The golden age began in 1977

Chapter 316 Fighting Against Heaven and Earth, Man Will Conquer Nature

Everyone present was shrewd and could hear the firmness in his words. Several cadres exchanged bewildered glances.

Good guy!
Are all young men these days so tough?
Zhang Chengnan felt awkward, but Qian Jin's response was a polite rebuff, so he couldn't express any opinion and could only smile faintly and sit down.

The meeting was well past its scheduled time.

However, Han Zhaoxin, as the leader, kept his head down and kept looking at the documents without saying a word, so the others could not say anything either, and could only continue to look at each other blankly.

After waiting for almost an hour, Han Zhaoxin suddenly looked up and slammed his hand on the table: "Good, good! Director Wang is absolutely right! Truly, heroes emerge from among the young!"

He immediately handed the manuscript to his secretary: "Print it as quickly as possible, and give each colleague a copy first—remember, whatever you do, do not compromise the clarity of the original!"

"I can accept a failed mimeographing, but I can't allow it to affect the original document. The contents here are a treasure!"

The secretary left in a hurry.

Han Zhaoxin tossed his pen aside and looked at Qian Jin with interest: "Did you prepare this draft after your meeting?"

Qian Jin said, "Yes, but some of the content was already familiar to me before, but it hadn't been structured into a clear outline."

"I took leave to go home the day before yesterday to start planning. I started to get ideas yesterday morning and kept writing until the early hours of this morning."

Han Zhaoxin immediately pointed at him and said to the others, "Look, look, this young man is really energetic."

"Comrades, Deputy Commander Qian is a role model for everyone—including myself. You'll see his guide to the initial work of drought relief and disaster mitigation later. It's practical and very constructive!"

The photocopies, still smelling of ink, were delivered.

Very fresh.

It's so fresh that I dare not touch it; if I rub it with my hand, a large black patch will appear.

The cadres had no choice but to hold the paper carefully, examining it as if it were an imperial edict.

Han Zhaoxin wasn't exaggerating; Qian Jin's work guide is very detailed.

He carried out his work in four areas: first, disaster prevention and preparation; second, emergency response grading and measures; third, water supply security; and finally, relief work for farmers.

The hierarchy is clear and orderly.

Regarding disaster prevention and preparedness, he emphasized the need to immediately organize resources to repair wells and dredge irrigation channels—with the municipal government providing the main funding and major factories and units providing supplementary funding—and to organize the currently idle educated youth labor force in the city to work.

The educated youth not only received money, but also "points," which were used to determine their future job placement.

Meanwhile, in some mountainous and hilly areas that may encounter severe drought, simple water storage ponds should be built urgently—he also gave an idea here, called the Five Small Water Conservancy Projects.

The so-called "five small water conservancy projects" refer to mountainous water conservancy infrastructure consisting of small water cellars, small ponds, small pumping stations, small ponds and dams, and small irrigation canals.

This idea, though seemingly mundane, is actually quite constructive in the history of water conservancy development in hilly areas; however, it will take another thirty years for it to materialize.

Qian Jin consulted a lot of information and found that there are many solutions for dealing with the drought in the future, but many of them need to be implemented in conjunction with future productivity.

Thirty years from now, China's infrastructure and machinery production capacity will be phenomenal; you can forget about it now.

Therefore, he needed to find a suitable method at the moment, and then selected this five small water conservancy projects.

This is the answer that national experts came up with to solve the problem of agricultural water use, based on the geographical characteristics of hilly and arid regions.

Thirty years later, the hilly areas of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan, as well as the arid regions of Northwest China, successfully combated droughts thanks to five small-scale projects.

In addition, he proposed a new concept: to promote drought-resistant and moisture-preserving technologies throughout the city.

The so-called drought resistance and moisture conservation is an agricultural technology system that improves the efficiency of farmland water use through soil improvement, adjustment of farming methods and application of covering materials. This thing was even more futuristic, appearing forty years later.

