Chapter 1330
Pictorial: The Russian Empire Undergoes a Major Change, the Queen's Envoy Arrives,
After returning from the Flight Academy, Li Aiguo took a vacation.
The manufacturing of the subsequent ground training system was entrusted to Zong Xianfeng.
Now that Dasha is pregnant, Zong Xianfeng is even more energetic than before, so Li Aiguo simply lets him do whatever he wants.
What did Li Aiguo do by himself?
Upon returning home, he immediately went to his study to fulfill his promise to Old Qin.
For someone who has drawn comic strips, drawing some popular science books about aerospace is really too easy.
Chen Xueru saw Li Aiguo bring out a thick stack of drawing paper.
Holding a pen, I sketched those childish... no, cute airplane shapes on it, and couldn't help but feel a little curious.
"Brother Aiguo, what's the point of drawing this? Isn't it just a waste of paper?"
Li Aiguo smiled and put down his pen, then casually pulled the young girl, Xiao Chen, into his arms and pointed to the pattern on the drawing paper.
"This is not a waste of paper. It is a popular science book on aerospace. It can teach children about airplanes, rockets, and outer space."
"Wow, it's that useful? Can I help too?" Miss Chen is now a mother of three.
Upon hearing that this was something for children, her maternal instincts kicked in, and she was eager to try it out.
Many hands make light work, and besides, Miss Chen really does know how to draw airplanes...
Li Aiguo naturally wouldn't refuse his wife's kindness, and nodded with a smile in agreement.
If you have the content planned out in your mind beforehand, it's very easy to draw.
In his previous life, Li Aiguo had seen many similar popular science pictorials. With the help of Miss Chen, the first picture book was completed quickly.
The picture book is called "Young Eagle Pictorial," and it is hand-drawn, full of childlike fun and easy-to-understand popular science knowledge.
Looking at the bound magazines on the table, Chen Xueru's eyes were full of admiration.
Chen Xueru was very satisfied with Li Aiguo, a man who could accomplish great things outside and create such childlike picture books at home.
Chen Xueru took the pictorial to the tailor shop like a precious treasure, showing it off to Chen Fangxuan. "This is a patriotic pictorial newly drawn by my family."
Chen Fangxuan, an old tailor, had no idea about this, but looking at the colorful patterns in the magazine and his daughter's proud expression, he beamed with joy and nodded in approval.
When Chen Xueru returned home excitedly, someone was even more excited than her: the three siblings, Xiao Hongsheng, Xiao Dongfang, and Xiao Mingwei.
The three siblings were overjoyed when they received the magazine and immediately ran out to share it with their friends in the compound.
"This painting is really good!" Nan Xiaoying's eyes lit up.
“That’s right, it was drawn by my dad.” Xiao Hongsheng proudly raised his head.
Yi Zhonghai was just coming in from outside, limping and using crutches.
Hearing the children cheer, he went closer to take a look and immediately curled his lip.
"Li Aiguo is such a slacker, spending all his time at home drawing children's toys. Doesn't he feel ashamed?" he muttered sarcastically.
Before he finished speaking, Xu Damao came out of the house.
"Hey grandpa, what's wrong? You're much better now, you don't need to sit in a wheelchair anymore, but you can't keep your mouth shut again."
Yi Zhonghai was so angry at being confronted that his face turned red and his neck became thick.
They could only turn around and go back inside.
An older woman noticed that he wasn't behaving properly and asked him a few questions.
“Li Aiguo wastes paper every day, drawing children’s toys. I just said a few words casually, and that bastard Xu Damao jumped out and bit me!”
Yi Zhonghai is still angry.
"I just didn't want to see Li Aiguo waste national resources; I meant well!"
"Sigh, old man, forget it, forget it. Let's just live our lives peacefully and not provoke Li Aiguo."
An older woman tried to persuade Yi Zhonghai.
"I'll tolerate it this time and wait for Sha Zhu to come out."
At this point, Yi Zhonghai looked at the older woman and asked, "Have you gone to see Sha Zhu in the fence area recently?"
"I went there, and Sha Zhu is in pretty good condition."
"That's good." Yi Zhonghai's lips curled into a sinister smile.
Once Sha Zhu comes out and has this knife, we'll let Li Aiguo take a good look at it.
