Wind Rises in North America 1625

Chapter 579 A Young Man's Ambition (Part 1)

"Ah!"

In a private room on the second floor of a restaurant called "Xueziju" near Xinzhou University Hall, Mo Xiaoshan sneezed loudly and rubbed his slightly red nose.

"What's wrong? Did you catch a cold?" Feng Gui, who was sitting next to him, patted his shoulder with a smile. "We've only been in school for a few days. If you get sick, you'll miss a lot of classes. I heard that the coursework in your Mechanical Physics Department is very demanding. It'll be hard to catch up if you fall behind even a little."

"You jinx!" Mo Xiaoshan laughed and cursed, then punched the other man lightly. "Don't worry, although I'm thin, I'm not that delicate. ... I guess it's Da Nian and Hao Shen talking about me behind my back."

As he spoke, he subconsciously tightened his half-new indigo blue school uniform.

It was early autumn, and the sea breeze in Shixing City at dusk already carried a hint of coolness.

Outside the window, the campus of Xinzhou University Hall appears tranquil and solemn in the twilight. Several teaching buildings, which combine Chinese-style eaves with modern glass windows, are scattered among the buildings, and the figures of students carrying books can be vaguely seen hurrying by.

"I think the chili peppers in this restaurant are too strong," Feng Gui chuckled, pointing to the lobby downstairs.

A rich aroma, a blend of chili peppers, spices, and hot oil, wafts through the air, whetting the appetite.

This restaurant, named "Xueziju," is a frequent gathering place for university students to enjoy a good meal.

The owner is a man in his thirties from Fujian. He used to be a cook in the navy. After retiring, he used a generous amount of his service pay to open this restaurant.

It was dinnertime, and the restaurant was filled with the rich aroma of salmon soup, mingled with the lively conversations of customers at each table, creating a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.

Feng Gui picked up the rough pottery teapot and poured a cup of hot tea for Mo Xiaoshan. The rising steam immediately filled the cool air.

“Speaking of which, we’ve been studying at Xinzhou University for over a year now. Time flies!” Mo Xiaoshan held the warm teacup, feeling the warmth from his fingertips.

“Yes, the wish we made in the market five years ago has actually come true. We’ve all been admitted to university.” His gaze drifted through the window to the university building shrouded in twilight. “I heard your geology department is going on a field expedition? When are you leaving?”

"Early next month," Feng Gui said excitedly, leaning forward. "This time we're traveling by ship to Qingyang County (now Bellingham) on the eastern mainland. Rumor has it that scattered coal outcrops have been discovered in the mountains there. Hmm, high-quality lignite. If we can really find a decent mine, it will be a major boon to the industrial development of Xinhua."

As the two were talking, steady, powerful footsteps came from the wooden staircase.

The curtain was lifted, and a figure appeared in the doorway.

The newcomer was dressed in a dark blue army cadet uniform, with the insignia of a cadet officer on his shoulder. He stood tall and straight, and the youthful exuberance between his brows had faded, replaced by the fortitude of a soldier. It was Xu Danian.

"Report! Xu Danian, a 42nd class cadet of the Artillery Department of the Army Academy, is here to report for duty!" He deliberately puffed out his chest, straightened his face, and imitated the tone of the manual, but the smile in his eyes could not be hidden.

"Alright, alright, Xu Dapao, this isn't your training ground!" Feng Gui pulled him down to sit in his seat. "Hurry up and sit down, Xiaoshan and I have been waiting for ages with our stomachs rumbling."

"Sorry, sorry! Someone in our team failed the assessment, so the instructor added a physical training session. That's why we're late!" he said, taking off his military cap and hanging it on a clothes rack.

"Not too late, not too late. Haoshen hasn't arrived yet either." Mo Xiaoshan smiled and poured him a cup of hot tea. "Look at your energy and spirit. The Army Academy truly lives up to its reputation. Your physique is almost as strong as the cranes on the dock."

