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

While Anna was eating roast duck, a coup had just ended in Saigon, thousands of miles away.

With the support of the United States and Britain, President Ngo deposed Emperor Bao Dai and established the "Republic of Annam." Newspapers printed his picture in large print, with the caption "First President."

When President Wu first took office, he was brimming with confidence.

He dared not attack northward. To the north lay Hu Jintao, the Red Empire, and the Republic that had just defeated the seventeen-nation coalition on the northern battlefield. To attack the north would be suicidal.

But his soldiers always need to find a place to practice.

His subordinates gave him advice: "Your Excellency, Prince Siha has just gained a foothold in Cambodia."

Many areas along the border are already disputed with us. Sending troops there will both train them and let Prince Siha know who the real boss is.

Commander Wu thought it was a good idea.

As a result, the troops of Annam began to gather at the border between the two countries.

When the news reached Phnom Penh, Prince Siha's expression changed. He immediately summoned Liu Dazhu to his residence that very night.

"General Liu, there's some activity in Nan'an South."

Liu Dazhu nodded: "I understand."

Prince Siha looked at him, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

Liu Dazhu smiled and said, "Your Highness, rest assured. If he dares to come, I dare to fight him back."

That evening, Liu Dazhu went to the rear command post not far from the border to take charge.

A map was laid out in front of him, and a telegram was in his hand. Reports on the situation at the front were sent out every half hour.

"Report: Another company has been added to the South An area today."

"Report, American equipment has appeared on the other side; it looks newly issued."

"Report, they've started transporting ammunition to the front lines."

Liu Dazhu listened to each point one by one and got a general idea of ​​what was going on.

"Have the Third Regiment move closer to the border," he said, pointing to a location on the map.

"Set up an ambush here, but don't use our own men. Send in a mixed force. Use Japanese weapons, but don't reveal your true intentions."

"yes!"

On October 27th, just as dawn was breaking, the people of Nan'an South began to move.

A company of over a hundred men, carrying newly issued American equipment, swaggered toward the border.

The leading officer, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, seemed completely unconcerned.

"Those Khmer bumpkins will run away as soon as they see our guns."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a gunshot rang out from the other side.

The mixed troops crouched in the grass, their Type 38 rifles spitting fire one after another.

His marksmanship was frighteningly accurate; he took down seven or eight people in the first round, one shot at a time.

The soldiers in South Annam were dumbfounded. Weren't the Khmer soldiers supposed to be useless? This guy's marksmanship is even better than theirs!

Before the leading officer could react, his head was split open.

The firefight lasted less than half an hour. Nan'an Nan left behind more than a dozen corpses and slunk away.

Liu Dazhu received the battle report, glanced at it, and placed it on the table.

"Two dead, six wounded. Not bad."

He picked up his pen and began writing a telegram.

The telegram arrived in Beijing that same day.

While Zhao Ping'an was having grilled meat with Anna, they discussed the locations and procedures for the next installment of "Anna in China."

This kind of subtle propaganda is still a novelty; most people don't understand it, and even the very few have only a superficial understanding.

So Zhao Ping'an decided to do it himself, since France was his priority.

Historically, France was also the first country in Western Europe to support a republic.

In a way, we should also thank Britain and the United States for their shameless actions, joining forces with the Red Empire to "liberate" France's colonies.

The secretary handed me a piece of paper.

Zhao Ping'an glanced at it, his expression unchanged, and folded the telegram before putting it in his pocket.

Anna asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Zhao Pingan smiled and said, "It's nothing, just some small things at work."

Anna didn't ask any more questions.

After finishing his meal and escorting Anna back to her residence, Zhao Ping'an took out the telegram and read it carefully.

Liu Dazhu wrote simply: Nan'an probed, and was driven back. The mixed force suffered two dead and six wounded.

More than a dozen people on the other side died and fled. Prince Siha is a bit panicked and wants to send his three sons back to the country.

In addition, equipment is required.

After reading it, Zhao Ping'an first called his superior to report the plan and received permission.

Pick up the pen and write the instructions directly:

"We agree to accept the three princes. Make the arrangements properly, and have the Ministry of Education take care of it."

"Ammunition: 10,000 rounds of 60mm mortar shells and 5,000 rounds of grenade launcher ammunition, to be shipped immediately."

"122mm heavy artillery: add twelve more, fully equipped with ammunition, and transport them all together."

He paused, then added:

"Tell Liu Dazhu not to be stingy. There's more left after you've finished. Show me your power!"

The next day, Anna continued her journey.

Zhao Ping'an sat in his office, thinking about the Khmer Rouge.

Prince Siha sent his son over; he truly sees China as his backer.

That makes sense when you think about it. After all, Liu Dazhu has done a good job, and the support from the country is substantial. I remember reporting before that the people there are now extremely supportive of Prince Siha and Liu Dazhu's troops.

Nan'an Nan has suffered a loss this time, and they certainly won't let it go easily.

The things Liu Dazhu wanted came in handy.

Moreover, Zhao Ping'an had always had ideas about the monkeys, and now was the perfect time to put them to the test.

A few days later, Prince Siha's three princes set off for China.

Liu Dazhu stayed by the prince's side, watching the plane disappear into the distance.

An older soldier standing nearby asked, "Brigade Commander, do you think those kids will be able to get used to it?"

Liu Dazhu shook his head: "I don't know. But it's better than staying here. You know, this time they're going with their superiors."

"That's right, how could I forget that? What's there to be afraid of when following the leader?" The veteran slapped his forehead.

Liu Dazhu turned around and walked back.

Another telegram arrived from the border.

The troops in South Annan have withdrawn and are temporarily quiet. But everyone knows this is only temporary.

Liu Dazhu took a few steps and then suddenly stopped.

"Where is the ammunition?"

"They're on their way. I heard it will take another week. Twelve heavy artillery pieces, ten thousand mortar shells, and five thousand grenade launcher shells."

Liu Dazhu nodded and continued walking forward.

"Get the brothers ready. We'll wait until those bastards in South Annam get their ammunition and then let them have a good taste of it."