Siheyuan: Hang Jia Dongxu, smash Banggeng to death!

Lin Tian's gaze fell on the window, where he was looking at the busy cranes at the construction site in the distance.

That's right, it was redeemed with a crane.

"Commander, mineral development has been fully launched nationwide."

Commander Chen opened the report, his voice steady, "Currently, more than five million laborers have been deployed to mining areas across the country, most of whom are prisoners of war."

Iron and coal mines in Northeast China, copper and bauxite mines in North China, gold and rare metal mines in Northwest China, tin, lead, and zinc mines in Southwest China, and tungsten and manganese mines in South China have all begun large-scale mining.

"Um."

Lin Tian turned around and sat back down in his chair. "How's the progress?"

"The progress is very good."

Commander Chen handed over a form: "The iron ore production in Northeast China exceeded five million tons last month, which is five times that of the same period last year."

The daily output of coal mines in North China has reached two million tons, which is enough to supply the country's industrial coal needs.

Fifty tons of gold have already been extracted from gold mines in the Northwest, a very considerable amount.

Tin production in the southwest has also steadily increased, meeting the needs of the domestic electronics industry.

Lin Tian's brows relaxed slightly. "Are those prisoners of war behaving themselves?"

Commander Chen smiled and said, "They are very honest. At first, some of them wanted to cause trouble, but after being suppressed a few times, they became obedient."

Now, they work in three shifts, working twelve hours a day, and living and eating in the mining area.

Those who behave well will have their sentences reduced.

Those who perform poorly will receive additional punishment.

Several others tried to escape, but were caught and executed on the spot, and the rest never dared to try again.

"Yes, tell them that as long as they work hard and complete their term, they will be allowed to go home. Those who perform exceptionally well will even receive travel expenses."

Lin Tian picked up his teacup and took a sip. "Although we are the victorious nation, we cannot be unreasonable. They made mistakes and should be punished, but after the punishment, we should also give them a way out."

"Yes."

Commander Chen nodded. "I have already given the order. Currently, the mining area is in good order and production efficiency is very high."

Several large mines in Northeast China have begun shipping ore to North China.

Several new blast furnaces have recently been opened at steel mills in North China, doubling the country's output.

"Okay, let them keep going. Once we have enough ore, our industry can accelerate its development."

Lin Tian stood up and walked to the map on the wall.

It was a map of China, with each mining area marked with a red dot.

Northeast, North China, Northwest, Southwest, and South China—dense red dots resemble piles of money.

"The iron ore in Northeast China is of paramount importance to us. Steel is the lifeblood of industry; without steel, nothing can be built."

"The leader is right. The Northeast has abundant iron ore reserves and good quality. Currently, we have built more than a dozen large mines there and invested more than one million laborers."

Last month, iron ore production alone exceeded five million tons.

At this rate, total output for this year is expected to exceed 60 million tons.

Commander Chen pointed to another point on the map, "The coal mines in North China are also very important."

Our industries require a large amount of energy, with coal being the primary source.

Currently, coal mines in North China are fully operational, with daily output consistently exceeding two million tons. Besides supplying the domestic market, we can also consider exporting to earn foreign exchange.

"Exports? Not for now. Let's solidify our domestic industrial base first. Once we have enough for ourselves, then we can consider exports."

Lin Tian withdrew his hand and looked at Brigade Commander Chen. "Besides the Northeast and North China, what's the situation in other places?"

Brigade Commander Chen continued his report: "The gold and rare metal mines in the Northwest are also progressing smoothly. More than 50 tons of gold have been extracted from the gold mines, which are of considerable value."

Rare metal ores, such as tungsten, antimony, and rare earth elements, are strategic resources, and we have already begun stockpiling them for unforeseen circumstances.

Tin and lead-zinc mines in the southwest mainly supply the electronics industry and military production, while tungsten and manganese mines in South China are used for the smelting of special steels.

It's good to have come back from the future; I know where the mineral veins are.

"Okay, have the mining bureaus in various regions strengthen management and improve production efficiency. At the same time, they must also pay attention to safety."

"Those prisoners of war are also human beings. Although they made mistakes, we cannot mistreat them during their labor in China."

They should be given food, clothing, and medical care.

"Don't worry, sir. We have established strict regulations. Each mining area has a medical clinic, a canteen, and dormitories."

There were also dedicated officers responsible for managing the prisoners of war's daily lives and work.

Commander Chen closed the report. "At present, everything is progressing steadily."

"Um."

A smile slowly crept onto Lin Tian's lips. "More than five million people, more than five million hands. Our country can be considered to have free labor."

"Sir, there's one more thing."

Commander Chen hesitated for a moment, "Among those prisoners of war, quite a few applied to become Chinese citizens, saying they wanted to stay and continue to contribute to the development of China."

Lin Tian's brow twitched slightly. "Oh? What are they thinking?"

"It is said that after they stayed in the mining area for a while, they felt that although China punished them, their treatment was not bad."

Some people even found their value in the mining area; they wanted to stay and become part of China.

Lin Tian was silent for a moment, then said, "Tell them that as long as they perform well, they can apply, but the procedures must be followed and the conditions must be met."

China does not discriminate against anyone, but it also cannot allow just anyone to enter; all necessary screenings must be conducted.

"Yes."

Brigade Commander Chen turned and left.

Lin Tian stood alone by the window, looking at the virtual system image on the screen in front of him, a smile playing on his lips.

The machines in the mine were still roaring, the prisoners of war were still sweating profusely, and the ore was still being transported to all directions by truckload.

More than five million people are using their own hands to build the future for this country that has suffered so much hardship.

Meanwhile, those prisoners of war who toiled in the mines were repaying their past debts through their labor.

Although they were once enemies, they are now creating new value on Chinese soil.

On the construction site, several high-rise buildings are rising from the ground, and workers wearing safety helmets are moving back and forth.

The crane's boom slowly rotated in the air, like a giant arm supporting the hopes of the nation.

In Lin Tian's mind, every mine on that vast land was a mountain of gold.

A year later, those ores will be transformed into railway tracks, bridges, factories, and giant ships.

Ten years from now, those ore deposits will be transformed into skyscrapers, schools, hospitals, and ports.

Twenty years from now, those ores will transform into a powerful, prosperous, and invincible China.

Those prisoners of war who once toiled in the mines will also become part of this history.

……