The Heroic Age of the Late Qing Dynasty

The liberated areas were also facing numerous challenges. Factories were teeming with people eager to become workers, and even a single spot for a non-rural transfer was a scramble to secure, even with limited funds. For example, when a reservoir was being built, production teams at all levels were given a death order, requiring all nearby villagers to work on a voluntary basis. As soon as a few spots were available for transfers or military service, everyone would rush to work for the slightest glimmer of hope. Furthermore, each cooperative or production team would select a few young men of clean birth, hard work, and pure ideology to work on the reservoir construction site, specifically to secure these spots.

Just like a modern driver, that's like a cow standing on its head—so awesome! A driver out on business, with far more energy than a county governor, is undoubtedly more than enough! Just one spot to learn to be a driver, and countless people would be eager to take it. Once that spot is released, even if people sell their houses and land, or even go bankrupt, they'll be scrambling to get it.

There aren't enough jobs available to people right now, and some people simply can't find work once they enter society. To survive, they resort to desperate measures, leading to a surge in serious crime. To maintain social order, some people are ultimately confined to the countryside, tied to the land. Because these people are confined to the countryside, they can still get their land, ensuring survival. However, without work in the city, they can't survive, ultimately resorting to begging and crime. Relying solely on police for stability is too much pressure, which is one reason Zhang Yinghao had to institute travel regulations and equip the militia with weapons. Of course, the vast majority of people in China today are farmers, and after land distribution, most prefer to farm at home, or rather, they only know how to do it. If Zhang Yinghao didn't distribute land and restricted population movement, the situation would be ruinous.

The two social issues that concern ordinary people the most are corruption and public security. These concerns have remained largely unchanged even in the 21st century. However, with the massive increase in the floating population, there has also been a corresponding increase in the number of unintentional migrants. These migrants are of varying quality, with complex demographics and origins. This has led to numerous social problems, including disrupted public security and increased employment pressure in cities. Furthermore, crimes committed by migrant workers are difficult to prevent and are often unpredictable. In this era of limited technical investigation tools, these crimes are extremely difficult to detect, posing a significant threat to public security and causing widespread panic among the general public.

With the increasingly sophisticated and stringent household registration system, Zhang Yinghao wondered why people these days traveled far, aside from a few activities like business, studying, and visiting friends. While Zhang Yinghao knew some people did need to travel, the vast majority were still farmers, their faces to the earth and their backs to the sky, spending their entire lives in small, rural areas. They simply didn't need to travel far. The main force behind future population mobility was migrant workers, but in this era, there were few jobs available. Even the few that did exist were highly sought-after and quickly snatched up, ultimately requiring restrictions on population mobility.

In order to temporarily curb the floating population and limit the blind migration of farmers to cities,

In order to provide relief, education, and resettlement to urban vagrants and beggars, and to maintain urban social order, stability, and unity, the State Council had no choice but to promulgate the "Measures for the Administration of the Sheltering, Education, and Repatriation of Urban Vagrants and Beggars," which took in those who had blindly migrated to cities and clarified that the sheltering and repatriation work was primarily to provide relief, education, and resettlement to urban vagrants and beggars who had been vagrants for a long time.

Rural areas have stricter regulations on migrant workers. Any trip beyond a certain distance requires a travel permit from the village committee. Of course, if a person is traveling locally, everyone knows each other, and as long as they stay within the township, no permit is required. However, in areas where serious crimes have been committed by migrant workers, even traveling to distant locations to visit relatives requires proof of travel, not just leaving the township, and reporting to the local township. Those without such a permit are treated as vagrants and ultimately deported.

Statistics show that although only 15%-20% of the blind migrant population are eligible for social assistance and are eligible for repatriation as stipulated in the documents, this blind floating population has placed great pressure on social stability. 70% of criminal cases occur among the floating population, with the blind migrant population having the highest crime rate. Over 90% of those who are sheltered and repatriated have committed minor offenses. Therefore, sheltering and repatriation plays a very positive role in maintaining social order, preventing crime, and combating crime. So much so that some people say: "The shelter system is designed to provide a place for the homeless to live, and more importantly, it can effectively prevent crime."

Chapter 383: Thank you for the gift of fried chicken set meal!

Although Zhang Yinghao has no control over how the detention system is implemented in various regions, and even knows that some places still experience brutal beatings and abuse of detainees, as well as forcing them to work for free to earn income, he will sign the document without hesitation since it is necessary now. He can correct problems later, or even abolish the measure when conditions are ripe. At least he cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater now.

As for the issue of bills, Zhang Yinghao hadn't considered vigorously developing a market economy before establishing sufficient industry. China's tariff control was still in the hands of the British, while the global market was gradually taking shape. China was essentially a seller's market, with supply far outstripping demand. If China completely liberalized its policies and vigorously developed a so-called market economy, the only possible outcome would be rampant profiteering and compradors, a frenzied influx of foreign goods, and the fragile Chinese national industry, unable to withstand the tide of capitalism, would collapse.