Its core measures include deep plowing and loosening to improve soil structure and increase water storage capacity, using mulch film, straw and other covering materials to reduce evaporation, using water-retaining agents and other chemical agents to regulate water consumption, and supporting water application and sowing techniques to ensure crop emergence rate.

Here, Qian Jin proposed the drip irrigation model that had just been implemented in agriculturally developed regions abroad, and strongly urged major agricultural product manufacturers to transform their production to produce drip water pipes.

This can save a lot of water in agricultural production!
At the same time, soil moisture monitoring points at the production brigade level should be established and activated immediately, and soil moisture conditions should be reported daily.

We also need to clearly define and formulate a city-wide water priority plan, which prioritizes residential use over medical and educational needs, which in turn prioritizes critical agriculture over general industrial use...

The original meeting topic changed, and Han Zhaoxin unceremoniously threw aside the guidance plans sent by the other members.

He immediately said, "Today we will discuss Comrade Qian Jin's work guidelines and see how feasible they are."

“You should pay attention to the emergency response levels and measures inside. The four-level response framework of blue, yellow, orange and red that he initially specified is very good. It clarifies the activation conditions and key actions under different drought levels. It is a measure that our command should pay attention to.”

Within the Level 4 response framework, moisture-conserving technologies are being promoted in Level 4 regions.

Level 3 regions organized fire trucks and government vehicles to deliver water to villages lacking water.

Secondary regions should study the feasibility of inter-regional water transfer and shut down water-intensive industries.

The first level requests military support for water transport and civil affairs preparation of relief grain, etc.

Qian Jin didn't simply set out four levels; he also provided specific criteria for judgment.

This four-level response framework was naturally inspired by drought relief data from the 21st century, but he himself also made great contributions.

The definition of drought levels is different in the 21st century than it is now, and the capacity and measures to protect against it are also different.

At this moment, Qian Jin was grateful for his experience of always going to the countryside. Although everyone present was a local leader, when it came to understanding rural areas, no one could compare to him.

Qian Jin revised the standards based on his own experience of working in the countryside, and they have considerable practical significance and feasibility.

Zhang Chengnan from the Water Resources Bureau was somewhat displeased by Qian Jin's seemingly gentle but actually barbed response.

So he used his professional skills to find fault.

In the second key task of water source security, he saw that Qian Jin requested the search for alternative water sources, especially to conduct feasibility studies on underground karst caves in the northwest of Haibin City for water extraction.

He found this problematic: "Director Qian, what are you talking about? There are underground caves in our coastal city area? There's even water underground in the mountains?"

Qian Jin smiled and nodded.

This seems a bit strange at the moment, but once the expert team is mobilized, there will be a big surprise!

At that time, none of the experts and officials in Haibin City knew that Haibin City did indeed have underground karst caves with abundant water storage.

Qian Jin only discovered this by chance when he was referring to geography books. In the 1990s, a geological survey in the province revealed that the mountainous forest belt in the northwest of Haibin City had trees growing exceptionally well.

After investigation, the expert team found numerous underground caves and discovered that they contained water.

Qian Jin concluded that the area had abundant water reserves for two reasons.

First, in 98, the mountainous area experienced a flash flood crisis. The water sources were large-scale rainfall and abnormal water levels in karst caves, which caused groundwater to surge upwards.

The second is that in the 21st century, a mineral water plant was built in Haibin City, and then it was built in Beilishan area, which is further north of Xipingshan, using groundwater from deep in the mountains.

Xiping Mountain happens to be located in this area.

Qian Jin then recounted the results of his investigation at Xiping Mountain after working at Zidian Commune:
“The land in Xiping Mountain area is barren, yet it is possible to develop the vegetable planting industry. In addition, the forests in the mountains are very lush, so where does the water come from?”

"After investigating the geographical environment in the mountains, and combining my findings with several works on geography and hydraulics, I finally determined that the mountains in our Northwest region contain abundant karst caves with considerable water resources!"

Zhang Chengnan shook his head: "That's absolutely impossible..."

