Chapter 1282
Zhang Jing, Settling Zhao Xita, and the Difficulties Arising from Xiao Yi's Family
At dawn, transport planes were constantly taking off and landing at the military airfield of the frontier regiment.
American-made C-46 Commando, Soviet-made Li-2, Il-12, Il-14, and other transport aircraft of various models took off and landed continuously, kicking up clouds of dust.
Li Aiguo stood beside the tarmac, his gaze sweeping over the transport planes, finally settling on the few Y-5 transport planes painted with the August 1st Army emblem in the corner.
That is currently the only transport aircraft that China can produce on its own, and it is a biplane modeled after the An-2.
Although robust and durable, it is ultimately a drop in the ocean when faced with the demands of modern large-scale air transport.
"A hodgepodge of equipment... It seems we need to put our large transport aircraft program on the agenda."
Just as Li Aiguo was feeling somewhat emotional.
An air force staff officer ran over quickly and saluted.
"Comrade Li Aiguo, the transport plane is ready and can take off at any time!"
Li Aiguo nodded, turned around and waved to the foreign girl who was curiously looking around not far away: "Comrade Zhao Xita, let's go."
Zhao Xita, a high-caste noblewoman from India.
He was wrapped in a thick military overcoat, his big eyes filled with curiosity about this new world.
Since arriving at the frontier corps, Li Aiguo has temporarily become her guardian in order to prevent leaks and for her safety.
Fortunately, although the girl came from a prominent family, she was extremely intelligent and sensible.
Knowing what to look at and what not to ask, she didn't cause Li Aiguo any trouble.
If it were a pampered young lady, Li Aiguo would have been utterly ruined by Li Yunlong, that hands-off manager.
The transport plane Li Aiguo was traveling in was an Il-12, and the pilot was a young and energetic man.
"Sir, you may not know this, but quite a few pilots in our air squadron have experienced high-altitude engine stalling incidents."
The pilot, having only spoken halfway, quickly added, "But don't worry, this is an Il-12."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xita asked curiously, "Is there anything different about this transport plane?"
The pilot glanced back and saw a pretty foreign girl. He immediately perked up and explained, "Of course it's different! We've replaced it with a more powerful starter and upgraded the oxygen supply system. We modified it overnight to support the front lines."
As he spoke, he glanced at Li Aiguo with some curiosity.
The plane was originally scheduled to fly to the southwest to transport urgently needed equipment.
As a result, the command headquarters issued an order to temporarily transfer him back to Beijing.
Moreover, the command center repeatedly emphasized that absolute safety must be guaranteed.
Who is this young passenger who looks about my age?
Li Aiguo nodded: "Don't worry, we will have transport aircraft that are more suitable for high-altitude flights in the future."
The pilot paused for a moment, then scratched his head, muttering to himself.
Who is this guy? What a boastful tone. Building an airplane isn't something you can just talk about.
Just then, the staff officer who had seen them off earlier came up carrying a box and overheard their conversation.
He handed the box to Li Aiguo, then lowered his voice and said to the pilot, "Xiao Zhang, what are you muttering about? Have you ever heard of a tank tactics master?"
"Huh?" The pilot's eyes widened.
"Is that the one... who commanded our tank group and utterly annihilated the enemy's T-62s?"
The staff officer nodded emphatically: "It's him! Comrade Li Aiguo!"
The pilot's eyes lit up instantly, and his gaze towards Li Aiguo was filled with admiration: "My goodness! It's Comrade Aiguo! Does this mean we might actually be able to fly our own high-altitude transport plane?"
Li Aiguo took the box; it contained "local specialties" that Dean Chen had specially arranged to be delivered.
He casually placed the suitcase next to his seat and fastened his seatbelt.
Through the small cockpit window, the pilot excitedly shouted, "Sir, please be seated! Let's take off!"
With the roar of its propellers, the Il-12 taxied and accelerated on the runway before soaring into the sky.
Inside the cabin, Li Aiguo looked out at the continuous snow-capped mountains, but his mind was already starting to plan for the future.
The construction of the wind tunnel laboratory is nearing completion and it is estimated that it will be put into use soon.
With a wind tunnel in place, the next step is to develop large aircraft.
Should we copy the An-225, or develop the C-17?
However, considering the actual situation in China, especially the needs of high-altitude operations, Li Aiguo decided to develop the C-17 first.
This thing is hailed as an "all-around tactical and strategic transport aircraft".
Although its takeoff weight is less than that of the An-225, it has very low runway requirements; a simple 1100-meter runway is sufficient for heavy-load takeoffs and landings.
