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

Spring has truly arrived in Wayaocun. Unknown wildflowers are blooming in the fields, and even the remaining snow in the shady corners of the barracks has melted away completely.

After the inspection turmoil subsided, the camp seemingly returned to its usual rhythm: training, eating, studying, and sleeping.

But Zhao Ping'an knew that some things had changed.

External pressure acted like a whetstone, allowing him to see more clearly the potential and limitations of the team he had in charge of.

Having enough to eat, good guns, and rigorous training is not enough.

Even the military knowledge I've learned from TV dramas and hearsay is no longer sufficient to improve the troops' capabilities.

A truly capable and soulful team requires something deeper.

So Zhao Ping'an searched the mall and found the "Militia Training Manual" and the "Barefoot Doctor Manual".

Then Zhao Pingan turned his gaze to the First Company of the Second Battalion.

This company was Zhao Desheng's original unit and one of the earliest units to follow Zhao Dongliang. It had a relatively good foundation of officers and soldiers, and Zhao Desheng had strong control over it.

More importantly, Company Commander Wang Dashan was a man in his early thirties. He was brave in battle, upright, and not very talkative, but he had a high reputation in the company and was not the kind of slick soldier.

During a break in training that day, Zhao Ping'an called Zhao Desheng and Wang Dashan into his room.

"Company Commander Wang, your company has been training really hard lately. I think your assassination assessment results are the best in the whole regiment," Zhao Ping'an said, pouring three bowls of water and getting straight to the point.

Wang Dashan took the bowl, chuckled, and said a little embarrassedly, "These are all good stuff given to us by the battalion commander and regimental commander. When the brothers are well-fed, they have strength and they train fiercely."

"Just being strong and having good technique isn't enough." Zhao Ping'an changed the subject, put down his bowl, and looked at the two of them.

"Have you noticed that some platoons and squads have good training results, but there are always some minor conflicts between the soldiers in private?"

Or, if the wages and leftover food from the higher-ups are not distributed evenly, there will always be grumbling from below.

Or, when dealing with the local villagers, although we are strictly forbidden from harassing them, there are always a few soldiers whose eyes and attitudes make them uncomfortable?

Wang Dashan and Zhao Desheng exchanged a glance and nodded.

These are all long-standing problems in leading troops, and there are almost no solutions.

Soldiers are good enough as long as they can fight and follow orders; they can't be bothered with such details.

"I want to try a new method in your company," Zhao Ping'an said, his voice low but his tone firm.

"Let's see if we can sort out these messy issues a bit."

"What method? Battalion Commander Zhao, just tell me." Wang Dashan sat up straight. He had long admired this young battalion commander, knowing that he could get things that others couldn't and come up with ideas that others couldn't.

"Let's establish a 'Soldiers' Meal Committee'," Zhao Ping'an said, uttering the first word.

"A food service committee?" Zhao Desheng frowned. "What's that? Are soldiers supposed to be in charge of the cooks' affairs?"

"It's not about managing the cook, it's about managing 'how to eat'," Zhao Ping'an explained.

"Our food is better now, but how should we arrange it? We get tired of stewing pork and cabbage every day."

Each platoon should elect a representative, along with the quartermaster, to hold a small meeting every week.

The soldiers' representatives can offer suggestions, such as what they would like to eat to change things up, whether they can buy more green beans since they are in season, and whether the pickled vegetables are too salty.

The quartermaster arranges the menu for the following week based on the procurement situation and the availability of funds and supplies.

In this way, the meals are transparent, everyone knows what's going on, they eat more comfortably, and it also serves as a form of oversight for those in charge of the meals.

Wang Dashan's eyes lit up:

"This method... seems like it will work! It will stop those guys from always speculating about what we're eating today and whether they'll skimp on our allowance."

"And another thing," Zhao Ping'an continued.

"Let's form a 'Discipline Mutual Aid Group'." He paused.

