Courtyard House: Initial Donation of 50 Million

The polio outbreak, like a sudden cold snap in Beijing in late autumn, was finally contained thanks to the concerted efforts of the entire nation, especially after the arrival of several batches of medicines and key vaccine samples sent across the ocean. Although the aftereffects of the epidemic linger, with many children suffering from varying degrees of sequelae and the long road to recovery just beginning, the most dangerous acute phase has passed, and widespread panic and the surge in new cases have been put on hold. For this newly established republic, struggling to rebuild and with extremely limited resources, this was undoubtedly a severe test, exposing its extreme weaknesses in public health and cutting-edge medicine. However, the crisis also shone with the brilliance of humanity and the power of unity. The generous assistance from the overseas Wang family became a weighty and heartwarming name in the hearts of the top leadership.

This pandemic has made the top leadership more clearly aware of two things: First, "having medicine in hand means peace of mind." An independent pharmaceutical industry system and international aid channels at critical moments are like the two wings of a bird, neither can be missing. Second, "those who are righteous will receive much help." Patriotic Chinese business families like the Wang family, who, although living overseas, always keep their hearts with their motherland and are willing to lend a helping hand at critical moments, are extremely valuable.

In the Haizi Lake, at the Juxiang Study, amidst swirling smoke, several leaders were listening to a report on epidemic control and follow-up work. When the head of the health department gave a detailed account of how the batches of emergency medicines and vaccines were distributed in a timely manner, effectively reducing the rates of severe cases and mortality, and especially mentioned the "extreme difficulty" in obtaining these supplies, the "abnormal surge in international market prices after learning of our needs," and how "the Wang family used enormous connections and funds to purchase and transport them at costs several times, even ten times, higher than the market price, and only settled according to the initial quote, bearing the price difference themselves," the leaders present fell into a brief silence.

"This Wang family, is it the same family as Comrade Jinshan?" A familiar and friendly Hunan accent rang out, the tone filled with approval and contemplation.

"Yes, sir. It's the Wang Jinshan family. Mr. Wang is Comrade Wang Huanbo's father," the comrade in charge of liaison replied respectfully.

"Good, very good." Our beloved teacher, speaking with a Hunan accent, slowly stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the desolate yet vibrant garden outside. After a long while, he turned around, his eyes shining brightly. "It's easy to add flowers to brocade, but difficult to provide charcoal in the snow. This time it was truly a timely help, saving so many children, putting so many parents at ease, and buying us precious time. With those samples and data, Comrade Gu Fangzhou's research will be much faster. The country and the people must remember this kindness."

He walked to the large desk, spread out a sheet of clean white Xuan paper, and pondered for a moment. His secretary, already prepared the ink, stood beside him. The instructor dipped his brush in the ink, and with fluid, powerful strokes, the ink penetrating the paper. In a moment, two lines of vigorous, powerful characters appeared on the paper:

"A pillar supporting the nation through science and technology, a loyal heart that shines through history."

The letter was signed by the instructor in a dashing manner and included the date.

"This calligraphy is for Comrade Huanbo." The instructor put down his brush, examined it carefully, and a satisfied look appeared on his face. "The Wang family is a pillar of the nation, dedicated to serving the country through science and technology. Comrade Huanbo and his family possess unwavering loyalty and patriotism, which should be remembered in history and known to future generations. Tell Comrade Huanbo that what he has done is seen by the country and the people. Also, convey to Mr. Jinshan that the motherland and the people thank them!"

This handwritten inscription was not merely an honor, but also a profound political affirmation and emotional connection. It was quickly and carefully framed and sent through confidential channels, along with other words of encouragement and inquiries from the instructors, to the Red Star Factory and into the hands of Wang Huanbo.

When Wang Huanbo unfurled the calligraphy, still fragrant with ink, in his study in the west wing, his heart was filled with emotion. He treasured it and hung it in the most prominent place in his study. This was not only a personal tribute to him, but also the highest honor for the entire Wang family, who had wandered overseas but never wavered in their aspirations. He immediately wrote to his father, Wang Jinshan, in the United States, describing the matter in detail and attaching a photograph of the calligraphy (developed through special channels).

