Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

The cheers of the successful well-drilling had barely faded when the exhaust pipe of the Red Star mini-engine truck emitted its last wisp of smoke in the twilight, and the engine slowly came to a stop. Technician Xiao Liu jumped out of the driver's seat; his legs were numb from sitting for so long, but a tired yet satisfied smile graced his face. He walked to the wellhead and, together with the villagers, watched the gushing water, a sense of indescribable accomplishment welling up within him.

"This water...it's so clear!" Wang Jinshi squeezed to the front, squatted down, and scooped up a handful of freshly gushing well water. The water still carried the slight warmth of the ground, and wisps of white steam rose in the sub-zero air. He tilted his head back and took a sip; the cool liquid slid down his throat, leaving a faint, sweet aftertaste. "Sweeter than the water from the old well!"

Wang Yuanshan squeezed in as well. The old man's hands trembled slightly as he took the ladle from his son and scooped it full. He didn't drink it, but instead examined the water carefully. The water was slightly murky, which was normal for a new well, but its clarity was visibly good. He brought the ladle to his nose and smelled it; it didn't have the faint rust and earthy smell of the old well water.

"It's sweet water...it really is sweet water!" The old man's voice choked with emotion as he looked up at Wang Huanbo, who was standing on the outskirts of the crowd. "Huanbo, this well...this well can save so many crops, it can feed so many people!"

Wang Huanbo walked over, took the water ladle, and tasted it himself. The water quality was indeed excellent; for shallow groundwater to reach this standard indicated that the location was very well chosen. He nodded: "Uncle Yuanshan, this is just the first taste. Once the ice thaws in the spring, the well walls will be reinforced with bricks and stones, and a cover will be added. The water quality will be even more stable. With the small steel cannon water pump module, irrigating thirty acres of land will be no problem."

"Thirty mu!" The crowd stirred again. Wangjiazhuang had less than two hundred mu of arable land in total. One well could solve the irrigation problem for nearly 20% of the dry land. Every farmer knew what this meant.

"Engineer Wang!" Professor Liu Shouren, disregarding the mud around the well, squeezed over with his notebook and sampling bottles. "The water flow rate, water temperature, initial water quality, and machine parameters during the drilling process are all extremely valuable on-site data! I need to record them in detail; this is crucial for promoting mechanized well drilling nationwide in the future!"

"Take your time with the tests, no rush," Wang Huanbo said, gesturing for Xiao Liu to bring over the simple water quality testing equipment from the tractor. Professor Liu was overjoyed and immediately got to work with his assistant, measuring pH, hardness, and sediment content, and recording the changes in water output over time... Their professional and focused demeanor commanded the respect of the villagers watching.

Li Huaide didn't approach the well. He stood a little further away, his gaze shifting back and forth between the excited villagers and the red "little cannon," his face bearing his usual gentle and polite smile, but deep in his eyes he was calculating rapidly.

He saw the undisguised fervor and curiosity in Wang Jinshi's eyes towards the machine; he saw several carpenters and blacksmiths in the village pointing and whispering around the well-drilling machine module; he saw the young people eager to climb into the driver's seat. He also saw Wang Yuanshan and several old farmers squatting beside the freshly dug soil pile, rubbing soil samples from different depths with their hands, and discussing the soil quality and moisture in hushed tones.

"Director Li," Cui Dake quietly approached him and lowered his voice, "I think there's potential. Look at those young men, their eyes are practically glued to the machines. And those experienced workers, they're particularly interested in the well-drilling machine, asking all sorts of questions."

Li Huaide nodded slightly, his voice so low that only the two of them could hear: "Little Stone is a good kid, clever and skillful. He helped hand over tools and clear away the mud earlier; he's observant. Those old craftsmen are the village's capable people, highly respected. Remember them."

"Understood." Cui Dake understood immediately, took out a small notebook from his pocket, and quickly jotted down a few names and characteristics with a pencil. He knew that Factory Director Li was building up his talent pool—once the "Little Cannon" went into mass production, the tractor factory would need a large number of workers, especially young people from the countryside who had a certain mechanical sense and were hardworking. Developing a few "insiders" in the villages would be of great benefit in terms of maintenance, feedback, and even promotion after the machines were deployed to the countryside.

"Oh, right, Da Ke," Li Huaide said, remembering something, "make arrangements tonight. Have Zhu Zi use the little bit of flour he brought today to steam some white flour buns for a few elderly people in the village who are struggling financially. Not many, just five or six for each family. Wrap them in a cloth and quietly deliver them. Just say they're from the factory to show their appreciation to the veteran workers. Don't make a fuss."

