Chapter 1300
: Successful Completion of the 10,000-Ton Steel Rolling Mill; Establishment of the Xiaom
Eight o'clock in the morning.
When Li Aiguo arrived at the rolling mill.
Leaders from the Ministry of Machine Building, the Ministry of Railways, and the Qianmen Locomotive Depot were all waiting.
Today is the day the 100,000-ton rolling mill officially begins production and undergoes acceptance testing. It's normal for leaders to come and inspect it.
But what puzzled and even puzzled these high-ranking officials from various ministries was...
Moreover, both inside and outside the cordon, there were guards every three steps and sentries every five steps, all dressed in gray Zhongshan suits and fully armed.
When the technical experts from the First Ministry of Machine Building who came with him saw the scene, their jaws nearly dropped.
"My goodness, what kind of test are we doing today? Why is it such a big event?"
"With this level of security, even our leaders probably can't get in, right?"
Just as everyone was discussing and confused, several military SUVs drove into the factory area.
The car door opened, and several leaders dressed in crisp naval uniforms stepped out.
Seeing this scene.
The leaders outside suddenly realized what was going on.
"Wow! It seems that this 100,000-ton steel rolling mill has already received military orders as soon as it was completed!"
"That's right! I heard some rumors the other day and thought the rolling mill was having some technical problems and needed to be reworked. Turns out they're doing something big!"
"Comrade Aiguo is about to make a great contribution again!"
Upon seeing Li Aiguo arrive on his motorcycle, the leaders all greeted him.
After exchanging a few pleasantries...
Li Aiguo looked at Zong Xianfeng, who was in charge of operating the rolling mill.
"how is the situation?"
"The materials are ready, and we can begin at any time."
Li Aiguo nodded, turned around, looked at the Ministry of Railways leader Teng standing to the side, and said loudly, "Leader, please give the order to start the machine!"
Upon hearing this, Leader Teng was taken aback at first, but then he was overjoyed!
have a look!have a look!
What does it mean to be one of our own? This is what it means to be one of our own!
With so many ministerial leaders present, including Song, a high-ranking official from the First Ministry of Machine Building, Li Aiguo deliberately handed over this prestigious and high-level command authority to his superior!
What does this show?
This shows that our patriotic comrade has the Ministry of Railways in his heart and is loyal to his "family"!
Leader Teng straightened his back instantly and waved his hand: "Start production!"
"Yes!"
Zong Xianfeng immediately turned around and shouted at the technician on the control panel.
"Press the switch! Start!"
Operating a large rolling mill is extremely complex, requiring constant adjustment of various parameters based on actual conditions.
The massive hydraulic press slowly pressed down.
A red-hot alloy steel plate is fed between the rolls.
With the sound of metal being squeezed, the incredibly hard special alloy steel was easily kneaded and stretched under the terrifying pressure of 100,000 tons.
Amidst sparks flying, the steel plate began to rapidly take shape according to the precise design of Li Aiguo.
"Your railways are truly full of talented people." The naval leader, who had seen many rolling mills in operation, was still impressed and his voice was somewhat excited.
In fact, the actual rolling speed of a steel rolling mill is very fast, excluding the preparation and heating time.
The first rolled steel plate was slowly sent out from the other end of the rolling mill and landed on the conveyor track.
After it cools down.
Chief Engineers Chen and Qin from Institute 701 led a group of technicians forward to conduct detailed measurements.
"The thickness error is no more than 0.1 mm, which fully meets the design standards!"
Chief Engineer Chen took the data book and quickly checked it.
"Pass! Completely pass!"
This deck steel plate, in terms of thickness, flatness, and alloy toughness, far exceeded our expectations!
"Patriotic comrade, the rolling mill you designed is truly a miracle!"
The leaders outside were all waiting, and upon hearing this, enthusiastic applause immediately erupted.
"Success!"
"We made it!"
All the engineers and technicians on site shouted excitedly.
The hard work of many days has finally paid off.
How could I not be excited?
How could I not be excited!
Among the crowd, the most excited was Zhao Qingyang from Jiangnan Shipyard.
"Comrades... those of us who work in shipbuilding are never most worried about blueprints and designs, but about production and manufacturing!"