"Old woman, stop fussing. Go cook a bowl of noodles and take it to the deaf old lady's house. I think her health is getting worse and worse."
"I understand." The older woman, knowing that Yi Zhonghai intended to seize the deaf old lady's property, sighed and went to get busy.
Li Aiguo was naturally unaware of the messy things that had happened in the courtyard.
Even if he knew, he wouldn't care at all.
Because at this time, he had already arrived at the editorial office of the "Comic Strip Pictorial" magazine.
He Yunshan, who has now been promoted to senior editor, was overjoyed to see Li Aiguo and quickly came to greet him.
"Teacher Li, why did you come all the way here in person!"
People working in the cultural field these days have a habit of respectfully addressing anyone, regardless of their profession, as long as they have some education in this field, as "teacher."
Li Aiguo, who previously created "Kung Fu Panda," became a sensation across the country, and in He Yunshan's eyes, he was a true cultural figure.
Li Aiguo was still a little uncomfortable being called a teacher when he was just a train driver.
"Ahem, Lao He, just call me Aiguo (Patriot), don't call me 'Teacher,' it sounds awkward."
"You're too kind." As he spoke, He Yunshan poured tea, and even specially added West Lake Longjing tea.
Li Aiguo took a sip and said, "Old He, I've come here today with a manuscript that I'd like you to take a look at."
"Oh, you've released a new work."
He Yunshan became excited.
Ever since the publication of "Kung Fu Panda," the magazine publisher had been trying to get Li Aiguo to draw a new one, but Li Aiguo declined.
The works presented this time are definitely top-notch.
However, when he received the pictorial with great anticipation and saw the childish and rounded airplanes and rockets on it, the smile on He Yunshan's face froze.
"Teacher Li, this is too childish... No, I mean, this kind of book is for very young children. Our publishing house hasn't published many of these before, so the target audience is too narrow. I don't think the sales will be high."
He Yunshan said with some difficulty.
“Sales volume doesn’t matter. I’m just thinking that we lack this kind of educational pictorial right now,” Li Aiguo explained his thoughts.
After listening, He Yunshan nodded thoughtfully, then looked down and flipped through the magazine in his hand.
Although the art style is childish, the scientific knowledge inside is explained in a simple and easy-to-understand way. Even he, an adult, found it quite interesting and couldn't help but want to watch it all in one go.
"Okay, I'll talk to the editor-in-chief."
After handing the task over to He Yunshan, Li Aiguo rode his motorcycle back to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot workshop.
The workshop. In fact, the entire Qianmen Locomotive Depot is extremely busy, with people working overtime almost every night, though they take turns.
With the end of the year fast approaching and winter just around the corner, the most pressing task is to expedite the transport of coal and other winter supplies from other regions to ensure heating for the residents of Beijing.
The locomotive depot's transportation tasks also became heavier.
Of course, besides coal transportation, the most important reason for working overtime was to rush to complete the export order for the "Great Cross-Country".
It turns out that when the Grand Off-Road was first launched in North America, sales were mediocre.
Because of the joint boycott by the three major local automakers, its market share is far behind that of Xiao'ou's hometown.
Since the establishment of the agricultural association, large off-road vehicles have become standard equipment for farmers, gradually creating a trend and increasing sales several times over.
Now, all factories capable of manufacturing spare parts have participated, and the parts are produced according to the most stringent manufacturing processes.
Once this institutional advantage of concentrating resources to accomplish major tasks is brought into play...
Soon, the terrifying industrial strength we have accumulated over the years will finally unleash its terrifying power!
As the chief supervisor of the Qianmen Locomotive Depot, Section Chief Xing was extremely busy.
Upon seeing Li Aiguo return, he simply greeted him and then went to coordinate production work.
Li Aiguo smiled and shook his head, pushing his motorcycle back to his own studio, where he continued to focus on the transport aircraft project.
After a busy afternoon, just as I was about to leave work, I received a call from Lao Mao: "Aiguo, you need to come to the weather station right now, and be quick!"
Judging from Lao Mao's tone, Li Aiguo knew something was wrong and rode his motorcycle straight to the weather station.
Sure enough, the atmosphere at the weather station was completely different from usual.