Cui Da nodded vigorously, secretly praising Director Li: "Director Li's thoughtfulness is as meticulous as a needle's eye. Offering help in this time of need is a hundred times better than adding to someone's already good fortune. It shows respect for the elderly, saves face for those in difficulty, and avoids being overly ostentatious, so as not to provoke unnecessary comparisons."

The sky had completely darkened. More torches and lanterns were lit on the threshing floor. The water output from the second well had also stabilized, and the water quality was even better than the first. The Red Star Little Cannon had completed its most arduous task of the day and quietly stopped beside the two newly built mounds of earth, its body splattered with mud, its exhaust pipe still warm, like a steed that had just completed a hard journey and was now resting.

The villagers were reluctant to leave, but at Wang Yuanshan's urging, they gradually returned home for dinner. Inside the ancestral hall, Sha Zhu had already directed several aunties from the same clan to set out the meal. Although Li Huaide and Zhang Siyuan emphasized keeping it simple, the villagers' enthusiasm was overwhelming. Besides the ingredients brought from the factory, each household contributed: Aunt Zhang brought half a jar of her own pickled mustard greens, the Li family brought out dried radishes they had sun-dried in the fall, and Grandpa Zhao had his grandson bring over a small basket of crisp pears frozen outside…

The food was still very affordable. The large pot of stew was steaming hot, and the freshly steamed buns were soft and fluffy, but the most eye-catching dish was the huge bowl of pork stew with vermicelli in the center of the table. It used the last bit of fresh pork brought in that day, a perfect balance of lean and fat, stewed until tender. The vermicelli soaked up the broth, becoming glistening and slippery. There was also a dish of stir-fried cabbage with vinegar, made with large cabbages stored in the villager's cellar—crisp, tangy, and refreshing, a perfect way to cut through the richness and whet the appetite.

Professor Liu ate his meal while still holding his notebook, occasionally discussing data in hushed tones with his assistant beside him. He mechanically shoveled rice into his mouth, his mind clearly still on the two wells and the pile of test data. Zhang Siyuan, on the other hand, was more relaxed, chatting with Wang Yuanshan and Li Youtian about the village's production situation, next year's planting plans, and what farm tools were still needed.

Wang Huanbo was a man of few words, eating his meal quietly, but he listened attentively to the conversations at each table. He heard villagers worrying that the machines were too expensive to afford, someone asking if burning oil was costly, and an old man muttering, "No matter how good the machine is, it still needs someone to take care of it"... These were the most authentic firsthand feedback, which were crucial for him to refine his design and formulate promotion strategies.

After the meal, following Li Huaide's instructions, Cui Dake and two workers, carrying several bundles wrapped in cloth, quietly disappeared into the night. Inside the bundles were warm steamed buns that Sha Zhu had specially reserved. They knocked on the doors of several houses according to a pre-recorded list.

The doors were often opened by astonished elderly people or reserved women. When they heard that "the factory leaders asked me to give these to the veteran workers to try," their surprise quickly turned to gratitude. Some tried to refuse, but Cui Dake stopped them with, "It's a gift from an elder; I dare not refuse. It's the factory's rule." The gifts were few, but the sentiment was heavy. In those years of rationing, these few white flour buns meant so much.

Wang Jinshi's family also received a gift, along with an extra small bag of fruit candies. Cui Dake patted Xiao Shitou on the shoulder: "Young man, you did a good job today. You were observant and your hands were steady. Keep up the good work, and you'll have a chance to go to the city and become a factory worker, driving an ox!"

Little Stone's parents were so excited they didn't know what to say, and Wang Jinshi himself blushed and nodded repeatedly. That night, the light stayed on for a long time in the Wang family's low mud-brick house.

It was late at night, but the oil lamps in the side rooms of the ancestral hall were still lit. Zhang Siyuan, Liu Shouren, Wang Huanbo, Li Huaide, and several other core members of the expedition team sat around an old square table, which was covered with today's test records, data tables, and site sketches.

"Overall," Professor Liu Shouren adjusted his glasses, his tone serious yet excited, "the 'Red Star Little Cannon' demonstrated outstanding reliability and operational efficiency under today's extreme low temperatures (minus 19 to minus 22 degrees Celsius) and permafrost hardness of an average of 4.2 MPa."

He picked up a summary sheet: "Permafrost tillage test, continuous operation for 2 hours and 15 minutes, average tillage depth 26.5 cm, tillage width 30 cm, fuel consumption 5.8 liters per hour, engine water temperature, oil pressure, and hydraulic system pressure remained stable throughout. This data has exceeded the winter operation calibration values ​​of imported tractors of the same level that we have.

