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

After the meeting, everyone dispersed quickly with excitement, tension, and determination, returning to their respective units for final mobilization and preparation.

Zhao Ping'an called Liu Dazhu, the newly appointed company commander of the second company of the third battalion, and Wang Dahe, the company commander of the third company, to his side. He also called over his personal guards Zhuzi and Shuanzi, and whispered his instructions:

"Alright, Zhu Zi, you personally lead Shuan Zi, and pick two of the most clever and fast-moving brothers, change them into civilian clothes, and set off immediately."

We rushed to the north side of Panshan Mountain as quickly as possible to find our comrades and report the latest situation:

Our unit will act ahead of schedule and launch an attack on the enemy's 4th Regiment on the southern slope of Panshan Mountain. We request that they advance from the north as originally planned to cooperate with our pincer attack.

The attack is tentatively scheduled for around 1 PM, signaled by three red signal flares!

"Yes, Battalion Commander!" Knowing the matter was of great importance, Zhu Zi and Shuan Zi did not hesitate and immediately turned to do it.

"Dahe," Zhao Ping'an said, looking at Wang Dahe, "your Second Company will be the vanguard. Advance lightly equipped and swiftly, making sure to reach the rear of the Fourth Regiment before noon. Maintain concealment and monitor enemy movements. When the signal flare is raised and the friendly forces contacted by Zhuzi and the others appear from the north, I will attack from the south. You will immediately launch a fierce attack from the flank! Remember, attack fiercely and relentlessly, but also shout slogans to demoralize them! Our primary objective is to force them to surrender and minimize casualties!"

"Understood, Battalion Commander!" Wang Dahe nodded vigorously.

As Wang Dashan's younger brother, under Zhao Ping'an's tutelage, he also developed a sense of honor and was eager to compete with his brother to see who could lead the stronger troops.

"Dazhu, lead the Third Company and the cook squad ahead of time to the designated location to cook. You've accompanied Battalion Commander Zhao Desheng on many recruitment trips before, so check ahead to see if there are any opportunities. But remember, be prepared and don't let those bastards steal your food."

"Yes, Battalion Commander, just you wait and see!" Da Zhu, whose surname was Liu, had also grown rapidly in the two months since he was promoted to company commander by Zhao Ping'an.

Seeing the serious looks in their eyes, Zhao Ping'an continued.

"The battalion's machine gun platoon and artillery platoon, follow me. Send a communications officer to notify me immediately if support is needed."

After making the arrangements, Zhao Ping'an took one last look at the gradually brightening eastern sky, and declared, "Let's go!"

The entire Sixth Regiment, like a machine that had suddenly started operating with precision, roared into motion according to the new instructions.

Zhao Desheng and Wang Dashan, along with their blocking force, deliberately dawdled, packed their belongings, and pretended to be tired and falling behind.

Zhao Ping'an's third battalion, like an arrow released from a bow, broke away from the main force and sped northeast along the small path.

Zhao Dongliang led the main force of the First Battalion, and continued to advance along the main road at a leisurely pace, waiting for the scheduled gunshot.

Meanwhile, on the Third Battalion's side, Liu Dazhu led the Third Company of the Third Battalion and the battalion's cooking squad, driving several mule carts loaded with grain, vegetables, and meat, and set off ahead of schedule.

Their mission was to find a relatively secluded place near the designated area of ​​engagement with the enemy, a place where they could easily start a fire and cook a meal.

They selected a spot on the upper reaches of the riverbank, at the edge of a sheltered grove of trees with a stream.

This place is less than a kilometer away from the riverbank where the Fourth Regiment planned to rest at noon, separated by a gentle slope and sparse woods.

The cooks immediately sprang into action. They dug stoves, set up pots, and fetched water. Today's meal was exceptionally lavish:

Large chunks of pork with alternating layers of fat and lean meat, dried mushrooms, vermicelli, and several packets of "special spices" that Zhao Pingan had specifically instructed him to bring were all poured into several large iron pots to stew.

On the other side, in a huge steamer, were fluffy, pure white steamed buns.

To make the aroma travel further, Liu Dazhu also had some damp firewood added to the stove to produce more smoke carrying the scent of food.

Starting at 10:30 a.m., the rich, enticing aroma of meat and noodles wafted along the mountain breeze towards the riverbank.

The soldiers of the Fourth Regiment were already starving.

They set off at dawn, eating only cold cornbread. With noon approaching, their own unit's cooks were still slowly digging stoves, while the tempting aromas were torturing their stomachs and nerves.

At first, a few brave soldiers followed the scent and came over.

Seeing Liu Dazhu and his team cooking with great enthusiasm, and the glistening chunks of meat bubbling in the pot, their eyes widened, and they kept swallowing their saliva.

"Brother...brother, which part is it? This is so delicious!" A veteran from the Fourth Regiment rubbed his hands together and chuckled as he approached.

Liu Dazhu had been waiting for this. He didn't answer immediately, but instead gave a wink to the person next to him.

Two soldiers immediately lifted the covers off two Czech-made light machine guns that were hidden under a straw mat nearby, their dark muzzles pointing intentionally or unintentionally in the direction of the approaching people.

Although it wasn't loaded, its deterrent power was sufficient.

Several soldiers from the Fourth Regiment were startled and instinctively took a half step back.

Liu Dazhu then put on a smile and clapped the flour on his hands: "Brother, we are from the Third Battalion of the Sixth Regiment. We are ordered to clear the way and keep watch, and also to have the cooks prepare the food."

"The brothers were in such a hurry that they didn't even have a proper breakfast, so the battalion commander gave them special permission to get some food in advance to tide them over and give them the energy to keep going."

"Sir, could you give me some? I'm so hungry," a young boy following behind the veteran asked hesitantly.

Liu Dazhu frowned, looking at the other person's emaciated appearance, and couldn't help but think of himself half a year ago.

Fortunately, after the battalion commander woke up with a fever, he seemed like a completely different person.

He provided these brothers with food and clothing, led their training, taught them to read and write, and even got them new weapons.

So when the battalion commander said they wanted to rebel, not a single brother in the entire battalion objected.

Oppose? That's heartless. We've all been in the military for years, don't we all know how other officers have treated us?

Look how the battalion commander has treated everyone! These past six months of hearty meals have been the best meals many people have ever had in their lives.

For this reason alone, I have to entrust my life to the battalion commander.

"Sir, could you give me some?" The boy, seeing Liu Dazhu staring blankly, couldn't help but ask again.

Liu Dazhu snapped out of his daze and pointed to the fragrant pot: "We're all from brother units, so it's no big deal to treat you to something."

But look, our own brothers haven't even touched it yet. If we give it to you first, our battalion commander will skin me alive!

"How about... you go back and wait a bit? We made a lot, and there will definitely be leftovers after we brothers finish eating. Come back in half an hour, and we'll definitely share some with the brothers!"

This statement is reasonable and carries the clear implication that "there are benefits, but you have to follow the rules."

Several soldiers from the Fourth Regiment looked at the machine gun and smelled the aroma, their hearts pounding like a cat's claws. The veterans could only nod reluctantly and walk away, turning back every few steps. But the boy squatted to the side, staring at the pot of pork, cabbage, and vermicelli stew from time to time.

The returning veterans quickly spread the news from the 6th Regiment: "The people from the 6th Regiment are making delicious food! Meat! Steamed buns! It smells amazing!" "They said they'll share some with us if they have any leftovers!"