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That night, everyone went to bed early.

With the food and supplies problem resolved, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and a wave of fatigue washed over them.

At this moment, the canteen was quiet, with only the occasional crackling of the stove fire.

Unable to sleep, Qin Xuemei put on her cotton coat and tiptoed to the nursery.

Surprisingly, Suning was also there.

"Deputy Director Su, you're still awake?" Qin Xuemei asked, somewhat surprised.

"I couldn't sleep, so I came to check on Miao," Su Ning said. "Why are you out here too?"

“I can’t sleep either.” Qin Xuemei walked over and squatted down by the nursery. “Deputy Director Su, I’d like to have a talk with you.”

"What to talk about?"

"Let's talk about you," Qin Xuemei said, mustering her courage. "I've always been curious, why did you come to Saihanba? With your qualifications and abilities, you could have easily stayed in the province, or even worked in a ministry. Why did you come to this poor place to suffer?"

Su Ning was silent for a moment, then said, "Let me tell you a story."

"it is good."

“When I was fighting in Korea, I was on a reconnaissance mission. It was winter, colder than now. Our squad of ten men lay in the snow for three days and three nights. Several of us suffered frostbite, and one comrade lost a toe to frostbite, but he didn’t utter a sound.”

Su Ning's voice was calm, but Qin Xuemei listened very attentively.

"The final mission was completed, and we withdrew to the rear. We passed through a bombed-out village and saw an old North Korean woman digging through the ruins. We asked her what she was digging for, and she said she was digging for tree seeds. She said, 'Houses can be rebuilt after they're bombed, and people can be reborn after they die, but if a tree dies, everything is gone.'"

“We helped her dig up all the tree seeds and filled a sack. As we were leaving, the old woman held my hand and said, ‘Young man, after the war is over, come home and plant trees. Trees are the root of life; without trees, there is no life.’”

Su Ning paused for a moment, then said, "I'll remember those words for the rest of my life."

Qin Xuemei's eyes reddened. "So you came to Saihanba?"

“Yes, but not entirely,” Su Ning said. “After returning to China, I originally planned to stay in Beijing. But during a meeting, I heard about Saihanba, a 1.4 million mu desert that was once a royal garden, but was ruined by the Manchus and invaders. I thought, if we could turn this desert back into an oasis, what a great deed that would be!”

"So you asked to come here on your own initiative?"

“Yes.” Su Ning nodded. “The organization disagreed, saying that I had made meritorious contributions and should be given a better position. But I insisted and came in the end.”

Qin Xuemei looked at Su Ning with great admiration.

Not everyone can give up a comfortable life to come to such a harsh place.

"Then... what about the full-light seedling cultivation method?" Qin Xuemei asked again. "Why are you so insistent on this method? Even we professionals say it won't work, so why do you still believe it can succeed?"

Su Ning laughed, "You don't really think I'm incredibly stupid, do you?"

"do not know."

"Actually, your methods have already proven that so-called science doesn't work," Su Ning said bluntly. "Feng Cheng spent three years in Bashang planting trees using your methods, how many of them survived? You've been here for half a year, planting trees using your own methods, how many of those survived?"

Qin Xuemei blushed.

Indeed, the survival rate of the trees they planted was pitifully low.

“I’m not criticizing you,” Su Ning said. “I’m saying that since the old way doesn’t work, we have to find a new way. The full-light seedling cultivation method is the new way I found.”

"But this method is theoretically impossible!" Qin Xuemei still didn't understand.

“The theory is for plains areas,” Su Ning said. “Saihanba is a plateau desert with special conditions, so the theory cannot be applied directly. I have checked the data, and some arid areas in the Northwest use full-light seedling cultivation, which has good results.”

"But the conditions in those places aren't exactly the same as in Saihanba!"

"So I'm making improvements." Su Ning pointed to the nursery. "Look at these seedlings, why are some dead and some alive?"

Qin Xuemei shook her head.

"Because seeds themselves vary in strength," Su Ning explained. "Strong seeds can adapt to strong light, drought, and low temperatures. Weak seeds cannot adapt and will die. My method is actually helping you to screen and eliminate the weak seedlings in the nursery."

Qin Xuemei was stunned.

“You used to cultivate seedlings at the foot of the dam, where the conditions were better—shade, watering, and fertilization—and the seedlings grew tall and strong. But once they were transplanted to the top of the dam, they couldn’t handle it. Why? Because the seedlings at the foot of the dam were adapted to the conditions there, not the conditions on the top.”

Su Ning became more and more excited as he spoke, “My idea is to cultivate seedlings directly on the dam. From the seeds, let them grow in the environment of Saihanba. Those that can adapt will live; those that cannot will die. Only seedlings that survive in this way are truly suitable for Saihanba.”

