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

A word to the wise

Zhao Ping'an was struck dumb, as if by lightning.

Since his transmigration, he has had a subconscious "player mentality" or "support mentality".

He believes he comes from the future, knows the course of history, and possesses a cheat code system; he came to this era simply to "help out" and "give away some power-ups."

Let our forefathers suffer less, and let victory come more easily.

He felt important, but this importance was more like that of a "powerful external aid" or a "sugar daddy".

But Lao Xu's words were like a key, suddenly unlocking a layer of paper in his mind that had never been broken through.

Zhao Ping'an's existence, and his unique "channel," were of strategic significance to the impoverished and weak nation in 1948, a nation in dire need of rebuilding. Perhaps this was no less significant than the massive industrial aid provided by the northern red empire at some point in the future!

That was an aid that laid the foundation for the early industrial development of the Republic and even influenced the international landscape.

And now, Zhao Ping'an is playing a similar, or even more promising, role in some respects!

Moreover, this "aid line" is completely independent, controllable, and continuous!

It is a path to national prosperity that is technologically advanced, free from any political agenda, and can be adjusted according to national needs without any reservations.

The shock of this realization far exceeds that of acquiring any advanced equipment or winning any battle.

An unprecedented sense of responsibility and historical mission instantly weighed on his shoulders, making Zhao Ping'an almost breathless. But what followed was a clearer and grander sense of purpose, as well as a greater sense of responsibility.

Seeing the ever-changing expression on Zhao Ping'an's face before finally settling into deep thought, Old Xu knew that his words had worked.

He didn't urge him, but waited quietly.

After a long while, Zhao Ping'an slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, his eyes refocusing and becoming brighter and more determined.

He looked at Lao Xu, a smile of apology and sudden enlightenment appearing on his face.

"Old Xu, you're right. I... I understand. Before, my thinking wasn't broad enough, and my considerations were too limited to the immediate and local context."

He said sincerely, "I accept the organization's arrangements and care, and I will pay more attention in the future."

He abruptly changed the subject, a gleam of eager anticipation in his eyes:

"However, Lao Xu, since you've been so open about it, I won't hold back anymore."

After what happened today, and what you just said, I have a new idea, or rather, a further plan.

This idea might be a bit... big, even a bit ahead of its time. But I believe that if it can be realized, it will be another qualitative leap in the improvement of our military's combat effectiveness.

I hope you can help me convey this idea to the leaders verbatim. It may take some time for them to understand and make a decision, but I believe it deserves serious consideration.

Looking at the familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar, pioneering spirit in Zhao Ping'an's eyes, Lao Xu knew that this young brigade commander was probably about to "make headlines" again.

He nodded solemnly, both expectant and nervous: "Go ahead, I'm listening. Whatever benefits the revolutionary cause, no matter how difficult or advanced it may seem, we must strive to achieve it!"

"Old Xu, since the leaders believe that my primary task is to ensure supply channels, let's focus on this 'supply' and make a big difference in it."

Zhao Ping'an's gaze was intense. "You just mentioned that the steel mill can't deliver steel right now, which is indeed a real difficulty. But we can't just wait around. I've thought of a solution."

"Oh? Tell me more." Old Xu was intrigued by this suggestion.

"We can start with the relatively easy but extremely crucial parts," Zhao Ping'an said, counting on his fingers, "such as the gun assembly plant."

We don't need to start from steelmaking; I can find a way to import a batch of qualified standard firearm parts—such as the bolt, firing mechanism, and stock of the Type 38 rifle, Czech-made receivers, barrel blanks, and so on. We can set up a small assembly plant and teach workers how to precisely assemble and tune these parts into a usable rifle. This will cultivate a large number of assembly technicians familiar with firearm structure and precision.

"Furthermore, we could establish a barrel manufacturing plant and a small stamping plant. We could process barrels, bolts, and other parts ourselves," he continued.

"The barrel is the soul of a firearm, and it has the highest requirements for craftsmanship. We can first import high-quality alloy steel barrel blanks and let the workers learn how to drill, rifling, heat treat, and straighten them."

Even if the initial success rate is low, this process can train truly skilled master craftsmen.

Stamping plants can produce magazines, stock handguards, and small parts; the technology is relatively easy to master, but they are crucial for ensuring the integrity of the weapons production chain.

"Finally, and also the one with the greatest consumption and the most urgent need—the ammunition factory." Zhao Ping'an emphasized.

"The consumption of bullets and shells is a bottomless pit. We can start with reassembly, recovering shell casings, importing primers, propellants and warheads, and teaching workers how to safely and accurately reassemble qualified ammunition."

After that, they gradually tried to produce entirely new bullets, from stamping copper-zinc alloy cartridge cases to loading propellant and assembling projectiles, one step at a time.

Even if initial production is low and costs are high, the value of training a workforce that understands gunpowder, precision chemicals, and machinery is immeasurable!

He concluded, "These factories don't need to be large from the start; they can be scattered in safe caves as 'seed factories.' They have two core functions:

First, it can immediately alleviate the urgent need for weapons and ammunition at the front lines. Even if it is just assembly and reloading, it can speed up the turnover and reduce absolute dependence on external sources.

Secondly, and more importantly—we need to train workers and build up our technical expertise! When conditions are right and our own large steel plant is built, we can immediately assemble a ready-made, experienced team of skilled workers here, seamlessly transitioning to large-scale production! "An army marches on its stomach!"

Old Xu's eyes grew brighter and brighter, and his breathing quickened. "Excellent! Comrade Ping An, your idea is brilliant! Besides supplies, what we lack most right now are skilled workers. If we can quietly build up a team of craftsmen and train their skills while fighting, then when we can truly smelt steel and build machines ourselves, we won't be starting from scratch. I wholeheartedly support this!"

After saying that, Old Xu swiftly led Zhao Ping'an to a completely secluded farmhouse in the village.

There, several sharp-looking soldiers were guarding several heavy wooden crates.

The box was opened, and under the light of the oil lamp, a dazzling yellow glow dazzled the eyes—a whole thousand large, fully colored yellow croakers, neatly stacked.

"Comrade Ping An, this is the money urgently raised by the higher authorities for penicillin equipment. Please check it." Old Xu said solemnly.

Zhao Ping'an nodded without offering any further pleasantries.

He stepped forward and roughly checked the quality and quantity, feeling much more at ease. This huge sum of money injected into the system would support him for several more rounds of crucial "procurement."

"Payment is not a problem," Zhao Ping'an said.

Old Xu spoke up, "Alright, Comrade Ping An, let's go see the commander now."