In the corridor, meteorologists carrying urgent telegrams hurried back and forth, each with a serious expression on their face.
Li Aiguo walked quickly to the end of the corridor and pushed open the door to the farmer's office.
The office was filled with smoke. Apart from the farmer, several key leaders of the weather station were present, their brows furrowed.
"report!"
Just as Li Aiguo was finding a seat, a telegraph operator pushed open the door and strode in, placing the latest telegram on the farmer's table.
"Just received a telegram. It's confirmed in Moscow that Marshal Medal is up to something!"
The farmer stubbed out his cigarette, quickly glanced at the telegram, then pointed at Li Aiguo, gesturing for him to sit down first.
Then, the farmer looked around at the leaders present and asked in a deep voice, "The news just now has been confirmed once again: things are about to change in the Russian country."
The newly appointed one is very likely to be this medal-winning marshal.
What are your thoughts on this?
As soon as he finished speaking, the previously oppressive office suddenly became lively.
You should know that the Korean emperor and we don't have a good relationship. He has done a lot of things that are disloyal and treacherous.
Now that everyone hears that the Korean emperor is going to step down, they must be happy and want to raise their hands and applaud in celebration.
"This is a good thing! With the Korean emperor out of power, our pressure will be less."
Several leaders expressed optimistic views.
Seeing Li Aiguo sitting there silently, the farmer asked, "What's wrong, Aiguo? You don't seem optimistic."
“Teacher, it’s not that I’m pessimistic, but I feel that no matter who comes to power, it’s impossible for things to be as good as they used to be.” As soon as Li Aiguo spoke, the atmosphere in the room became serious.
Several staff officers wanted to stand up and refute him, after all, Li Aiguo's words had already gone too far.
The farmer was taken aback for a moment. He knew very well the relationship between Li Aiguo and Andrei, and that Andrei was very close to the soon-to-be-appointed Marshal of Medals.
At this moment, Li Aiguo should have been overjoyed.
The farmer grunted, raised his hand and waved it to stop the advisors who wanted to object, his eyes fixed on Li Aiguo.
"Patriotism, please continue. Why do you have this judgment?"
Li Aiguo took a deep breath and said what he could say: "Teacher, what the elder brother needs is an obedient younger brother, a younger brother who can be ordered around at any time."
However, our size and personality determine that it is impossible for us to do this.
No one else is likely to believe us.
After saying that, Li Aiguo added, "Your position determines your perspective. Once a medal marshal sits in the position of a medal emperor, he is no longer a medal marshal, but a medal emperor."
After he finished speaking, the scene fell silent.
The farmer nodded approvingly; Li Aiguo's thoughts coincided with those of the person above.
"Your position determines your perspective. It's interesting that the Marshal, who is not an emperor, has such a patriotic view. Let's stop here for today and I'll go give a report."
The farmer stood up and left in a hurry.
Li Aiguo also knew that what he said today was a bit out of line.
Some people still harbor unrealistic fantasies about Big Brother, believing that changing the leader will bring things back to normal.
Such illusions could very well lead to huge losses in the future.
Just like in later generations, some people harbor fantasies about the other side of the ocean, believing that the other side will help them live a good life.
Haven't you heard the saying?
If billions of people lived like the families of Xiaomei and the kangaroo, it would be a catastrophe that the Earth could not afford.
These words sound inhuman, like something a human would say, but they truly reflect the arrogance and thoughts of those people.
In their eyes, the Earth's resources are limited; if you eat one more bite, I have to eat one less bite.
Therefore.
Those small-scale officials, like those with big sticks, can be tolerated and allowed to follow behind and share the scraps as long as they are obedient and do their bidding.
We are so big that just standing up would instill fear in everyone!
If we want to live a good life and not be bullied, we can't rely on anyone's charity; we can only rely on ourselves!
In fact, those above must be aware of these things as well.
Li Aiguo still had to speak out to express his attitude.
Sometimes, attitude is very important.
It was late at night when I left the weather station and returned to the courtyard house. A yellow light was still shining from the windows in the backyard.
It was obvious that Ms. Chen hadn't rested yet.
Li Aiguo quickened his pace and pushed open the door. Night was deepening.
