Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

腊月十八，清晨五点，天还黑得沉。

祠堂西厢房的窗户纸透出昏黄的灯光。刘守仁教授趴在旧方桌上，就着一盏煤油灯，在摊开的数据记录本上落下最后一笔。他眼珠布满血丝，但精神却异常亢奋。厚厚的报告草稿已经完成，封面上是他用毛笔工工整整写下的标题：

《关于红星牌多功能小型轮式拖拉机（红星小钢炮）冬季实地测试报告暨技术性能评估意见》

报告分为四大部分：一、测试环境与条件概述（包括王家庄地理位置、气候、土壤、冻土硬度等）；二、测试项目、方法与过程详述（耕作、运输、打井三大类，十几个子项目，每个项目的操作步骤、测量方法、现场情况）；三、测试数据汇总与分析（大量表格、曲线图、对比数据，详尽到近乎繁琐）；四、总体评价、存在问题与改进建议、推广应用前景展望。

In the conclusion of the report, Professor Liu carefully considered his words before finally writing:

「……综上所述，红星牌多功能小型轮式拖拉机（红星小钢炮）在本次冬季极端环境实地测试中，各项性能指标均达到或超过设计预期，展现了优异的低温启动性能、强大的牵引与动力输出能力、可靠稳定的持续作业表现，以及高度可扩展的多功能应用潜力。其设计紧密结合我国农村实际生产需求，在适应性、经济性、易用性方面具有显着优势，是一款符合我国国情、具有广阔推广前景的优秀农机产品。建议主管部门儘快组织鉴定，加快量产进程，优先在北方旱作区、山区、丘陵等複杂地形区域示範推广……」

他放下笔，长长舒了口气，靠在椅背上，揉了揉酸胀的太阳穴。三天两夜，几乎没合眼，但值了。作为一辈子跟农业机械打交道的学者，他太清楚这份报告的分量，也太清楚那台红色「铁牛」意味着什幺。

Soft footsteps and whispers came from outside the door. It was Zhang Siyuan and Li Huaide, who had gotten up. They hadn't slept soundly either. Zhang Siyuan was preoccupied with his thoughts, planning how to report back to the ministry and how to coordinate resources from all sides. Li Huaide, as usual, was an early riser, thinking about the remaining tasks for the day, the return journey arrangements, and follow-up contact with Wangjiazhuang.

"Professor Liu, you've worked hard all night." Zhang Siyuan pushed open the door and came in. He was moved when he saw the thick stack of manuscripts on the table and Liu Shouren's bloodshot eyes. "Take a rest and look at it again when it's light."

「没事，趁还记得清楚，都写下来。」刘守仁摆摆手，把报告草稿递给张思远，「张局，您先看看，重点在数据分析和结论部分。有些专业术语和图表，我最后再润色。」

张思远接过，就着灯光快速浏览。他不懂太深的技术细节，但报告结构清晰，数据翔实，结论明确有力。特别是那些对比数据——与进口机型比，与国产老型号比，与畜力作业比——一目了然，说服力极强。

"Great! Well written!" Zhang Siyuan closed the report, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "With this report, I can hold my head high at the ministry meeting! Where's Engineer Wang? Is he up yet?"

"It seems that Engineer Wang got up a long time ago and went to the old house," Li Huaide interjected. "According to Xiao Zhao, Engineer Wang went to check on the two new wells before dawn and spent half a day at the tractor yard."

正说着，外面传来嘈杂声。是村民们陆续起来了。虽然领导们说不用送，但王家庄的乡亲们还是自发地聚集到了祠堂门口和打穀场边。妇人们提着装有热鸡蛋、烙饼的小筐，男人们扛着準备给领导们带上的土产——无非是些自家晒的乾菜、腌的鹹蛋、捨不得吃的红枣核桃。东西不值钱，是份心。

王焕勃从老宅方向走来，身边跟着王远山和几位鬚髮皆白的族老。老人们走得很慢，但执意要亲自来送。

「焕勃啊，」年纪最大、辈分最高的王山水太公，被孙子搀扶着，颤巍巍地抓住王焕勃的手，浑浊的老眼望着他，「这一走，啥时候再回来？」

"Grandpa, in the spring, after the ice thaws, I'll bring 'Little Cannon' back for spring plowing tests. I'll definitely come back," Wang Huanbo said gently, supporting the old man.

「好，好……」王山水点着头，另一只手从怀里摸出个小布包，塞到王焕勃手里，「拿着。这是太公我存的一点老山参须子，年份浅，不值钱，但你常熬夜，费脑子，泡水喝，提提神。你在外头，是为国家做大事情的，可得顾好身子！」

The cloth bag was small and light, but Wang Huanbo felt it was heavy in his hands. He gripped the bag tightly and nodded solemnly, "Don't worry, Grandfather, I've remembered it. Please take good care of yourself. I'll be back in the spring, and I'd love to hear you tell stories again."

