.

The predicament of Sichuan Province is that those of sufficient rank have no reason to directly approach Zhao Ping'an.

If your level is insufficient, contact Zhao Ping'an directly.

Then I remembered Zhao Dongliang, and decided to make some moves from here.

Because all the tasks that were previously planned have already had designated personnel assigned to them,

It was proceeding in an orderly manner, so Zhao Ping'an came to inspect it personally, and also to meet his elder brother and Wang Yaowu and others.

Over the next few days, Zhao Ping'an visited seven or eight factories "under the coordination of the person in charge".

Amidst the roar of the machines, we chatted with the factory managers about production output, equipment, and worker training.

He listened to people complain and made requests, and made immediate decisions on matters he could resolve.

On the afternoon of the fifth day, after leaving a machinery factory, the car passed through an old street.

Zhao Pingan leaned against the car window, casually looking at the street scene outside.

Suddenly, something flashed before my eyes.

The system interface popped up automatically.

[The host encounters Zheng Yaoxian (now known as Zhou Zhigan), the protagonist of the novel "Kite," triggering related plot developments.]

[Zheng Yaoxian: A Communist Party intelligence agent, codenamed "Kite." In 1946, he was ordered to infiltrate the Kuomintang's intelligence service and made significant contributions. After liberation, he adopted the alias Zhou Zhigan and worked in the archives section of the Chongqing Public Security Bureau. Due to the sacrifice of his superior, he has been out of contact with the organization for many years.]

Current situation: Identity unknown, future uncertain. Currently secretly investigating the undercover agent "Shadow".

[Mission: Assist Zheng Yaoxian in capturing Han Bing, Chiang Kai-shek's senior agent known as "Shadow"]

[Reward: After Zheng Yaoxian takes on the role of the protagonist's intelligence secretary, he will be rewarded with data communication and electronic warfare data.]

Zhao Ping'an paused for a moment, then turned to look out the window.

A middle-aged man emerged from an inconspicuous doorway on the street. He was wearing a worn-out Zhongshan suit and carrying a bundle of file folders. He kept his head down, walked slowly, and seemed no different from the other people on the street.

But Zhao Ping'an's gaze was fixed on him and couldn't be looked away.

"parking."

That night, the lights in Zhao Ping'an's residence stayed on very late.

He checked the files and reviewed the materials, and got a clear understanding of the situation.

The next morning, he went to the Public Security Bureau. Under the pretext of "work needs," he signed a warrant and directly transferred Zhou Zhigan from the archives department.

The bureau chief was a little confused: "Minister Zhao, this person... is just an archivist."

Zhao Pingan waved his hand: "I look clever, but I need someone to run errands for me."

The bureau chief didn't dare ask any more questions and stamped the document to release the man.

In the afternoon, Zhou Zhigan was brought before Zhao Ping'an.

He stood there, neither humble nor arrogant, with a calm gaze.

Zhao Ping'an glanced at him and gestured for him to sit down.

"Comrade Zhou Zhigan, do you know why I transferred you here?"

Zhou Zhigan shook his head: "Please give instructions, sir."

Zhao Ping'an didn't beat around the bush.

"You are Zheng Yaoxian, codename 'Kite'. You infiltrated the Kuomintang in 1946 and made meritorious contributions. After liberation, your superior sacrificed his life, and you lost contact with the organization."

Zhou Zhigan's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Sir, I don't understand what you're saying."

Zhao Pingan smiled.

"Han Bing".

The moment the name was uttered, Zhou Zhigan's expression changed.

Zhao Pingan continued:

"Code name 'Shadow,' a high-ranking undercover agent personally placed by Boss Dai. He's currently working in your Public Security Bureau, doing a great job as a cadre."

Zhou Zhigan stared at him without saying a word.

Zhao Ping'an leaned back in his chair.

"I can help you catch her. But after you do, you'll come with me. Your skills shouldn't be wasted here; the country has more important matters for you to attend to."

Three days later, Han Bing was arrested.

When the news spread, the entire Public Security Bureau was in an uproar. No one had expected that the strong-willed female cadre was actually a spy who had been lying low for over a decade.

Zhou Zhigan stood outside the interrogation room, looking at the familiar face inside, and remained silent for a long time.

Zhao Ping'an walked over and stood next to him.

"Old Zheng, I've taken care of your problem. I have a job here that needs someone like you."

Zhou Zhigan turned his head.

"What kind of work?"