Many people have a misunderstanding that doing business or being a businessman is the same as being a capitalist. This is completely wrong. In "Searching for Roots," it is said that without agriculture there is no stability, without industry there is no wealth, and without commerce there is no life.

Merchants simply buy low and sell high, hoarding goods to profit from the difference. Wasn't hoarding a large amount of raw silk one of the reasons for the collapse of the "red-topped" merchant Hu Xueyan? They don't produce anything themselves. Nine out of ten merchants fail, and the remaining one is still searching for a way out. Just think of the profiteers at the beginning of reform and opening up in the past and the comprador class that developed in the late Qing Dynasty.

The comprador class in the late Qing Dynasty promoted the Westernization Movement in China and gave birth to China's national capitalism. The Westernization Movement introduced advanced Western science and technology on a large scale and established modern military industries and civilian enterprises. Although the Westernization Movement objectively stimulated the development of capitalism in China and to a certain extent resisted the economic input of foreign capitalism, it did not put China on the road to prosperity. Moreover, from the late Qing Dynasty to the founding of the People's Republic of China, the comprador class combined with bureaucrats and capitalists to form the "bureaucratic comprador bourgeoisie". Bureaucratic comprador capitalism was one of the "three mountains" of old China in the past.

Especially during the Republic of China period, the four major families of Chiang, Song, Kong and Chen made a fortune from the national crisis and unscrupulously plundered the precious wealth of the Chinese people. They controlled China's politics, banking and financial industries, industry and mining, monopolized agricultural products and large amounts of land. They did not develop industry themselves, but exploited the people on a large scale, and almost became rich by sucking the blood of the entire country and the entire nation.

The Communist Manifesto states that the bourgeoisie, in its less than a hundred years of class rule, has created more numerous and greater productive forces than all preceding generations combined. They have conquered the forces of nature, introduced machinery, applied chemistry to industry and agriculture, introduced steamships, railways, the telegraph, cleared entire continents for cultivation, and opened rivers to navigation. They have created wonders utterly unlike the Egyptian pyramids, the Roman aqueducts, and the Gothic cathedrals; they have accomplished expeditions utterly unlike the great migrations of nations and the Crusades.

Actually, this statement is quite simple to understand: the bourgeoisie also needs to develop production, and they desperately strive to develop productivity for profit. But do merchants need to develop productivity? Merchants value scarcity, transporting goods from one place to another to profit from the price difference. Their primary role is simply to facilitate circulation. Without merchants, there is no life. Therefore, there is a fundamental difference between merchants and capitalists. Merchants may have a lot of capital, but as long as they don't develop production and don't own the means of production, they are not capitalists. Merchants appear completely powerless in front of true capitalists. The red-topped merchant Hu Xueyan, the decline of Shanxi merchants, and the widespread bankruptcy of supermarkets and companies after the rise of the internet all demonstrate this truth. If merchants don't transform into capitalists and develop production, their situation will only become increasingly difficult.

As for the bureaucratic comprador bourgeoisie that emerged historically, especially the Four Great Families of the Republic of China, they were not motivated by the development of production; they were simply desperately trying to make money. Such comprador bourgeoisie were essentially vulnerable to the true capitalists that grew up relying on the development of production. Although they held a great deal of power, they were merely clinging to the vines of the true bourgeoisie, earning profits for these real capitalists.

Now, in the liberated areas, or rather, in this era, salt, grain, steel, and sugar are now considered strategic commodities. Grain is also part of the currency issued in the liberated areas, making it impossible for outsiders to arbitrarily meddle with it. If grain cannot be freely traded, how can there be a market economy? Without special coupons, ordinary people would find it difficult to obtain these supplies. Coupons prioritize urban residents, while rural areas receive very little. The purpose of issuing coupons is to ensure the supply of basic necessities.

However, the range of goods that could be purchased with industrial coupons was quite broad, encompassing almost everything: towels, cloth, ready-made clothes, blankets, shoes, bicycles, belts, scissors, knives, various luggage...even chocolate and candy. Cigarettes, tea, and liquor outside the rations also required coupons. Grain was also subject to a unified purchase and sale policy. Residents needed to present "Urban Population Grain Supply Certificates" to purchase grain; otherwise, the grain station would not sell it to anyone.

Of course, even with restrictions on the development of the market economy, a series of black markets, such as frog markets, flea markets, and rat markets, would naturally emerge in various places. Zhang Yinghao didn't forcefully shut down these black markets; as long as they weren't excessive, he allowed them to operate in secret. Zhang Yinghao knew the government couldn't control everything. While the supply and marketing cooperatives remained open year-round, these black markets were necessary.

After Zhang Yinghao finished his three points, he continued: "Fourth, comrades, let's study together. Under the unified leadership of the state, based on areas where ethnic minorities live in concentrated communities, appropriate autonomous organs should be established in areas where ethnic minorities gather. These autonomous organs will exercise the right of self-government, independently manage the internal affairs of their own ethnic groups and local areas, exercise the right to be masters of their own affairs, and implement ethnic autonomy.