We also want to build big ships, giant ships that can brave the wind and waves!
But... but we can't do it!
why?
"Because our steel plates are substandard, we can't build a hull that big!"
As he spoke, he became emotional, and his voice became hoarse.
"We once wanted to buy a rolling mill from Big Brother at a high price; we were even willing to sell everything we owned and offer an exorbitant price!"
But what about them? They won't sell to us!
I don't blame the older brother; after all, it was the core technology that he painstakingly developed.
I only hate that we're so useless; all I can think about is when we can develop it ourselves!
"But it was too difficult! It was really too difficult! Our Jiangnan Shipyard once joined forces with several heavy machinery factories."
They wanted to copy the rolling mill from Big Brother, but what happened?
It all failed!
Zhao Qingyang suddenly turned to look at Li Aiguo, his eyes filled with admiration: "Now it's great! Comrade Aiguo has developed a 100,000-ton steel rolling mill!"
I, Zhao Qingyang, am making this clear right here today!
With such a superior rolling mill, if our Jiangnan Shipyard still can't build a 10,000-ton giant ship, then I, Zhao Qingyang, am a son of a bitch!
By the end, Zhao Qingyang almost swore.
None of the leaders and experts present felt there was anything wrong with it; on the contrary, they all raised their hands again and applauded enthusiastically!
Some technicians even clapped their hands until they were red, but they were completely unaware of it.
At that moment, they felt as if a huge mountain had been lifted from their hearts.
This feeling is something that many people in later generations cannot understand; Li Aiguo could only feel it because he was in it.
After the applause subsided slightly...
Song, a senior leader from the First Ministry of Machine Building, spoke up: "Comrades! The 100,000-ton rolling mill project has been a complete success. This is a joyous and celebratory event!"
This is a significant milestone in the development of our heavy industry!
At this point, Leader Song changed the subject and loudly announced, "Here's the deal! Tonight, our First Ministry of Machine Building will host a celebratory banquet!"
Everyone here, please make sure to come over and have a couple of drinks!
However, considering that the rolling mill is currently carrying out a special military secret mission.
I hope everyone will keep their mouths shut and absolutely not leak a single word to the outside world!
After speaking, Leader Song glanced at Leader Teng, his eyes revealing a hint of smugness.
So, Lao Teng? You stole the limelight by announcing the launch, while my First Ministry of Machine Building took the spotlight by hosting the celebration banquet. We're even now, aren't we?
Seeing this, Li Aiguo chuckled to himself, thinking that these high-ranking leaders were just like mischievous children.
The leaders of several ministries are busy with heavy workloads.
Furthermore, the production of the warship decks that follow is a top-secret process, and unauthorized personnel should not linger there.
After confirming that the rolling mill was operating perfectly, the leaders left the factory area by car one after another.
Li Aiguo then officially began working on the construction of the deck.
With the blueprints in hand, and with the help of Chief Engineer Chen, Chief Engineer Qin, and experts like Zhao Qingyang, progress was very smooth.
I finished two pieces in just one afternoon.
Chief Engineer Chen tested the freshly made steel plates and exclaimed in amazement: "These are so perfect! Whether it's the flatness or the internal stress distribution, they're even more perfect than the decks of warships from our big brother country that I've seen before!"
“You’ve forgotten, the patriotic project resulted in a 100,000-ton steel rolling mill,” Zhao Qingyang said.
Chief Engineer Chen immediately understood that the principle of "a strong body is never a bad thing" also applies to the manufacturing industry.
"Maybe we can actually build a large aircraft carrier?"
During this period, when I was working with Li Aiguo.
Li Aiguo often discussed large aircraft carriers with him, and Chief Engineer Chen always thought the kid was just making things up, but now he saw a glimmer of hope.
Chief Engineer Chen also knew that aircraft carriers are crucial national assets, requiring not only a sturdy deck but also a powerful propulsion system, complex radar and electronic equipment, and precise arresting gear...
Our current success is merely the first step in a long march.
But this step was taken very steadily!
It was evening.
Li Aiguo, considering he would be attending a celebration banquet hosted by the Ministry of Machine Building that evening, went home early, intending to bring Chen Xueru with him.
This was personally instructed by Leader Teng.
