The document was about the underground world that Zhao Qiang had experienced. It detailed the situation of that underground world. Yang Shiqi and Yang Shiyun were firsthand witnesses, so this document was not particularly shocking to them. The most shocked people were Luo Xiaowei and Hu Qian. Of course, Xu Xiaoya was also surprised when she first heard about it. However, everyone's acceptance of things is higher now. They read the document very quickly and then got up and threw it into the shredder.
Xu Xiaoya said, "After reading the documents just now, I believe everyone understands that whether for public or private reasons, Zhao Qiang's formation of an interstellar force is necessary. However, our current technology is still far behind the intelligent life in that underground world. In order to narrow this gap and protect our home, we must use the greatest manpower and resources to build our Earthlings' cutting-edge weapons in a short period of time!" Zhao Qiang said, "In order for us to travel smoothly underground, we must build a device that can travel through rocks and fly in the air. This is the first step in narrowing the gap with them. If we are far behind them in terms of transportation, we are bound to lose this war, and we may not even have to fight."
Luo Xiaowei said, "I have disassembled and studied that drilling rig in detail. It cannot be replicated with our current heavy industrial technology, and the materials are not something we can manufacture at present. Even the military industrial enterprises that Sister Shiqi transferred to me cannot achieve that level of production." Luo Xiaowei is currently in charge of industry, mainly heavy industry.
Xu Xiaoya asked Luo Xiaowei, "So, in your estimation, which country can currently achieve this level of production?" Luo Xiaowei shook her head: "Sister Xiaoya, maybe in ten years, it will be possible, but right now, I dare say no country has such technology, especially the hardness of the drill bit and the crushing system inside the drilling rig, which can pulverize hard rock instantly. We can never replicate that without special materials, not to mention its cooling system for the drill bit. If we could replicate and scale up this cooling system, then installing just one unit in a building would achieve rapid cooling, and the energy consumed would be only one-thousandth of that of installing a regular central air conditioning system!"
Xu Xiaoya had seen that drilling rig before. She didn't expect that such a small drilling rig contained so much high technology. If they couldn't develop underground transportation based on this drilling rig, then even if they deployed hundreds of thousands of troops on the surface of Wulong Mountain, it wouldn't be of any use, because they would be unable to reach them due to the thick strata and the void in between.
Xu Xiaoya looked at Zhao Qiang: "Does this mean that no matter how hard we try, it won't work?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I can replicate it, but it will take too long and the output will be extremely low. It won't significantly change the situation of Xige Wulong Mountain. I believe everyone has seen the scale of that underground spaceship. A small drill rig is nothing more than a grain of sand in front of the spaceship, not to mention that the drill rig doesn't have a weapon system. In front of aliens, it's practically a target. So we must maintain our numerical advantage. We must mass-produce!" Everyone fell silent. This requirement was a bit too high. Finally, Yang Shiyun said, "Zhao Qiang, how about lowering the performance requirements of the drill rig?" Zhao Qiang said, "I don't think there's any other way. Although I have mastered the molecular structure of G-material, it's not so easy to manufacture. I think we should focus on G-material first, but improve its performance and increase its content in the drill rig, especially the drill bit, which should be made of 100% pure G-material. Then, we can install compression cannons on the drill rig. If there is enough space, we can add laser weapons."
Luo Xiaowei frowned slightly, and Yang Shiyun also hesitated to speak. These two were sensible people who knew a lot about the internal structure of the drilling rig. It was already a scaled-down version by Zhao Qiang, and the internal space was not large. If two more weapons were added, not only would the additional power output be increased, but how to install them would also be a problem.
Zhao Qiang naturally noticed their confusion and said, "I know this is not an easy task, but without weapons, a drilling rig going down into the underground world is just a target for aliens. So weapons must be added. Although I'm also anxious, everything must be done slowly." Zhao Qiang sighed, "The drilling rig is just a prerequisite for the development plan. It's the means of transportation to enter the underground world, and even that is fraught with difficulties. How can we proceed with the work afterward?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "There's no need to worry about development funds. Shiqi needs to coordinate with the central government during this period to ensure the production of G materials. Ideally, we should have complete control over the entire production of G materials."
