Great Power Reclamation

After leaving the village, Yifei went to the production and construction corps company and listened to the opinions of the company's cadres and staff.

The workers also felt aggrieved, believing that it was not easy to reclaim land and farm in the Gobi Desert, and that water resources were already scarce, and that some water use methods in the village were indeed wasteful.

After obtaining firsthand information, Yifei invited representatives from both sides to the company headquarters meeting room.

Instead of assigning equal blame to both sides, she first acknowledged that both had contributed to the development and construction of this land and were both owners of this land.

“Adasi (friend),” she said, looking at the representatives of both sides with a calm yet firm tone, “Water, like the land, is the mother that nurtures us.”

A mother wouldn't want her children fighting over breast milk. The problem lies in poor communication and outdated facilities, not in any insurmountable conflict between us.

She proposed a solution on the spot: First, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and the local government should jointly fund the immediate repair and upgrading of the shared water conservancy facilities.

Second, a water resources management committee was established, composed of companies of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, local villages, and water conservancy departments, to democratically negotiate water allocation.

Third, establish a regular exchange and networking mechanism, such as jointly organizing cultural and sports activities and technical training, to enhance understanding and friendship.

This plan not only addresses the immediate practical difficulties but also focuses on long-term national unity. Crucially, Yifei personally oversaw the process, ensuring that all parties finalized the details and timeline on the spot.

Seeing that the female leader from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps was so fair, pragmatic, and genuinely caring for them, both the Uyghur villagers and the Corps employees were moved.

Old man Abdul held Yifei's hand and said, "Commander, you are like the moon in the sky, illuminating the knots in our hearts. We will listen to you!"

A potential conflict has turned into an opportunity to promote unity.

When Yifei left, representatives from both sides escorted her to the village entrance, and the atmosphere was already harmonious.

Back at the Corps headquarters, Yifei summarized her experience in handling the dispute and offered advice to Ye Qianqian.

This model of grassroots social governance and ethnic unity work, which emphasizes "going deep into the front lines, listening to public opinion, and building and sharing together," was promoted throughout the region. Ye Qianqian wholeheartedly agreed and immediately made arrangements for its implementation.

Through the establishment of the New Energy Alliance and the resolution of ethnic disputes, Yifei quickly established her authority at the Corps headquarters.

As everyone can see, this young female vice president not only understands economics and management, but is also adept at handling complex and sensitive social issues, and has a fair and people-oriented heart.

Just as Yifei was fully immersed in her new work, an unexpected turn of events occurred in her family life.

One Friday evening, Yifei returned to her apartment, looking slightly tired, after finishing a meeting. The moment she opened the door, she froze.

The living room was filled with the aroma of food. Ye Feng, wearing an apron, was busily bringing a plate of scrambled eggs with tomatoes to the table.

Beside her sat a gentle-smiling old woman—it was Yu'e.

What made Yifei's heart race even faster was that there was another figure sitting on the sofa—Yuanfang. She was looking down at a magazine, her expression calm.

"Mom? Ye Feng? You... Sister Yuanfang?" Yifei was a little slow to react.

Yu'e walked over with a smile and took her hand: "Silly child, are you tired? Ye Feng said he had a surprise for you and insisted on cooking it himself. Yuanfang came to visit her uncle, so she came over to sit down too."

Ye Feng wiped his hands somewhat embarrassedly: "I came back to hold a board meeting, and by the way... Mom and Yuanfang both happened to be free, so they came to see you together."

This was clearly a carefully orchestrated "coincidence." Yifei's heart pounded, and she looked at Yuanfang. Yuanfang also looked up and smiled slightly at her. In that smile, there was no longer the usual distance, but rather a sense of understanding and relief.

The atmosphere at dinner was initially a little awkward, but with Yu'e's skillful guidance and Ye Feng's efforts to crack jokes, it gradually became more natural.

Yuanfang didn't talk much, but she was friendly and even asked Yifei some questions about the work of the Corps, listening attentively.