Qin Xuemei suddenly realized, "So you're saying it's better to let the bad seedlings die in the nursery?"

“Yes.” Su Ning nodded. “If a seedling dies in the nursery, you only lose one seedling. If it dies after being planted in the ground, you lose time, manpower, and hope. It’s better to select the strongest seedlings from the beginning.”

“But… this kind of selection results in a very low survival rate,” Qin Xuemei said. “Out of a hundred seeds, only a few dozen might survive.”

“But those that survive are the strongest,” Su Ning said. “Planting these dozens will result in a high survival rate. It’s better than planting a hundred and having ninety-nine die, right?”

Qin Xuemei fell silent, silently calculating the cost in her mind.

Indeed, if there are one hundred seeds, eighty will be eliminated in the nursery, leaving only the twenty strongest ones.

Even if only 80% of these 20 plants survive, at least 16 will still live.

However, if the old method is used, even if all 100 plants are planted, the survival rate is only 10%, meaning only 10 plants will survive.

According to this calculation, the full-light seedling raising method is actually more efficient.

“I understand,” Qin Xuemei said. “You’re not cultivating seedlings, you’re selecting seeds. You’re helping us choose the most suitable seedlings for Saihanba.”

“Yes.” Su Ning smiled. “You finally understand.”

Looking at the dozen or so tenacious seedlings in the nursery, Qin Xuemei suddenly felt that they were remarkable.

They survived in sub-zero temperatures, under intense sunlight, and in an environment without shade or special care.

They are the strong.

They are the strong ones that Saihanba needs.

“Deputy Director Su, I’m sorry,” Qin Xuemei said sincerely. “I used to be too stubborn and always clung to my books. Your method may seem clumsy, but it might really work.”

“No need to apologize,” Su Ning said. “You have formal training, so it’s right for you to believe in science. I’m just an amateur, figuring things out by guesswork. Whether it works or not, we’ll have to see the results.”

"But I think it can succeed," Qin Xuemei said. "The fact that these seedlings have survived until now is proof of that."

The two chatted for a while.

Qin Xuemei was the one asking the questions the whole time, and Su Ning patiently answered them.

Finally, Qin Xuemei said, "Deputy Director Su, when spring comes, can I work with you on full-light seedling cultivation? I'd like to learn."

“Of course,” Su Ning said. “You’re a professional; with your help, the results will be even better.”

"Thank you," Qin Xuemei said sincerely.

As the night deepened, the two got up and went back to the cafeteria.

As they reached the door, Qin Xuemei suddenly asked, "Deputy Director Su, do you really think Saihanba can be transformed into an oasis?"

Su Ning stopped and looked at the vast white desert in the distance. "We can. We definitely can. As long as we persevere, if one generation can't do it, then two generations will; if two generations can't do it, then three generations will. One day, this desert will become a forest."

"How long will it take?"

"I don't know," Su Ning said. "It might take ten years, it might take twenty years, it might take longer. But we can't give up just because it takes a long time. Planting trees isn't just for ourselves, it's for future generations."

Qin Xuemei nodded emphatically, "I understand. I also want to be like you and dedicate my life to this land."

"Good. That's ambitious. But remember, ambition alone isn't enough; you also need methods, patience, and perseverance."

"I remember."

The two entered the canteen, where the stove fire was still burning, warming the cold winter night.

Qin Xuemei lay on the bed, unable to fall asleep for a long time.

She thought about Su Ning's words, about those tenacious seedlings, and about the future of Saihanba.

Suddenly I realized that this winter, though cold and tough, was very meaningful.

Because she felt she had found her direction, a career worth dedicating her life to, and people worthy of her respect.

Outside the window, the cold wind was still howling.

But her heart was already warmed.

……

In the spring of 1963, before the snow in Saihanba had completely melted, Director Yu Zhenglai came to the dam again.

He brought some important news this time.

"Comrades, I have some good news to announce!" Yu Zhenglai stood in front of the canteen, his voice booming, "The state has officially decided to build a large-scale mechanized forest farm in Saihanba! A large-scale afforestation project is about to begin!"

Everyone was stunned, then burst into cheers.

"Really? Director Yu!" Sui Zhichao asked excitedly.

"Absolutely true!" Yu Zhenglai said with a smile. "The state has approved the project, and funds, equipment, and personnel will be in place one after another. Saihanba is about to make a big splash!"

With tears welling up in Feng Cheng's eyes, he said, "Four years... I've finally waited for this..."

Qin Xuemei also cried, "That's wonderful... all our efforts weren't in vain..."

Although Su Ning was also happy, he remained calm. "Director Yu, what are the specific arrangements?"