Yang Shiqi nodded: "This idea would have been impossible before, but it should be much simpler now. I'll try it when I get back, and it would be best to add another production line for the mixture."
Zhao Qiang said, "Besides drilling rigs as a means of transportation, we also need to produce new types of weapons. Does Shiyun have any good suggestions on this?"
Yang Shiyun said, "Large-scale laser weapons would be a good choice, and we also have a certain technological foundation in them. Ion cannons can also be a focus, but they are primarily fortress-level weapons and won't be easily installed on mobile devices."
Zhao Qiang said, "We will conduct a detailed investigation of the strata near Wulong Mountain, speculate on the routes that aliens might take if they attack the ground, and install ion cannons on the necessary routes, ideally covering the entire Wulong Mountain area."
Yang Shiyun chuckled, "Let's wait until the research is complete. I'm not entirely confident about it either."
Zhao Qiang said, "However, I have an idea. Let's study it later."
Yang Shiyun said, "Oh, really?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I was inspired by your flying saucer. I think the aliens' giant spaceships would have plenty of fortress-level defensive weapons. Perhaps we should go down and explore again."
Xu Xiaoya was the first to object: "No, it's too dangerous."
Zhao Qiang said, "The danger is often proportional to the reward."
Yang Shiqi also objected: "It's not worth the risk. We can research it ourselves on the ground."
Zhao Qiang said, "What you said is true, but I'm afraid we don't have much time to proceed step by step." Everyone fell silent. The sudden appearance of the underground alien life did indeed give people a sense of urgency.
Zhao Qiang added, "Alright, that's settled then. In addition to the work we just did, Shiqi needs to select more people to train as drivers after the drilling rig is manufactured."
Yang Shiqi said, "No problem. What we don't lack right now is manpower. I can recruit people from various military regions." Zhao Qiang said, "Xiaoya, please put in more effort in terms of funding and research facilities. Also, you should coordinate the overall situation for us."
Xu Xiaoya nodded in agreement. Zhao Qiang said to Luo Xiaowei, "Xiaowei, you'll have to work harder. Whether it's weapons or transportation, once the research is successful, it will all depend on you."
Luo Xiaowei said, "I guarantee I will meet the production target."
Zhao Qiang said to Yang Shiyun, "It seems we're just waiting for our research." Yang Shiyun replied, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go."
Volume 2 [770] Kidnapping
Most of the mountainous area of Wulong Mountain belongs to Chenxian County, which is a very poor mountainous county with a total population of just over 300,000, but the area is extremely wide. The county's economic level is below the subsistence level and it has been receiving central government financial assistance for many years.
One day, a military unit arrived outside the county town and was stationed in the suburbs. The county sent Minister Yao from the Armed Forces Department to receive them. Minister Yao was a veteran cadre in his forties who was extremely cautious in his work. He had not received any instructions from his superiors regarding the sudden arrival of this military unit, so Minister Yao entered the camp with trepidation. Of course, he did not doubt the authenticity of this military unit. It was impossible for a fake military unit to appear in an inland province. It was possible for them to impersonate officers, but he had never heard of hiring hundreds of people to impersonate a military unit to commit fraud. Moreover, he had seen a helicopter in the military camp. What kind of fraudsters would have such resources?
A battalion commander, Zhang Junpeng, received Minister Yao. The two shook hands warmly, and Battalion Commander Zhang even shouted to his guards, "Quickly serve Minister Yao some good tea!"
Minister Yao waved his hand, indicating, "No, no need to be so polite. Battalion Commander Zhang has come from afar and is a guest. I should be the one to greet you."
Battalion Commander Zhang said, "We soldiers don't care about formalities. You're on my turf now. May I ask what brings Minister Yao here?" Minister Yao replied, "Since Battalion Commander Zhang has brought his troops here, Chenguang County naturally wants to understand the situation so we can cooperate with your work."
Battalion Commander Zhang said, "Actually, I was planning to go and talk to the county leaders after I settled down, but I didn't expect Minister Yao to come first."
Minister Yao said, "Since everyone is of the same mind," then Battalion Commander Zhang's visit here is for...?
