Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 182, page 181: The New King of Kabul, Return to Shanghai, the Third Red Army, and the Xiangxi Airport.

The journey from Tehran to Kabul is 1600 kilometers and takes 5 hours.

Furthermore, the areas they passed through were all plateau regions, including the Iranian Plateau and the Afghan Plateau, which made Fang Wen very cautious.

Before takeoff, he specifically communicated with the Air France pilots to see if high-altitude flights were possible.

Two of the recruited pilots had experience flying the central French route and frequently traveled between the French Central Plateau, so they took over Henri's piloting duties.

The two planes took off from Tehran airport, beginning their journey from the Iranian plateau to the Afghan plateau.

Fang Wen piloted the D332, leading the formation and occasionally using mechanical means to observe the situation behind. After flying halfway through the flight and finding no problems, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The rest of the flight was much easier.

Incidentally, I also exchanged experiences with the pilots on the plane.

After the pilots finished their conversation, the talkative Lin Shuiwang also came over to chat.

"General Manager, what do you mean by high-altitude flight? Is it dangerous?"

Fang Wen smiled and explained, "It's not actually dangerous for pilots who fly at high altitudes. The main problem is that the air density is low at high altitudes, and the takeoff and landing of aircraft are different from those at low altitudes. Longer runways are needed for acceleration and slow descent."

"What is air density?" Lin Shuiwang didn't understand. In those days, basic scientific knowledge hadn't been popularized yet, so it was normal for him not to understand.

Fang Wen explained in a different way: "Just like when you're sailing a boat, the larger the surface area of ​​the hull in contact with the water, the greater the buoyancy. However, the buoyancy of the same boat is different at sea and on land because the density of water is different. Seawater has a higher density, so the boat will have greater buoyancy."

Upon hearing this, Lin Shuiwang understood.

"Oh, I see. So this is physics." He turned to look at Bai Zeshan and said in a low voice. "Bai Zeshan is so smart, he should stay in France to continue his studies. Why should we let him return to China?"

"He's coming back to visit relatives in China. After the New Year, when flights between Asia and Europe resume, he'll fly back to Europe to continue his studies," Fang Wen explained.

Their conversation darted around the subject, and the time passed quickly.

After a five-hour flight, the plane arrived over Kabul.

Fang Wen communicated with the Boeing 247 behind him, circling in parallel, while simultaneously using his radio to contact the ground.

Only Taishan Airlines has landed at this airport so far. Ground radio personnel were notified in advance, and the landing process went smoothly.

Two planes landed one after the other, and a troop of cavalry came over.

Fang Wen got off the plane and talked with the cavalry leader.

"I am deeply saddened by what happened to your king."

"Please don't discuss this; we don't want to bring up the sad past again." The other party refused to talk about it.

This matter may be complicated. For Taishan Airlines, this is just a transit airport, so it's best not to meddle.

Fang Wen went straight to the point: "What about the new agreement?"

"Some details need to be changed. Please come with me to the palace."

Immediately afterwards, Fang Wen took a car and went to the royal palace on the mountain alone.

On the way, he learned some things about the new king.

Having studied in France for many years, this person's daily life is more Westernized.

Therefore, it is clear that his succession will bring about some changes here.

Like the Pahlavi dynasty in Iran, the social atmosphere would be more open.

Fang Wen made these judgments and was somewhat mentally prepared for the upcoming meeting.

More than half an hour later, he arrived at the palace and was led to the second floor by the palace steward.

That was also where Fang Wen met with the old king.

Now, a young man is sitting behind the desk.

After the manager introduced them, the young man stood up, shook hands with Fang Wen, and spoke to him in English.

His demeanor, while lacking some authority, made the communication much smoother.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two got straight to the point.

The young king expressed his thoughts: "Our terrain here is complex and transportation is inconvenient. Air transport is currently the most convenient mode of travel and an important channel for us to increase our connection with the outside world. I want to invest further in this area, such as building better airports and air cargo channels."

Fang Wen nodded: "These are also what Taishan Airlines hopes for. We will open the Asia-Europe route at the beginning of next year. We will use the D.332 aircraft manufactured by the French company Devatina, which is fully capable of meeting the needs of transit flights within 2000 kilometers."

France, in particular, piqued the new king's interest, given that he had spent a considerable amount of time there.

Upon learning that the future route would be flown by French pilots, especially since these pilots were still at the airport, he offered to host a banquet for all the passengers on the flight and allow them to stay overnight at the royal palace.

Fang Wen naturally agreed to this.

But we need to finalize the agreement.

Immediately, the palace officials came and drafted a new agreement.

The main changes are in two aspects.

1. The Kingdom and Taishan Airlines jointly invested in the establishment of Afghanistan Airport Company.

The newly established Afghanistan Airports Company will invest in and operate various airport facilities.

This was done to better win over Taishan Airlines and secure the only air route across the Afghan border.

Fang Wen had no objections.