The events that happened at the eldest brother's house were the same as in the original timeline.
The lengthy speech was published on the front page of Moscow's most authoritative newspaper.
It's obviously aimed at the younger brother.
Interestingly, this newspaper was delivered by Andrei through a trading company.
Along with the newspaper came a letter with only one line: "Our brotherhood will last forever."
Li Aiguo smiled as he looked at the words.
He completely believed Andrei's words.
After all, Andrei's trading company and Li Aiguo's Qianmen Studio are now firmly bound together by interests.
No matter how the situation changes, this point will not change.
"It seems like it won't be long before Big Brother starts flexing his muscles."
Li Aiguo casually finished reading the newspaper, then threw it into the brazier next to him and burned it to ashes.
He stood up, stretched comfortably, pushed open the door, and walked around the transport aircraft manufacturing workshop.
Chief Engineer Qi and Anna were both extremely busy.
The transport plane's engines have been installed, and the internal piping is now being connected.
Judging from this progress, we can start final assembly as soon as the fuselage section from the out-of-town factory arrives.
Li Aiguo stepped forward and was chatting with Chief Engineer Qi about optimizing the pipeline layout when Section Chief Xing hurriedly came running over from outside the workshop gate.
"Patriotism, Yang Jizong is here."
"In my office?" Li Aiguo had received a call from Yang Jizong before and knew that he was coming to the mainland soon.
"They didn't go to your office, they went straight to the section's main conference room! Besides Yang Jizong, they were accompanied by a blonde, blue-eyed foreign girl. Even the leaders of the foreign affairs department came to accompany them! Apparently, they were there to discuss a major cooperation."
Section Chief Xing spoke up.
Li Aiguo was also somewhat surprised when he heard the news.
Accompanied by foreign affairs officials? That's quite a high-level arrangement. And there's a foreign girl with her? What country is she from?
However, Li Aiguo didn't think much of it; he would know when they met.
So, Li Aiguo followed Section Chief Xing into the conference room.
When Li Aiguo pushed open the door and saw the foreign girl sitting on the sofa, he immediately smiled.
"Oh, it's Ms. Adele!"
Indeed, the elegant and noble blonde sitting next to Yang Jizong was none other than Yang Jizong's famous Duchess girlfriend, Adele.
Adele changed her usual elaborate and gorgeous aristocratic attire today, opting instead for a more appropriate and simple Zhongshan suit, which made her look much more capable.
“Patriotism, Adele is here on behalf of the Queen,” Yang Jizong stood up and introduced.
After greeting him, Adele took out the gift that the Queen had given to Li Aiguo.
This is a silver cigarette case with a distinctly classic British style.
The workmanship is extremely exquisite, with a complex relief carving technique on the surface, engraved with the classic coat of arms of St. George slaying the dragon, and the exclusive emblem of the Queen's coronation in the corner.
Upon opening it, one would find that it even contained a seal with the Queen's exclusive wax seal.
"In addition, this brooch was specially instructed by Her Majesty the Queen to be given to your wife, Madam Chen Xueru." Adele then had a velvet box delivered.
Li Aiguo didn't mince words and opened it right in front of everyone.
Gifts received in diplomatic settings, even down to the smallest detail like a thread inside, must be handed over and recorded. Hiding them would only arouse suspicion.
Inside is a sterling silver brooch, engraved with the coat of arms of the House of Windsor, the Tudor rose, and the St. George's Cross, with the Queen's monogram initials EIIR engraved on the back.
Li Aiguo didn't feel anything special about these shiny aristocratic gadgets; he thought they were just handicrafts.
The leaders of the foreign affairs department looked somewhat horrified.
It's important to know that the Queen has a particular way of giving gifts; these items may not seem expensive, but they convey a sense of intimacy.
Of course, the foreign affairs leaders were also aware that Adele's connection was definitely at play.
Adele is, after all, the daughter of a duke. Once she officially marries Yang Jizong in the future, in the Queen's eyes, Yang Jizong and his business partners will be considered "half of her own people" to some extent.
This is one of the reasons why the Queen made an exception and appointed Adele, a noblewoman who did not yet hold a formal official position, as a special envoy.
“The gift is exquisite, I like it very much. Please convey my sincerest gratitude to Her Majesty the Queen.” Li Aiguo accepted the gift with a smile.