Across the Pacific Ocean, in New York, at the Wang family estate.

Wang Jinshan held his youngest son's letter and the precious photograph with the inscription, his hands trembling slightly. The study was quiet, save for the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace. He put on his reading glasses, brought the photograph up to the lamplight, and carefully examined the fourteen characters that seemed to penetrate the paper. Each character struck his heart like a heavy hammer.

"A pillar supporting the nation through science and technology, a loyal heart shining through history..." Wang Jinshan murmured repeatedly, his eyes gradually welling up with tears. How many years had it been? Ever since he was forced to move his entire family across the ocean to escape the chaos of war, starting from scratch in this foreign land, the longing for his homeland and the sense of indebtedness to his country had never lessened. Although his business had grown larger and larger, making him a so-called "wealthy Chinese businessman," his midnight dreams were often filled with the misty rain of the Jiangnan water towns and the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms in the courtyard of his ancestral home. Now, the nation's highest leader had personally inscribed words praising his family as "pillars supporting the nation" and commending them for their "loyal heart," how could he not be overwhelmed with emotion and tears streaming down his face?

In the letter, besides reporting on the inscription, Wang Huanbo also detailed how his family's contributions during the pandemic were deeply recognized by high-level officials, and how the country was preparing to settle previous aid payments (due to the export earnings of enterprises like Hongxing Factory, the country's foreign exchange reserves had improved). He also mentioned his assessment of the future, which he had vaguely hinted at in the letter:

"...Father, this pandemic has made the nation even more aware of the importance of independence, self-reliance, and open cooperation. I firmly believe that once the nation's initial industrial foundation is laid and economic development is on track, opening up to the outside world and attracting foreign investment, technology, and management experience to accelerate development is an inevitable trend. This is the opportunity of 'reform and opening up' that I mentioned in my previous letter. At that time, if our Wang family, with capital, technology, advanced management, and a fervent patriotism, were to be the first to return, we would surely contribute to the nation's great cause and fulfill our long-cherished wish to return to our roots and serve our hometown. This is not a short-term gain, but a long-term achievement, the foundation for the family's century-long revival..."

Wang Jinshan read this passage repeatedly, the flame of "returning home in glory" burning brightly within him, making him restless. Previously, Wang Huanbo had repeatedly used family channels to transport various embargoed equipment, technical data, and even life-saving medicines to China. Wang Jinshan had never hesitated to provide the money and the channels, partly out of blood ties and trust in his son, but also, subconsciously, to "leave a way back" for the family, to build a lasting bond. Now, this bond has borne fruit—a personal inscription from the highest level, national recognition, sincere payment, and Huanbo's blueprint of "returning home with capital and contributing to a great undertaking."

"Going back...it's time to go back..." Wang Jinshan murmured to himself, gazing at the foreign night outside the window. He remembered his uncle holding his hand on his deathbed, murmuring "fallen leaves return to their roots"; he remembered his last glance back at the dock when he was forced to leave his homeland. Decades of ups and downs in the business world had shown him the glamour and ruthlessness of the capitalist world. Especially during this pharmaceutical procurement, the blatant price gouging by the pharmaceutical companies and middlemen made him deeply understand the cold, profit-driven nature of capitalism—life-saving drugs were, in their eyes, merely commodities for exorbitant profits. This further solidified a thought deep within him: the pharmaceutical industry is truly lucrative, faster than robbery! But beyond making money, there has to be something different.

He picked up his pen and wrote back to Wang Huanbo. His handwriting was slightly messy due to his excitement, but the meaning was crystal clear: "My dear Huanbo: I have read your inscription and am deeply grateful. My family, the Wang clan, has been wandering overseas for a long time, but our hearts have longed for our homeland! Your words about the opportunity of 'reform and opening up' resonate deeply with me. We should accelerate the transformation of our family businesses, especially in pharmaceuticals, and accumulate technological capital. When the time is right, my entire Wang clan will return to serve our country with all our life's savings! Regarding the payment for the goods, you can inform the higher authorities. My family is willing to bear the difference in price and will not take a penny. We only hope to use this small token to deepen our friendship and pave the way for our future return to the country. While you are in the country, go ahead and do your best. The family will be your strongest support! Jinshan, handwritten."