Wang Yuanshan stepped forward, carrying a blue cloth bundle: "Huanbo, these are a few pairs of insoles your aunt made overnight with new cotton; they're warm. There's also some millet and mung beans, from our own land. Take them back and make porridge." He lowered his voice, "I secretly delivered steamed buns and candy to several impoverished households in the village, as well as those families of martyrs and soldiers, according to the list given by Director Li. Everyone... appreciates your kindness."

Wang Huanbo took the bundle, a warm feeling welling up inside him. He glanced at Li Huaide beside him, who nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Li Huaide had arranged all these details perfectly.

At this moment, Wang Jinshi squeezed out of the crowd, clutching something tightly in his hand, his face flushed red. He mustered his courage and walked up to Wang Huanbo: "Huan... Huanbo! This... is for you!"

He opened his palm, revealing a small tractor model meticulously crafted and welded from bullet casings! Though rough, its outline was still discernible, complete with wheels, a cab, and even a small three-point suspension at the rear. Clearly, a great deal of effort had been put into its creation.

「我自己做的……用捡的弹壳……」小石头声音越来越小，但眼睛亮得惊人，「我、我想好了，我要学开拖拉机，学修机器！等咱们村有了『小钢炮』，我第一个报名开！」

王焕勃仔细看着这个简陋却充满心意的模型，又抬头看看眼前这个眼神炽热、皮肤黝黑的农家少年。他仿佛看到了千千万万个「王金石」，看到了中国农村未来的希望。他接过模型，认真地说：「好，小石头（虽然小石头比王焕勃大一辈，但王金石岁数比王焕勃小而且还是不少一个支脉的，所以就根据年龄各论各的了），有志气。记住你今天的话。好好认字，学算术，有机会去上夜校，学机械原理。等你準备好了，机会会来找你的。」

"Yes!" Little Stone nodded vigorously, his eyes reddening.

On the other side, Zhang Siyuan, Liu Shouren, and others were also surrounded by villagers. One person stuffed a few boiled eggs into their hands, another a bag of roasted peanuts; unable to refuse, they had no choice but to accept. Cui Dake and the workers busily loaded the villagers' good wishes onto the car, their hearts warmed with gratitude.

太阳完全升起来了，金红色的阳光洒在白雪覆盖的村庄和田野上，给一切都镀上了一层温暖的亮色。打穀场上，红星小钢炮被擦拭得乾乾净净，红色的漆身在阳光下熠熠生辉，仿佛一头休憩完毕、即将出征的红色雄狮。

"It's time to set off," Zhang Siyuan said to Wang Huanbo and Li Huaide, glancing at his pocket watch.

王焕勃点点头，最后看了一眼祠堂，看了一眼聚在村口的乡亲们，看了一眼那两口新井，看了一眼这个生养了他父亲（王金山）的村庄。然后，他转身，走向那辆红旗星耀S600L Guard防弹轿车。

Xiao Zhao had already started the car, the engine humming softly. Zhang Siyuan, Liu Shouren, and the others also got into their respective vehicles. Li Huaide directed the trucks and tractors to prepare to start.

「乡亲们！都回去吧！天冷，别送了！」张思远从车窗探出头，用力挥手。

"Take care, leaders!"

"Engineer Wang, you must come back in the spring!"

"Director Li, Comrade Cui, come again when you have time!"

"Master Zhu, I'll help you out next time I come!"

Shouts of farewell rose and fell. Wang Yuanshan led the entire village, standing under the old locust tree, waving continuously. The elderly wiped their eyes with their clothes, women held their children and looked on, and children ran alongside the slowly moving convoy.

The convoy drove out of the village and onto the snow-covered road. In the rearview mirror, the village's outline grew smaller and smaller, but the densely packed figures waving at the village entrance were clearly etched against the backdrop of snow and sunlight.

The Hongqi sedan was quiet. Sha Zhu had gone back to the factory by truck last night to prepare for the follow-up work. Xiao Zhao was focused on driving. Wang Huanbo leaned back in the back seat, still holding the tractor model made from a bullet casing, watching the desolate winter fields rushing past the window.

"Engineer Wang," Zhang Siyuan, in the passenger seat, turned around, breaking the silence, "this test was a great success, far exceeding expectations. On behalf of the department and on my own behalf, thank you!"