For example, the Jiangxinpo area is primarily inhabited by ethnic groups such as the Jingpo, Lisu, Dulong, Nu, and Han. Wherever these ethnic groups live together, we will make that area an autonomous county, where the people of each ethnic group will manage their own internal affairs. Of course, they will no longer be responsible for matters like foreign affairs and national defense.

Everyone knew that Chairman Zhang Yinghao liked to make big moves during meetings, but they hadn't expected him to make such a big move. Upon hearing Zhang Yinghao's proposal, everyone present was stunned. If ethnic autonomous regions were established, then the rest of the country would follow suit, and there would be a large number of autonomous regions across the country. This was no joke. All the comrades immediately quieted down, but many comrades were still confused and hadn't thought about these issues at all. Many comrades immediately began to quietly consider the feasibility of the proposal, while also awaiting Chairman Zhang Yinghao's next words.

In his previous life, Zhang Yinghao had read quite a few novels set during the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, especially those about the struggle for supremacy. Generally, once a region was conquered, if the Han population wasn't large enough, if it didn't reach a certain proportion, they would be extremely worried about local instability and local rebellion. So, they would desperately try to relocate Han people there to change the local ethnic structure. Immigrating one million here, two million there, this simple and crude solution seemed perfectly satisfactory, as if there weren't any problems at all.

Zhang Yinghao did not comment on whether this was right or wrong, as it would certainly have certain benefits. But isn't this artificially creating ethnic conflicts? Aren't the local people of various ethnic groups treated as equals to the Han people? Being wary of other ethnic groups, even fearing and oppressing other ethnic groups, isn't this Han chauvinism? If this were done in ancient feudal times, there would be absolutely no problem, and it would be politically correct, as immigrants would be stationed at the border! Those who are not of my race must have different hearts. But if this is done in order to build an industrialized country in China, then there is a problem. Of course, there is no problem with immigration to areas like the Northwest and Northeast, where there are many people and little land. For example, ethnic minority areas already have a large population, and if immigrants go there and live a better life than the locals, then ethnic conflicts will basically be impossible to resolve. Group number for this book: 775111838

As expected, the next words came immediately. Zhang Yinghao continued, "Comrades, Marxism holds that in a socialist multi-ethnic state, all ethnic groups, regardless of size, advanced or backward, have made their own contributions to national construction and development and should be equal. We advocate equality among all ethnic groups, and we must put this ideal into practice. What if a region is entirely Tibetan? They ask, 'We're all Tibetans here, why is the county magistrate a Han Chinese?' How will you answer? Therefore, regional ethnic autonomy is necessary. Of course, the country we will build is an industrialized, modern nationalist state. In this country, all ethnic groups live autonomously, jointly determine the country's destiny, and freely interact with each other. All ethnic groups, regardless of distinction, will embark on the socialist path and march toward communism together. All ethnic groups should be called Chinese. All Chinese are members of the Chinese nation, one family. In our country, there must no longer be individual oppression of one person, or ethnic oppression of another. We must all speak the same language and build our country together."

"Chairman, what are the specific rules?"

"A document will be distributed shortly for everyone to study and discuss. I'll briefly explain here that ethnic equality and autonomy is limited autonomy under the unified leadership of the state, not independent or unlimited autonomy. This is a prerequisite. On the premise of political, economic, and cultural equality, all ethnic groups enjoy appropriate autonomy in the economic, financial, educational, and judicial sectors. The state exercises authority over diplomacy, national defense, foreign trade, transportation, and postal and telecommunications. We must organically combine local autonomy with national leadership to benefit local people and contribute to national development."

"Chairman, what if someone doesn't recognize themselves as Chinese and a member of the Chinese nation?"

Hearing this, Zhang Yinghao smiled faintly and said: "Comrades, how did the Qing Dynasty manage these chieftain areas? It was just to pay some grain. So in fact, the local people paid grain to the Qing Dynasty, and they were the subjects of the Qing Dynasty. Nothing else was needed. The Chinese and the Chinese nation are just an imagined community. Everyone recognizes this identity. It is normal for some people to disagree! It's no big deal.

Marxism believes that class contradictions are the social root of national issues in class societies. The Communist Manifesto describes freemen and slaves, nobles and commoners, lords and serfs, guild masters and journeymen—in short, oppressors and oppressed... Throughout history, we can almost everywhere see society divided into distinct classes and a variety of social status levels. In ancient Rome, there were nobles, knights, commoners, and slaves; in the Middle Ages, there were feudal lords, servants, guild masters, journeymen, and serfs. And within almost every class, there were specialized strata...