Back to the courtyard house.
When Miss Chen heard that she was going to attend a celebratory banquet at the ministerial level, her beautiful eyes immediately curved into crescent moons.
She specially changed into a well-tailored blue Zhongshan suit and wore shiny leather shoes.
Li Aiguo pushed his motorcycle out the door, with Chen Xueru following briskly behind.
As soon as they arrived at the courtyard gate, Xu Damao approached them, his shifty eyes darting around as he inquired.
"Aiguo, I heard you tested that big rolling mill today? How did it go? Was it a success?"
"more or less."
Considering that the rolling mill was still a secret, Li Aiguo gave an ambiguous answer and left with Chen Xueru.
Xu Damao stood there, stroking his chin, watching the departing figure, and muttered to himself.
"Almost? That sounds a bit dubious."
"Is there even a question? It's definitely a failure!"
At this moment, Yi Zhonghai was pushed in by Qin Huairu, and said with a pout.
"If it really works out, wouldn't those people in the Ministry of Machine Building have already held a celebration party with gongs and drums?"
"Look at how patriotic he is, he's definitely coming back to get reinforcements or figure out a solution."
Xu Damao glanced at Yi Zhonghai and chuckled, "Oh, old man, your legs aren't very nimble, but your mind is quite quick."
But you still have the leisure to ponder this nonsense with me?
I just ran into Jia Zhangshi at the main gate. She was looking all over the street for you, asking where you were hiding!
Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai's good mood vanished instantly.
"Quickly, Huai Ru, push me inside! Hurry up!"
After the celebration banquet of the First Ministry of Machine Building.
The manufacturing of the deck and related components for the Type 65 corvette has officially entered a full-speed operation phase.
In the days that followed, Li Aiguo spent almost all his time in the technical discussion area, except for keeping an eye on the operation of the rolling mill (where there was plenty of high-quality tea in the conference room).
What he liked to do most was chat with Zhao Qingyang and other shipyard experts, as well as the technical masters from Institute 701.
The conversation was whimsical, but it always revolved around the word "boat".
It encompasses everything from small torpedo boats to ocean-going vessels of tens of thousands of tons, from deep-sea submarines to aircraft carriers.
"Aiguo, if you really want to build a large warship, I will definitely come to help you as soon as possible." The more Zhao Qingyang talked, the more he felt that Li Aiguo knew.
Zhao Qingyang was particularly stunned by Li Aiguo's predictions about the future development of naval vessels.
Currently, most shipbuilding experts, both domestically and internationally, still adhere to the "giant ships and big guns" mentality.
They were figuring out how to increase the caliber of the naval guns, extend their range, and increase their rate of fire.
Li Aiguo, however, believes that anti-ship missiles will be equipped first on large and medium-sized ships in the future, breaking the traditional pattern of fighting with artillery within visual range.
Twenty years from now, ship-to-air missiles and anti-submarine missiles will form a system, giving ships the ability to attack and defend beyond visual range.
Large-caliber naval guns will be relegated to a secondary role and will only be used for auxiliary purposes.
Furthermore, gaining air superiority is the key to victory, and we should vigorously develop aircraft carrier battle groups.
Zhao Qingyang was shocked by these forward-thinking ideas, but he could barely accept them.
However, when Li Aiguo mentioned that unmanned ships and even drones would change the landscape of warfare, the veteran shipbuilding expert shook his head and expressed his disagreement.
Take Xiaomei's jet-powered drone, Firebee, for example. Despite its speed, it's a complete idiot and can only be used as a target drone.
And our Beijing No. 5 can indeed take off remotely and complete maneuvers such as climbing, descending, circling, and landing at a fixed point.
But that's all.
Using drones to attack submarines, or even aircraft carriers, seems impossible just to think about.
Li Aiguo looked at Zhao Qingyang's stubborn and serious expression, smiled slightly, and did not offer any further explanation.
In the early days of computers, explaining concepts like integrated reconnaissance and strike systems or swarm tactics was indeed too difficult for our predecessors.
"Old Zhao, the development of technology has far exceeded our imagination."
When Li Aiguo saw that the new parts had been manufactured, he led Zong Xianfeng into the workshop.