「张局长言重了，分内之事。」王焕勃语气平静。

「不，不是客气话。」张思远神情严肃，「你是不知道，现在部里压力有多大。北边，苏联老大哥的援助项目，拖拉机厂还要等几年；南边，水田作业机械更是个空白。各地都在打报告要机器，要农具。可咱们一穷二白，钢铁、橡胶、燃油，样样紧缺。你这台『小钢炮』，简直是旱地里的一场及时雨！」

He paused, then continued, "After I get back, I will immediately give a special report to the Party Committee of the Ministry. I will also forward your rifle improvement report through confidential channels. The Ministry will set up a special working group to coordinate with the First Ministry of Machine Building, the Ministry of Metallurgy, the Ministry of Chemical Industry, and local authorities to fully support the mass production of the 'small steel cannon.' Funding, materials, and personnel will all be guaranteed with the highest priority."

王焕勃听着，心里想的却是更远的事。量产只是第一步。如何培训机手？如何建立维修网络？如何根据南北不同需求开发变型产品？燃油供应如何保障？配套农具如何标準化、系列化？

「张局长，」他开口道，「量产的同时，配套体系必须跟上。我建议，以红星厂为基地，成立全国农业机械技术培训中心，为各省、各地区培训拖拉机手、维修工、技术员。同时，制定统一的配套农具接口标準，鼓励地方农机厂生产适合本地的犁、耙、播种机、收割机。还有，燃油供应和维修网点，需要石油公司和供销系统配合。」

Zhang Siyuan's eyes lit up: "Great! That's very thoughtful! These can all be written into the next work plan. Engineer Wang, what do you think about you leading this training center and technical standards committee?"

Wang Huanbo did not agree immediately, but said, "I can take responsibility for the technical aspects. However, the specific organization and coordination will require capable people from the ministry and the factory. Director Li is very experienced in overall coordination."

「李怀德同志确实不错。」张思远点头，「这次接待和测试安排，看得出能力很强，考虑问题也周全。厂里有个能帮你处理好具体事务的搭档，你才能更专注于技术。」

车队中途在一个小镇简单吃了午饭，下午继续赶路。路上，张思远和刘守仁就着报告草稿，又讨论了一路。王焕勃则大部分时间在闭目养神，意识沉浸在盘古提供的技术资料库中，检索着国内外小型拖拉机的技术发展脉络，思考着下一步改进方向和可能的技术突破点。

As dusk fell, the convoy entered Beijing territory. The city's outline emerged in the twilight, tall chimneys billowing smoke, and the faint roar of machinery from the factory district could be heard. Compared to the tranquil Wangjiazhuang, this was a completely different, vibrant world.

先把张思远和刘守仁等人送回部里招待所。临下车前，张思远再次紧紧握住王焕勃的手：「王工，等报告正式提交，立项通过，我再来厂里找你。下一步，任重道远，咱们一起努力！」

"Definitely." Wang Huanbo gripped the hand tightly in return.

After seeing off the inspection team, the convoy headed towards the Hongxing Factory. Li Huaide got out of the car at the factory gate; he needed to report immediately to Secretary Yao Jianghe and Factory Director Yang Weimin. Wang Huanbo went directly back to the west courtyard.

推开院门，熟悉的庭院，熟悉的屋子。娄小娥正在院里收晾晒的被子，听到动静回头，脸上绽开温柔的笑：「回来了？累坏了吧？锅里热着饭呢。」

"Yes, you're back." Wang Huanbo looked at his wife, the tension that had been building for three days seeming to ease slightly. He handed the bundle and the bullet casing model to Lou Xiao'e, "These were given to you by the villagers, keep them. Put this model in my study."

回到书房，关上房门，世界瞬间安静下来。书桌上，还摊开着「小钢炮」的部分图纸和计算稿。窗外，四合院渐渐亮起零星的灯火，传来邻居家炒菜的声响、孩子的哭闹、收音机模糊的戏曲声。平凡的人间烟火气，将他从那个冰天雪地、机器轰鸣的测试场，拉回了现实的生活。

He sat down at his desk, without turning on the light, and sat quietly for a while, letting the last rays of sunlight stream in through the window. Three days and two nights later, scenes from Wangjiazhuang flashed before his eyes: the moment the frozen soil cracked under the plow, the villagers' cheers as the spring gushed forth, the trembling ginseng offered by Grandpa Wang Shanshui, the burning flame in Wang Shitou's eyes, and the reluctant faces at parting…

And that red, silent, and powerful machine.

它不仅仅是一台拖拉机。它是一个符号，一个起点，一份承诺。承诺着用工业的力量反哺农业，用技术的进步改变命运，用钢铁的臂膀，托起这个古老国度沉重的粮食梦想。

「盘古。」他在心中默念。

"Yes, Master." A cold, electronic voice echoed in his mind.

"Record: The first phase of field testing for the 'Red Star Small Cannon' project has been successfully completed. An independent file has been established, archiving all test data, video materials, and personnel interview records. The mass production preparation simulation program has been launched, with variables including capital investment, material supply, production line construction cycle, worker training progress, and market demand forecast. At the same time, preparations for the second phase of key technology testing for the 'August 1st' project have been launched."