After we liberated the local people, these lands naturally became part of China's territory. We did not interfere with the local people's freedom of religious belief, and they continued to live on their original lands. Everyone was equal, free of oppression, and all ethnic groups were equal in politics, economics, and culture, managing their own affairs. The proletariat and outstanding members of each ethnic group joined our Progressive Party, becoming members of our ruling class and jointly ruling this country. People of all ethnic groups also joined our People's Liberation Army to jointly safeguard the peaceful lives of their people and their country.

Chen Qingzhi heard this and said, "Chairman, I always feel that it is too idealistic, just like those chieftains and slave owners, they always think about rebellion and riots."

Zhang Yinghao laughed, nodded and said: "Haha! Comrade

What is the state? The state is a tool of class rule. Since it is a class rule, we must adhere to the line of people's democracy and treat the people with respect.

Speaking of the masters, we can discuss and decide on matters together. But when it comes to the enemies, as long as they dare to resist with arms and disrupt the order of our production and development, we will impose brickbats on them. Our Progressive Party is a proletarian party. We represent the interests of the proletariat and the interests of the broad masses of working people, not the interests of landlords, chieftains, and slaves.

Therefore, if the landlords, chieftains and slave owners want to rebel and riot, we will punish them. Comrades, our party members and cadres are not the people of all ethnic groups.

The rulers of the people are merely the leaders of all ethnic groups. We even hope that all local people will become property owners, that everyone will have endless products and money to spend, and live a happy and fulfilling life. One of our goals is for all people to live a good life. Only by liberating the whole world can we liberate ourselves.

If anyone tells me that people of all ethnic groups will rise up against themselves, rebel against themselves, I don't believe it; it's unthinkable. If someone says they don't want to be Chinese, don't want to be a member of the Chinese nation, that statement merely reflects their own opinion, not the views and interests of the vast majority of people. All ethnic groups are under the unified leadership of the country. You may be a Nulong, yes, or Tibetan, but you are still Chinese and a member of the Chinese nation. Even if some people still don't consider themselves Chinese, that's fine. As long as they don't disrupt the normal lives of local residents and are willing to continue developing the country, we will allow them to live on our land. After all, we will allow foreigners to visit and even settle in our country in the future. A few more so-called "foreigners" won't be a big deal; they'll serve as a constant reminder that we're not doing enough. Of course, if these people disrupt people's lives or even commit crimes, then they can be punished.

At this point, Zhang Yinghao laughed again and said: "Haha! Comrades, if in the future some people can incite the people of the entire nation to rebel against us, rise up against our Progressive Party, and revolt against us again, and think that our Progressive Party is the new ruler, the oppressor, the exploiter instead of the leader, and think that we are not leading them to a good life, but bullying them and exploiting their wealth, comrades, do you think this is a problem of this nation or a problem of our Progressive Party? So if the people themselves rise up to rebel against our Progressive Party, I personally welcome it! It is not a pity for a political party that cannot represent the interests of the people to be overthrown! It is just their own fault!"

…--

Chapter 384:

After Zhang Yinghao's meeting, its contents and spirit spread to various regions, immediately creating a significant stir. Party and government agencies from all over the country sent telegrams inquiring about specific implementation plans. This meeting also led to a corresponding readjustment of work content across the country and in border regions, a clearer understanding of the current situation and key tasks, and a new strategic approach.

After Zhang Yinghao worked on this matter for a while, and once his comrades gradually understood the specific operations involved, he gradually let the local comrades implement it themselves. The final form of the system would depend on the efforts of local Party members and cadres and the local people. As long as the principles and ideas remain unchanged, Zhang Yinghao would accept the final outcome. The specifics of how this would be done were beyond Zhang Yinghao's control at the moment.

"Chairman, Sadao sent Zhu Erdian, whom we had previously expelled, to Chengdu for negotiations. After seeking British approval, Sadao now agrees to our demands. With the current area of ​​actual control as the boundary, both sides will cease hostilities and maintain the status quo."

Zhang Yinghao knew from Shen Ruo's words that this was a truce, not a ceasefire; it was simply a delaying tactic. However, as long as the border region remained peaceful for a while, whether it was a truce or not was irrelevant. Zhang Yinghao took the document from Shen Ruo and opened it to read. The contents were quite detailed, and most importantly, there were a large number of commercial agreements for trade along the Yunnan-Myanmar border.

Seeing Zhang Yinghao carefully examining the commercial agreement, Shen Ruo immediately said, "Chairman, Premier Zhang Weiqiang of the State Council was with us in the meeting with Zhu Erdian. Without the presence of the Premier, we wouldn't have dared to discuss so many things."

Zhang Yinghao nodded, and after reading the document, he said, "Alright, just have Comrade Zhang Weiqiang sign it. Now that business is allowed again in the Yunnan-Myanmar border area, let's notify the Ministry of Commerce and other departments to immediately restore customs in Tengchong and other places, and import the rubber, machinery, and other things we need as soon as possible."

"it is good."