2. Add one item: air freight trade.

This was added at the special request of the new king, and it stipulates that some Afghan specialties will be sold abroad.

Because this route would require air transport capacity, Fang Wen specifically inquired about the type of specialty product it would be, as low-value-added products wouldn't need to be transported by air.

The new king had also considered this, and the air trade he chose mainly consisted of handmade tapestries and jewelry.

Handmade tapestries are different from carpets; they are mainly a special local cultural decoration used to hang on walls for aesthetic purposes.

It is a handicraft with strong local characteristics.

But the craftsmanship of the jewelry is even more valuable.

This area boasts abundant gemstone resources, including veins of lapis lazuli, tourmaline, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.

These gemstones will be crafted into various jewelry pieces by local artisans, and then transported to Europe by Taishan Airlines for sale.

The destination was the art trading center in Paris.

To help Fang Wen understand the value of air freight trade, the new king also took him to admire the royal jewelry and tapestries.

After admiring the box, the king took it from a servant and gave it to Fang Wen.

"This is a gift I present to you on behalf of the kingdom. I hope our cooperation will be long-lasting and mutually beneficial."

This kind of courtesy cannot be refused, so Fang Wen accepted the gift box.

Afterwards, he and the king rode down the mountain together to admire the airport's D.332 and Boeing 247 aircraft, and then took a group of passengers to visit the palace.

The dinner was just as lavish as the last one, with the slight difference being the addition of a French dish, which delighted the French pilot.

After one night, Fang Wen and his group resumed their return journey, passing through Delhi, Kolkata, Guangzhou, and finally arriving in Shanghai.

My 80-day trip to Shanghai, encompassing Asia and Europe, has come to an end.

After the plane landed at Shanghai Airport, Gu Xingzuo and Dai Shimao, eager to return home, immediately said goodbye and took the airport shuttle bus back to the city.

Bai Zeshan then switched to a China Airlines plane to return to Nanjing.

The remaining crew members are Lin Shuiwang, seven French pilots, and flight attendant Cheng Dayou.

Fang Wen spoke with Lin Shuiwang: "The company doesn't have a French translator. You will take the seven French pilots with you and be responsible for their communication, work arrangements, adaptation, and teaching them basic Chinese communication."

Lin Shuiwang nodded in agreement.

Subsequently, flight attendant Cheng Dayou returned to her post at the company.

Lin Shuiwang led seven pilots to the pilots' dormitory that Fang Shouxin had arranged for them to stay in.

Fang Wenze went home first to let everyone know he was safe.

"I'm back," Fang Wen called out from the doorway, carrying two large bags of things.

In the courtyard, Qiuju called out, "Miss, the young master is back."

Dressed up, Kuang Mingzhu came out to greet them, accompanied by Chuncao.

Looking at his wife, Fang Wen smiled brightly, put down the two bags, opened his arms, picked up his wife, and spun her around.

Kuang Mingzhu said shyly, "Sir, husband, what are you doing?"

"I've missed you after two months," Fang Wen replied casually.

These were just ordinary words between future couples, but they warmed Kuang Mingzhu's heart.

But she still pleaded, "Let me down, Chuncao and Qiuju are watching."

Fang Wen put his wife down and went to pick up his bag, but Chuncao and Qiuju took it from him.

The two maids tried their best, but they couldn't lift it.

During this trip to Europe, Fang Wen's strength has unknowingly increased considerably.

He easily lifted the two large bags, placed them in the living room, and then took out the gifts.

"Spring Grass, Autumn Chrysanthemum, Aunt Wu, these chocolates and candies are for you."

Chuncao, Qiuju, and the cook Wu Ma happily left with their gifts, leaving Fang Wen and Kuang Mingzhu with their private space.

Fang Wen then took the contents out of the two large bags.

There were many cigar gift boxes, as well as candies and chocolates reserved for Kwong Ming-chu.

He didn't bring any of the Native American things, since they were related to the dead and were considered unlucky.

But the gifts from the new king of Afghanistan were quite nice.

Fang Wen took out the exquisite box and opened it.

It was a dragon-head gemstone bowl.

The dragon head, made of gold, and its wings, inlaid with gemstones, are perched on the lapis lazuli bowl.

The bowl's exterior also features wave patterns, and the base is a tray made of gold and gemstones.

Kuang Mingzhu carefully picked it up and couldn't help but exclaim, "It's so beautiful!"

Her family is in the gold and jewelry business, so naturally they understand value.

"Sir, this must be very valuable."

"It was a gift from someone abroad. It was a collection that a newly enthroned king bought in France when he was studying. I heard it was made by a very famous foreign craftsman in imitation of the dragon in Chinese culture."

"The King?" Kuang Mingzhu nodded: "If this were in the Qing Dynasty, it would only be available to the Emperor."

"It's just for show now, we only use it to eat and touch our mouths," Fang Wen laughed.

He moved closer to his wife, his desire rising, and lifted her up in his arms once more.

