Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

As the twelfth lunar month draws to a close and the year-end approaches, Beijing is blanketed in snow and the wind howls. But inside the newly built assembly workshop of the automobile branch of the Red Star United Industrial Corporation, a scene of bustling activity and boundless enthusiasm unfolds. Unlike the mass-produced Hongqi sedans and Red Star Warriors on the assembly line outside, a temporary fence has been erected in the center of the workshop, marking the assembly site of the first prototype of the "Red Star Little Cannon" multi-functional small wheeled tractor.

After nearly three months of arduous work day and night, refining thousands of drawings, and prototyping, testing, modifying, and re-prototyping hundreds of parts, overcoming countless technical and process challenges, all the assemblies of the "Little Steel Cannon"—the improved 40-horsepower diesel engine, 8+4 speed gearbox, rigid rear axle, hydraulic suspension system, electrical system, cab frame, and body panels—finally passed all tests and were ready for final assembly.

Today is a historic moment – ​​the first prototype of the "Red Star Little Cannon" rolls off the assembly line!

At the final assembly site, a large crowd gathered, yet everything was orderly. All members of the project team, experienced workers and key personnel from each workshop involved in the trial production, as well as factory leaders such as Secretary Yao Jianghe and Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide who had rushed to the scene after receiving the news, all held their breath, their eyes focused on the central assembly line. Wang Huanbo, wearing work clothes stained with oil, personally directed the operation on-site. His expression was focused, his eyes sharp, frequently pointing out assembly details or exchanging whispered conversations with the assembly team leader.

"Engine in place, aligned with bracket holes!"

"Tighten the bolts connecting the gearbox and rear axle, and ensure concentricity!"

"Check the hydraulic hose connections and clamps to ensure there are no leaks!"

"When laying out the circuit assembly, ensure the connectors are properly protected!"

"Install the cab frame and check the shock absorber pads!"

"Tighten the tires to the specified torque during installation!"

Each instruction was clear and forceful, each movement precise and fluid. In the hands of experienced assembly workers, those cold steel components seemed to come alive, fitting together seamlessly. The heavy diesel engine settled firmly into its seat, the gearbox engaged with the rear axle, the steering wheel and instrument panel took their places, the red paint (tentative color) coverings were installed, and finally, the four massive off-road tires with deep treads (smaller in the front and larger in the rear) were installed.

As the last critical bolt was tightened and the last wiring harness connector was fastened, a brief silence fell over the assembly area. A brand-new, ruggedly designed, brightly painted "Iron Bull," exuding the power and beauty of industry, stood silently before everyone. It wasn't much larger than a typical horse-drawn carriage, but its compact structure and solid chassis, along with the slightly raised engine hood, seemed to hold immense power. Although the cab only had a safety frame, it was fully equipped with an instrument panel, steering wheel, and seat, proving that "small but perfectly formed." The standard three-point suspension and PTO output shaft were clearly visible at the rear, highlighting its multi-functional potential.

"Report to the chief engineer! The Red Star Little Cannon prototype No. 1 is fully assembled. Please inspect it!" The assembly team leader excitedly reported loudly, his voice trembling slightly.

All eyes turned to Wang Huanbo.

Wang Huanbo took a deep breath to calm his agitated emotions. He stepped forward and carefully examined this "masterpiece" that embodied countless hours of hard work. He checked all the connections, tapped on key parts, tested the steering wheel's free play, and inspected the instruments and switches. Then, he stood in front of the car and nodded to the worker responsible for starting it.

"Connect the battery! Ready to start!"

The pre-prepared 12V 100Ah battery was brought over and connected to the wiring. The key was inserted into the ignition switch. Everyone's heart was in their throat. Electric start—this was a major innovation of the "Little Powerhouse," and also one of the technical challenges. Would it work on the first try?

Wang Huanbo grasped the key and gently turned it.

With a "click," the dial light came on.

Twist it all the way down.

"Buzz—!!!"

A deep, powerful, and rhythmic roar instantly shattered the silence of the workshop! The improved 40-horsepower diesel engine ignited successfully on the first try! A wisp of blue smoke billowed from the exhaust pipe, the engine ran smoothly, and the sound was crisp and clear, without any abnormal noises!