"Director Zhang, did you go to the site to investigate? Or when did an expert go to survey the area?" Qian Jin immediately retorted.

Many officials gasped in shock on the spot.

Good guy.

This young man is domineering!
This is youthful arrogance, this is showing off one's talent!
Qian Jin didn't care about Zhang Chengnan's opinion at all.

I'm about to take control of foreign investment cooperation in most of the province. When that happens, if you want to import equipment for water conservancy, you'll have to get my approval. Do you expect me to avoid your challenge?

Just kidding!
Besides, we're in the disaster relief and preparedness phase right now. He only bows to the truth and facts, not to officialdom rules and such.
Step aside.

Zhang Chengnan was furious with him and immediately slammed his fist on the table, ordering people to investigate the groundwater reserves in the northwestern mountainous area:
"Alright, Comrade Qian Jin, I won't argue with you here. Let's talk with facts. I'll leave you speechless in the face of the facts."

"When my exploration team returns and finds there are no caves or usable groundwater in the mountains, let's see how you keep your story. I'll see how you waste this crucial exploration resource..."

"Deputy Commander Zhang!" Han Zhaoxin slammed his fist on the table. "What are you trying to do?"

"We are now in the disaster relief emergency preparedness phase. We need to provide all possible solutions to the drought. Some of these solutions are correct, and some are wrong. Should anyone who proposes a wrong solution be punished? If that's the case, who will dare to offer suggestions or express their opinions!"

He then said to Qian Jin with a stern face, "Deputy Commander Qian, I know you're very anxious right now, but you have to control your temper."

They each received a slap, but Zhang Chengnan received a real slap, while Qian Jin was given a light slap after being raised high.

The leaders of the Light Industry Bureau quickly tried to smooth things over and changed the subject:
"This guideline is quite comprehensive. Look, in terms of water conservation, Comrade Qian Jin proposed to inspect for leaks in urban water supply networks and promote simplified wastewater treatment and reuse—"

"He specifically mentioned the reuse of certain industrial cooling water, which is a very good detail. Indeed, many of our factories have water waste problems. Industrial cooling water is not polluted, but it is often discharged in vain."

"I immediately held a meeting with the managers of each factory after the meeting to ask them to solve the problem of wasted water."

Another leader said, "The key points of this farmer assistance are also very detailed. He requested that the power of college students be mobilized to organize water quality sampling in rural areas and distribute disinfectant to help farmers access clean water."

“That’s good. I thought of that too. Yesterday, I checked my unit’s data and found that in previous drought years, there were always problems with food poisoning among farmers, which was often caused by water poisoning, and that hindered the drought relief work.” “At the time, I didn’t think of a good solution because when the drought came, rural areas were short of water. Let alone high-quality drinking water, even the stagnant water in dilapidated ponds and broken rivers was a rare thing.”

“I grew up in the countryside and have seen this scene too many times. In drought years, many families have to fight with their livestock for water, fetching water from rotten ponds and broken riverbeds, letting it sit for a while, and then drinking it, only to get poisoned.”

As he spoke, he flicked the paper: "Comrade Qian Jin's suggestion is excellent. Distributing disinfectant tablets to them is a model of doing great things with little money."

"Then just boil water?" Zhang Chengnan said subconsciously.

The leader who had just spoken fell silent. After hesitating for a moment, he couldn't help but say, "Director Zhang, in a drought year, not only people lack water, but plants and trees also lack water."

"If plants lack water, they will wither and die on a large scale. Where would farmers get so much firewood?"

"Another reason is that the disaster was severe in the summer, and the weather was hot, so farmers were too lazy to boil water and let it cool down before drinking it."

"In short, out of a desire to save time and effort, many farmers don't boil water to disinfect and sterilize it..."

Zhang Chengnan lowered his head and remained silent.

Han Zhaoxin shook his head: "Theory must be combined with practice, theory must be combined with practice!"

"No wonder our leader told us not to become detached from the masses. If we stray too far from the people, then... sigh!"