"Well drilling test," he turned to another page, "impact drilling places an extremely high impact load on the power system. However, under the average impact load, the engine speed fluctuation of the small cannon did not exceed ±50 rpm, there were no abnormal noises in the transmission system, and no leaks in the hydraulic system. The two wells, with a total drilling depth of 13.7 meters, achieved the expected water output and quality. This proves that it has sufficient power reserves, a rigid chassis and suspension system, and can handle a variety of high-load operations."

Zhang Siyuan listened attentively, tapping his fingers lightly on the table: "Professor Liu, based on your professional judgment, if this machine is to be mass-produced, what aspects need improvement? Or rather, what potential problems might arise?"

Professor Liu looked at Wang Huanbo with a questioning gaze. Wang Huanbo calmly replied, "There are three main points. First, although the low-temperature start-up was successful, the preheating time can be optimized. The next step is to consider installing a fuel preheater and an intake air preheating device. Second, during the later stages of drilling today, I discovered a slight abnormal noise in the universal joint of the power take-off shaft (PTO) under continuous high torque impact, which requires strengthening the materials and heat treatment. Third, the sealing and insulation of the cab are crucial. Prolonged low-temperature operation is a challenge for the driver and needs improvement."

He didn't evade the question, but rather pinpointed the details that needed improvement. This honesty and meticulousness earned him silent nods of approval from everyone present.

"Engineer Wang has considered everything very thoroughly," Zhang Siyuan praised. "These are all issues that can be resolved before mass production. Director Li, what do you think? If the ministry approves it as soon as possible, how long will it take to build the production line and train the workers?"

Li Huaide was already confident: "Director Zhang, we've made a preliminary plan. We'll utilize some of the existing factory buildings and equipment at the automobile branch, while simultaneously constructing new assembly and testing workshops. Key components such as engines, transmissions, and hydraulic parts can rely on the existing supply chain, while some will require outsourcing or the construction of new production lines. If funding and material resources are secured, we can build a production line with an annual capacity of 3000 units within six months. Worker training can be conducted concurrently, selecting from existing workers at the Hongxing factory and... outstanding rural youths." As he finished speaking, he glanced at Wang Huanbo.

Wang Huanbo nodded slightly. Li Huaide understood his thoughts. Recruiting workers from rural areas could not only solve the factory's labor shortage but also cultivate technical talent for rural areas. These "seeds" would become the best technology promoters when they returned to their hometowns.

"Three thousand units a year..." Zhang Siyuan calculated in his mind. How many communes were there in the country? How many production teams? Three thousand units was simply a drop in the ocean. But this was the starting point. With a successful model and production line, there would be a foundation for expanding the scale.

"First, solve the problem of whether we have it or not, then we'll address the issues of quality and quantity," Zhang Siyuan decided. "Professor Liu, you'll be in charge of drafting the investigation report, and the data must be detailed and accurate. I'll report back to the Party Committee of the Ministry as soon as possible, striving for project approval as quickly as possible, coordinating with relevant ministries, and arranging funding and materials. Engineer Wang, Factory Director Li, the factory must also immediately begin all preparations for mass production, especially process finalization, tooling design, and supply chain streamlining. We must be well-prepared!"

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

The meeting ended after 10 p.m. After everyone left, Wang Huanbo did not immediately return to his old house to rest. He walked out of the ancestral hall alone, and under the cold moonlight, he walked to the edge of the threshing ground.

The little Red Star cannon sat quietly in the center of the field, covered with a thin layer of frost, its surface gleaming coldly in the moonlight. The openings of the two new wells were temporarily covered with wooden planks, and piles of soil dug that day lay beside them. The village slept, save for a few sporadic barks of dogs and the whistling of the wind through the bare branches.

Wang Huanbo walked to the tractor and reached out to touch the cold engine cover. The metallic chill seeped through his gloves. He could almost feel the surging power within this machine that had been running all day, hear the powerful roar of the diesel engine, and see the frozen soil cracking under the plowshare, with clear springs gushing from the depths of the earth.

"How are you feeling?" a voice sounded from behind.

Wang Huanbo knew it was Li Huaide without even turning around. This deputy factory director also seemed to be awake.

"It's alright. It basically met the design expectations," Wang Huanbo replied, then paused and added, "It's just that I feel a machine can only change so much."