Xu Danian chuckled, took the teacup and drank it all in one gulp. The warmth instantly dispelled the chill: "All you do every day is run, jump, or carry a cannon barrel on a cross-country raid. It's hard not to be tough. It's nothing like you guys in the university, where you're protected from the wind and rain."

"Easy for you to say," Mo Xiaoshan said with a sneer. "Our mechanical physics department has so many calculation papers that they could fill this room. Our brains are working much harder than our bodies. And then there's Feng Gui. His geology department is going to Qingyang County in the east for an internship next month. That's where they'll really be living a life of hardship."

"Oh? Going to the wilderness?" Xu Danian looked at Feng Gui with interest. "Perfect timing! Our academy also has field training and tactical courses in the second half of the year. Who knows, we might bump into each other in some remote mountain valley!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Gui reached out and punched him lightly: "That's settled then. If we get lost in the mountains, we'll be counting on you, General Xu, to lead your troops to rescue us."

Xu Danian smiled and responded, looking at his two childhood companions.

Although they were all in Shixing City, their different studies and strict school rules meant that they rarely had the opportunity to gather together like they did today.

Feng Guibi has become much stronger than when he was a teenager. His skin has turned bronze from years of field research, and his finger joints are large, clearly from frequently handling geological hammers and compasses.

Mo Xiaoshan still had that slender appearance, but his eyes were more focused and bright, the kind of look that only someone immersed in the world of formulas and theories could have.

As the group exchanged pleasantries, the door to the private room was pushed open again, and Meng Haoshen walked in, wearing a dark woolen overcoat of excellent quality and carrying a small, exquisite paper box in his hand.

"I'm sorry, everyone, I had some trivial matters to attend to at the School of Management, which caused the delay." He smiled apologetically and placed the cardboard box on the table. "I passed by 'Gui Xiang Zhai' and bought some of their new peach shortbread. Please have a taste."

At this time, Meng Haoshen's temperament was more composed than in middle school, and his speech and behavior revealed a competence that was not quite in line with his age. This was obviously due to the environment of the School of Management, which focused on the cultivation of etiquette and administrative ability.

But the look in his eyes when he looked at his childhood friends was still full of genuine warmth.

The four of them finally arrived, and Meng Haoshen called the waiter up.

Soon, several home-style but steaming dishes filled the table: a large pot of well-cooked mutton and radish soup, a plate of glistening braised fish, several dishes of stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and a large plate of white steamed buns.

The simple meal, with its comforting aroma of home cooking, felt especially warm and soothing on this early autumn evening.

"Come on! Let's celebrate our brothers' reunion with tea instead of wine!" Xu Danian raised his teacup first.

"Cheers!" The four teacups clinked together, making a crisp sound, and the boys' friendship seemed to grow even stronger with that sound.

After a few sips of hot soup, I felt warm and started talking non-stop.

"How's it going, Danian? Is life at the Army Academy even tougher than we imagined?" Meng Haoshen asked, his tone filled with concern. Xu Danian took a sip of tea and sighed, "It's tough, of course, but it really toughens you up. Every day, besides academic classes, it's all drills, physical training, tactics, shooting... The instructors are all veterans... uh, they're very strict. But..."

He changed the subject, a glint in his eyes, "Considering that our Xinhua is currently engaged in fierce fighting with the Western Americans, this little hardship is nothing. Who knows, one day, the front lines will need us, and we trainees will have to go to the front."

The atmosphere in the room became slightly more somber when the topic of war was brought up.

The war between Xinhua and the Spanish colonial authorities has been going on for more than a year. Although the army and navy have been reporting frequent victories and the captured supplies have been transported back to Xinhua by ship, the Kingdom of Spain is, after all, one of the few global powers in the world. It is tough and resilient and can still catch its breath in the short term thanks to its solid resources. It is far from being able to completely subdue them.