"First, we'll establish a leadership team for the forest farm, then mobilize machinery and equipment, and train technical personnel," Yu Zhenglai said. "We'll start with a pilot program this year, and roll it out fully next year. I will serve as the first director of the Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm, and Deputy Director Su, we will need your full cooperation in the future."

"I will definitely do my best," Su Ning said solemnly.

The news spread quickly.

Wu Yansheng, who was far away in Beijing, learned of this news from a letter from Shen Mengyin.

It turns out that he not only corresponded with Qin Xuemei, but also secretly had a relationship with Shen Mengyin.

It's clear he hasn't given up on Saihanba, after all, it's where he suffered his defeat. Shen Mengyin has always had feelings for Wu Yansheng, but unfortunately, Wu Yansheng only has eyes for Qin Xuemei.

Therefore, when faced with Wu Yansheng's questions, Shen Mengyin answered them without reservation.

"What? The government is going to build a mechanized forest farm in Saihanba?" Wu Yan angrily slammed the letter on the table. "That should have been my opportunity!"

After being forced to leave Saihanba, he found a sinecure job in a small unit in Beijing through his father's connections.

The job is easy, but there's no future in it.

He had been holding his breath, feeling that Su Ning had ruined his future.

What angered Wu Yansheng even more was that he learned from Shen Mengyin's letter that Suning was actually using some kind of "all-light seedling cultivation method".

"Nonsense! Utter nonsense!" Wu Yansheng cursed at the letter. "A deputy director who doesn't understand technology forcibly pushing forward this crooked path is abusing his power for personal gain and using his influence to oppress people!"

He immediately sat down and wrote a letter of complaint under his real name.

The letter stated: "As the deputy director of the Forestry Bureau, Comrade Su Ning disrespected science and ignored professional advice, forcibly promoting the so-called 'all-light seedling cultivation method.' This method has no scientific basis whatsoever and is entirely his personal subjective conjecture. This behavior is an abuse of power for personal gain and a waste of national resources, and must be dealt with seriously!"

He then sent the letter to the Ministry of Forestry.

The whistleblower letter reached the Ministry of Forestry, and as expected, it attracted their attention.

"Full-light seedling cultivation? That's indeed a bit... unorthodox these days," a leader said after reading the letter.

“Yes! Shading seedling cultivation is being promoted nationwide now; it’s a scientific method. I’ve never heard of full-light seedling cultivation,” another leader said.

"But this Comrade Su Ning is a combat hero and has always been conscientious in his work. He must have his reasons for doing this."

"No matter the reasoning, we must adhere to scientific principles. Therefore, we should send a team of technical experts to Saihanba to conduct an on-site inspection. If there are indeed problems, we must correct them promptly."

"agree."

Soon, a team of technical experts dispatched by the Ministry of Forestry arrived in Weichang County.

Qu He was startled when he received the notification. "What? Forestry Ministry experts are here to inspect the all-light seedling cultivation method? Who poked it up?"

"I don't know!" the clerk said. "They said they received a report with a real name."

"A real-name report?" Qu He's mind raced, and she thought of Wu Yansheng. "It must be that brat Wu Yansheng! He's gone and still won't stay still!"

He then quickly sent a telegram to Bashang, instructing Suning to prepare.

When Suning received the telegram, he remained calm. "What's meant to happen will happen. Let them come and see."

Three days later, the expert team arrived at the dam.

The team was led by Mr. Zhang, a senior engineer from the Ministry of Forestry, who was over sixty years old and a well-known seedling expert in China.

There were also two middle-aged technicians.

"Deputy Director Su, I heard you're working on the all-light seedling cultivation method?" Engineer Zhang asked bluntly. "Could you take us to see it?"

“Okay.” Su Ning led them to the nursery.

Along the way, Zhang asked Suning many questions.

Why did you decide to use full-light seedling cultivation?

"Because shading seedling cultivation is not effective in Saihanba."

Is there any scientific basis for this?

"Based on practical experience. We planted trees in Saihanba for seven or eight years, and the survival rate of seedlings grown under shade was less than five percent."

"What about the survival rate of seedlings raised under full sunlight?"

"We are currently in the nursery screening stage, with a survival rate of about 65%. But the surviving seedlings are all very strong."

Engineer Zhang frowned. "A survival rate of 65%? That's too low!"

"But this is the survival rate after screening," Su Ning explained. "Those that survived are the seedlings that are most suitable for the conditions in Saihanba."

When Zhang arrived at the nursery, he was stunned.

Before me was a lush expanse of saplings.

Although not tall, it has thick, dark green leaves and a well-developed root system.

It's nothing short of a miracle that such seedlings can grow in a place like Saihanba.

"This...this is a seedling grown under full light?" Engineer Zhang couldn't believe it.

