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

Upon hearing Zhao Ping'an's praise of arithmetic and other technical skills,

Political Commissar Chen frowned slightly: "Comrade Ping An's idea is good. But at this stage, we still need to distinguish between primary and secondary priorities."

Technical skills can be learned, but they shouldn't overshadow the central task of political education. Besides, our current resources are limited; where do we find the capacity to teach so much technical stuff?

Zhao Ping'an didn't argue, but simply said, "The political commissar's consideration is thorough. We can take it slowly, without taking up formal political study time. We can organize some voluntary interest groups in the evenings or on rest days to enrich our leisure time and enhance cohesion. As for the materials, I'll think of a way."

Old Xu then smoothed things over, saying, "Political Commissar Chen, Comrade Ping An, what you said makes sense. In my opinion, political study is fundamental and must be done well."

Comrade Ping An's suggestion to learn technical skills is also for long-term consideration. It can be used as a supplement, participation is voluntary, not forced, and will not affect the main tasks.

Comrade Ping An, if you're going to do this, you have to do it well; there can't be any problems.

Seeing that Lao Xu had expressed his opinion, Political Commissar Chen reluctantly agreed, but emphasized that management must be strengthened to ensure that the content of the "interest group" is healthy and positive and does not deviate from the correct direction.

Despite their differences, they share the same goal: to do what's best for the troops.

Zhao Ping'an quickly organized several "amateur study groups" by leveraging his prestige among the soldiers:

A "night school" to deepen cultural learning, a "craftsman class" for weapons maintenance and basic mechanical principles, and a "medical class" for battlefield first aid.

There was even a more secretive "technical discussion group" led by former "spark" members.

Zhao Ping'an originally intended to personally compile simplified teaching materials, using the simplest language and physical demonstrations to teach some basic principles.

However, he quickly realized that he had done something stupid: he had spent tens of thousands of system coins to exchange for 500 sets of 90s edition textbooks for nine-year compulsory education and started to popularize compulsory education in the 49th Regiment.

Participants were enthusiastic, especially some young and quick-witted soldiers who cherished this opportunity to learn "real skills".

Political Commissar Chen was initially a little uneasy, but after observing them secretly a few times and finding that they were indeed seriously learning something and the atmosphere was very good, he tacitly approved it.

The days passed smoothly amidst intense study and training.

The military is rapidly changing, and a new, serious yet vibrant atmosphere is taking shape.

About two weeks later, Xu Yuanshan returned from his superiors' office and secretly met with Zhao Ping'an.

In a completely secure, secluded room, Xu Yuanshan's expression was somewhat complicated. He cut to the chase:

"Comrade Ping An, regarding that steel plant... the higher authorities convened a special meeting to repeatedly study and discuss it."

Zhao Ping'an looked at him calmly, waiting for him to continue.

"Your intelligence and contributions have received the highest level of attention and recognition," Xu Yuanshan said slowly.

"However, the meeting ultimately decided that the overall strategy and objectives of the War of Liberation would remain unchanged."

The risks of receiving such a large and sensitive set of equipment are too high under the current circumstances, especially given the involvement of ports.

The enemy's naval power still has an advantage, which could easily expose and trigger unpredictable international intervention and military risks.

Therefore, the substantive takeover and construction of the steel plant project... will be temporarily postponed.

Zhao Ping'an showed no surprise or disappointment; instead, he nodded.

"I understand. Now is not the time. We can't let a bite of food disturb the hungry wolves in the forest and delay our important hunt."

Xu Yuanshan was somewhat surprised by Zhao Ping'an's calmness and insight, and he sighed:

"It's good that you understand. The central leadership asked me to tell you that the organization remembers your contributions and foresight."

We will remember this generous gift for now, and will accept it solemnly when the time is right.

"Comrade Xu, the steel plant can't operate for the time being," Zhao Ping'an said, his eyes sharp.

"But I have another 'gift' here, which is a little 'smaller' but may be more urgent and easier to implement right now."

"Oh? What is it?" Xu Yuanshan's spirits lifted.

"A complete set of penicillin industrial production equipment, including the complete process technology and key equipment drawings for strains, fermentation, extraction, and refining."

"And... enough raw materials and start-up supplies to produce the first batch of products and train the first batch of skilled workers." Zhao Ping'an spoke steadily, yet every word carried immense weight.

Xu Yuanshan sat up straight instantly, his breathing becoming more rapid.

Penicillin! This is a strategic resource more precious than gold! I had previously purchased a large quantity of penicillin from Zhao Ping'an.

If we could really produce them ourselves...

"What's the price?" Xu Yuanshan forced himself to calm down.

"Five hundred large yellow croakers. Payment upon delivery." Zhao Ping'an announced a startling number, but then added...

"I can bring the equipment and technical data in through certain channels and store them in a completely safe place."

Payment will be made after the goods arrive, a batch of products is manufactured, and everything is verified to be correct.

This condition demonstrates their sincerity by taking on almost all the risks themselves.

Xu Yuanshan suddenly stood up, paced back and forth in the small, cramped room, his face flushed with excitement:

"Comrade Ping An! You...you really came to my rescue this time...no, you brought me a mountain of medicine! This is exactly what the front lines need!"

This matter...this matter I must report to my superiors immediately! This is perhaps more pressing than the steel mill right now!

"The equipment is not large and can be disassembled and secretly transported in by land."

"The receiving location can be chosen in the mountains, closer to our secure rear," Zhao Ping'an added.

"I can provide a detailed receiving plan and preliminary suggestions for factory site selection."

"Okay! Okay! I'll go right now!" Xu Yuanshan couldn't wait a moment longer, and squeezed Zhao Ping'an's hand tightly.

"Comrade Ping An, you really are... sigh, I don't know what to say! Wait for news! This time, leave it to me!"

Watching Xu Yuanshan's hurried departure, Zhao Pingan let out a soft breath.

Steel mills are the backbone of future national strength, but penicillin is the magic weapon to save the lives of countless soldiers and civilians right now.

You have to eat one bite at a time, and walk one step at a time.

First, address the pressing medical issues and make tangible, visible contributions.

It can both solidify trust and accumulate resources and influence.

"But Lao Xu, when will you finally realize the importance of those textbooks? I'm really looking forward to it!" Zhao Ping'an said to himself with a smile as he walked out of the house.