Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 3005 How to cross the Yellow River?
Yang Xiaotao learned of Ding Wei's needs after the Lunar New Year, just before the Spring Festival, when he brought back news from a convoy transporting supplies to the Northwest.

When he learned that Ding Wei was going to buy 100,000 copies of the Persian version of Little Red Book, he was completely baffled.

During my conversation with Mosidov, I heard that the workers at the support factory were in a very high spirits.

Yes, to use Mosidov's words, it was exhilaration.

In the past, I always dawdled and even skipped work, but now when I go to the factory, the roads are clean and the dormitories are tidy and tidy.

Even when it's time to eat, everyone lines up in an orderly fashion.

So Yang Xiaotao knew what Ding Wei was up to.

To sum it up in modern terms, it was about using magic to defeat magic!
However, considering the impact of Xiaohongshu, Yang Xiaotao felt that 100,000 copies were still too few, and Ding Wei could take bigger steps!

A single spark can start a prairie fire.

How can we limit ourselves to just this one corner?
Persia, Turkmenistan, desert...

Okay, it's a bit too early to think about it now. Let's see how well Ding Wei's fire goes!
As a result, the printing factory in Beijing received nine orders.

One million copies, the Little Red Book in Persian, to be delivered after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.

The task is a bit heavy!
However, this is a big order.

It is said that the workers in the printing factory have never been so happy, because in the past, printing Little Red Books was just a task to complete.

Surprisingly, printing Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) books can actually make money.

More importantly, when I heard from the comrades in the Ninth Department that these Little Red Books were meant for "comrades" abroad and to help them, their enthusiasm reached its maximum level.

It is said that the goods were originally scheduled to be delivered on the fifteenth day after the New Year, but 80% of them were completed before the New Year.

Even Yang Xiaotao was amazed by the efficiency; the power of Xiaohongshu was indeed terrifying.

However, this also gave Ding Wei more confidence in his plan.

Having done what he could, Yang Xiaotao got into the busy work of preparing for the New Year.

However, this year's situation is quite special, as it is even busier than in previous years.

The laying of power grids, in particular, is unlikely to be quiet during the Chinese New Year this year.

To ensure power is restored before May Day, Yang Xiaotao must keep a close eye on the situation and provide support at all times.

Then there are the natural gas projects.

This is also a tricky project, and judging from the current situation, we'll probably be spending the Lunar New Year on the construction site this year.

The construction site can handle the Chinese New Year without any problems, but logistical support needs to be done well!
We absolutely have to have some dumplings!

So this year I'm busier than usual after having fun.

Back at the courtyard house, it was nearly midnight.

The courtyard was already decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. The snow from the previous two days had not yet melted. At this moment, the white snow at the base of the wall and the red paper with black characters above appeared together in the fireworks, instantly creating a festive atmosphere.

Pushing open the door, Yang Xiaotao walked into the courtyard.

Everyone inside was asleep, with only the chimney still emitting gray smoke.

Xiao Wei flew out from the collar, flew into the house with two whooshing sounds, and disappeared instantly.

Wangcai poked its head out of its doghouse, watched Yang Xiaotao's retreating figure as he entered the room, and then went back to sleep.

Everything was quiet, so Yang Xiaotao dared not make any loud noise.

Back home, Yang Xiaotao tidied up briefly before lying down next to Ran Qiuye and falling asleep.

When Yang Xiaotao opened his eyes again, it was just beginning to get light.

This is a habit I've developed recently.

Stay up late, wake up early!
Everything is for the sake of work.

Meanwhile, Ran Qiuye had already gotten up, and the sound of cooking could be heard coming from the kitchen.

Yang Xiaotao went to the kitchen and leaned against the doorway, quietly watching the busy woman.
With her tall figure and jet-black hair, the passage of time hasn't left many marks on her; if anything, she's become more mature.

Like a ripe peach!
"What are you looking at? It's been almost half a day!"

Ran Qiuye had already heard the commotion and felt Yang Xiaotao's gaze on her, but after a long silence, she couldn't help but ask curiously.

Yang Xiaotao leaned against the door and yawned, "What else can I see? Of course, I'm looking at my most beautiful, most virtuous, and best wife!"

"Nonsense!"

Ran Qiuye smiled as she poured the porridge into the bowl, then prepared to cook noodles. At that moment, Yang Xiaotao walked up to her and hugged her from behind.

"Honey, I don't want to go to work anymore!"

With his head resting on Ran Qiuye's shoulder, Yang Xiaotao closed his eyes, feeling the softness.

"Then I won't go. I'll stay home and rest!"

Unexpectedly, Ran Qiuye immediately agreed.

"Okay, I'll tell you my wife agreed!"

"Okay, I'll go talk to Secretary Li about it in a bit!"

"Yay, that's great! I'm going to sleep a little longer!"