"It's a success!!"

"Ignition!!"

"good!!"

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted instantly! Many veteran workers wiped away tears of emotion. Three months of tireless dedication, countless failures and restarts—at this moment, it was all worth it! Li Huaide clapped his hands vigorously, his face beaming. Secretary Yao Jianghe also nodded frequently, his face full of smiles.

A relieved smile appeared on Wang Huanbo's face. But he knew that successful ignition was only the first step. He opened the car door (a simple one) and sat in the driver's seat. The seat's springs provided comfortable support. He pressed the clutch and tried to shift gears. The gears were clear and had a slight clicking feel. He selected neutral, released the clutch, and gently pressed the accelerator. The engine revved quickly and sounded powerful.

"Hydraulic system test!"

He pulled the hydraulic distributor control lever. The rear suspension arm, propelled by the hydraulic cylinder, smoothly rose and fell. The force and position adjustment functions tested initially and were found to be normal.

"PTO Test!"

He switched on the power take-off shaft. The idle PTO shaft made a whirring sound as it spun steadily at a steady speed.

The initial static inspection was basically normal. Wang Huanbo jumped out of the vehicle and said to everyone, "Comrades, we've succeeded in the first step! But the real test is outside the workshop, in the fields, and on the roads! Now, let's conduct the initial mobile test!"

The workshop door slowly opened, letting in a rush of cold air. Wang Huanbo got back into the car and fastened his makeshift seatbelt (which he insisted on adding). Under everyone's watchful eyes, he pressed the clutch, shifted into first gear, gently released the clutch, and slowly accelerated.

The "little powerhouse" gave a slight jolt to its massive body, then smoothly moved forward! Its steering was agile, and its braking was initially effective. It drove slowly along the spacious factory roads, circling the area with fluid movements and a stable posture.

"Initially good maneuverability!" Wang Huanbo stopped the car and checked the instruments and the temperature and sound of each part again. Everything was normal.

"Now, attach the standard 1.5-ton trailer and conduct load and road tests!" Wang Huanbo issued the new order.

A newly manufactured steel self-unloading trailer, already prepared, was pushed over and quickly connected to the towing pin and hydraulic quick-connect coupling (for future hydraulic self-unloading) at the rear of the "little steel cannon." Inside the trailer, sandbags simulating a 1.5-ton weight were loaded.

Under heavy load, this "little hot hatch" appeared even more stable. Wang Huanbo drove it on the factory's test roads, conducting a series of tests including low-speed loaded driving, hill starts, steering, and braking. Thanks to its ample 40 horsepower torque and reasonable gear ratios, even fully loaded with 1.5 tons, acceleration from a standstill on flat roads remained powerful. When climbing the short test slope (approximately 15 degrees) within the factory, engaging low gear produced a deep roar from the engine, which steadily climbed the slope without stalling. Braking distance remained within a controllable range. The hydraulic steering felt slightly heavy under load, but it was perfectly acceptable.

Finally, the exciting speed test. On a one-kilometer-long straight road within the factory premises (already cleared), Wang Huanbo attached the "little hot hatch" to the trailer and gradually accelerated. 2nd gear, 3rd gear, 4th gear… the engine revs climbed, and the speed increased. When it shifted into 8th gear (overdrive), the simple speedometer needle steadily pointed to 45 km/h! Although the vehicle vibrated, it remained generally stable, and the trailer did not sway noticeably. Maintaining this speed for approximately 500 meters, everything was normal!

"Top speed 45 kilometers per hour, meeting design specifications!" the test driver in the passenger seat reported excitedly.

When Wang Huanbo drove his roaring "little cannon," pulling a fully loaded trailer at near-truck speeds through the factory area, the crowd erupted in cheers once again! A tractor could go this fast! And carry so much stuff! This completely shattered their understanding!

"Great! Great! Engineer Wang! We did it! We really did it!" Li Huaide ran to the car that had just stopped, so excited that he was incoherent.

Yao Jianghe stepped forward and firmly grasped Wang Huanbo's hand: "Comrade Huanbo, you've worked hard! On behalf of the factory's Party Committee, I thank you and all the project team members! You've created a miracle! 'Little Cannon,' you truly live up to your name! You're another trump card for our Hongxing Factory!"