「指令确认。档案建立。推演程序启动。预计初步报告生成时间：12小时。」

Wang Huanbo stood up and walked to the window. Night had completely fallen, and the stars were just beginning to appear. In the distant northwest lay that mysterious desert, where countless people were working in anonymity and pouring their hearts and souls into another momentous cause. And here, on the black soil of the Northeast, in the water towns of Jiangnan, and in the hills of the Southwest, countless "Wang Family Villages" were waiting and hoping.

He recalled Zhang Siyuan's words in the car: "Timely rain in a drought." Yes, this country, this land, desperately needs rain. Rain for technology, rain for industry, rain for hope.

而他，或许就是那个播云散雨的人之一。

第二天，红星厂召开了紧急厂党委扩大会议。姚江河书记亲自主持，杨卫民厂长、李怀德副厂长、王焕勃，以及各主要车间、科室负责人参加。

Li Huaide gave a detailed report on the entire process of the Wangjiazhuang test, the main results, and the initial feedback from the inspection team. When they heard that "all performance indicators met or exceeded design expectations" and "the Ministry attaches great importance to this and will fully support mass production," the atmosphere in the meeting room became enthusiastic.

姚江河书记做总结讲话，声音洪亮有力：「同志们！『红星小钢炮』测试成功，是我们红星厂贯彻国家『大力支援农业』号召的重大成果！是我们工人阶级和技术人员智慧和汗水的结晶！现在，接力棒交到我们手里了！下一步，量产！要快，要好，要省！要把这台利国利民的好机器，儘快送到农民兄弟手中！厂党委决定，成立『红星小钢炮量产会战指挥部』，我任政委，杨厂长任总指挥，李怀德同志和王焕勃同志任副总指挥，分别负责生产组织和技术保障！全厂上下，要拧成一股绳，打一场漂亮的农机量产攻坚战！」

The meeting approved the preliminary mass production plan and clarified the tasks and timelines for each department. After the meeting, Wang Huanbo was kept behind by Yao Jianghe.

"Comrade Huanbo," Secretary Yao's tone deepened, "your report on rifle improvements has been seen by the higher-ups. They attach great importance to it. The preliminary research for the 'August 1st' project must be carried out secretly and thoroughly. The factory will provide you with the safest and most convenient conditions. You must know that you bear a heavy burden on your shoulders—one end is food, the other is steel (national defense)! Both are heavy, but you must shoulder them!"

"I understand, Secretary," Wang Huanbo replied solemnly.

走出办公楼，寒风扑面，但王焕勃胸中却有一股热流在涌动。他抬头望向厂区，高耸的烟囱喷吐着白烟，车间里传来熟悉的工具机轰鸣。这里，将是「红星小钢炮」诞生的地方，也将是许多改变这个国家面貌的梦想开始的地方。

He strode towards the technology center building. There, countless blueprints awaited his revision, countless data points awaited his verification, and countless problems awaited his solution.

The road ahead is still long. But the direction is already clear.

Meanwhile, in Wangjiazhuang, Changping, a thousand miles away, Wang Yuanshan was organizing the villagers to carefully build the well platforms of the two wells with blue bricks and cement. During breaks from work, Wang Jinshi would always run to the village entrance, look at the road leading to Beijing, and clutch a copy of "Illustrated Introduction to Mechanics" that he had borrowed from his literacy class teacher.

The wind sweeps across the North China Plain, stirring up remnants of snow and dust. But beneath the snow, deep in the frozen soil, the seeds of life slumber, awaiting the call of the spring breeze, the awakening of the plow, and the nourishment of sweet spring water.

The image of that red iron ox is deeply etched in the hearts of the people of this land. They believe it will return, bringing back even more companions.

By then, iron oxen will be everywhere, and spring thunder will rumble across the land.

A great era of steel, land, and hope is slowly unfolding with the ever-approaching roar of machinery.

腊月二十，农业部党组扩大会议专题审议「红星小钢炮」项目，一致通过，列为国家农业机械化优先发展重点项目。

On the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, the First Ministry of Machine Building, the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry, the Ministry of Petroleum Industry, and the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives jointly issued a document to coordinate the supply of steel, rubber, fuel oil, and sales networks needed for the mass production of the "small cannon".

On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the "Little Cannon" mass production command center of Hongxing Factory was officially established, and the technical transformation and production line construction started overnight.

正月十五，王家庄收到红星厂发来的第一批「工农联盟」慰问信和十套《拖拉机驾驶与维修》简易教材。王金石被选为村里第一个教材学习小组组长。

The ice and snow are melting; spring is truly not far away.