After dinner, Yu'e pulled Ye Feng to the kitchen to "clean up," deliberately leaving the living room to Yifei and Yuanfang.

The two women sat facing each other in silence for a moment.

In the end, Yuanfang spoke first, her voice gentle: "Yifei, congratulations. Ye Feng told me about what you did in the Corps, it was remarkable."

"Thank you, Sister Yuanfang," Yifei replied cautiously.

Yuanfang hesitated for a moment, as if she had made up her mind: "Actually, the main reason I came here this time is to apologize to you in person and thank you."

Yifei was stunned.

"In the past... I was too attached to the past."

Yuanfang's gaze was somewhat distant. "I always feel like I met Ye Feng first. We've been through so much together... I can't let go, and... I'm a little resentful towards you."

"But during my years in the United States, watching Ye Feng strive for his career, watching you alone in the military reclamation city, and later taking charge of the corps, I slowly came to understand that feelings are not about who comes first, nor are they about possession."

"You and Ye Feng are partners who support each other. You have sacrificed too much for him and for the Ye family."

She paused, then continued, "What Ye Feng needs is a wife like you, someone who understands him, supports him, and even guides him in certain ways."

"And I... am perhaps more suited to be a memory of his childhood and youth, a friend and family member forever."

"I plan to stay in the US and develop my career there. I'll completely let go of things back in China. From now on... can we get along like family?"

These candid words instantly brought tears to Yifei's eyes.

The thorn that had long been lodged in her heart seemed to be gently removed at this moment.

She grasped Yuanfang's hand, her voice choked with emotion: "Sister Yuanfang, don't say that. We...we've always been family."

At this moment, all barriers and misunderstandings melt away through sincere communication.

Ye Feng came out of the kitchen and saw this scene, his eyes filled with emotion and relief. He walked over, put one arm around Yifei, and patted Yuanfang's shoulder with the other, everything was understood without words.

The understanding and support of her family, especially the thawing of her relationship with Yuanfang, made Yifei feel more relaxed and warm than ever before. Her career stage became broader, and her sense of belonging became more solid.

A few months later, the "Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps New Energy Industry Development Alliance" was officially established at the Military Reclamation City. Yi Fei attended and delivered a speech on behalf of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

Looking at the eager eyes of the enterprise representatives, researchers, and leaders of leading enterprises such as Warrior Energy from various divisions and cities below the stage, she was filled with emotion.

At the same time, the "Implementation Opinions on Strengthening and Improving the Creation of Ethnic Unity and Progress in the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps under the New Situation," which she promoted for revision, was also issued in the form of a document from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Party Committee.

That document, carrying the scent of the Gobi Desert soil and the experience of reconciliation by the irrigation canals, is about to take root and sprout across the vast land of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

Standing on the podium, Yifei's gaze swept across the venue, as if she could see the border line guarded by Wei Quanyou, the gratified smiles of veterans like Ye Wancheng, the fields and factories where her fathers like Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong had worked, and the hopeful future of Ye Feng, Yuan Fang, and many more second, third, and fourth generations.

She knew that the path she had chosen was both rugged and glorious. Her personal feelings and emotions had long since merged into the magnificent torrent of this era.

She is no longer the sensitive and hesitant Yifei due to her background and marriage; she is Yifei, the deputy commander of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, a loyal guardian and builder of this land.

"Where we come from, and where we are going." The totem of the August 1st Spirit shines ever brighter in her heart.

The story of the military reclamation city continues under the leadership of the newly promoted leaders, and the legend of the Corps is expanding into an even more magnificent territory under her and her comrades' feet.

As dusk settled, Yifei walked along a quiet path in the compound of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps headquarters, her steps firm and powerful.

The stars in the sky and the lights on the ground still shine together, illuminating her path forward and the never-ending struggle and inheritance on this ancient yet young land.

There are many problems within the system: factions, incompetent officials who hold positions but do nothing, and the more people do, the more likely they are to be criticized.

These kinds of things are much less common in the current Production and Construction Corps, since the current cadres are all promoted from the military reclamation cities.