"Don't call it a disciplinary squad, call it a mutual aid group. Select a few veterans who are popular in the company, fair-minded, and disciplined to be members of this group."

Their task is not just to catch those who violate regulations, but more importantly, to persuade and help them.

If you see a brother whose military bearing is not up to standard, remind him; if you hear that someone has a conflict with a fellow villager, speak up for them privately.

If anyone is in trouble, tell the company commander and me quietly, and the regimental commander and I will discuss and lend a hand as appropriate.

The key is "mutual assistance," so that everyone feels that discipline is not for punishment, but for the good of everyone and for the good of our company.

Zhao Desheng stroked his chin thoughtfully: "Mutual discipline assistance... that sounds fresher than simple beatings and scoldings. I'm just afraid those seasoned soldiers won't listen to advice."

"So we need to test you all first." Zhao Ping'an looked at Wang Dashan.

"Company Commander Wang, your company has a good foundation, so you should pick the people first, those who are upright and warm-hearted."

At first, don't worry about too much. Just start by "persuading" them with small things like keeping their rooms tidy, not talking while queuing for food, and greeting fellow villagers politely. Let's see how it goes.

Wang Dashan nodded emphatically: "Okay! I'll take care of it as soon as I get back!"

"One last thing," Zhao Ping'an said, his expression becoming even more serious.

"I plan to add a 'lecture' to your company once a week. It won't be about tactics, nor will it just be about recognizing characters."

"What will we talk about?" Zhao Desheng asked curiously.

"Let's be reasonable," Zhao Ping'an said.

"Why soldiers must obey discipline—because discipline can save lives, enable them to win battles, and win the support of the people."

The reason why we shouldn't bully ordinary people is because much of what we eat and wear comes from the land, and our parents, brothers, and sisters are also ordinary people.

It talks about how famous generals of ancient times loved their soldiers like sons and maintained strict military discipline. It also talks about...why our country is facing such difficulties now, and why foreigners dare to bully us.

He paused, looking at their somewhat surprised and uncertain expressions, and added:

"Don't worry, we won't cross the line. We'll just talk about the most basic principles of patriotism and love for family, and the responsibilities of being a soldier."

The purpose was to let the brothers know that they carried guns not only for food, but also for the land beneath their feet and for a peaceful future.

This is called... clearly defining "for whom we are fighting."

The room fell silent for a moment. Zhao Desheng and Wang Dashan were both processing what had just been said.

These things were rarely mentioned systematically in the Kuomintang army; the higher-ups only demanded obedience and fighting.

On the other side...

"Battalion Commander Zhao," Wang Dashan began slowly, his eyes showing a different expression.

"What you said makes sense to me. Soldiers can't be confused."

I support it! We'll all be there for this lecture!

Zhao Desheng nodded vigorously: "Let's give it a try! Let's see if our Second Battalion, First Company, can really bring out a new model!"

The new experiment began quietly in the First Company of the Second Battalion.

At first, the soldiers were both curious and puzzled by the "Food Committee" and the "Discipline Mutual Aid Group".

They were quite serious when selecting representatives.

At the first meeting of the food committee, the soldiers' representatives hesitated for a long time before finally managing to say something like, "I want to eat some tofu," or "Could the meat in the radish stew be cut into smaller pieces so it can absorb the flavor better?"

The quartermaster was both amused and exasperated, but he did take note and tried to find a way to adjust the situation.

The disciplinary mutual aid group is more subtle.

The selected veterans were initially quite uncomfortable. Seeing someone's hat askew, they hesitated for a long time before stepping forward, blushing and whispering:

"Brother, straighten your hat." The soldier who was reminded would often be taken aback at first, and then quickly straighten it, feeling embarrassed.

There were no scoldings or punishments as usual, and the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed.

Once, two soldiers got into an argument over cutting in line to get water, and it looked like they were about to fight. An older soldier from the mutual aid group quickly intervened and tried to mediate between the two sides.

