Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 486 Physics genius Jiang Wenjin: There must be methods to cultivate talent.
The brief silence of the aircraft machine gun gave the Japanese officer, who was a few hundred meters away, an opportunity. He brandished his saber and ordered his soldiers to continue the charge.

These Japanese soldiers, born with a knack for currying favor with their superiors and fearing their authority, charged forward hysterically.

At this moment, Gong Xiuneng rushed into the rear cabin, grabbed the handle of the aircraft machine gun, and pulled the trigger.

The aircraft machine gun spewed flames again, firing into the distance.

However, due to the darkness of the night, Gong Xiu could not clearly see the enemy's tracks, and his shooting was not very effective.

Meanwhile, the Taishan Aviation Armed Forces personnel picked up Thompson submachine guns and began firing indiscriminately out the windows.

Although these people had received military training, their combat experience was too poor, and their indiscriminate firing was even less effective than Gong Xiuneng's shooting.

At this moment, Fang Wen had already rushed to the cockpit and was starting the plane, not caring about what was behind him.

However, one of the scientists who had just boarded the plane spoke up.

“This method won’t work. I have a way.”

Bullets fired from a distance struck the outer wall of the plane with a clanging sound.

Without turning his head, Gong Xiuneng shouted, "Don't stay here, bullets have no eyes."

But the voice kept talking.

"I'm standing in a position where I can't be hit. Listen to me, lower the muzzle by 10 degrees and keep firing at that angle. It'll be more effective. Do you know what a 10-degree angle is?"

Gong Xiuneng was surprised. Only the regimental commander had ever given such precise commands, and now there was someone else directing him like this.

Subconsciously, he shouted, "I know how to adjust the firing angle, so I'll listen to you this once."

As he spoke, he freed his right hand, reached towards the joint between the gun body and the base, pulled out the lever, and turned it half a circle.

This half-circle is a 10-degree angle.

Then he pulled the trigger and started firing again.

Although the situation in the distance could not be seen, the screams indicated that the shot had indeed hit.

At this moment, the plane began to accelerate, quickly shaking off its pursuers on land, and then took off.

As the plane took off, Fang Wen, who had activated his mechanical senses, glanced at the situation below.

The patrol of over a hundred Japanese soldiers suffered heavy losses, with many lying dead on the ground.

Meanwhile, the guerrillas who had covered the scientists' boarding of the plane also retreated.

Further away, 2 kilometers away in the direction of Shilong Town, a large number of Japanese troops are rushing towards this area.

By the time these Japanese reinforcements arrived, Fang Wen had already flown to Hong Kong.

Turning his gaze away, Fang Wen looked back into the cabin.

He had also observed what happened in the rear cabin through his special abilities and was somewhat curious about it.

I use my special ability to determine the shooting angle, but how did that other person do it?
He sized up the man, who was 1.7 meters tall, in his twenties, and looked very refined.

I am currently having a lively conversation with an elderly man.

Out of curiosity, Fang Wen eavesdropped for a bit.

The young man said, “Mr. Ye, I’ve recently been studying Planck’s paper on the quantum hypothesis, and it’s completely overturned our understanding of classical physics! The Newtonian mechanics and Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory that we’ve learned before seem to no longer apply to the microscopic world. Take blackbody radiation, for example; classical theory simply cannot explain its energy distribution, but Planck’s concept of energy quantization perfectly matches the experimental data. Isn’t this a revolution in physics?”

The scientist surnamed Ye nodded slightly, a thoughtful glint in his eyes: "Zhongming, I've also been paying attention to what you've said. However, while the quantum hypothesis is very effective in explaining certain phenomena, it's ultimately too advanced. Those discrete energy values ​​and views that contradict our everyday experience are really hard to accept. Classical physics has undergone hundreds of years of development and has a deep foundation; it's probably not easy for quantum theory to replace it. Moreover, the academic community is still debating Einstein's theory of relativity, from the time dilation and length contraction effects in special relativity to the new interpretation of the nature of gravity in general relativity, all of which challenge our original conceptions of spacetime. Quantum theory and relativity are truly difficult to digest at once."

Fang Wen was surprised, for the two of them were discussing the most cutting-edge physics theories today: quantum mechanics and relativity.

Those who can learn this kind of cutting-edge knowledge are all top-notch physicists.

Fang Wen knew about that Mr. Ye.

But Fang Wen didn't recognize the young man.

Is there anyone whose courtesy name is Zhongming?

I don't seem to remember it.

He continued to listen to their discussion, his attention still diverted.