Battalion Commander Zhang said, "An exercise, a long-term military exercise." In peacetime, the only reasonable excuse for mobilizing so many troops is indeed a military exercise. Minister Yao had already guessed this before entering the barracks, so Zhang Junpeng's statement was not surprising.
Minister Yao said, "Theoretically speaking, if the military region were to conduct an exercise in the mountainous area of Chenguang County, it would notify the province and city in advance. However, our county has not received any notification from higher authorities. Could it be that we missed some document?"
Zhang Junpeng smiled faintly: "Minister Yao is overthinking it. This exercise is highly confidential, so the provincial and municipal authorities are unaware of it."
Minister Yao was somewhat surprised: "What about our county?"
Zhang Junpeng said, "Minister Yao just needs to cooperate and doesn't need to worry about anything else."
Minister Yao said with difficulty, "But without instructions from above, it's difficult for us to carry out our work. Battalion Commander Zhang, could you perhaps speak to the city authorities?"
Zhang Junpeng took a document out of his pocket and placed it on the table. "Minister Yao is looking for a document to prove something, right? What do you think of this one?"
Minister Yao peeked inside and saw it was a document signed by the Central Military Commission, requiring the counties and cities where the troops were stationed to assist. Minister Yao nodded: "It seems Battalion Commander Zhang is indeed acting under orders. We will naturally cooperate wholeheartedly."
Zhang Junpeng chuckled: "Of course, of course. So, Minister Yao, would you please introduce me to your county magistrate and secretary?"
Minister Yao said, "Of course, but do you know Battalion Commander Zhang's unit number?"
Zhang Junpeng said, "This is naturally a secret and cannot be disclosed to the public."
Minister Yao could not press the matter further, so he had no choice but to give up. He stood up and said, "Battalion Commander Zhang, I will go back and report to the county magistrate and the secretary. I will inform you of the specific meeting schedule once it is finalized. What do you think?"
Zhang Junpeng said, "Okay, I'll wait for your news, but as soon as possible, because I have important matters to discuss with the county magistrate." Minister Yao said, "I will do so as soon as possible, Battalion Commander Zhang, farewell."
Minister Yao returned to the county and immediately went to the county party secretary's office. Tian Zhenming, the county party secretary of Chenguang County, was leisurely reviewing documents. "For a poor county, there isn't much work to do. Just getting the poverty alleviation funds on time is enough," he said. "It's not that Secretary Tian is unthinking." Previous secretaries and county heads had all tried various ways to get rich, but ultimately all had failed. So Tian Zhenming had learned his lesson; there was no need to repeat the mistakes of his predecessors. As long as Chenguang County, like an old ox pulling a broken cart, continued to move forward, that was enough.
"Minister Yao? Is there something urgent?" Secretary Tian put down his documents and asked slowly. Minister Yao was a member of his county party committee faction, so he didn't put on airs as a secretary. If an ordinary person came to see him, they would have to put on airs of a leader for a few minutes.
Minister Yao said, "I have already found out about the situation of Secretary Tian's troops outside the city."
Tian Zhenming asked, "Oh, what's going on? Is there anything we can gain?" Minister Yao replied, "It's not clear whether there's anything to gain yet. But the other party is very mysterious; they don't have a unit designation, only saying they're here for military exercises. They even requested to see you and County Chief Tang, which I refused, saying I'd have to consult with them upon returning."
Tian Zhenming nodded: "Call the Municipal Armed Forces Department to verify. So many people coming here is no small matter. We have no reason to suppress the news. We can't afford to take responsibility if something goes wrong."
Minister Yao said, "Alright, but what about their request to see you and County Chief Tang?"
Tian Zhenming said, "Let them cool off first. Find out their background before you act. Don't rush into things; you might get reprimanded from above if you make a mistake. Better to do nothing than to make a mistake!"
Minister Yao said, "The other party produced a document signed by the Central Military Commission, which doesn't seem fake." Tian Zhenming was somewhat surprised: "The Central Military Commission?" Minister Yao said, "Yes, I'm afraid it's someone with considerable influence."