"Go back to your room and sleep?"

"No, I want to sleep here!"

"Don't move..."

"No, it's a normal reaction..."

The sun shone in the yard, and Yang Xiaotao's plan to rest was ultimately defeated by reality.

After breakfast, Yang Xiaotao said goodbye to his family and left for work on time.

After passing through the hanging flower gate, you can see Yan Fugui tidying up the table at the entrance, sweeping it with a rag in his hand.

He received news about Yan Jiefang a couple of days ago; he had become an employee of the Ninth Power Department, and naturally, a worker of the Ninth Department as well.

Now, both of their sons have become workers, making them one of the top families in the courtyard.

It's just a bit late.

If it had been a few years earlier, his status in this courtyard would have been even higher.

But I'm content for now.

Seeing Yang Xiaotao approaching, he quickly stopped what he was doing and said with a smile, "Xiaotao, you're at work now? You're so diligent!"

"Yes, endless work, never-ending work!"

Yang Xiaotao sighed and walked out, while Yan Fugui laughed behind him, "It's so good to have a class."

Most people look forward to going to work!

Yang Xiaotao shook his head, "Yes, yes, yes, you're really insightful!"

"It would be even better if the old Taoist priest had this awareness!"

Hearing Yang Xiaotao joking about the old Taoist priest in the backyard, Yan Fugui could only laugh.

Now the old Taoist priest also goes to work at the Ninth Department, but because it's getting cold and he and Elder Ye are getting old, there's no longer a mandatory requirement.

You only need to go once; it doesn't matter what time you go in the morning.

Old Master Ye usually arrives before nine o'clock, but it's hard to say about Old Dao.

This guy sometimes doesn't go over until lunchtime.

So lazy.

So envious!
Fortunately, there aren't many people like that.

Fortunately, everyone in Department Nine is busy with work!

Upon arriving at the office, Yang Xiaotao immediately got to work.

Lou Xiao'e placed a stack of documents on the table. "Minister Yang, these are the reports from the pharmaceutical factory, and then there's the information from the steel factory."

"Oh, by the way, Secretary Guo just called and asked you to return the call!"

"And Shengjing Aircraft Factory called..."

After Lou Xiao'e finished speaking, Liu Lixue came over with the documents. "Minister Yang, Director Liu Xiangdong of the Ordnance Research Institute said that Dean Cheng of Jinling Aviation Academy came over this morning and asked if you wanted to go over!"

"Jinling? Dean Cheng?"

Yang Xiaotao looked puzzled, while Lou Xiao'e explained from the side, "It's the former Vice Dean Cheng. He was promoted after our successful cooperation last time."

Yang Xiaotao then remembered what had happened.

How should I put it? This guy is a bit opportunistic, but he's also a capable person.

Being able to develop the Z-7, also known as the Honghu helicopter, can be considered a contribution to the revolutionary construction. Today, it has occupied an important position in China.

In terms of quantity, it has even surpassed the Mi-4 imported from the alliance and the Z-5 copied from it.

This converse bonus is enough to allow the other party to go even further.

Of course, there's another project right now.

"Heavy helicopter?"

"Yes, it's research on heavy helicopters!"

Yang Xiaotao slapped his forehead, realizing he had almost forgotten about it.

Last time, they took a huge risk to dismantle Dawson's Chinook.

Later, with the design blueprints for the Chinook helicopter, the task of creating this knock-off helicopter became a project of the Ninth Department.

However, Yang Xiaotao did not do it himself. The Ninth Department already had enough work, and many departments had one person doing the work of two.

Moreover, the research field of helicopters is not extensive, and so far it has only provided helicopter power systems.

Yang Xiaotao had the same plan this time: after helping to make a knock-off version of the Chinook, the Ninth Department would only provide the engine manufacturing, while other parts would be handed over to the Third Ministry of Machine Building or the Logistics Department.

This can also deepen cooperation between us.

What time in the morning?

Around ten o'clock!

"Ok, I…"

Just as Yang Xiaotao was about to agree, he heard a knock at the door. Lou Xiao'e got up and opened the door, and saw Xie Jiarong walking in anxiously.

"Teacher Xie, is there something you need?"

Seeing that the other party was anxious, Yang Xiaotao quickly asked.

Xie Jiarong hurriedly said, "Minister Yang, I do have something to tell you!"

Yang Xiaotao asked the other party to sit down, and then Xie Jiarong said, "Minister Yang, I came here mainly to discuss the matter of the natural gas pipeline crossing the Yellow River."

"Crossing the Yellow River?"

"Oh, right, it's about the natural gas pipeline crossing the Yellow River, isn't it!"

Yang Xiaotao was a little puzzled. This matter had been mentioned when the plan was initially formulated, and it had been discussed and a preliminary plan had been developed.