The reason Li Aiguo did not refuse was that Adele's presence here before the two families had established a formal relationship must have been tacitly approved by higher authorities.
Sure enough, as soon as Li Aiguo sat down in the main seat, the leader of the foreign affairs department couldn't wait to set the tone.
"Comrade Patriot, Comrade Yang Jizong has just briefed us on the general situation. Ms. Adele has come all this way on behalf of the Queen to discuss a very important cooperation."
Li Aiguo turned to look at Adele, pretending to listen attentively.
Adele smiled and nodded: "There are two main things. One is to help customize a private jet."
"An airplane?" Li Aiguo was stunned.
"Here's the thing, we've already equipped John Bull's supercar club with a small plane. When the Prince saw it, he thought it was very good—high quality, safe, and beautiful—so he's thinking of buying one," Yang Jizong explained.
The prince is naturally the queen's husband.
This prince is truly a winner in life.
Originally just a down-on-his-luck prince from a bankrupt country, he ended up marrying into the world's most prestigious royal family thanks to his good looks, thus reaching the pinnacle of his life.
However, the prince's gossip had absolutely nothing to do with Li Aiguo; all he could think about right now was orders!
"If it's something like a small airplane, we can help manufacture it, but what are your specific requirements?"
"Her Majesty the Queen and His Highness the Prince were very satisfied with the bulletproof vehicle you previously built for her."
Therefore, His Highness said that the design and configuration of this private jet are entirely up to you; we are only responsible for paying for it.
Adele laughed.
Li Aiguo readily agreed.
If you can get some good materials and put them on the small plane, you can increase the price by at least ten times, and you can also advertise. Why not?
Seeing that the first matter had been settled, Yang Jizong's expression became slightly more serious, and he spoke again.
"Patriotism, the second thing is about our large off-road vehicle manufacturing."
"Our current order volume for large SUVs is quite alarming, and other international automakers have not yet come up with a solution."
"Several established European manufacturers have experienced a sharp decline in sales, even to the point where price reductions haven't attracted buyers. Therefore, John Bull wants to introduce our off-road vehicle manufacturing technology."
Li Aiguo frowned: "Sell technology?"
Yang Jizong shook his head: "It's not just about selling technology. Their proposal is that we can build a factory directly on their side."
However, to appease the local unions and balance the interests of all parties, it would be best to partner with a local John Bull automaker to build the factory.
Upon hearing this, Li Aiguo chuckled to himself, realizing that this was just like the Sino-foreign joint ventures of later generations!
In the early stages of our economic development, foreign manufacturers set their sights on our market, providing technology and some capital in return. We provided factories and markets for production, and then shared the profits.
But now, the situation has completely reversed!
We provide the technology and funding, while the Bulls provide the market.
“Now that those nearly bankrupt car manufacturers owned by John Bull have started causing trouble, we should prepare in advance,” Yang Jizong added.
Li Aiguo remained silent until Adele asked, "Her Majesty praised Advisor Li's car highly. You must have had a lot of work to do to help build this private jet. Her Majesty asked me to inquire with Advisor Li if there's anything he likes."
Adele didn't really understand Li Aiguo's so-called "advisor" position in China, even though Yang Jizong had explained it to her before.
As a foreigner, she couldn't understand the extent of the power behind this.
"That's alright." Li Aiguo had originally wanted to suggest bringing over the antiques from the British Museum, but after thinking about it, he decided against it.
Firstly, if you ask for something in your personal capacity, people will at most give you a few measly items, and you won't be able to take many.
Secondly, I can just pick it up myself when I have time.
Especially since the two companies haven't officially established a relationship yet, even the authorities can't come forward.
"Comrade Aiguo, if you have any opinions, you can raise them directly." Upon hearing this, the person from the foreign affairs department said to Li Aiguo with a smile.
"I will follow the organization's arrangements and have no personal requests." Li Aiguo was determined not to express his opinion on this matter.
Li Aiguo agreed with the idea of Sino-foreign joint ventures, but it involved the overall situation and the relationship with the John Bull family, so he couldn't be the one to give the approval.
Seeing Li Aiguo's obedient attitude in following orders, the leaders of the foreign affairs department seemed to understand something.