"We're all brothers in arms, is it worth it for something like this? Line up, I'll be last!"

With just a few words, the tension was averted. Afterwards, the two soldiers were a little embarrassed and offered each other a cigarette.

The changes are subtle, like spring rain seeping into the soil.

The weekly "lecture" is held after dinner.

Initially, on the open ground in front of the company headquarters, Wang Dashan spoke in plain language, following the simple outline given by Zhao Ping'an.

He talked about Yue Fei, and also about the tragic state of the village he had personally witnessed after the Japanese invaders swept through it, and about the displaced people.

He didn't speak passionately; he just spoke plainly, like chatting with someone.

The soldiers squatted and sat, listening quietly.

Upon hearing about the atrocities committed by the Japanese soldiers, some people clenched their fists and cursed under their breath.

When Wang Dashan said, "Now that we have enough to eat and wear, and we have guns, we need to know who those guns should be pointed at,"

"Whom should we protect?" Many people nodded silently.

The content of the lecture gradually spread.

Soldiers from other companies inquired curiously, while the men of the First Company of the Second Battalion spoke with a hint of pride:

"That's what our company commander taught us about the principles of being a soldier!"

The more noticeable effect is reflected in the interaction with nearby villages.

The relationship between the military and civilians has significantly improved in the sentry posts and patrol areas under the responsibility of the 1st Company of the 2nd Battalion.

The veterans in the mutual aid group would remind the new recruits to greet older villagers as "grandpa" or "grandma" and offer to help them push a cart or carry water.

The soldiers of the first company went to the village to exchange eggs or buy vegetables, and they were exceptionally friendly and offered fair prices.

Even when he occasionally saw fellow villagers needing help, he would lend a hand and give them a boost.

Over time, the people of Wayaocun and several neighboring villages developed a better and better impression of "Company Commander Wang's company."

Sometimes, when the family cooked something delicious, they would even secretly slip a steamed bun or a boiled egg to the soldier on guard duty.

A month later, in the regiment's monthly assessment, the 1st Company of the 2nd Battalion not only ranked among the top in military skills,

They also scored high marks in "Internal Affairs and Hygiene" and "Military-Civilian Relations" which Zhao Pingan newly added.

What's even more remarkable is the indescribable sense of unity and steadfastness in the morale of the entire company.

The soldiers' eyes held a richer look, not just the submissiveness that came with having enough to eat and wear, but also a sense of self-awareness and a subtle sense of honor.

At the regimental meeting, Zhao Dongliang specifically praised the First Company of the Second Battalion.

They were particularly praised for their "strict discipline and harmonious relationship between the military and civilians." Zhao Desheng felt proud of this, and Wang Dashan stood up straight.

After the meeting, Zhao Dongliang kept Zhao Ping'an behind alone.

"I've seen the changes in Ping An." Zhao Dongliang's tone was complex.

"Your methods... may seem trivial, but they are very effective."

Several other company commanders have secretly come to me to inquire whether they could also do it in their companies.

Zhao Ping'an smiled and said, "Brother, if you think it's feasible, you can gradually promote it."

However, we must proceed cautiously and not rush things. Each company is different, so let the company commanders adjust according to the actual situation.

The core idea is this: to make soldiers feel that the unit belongs to them, and that discipline and honor are closely related to them, rather than just orders from their superiors.

However, we're still missing something; otherwise, I think the effect would be even better!

Zhao Dongliang looked intently at his younger brother for a long time, then patted him on the shoulder: "I know what you're talking about. I'll see if there's an opportunity when we switch defenses. You always think ahead. Let's do as you say."

Stepping out of the regimental headquarters, the warm spring sunshine shone on me.

Zhao Ping'an looked toward the barracks of the First Company of the Second Battalion, where neat drill slogans were being heard.

He knew that the seed of "endogenous transformation" was already there; now all that was missing was the final piece of soil for them to grow.