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

"Sir! Sir, help me!" An old farmer with gray hair and tattered clothes, who was following behind Dazhu, rushed over and fell down in front of Zhao Ping'an, tears streaming down his face.

Zhao Ping'an frowned: "Fellow villager, what's going on? Tell me slowly."

The old farmer was the village head of Xiaolizhuang nearby, and the young man behind him was a youth who looked to be under twenty years old.

The old farmer spoke incoherently, using a combination of gestures and explanations, but finally managed to make himself clear:

Today is a joyous occasion for a family surnamed Li in Xiaolizhuang to get married. The bride is from Wangjiazhuang, a neighboring village.

The wedding procession was making its way back in a lively atmosphere when, halfway there, about twenty men dressed in mismatched clothes but all carrying guns suddenly rushed out of the woods by the roadside.

Without saying a word, they tied up most of the able-bodied men who were there to fetch the bride, and even dragged the bride out of the bridal sedan chair.

The bandit leader even said the bride was pretty and wanted to "offer her to the officers." Several people in the group were fast enough to escape being caught on the spot and ran back to report the news. This young man was one of them, and it was the groom who beat his younger brother.

"Sir! Please, please save them! Those damned bandits are saying they're taking people to the mountains to the north!" The old farmer kowtowed repeatedly.

"In the mountains to the north?" Zhao Ping'an's eyes sharpened.

North of Wayaocun's defense zone lies a complex terrain, where small groups of bandits do occasionally roam. But to dare rob a wedding procession in broad daylight...

It's highly unusual for someone to utter such arrogant words as "dedicated to the superior." Moreover, the fact that this happened on the edge of his own defense zone is nothing short of a slap in the face!

The faces of Zhao Dongliang and Zhao Desheng, who were standing to the side, also instantly darkened.

The troops had just established themselves here and were working hard to improve relations with the villagers. If this incident is not dealt with decisively, all their previous efforts could be in vain, and their prestige would be completely destroyed.

"Ping An, what do you think?" Zhao Dongliang looked at his younger brother.

"Whether they are real bandits or some other foolish troops in disguise, coming to our defense zone to arrest people and abduct brides is like defecating on our necks!"

Zhao Ping'an stood up abruptly, his eyes flashing coldly. "Brother, I'll take some men to take a look. Perfect opportunity to test the results of our training over this period."

101st Division, 1st Regiment!

Zhao Ping'an's pupils contracted, and the fire in his heart suddenly surged to its peak.

Zhao Dongliang went to the division headquarters many times to request supplies but returned empty-handed. The root cause was the 1st Regiment, which prioritized supplies and acted arrogantly!

Now, they actually dare to come to our own defense zone to "carry out a mission"? To carry out the mission of conscripting men and abducting women?

"The 1st Regiment?" Zhao Ping'an sneered. "How come I didn't know that the 1st Regiment's 'missions' included kidnapping civilians and abducting brides in friendly airspace?"

The short, stocky platoon leader was momentarily speechless, then flew into a rage.

He examined Zhao Ping'an's epaulets and young face closely, a mocking expression on his face:

"Who do we have here? It's Zhao Ping'an, the 'troublemaker' younger brother of Regiment Commander Zhao."

What, just because your brother became a platoon leader, you really think you can control everything?

"We're just arresting a few troublemakers, why would we need to report to you? Get lost and don't obstruct official business!"

These words completely ignited Zhao Ping'an's anger and touched a raw nerve.

"Official business?" Zhao Pingan slowly drew his pistol from his waist, the movement unhurried yet carrying a chilling killing intent. "Let me see your 'official business'!"

When the platoon leader saw him draw his gun, his expression changed, and he also tried to touch a gun, muttering rudely, "You dare..."

"Bang!"

Before he could finish speaking, a gunshot rang out! Zhao Ping'an lowered his gun slightly, and the bullet struck the platoon leader's thigh with pinpoint accuracy!

"Ah—!" A pig-like scream rang out, and the platoon leader collapsed to his knees with a thud, blood gushing out.

Zhao Ping'an lunged forward, grabbing his collar with his left hand while the muzzle of his gun was pressed firmly against his temple, his voice icy and chilling:

"Tell your men to release the hostage and lay down their weapons immediately! Otherwise, I'll be the first to blow your head off!"