Training the Heavens

Chapter 396 Viewing the Ceremony
"Stilwell asked me the same question a few years ago and wanted to invite me to the United States to lead this project. I didn't agree because I knew that if I went to the United States and built the atomic bomb, the Americans would never let me go back! I also wanted to build a new Great Wall for my country!"

"In theory, making an atomic bomb or hydrogen bomb—oh, the fusion weapon I just mentioned—isn't difficult. The difficulty lies in how to make it happen. The Americans spent over two billion dollars, gathered the best scientists in the Western world outside of Germany, mobilized 100,000 people, and spent more than three years to create an atomic bomb."

"It took the Red Empire four years, even after the KGB obtained a large amount of confidential information about the Manhattan Project and successfully recruited several American scientists and engineers."

"Oh? The KGB actually contributed to the successful explosion of their atomic bomb?" someone asked in a slightly surprised tone.

He was in charge of intelligence work back then, so it's understandable that he's sensitive to this information. But he also has intelligence personnel in the United States under him, so they should know some information, right?

"Yes, although I have no evidence, I can infer it from some clues." At this point, Zhang Xingjiu's tone suddenly became firm, "But we don't need that much time, nor do we need to spend so much money!"

"Over the years, I have been researching the theory of nuclear weapons. At the same time, I have selected a group of young people with great potential for training and sent them to Europe and the United States to learn the latest scientific and technological achievements. Now they have all returned, and a basic team has been established."

"My son Guosheng is not just a theoretical physicist. He also has considerable talent in semiconductors and computers. He has already built a computer more advanced than ENIAC. This is an advanced machine that can be reprogrammed to solve various computing problems, which can help us save a lot of time."

"At the same time, privately, I also commissioned geologists such as Li Siguang to search for uranium deposits in the country, and now they have been found." Zhang Xingjiu naturally knew how uranium mines were distributed in the country, and he could find them by giving Li Siguang a little hint.

"So all the conditions are in place. As long as the country can form a research team and find a secret base to conduct research, we will be able to produce an atomic bomb very quickly. If we are fast, we may even be able to surpass the British."

The British detonated their first atomic bomb in 52. Zhang Xingjiu is confident they can develop one within two years. He wonders how much of an impact developing one earlier would have on the founding of the country. It should have reduced some of the losses, right?

"If someone else said this to me, I would definitely not believe it, but Mr. Zhang, I absolutely believe you! Then we should develop the atomic bomb as soon as possible. Only with this thing can we stand up straight and develop with peace of mind." He put down the cigarette butt and said firmly.

"Mr. Zhang, please come up with a plan as soon as possible, including whose cooperation and how much resources are needed for this plan. We will hold a meeting to study it immediately." Another person added that although there are still many important things waiting for them to decide, the sooner this work is done, the better.

Zhang Xingjiu pointed to his head and said, "This plan has always been in my mind, but the impact is too great, so I dare not put it on paper. I will start writing it out later and give it to you in a few days. I will then modify it according to your decision."

"But atomic bombs alone are not enough. We also need a vehicle to deliver these massive bombs. The Americans used B-29 bombers to deliver them. This was because they had absolute air superiority and could fly over Hiroshima and Nagasaki without any hesitation. Our air force was still relatively backward, and it was very difficult to deliver them using aircraft. This necessitated a new vehicle."

"The V1 and V2 rockets developed by the Germans in the latter stages of the war were a promising development. Rockets are much faster than airplanes and are difficult to intercept. If we possess both atomic bombs and long-range rockets, we can deter countries that covet us and prevent them from taking any action rashly." "Currently, there are two scientists in the world who conduct the most in-depth research on rockets. Von Karman focuses more on theoretical research and the development of basic science, while von Braun focuses more on the development and application of technology."

"Oh, yes, there's also Konstantin Tsiolkovsky of the Red Empire. Unfortunately, he's passed away, but the resources he left behind are still enough for the Red Empire to achieve impressive results in this field."

"We're not bad either. Qian Fukang, Qian Weichang, Guo Yonghuai, Lin Jiaqiao and others all studied under von Karman. I've also done some research in this field. If the conditions are right, we can definitely develop our own long-range rocket."

That night, Zhang Xingjiu only talked about two development priorities, agriculture and military, and focused on describing the development plans for nuclear bombs and missiles.

They had originally planned to visit Zhang Xingjiu and chat with him for an hour or so, but they didn't expect Zhang Xingjiu to bring up such an important topic. They chatted until late at night and left reluctantly when they had to.

For a period of time thereafter, in addition to normal meetings, Zhang Xingjiu also frequently held secret discussions with them, and the two plans gradually deepened during the discussions.

Mr. Song couldn't help but think of the ceremony in Nanjing that year. She turned around and asked, "Mr. Zhang, I remember you were also a guest at the ceremony in Nanjing that year, right? I didn't expect that we would be standing here together again today."

"That time was too hasty. Many factions harbored their own agenda, and Mr. Yixian's patriotic heart was unable to be realized. Now things are different. I firmly believe that this new country will blossom with a brilliance that will amaze the whole world."

Mr. Song recalled his experience interacting with them, and when comparing them with those he had met before, he nodded subconsciously, "Indeed, I hope I can make some contribution to the development of the country."

"Me too!" Zhang Xingjiu responded firmly.

Suddenly, the surroundings became quiet, and the ceremony officially began. Soon, the whole audience burst into deafening cheers, heralding the great rebirth of this country.

Zhang Xingjiu has been preparing for so long, and now he can finally show his talents. He hopes to reduce many regrets and allow this country to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation faster.

(End of this chapter)