Zhao Qingyang was left standing there, lost in thought.
"Are drones really that powerful?"
Yet, a strange sense of anticipation inexplicably rose within him.
While Li Aiguo was busy producing decks at the steel rolling mill,
Far across the ocean in North America, something related to him also happened.
Inside the private villa of the large rancher Hawkins.
The lights were on full display at this time.
Hundreds of large ranchers from surrounding states gathered together.
He was currently enjoying a hearty meal of roasted meat while swirling the wine in his glass, chatting enthusiastically about this year's harvest. "Those 'Patriotic No. 1' corn seeds are really good; this year our farm's harvest will double."
"Who says it isn't? This is the first time I've ever seen such a big corn cob."
"We really have to thank Hawkins this time."
"If it weren't for him leading the way in exposing the Venom Mountain Company's conspiracy, we'd probably still be suffering from those inferior seeds."
Just as everyone was discussing and the atmosphere was lively, the main door of the villa's hall was pushed open.
Hawkins, dressed in a suit, walked in with a young man who had an Asian appearance.
Upon seeing this Asian man, the previously noisy hall instantly quieted down.
Many farmers nodded in greeting, their eyes filled with genuine respect.
They all knew that Hawkins's comeback was entirely due to the advice and strategies of this young man named Chen Long.
More importantly, Chen Long was also involved in being able to purchase "Patriot No. 1" seeds from the far East.
Hawkins first smiled and hugged and thanked several old friends, then pointed to Chen Long beside him and said.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we've gathered here today not only to celebrate the harvest, but also because Mr. Chen Long has something important to discuss with you all, concerning the US dollars in your pockets."
The farmers sensed something was amiss, and their expressions turned serious.
Chen Long took a deep breath.
The plan Li Aiguo had drafted a while ago, titled "Rural Areas Reverse Urbanization: North American Version," flashed through his mind, and then he strode forward.
"Everyone, first of all, I would like to congratulate you all on having an unprecedentedly bumper harvest this year!"
"But before we raise our glasses in celebration, I want to ask you a very practical question."
Do you really think that the money we earn this year will increase because production has doubled?
Upon hearing this...
Many farmers were taken aback at first, then burst into laughter.
"Mr. Chen, that's a really funny question!"
More corn means more money to sell; isn't that a simple truth even a three-year-old knows?
"Yes, I've already planned it out. As soon as this batch of corn is sold, I'll buy two of the latest harvesters!"
"I plan to build a villa for my son."
Everyone chimed in with their own opinions, filled with optimism.
Just then.
An old farmer sitting in the corner suddenly spoke up.
"Everyone, think about it calmly. We've had good harvests before."
But what was the result? In the end, the profit we had left wasn't actually that much more.
These words were spoken.
The laughter at the scene stopped abruptly.
The farmers looked at each other, their expressions subtly changing as they recalled their past experiences.
Chen Long pressed his advantage and asked, "Don't you find this strange?"
Why is it that even though grain production has increased, your profits seem to have been stolen by vampires, stagnating or even shrinking?
"The four major grain traders have lowered their purchase prices."
"That's right, and those fertilizer and pesticide dealers too. Seeing that we're making money, they're raising their prices as well!"
“Mr. Chen, you’re right. I heard a while ago that because of this year’s bumper corn harvest, the four major grain traders are preparing to lower this year’s purchase guidance price.”
In this era, the four major grain merchants of Xiaomei's family had already formed.
They control acquisition points, warehousing, and railway transportation, and collude to suppress grades and prices.
"Really!" Chen Long asked again, "Then why do they dare to do this?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the scene fell silent.
The farmers were momentarily at a loss.
They are used to passively accepting prices and have never thought about the problem from this perspective.
"Yeah, why do they dare to directly lower the price?"
"Why don't I just not sell to them?"
"Hey buddy, if you don't sell, someone else will!"
As long as someone takes the lead in lowering prices, everyone will follow suit to cut their losses, ultimately benefiting those bloodsuckers.
"Get Granger to step in."
"Don't even mention that rotten organization! The current Granger has long since become the lackey of the four major grain merchants and Whitehouse. When have they ever spoken up for us, except for collecting membership fees?"