More importantly, it can operate normally at plateau airports at altitudes above 4500 meters!
This is a perfect solution for our family, which has a vast territory and complex terrain.
Whether it's deploying troops globally or transporting supplies to the frontier, the C-17 is the best choice.
It's it!
Li Aiguo made up his mind.
The Il-12 has a maximum range of less than 2,000 kilometers and needs to refuel in Jiuquan en route.
After a brief stop, the plane took off again, heading straight for Beijing.
When the plane landed at Beijing Airport, it was already close to evening.
The afterglow of the setting sun cast a golden glow over the ancient city.
After reporting to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot, Li Aiguo realized a serious problem: what should be done with Zhao Xita?!
Zhao Xita came as an international student. Although her paperwork was complete, she would have to wait until tomorrow to officially register at the school.
Where are we staying tonight?
“Comrade Zhao Xita, how about I arrange for you to stay at the Friendship Hotel?” Li Aiguo suggested.
Zhao Xita shook his head, a hint of concern flashing in his intelligent eyes: "Wouldn't that be too conspicuous?"
The whole world knows our two families are at war. If anyone notices that someone from the Indian family is staying at the Friendship Hotel, it might cause some unnecessary trouble.
This girl is quite cautious...
Li Aiguo secretly praised her and was just thinking about arranging for her to stay at the guesthouse of the Qianmen Locomotive Depot when Zhao Xita spoke up again.
"How about I stay at your place for a while?"
She looked at Li Aiguo and said naturally, "Leader Li once told me that you have also hosted students from Russia before, such as Miss Dasha."
Well, it turns out they had already planned this all along, and even found out about Dasha's situation.
Zhao Xita brought three servants with him this time, making a total of four people.
There were two spare guest rooms in my house, so we could squeeze in a bit.
Moreover, I feel more at ease having it under my own nose.
"Then I'll have to trouble you." Li Aiguo nodded in agreement.
"I'm not wronged."
Li Aiguo considered that with so many people, it was impossible to ride a mountain bike.
He told Zhao Xita to wait a moment, then turned around and drove the large SUV.
After Li Aiguo left.
Aya, the personal maid who had been following Zhao Xita, couldn't help but come closer and asked with some concern, "Miss, didn't the master already arrange accommodations?"
Why did you change your mind and insist on staying in this...person's house?
In Aya's view, her young lady was a noble Kshatriya, how could she condescend to live in the home of a train driver?
As Zhao Xita watched Li Aiguo's departing figure, a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.
"Aya, don't worry, if Father knew, he would definitely agree with my decision."
Zhao Xita is different from the girls from ordinary Indian families.
She received an elite education from a young age, and not only was she well-versed in classic texts, but she also had a clear understanding of the international situation.
The Indian family is definitely out of the question.
Those high and mighty gentlemen are still dreaming, hoping that the Russians and Americans will help them, unaware that their foundations are already rotten to the core.
Before long, they will be trampled underfoot and lose all face.
Ranaplatapu, the father, was a smart man. He saw the situation clearly and planned to lead the family to join them.
Zhao Xita raised both hands in agreement.
But she knew even better that there were definitely many people like Rana among the Indian leadership.
This is just the first step.
The most important thing is to establish a firm foothold here, to stand out from the many defectors, and to become a trustworthy high-ranking official.
Zhao Xita took the initiative to apply to study here, hoping to gain an advantage.
She needs to make a true friend in the capital, a friend who is powerful, has a good background, and can be trusted.
The word "friend" may be simple, but it is actually very precious.
And this man is Li Aiguo.
His insight, composure, and the respect he received from others along the way are all testaments to his extraordinary nature.
He was absolutely qualified to be Zhao Xita's friend, and even... the future support of her family.
*****
"They're back, patriotism is back."
At the entrance of the courtyard house.
Chen Xueru held Xiaomingwei's hand, looking at the large off-road vehicle that turned from the alleyway with a look of surprise.
Li Aiguo stopped the car, opened the door and got out. Seeing Chen Xueru holding Xiaomingwei's hand, he said loudly, "Daughter, did you miss your father?"
Xiao Ming stared at Li Aiguo for a while with his eyes wide open before finally grinning and saying, "I miss Dad!" He then opened his arms to Li Aiguo.
Li Aiguo hugged his daughter, kissed her on the cheek, and then burst into laughter after being slapped by her.
I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to shave, and now I'm pricking the baby.
Inside the car window.
Zhao Xita watched this scene quietly.