Zhao Ping'an said, "Intelligence. But not domestically, it's external. The Far East, Mongolia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. Our future adversaries are the Red Empire and the American people. We lack a seasoned expert."

Zhou Zhigan remained silent for a while.

"Commander, I've been out of contact with the organization for so many years, and you still believe me like this?"

Zhao Pingan smiled.

"I dare to use Wang Yaowu, why wouldn't I dare to use you?"

A few days later, Zhao Pingan brought Zheng Yaoxian back to Beijing.

When reporting on the plan and personnel selection, the leader listened for a long time and then asked a question.

Is it reliable?

Zhao Ping'an used the same excuse: "I've already used Wang Yaowu..."

Besides, with Lao Xu helping me oversee things, I think it's worth a try, even if there are problems.

This could also be portrayed as a classic example of "spending a fortune to buy a horse's bones," which could play a positive role in our future efforts to reclaim Taiwan.

The leader was silent for a moment, then nodded.

Zheng Yaoxian was appointed as the deputy director of the Special Foreign Intelligence Division, while Lao Xu concurrently served as the director, responsible for the specific operations.

After leaving Beijing, Zhao Pingan took Zheng Yaoxian straight to Shenyang.

Old Xu was waiting in the office.

When the two met, Old Xu glanced at Zheng Yaoxian, didn't ask any questions, and only said, "Old Zheng, I've heard so much about you."

Zheng Yaoxian nodded: "Comrade Lao Xu, you're too kind."

The three sat down, and Zhao Ping'an explained the situation to Lao Xu.

After listening, Lao Xu took out two files from the drawer.

"Comrade Ping An, you brought back Old Zheng, but I also have two candidates here."

Zhao Pingan opened the first document.

"Xu Zhongyi. A former student who failed the special training class of the Military Intelligence Bureau, he surrendered and went into hiding in Shenyang."

This man had a knack for being incredibly tactful and adaptable, able to speak to anyone in a way that suited them perfectly. He thrived within Chiang Kai-shek's inner circle.

Old Xu paused for a moment.

"Your plans involve dealing with the Red Empire in the Far East, Mongolia, and Central Asia, which inevitably involves social interactions and corruption. He's a suitable candidate."

Zhao Pingan then opened the second document.

"Gu Yufei, Xu Zhongyi's partner, later became his wife."

On the surface, he's the head of the Military Intelligence Bureau's communications section, but in reality, he's one of our men. He's educated, courageous, a good shot, and can hold his own in a situation.

"These two are a perfect match. One handles the outside affairs, while the other provides support from behind; their teamwork is flawless."

Zhao Pingan looked at Zheng Yaoxian.

"Old Zheng, what do you think?"

Zheng Yaoxian thought for a moment.

"I've lived in Chongqing and Nanjing before, so I'm familiar with the situation in the south. The French have just withdrawn from Southeast Asia, and the Americans are about to come in; it's very complicated. It's suitable for me to go there."

Zhao Ping'an nodded.

"Then it's settled. Old Zheng will go to Yunnan Province to oversee things and take charge of Southeast Asia from there."

Xu Zhongyi and Gu Yufei are responsible for the Far East, Mongolia, and Central Asia, with their anchorage near Beijing, and can maneuver in all three locations.

Old Xu, you coordinate the overall work.

Old Xu responded.

That evening, Zhao Ping'an stood by the window of the guesthouse, looking at the lights of Shenyang City.

Old Xu pushed the door open and came in, standing next to him.

"Comrade Ping An, these three men are all skilled. But in intelligence work, having people isn't enough; you also need time."

Zhao Ping'an nodded, thinking to himself, "Yes, an empire needs decades of corruption and bloodletting to die. It's still a long way off."

"I know. Old Xu, take your time, there's no rush, we have plenty of time."

Oh, and remember to have Xu Zhongyi and his men focus on business and corruption at the beginning.

They don't need to complete any tasks; they just need to build networks and protect themselves.

Old Xu glanced at Zhao Ping'an and expertly began to criticize.

"Comrade Ping An, you were in such a hurry to arrange work and look for people everywhere before, but now that you have people, you're not in a hurry anymore."

That's right. I'm thirty-eight this year, and you're only twenty-five. If you really want to complete your plan, it would be worth 50 years. I just don't know if you can afford to wait 50 years. But I really hope your plan is completed sooner rather than later. Then we can consider it as if we've recovered our homeland..."

Zhao Ping'an didn't speak. The two exchanged a glance and smiled knowingly.