He glanced at Zhang Chengnan, said nothing, but that was enough to say a lot.

After making some simple revisions to Qian Jin's work guidelines, he immediately handed the original to his secretary: "Send it to Comrade Guodong for review."

Later, they held a meeting to discuss the specific implementation methods of the work guidelines. The door was pushed open, and Zheng Guodong strode in.

He patted the original work guide with a look of delight and said with a smile, "Old Han, your command post did a great job! You produced a practical work guide so quickly!"

"Very good, very good, I've read it. Hmm, you could say the approach is clear, the key points are highlighted, and it points out all the crucial aspects that need to be addressed. It's very actionable!"

Many people immediately turned their envious gazes toward Qian Jin.

Han Zhaoxin didn't try to take credit, but instead explained the origin of the work guidelines.

Zheng Guodong looked at Qian Jin with some shock: "You made this yourself?"

Qian Jin said, "Actually, we looked at a lot of materials, and then consulted many experts in China by phone. It was through collective effort..."

"Stop being so modest, this isn't the time for that." Zheng Guodong couldn't help but go up and pat him on the shoulder.

It hit him hard, making his shoulder ache.

Then Zheng Guodong stood next to Han Zhaoxin, put down his manuscript, looked around at everyone, and delivered the final decision:
"This 'Work Guide' is very well written. It grasps the key points, is practical, and is clearly organized!"

"I think this can serve as the basic guideline and action plan for our current work. Director Zhang, your Water Resources Bureau should take the lead and refine the plan further, especially the parts on water source allocation and emergency engineering. We need to come up with a more specific implementation plan this afternoon!"

Zhang Chengnan was both embarrassed and flustered: "Okay, okay, Comrade Guodong, I will go back to my unit immediately after the meeting to refine the work guidelines."

Zheng Guodong looked at Qian Jin's exhausted face and finally nodded: "Comrade Qian Jin, you've worked hard!"

The top two leaders in the city appreciated him, and the third-ranking official treated Qian Jin like his own child.

Now no one in the work group dared to underestimate this young cadre anymore.

Of course, the most important thing is that Qian Jin didn't use any connections at all; he presented solid, hard-earned materials.

His skill level is undeniable, his abilities are evident; all he lacks is seniority.

In this way, he quickly secured his position as deputy commander, and even began to subtly express his desire to become the first deputy commander.

Because his work guidelines contained a lot of new information, many leaders couldn't understand them and had to consult him.

This subtly elevated his status.

In short, the doubts and disdain that people had about his appointment as deputy commander have now been dispelled by his solid work ability and this very substantial "Guide".

After the meeting ended, even Zhang Chengnan became quiet.

Director Zhang patted Qian Jin's arm to show his goodwill: "Deputy Commander Qian, you are a promising young man. You are quick-witted and insightful. This guide is very valuable for our water conservancy operations!"

His tone was full of admiration.

In fact, he secretly dispatched people to the mountains to investigate the karst caves and groundwater storage conditions.

He hoped he could turn the tables and prove that Qian Jin wasn't always right.

Following the initial meeting, there were commendation and mobilization meetings.

Because of the large number of attendees, the conference was held in the auditorium of the city's largest workers' cultural palace.

Time was tight, and the arrangements were simple.

There were no special arrangements at the venue; each attendee was simply provided with a white porcelain teacup to drink water.

A huge, bright red banner hung behind the podium:
Haibin City Commendation Conference for Advanced Collectives and Individuals in Fighting the Barley Aphid Plague and Mobilization Conference for Drought Relief in the City.

There was nothing else.

In the morning, the audience was filled with leading cadres from all districts, counties and communes in the city, with model workers and leading cadres who had performed outstandingly in the last insect plague sitting at the front.

All the city's top leaders attended the meeting, and even leaders from within the province came.

Because Han Zhaoxin made detailed revisions and additions to Qian Jin's work guidelines and sent a copy to the province.