Looking at the man who was so shrewd and decisive on the battlefield, now holding his daughter and grinning like a child, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
Such pure kinship was a luxury in her family, which was full of calculation and strict hierarchy.
At this moment, Chen Xueru also noticed the several foreigners sitting in the car.
She subconsciously tugged at Li Aiguo's sleeve and asked in a low voice, "Aiguo, who are these people?"
Li Aiguo then remembered that he had brought back guests, and asked Zhao Xita and the servants to get out of the carriage.
"This is Comrade Zhao Xita, who came from India to study. He's staying with us for a few days because his school paperwork isn't finished yet."
"Comrade Zhao Xita, this is my beloved, Chen Xueru."
Zhao Xita walked forward gracefully, his gaze sweeping over Chen Xueru: "Sister-in-law is so beautiful, no wonder Brother Li kept talking about going home the whole way."
Although Chen Xueru was usually worldly-wise, she still blushed when praised to her face by a foreign girl.
"Since you are a patriotic friend, then don't be shy, come inside quickly, it's windy outside."
At this moment, the residents of the courtyard also heard the commotion and gathered around.
At this moment, the residents in the courtyard also noticed Zhao Xita and his servants.
Although they had changed into Zhongshan suits in the frontier corps, their foreign appearance was still very noticeable.
"Is this girl from an Indian family? That shouldn't be the case, aren't the people there supposed to be quite dark-skinned?" Yan Jiecheng stroked his chin.
"In India, the caste system is followed. The higher the caste, the lighter the skin."
This girl is clearly a high-ranking Kshatriya or Brahmin, a true noblewoman!
The old man pushed up his glasses, striking a pose of profound knowledge.
"Wow! A nobleman!"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Zhao Xita with increasing curiosity.
Li Aiguo didn't have time to explain much to his neighbors. He simply greeted them and led his group into the backyard.
As soon as Chen Xueru entered the house, she went to tidy up the empty room, and Zhao Xita also went to help with several servants.
Li Aiguo went into his study, picked up the data related to transistor radios, and started calculating. If he wanted to sell weapons, he had to figure out the costs.
Not long after.
The study door was gently pushed open.
Chen Xueru walked in, closed the door behind her, and approached Li Aiguo with a mysterious look on her face.
Li Aiguo looked up: "What, is there a problem with Zhao Xita?"
Chen Xueru shook her head: "No, this girl is quite nice. She is polite in her speech and actions."
Those three maids she brought were just... too much.
"Which one?" "Just now, when Miss Zhao was about to get on the kang (heated brick bed) to make the bed, one of the maids immediately lay down on the ground without saying a word, insisting that Miss Zhao step on her back to get on!"
Chen Xueru looked incredulous.
"This is terrifying! Kneeling down all the time and even being used as a footrest? We live in a modern society, where do you see this?"
Upon hearing this, Li Aiguo was taken aback, then slapped his forehead with a wry smile.
He had completely forgotten about that.
In India, it is taken for granted that high-caste nobles enjoy this kind of treatment.
But in places where red flags flutter, this is a typical example of Fengjian's dregs.
If word gets out, Director Wang from the neighborhood office might come to our door to give us a lecture.
"Ahem, this is their custom back home, they're used to it. Okay, I understand, I'll remind her when I have a chance later."
"Yes, you really need to tell me. I felt really uneasy just watching it, like I was afraid it would shorten my lifespan." Chen Xueru patted her chest with lingering fear.
Dinner was cooked by Chen Xueru herself, a table full of delicious dishes.
The servants Zhao Xita brought wanted to help, but Chen Xueru firmly stopped them.
Just kidding, making guests do the work is like slapping the host in the face, isn't it?
After dinner, the servants rushed to clear the dishes, and Li Aiguo took the opportunity to invite Zhao Xita to his study.
Li Aiguo carefully considered his words.
After all, Zhao Xita was a foreign guest and a young lady from a prominent family, so some things had to be said tactfully, so as to achieve the goal without hurting her feelings.
"Comrade Zhao, what's your first impression of Beijing?" Li Aiguo handed him a cup of tea and asked casually.
Zhao Xita held her teacup, her eyes sparkling: "It's huge and grand. It's more prosperous than the biggest city in our area, and the streets are clean too."
"Ahem, no, that's not it. What do you think of people?"
"Very good, very down-to-earth, especially your sister-in-law, who is young, beautiful, and capable—truly wonderful."
"Ahem, it's not that either..."
Seeing that beating around the bush was useless, Li Aiguo simply lit a cigarette and said directly, "I'm talking about relationships between people. For example... kneeling down, or using someone as a ladder to step on."