In fact, the question of whether to make peace or fight the Progressive Party was a long debate in the British Cabinet. The warmongers naturally believed that Britain could not suffer any loss and that the Empire's reputation could not be lost. Even if the Qing rebels withdrew, they must be taught a lesson, or even destroyed. However, the more cautious faction argued that the British Royal Navy was powerful, but its warships could not reach the mainland, and the army had no ability to destroy these Qing thugs. Even if they defeated the thugs in Yunnan, they could not reach Sichuan, and if they could not destroy them, the result would be more loss than gain.

Both sides debated whether to fight or not, but neither side mentioned the thousands of British soldiers captured by the People's Liberation Army. The final reminder to these gentlemen that they still held thousands of prisoners was provided by the Qing thugs, who were protesting outside 10 Downing Street. The cause, of course, was a newspaper report about the captured British soldiers being forced to do hard labor in Tibet and Yunnan. The report even exaggerated the claim that the Qing thugs had assigned all the dangerous tasks to British soldiers, deliberately eliminating them, resulting in the deaths or injuries of many.

This news was a shocking one, and the arrogant British were almost furious. What was going on? Not only were the noble people of the British Empire defeated by the backward and ignorant Qing people, but they were also forced to do hard labor. This was of course absolutely unacceptable.

Britain was instantly swept by a wave of anti-Chinese sentiment, with protests and demonstrations chanting "Get out of Britain!" The people were even more vocal in their calls for troops to be dispatched, demanding punishment for the Qing. However, the families of the captured British soldiers disagreed. They simply wanted their families to return home safely, not imperial glory or punishment for the Qing. They immediately organized demonstrations, demanding the government rescue the captured British soldiers.

At this point, the arguing gentlemen in the conference room suddenly seemed to remember that there were still thousands of prisoners in the hands of the Qing rebels. What should they do now? Unrest was brewing at home, and many powerful people were still sending their children to gild their own laurels. Regardless of whether or not to fight these rebels, they had to first rescue the captured soldiers. If the demonstrations continued, their political opponents would no doubt be happy to attack them. If they made a mistake, they would fall, and the next government could be formed.

Just then, Sadaoyi sent them another telegram, promising the immediate release of all captives and the opening of trading ports, allowing trade to resume along the Yunnan-Burma border, as long as Britain recognized the border and restored peace. Prime Minister Henry Campbell-Bannen received the telegram and, after some discussion, readily agreed. They even mocked the Qing rebels for their lack of diplomatic skills, claiming they had easily secured thousands of British soldiers with a piece of paper. If war was to begin, did they need to abide by a single document? There were plenty of excuses for war; they could easily find one.

Therefore, after discussion, Henry Campbell-Bennenan's cabinet agreed to sign a memorandum rather than a treaty, agreeing to cease the conflict, restore peace, and maintain the status quo. They also continued to ship weapons to Burma and actively prepared for war. They also planned to arm the Qing army and let the Qing army and the rebels fight each other. This way, they could sit back and reap the benefits, and then strike a heavy blow to the Qing rebels in the future.

Despite the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the border, both China and Britain were constantly testing each other, and the chieftains were frequently causing unrest. The border region remained unstable, so Zhang Yinghao had the troops rotate to the border region to experience the atmosphere of war and conduct rotational training there to strengthen the troops.

.-a…….

"Chairman, Chairman, good news! The aircraft you asked us to research can finally fly with missiles."

Chen Wei's quiet, excited voice, suddenly running into the office, interrupted Zhang Yinghao's thoughts. Planes and tanks, these epoch-making artifacts, were the perfect tools for a time traveler to overtake others. Naturally, Zhang Yinghao devoted all his energy to their research and development. Just as the advent of the dreadnought made all other naval vessels instantly obsolete, the advent of the airplane transformed all gunboats into giant steel coffins, relegating them to supporting roles in warfare. The advent of airplanes and tanks also revolutionized all previous strategies and tactics.

The good news that Chen Wei came to tell Zhang Yinghao did not change his expression at all, because Zhang Yinghao knew that even if the liberated areas had researched these good things, they were currently unable to produce them in large quantities and could only use them as secret weapons.

Research into manned flight began long ago. It wasn't until 1896, when German aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal tragically died while gliding, that the mechanically savvy Wright brothers, upon hearing the news, believed the foundations for powered flight were mature enough. After seven years of experimentation, they finally test-flew their first self-propelled manned aircraft, the Flyer 7, on December 17, 1903. It was a conventional biplane with two pusher propellers mounted on either side of the pilot's seat, chain-driven by a single engine. Unfortunately, the aircraft remained airborne for only 12 seconds on its maiden flight, covering a total distance of 36 meters. This was humanity's first step into the air, but it was a major leap forward. From that moment on, the Wright brothers launched the Wright Aircraft Company, which became one of the world's most renowned aircraft manufacturers, once amassed tens of billions of dollars.