Wang Huanbo got out of the car, exhausted but with bright eyes: "Secretary Yao, Director Li, this is just the initial testing of the prototype. Next, we need to conduct rigorous field operation tests, long-distance reliability tests under different road conditions, environmental adaptability tests in extreme cold and heat, and further optimization and improvements. There's still a long way to go before it's truly finalized and put into production. But today, we've proven that this path is viable! The 'Red Star Little Cannon' has the potential to become the 'all-purpose helper' that rural areas need!"

"Yes! We must conduct rigorous testing and continuously improve!" Yao Jianghe said solemnly. "The ministry is already aware of the news and attaches great importance to it. They require us to prepare for ministerial-level evaluation and nationwide demonstration and promotion after perfecting the testing. This is not only an honor for the factory, but also a major event concerning the development of national agriculture!"

The news of the successful initial testing of the "Little Cannon" prototype spread like wildfire throughout the factory and was also reported to higher levels through special channels. Hongxing Factory once again became the focus of attention.

Meanwhile, in the top-secret "August 1st" Project studio, progress is equally encouraging. Under Wang Huanbo's guidance, the team has completed the design and trial production of prototypes for an improved gas guiding device, a bolt hold-open mechanism, and a new composite buffer, and has passed preliminary bench tests. Data shows that the improved gas guiding device can effectively reduce the peak recoil of the automatic weapon by 30%, and significantly improve muzzle rise. The bolt hold-open mechanism operates reliably. Research on the application of new materials and processes is also underway simultaneously.

Wang Huanbo even took time out of his busy schedule to assemble an extremely rudimentary prototype of a white-light sight and a sample of a universal guide rail, using both manual labor and the factory's most sophisticated equipment. Although crude, it validated the basic concepts. When the military research team secretly returned and saw these tangible advancements and test data, they were utterly astonished. They knew that this technological accumulation, once applied to the development of new models, would undoubtedly elevate the PLA's individual light weapons equipment to a new level!

The faint sound of firecrackers at the end of the year could be heard. In the courtyard, every household was preparing for the New Year, and the atmosphere was filled with joy. The west wing was also decorated with paper-cut window decorations made by Lou Xiao'e. Wang Huanbo, unusually, went home early to enjoy a moment of warmth.

At the dinner table, the deaf old lady beamed from ear to ear, praising Huanbo repeatedly for his "promising future." An older woman and Lou Xiao'e busied themselves setting the table. Yi Zhonghai, along with Yi Aijia and Yi Aiguo, came over for a visit, bringing some homemade food, their words filled with gratitude and admiration. Yan Bugui from the front yard finally found an opportunity, carrying a small bag of persimmons he himself couldn't bear to eat, and awkwardly came over to offer early New Year's greetings, subtly inquiring whether "Little Cannon" was really going into production and if he could find an opportunity for Jiecheng… Wang Huanbo politely brushed him off.

Standing under the eaves of the west courtyard, watching the children playing in the snow and listening to the faint sound of firecrackers, Wang Huanbo felt a peaceful joy. Having journeyed through time, he has used technology to change this era and the destinies of many around him. From Red Star automobiles and CNC machine tools to 10,000-ton hydraulic presses, electronic computers, today's "little cannon" tractors, and tomorrow's new rifles… flowers of technology are blooming on this ancient land.

"Pangu, record this moment. The prototype of the 'Red Star Little Cannon' project has been initially successful, and the 'August 1st' pre-research is progressing smoothly. Launch the New Year's plan: improve the testing and production preparation of the 'Little Cannon'; advance the key technology breakthroughs of the 'August 1st' project; track the progress of the biopharmaceutical laboratory; pay attention to Jia Dongxu's studies, He Yushui's college entrance examination, and the growth of the Yi siblings..."

"Command confirmed. Timeline recorded. Planned task generated."

As night deepened and the stars shone brightly, Wang Huanbo knew that the new year would bring him both greater challenges and greater rewards. The tide of technology, already set in his hands, would surge forward with unstoppable force, propelling this great nation toward a brighter future. And the story of Courtyard No. 95 would continue to be written, filled with hope and vitality, carried along by the tide of this era.