"So, it seems this war won't end this year?" Mo Xiaoshan asked.

“It probably won’t end.” Meng Haoshen picked up a piece of fresh salmon with his chopsticks, shook his head and said, “More than half a year ago, my Xinhua Army captured the port of Acapulco, then broke into the inland heartland, seized the Taxco silver mine, and then conquered cities and territories around Mexico City, sweeping away all sides.”

"It will take at least three to five months for this news to reach Spain, and by the time the Spanish government reacts, almost half a year will have passed. Moreover, given the proud and arrogant nature of the Spanish people, they are unlikely to back down immediately, and may even launch a fierce counterattack against Xinhua."

"Hmph!" Feng Gui scoffed. "What can the Spanish possibly use to retaliate against Xinhua? Earlier this year, our Xinhua Navy decisively defeated the Spanish task force in the waters off Compceción, Chile, capturing and sinking nine Spanish warships. The rest are holed up in Callao harbor, too afraid to engage in battle. Could it be that the Spanish are going to bring another invincible fleet from their homeland of Europe?"

Meng Haoshen put the salmon into his mouth, chewed it carefully, and calmly analyzed: "Brother Feng's words are not without reason. However, how could Spain's more than 100 years of colonial foundation be defeated by just one or two naval battles?"

He put down his chopsticks and tapped his fingertip lightly on the table: "Unless, we can deliver a few more heavy blows to them. For example, by capturing the port of Panama and cutting off its connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; or by taking over the port of Callao in one fell swoop and directly threatening Lima, where the Governor General's residence is located."

Mo Xiaoshan thoughtfully replied, "If we could bring our troops to the gates of Mexico City, the Spanish would surely be thrown into chaos."

“That’s right.” Meng Haoshen nodded. “So this war will have to go on for at least another year. Because the Spanish need time to slowly accept the reality of one defeat after another, while we need time to further expand our gains and make the Spanish feel immense military pressure until they can’t take it anymore.”

"I believe that after this battle, the Spanish should take the rise of Xinhua seriously," Feng Gui said with a smile. "This vast new continent will surely be dominated by Xinhua in the future. When our population is prosperous, our national strength is growing, the red flag will sweep across the three oceans, and the five stars will shine on the new continent, the day will not be far off!"

"Well said!" Xu Danian slammed his hand on the table and shouted, "Come on, let's drink to Xinhua's domination of Xinzhou and its sweeping conquest of the three oceans!"

As he spoke, he raised his teacup and clinked it with his three friends.

"It's a pity I can't drink today." Xu Danian wiped the water from the corner of his mouth.

"No problem!" Meng Haoshen put down his teacup and said with a smile, "When the New Year holiday comes, everyone will have free time. Let's meet here again and drink to our hearts' content until we're all drunk!"

"In that case, Haoshen will have to spend even more money." Feng Gui patted his shoulder with a smile. "Over the years, the three of us have received so much kindness from you. Thinking about it now, we feel quite ashamed!"

“Ah Gui, you’re being too polite.” Meng Haoshen waved his hand, his eyes warm. “We’ve been classmates for years and share the same interests, so we’re practically brothers. What are a few material possessions worth? The future is long, and we brothers should support each other and go far together.”

His words warmed up the atmosphere again.

Feng Gui, sensing the opportunity, dropped the subject and instead asked, "Haoshen, you're in the School of Management, and your father's family is... well, you're very well-informed. In your opinion, besides this war, what other areas will Xinhua have significant potential in the next few years?"

Meng Hao pondered for a moment, then raised an eyebrow: "War will eventually come to an end, but development is the foundation of eternity. In my view, the lifeline of the nation in the coming decades may depend on two words—'steam'."

"Steam?" Mo Xiaoshan's eyes lit up immediately. As a student of mechanical physics, he was most sensitive to this.