"Oh"
Zhao Xita was an extremely intelligent person; he understood things immediately.
She immediately put down her teacup, a hint of apology on her face: "Comrade Aiguo, I understand. Was it Aya and the others' behavior that made you uncomfortable?"
Li Aiguo nodded: "Comrade Zhao, this is the new China, where equality is valued. Although they are your servants, here we are all comrades."
Those old-fashioned rules are not only out of place here, but may even cause unnecessary misunderstandings.
Zhao Xita nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, Comrade Aiguo. I will urge Aya and the others to change these habits. Since we're here, we should adapt to local customs. I understand."
Li Aiguo finally breathed a sigh of relief.
If someone were to establish a strict set of etiquette and morality in his home, that would be troublesome.
At dusk, in the guest room.
Zhao Xita took the hot towel from her wet nurse Aya and gently wiped her face.
"Aya, from now on, don't kneel down so readily when you're at someone else's house. This place is different from home; here, everyone is equal. We must respect the host's customs and do as the Romans do, understand?"
Aya was stunned for a moment, then instinctively knelt down to accept the order.
She had just bent her knees halfway down when she suddenly remembered what her mistress had said, and she straightened her back abruptly, bowing her head somewhat awkwardly.
"Yes, Miss. Aya understands."
As night fell, lights began to twinkle in the courtyard house.
As usual, the eldest brother and sister-in-law brought Jiu Jin to the Li family.
Both of them breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that Li Aiguo had returned safely.
When they got home, the eldest brother carried a burlap sack. He went back to the tailor shop, opened the sack, and found it contained cured wolf meat.
After seeing off his elder brother and sister-in-law, Li Aiguo, along with Chen Xueru, carried several pieces of wolf meat and some local specialties to deliver to Aunt Zhao and He Yushui's families in the backyard.
Seeing that the young couple were even more excited than before after being apart, Aunt Zhao, being an experienced woman herself, knew better.
Without saying a word, He Yushui brought Xiao Hongsheng, Xiao Dongfang, and Xiao Mingwei to her room.
They said they would help put the child to sleep tonight so that Li Aiguo and his wife could get some rest.
Li Aiguo then took Chen Xueru's hand and quickly went home. After closing the door, he picked Chen Xueru up in his arms, carried her into the bedroom, and threw her onto the bed.
Chen Xueru blushed crimson, and couldn't help but giggle as she watched Li Aiguo, letting her husband strip off her clothes piece by piece...
In the courtyard, a stray cat appeared out of nowhere, meowing and cawing in heat, making Qin Huairu uneasy.
Seeing the lights in Li Aiguo's house go out, Qin Huairu felt even worse.
Actually, she saw Li Aiguo when he came back, but she just didn't go up to him.
Those bags of gifts were so tempting.
If she hadn't changed her mind back then, she would have received those gifts too.
Qin Huairu returned to the room, lay down on the bed, and stared blankly at the ceiling.
She knew she regretted it.
Two hours later.
Li Aiguo was still able to jump out of bed with boundless energy.
We still don't know what the local specialties that Dean Chen sent are.
Seeing Li Aiguo carrying a suitcase, Chen Xueru curiously came over as well.
When Li Aiguo opened the box, she was stunned after just one glance.
Inside the box, there was a neatly stacked pile of dried strips; a rough count revealed at least twenty or thirty of them.
The shape of this thing... is too obvious.
"Brother Aiguo, where...where did all these tiger penises come from?" Chen Xueru asked, stammering.
Li Aiguo's lips twitched as he thought of the Bengal tiger he had encountered in India.
It seems the soldiers haven't been idle either.
These guys, did they take down the tiger's den over there?
However, all those tiger penises actually did Li Aiguo a big favor.
There are fewer and fewer tigers in China these days, so we can't just go to the zoo to get tiger penises.
With these tiger penises, we can continue making medicinal wine.
“It was a gift from a former leader. Let’s put it in the cellar for now,” Li Aiguo said after thinking for a moment.
Chen Xueru nodded obediently, blushed as she closed the box, and quickly carried it into the cellar, hiding the embarrassing items very well.
*****
Early the next morning.
Considering that Zhao Xita was going to register at Peking University and would be unfamiliar with the place, Li Aiguo specially asked Zong Xianfeng's wife, Dasha, to help.
Dasha was a Russian student and was very familiar with the process.
Moreover, since both of them are foreigners, communication is easier.
Zhao Xita studied Chinese Language and Literature.