The provincial leaders in charge were very knowledgeable and immediately recognized the value of this work guide. So they came to Haibin City ahead of time, firstly to attend the conference, and secondly to see how the Haibin City drought relief command was carrying out its work.

Leaders at all levels sat on the dais, figures that grassroots cadres could only see in newspapers, so everyone behaved themselves.

The entire auditorium was solemn and dignified, with a somber yet enthusiastic atmosphere.

The conference was chaired by Director Wang Zhenbang.

After a brief opening speech, the conference first commended the outstanding groups and individuals who emerged in the fight against the wheat aphid infestation.

On behalf of the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, Wei Bin went on stage to accept the banner recognizing the unit as a "Special Contribution Unit".

Qian Jin, Wang Zhenbang, and others were awarded the "Special Medal for Major Contributions".

When Qian Jin went on stage to receive the award, he was greeted with enthusiastic applause. Many grassroots cadres from Anguo County recognized the young cadre who had brought the "miracle drug" in a time of crisis.

The commendation process was simple yet solemn.

After the commendation ceremony, the smiles on the leaders' faces vanished instantly, and they all looked serious as if they were about to go to war.

The atmosphere in the room immediately became even more solemn.

Zheng Guodong walked to the center of the rostrum and delivered a mobilization speech entitled "Carry Forward the Spirit of Disaster Relief and Win New Victories in the Fight Against Drought."

He did not shy away from the severity of the drought, but analyzed in detail the current difficulties and challenges. Then, he changed the subject, his voice loud and powerful:
"...Comrades!"

"The smoke of the insect plague has barely cleared, and the shadow of drought has already fallen!"

"But! Our cadres and people in the coastal area cannot be intimidated or crushed!"

"Today's conference is not only a commendation meeting to summarize our successful experience in overcoming the insect plague, but also a mobilization meeting to sound the charge for our final assault on the drought!"

He swung his arm forcefully:

"On behalf of all units and government officials, I hereby formally announce: Effective immediately, the entire city is entering a state of emergency for drought relief! All work must revolve around this central task of drought relief! All resources must be prioritized to meet the needs of drought relief!"

"We must carry forward the spirit of continuous combat and fearlessness of fatigue, and bring out the heroic spirit of 'not bending under the weight of Mount Tai' that we had when fighting insect plagues, and apply it to the fight against drought!"

He then announced the formal establishment of the city's drought relief command center and the list of its core members. When he read out "Deputy Commander: Qian Jin," many people in the audience whispered among themselves.

Qian Jin is currently enjoying immense popularity.

Even these grassroots officials noticed it.

A new star is rising, and it's rising very fast!

The list of command personnel was announced, and Han Zhaoxin, as the commander-in-chief, gave a speech. His tone was heavy, and every sentence was an exclamation:

"The command center is the city's operational headquarters for drought relief! All levels and departments must unconditionally obey the unified command of the command center!"

"The water conservancy and agriculture departments must be at the forefront; the supply and marketing and materials departments must ensure supply; the transportation and public security departments must ensure smooth transportation and maintain order; and all communes and brigades must organize the masses to actively carry out production self-help!"

"The entire city, including the Party, government, military, civilians, and students, must unite as one, think in the same direction, and exert their efforts in the same way!"

Han Zhaoxin's final voice, like a resounding bell, echoed throughout the entire auditorium:
"Comrades! Haibin City has officially declared war on the drought! This is a tough battle that concerns the food supply of all the people in the city and the overall economic and social development!"

"When two armies meet on a narrow path, the brave will prevail! We firmly believe that under the strong leadership of the Party, relying on the wisdom and strength of the people of the city, and carrying forward the great spirit of disaster relief, we will surely overcome the drought and win the final victory in the fight against drought and disaster relief!"

"Finally, I want to say that we must fight against nature and overcome all obstacles!"

"We will fight against nature and overcome all obstacles!" The thousands of cadres and model workers in the audience responded with great enthusiasm and deafening cheers.

(End of this chapter)