Chapter 334: Military Overcoat

After finishing up his tasks, Zhou Yimin returned to the siheyuan. Dapeng told him that they were planning to have hotpot tonight in the private courtyard.

This wasn’t their first time cooking something special over there. Whenever a few of them got together for a meal, that was usually the spot they’d choose.

Given the current weather, hotpot was a cozy and comforting choice. In the basement, there was no shortage of mutton, beef, and everything else—they were already preparing it!

“Alright! I’ll take a shower and head over,” Zhou Yimin nodded.

He had done a lot today and was sweating. He really couldn’t stand not washing up.

“A shower in this weather?” Dapeng was speechless.

He had no words for Zhou Yimin’s obsession with bathing. Sure, when it’s hot, it makes sense—but in this kind of cold? Why bother being so picky? Isn’t it just a hassle?

“What’s wrong with it? You bought this military coat? Not bad!” Zhou Yimin noticed that Dapeng had been fiddling with his coat for a while and finally commented on it.

Dapeng chuckled to himself, thinking, Finally, this guy noticed my coat.

At that time, military coats were all the rage across the country—a fashion statement, really.

In fact, since the founding of the country, military coats had always been popular. Their appeal was closely tied to the social atmosphere of the time. But they weren’t cheap—owning a military coat was a point of pride for many, especially among the youth.

It wasn’t just practical military wear—it had become a kind of spiritual symbol and fashion icon.

What many people didn’t know was that the military overcoat actually originated in Britain.

In 18th-century Britain, it was called the “frock”—meaning a winter coat for warmth.

In the early 20th century, a British designer took it upon himself to refine the bulky frock, turning it into one of the longest and warmest winter garments available at the time.

Even in Finland, where average winter temperatures dipped below -20°C, the improved frock kept people warm enough to hardly notice the cold.

During the reign of Emperor Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty, the wave of learning from the West was strong.

In the 21st year of Guangxu’s reign, Yuan Shikai took charge of the New Army and fully adopted Western practices.

Not only did he train the army using Western regulations, he even had them wear Western-style uniforms. From that point on, the military overcoat officially entered China.

Once it arrived, its design evolved over time. For example, the 1955 version used Melton wool fabric and featured a neat, stylish cut that quickly became a trendy item among young people.

The military itself had several versions of the coat as well. The 1965 edition, known for its warmth, durability, and resistance to dirt, was wildly popular in the ’60s and ’70s—a true classic.

“Nice, right? Brand new. I got one for you and Youde too,” Dapeng said proudly.

His pride came from the fact that this wasn’t just any military coat—it was one worn by officers. Large lapels, double-breasted buttons, and slanted pockets.

All officer coats shared similar designs, differing only in materials based on rank.

For example, marshals, generals, and field officers wore pure wool whipcord fabric; junior officers wore cotton twill. Marshals, generals, and field officers also had pure wool Melton wool-lined coats. Soldier versions looked nearly the same, except the pockets had small differences and the fabric was cotton plain weave.

Whenever he had good stuff, he never forgot Zhou Yimin and Li Youde.

He added, “I also have other military gear—want some?”

These days, people loved wearing military-style clothing: overcoats, striped navy shirts, full uniforms—the demand was massive.

“Ask Dazhong and the others. I’m good,” Zhou Yimin said. He wasn’t short on clothes, no need to fight over them.

As for how so many military uniforms ended up on the market, Zhou Yimin had heard some things.

Everyone knew that during the Korean War, after suffering from a lack of winter supplies that led to many soldiers freezing or suffering frostbite, the country massively increased production of military overcoats and other gear in preparation for battle. Warehouses became packed with it all.

But clothing, even when stored properly, doesn’t last forever—so they sold off older inventory as they continued producing new stock. As a result, a flood of military overcoats and uniforms entered the market.

Thanks to high demand, abundant supply, and the social prestige associated with soldiers, wearing military gear became a cultural trend.

When soldiers retired or had more gear than they could use, they’d bring it home for their families.

So for many families, especially those with older, worn-looking coats, those overcoats likely came straight from the battlefield.

A single military coat could be passed down for two or three generations.

“Alright, I’ll ask around,” Dapeng nodded.

After his shower, Zhou Yimin headed to the private courtyard. Zhou Daqiu was sitting by the fire—he’d just finished washing vegetables and his hands were red from the cold.

The temperature had already dropped below freezing, and some places were starting to ice over.

Still, there was no sign of snow.

Many farmers were starting to worry.

As the saying goes, “A timely snow promises a good harvest,” but the year was nearly over and still no snowfall. That meant come spring, there might be no snowmelt, which could greatly affect crop growth.

So even though folks were already shivering from the cold, many still hoped for even colder weather—hoping for snow, for heavy rain.

Dapeng was busy bragging to everyone, especially about his military coat.

He even promised to get everyone a new one—as long as they had the money ready.

“Yimin, you’re here? Come warm up by the fire,” Li Youde called out when he saw him.

Zhou Daqiu, Zhou Dazhong, and the others also greeted him enthusiastically, calling him “Uncle Sixteen.”

Zhou Yimin walked over to the stove and took off his gloves and Lei Feng hat.

The Lei Feng hat was common back then, also called a “felted wool cap,” usually army green with a bright red five-pointed star on the front.

“Wow, Yimin, your gloves are great! Where’d you get them?” Dapeng said, suddenly feeling like his coat wasn’t so impressive anymore.

Zhou Yimin gave him a look. “None of your business.”

Then he turned to everyone else and asked, “It’s cold now—everyone has thick clothes, right?”

He was mainly asking those who had come from Zhoujiazhuang, like Zhou Dazhong.

Not wanting to trouble Zhou Yimin, they would say yes even if they didn’t have any.

Dapeng called them out, “You’ve got nothing! Wearing just that one layer—you’re gonna freeze to death!”

Zhou Yimin looked at Zhou Daqiu.

Zhou Daqiu’s expression was a bit awkward—he didn’t know what to say.

“If you’ve eaten, come to my place and grab something. Whatever it costs on the market, you can pay me that. Anyone else need something? Don’t pretend you’re fine. Also, if you’re short on quilts, let me know.”

Dapeng didn’t hold back. He raised his hand. “I need two quilts! Ahem—one will do too.”

Seeing that, others also started to speak up about what they needed.

Thick clothes, quilts—who didn’t need those at home?

(End of Chapter)