What else is there to say?

But looking at Xie Jiarong's expression now, could it be that he's caused trouble again?
So he tentatively asked, "Teacher Xie, what exactly happened?"

Xie Jiarong hurriedly said, "I received a call from Director Ji Xuewu yesterday, and he mentioned this matter to me on the phone!"

"According to our original plan, our gas pipeline was to cross the Yellow River twice!"

"Once upstream, at the border of Shaanxi and Shanxi, and once downstream, roughly in Jizhou..."

"But the current director of the Discipline Inspection Commission told me that there's a problem with the way we're using the Yellow River!"

Xie Jiarong sat in the chair and spoke slowly, while Yang Xiaotao listened attentively.

Things finally became clear.

How to cross the Yellow River was a matter that was fully considered when the project team was established.

The geological research institute staff in Jin also offered reasonable suggestions.

That is to choose a suitable location to build a bridge so that the natural gas pipeline can pass over it.

Yang Xiaotao was fully aware of all this; he had already thought it through when he made the plan.

Besides, this bridge is just a metal frame to allow the pipeline to pass through; it's not actually for trains to run on, so the engineering difficulty will be greatly reduced.

But as Xie Jiarong explained, Yang Xiaotao finally understood the situation.

"So, it means that a bridge cannot be built upstream to allow the pipeline to pass through?"

"Correct!"

Xie Jiarong's answer was concise and to the point, without any hesitation.

"Director Ji said this is the consensus of the expert group!"

Yang Xiaotao still frowned. "Expert group?"

Liu Lixue then explained from the side, "Minister Yang, this expert group was organized by Elder Chen. Its main purpose is to review some important parts of the project."

"This expert group includes many important experts, including the famous bridge expert, Mr. Mao!"

After Liu Lixue finished explaining, Yang Xiaotao nodded.

His expression then turned serious.

Yang Xiaotao understood Mr. Mao's status; he was a master of bridge construction.

If even he rejects it, then this matter probably really won't work.

Where is the expert team?

"Yanzhou, their base is there, but we should be conducting an on-site inspection now!"

After Xie Jiarong finished speaking, Yang Xiaotao took a deep breath and then stood up. "Xiao'e, contact the airport. I need to go to Yanzhou as soon as possible."

Lou Xiao'e was taken aback for a moment, then immediately nodded and picked up the phone.

Yang Xiaotao then looked at Xie Jiarong, "Teacher Xie, I'll go and ask around, you..."

"Director Yang, I'm the head of the technical team, I have to go too!"

Yang Xiaotao pondered for a moment and then nodded, "Alright, go home and pack your things, we'll set off as soon as possible!"

Xie Jiarong nodded and then left.

Yang Xiaotao went out to explain the situation to Li Hongfeng, who also knew that the matter was serious.

The sooner the natural gas pipeline is finalized, the better; otherwise, it will be difficult to make changes later.

"Let's stay in touch, and call us if anything comes up!"

"Alright, I won't mention it to Lao Xu. Just have him keep an eye on the power grid!"

"Row!"

After a brief conversation, Yang Xiaotao returned to his office and called Ran Qiuye.

Hearing the commotion coming from the office across the hall, Yang Xiaotao unconsciously frowned. Fortunately, he could hear Ran Qiuye speaking, so he explained the situation.

"Can you come back before the New Year?"

Ran Qiuye asked softly, and Yang Xiaotao scratched his head, "We'll see. If things go quickly, he should be back!"

"Okay, I'll go back and get my clothes ready now. You can come back and get them later!"

"No need, I'll just take a few sets of work clothes with me. I'll be leaving soon and won't be going home."

"Well!"

"Wife, the family is counting on you!"

"Okay, don't worry..."

After the two finished speaking, Yang Xiaotao looked at Lou Xiao'e.

"Minister Yang, it's all arranged. The airport has a plane ready to take off at any time."

Yang Xiaotao nodded, and then called Old Chen again.

"Does the matter over there require your attention?"

Old Chen still didn't want Yang Xiaotao to leave Beijing. The New Year was approaching, and Yang Xiaotao was needed to attend some occasions, as well as handle some work as soon as possible.

"Yes, leader!"

"I'll go to the site to check the situation. If it's really not suitable, we need to come up with a feasible solution as soon as possible, and we can't keep dragging it out."

After a moment of silence, Old Chen finally nodded.

"Okay, then go and come back quickly."

"Bring your satellite phone; contact me as soon as possible if anything happens!"

"Ok!"

After hanging up the phone, he looked at Lou Xiao'e again and said, "I'm leaving now. Contact Director Ji and tell them to get ready."

"I need to meet with the expert team as soon as possible!"

Lou Xiao'e nodded, and then Yang Xiaotao left the office.

Liu Lixue gritted her teeth and finally left with them.