The Granger was the first farmers' organization established by Little Mei's family, originally intended to combat the high prices of rail transport.
However, since its establishment, the organization has become dispensable due to its loose structure.
“Since Granger is no longer useful and no longer on your side, why not form a new association?” Chen Long said.
At this point, Hawkins, seeing that the situation was about right, spoke up.
"Fellow farmers! Life is getting harder and harder for us farmers."
He worked hard to harvest more grain, hoping to give his wife and children a better life.
In the end, it was all taken advantage of by those big shots sitting in air-conditioned offices!
We can't go on like this; we need to unite!
"Therefore, I suggest that we formally establish the 'New Agricultural Mutual Aid Association' right here today!"
The members of the association are like brothers; we must stick together, support each other, and fight against the four major grain merchants!
As he said this, Hawkins gave his attendant a wink, who then distributed the association's bylaws that had been prepared beforehand.
The farmers took it and were stunned when they saw it.
"Association members must act in unison and never sell grain to outsiders without authorization!"
"We will never sell at low prices or engage in malicious bidding for any reason. Anyone who dares to offer discounts privately to disrupt the overall grain price is the enemy of all association members!"
"Agricultural machinery, tools, and labor are allocated among themselves, with priority given to assisting disaster-stricken and struggling farms."
"We will promote the use of superior varieties such as 'Patriotic No. 1' in a unified manner, apply fertilizers rationally, and work together to prevent and control pests and diseases to continuously increase yield per unit area."
The charter is very detailed, taking into account everything from grain prices to production.
That's right, this was the plan that Li Aiguo devised based on the situation of the commune and the reality of Xiao Mei's family farm.
Although the regulations did not specify concrete penalties, these farmers, who grew up in the wilderness, understood the implications perfectly.
The farm is cluttered with miscellaneous items, and the weather is dry, so fires or explosions are common occurrences.
As for why the explosion occurred, even Foley couldn't find out.
"I think this plan is good!"
"I'd join too! Damn it, I've had enough of those vampires!"
These farmers were like children who had been wandering for a long time and had finally found a home.
Having been bullied enough by capital giants over the years, they were excited and applauded when they saw someone willing to take the lead.
Next came the election of the association's leadership, with Hawkins, as the association's founder, becoming chairman.
Chen Long was elected as the association's secretary-general.
He will be responsible for specific coordination, liaison, and task handling.
In Li Aiguo's vision, this position was actually the party whip of the association, the one who truly held the power of execution.
Standing on the stage, Chen Long looked at the excited and enthusiastic faces below and couldn't help but sigh.
This move by Patriot is likely to keep North American grain giants up at night.
The birth of the New Agriculture Association quickly attracted the attention of Xiaomeijia Media.
You should know that there are all sorts of associations in Xiaomei's family.
For example, labor unions have considerable power, and now a new agricultural mutual aid association has emerged.
What makes the media and certain organizations most uneasy is...
Surprisingly, a young Asian face appeared in the core of this association.
While the media was still only speculating and paying attention, the four major grain traders in North America were absolutely furious.
The first thing the New Agricultural Mutual Aid Association did after its establishment was to negotiate with the four major grain merchants about the purchase price of grain.
The reception room of Hawkins Villa was filled with smoke.
"Gentlemen, times have changed. Thirty percent. This year's grain purchase price must be increased by thirty percent compared to last year."
Hawkins, with a cigar in his mouth, looked at the representatives of the four major grain merchants with great satisfaction.
The representative's eyes widened: "Thirty percent?! Hawkins, are you insane? Or are you delusional? This is absolutely impossible!"
"That's fine with me. Anyway, our association has already reached a consensus."
If we can't agree on a price, our grain will rot in the warehouse or be used to feed pigs; we won't sell a single grain to you.
The delegates were so angry they wanted to tear up the price list on the spot.
However, the current situation is extremely unfavorable for grain merchants.
They have received a huge order from Xiao Ou's family, and the contract is about to expire.
If they can't produce the food, the penalty for breach of contract will be enough to cripple them.
The four major grain merchants were certainly not to be trifled with. When commercial tactics failed, they immediately turned to the "political route."
Soon, the bigwigs of the four major grain merchants rushed to President Kenneth's side and complained.
