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

Two months have passed in the blink of an eye. Spring is in full swing, and training in the camp is in full swing. Everything seems to be thriving.

Especially after Lou Bancheng and the other side traded medicines and military equipment such as radios several times,

Back at their base, seeing that the Sixth Regiment, now numbering over 900, was clearly out of step with the morale of the other units under the deputy commander.

Zhao Ping'an knew that the bigger the tree, the more the wind would blow against it, and the changes in their regiment could not go unnoticed forever.

He just didn't expect that the attention would come so specifically at this time and in this way.

That morning, as usual, Zhao Dongliang, accompanied by two guards, rode to the headquarters in Beiping City.

—The routine "reporting of the situation and requesting supplies" was actually mainly to gather information and maintain relationships.

Zhao Ping'an personally guided a newly formed machine gun team in tactical coordination training on the drill ground.

The rapid sound of horses' hooves broke the noise of the camp.

A messenger on horseback galloped in, his face pale, and rushed straight towards Zhao Ping'an, practically tumbling off his horse.

"Battalion Commander Zhao! Something terrible has happened! The regimental commander was stopped just outside the city. Staff Officer Qian from the division headquarters' inspection office is leading a dozen men..."

They've already passed the outpost; they said they're ordered to inspect and verify our regiment! The regimental commander told me to ride back quickly to report, and they'll be there shortly! So you can...prepare in time!

Verification and inspection!

Zhao Ping'an felt a chill run down his spine. What was bound to happen had finally arrived.

In the Kuomintang army, a "routine inspection" often meant a surprise check to examine personnel, equipment, and supply sources.

It is a common tactic used by superiors to control, suppress, or even find fault with subordinate units to annex them.

They were especially targeted as "newly formed supplementary groups".

"Understood." Zhao Ping'an said calmly, and immediately ordered Da Zhu beside him, "Da Zhu, blow the emergency assembly whistle!"

All training in the entire camp must be stopped immediately!

Wang Dahai, take the Second Company and go to the "construction team" on the back mountain immediately. Make sure everyone hides their tools and disperses to the designated hiding places. No one is allowed to return to camp without my order!

Dazhu, take the Third Company and go to the cave immediately. Cover up all the heavy machine guns, mortars, and excess brand-new rifles and ammunition according to Plan Two, and make sure to eliminate all traces!

Shuanzi, go and inform the Second Battalion to disguise themselves according to the plan, and have Wang Dashan lead the First Company and all the light and heavy machine guns to hide in the back mountain.

"Zhu Zi, go and inform the First Battalion to leave the regimental commander's guard platoon behind, and the rest of you take your equipment and head to the back mountain."

Fortunately, Zhao Ping'an had previously worked with Zhao Dongliang and Zhao Desheng to develop a contingency plan and conduct drills, so the arrangements were well-organized.

A sharp whistle tore through the spring air.

The entire camp was like an anthill that had been hit by a boulder, instantly transforming from a bustling training ground into a tense yet orderly chaos.

Although the soldiers didn't understand why, they were still able to act quickly according to the officers' orders thanks to their long-term rigorous training.

As Zhao Ping'an hurried towards the regimental headquarters, his mind raced. The number of people—that was the biggest weakness.

They actually have 900 people, but the reported staffing and roster only show 280 or so. More than two-thirds of them are not actually on the register.

"Battalion Commander Desheng!" Zhao Ping'an bumped into Zhao Desheng, who had also rushed over upon hearing the news, at the entrance of the regimental headquarters.

"Battalion Commander Zhao, what should we do?" Zhao Desheng's forehead was covered in sweat; he knew what the problem was.

"As originally planned, the 2nd Company of the 2nd Battalion, the 1st Company of the 3rd Battalion, and the regimental guard platoon will have about the same number of men as those on the side. Remember to have everyone switch back to their old sleeves."

"Okay, Battalion Commander Zhao, I'll go. But what about your battalion?" Zhao Desheng was about to leave when he noticed that Zhao Ping'an's group was still full of Type 38 rifles.

"Since the other side is here, they must have heard about it. We should show them some impressive stuff. By the way, Battalion Commander Desheng, remember to complain to my brother a bit later, saying that he's unfairly distributing the troops and that your company is more combat-effective." Zhao Ping'an looked at the soldiers who had quickly finished packing up and felt relieved, so he replied with a smile.

"Okay, Battalion Commander Zhao, just watch my performance." Influenced by Zhao Ping'an, Zhao Desheng also felt relieved and left in a hurry.

Soon, the roar of car engines could be heard outside the camp.

Two American-made jeeps and a truck, kicking up a trail of dust, stopped outside the camp's makeshift fence gate.

Zhao Dongliang got out of the passenger seat of the first jeep, his face not looking too good. He gestured for a middle-aged man in the back seat, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a crisp military uniform, to "please".

That middle-aged man was Staff Officer Qian from the Division Headquarters' Inspection Office.

He slowly got out of the car, adjusted his glasses, and his gaze swept over the camp gate, the sentries, and Zhao Ping'an, who had rushed to greet him, like a searchlight. His face was expressionless, but the condescending and critical look he exuded could be smelled from afar.

Behind him followed a dozen or so soldiers carrying submachine guns and with arrogant expressions; they were clearly the direct guards of the inspection team.

"Officer Qian, you must be tired from your journey. This is our regiment's base. The conditions are simple, please excuse us." Zhao Dongliang said with a smile, leading Officer Qian inside.

Staff Officer Qian grunted an "Mmm" through his nose, his steps never faltering, but his eyes darting around.

He saw that although the drill ground was empty, the ground was flat and the equipment was neatly arranged;

Although the barracks were dilapidated, the doors and windows were basically intact, and the area around the barracks was clean.

Although the officers in formation were not dressed in brand-new clothes, they were full of energy and stood in perfect posture.

Even the firewood piled up in the corner was neatly arranged.

This was quite different from the filthy, chaotic, and thuggish replenishment regiment he had imagined. He frowned almost imperceptibly.

"Commander Zhao seems to have a rather methodical approach to managing his troops," Staff Officer Qian remarked casually.

"I'm ashamed to say we're barely managing," Zhao Dongliang quickly replied. "It's all thanks to the excellent leadership from above and the hard work of the brothers."

Staff Officer Qian remained noncommittal and walked straight to the regimental headquarters. "Let me first take a look at your roster, equipment list, and supply ledger. Recently, the higher-ups have been paying close attention to verifying the strength of each unit. Your regiment has been replenished and rebuilt for some time now, so it's a good opportunity to inspect them all at once."