“Yes,” Su Ning said. “From the seed, we cultivate seedlings on the dam. We don’t provide shade, we irrigate them continuously with large amounts of water, and they grow entirely under natural conditions.”

Engineer Zhang squatted down and examined it carefully.

He pulled up a seedling and examined its roots, leaves, and stem.

The more I looked, the more surprised I became.

“These seedlings…are indeed very robust,” Zhang admitted. “They are even stronger than the seedlings I’ve seen grown under shade elsewhere.”

"Because they grow under natural conditions, they are more adaptable," Suning said.

Engineer Zhang stood up and looked at Su Ning. "Deputy Director Su, could you explain your thinking? Why cultivate seedlings in the dam area? Why not use shading?"

Su Ning then repeated what she had said to Qin Xuemei.

"My idea is simple: it's better for the seedlings to die in the nursery than in the field. We eliminate the weak ones in the nursery and keep the strong ones. This way, the seedlings planted will be the ones best adapted to the conditions of Saihanba."

Engineer Zhang pondered for a moment, "Who came up with this idea?"

“It was my own idea,” Su Ning said. “Of course, I also took into account some experiences from the Northwest region.”

"But from a scientific point of view, strong light is harmful to seedlings," a young technician said.

“That’s in the plains,” Su Ning said. “Saihanba has a high altitude and strong ultraviolet radiation, so the seedlings may need to adapt to this environment. If they grow in the shade from the beginning, they won’t be able to withstand it after transplanting.”

Zhang Gong didn't say anything and continued to look at the seedlings.

At this moment, Qin Xuemei walked over.

"Hello, Mr. Zhang. I am Qin Xuemei, a graduate of Northeast Forestry College."

"Oh? You have formal training in this field," Engineer Zhang asked. "So, what do you think of this all-light seedling cultivation method?"

Qin Xuemei glanced at Su Ning and said firmly, "At first I was against it, thinking it was unscientific. But after six months of observation, I changed my mind."

Why change?

“Because these seedlings did survive,” Qin Xuemei said, pointing to the nursery. “And they are growing very well. The theories I learned at school are applicable in plains areas, but they may need to be adjusted in the special environment of Saihanba.”

"You mean the scientific theory is wrong?"

“It’s not that we’re wrong, it’s that we’re adapting to local conditions,” Qin Xuemei said. “The climate, soil, and sunlight in Saihanba are all different from those in the plains. Here, perhaps full-sun seedling cultivation is the right approach.”

Zhang was surprised; he hadn't expected that a college graduate with formal training would support such an "unorthodox" method.

The expert team stayed in Bashang for three days. They carefully inspected the nursery, reviewed the records, and spoke with Feng Cheng, Zhao Tianshan, and others.

On the last day, Zhang said to Su Ning, "Deputy Director Su, your method is indeed unique. These seedlings are indeed growing well. But whether it will be successful or not depends on their performance after transplanting."

“I understand,” Su Ning said.

“Alright!” Engineer Zhang decided. “You transplant these seedlings according to plan. Our forestry department will monitor the situation. If the survival rate is high, we will approve your method. If the survival rate is low, we must stop.”

“Okay,” Su Ning agreed.

Zhang added, "Furthermore, I suggest that the tree planting activities on the dam be suspended for now. Let's wait and see the results after these saplings are transplanted to avoid wasting resources."

Yu Zhenglai and Qu He exchanged a glance and nodded. "We agree."

"Thank you for your support, Mr. Zhang," Su Ning said.

The expert team has left.

Yu Zheng patted Su Ning on the shoulder, "Old Su, you're famous now. Even the Ministry of Forestry has been alerted."

"Becoming famous isn't necessarily a good thing," Su Ning said with a wry smile.

“But your method does make sense,” Yu Zhenglai said. “I saw those seedlings, and they are indeed strong. If they really succeed, you will be a hero of Saihanba.”

"I dare not accept the title of hero," Su Ning said. "As long as the trees can be planted and survive, any method will do."

……

When the news reached Beijing, Wu Yansheng was dumbfounded.

"What? The expert panel approved it? And we need to keep observing it?" He angrily slammed his cup down. "Are these experts blind? How could seedling cultivation under full light possibly succeed?"

But he was helpless; the whistleblower letter had already been written, the expert panel had arrived, and the conclusion had been reached.

If he continues to cause trouble, he'll be being unreasonable.

Meanwhile, in Saihanba, everyone is preparing for transplanting.

The 5,000 seedlings grown under full sunlight will be transplanted into the ground in three days.

Success or failure hinges on this one move.

Everyone is nervous.

But Suning remained calm.

He believed that the seedlings that survived the harsh winter would grow even better in the spring.

Just like this group of people, after enduring the trials of winter, they will surely be even stronger in spring.

...(End of chapter)