After liberating Sichuan, Zhang Yinghao began to send people to study airplanes. However, just as Zhang Yinghao initially determined not to use steam engines, but instead tried desperately to develop internal combustion engines and electric motors, and finally had to declare failure and thus honestly develop steam engines again, Zhang Yinghao's goal of researching airplanes out of thin air also failed, and finally had to start from the simplest hang gliders, hot air balloons and airships step by step.

The Germans seized the opportunity in the decades following the unification of the German Empire in 1871 and created a miracle at the end of the 19th century: in just 30 years, Germany completed the industrialization process that took the British more than 100 years to complete, enabling Germany to achieve leapfrog development and become one of the world's industrialized powers.

Zhang Yinghao also discovered that on the way from the starting point to the end point, there is actually no room for laziness. The only difference is the speed of advancement. There is absolutely no ability to travel through space. Missing any step will not work. Development must start from the steam engine.

Zhang Yinghao believed that since Germany was able to catch up with and even surpass Britain in just 30 years, China could catch up with Britain and Germany in even less than 30 years as long as it gave full play to the socialist system of concentrating resources to accomplish major tasks.

Upon hearing that the aircraft could now fly with bombs, Zhang Yinghao asked, "How are the developments on our hot air balloons and the airships we bought from Germany?"

As early as the Five Dynasties period, China invented the "Kongming Lantern," a device that used hot air to launch into the sky, for military communication. So, after Zhang Yinghao's direct research on airplanes failed, he urged his colleagues to research hot air balloons. After explaining the principles, everyone became familiar with hot air balloons. As for airships, as early as 1900, Count Zeppelin of Germany built the first rigid airship. This airship used a structurally sound keel to maintain its airbag shape and was powered by a piston engine, resulting in excellent flight performance and a large payload.

The Zeppelin Company manufactured airships for both commercial and military use. In its first decade alone, the company built 113 military airships. The German military considered the Zeppelin its ultimate weapon, unstoppable and indestructible, demonstrating its prowess in the first year of World War I.

Although Zhang Yinghao has no interest in airships, in today's China and the world, airships can indeed be said to be an invincible weapon.

"Chairman, the hot air balloon you told us about was soon completed and tested. As soon as we get an order, we can go into production immediately. As for the airship, Comrade Xie Zuntai had already researched and designed the "China" airship. We also bought a German airship and studied it. We quickly figured it out, and now we can manufacture it. It has an aluminum frame, including a longitudinal keel, a transverse ring frame, and guy wires. It's wrapped in linen and silk, then coated with rubber. But overall, it's rather crude, not as good as the German ones, and its lifespan isn't as long. But, Chairman, it's filled with hydrogen, which I don't think is very safe."

Zhang Yinghao laughed and said, "Is there anything absolutely safe in this world? It's fine as long as it's usable and relatively safe now. If there's a danger in the future or something better comes along, like an airplane, we can just phase it out. So, now that we're all done, let's hold a demonstration flight of the hot air balloon and airship in Chengdu, so everyone can see these man-made flying behemoths. This will open our eyes and stop us from being so ignorant. We'll also go to the experimental base to watch the airplanes fly; that's our main attraction and our key research direction."

"Okay, haha, let's have fun together with the people!"

"I'll order the formation of an airship brigade and use them to transport supplies to Tibet, alleviating the logistical burden on the troops entering Tibet. I'll also have the artillery unit place an order for hot air balloons to locate targets and calibrate artillery parameters. I'll also send out a notice to identify units that require high-altitude operations and have them place orders with the manufacturer."

Chen Wei was delighted to hear this and replied, "That's great. However, the army's artillery has long been equipped with hot air balloons, and the logistics equipment department is no longer just for show! Why do we need your orders?"

When Zhang Yinghao heard this, he knew that he was gradually leaving the army.

"That's good. That's great. As for the plane! It still needs to be kept secret for now. We'll use it as the ultimate weapon in the future. By the way, how is the performance of the plane now?"

"Chairman, over the past period of time, we have built several gliders and conducted thousands of glide flights. We have also made over 300 different wings and conducted thousands of wind tunnel tests, but unfortunately, all have failed. However, failure is the mother of success. Later, after research, we determined that the main problem was the engine used for powered flight. However, there are no aircraft engines for sale on the market, and no company is willing to take the risk of manufacturing aircraft engines. Therefore, we had to import a batch of used machine tools from Germany and the United States to manufacture engines ourselves. We also rely on these machine tools to process many parts.

Our first batch of successful biplanes had an empty weight of just 300 kilograms. Their engines were underpowered, producing just over 30 horsepower and a top speed of just 60 kilometers per hour, making them suitable only for training and learning purposes. However, after numerous improvements, our current biplanes boast over 80 horsepower. Testing has shown significant performance improvements over previous models. They can reach speeds of 100 kilometers per hour, altitudes of 2,000 meters, and a range of approximately 250 kilometers, allowing them to remain airborne for approximately 2.5 hours.

Zhang Yinghao nodded after hearing this data. With a range of over 200 kilometers, it should be considered practical. After all, Chengdu to Chongqing is only 300 kilometers. As long as all the larger cities in the country built an airport, this aircraft would be able to fly across the country.