The young man spoke up: "It is precisely because it is difficult to accept that its value is all the more apparent! Mr. Einstein successfully explained the photoelectric effect based on the light quantum hypothesis, which is a solid experimental verification! Moreover, quantum theory has also shown enormous potential in the study of atomic structure. Mr. Bohr's atomic model, which introduced quantization conditions, perfectly explains the regularity of the hydrogen atom spectrum. As for relativity, its applications in macroscopic fields such as astrophysics have gradually been verified. For example, the precession of Mercury's perihelion can be perfectly explained by general relativity. The limitations of classical physics in the macroscopic and microscopic worlds have become apparent, and the rise of new theories is an inevitable trend."

Mr. Ye clearly did not want to dwell on this scientific conclusion that was still pending.

He smiled and said, “Zhongming, the development of science is inherently a process of constantly breaking through conventional thinking. Although the uncertainty principle and spacetime curvature seem to defy common sense, this is precisely where the charm of science lies. As research deepens, we may discover entirely new physical laws and philosophical insights. But right now, I am more concerned about basic education. Currently, the foundation of physics education in China is weak. We need to introduce these cutting-edge theories into the classroom and cultivate students' scientific thinking from a young age. Therefore, I will go to the Southwest Associated University to compile easy-to-understand textbooks, using simple experimental demonstrations to help students gradually understand these concepts. This is not only for academic inheritance, but also for cultivating future scientific talents for the country and helping the nation catch up in science and technology.”

The young man's expression turned serious: "What you say is absolutely right. Our country is currently poor and weak, and our technology is lagging behind. We do indeed bear a heavy responsibility. However, the current domestic research conditions are limited, research materials are scarce, and talent is relatively rare. It is no easy task to achieve a major breakthrough in physics. Take quantum theory and relativity, for example. Research abroad is in full swing, but few people in our country are interested in them, and the relevant experimental equipment is simply impossible to obtain."

He clenched his fist, as if he had made a decision, and said firmly, "Sir, I have my country on my mind. In this time of national crisis, I have no heart to do academic research. I'm afraid I will disappoint you."

"Zhongming, what are you doing?" Mr. Ye asked anxiously.

“I want to do my part for the country. I’m going to Chongqing, where I have a cousin in the army. I’m planning to go there.”

Upon hearing this, Fang Wen wished he could immediately get up and persuade the young man not to go to Chongqing.

This young man, whom he had no recollection of, might very well have died on the battlefield.

His talent for physics is about to be buried because of this.

Fang Wen stopped eavesdropping and focused on driving, planning to talk things out once they arrived in Hong Kong.

Twenty minutes later, the plane flew 100 kilometers and arrived at Yau Ma Tei Pier.

As the flares illuminated the scene, the plane landed on the sea.

Then they turned around and headed towards the dock.

After docking, Fang Wen left the cockpit.

He wanted to try to recruit them before they left.

"Gentlemen, you are all leading figures in academia and the foundation for China's future prosperity and strength. I know you all have your own plans, but I can't help but want to give it a try. Would you be willing to join our Taishan Military Industry and participate in the research and development of military equipment?"

The scientists politely declined Fang Wen's request.

Some were going to open schools to impart knowledge, while others had important scientific research to continue. Fang Wen expressed his understanding, saw them ashore, and waited for their arrival.

While waiting, Fang Wen walked up to the young man and struck up a conversation.

"Hello, I am Fang Wen from Taishan. May I ask your surname, sir?"

The young man was a little flustered: "I can't be called 'sir,' you are. Oh, my surname is Jiang, Jiang Wenjin."

Jiang Wenjin? Fang Wen was certain that he had absolutely no recollection of this name.

He may indeed have sacrificed himself during the War of Resistance against Japan, as some have speculated.

It's such a pity. Fang Wen decided to try again. Rather than sending such a talented physicist to the front lines, he might as well bring him into his company.

Fang Wen has a strategy for attracting the interest of research-oriented talents.

He continued, "Jiang Wenjin, what are your plans after you come to Hong Kong?"

“I want to go to Chongqing. It seems your company’s Asia-Europe route is still operating, but I don’t know how to get there from Hong Kong.”

"The waters off Hong Kong are surrounded by Japanese warships, and ships can't leave. Hong Kong is now an isolated island. If you want to go to Chongqing, I can fly you to Yangon, and then you can board a plane from there to the mainland."

After a pause, Fang Wen asked, "Can I know what you're going to Chongqing for?"

“I want to join my cousin’s army and fight the Japanese devils,” Jiang Wenjin replied.

"If you go to Chongqing, you might not have the chance to fight the Japanese."

"why?"