Even though they may have some disagreements, they have one thing in common: they are down-to-earth, decisive, and subordinate their personal opinions to the overall situation.

Compared to their grandfathers' generation, the Corps today has undergone earth-shattering changes. Yifei understands that this is the result of the efforts of three generations of military reclamation workers.

The reason why people from the military reclamation city were entrusted with important responsibilities was because they played a leading role, not because they did all the work.

No matter how capable an individual is, they can't change anything. But if someone takes the lead and everyone works together, the world will be completely transformed.

However, with the changing times, the problems and contradictions that arise are also becoming more prominent, such as the change in values.

If everything can be measured by profit these days, then what is the point of past awards and medals?
You must understand that this honor was earned with the blood and lives of our predecessors. If it is measured in money, then everything loses its meaning.

After all, no amount of money can buy life; it's a spiritual belief, something our ancestors valued more than life itself...

Therefore, Yifei decided to set some role models, such as veterans like Wei Quanyou, who dedicated their lives to a single belief.

Her idea was quickly agreed upon by Ye Qianqian, and they decided to re-establish values ​​throughout the entire corps.

After all, they are members of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Their purpose in coming to northern Xinjiang is not to make money, but for their ideals and beliefs...

Of course, economic development is also important, but it must be based on the right values...

After the two reached a consensus, they decided to take action.

In fact, Yifei's idea of ​​re-establishing values ​​within the military corps and reversing the "money-first" mentality was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

This is a profound concern that has settled after handling a large number of specific matters and conducting in-depth research at the grassroots level.

She observed that among the younger generation of children of the Production and Construction Corps in some regiments and companies, there was indeed a certain tendency.

The reason why the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps is the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps is that it transcends the scope of general administrative regions or economic organizations. It carries the special mission of guarding the border and maintaining stability, building the frontier, and promoting national unity. Its core driving force is faith, spirit, and the responsibility and commitment that are ingrained in its blood.

At the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Party Committee meeting, Yifei systematically elaborated on her thoughts and proposals.

"Comrades," her voice was clear and firm, "economic development and improved living standards are one of our goals, but they are by no means the only goal, much less the measure of everything."

"If we, the members of the Production and Construction Corps, also put money and profit first, then what's the difference between us and ordinary commercial companies?"

"How can we face the martyrs who are buried in this land? How can we face veterans like Sergeant Wei Quanyou who have guarded the border for decades, measuring the land with their footsteps?"

She listed some of the discussions she heard and the phenomena she observed during her grassroots research, her words filled with a sense of unease:

"The 'Red Flag Canal Spirit' and the 'Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Spirit' are not just slogans hanging on the wall, but a bloodline that we, generation after generation, need to pass on through our actions."

"I suggest that a major discussion and shaping of values, 'returning to our original aspirations and keeping our mission in mind,' be carried out throughout the region."

"The core is to rebuild the spirit of dedication, responsibility, unity, and struggle within the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. And setting up role models and letting real, flesh-and-blood examples speak for themselves is the most effective way."

Ye Qianqian was the first to express her support, her expression serious: "Comrade Yifei's question is very timely and crucial. This is a matter of life and death for our Corps to maintain its true colors and fulfill its special mission."

"I completely agree with carrying out the value reshaping campaign and we should vigorously promote role models like Sergeant Wei Quanyou! They are the most valuable asset of our Corps!"

Other Party Committee members shared the same sentiment. They unanimously decided to establish a working group, headed by Yifei, to lead this significant undertaking.

The campaign was quickly rolled out. But Yifei knew that simple preaching and document delivery had limited effect; the deeds of exemplary figures had to truly touch people's hearts.

She decided to start by uncovering and promoting Wei Quanyou's deeds, and to do so in a thorough and moving way.

She personally led a team to the border guarded by Wei Quanyou once again. Many things cannot be truly understood without personal experience.

This time, it wasn't a holiday visit; instead, we were bringing along key members of the publicity department and the arts and literature creation group for an in-depth "source-tracing" interview. (End of Chapter)