“How’s the production?”

Hearing Zhang Yinghao's question, Chen Yiwei suddenly felt a little embarrassed, and said something irrelevantly: "Haha, Chairman. We have found a lot of pictures overseas.

He collected and consulted all books and materials related to airplanes, such as aerodynamics, from libraries, bookstores and friends' homes. He also invited many talented people who had studied mechanics from overseas to work with him on research and manufacturing. He drew design drawings from scratch and developed airplane models starting from hot air balloons, hang gliders and airships.

Our aircraft research lab and factory might not be very large, but it has many departments connected to it. There are over a hundred cutting machines, sewing machines, machining equipment, and other equipment. In this era, specializing in aircraft research is undoubtedly unique. It is considered the largest and most fully equipped.

Beidi Aircraft Manufacturing Plant now has 124 workers, including 3 foreign technicians and 235 apprentices, which can be regarded as a real master of aircraft manufacturing technology.

Technique…”

Zhang Yinghao listened to Chen Yiwei talking on and on for such a long time, and suddenly realized that this old man Chen Yiwei was here to ask for credit.

Zhang Yinghao said directly, "Come on, no need for so much introduction. We will not forget your comrades' tremendous contributions. We will immediately commend you all, award you certificates of honor, and give you bonuses! Go back and tell your comrades, and I will personally hold a celebration banquet to celebrate with you all!"

"Good! Good! Good!"

Upon hearing Zhang Yinghao's words, Chen Yiwei immediately responded with three "good"s. The comrades researching aircraft work day and night, forgetting food and sleep, all for the glory of the country, for the belief that the motherland will soon be free from the control and enslavement of the great powers and that the whole nation will soon be liberated. They work incredibly hard. Chen Yiwei sees it all, but he still has a lot of things to deal with, so all he can do is praise these comrades.

“Can we talk about production capacity now?”

Chen Yiwei smiled awkwardly again and said, "Although we now have the ability to manufacture five aircraft at a time, for safety reasons, we can only manufacture two aircraft at a time."

Zhang Yinghao nodded, picked up his teacup, and began to drink. However, Chen Yiwei changed the subject, saying, "But it takes a total of forty days to complete an aircraft, from component manufacturing to assembly, flight testing, and finally shipping..."

Chapter 385: Thanks to the toxic readers for the gold coin gift and extra chapter

Zhang Yinghao had been listening to Chen Yiwei's story, taking a sip of tea. But when he heard that it would take forty days for both aircraft to be delivered, he immediately spat out his tea and began coughing violently. Chen Yiwei, somewhat embarrassed, sat in his seat watching Zhang Yinghao cough and immediately came over to pat him on the back.

This production volume was incredibly low, significantly below Zhang Yinghao's expectations. Many people in previous lives believed that airplanes only became dominant in the skies during World War II, but this is far from the case. As early as October 23, 1911, during the Italo-Turkish War, airplanes were used for military purposes. Captain Piazza, commander of the Italian Air Force, piloted a French-made Blériot aircraft to conduct aerial reconnaissance over Turkish troop positions in Libya, later dropping grenades into the positions. This is the earliest documented use of aircraft in military operations.

At the outset of World War I, the participating nations fielded 1500 aircraft. On the Allied side, France, Britain, the United States, Italy, Russia, Canada, Romania, and Japan produced over 400 aircraft models, with France and Britain each producing approximately 160 models. Central Powers' aircraft were primarily manufactured in Germany, which produced over 400 models. In mid-1917 alone, Germany mandated the production of 2000 aircraft per month. By the end of 1917, Germany had produced 13977 aircraft. During the same period, France and Britain produced a combined 28781 aircraft, with Austria-Hungary also producing a smaller number. By the time the armistice was signed, over 8000 aircraft were in combat on the front lines. During World War I, a total of 18.2 aircraft were produced, over 10 of which were deployed in combat, demonstrating the immense productivity of these industrialized nations.

Zhang Yinghao really couldn't imagine how his own aircraft production speed compared to that of the great powers. Of course, Zhang Yinghao also believed that China's aircraft manufacturing capabilities would definitely surpass those of the great powers in ten years. However, Zhang Yinghao also believed that if the great powers knew now that the military uses of aircraft were so extensive, then his chance of monopolizing the market would be gone.

Engels said, "Once society has a technological need, this need will push science and technology forward more effectively than ten universities." This was indeed the case. During World War I, aircraft designers, based on the actual combat experience and needs of pilots and to meet combat requirements, made comprehensive improvements to aircraft, resulting in significant performance improvements. For example, flight speed increased from 80 to 115 kilometers per hour at the beginning of the war to 180 to 220 kilometers per hour by its end. During this period, flight altitude rose from over 200 meters to 8,000 meters, flight range increased from tens of kilometers to over 400 kilometers, and aircraft weight increased from a few hundred kilograms to over 10 tons, with a payload of over three tons. Aircraft were widely used in reconnaissance, air combat, bombing, and transport missions.