At the end of the letter, he specifically instructed: "The pharmaceutical industry is crucial to the people's livelihood and the foundation of the nation. It is a highly profitable industry with great potential. I have already ordered people to accelerate the pace of acquisitions and research and development. When the Wang family returns to the country, we will use this industry to benefit the people and also bring prosperity to our family!"

The Wang family's "sacrifice" and long-term strategy were naturally understood by the higher-ups. The enormous drug price difference, absorbed by the Wang family themselves, was a weighty "pledge of allegiance," and even more so, a sentiment that could not be measured in monetary terms. When settling the payment, the relevant departments granted the highest level of efficiency in the approval process, prioritizing foreign exchange quotas and offering substantial discounts on the settlement price. The funds were quickly transferred to the Wang family's overseas accounts through secret channels. This was not merely an economic settlement, but also the establishment of political mutual trust. A special bridge connecting patriotic overseas capital with the newly established republic became even more solid and expansive.

While Wang Jia and Wang Huanbo received honors for their "patriotic spirit," another "science and technology for the country" project, which was significant enough to influence the fate of the nation, was also reaping its rewards at the Hongxing Precision Machinery Plant (an upgraded and expanded section of the original steel rolling mill) under the Hongxing United Industrial Corporation.

Inside the massive assembly workshop, the lights were blazing, and the atmosphere was both solemn and enthusiastic. Along the assembly line, rows of new automatic rifles, freshly assembled and gleaming with a deep blue patina, stood in neat rows. Compared to the Type 56 semi-automatic rifle (a copy of the Soviet SKS) and the Type 56 submachine gun (a copy of the AK-47) commonly used by troops in the original timeline, these new rifles had a more streamlined and refined appearance, exuding an industrial aesthetic that transcended their era.

Wang Huanbo stood beside the production line, surrounded by factory leaders Yang Weimin and Li Huaide, as well as a group of young engineers and technical backbones with burning eyes and an average age of less than thirty. He gently picked up a new gun; it felt heavy in his hand, yet surprisingly comfortable. This gun embodied so many of his "memories" from the future and the wisdom and sweat of the workers at the present Red Star Factory.

A year ago, an in-depth conversation with his "old friends" Li Yunlong and Zhao Gang solidified his resolve to skip the inevitable, heavily Soviet-influenced Type 56 rifle family that would appear in the historical trajectory, and instead directly "transfer" and optimize the mature design of the Type 81 assault rifle, which had been battle-tested and widely praised by officers and soldiers in another era. Moreover, he wanted to incorporate more advanced concepts, making it not merely an improved version of the Type 56, but a modern assault rifle platform with generational advantages and excellent expandability.

The prototype gun before us is the culmination of this concept:

Core architecture: Instead of using the long-stroke gas piston operating principle of the AK-47 (which is reliable, but the bolt carrier impact is large, affecting accuracy and shooter comfort), it directly adopts the short-stroke gas piston operating principle of the future Type 81 and has been optimized, making the automatic mechanism move more smoothly, the recoil feeling is significantly improved, and the accuracy of burst fire is significantly improved.

Ergonomics: The rudimentary fire selector mechanism of the AK series, made of thin sheet metal and prone to accidental activation, was completely abandoned. Wang Huanbo drew inspiration from the designs of excellent rifles such as the future HK series and redesigned a dual-sided rotary fire selector. The knob has clear positioning and a solid feel, allowing for quick and accurate switching between single-shot, three-round burst, and full-auto modes. It also features a bolt hold-open function—when the magazine is empty, the bolt automatically retracts and engages, prompting the shooter to reload. After replacing the magazine, a simple tap of the release button allows for continued firing, significantly improving reloading speed in actual combat.

The core expansion features a complete Picatinny rail integrated at the top of the gun (now called the "Red Star Standard Tactical Rail"), with tactical rails also available at the bottom and sides for expansion. This is a revolutionary design. With it, the gun is no longer a weapon with a fixed function, but a "platform" that can accommodate various functional modules.

Tactical Upgrade: Around this platform, Wang Huanbo didn't take on everything himself, but instead assigned "projects" with clear ideas and blueprints to those energetic young engineers who urgently needed training.