This kid was unwilling to overstep his bounds at this time.
The leader nodded approvingly and said, "Alright, in that case, let's report this matter in detail first, and then we'll have a formal discussion after the higher-ups have reviewed it."
After the business was concluded, the leaders of the foreign affairs department left with their entourage.
After the leader left, Yang Jizong and Adele followed Li Aiguo out of the conference room, and their demeanor instantly changed.
"Sorry, Patriot Brother. I didn't inform you in advance about this trip to Beijing. The main reason is that Adele came here secretly with the Queen's orders, which is taken very seriously by the higher-ups. To avoid any negative impact, they didn't let me contact anyone casually," Yang Jizong said with a smile.
Adele also sincerely expressed her apology in somewhat broken Chinese.
"I understand, I understand, there's nothing to apologize for," Li Aiguo waved his hand, indicating that he didn't care at all.
Like the Medal Emperor, Adele, in this position, is no longer herself; she has her family behind her.
"It's nothing," Li Aiguo said with a smile. "When are you two planning to get married?"
"I guess it'll be soon. You know, my dad has been urging me several times, but I think I'm still young." Yang Jizong laughed heartily.
When the topic of marriage and having children came up, even the usually poised and elegant Adele blushed slightly.
"Since you're already here, come on over. You've come all this way, come to my house and try some home-cooked food!"
Li Aiguo greeted them warmly.
Then.
Li Aiguo took Yang Jizong and Adele back to the courtyard house. Yang Jizong was a familiar face, having visited several times before, so the residents of the courtyard didn't seem to mind.
Seeing Adele's blonde hair and blue eyes, I was also a little curious.
After all, although an Indian princess came last time, she didn't look like a European.
The crowd didn't gather around like they were watching a monkey; they just whispered among themselves.
This foreign girl is really tall! She looks to be over 1.8 meters tall, a good half a head taller than Yang Jizong!
Chen Xueru now has experience in receiving foreign guests, so she invited Nan Yi to prepare a sumptuous and authentic Beijing-style dinner.
Home-style dishes: stir-fried pork, braised tofu, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and a jar of wine.
This wine is naturally the Spirit Turtle Spreading Its Power Wine.
By giving Yang Jizong this drink, Li Aiguo was quietly contributing to the Yang family's hope of having many children and for the old man to hold his grandson soon.
The meal was a pleasant one for both the host and guests.
Two days later, Yang Jizong and Adele left the capital with their initial intentions.
After patiently waiting for a few more days, Li Aiguo finally received the official decision document from above.
That is, agreeing to let Hextech and the John Bull family jointly build a car manufacturing plant.
Furthermore, the document also included another major decision.
We agree to sell a large quantity of the latest 32-spindle cotton spinning machines to John Bull through Hextech's commercial channels!
Upon seeing the following instruction, Li Aiguo was somewhat stunned.
It was only later that I learned from Lao Mao that at the port city cotton textile conference six months ago, a manufacturer from John Bull had already set its sights on cotton spinning machines.
In this era, the John Bull family, once a textile industry giant, was facing problems such as aging equipment in its domestic textile industry, which was severely impacted by emerging markets and urgently needed industrial upgrading.
The two sides had actually met privately several times, but due to various factors, nothing came of it and the talks fell through.
This time, with Queen's special envoy Adele personally involved, and Hextech also participating, it's a perfect opportunity to further strengthen the relationship.
On Monday morning, Li Aiguo got up early. Since the beginning of winter, the sky over Beijing had been gray and gloomy.
In later generations, this would definitely be considered severe smog.
There's nothing we can do about it. The main problem is that more and more factories are being built around Beijing, many of which are heavy industrial plants with tall chimneys.
What happened during the industrialization period was something no one could avoid.
After the meeting, Li Aiguo first went to the transport aircraft manufacturing workshop and announced the top-secret mission of building a special plane for the Queen.
As soon as he finished speaking, a thunderous cheer erupted throughout the workshop!
After all, being able to manufacture private jets for the royal families of established capitalist countries is definitely an affirmation of their front-door manufacturing capabilities!
"What color scheme should we choose for the private jet?" Li Aiguo looked out the window.
(End of this chapter)