They denounced the New Agriculture Association as thuggish and strongly demanded that the President abolish it.
President Ken didn't take it seriously at first.
He immediately contacted people in the agricultural department, intending to teach these farmers a lesson and tell them "stop messing around."
However, shortly after the call was made, President Kenneth received a call from the Congressman.
"Boss, you absolutely must not mess with those farm owners!"
They've completely coordinated their efforts!
My constituency office just received thousands of calls.
The farmers made it clear: anyone who dared to oppose the association would have their votes cast entirely for your competitor!
"Yes, boss, several big farm owners just warned us directly."
"If we're not on their side, we should get out of the constituency now!"
Before President Ken could process this news, the Peanut Village police department called again.
"Something's wrong, boss!"
Those farmers... they came in tractors!
Thousands upon thousands of tractors are heading this way, saying they want to come and visit!
Upon hearing this, President Ken panicked.
He clearly remembered what happened during the last attack on Peanut Village by the farmers.
President Ken turned his head and looked at the representatives of the four major grain merchants who were still waiting in the office. The smile on his face vanished instantly.
"Gentlemen, I think you've misunderstood something. Is it easy for farmers to work so hard to grow a little food?"
They are the cornerstone!
"You deliberately drove down the purchase price for your own exorbitant profits. I find this behavior highly problematic! Absolutely problematic!"
The representatives of the four major grain merchants were completely dumbfounded.
That's a really fast change of expression!
However, the necessary food still needs to be purchased.
In particular, the other party set the grain price so cunningly that it left just enough room for a tiny profit.
When the news reached the headquarters of the New Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, cheers erupted at the scene.
Hawkins patted Chen Long on the shoulder heavily: "Mr. Chen, you are simply a genius sent by God!"
Are you really not going to consider my suggestion?
My two daughters admire you greatly, and I would give them both to you in marriage!
Chen Long looked at the two burly girls, each 1.8 meters tall and weighing 180 pounds, who were capable of flipping over calves with their bare hands.
His lips twitched involuntarily, and he politely declined with a dry laugh.
At night, an encrypted radio wave was emitted from the association's headquarters, crossed the ocean, and flew towards the port city.
Yang Jizong was also stunned by the contents of the telegram after receiving it.
"I never expected... that the Patriot Brothers' plan would actually succeed."
“Yes, I used to think that plan was just empty talk,” Butler Bai sighed repeatedly.
When Li Aiguo proposed to establish a new association in Xiaomei's home, Yang Jizong felt that Li Aiguo's ambition was too great.
Over the years, in order to deal with the Russians, the American family has been investigated very thoroughly by F.B. and Langley, and has caused quite a few incidents.
"I have to tell Aiguo this good news right away; he must be waiting for it."
Watching Yang Jizong rush off to make a phone call, Butler Bai stroked his chin.
He found himself increasingly unable to understand Li Aiguo.
If the goal is simply to earn foreign exchange, wouldn't it be easier to partner with grain merchants to sell seeds at high prices?
What kind of game is Li Aiguo playing by going to such great lengths to organize the farm owners?
At this moment, Li Aiguo was in the guesthouse of Jiangnan Shipyard.
After several days of hard work, the first batch of specially made decks was finally manufactured. The rest was just mechanical work, which could be done by following the blueprints.
Li Aiguo and Zhao Qingyang then returned to the shipyard together and officially began the integrated manufacturing project for the Type 65 frigate.
Just as she was about to answer the phone, Chen Xueru quickly called out to the children who were playing inside.
"Xiao Hongsheng, Xiao Dongfang, Mingwei, Miaomiao, stop fooling around. Daddy needs to take an important call. Let's go out and play first."
That's right, Li Aiguo also brought Chen Xueru and the children.
Since the children are on holiday now, I promised Zhao Miaomiao that I would take her on a trip.
What could be more joyful for children than the seaside?
Wait until the door closes.
Li Aiguo then picked up the phone.
"Patriotism, the New Agricultural Mutual Aid Association has been established, and the four major grain merchants have already made concessions."
Hearing the voice coming from the phone, Li Aiguo gave a crooked smile.
The layout of Xiaomei's house has finally entered the next stage.
(End of this chapter)