The optical sights team, led by a top optics graduate from Tsinghua University, successfully tackled the challenge of developing a "holographic sight." Although larger and heavier than later products, and powered by a specially designed high-performance button battery, it achieved "red dot" aiming, greatly improving the accuracy and speed of close-range rapid firing. In addition, advanced optical sights with 2x, 4x, and 6x variable magnification (the prototype of the ACOG) were also successfully developed simultaneously for use by precision marksmen.

Auxiliary equipment: high-intensity tactical flashlights, early infrared laser pointers/auxiliary sights (used with simple night vision equipment). These "gadgets" were developed by different technical teams. Although their performance may not be top-notch, they solved the problem of whether or not they had them.

Enhanced Firepower: What excited the young engineers most was the 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher project, mounted on the rifle's handguard rail. With simplified blueprints and principles from the "Predator" technology provided by Wang Huanbo, these young men unleashed astonishing enthusiasm. They not only created the launcher itself but also developed various types of ammunition, including fragmentation grenades, armor-piercing grenades, smoke grenades, and illumination grenades. Although its reliability still requires further testing, the prototype is already in place, and its significance is immense.

Other improvements include a steel stock that folds to the right (to fit in vehicle space and confined spaces), a more ergonomic grip, and a handguard with better heat dissipation... Almost every detail reflects the design philosophy of "human-centered" and "future-oriented".

Today, this fully-equipped prototype gun lies quietly on the testing table in the workshop, like a lurking steel monster covered in "magic weapons," awaiting its inspection.

The inspectors arrived quickly. A military inspection team, led by high-ranking officials from the General Staff Department, the General Armaments Department, and the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, marched into the Red Star Factory in a grand procession. Among the veteran generals leading the team was none other than Li Yunlong, whose familiar booming voice was prominently displayed.

"Old Wang! Old Wang! I heard you guys have come up with something amazing? Even more powerful than the Russians' 'iron lump' (referring to the AK-47)?" Li Yunlong's voice preceded his arrival. He grabbed Wang Huanbo's shoulder and shook him vigorously, but his eyes were already fixed on the "strangely shaped" rifle on the testing platform.

Wang Huanbo introduced it with a smile. When the test shooter picked up the "fully-equipped" prototype rifle, complete with a holographic sight, a scope (with quick-switch capability), a foregrip, a tactical light, a laser designator, and a 40mm grenade launcher, the entire inspection team of generals and experts fell silent, then erupted in low gasps and murmurs. This…is this still a rifle? This is practically a personal arsenal!

At the firing range, the rigorous, almost demanding, comparative testing begins.

Accuracy Test: At a 200-meter half-body target, the AK-47 with iron sights had a dispersion pattern the size of a washbasin; while the prototype with a holographic sight had a dispersion pattern so dense it could fit a teacup. Switching to a 4x scope for 300-meter precision shooting, the prototype's accuracy advantage was even more overwhelming.

Recoil and Control: Rapid Fire. The AK-47 has significant muzzle climb, making accuracy after the second shot largely dependent on luck; while the prototype's short-stroke gas system, combined with excellent ergonomics, results in smooth, linear recoil, with the muzzle making only a slight vertical movement. Its burst fire accuracy is several times higher than the AK-47! One veteran in the evaluation team, who had fired the AK-47 many times, exclaimed excitedly after experiencing it firsthand: "This gun is so obedient! It's like it has eyes!"

Ergonomic features: bolt hold-open, quick reloading, convenient fire selector on both sides, foldable stock to adapt to different shooting positions... Every feature made the officers and soldiers, who were used to Soviet weapons, feel an unprecedented sense of ease and "intelligence".

Firepower diversity test: This was the most impressive part. The test firefighter quickly removed the 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher, loaded a high-explosive fragmentation grenade, and aimed it at a simulated earthwork 300 meters away—"Thump!" A muffled sound rang out, and a breach was blasted in the fortification. A smoke grenade was then used, and the area within 100 meters was quickly covered in thick smoke. Next, an illumination grenade was used, briefly illuminating the night sky. Finally, an armor-piercing grenade was used to fire at a simulated lightly armored target (from a safe distance), the effect of which left even the anti-tank general, with his eyes wide open, astonished.