After enrolling, the university, taking into account her special status and the fact that she had brought servants with her, specially arranged a secluded courtyard house for her near the school.
The courtyard is not large, but it is quiet and elegant.
Two main rooms and two side rooms were just right for Zhao Xita and his three servants to live in.
Around noon, Chen Xueru brought several children to Zhao Xita's new home as guests, a kind of homewarming party.
Zhao Xita's servant, Aya, personally cooked a table of authentic Indian-style dishes.
The aroma of curry filled the courtyard, and its flavor was quite unique. The children ate it with gusto, their mouths dripping with oil.
After eating and drinking his fill, Li Aiguo remembered that he had to go to work in the afternoon, so he got up and said goodbye.
Zhao Xita personally escorted Li Aiguo and his wife to the entrance of the courtyard.
"Comrade Patriot, thank you so much for taking care of me along the way. In the future... may I visit your home more often?"
"Of course, you're welcome anytime. We're friends, after all."
Li Aiguo felt that Zhao Xita's attitude was a bit strange, but he didn't think much of it and agreed.
Watching Li Aiguo leave, Zhao Xita took a deep look at him before turning away and entering the courtyard.
Li Aiguo arrived at the Qianmen Locomotive Depot at 1 p.m.
Transistor radios are now in mass production, overseen by Zong Xianfeng and Zhou Gaoyuan.
Li Aiguo took a look around and, seeing that everything was normal, went to Factory No. 62.
However, at that very moment, a special meeting was being held in a secluded meeting room in the capital.
The two sides attending the meeting consisted of a military industry negotiator on one side and Said, the special envoy of the Yi family on the other.
"Mr. Said, welcome." The military industry representative was very enthusiastic.
News came from the foreign affairs department of the Yi family that Said's purpose in coming here was to purchase a large quantity of weapons and equipment.
This is great news.
In previous years, the military industry sold some rocket launchers and captured a significant portion of the military market, but the majority of the market was still divided up by the US and the US.
"You're too kind, we're old friends."
The special envoy, speaking in broken Chinese, gestured to his subordinates to hand over a thick document: "This is our procurement list, please take a look."
The military industry representative took the materials and glanced at them.
“50式冲锋枪、53式步骑枪、57式重机枪、56式85mm加农炮……”
A wide variety and an astonishing quantity!
The military industry representatives instantly became excited.
But as he continued reading, he couldn't help but frown.
"Two hundred Type 59 tanks!"
It should be noted that the Type 59 tanks in China have just entered mass production and are destined for the South Asian battlefield, so there is no way to export them.
"Mr. Special Envoy, I'm afraid there are some difficulties regarding this Type 59 tank."
"Is it a matter of price? Don't worry, as long as we can supply it, the price is negotiable! We will definitely give you a satisfactory figure." Said practically had the saying "money is no object" written all over his face.
The military industry representative had no choice but to explain: "Sir Envoy, this is not a matter of money."
To be honest, two hundred vehicles... that's just too much; we can't come up with that amount in a short time.
Upon hearing this, Said frowned.
He wasn't deliberately looking for trouble; the key issue was that the Type 59 tank was something that President Saddam Hussein had his eye on.
"Our two families are old friends."
To be honest, the main focus of our procurement this time was this batch of Type 59 tanks.
We can buy fewer of the other guns and cannons, but not a single tank can be missing.
One wants to buy, the other can't sell.
The entire negotiation instantly came to a standstill.
After Saeed was taken to the Friendship Hotel, the military industry held a meeting.
"What do we do now? This is like a piece of fat meat delivered to our doorstep. Are we just going to spit it out like this?"
"How about we talk to them and sell those machine guns and rifles first? We can talk about the tanks later?"
"Impossible! I think that special envoy's attitude was very firm. This time, he came specifically for the Type 59 tank. If there are no tanks, the others are probably also in trouble."
"What should I do?"
The leaders exchanged glances, all seeing helplessness in each other's eyes.
This batch of orders is not just about earning foreign exchange; it is also related to our strategic positioning and reputation in the Central Asian arms market.
Just when everyone was at a loss, a staff officer in the corner suddenly raised his hand and whispered, "Sir, I remember... Comrade Li Aiguo seems to have some connections with Xiao Yi's family?"
I heard he has a good relationship with that president. Perhaps we could ask Comrade Patriot to assist with the negotiations?
"Li Aiguo?"
The military industry representative's eyes lit up, and he slapped his thigh: "That's right! How could we forget Comrade Aiguo! He might have a solution! Quick! Contact Comrade Aiguo immediately!"
(End of this chapter)