During the Second Sino-Japanese War, what was China doing? It was still a chaotic war between warlords. But compared to the brutal wars of Western nations, they viewed the Chinese civil war as more like primitive tribal warfare, devoid of any technical elements. After all, Western nations had already begun three-dimensional warfare, while China was still fighting on a two-dimensional scale, a complete dimensionality reduction attack, making the so-called civilized people laugh at such a war. Even the great Liberation War was like this; its truly remarkable aspect was that it resembled a war waged by a whole nation, because only a war by a whole nation could be invincible.

Many people claim that while Westerners waged wars, they also advanced science and technology. However, the Chinese, also engaged in wars at the time, fell further and further behind. This is then used as a basis for criticism. In fact, the fundamental reason isn't a matter of race or culture, but rather the different economic foundations of different regions. If a comparison is necessary, it should be made with the numerous wars fought in Europe before the Age of Discovery, not after the capitalist revolution. The social systems are different, making comparison impossible.

During the feudal era, Europe, plagued by numerous wars, experienced the same decline in poverty as China. Otherwise, Europe wouldn't have so many castles built into mountain cliffs. Weren't these castles the equivalent of Chinese earthen forts and enclosures, built to protect against disasters? Consequently, old China lacked an industrial base, nor capitalists dedicated to production. The proletariat hadn't awakened, and without political power, it couldn't commit to developing production. Wars were fought for money and food, so naturally, the more they fought, the poorer they became. This was true throughout feudal times worldwide; all crows are alike. However, once a class dedicated to developing production came to power, as long as it was within certain limits, wars naturally boosted productivity. This was true during China's War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea and the War of Liberation, when productivity saw tremendous increases. This is why the Kuomintang was bound to fail.

Zhang Yinghao coughed, took another sip of tea, and then said, "I accidentally choked while drinking tea. Hmm~ The aircraft manufacturing plant is great! What we need to do now is to solve the problem of whether it exists or not. The question of whether it is good or not is not within our consideration right now. Now that we have solved the problem of whether it exists or not, what is the main difficulty?"

Zhang Yinghao knew that one should encourage others to do something, but not to discourage them. Since he hadn't personally experienced it, he couldn't comment on it.

"It's mainly a matter of precision, and in fact, the main issue is the technicians. Ordinary installation parts are easy; anyone can do it after a simple training. But for some precision parts, like the engines we manufacture, we have to produce many before one is qualified. The pass rate is too low, and only a few comrades can make them. No one else can do it..."

After listening to Chen Yiwei's numerous difficulties, Zhang Yinghao nodded and said, "Comrade Yiwei, if there are any difficulties, we should slowly overcome them. Our conditions are like this, there's no need to rush. However, I also know that the true core of an aircraft is its heart. No matter how the aircraft's exterior changes, its engine is the key. Therefore, you, the Science and Technology Commission and the manufacturing plant, must start with the engine and take your time. Don't be too ambitious, but take solid steps one by one. As long as you don't lag behind the world, you can upgrade it later."

Seeing that Zhang Yinghao had no intention of blaming him, Chen Yiwei nodded and said, "I understand."

"The current chief aircraft engineer is Feng Ru, right?"

"Yes, his name is Feng Ru, and you even signed the agreement yourself. He was invited to our Liberated Area by the Overseas Chinese Federation after they heard he wanted to manufacture aircraft in the United States. Just like Xie Zuntai was assigned to the airship research department after he arrived in our Liberated Area, Feng Ru was assigned to the aircraft research department after he arrived in the Liberated Area. He's truly a genius, very impressive."

Zhang Yinghao laughed after hearing this. Professional matters should be left to professionals. This was Zhang Yinghao's principle for employing those who came to the liberated areas to seek refuge with him. Following Chen Yiwei's meaning, he said, "Haha, I don't understand the world of geniuses. Tell me what kind of genius he is now."

"Chairman, Feng Ru went to the United States to make a living at the age of 14. He worked part-time and studied in the United States, and completed his university course in six years. He witnessed the advanced industry in the United States and believed that the country was rich.

The strength must rely on the development of industry. To change China's poor and backward appearance, it is necessary to learn and develop industrial technology. So he devoted himself to the machinery industry he liked. He modified

His inventions, such as the "small generator" and "water pump," astonished Americans. American newspapers dubbed him "the genius inventor of Oakland." His fame in the United States skyrocketed, and he opened a machinery factory, where his business flourished.

Two years ago, news of the Wright brothers' successful airplane rocked the world. Twenty-year-old Feng Ru was captivated by this invention. Living overseas, he had experienced the bitterness of being bullied by the great powers. He felt that the powers dared to bully us because of their powerful ships and artillery. The military value of airplanes was immense, so he resolved to dedicate himself to aircraft manufacturing, hoping to contribute to the development of aviation for his country and to its prosperity.