“Not bad.” Meng Haoshen lowered his voice, but couldn’t hide the excitement in his words. “One of my… uncles mentioned that the Ministry of Science and Technology is secretly testing a steam-powered ‘iron cart.’ It’s said to run on fixed tracks, like a horse-drawn carriage, with an astonishing load capacity, and can travel hundreds of miles a day without tiring!”

"Travel hundreds of miles a day?" Xu Danian's eyes widened. "If such a thing really exists, wouldn't troop deployment and grain transport be as simple as setting out in the morning and arriving in the evening?"

"That's not all!" Meng Haoshen said, becoming more and more excited. "If this 'iron cart' succeeds, it will connect all parts of Xinhua, making travel extremely convenient. More importantly, it will be like a sharp blade, piercing straight into the heart of the inland, helping Xinhua expand its boundless territory. Imagine, the desolate lands that used to take months to traverse can now be reached in just a few days with this iron cart. Immigration, supplies, and government orders will all flow smoothly."

Mo Xiaoshan chimed in, “Brother Haoshen is absolutely right. The power of steam is indeed a world-shaking force. This applies not only to the iron carts on land, but also to the sea. Nowadays, when we sail across the ocean, we still have to rely on sails and are subject to the weather.”

"But according to our department's faculty, steam turbine technology is becoming increasingly mature, and larger marine steam engines are under development. Given time, we will definitely be able to build steamships weighing thousands of tons. At that time, the vast Pacific Ocean will truly be like an inland lake in Xinhua, allowing for unimpeded travel all year round!"

Feng Gui slapped his thigh excitedly and said, "If that's really the case, the speed of immigrants being transported from the Ming Dynasty will more than double! Tens of thousands of Han compatriots and their descendants will arrive safely in our new homeland aboard giant steamships. Currently, our new population is approaching 500,000. With such a powerful tool, a million is just around the corner! Even... a population of 10 million is by no means out of reach!"

"...Ten million people!" Xu Danian took a deep breath, his eyes seemingly seeing that magnificent future. "If ten million compatriots take root and start businesses here, with steam-powered trains traversing the land and thousand-ton warships crossing the ocean... I ask you, on this new continent, who can compete with Xinhua?"

"What Spain, what European colonial powers, are nothing but withered bones in a tomb before my glorious Xinhua, with its millions of people, its railways crisscrossing, and its steamships coming and going!

The private room fell silent for a moment, with only the faint sound of the ocean waves coming from outside the window and the noise of the diners downstairs.

After a long silence, Meng Haoshen finally spoke, his voice firm and full of expectation: "Therefore, brothers, what we learn today is the cornerstone of this new era. Da Nian wields weapons to defend the nation, Xiao Shan manufactures machinery to strengthen the country's resources, A Gui explores mineral deposits to solidify the foundation, and I... may be able to coordinate and manage from the rear, each contributing our strengths. This nascent nation urgently needs us, and even more successors, to work together to push it to unprecedented heights."

His gaze swept over the young and energetic faces of his three close friends. The four of them smiled at each other, a sense of lofty mission flowing through their hearts.

Outside the window, the lights of thousands of homes in Shixing City gradually lit up, reflecting the light of the rising stars in the sky, as if proclaiming the infinitely possible future of this new nation and themselves.

As night deepened, the lights of Shixing City shone even brighter, reflecting the starlight on the horizon.

Meng Haoshen gazed out the window and said softly, "My father once said that Xinhua is not a secluded paradise, but a place where hope is placed. In the past, I may not have fully understood his meaning, but now... I understand it more and more. We are the future of this land of hope."

Upon hearing this, all three nodded silently.

Over the years, they have grown from naive teenagers into responsible young adults, and have gained a deeper understanding of the meaning of the name "Xinzhou".

Everything on this land, from its humble beginnings to its current substantial form, embodies the hard work and wisdom of its pioneers.

The immense responsibility for future development will ultimately fall on the shoulders of their generation.
-
(End of this chapter)