In response to Jiang Wenjin's questions, Fang Wen described to him the process of the successive fall of Nanjing, Shanghai, and Wuhan, and concluded: "Although they were brave and capable, they were a disorganized bunch. The Japanese army concentrated its forces to defeat them one by one, and their equipment was far superior to theirs. With repeated defeats, their morale continued to decline, which led to the same thing happening again and again."

Jiang Wenjin nodded: "Although I don't understand military affairs, there is a passage in Zuo Zhuan about Cao Gui's discussion of war, which states the same principle: 'One should strike while the iron is hot, but the momentum will weaken and eventually be exhausted.' Unfortunately, everyone understands this principle, but no one can avoid it."

"Why can't we avoid it?" Fang Wen interrupted. "Our national strength is weakened by the warlord conflicts, and our troops are divided among different commanders, leading to poor command. So let's avoid it and win with better equipment and elite troops. If we have better military equipment than the Japanese devils and more skilled soldiers, do you think we can win?"

Jiang Wenjin's eyes lit up at the bait Fang Wen offered.

"Of course we can win."

"Yes, that's why I established Taishan Military Industry and devoted all my efforts to the research and development of military equipment, all for this day to come."

Intrigued, Jiang Wenjin pressed on, "What kind of weapons do you have? Also, do you train those elite warriors?"

“I will develop and produce the weapons and equipment, but we have ready-made soldiers, namely those Red Army soldiers who climbed snow-capped mountains and crossed grasslands.”

Jiang Wenjin knew about the Red Army and was deeply impressed by this strong-willed force.

He agreed with Fang Wen's idea.

Taking the opportunity, Fang Wen said, "Would you like to see the equipment my company has developed?"

"Is that possible?" Jiang Wenjin asked in surprise.

"Of course, I really hope that scientists in China can understand the situation of Taishan Military Industry. It's settled then. I'll take you to Yangon tonight."

Jiang Wenjin, who hadn't quite grasped the situation, was unsure whether to agree.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ye, who was on good terms with Jiang Wenjin, saw through Fang Wen's intentions.

He hoped that Jiang Wenjin could continue her research rather than go to the front lines, so he echoed Fang Wen's words: "Zhongming, go and take a look. It'll broaden your horizons. Mr. Fang's company is so big, he wouldn't cheat you out of your business, would he?"

After saying that, he gave Fang Wen a look.

Fang Wen immediately understood and laughed, "Of course not."

Jiang Wenjin then made a decision: "Alright then, I don't have any relatives or friends in Hong Kong. Since I'm going to Chongqing anyway, I'll trouble Mr. Fang."

Successfully getting Jiang Wenjin to agree to go with him means that the plan to abduct a physicist is halfway to success.

Fang Wen longed to have a trusted chief physicist with whom he could discuss his future technological ideas.

This is an ideal goal.

When it got dark, he took Jiang Wenjin and flew to Yangon.

When they arrived in Yangon, it was already past midnight, and Jiang Wenjin was still sitting on the ground, not yet awake.

Fang Wen summoned Gong Xiuneng and Zhao Junping and gave them instructions.

"I'm giving you two a task: take Jiang Wenjin to rest and keep him company, understand?"

Zhao Junping looked bewildered, but Gong Xiuneng nodded with a smile: "Understood, Commander. Don't worry, we'll definitely keep you company."

He put his arm around Zhao Junping's shoulder and whispered something to him. After a while, Zhao Junping understood.

The two then woke Jiang Wenjin up and took him to rest.

Fang Wen did not meet with Jiang Wenjin again that day.

The next day, he summoned Jiang Wenjin, who had rested well, and took him to the base in northern Myanmar.

As the plane approached the base in northern Myanmar, looking down at the cluster of buildings below, Jiang Wenjin asked in surprise, "Are all of these your military factories?"

"Most of them are, but some are other technical equipment production workshops," Fang Wen replied.

After saying that, he landed the plane at the seaplane airport in the middle of the base and then took Jiang Wenjin on a tour.

The first place we visited was the aircraft engine factory.

Inside the factory, where the roar of machinery never ceased, engineers and technicians were assembling, operating, and debugging the equipment.

Fang Wen explained, "See these? These are improved Shiro aircraft engines with independent technology. Their predecessor was based on technology from a European automobile manufacturing company, but now they are very different from the original technology. They have 1000 horsepower and were the power source for our Taishan first-generation fighter jet."

Jiang Wenjin exclaimed in surprise: "You build your own engines, and even fighter jets?"

Clearly, his knowledge was the same as that of ordinary people, limited to what was reported in the newspapers: Taishan Airlines was a civil aviation company, and its boss, Fang Wen, was a highly skilled ace pilot.

To persuade him to stay, Fang Wen feigned pride: "We have more than just these. Come on, I'll show you the rest."

(End of this chapter)