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

The smoke from the gunfire on the mountain was finally dispersed by the evening breeze.

The Zhao brothers led their rebel troops to set up camp in the designated valley area. The campfires lit up one after another, illuminating the soldiers' tired but excited faces.

The initial count of the spoils has been completed, and the astonishing gains and minimal casualties have filled everyone with an almost surreal joy and pride.

The cooks used wheat flour and pork to steam firm, large buns and stew rich, oily meat dishes.

This was a reward after victory, and the air was filled with the peculiar smell of food mixed with gunpowder smoke.

Just as the camp was gradually enveloped by night and noise, the sentry brought news:

A visitor, who identified himself as Xu, came from the north and wanted to see Regiment Commander Zhao and Battalion Commander Zhao.

Zhao Dongliang and Zhao Pingan exchanged a glance, understanding dawning on them. They arrived quickly.

In a tent on the hillside that was temporarily used as the regiment's headquarters, Zhao Ping'an met his contact, "Old Xu".

This time he didn't hide himself. He looked to be in his early forties, wearing a faded gray military uniform. His face was thin, and his eyes were gentle yet exuded a calmness that came from having seen it all. A reassuring smile often graced his lips.

"Commander Zhao, Battalion Commander Zhao, thank you for your hard work! Let me introduce myself first. My name is Xu Yuanshan, codename Lao Xu."

On behalf of my superiors, I extend my warmest congratulations and sincerest welcome to you and all the brave officers and soldiers of the regiment!

Xu Yuanshan's voice was not loud, but it carried a comforting power. He gripped Zhao Dongliang and Zhao Ping'an's hands tightly, without any formality or distance.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Xu Yuanshan got down to business:

"The successful uprising of the troops is of great significance. The higher-ups are very concerned about the comrades' next arrangements."

The first priority is the reorganization of the troops and their rapid integration into the People's Liberation Army system.

He looked at the two brothers, his tone sincere:

"In order to strengthen leadership, unify thinking, and better serve the soldiers, we hope to send a group of political commissars and instructors to assist you in your work."

The main tasks are to organize study sessions, explain policies, help soldiers understand who we are fighting for and why we are fighting, and also help them deal with some ideological issues and difficulties in life.

What do Regiment Commander Zhao and Battalion Commander Zhao think?

Zhao Pingan expressed his opinion almost without hesitation:

"Comrade Xu, we completely agree and welcome you with open arms! We may be good at fighting, but we do need guidance from comrades sent by our superiors on many matters."

We were also conducting a literacy campaign at the time, but unfortunately there were very few qualified teachers. The arrival of the political commissar and instructors helped us to lead the ranks more correctly and better!

Zhao Ping'an's words were sincere and heartfelt, both expressing his attitude and giving Xu Yuanshan a way out.

Zhao Dongliang nodded emphatically: "Yes! Ping An is right. We are a new team now, so we need to have a new look."

"Send a political commissar, and we will fully cooperate with the work!"

Xu Yuanshan's smile deepened, clearly indicating his satisfaction with the smooth communication.

He then inquired about the current situation of the troops, the care of the wounded, and the handling of prisoners of war, among other specific issues. Zhao Dongliang answered each question in a friendly manner.

At this moment, Zhao Ping'an casually interjected:

"Comrade Xu, there's something else that my elder brother, many of our brothers, and I have been thinking about. We'd like to ask you about it."

"Comrade Ping An, please speak."

"Nine out of ten soldiers in our regiment come from impoverished farming backgrounds. Before joining the army, their families either rented land from landlords or didn't even own any land."

Now that they've joined our uprising and embarked on this path, they're thinking... I wonder what will happen back home when our troops finally reach our hometown?

"For families like theirs... are they able to get land?" Zhao Ping'an asked simply, but his eyes were fixed on Xu Yuanshan.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuanshan's expression immediately became serious and solemn. He put down the bowl of water in his hand, sat up straight, and said clearly and forcefully:

"Commander Zhao, Regimental Commander Zhao, please rest assured, you and all the soldiers, on this matter! 'Land to the tiller' is our unwavering policy!"

Our revolution is so that all the poor people in the world can have land to cultivate, food to eat, and clothes to wear!

Wherever we liberate, we must carry out land reform and distribute the land seized by landlords and rich peasants to poor peasants like your soldiers' families!

This is not empty talk; it is an ironclad policy that has been and is being implemented in many liberated areas!

The soldiers shed their blood and took up arms for the revolution; their families are the class brothers whom the revolution must prioritize caring for! The distribution of land and resources is a matter of course!

These words were spoken with absolute certainty and without the slightest ambiguity.

Zhao Dongliang felt a surge of emotion as he listened. Having led troops for many years, he knew all too well what the word "land" meant to these soldiers from farming families.

That was not just the key to survival, but the very root that had haunted their ancestors for generations! He could almost see the light that would gleam in the soldiers' eyes when the news spread.

"Great! That's wonderful!" Zhao Dongliang rubbed his hands together excitedly.

"Comrade Xu, with your words, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief! My brothers, following me, finally... finally have a real goal to strive for!"

Xu Yuanshan smiled and nodded: "This is what the soldiers deserve."

The talks went smoothly, and Xu Yuanshan suggested striking while the iron was hot and convening a general meeting of the entire regiment that very evening to announce the reorganization plan and this important policy, in order to stabilize and boost morale.

Zhao Dongliang readily agreed.

Soon, the entire regiment of nearly a thousand officers and soldiers were gathered around the largest bonfire in the center of the valley.

The flickering firelight illuminated faces that were either excited, curious, or still somewhat bewildered.

Zhao Dongliang first stood on a large rock and succinctly summarized the glorious victory of the Battle of Panshan, praising the bravery of all the officers and soldiers of the regiment.

Then, he solemnly introduced Xu Yuanshan: "This is Comrade Xu Yuanshan, sent by our superiors! Now, please welcome Comrade Xu to speak to everyone!"

Xu Yuanshan stepped forward, without giving a long speech, his voice was plain yet extremely penetrating.

He first reaffirmed the justice and achievements of the uprising, and then announced the decision that the troops would soon be formally reorganized into a certain unit of the People's Liberation Army.

Then, he raised his voice and uttered the news that made everyone hold their breath instantly:

"Comrades! I know that most of you, like me, have been farmers for generations, toiling in the fields! The land is our lifeline!"

Now, on behalf of the organization, I formally inform you: all poor peasant children who have joined the revolutionary ranks, your families, after we liberate your hometowns,

Everyone will have the right to receive land and farm implements! This is our policy, our promise!

We must ensure that every family of a soldier who contributed their strength and shed their blood for the revolution is completely liberated, and lives a good life with land to cultivate and food to eat!

silence.

The deathly silence lasted for about two or three seconds.

Then, with a loud "boom," as if a volcano had erupted, a huge sound wave shot into the sky!

"Land redistribution?! Really land redistribution?!"

"Gods! Can you hear me? Divide the land!"

"Father! Mother! Our family is going to have our own land!"

Many soldiers jumped up, waving their arms and shouting, their faces instantly flooded with tears of ecstasy.

They punched each other, embraced, and laughed and cried. The firelight danced on their excited faces, a light of hope they had never seen before.

Some veterans squatted on the ground, covering their faces, their shoulders heaving violently, letting out sobs that had been suppressed for many years.

Land! This yearning ingrained in their very being, now so clearly and powerfully promised, instantly shattered all doubts and weariness, firmly anchoring the general's heart to this newly formed army.

Zhao Ping'an stood at the edge of the crowd, watching this exciting scene, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions.

He knew that from this moment on, the soul of this team had truly returned to its rightful place.