Li Huaide walked over to him, looked at the tractor, and exhaled a puff of white breath: "Engineer Wang, you're not right. One machine is few, but it's a beginning. With the first one, there will be the tenth, the hundredth, the thousandth. Today, the villagers of Wangjiazhuang have seen it, believed it, and are looking forward to it. This is the spark. When this spark spreads throughout the country, that will be the beginning of a prairie fire."

He turned to look at Wang Huanbo, his tone sincere: "Engineer Wang, I know you have high aspirations and want to do a lot. But you have to take things one step at a time. Today, with the debut of this 'little cannon,' the ministry and even higher levels will see its value. With the support from above, many things will be easier. Don't worry, I will fully cooperate with the factory, providing manpower and resources as needed, and ensuring that no technical issues get stuck."

Under the moonlight, Li Huaide's eyes shone brightly, carrying the certainty and shrewdness of a pragmatist. Wang Huanbo knew he was telling the truth and had the ability to do so. At the Hongxing Factory, with Secretary Yao guiding the direction, Director Yang overseeing things, and a capable and efficient deputy like Li Huaide handling specific tasks, he could focus wholeheartedly on his technical work.

"Thank you, Director Li," Wang Huanbo said solemnly.

"You're too kind!" Li Huaide waved his hand. "We're all contributing to the country! By the way, Engineer Wang, there's something else I need to discuss with you. Today I saw that kid Xiao Shitou, and a few other young men in the village, and they really are promising talents. When our tractor factory is built and we're recruiting, could we give some preference to Wangjiazhuang and the surrounding villages? That would solve our labor problem, help our fellow villagers, and also cultivate a group of key personnel who are familiar with rural life and passionate about machinery."

Wang Huanbo nodded: "Okay. You can discuss the specific criteria with Uncle Yuanshan and Secretary Youtian. It must be fair and just, and we should select those who are truly capable and willing to learn."

"Understood! Don't worry!" Li Huaide smiled. This matter, if handled well, would not only fulfill Engineer Wang's wish to care for the local community, but also provide the factory with talent and strengthen relations with the local area—a win-win situation.

The two stood there for a while longer, until the chill penetrated to their bones, before they went back to rest.

That night, many people in Wangjiazhuang suffered from insomnia.

Wang Yuanshan lay on the kang (a heated brick bed), staring wide-eyed at the dark beams. The roar of the tractor and the thunderous sounds of drilling the well seemed to still echo in his ears. His mind was filled with next year's production plan: with those two wells, wheat could be grown on the thirty mu of dry land in Dongwa, cotton could be tried on the slopes, and fruit trees might be planted on the sandy land behind the village… If only he could really have his own "little cannon" (a type of tractor-trailer)… The old man turned over, his heart burning with ambition.

Wang Jinshi (Little Stone) couldn't sleep either. He hid under the covers, clutching the few fruit candies Cui Dake had given him tightly in his hand; the wrappers rustled softly in the darkness. Driving the tractor, becoming a worker, going to the city… these words swirled in his mind. He remembered helping Master Liu hand him wrenches and clean the machine during the day, and the encouraging look in Master Liu's eyes; he remembered what Section Chief Li had said when he patted him on the shoulder; and he remembered the imposing presence of that red tractor. A thought, clearer and more fervent than ever before, took root and sprouted in his heart.

Inside the ancestral hall's side room, Professor Liu Shouren was still diligently writing under the oil lamp. He had already completed most of the investigation report, but he meticulously checked every piece of data and carefully considered every conclusion. He knew the immense weight of this report. It could determine whether an advanced agricultural machine suitable for China's national conditions could be developed as soon as possible, whether millions of farmers could be freed from arduous manual labor, and whether the nation's food security was at stake. He dared not slacken in the slightest.

The moonlight moved past its zenith, and the starlight gradually thinned. The darkest hour in the village had passed, and a faint bluish tinge appeared on the eastern horizon.

A new day is about to begin.

With the arrival of a new day comes not only dawn, but also new hope, a new journey, and a wider world for that red "iron bull" to venture into.

As the first rays of dawn pierced the night and illuminated the Red Star Steel Cannon standing quietly in the threshing ground, the frost on its body slowly melted, turning into tiny water droplets that rolled down its vermilion paint, like the joyful sweat flowing from this steel behemoth.

In the history of Wangjiazhuang village, this day is repeatedly mentioned by the elders, known as the day when "the iron ox entered the village and the two wells gushed forth springs." On the broader historical scroll, this day marks a small but solid starting point in the process of agricultural mechanization in China.

This journey began with a machine, a group of people, a village, and a cold yet bright winter morning.