"Good! Good! Damn, good!" Li Yunlong, his face flushed with excitement after reviewing all the tests, slapped his thigh. "This is what a real gun is! Compared to this, those Russian things are just firewood! Old Wang, no, Chief Engineer Wang! You've done a tremendous service! A monumental achievement!"

The other generals and experts nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with excitement. The test report, packed with astonishing data and high praise, was sent back to the highest levels as quickly as possible.

A few days later, an even bigger event unfolded. More high-ranking military leaders, including several marshals and headquarters chiefs, personally visited the Red Star Factory firing range. This time, the testing was more comprehensive, even including reliability tests under extreme environments (dust, rain, and freezing). The prototype rifle performed as stably and reliably as ever, and its modular design brought tactical flexibility that even impressed the seasoned veteran marshals.

"This gun, we designed and manufactured it ourselves?" An old marshal stroked the gun barrel, deeply moved. "We broke free from imitation and forged our own path! And this path we've walked steadily and well, with a long-term vision!"

"It is more advanced, comprehensive, and practical than any similar foreign equipment we have encountered so far," another leader in charge of equipment development commented unequivocally.

Naming was put on the agenda. The initial factory code name was "Type 57 Submachine Gun" (based on the year of its finalization). However, the testing and finalization process happened to take place on August 1st—the founding day of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

On this special day, the naming of this new gun, which embodies independent innovation and represents the dream of building a strong military, was discussed again at a high-level meeting.

"Type 57? I don't think that's appropriate." An old marshal shook his head. "The significance of this rifle isn't just about the year it was issued. It marks a new stage in the development of our small arms, a time when we began to move away from imitation and towards independent innovation! The date is also good—August 1st, Army Day. I think it should be called the 'Type 81 Automatic Rifle'! Commemorating this day also symbolizes that our army, armed with its best guns, is defending the motherland!"

"I agree!" Li Yunlong's voice boomed. "Besides, Chief Engineer Wang talked to me before. He said the design concept of this rifle is to adapt to future warfare, to be flexible, to be expandable, and to become the most reliable and handy partner for soldiers. The two characters 'August 1st' have commemorative significance, but even more so, pioneering significance! As for the original Type 56 semi-automatic rifle design..." He waved his hand, "With this sweetheart, who needs an old hag? I think it can be optimized. It's fine as a marksman rifle or a training rifle for militia, but for main force replacement, this is the one!"

The audience erupted in knowing laughter and applause.

Thus, on August 1, 1957, this glorious day, a new generation of automatic rifle, designed under the direction of Wang Huanbo, meticulously crafted by the Red Star Precision Machinery Factory, and embodying the hard work and wisdom of countless people, was officially designated as—

The "Type 1957 Automatic Rifle" is also known as the "Type 81 Automatic Rifle".

When the news reached the Red Star Factory, the entire factory was in an uproar. Many of the young engineers and technicians involved in the research and development shed tears of excitement. They knew that what they had created with their own hands was not just a gun, but a piece of history, a glory, and a sense of self-reliance and independence, no longer dependent on others.

Standing amidst the cheering crowd, Wang Huanbo gazed at the brand-new rifle, officially awarded the "August 1st" emblem and serial number, and his heart was filled with pride. The breakthrough in firearms, his previous contributions to the fight against the epidemic, the fervent longing for home expressed in his uncle's letter, and the inscription on the study wall that read "Science and technology serve the nation like pillars of strength, a loyal heart shines through history" seemed to intertwine at this moment.

Serving the nation through science and technology has countless paths. It could be life-saving medicines, powerful firearms, or a future-leading industrial system. But the foundation of all of this is that unwavering heart, no matter where one is or how much time has passed—a pure and devoted spirit.

The Wang family's long-sailing ship has turned around and is now on its way home. And the "Red Star" industrial park, built by Wang Huanbo in China, just as its name suggests, will become the brightest star guiding this voyage, and will undoubtedly become one of the most solid industrial foundations for the resurgence of this ancient land. The road ahead is long, but the direction is clear, the hearts of the people are united, and the future is promising.