This time, the wife didn't say a word and obediently complied.

Time passed, the sun set, and darkness gradually fell.

Full of energy, Fang Wen walked out of the bedroom and stretched his arms comfortably.

Kuang Mingzhu came out from behind, straightening her clothes and putting on her earrings as she spoke, "Chuncao, Qiuju, go and call them to come and eat."

This is Fang Wen's little circle getting together again; they'll have a meeting after dinner.

Fang Wen added, "Go to the pilots' dormitory and call Lin Shuiwang, who came back with me."

Ten minutes later, people started arriving one after another.

Shopkeeper Liu, Sun Debiao, Pan Jiafeng, Fang Shouxin, Shao Sishen, Howard.

Even Fang Shun, Huo Duanyang, and William from Xiangxi Airport came over on a plane piloted by Pan Jiafeng.

There's also the newcomer, Lin Shuiwang.

Fang Wen introduced Lin Shuiwang to everyone. Everyone was familiar with him. During the last trip to Europe, they knew that he had been helping the general manager with various tasks. It was inevitable that he could join the inner circle.

Everyone warmly welcomed Lin Shuiwang and introduced themselves to each other.

In this harmonious atmosphere, everyone gathered around the table and finished their dinner.

Afterwards, the bowls, chopsticks, plates, and dishes were cleared away, and Chuncao, Qiuju, and Wu Ma stood guard outside as the meeting began.

Manager Liu first explained the financial situation: "In the past three months, shipping has been normal. Turnover has increased by 10% each month. As for cigarette distribution, because the general manager went to Europe, no one was able to fly the F.220 for daily air freight, so the air delivery capacity for cigarettes was distributed to the original route aircraft. But it did not affect the normal transportation of Boeing 247s, after all, a large amount of inventory was transported to various distribution cities three months ago."

Fang Shouxin explained the company's administrative situation: "Within three months, the company has hired 50 new employees, mainly basic service personnel at airports in various locations, as well as those involved in cigarette distribution."

After he finished speaking, it was Pan Jiafeng's turn to temporarily take over Shao Sishen's training duties.

"At the flight training center, five flight apprentices are ready to graduate, and another 20 flight attendants have completed their training and are awaiting employment."

According to Taishan Airlines' regulations, flight apprentices who pass the required training and are then transferred to other positions need Fang Wen's approval.

Flight attendants are subject to the same requirements.

Domestic routes are saturated, so these people are being assigned to international flights.

Fang Wen said, "The graduating flight apprentices will begin contacting the seven French pilots I brought back tomorrow. After getting used to each other, they will serve as co-pilots. Only those who pass the assessment can become first officers. The 20 flight attendants will have an additional half-month training course to learn flight attendant etiquette from Cheng Dayou."

Next, Huo Duanyang, Fang Shun, and William reported on the situation at Xiangxi Airport.

Huo Duanyang became much more mature after taking over airport management.

He calmly recounted the situation at Xiangxi Airport over the past three months.

"During these three months, the airport has mainly focused on internal construction and the manufacture of napalm bombs. All the airport's infrastructure has been completed, and relevant staff have been added. William's security brigade has maintained security at the airport, and currently, the bandits in the vicinity dare not come to cause trouble. As for the bomb factory, due to a shortage of raw materials, we have only produced 4068 bombs, totaling 113 bomb-carrying plates."

It was done quite well, and Fang Wen was very satisfied with it. Xiangxi Airport was a secret base, so stability was the priority.

But Huo Duanyang didn't finish his sentence.

During these three months, western Hunan was in chaos.

Fang Wen was extremely surprised by this. He chose western Hunan because he thought it was a lawless place in history, but he never expected that something would happen there.

With Huo Duanyang's detailed description and the additions from Shunzi and William, Fang Wen finally understood the cause and effect of the matter.

Although western Hunan was in chaos, it was still under the control of local warlords.

That man was named Chen Quzhen. A few years earlier, he had suffered heavy losses in battles against the Red Army, leaving him with only 2 troops.

Originally, 2 troops could have easily dominated western Hunan.

However, this time, a powerful warlord next to Xiangxi became interested in this territory and wanted to take this opportunity to take over Xiangxi.

That was Wang Jialie, the commander of the 25th Army who had just taken control of Guizhou.

Wang Jialie planned to send troops to deal with the minor warlords in eastern Guizhou before taking action against Chen Quzhen. Chen Quzhen, realizing something was wrong, reported to the HUN provincial government, but received no response.

Meanwhile, a part of the Third Red Army returned to western Hunan.

Seeing their old rival return and being eyed by other warlords, the provincial government, hoping to reap the benefits, proposed peace talks with the Red Army on the condition of ceding Sangzhi, Longshan, Yongshun, Dayong and other counties.

Subsequently, Yongshun, where Xiangxi Airport was located, became an area controlled by the Red Army.

Fang Wen was extremely surprised, never expecting to make contact with the Red Army in this way.

(End of this chapter)