Tian Zhenming said, "Local officials have more power than local ones. We are only responsible to the municipal and provincial party committees. The central government has no jurisdiction over our county, so we will continue to seek instructions."
Minister Yao immediately returned to his office and called the Municipal Armed Forces Department, but received no information. The Municipal Armed Forces Department had not received any prior notice of this mysterious, suddenly arriving force, but since the force was already present, they dared not take it lightly. They immediately called the Provincial Military Region Logistics Department, but to the surprise of the leaders of the Municipal Armed Forces Department, the Provincial Military Region was also completely unaware of it! Theoretically, this was impossible. The Provincial Military Region was in charge of military operations for an entire province; how could the military region be unaware of the arrival of such a large force beforehand? This was simply unacceptable.
The provincial military district was naturally surprised to find a military unit within its jurisdiction, so it immediately reported the situation. However, there was no response from above, and the provincial military district naturally couldn't issue orders to its subordinates arbitrarily. So the matter was left unresolved. The higher-ups could wait, but Chenguang County couldn't, because the military unit outside the city sent people to make contact, again requesting to meet with Secretary Tian and County Magistrate Tang, saying that if the two were unable to leave the city, they would come in.
In the county office building, Secretary Tian and County Head Tang sat down together amicably for the first time to discuss countermeasures. Their usual work schedules weren't busy, so they spent most of their time scheming against each other, resulting in a tense relationship—a common phenomenon in the county.
"How does County Chief Tang think this matter should be handled?" Tian Zhenming asked.
County Magistrate Tang Yuanfeng asked, "What does Secretary Tian think?" The two then began grinding grain.
Tian Zhenming said, "There are no instructions from above, let's wait and see."
Tang Yuanfeng said, "Wait? The person is already waiting in the reception room. Why don't Secretary Tian go and talk to them himself?"
Tian Zhenming frowned. He was unwilling to communicate with the soldiers. What if they got into a fight? His secretary had just said that the other side was armed. What if they acted arrogantly in the government office?
"Theoretically, these matters should be the responsibility of County Chief Tang, right?" Secretary Tian began to deflect responsibility.
Tang Yuanfeng said, "However, I remember it should be Secretary Tian who is in charge."
Just as the two were getting into their little game, a commotion broke out outside. The office door was suddenly flung open, and a soldier rushed in. Secretary Tian's secretary followed him in, saying, "Secretary Tian, I couldn't stop him."
Secretary Tian waved for his secretary to leave, then beckoned to the soldier, "Come, come, sit down. May I ask your name?"
The soldier said, "Company Commander Liu Bo."
Tang Yuanfeng warmly shook Liu Bo's hand: "Company Commander Liu, welcome, welcome!"
Liu Bo shook off Tang Yuanfeng's hand and said, "County Chief Tang, Secretary Tian, our battalion commander said, 'Either he comes to see you, or you go to see him.' He said there are important matters to discuss, so don't delay, otherwise it won't be good for anyone."
Tian Zhenming said awkwardly, "Company Commander Liu, you see, County Chief Tang and I are both very busy right now..."
Liu Bo said coldly, "Even the busiest things should be put aside."
Tang Yuanfeng said, "Company Commander Liu, we actually consulted the city about your minister's matter, but the city's armed forces department replied that they knew nothing about it, and the provincial military region also knew nothing about it. You see, this matter..."
Liu Bo snorted: "We're directly under the Central Military Commission, how would the provincial military district know? They'll receive the troop deployment order soon, but we can't wait. Since you two won't cooperate, we'll have no choice but to use force. Men, come here!"
At Liu Bo's command, four soldiers rushed into the office, brandishing automatic rifles and deliberately making a loud clanging sound. Tang Yuanfeng and Tian Zhenming's faces paled, and they cried out, "Don't touch the guns! Don't touch the guns! Everything can be discussed! Everything can be discussed!" The secretary and several staff members peeked out, wanting to rush in, but retreated upon seeing the guns. Liu Bo said, "Please invite the county magistrate and the secretary to the military camp for a discussion."
The archers brandished their guns: "Let's go, you two."
As Tian Zhenming walked out of the ** building, he repeatedly winked at his secretary, signaling him to call the city immediately. The secretary nodded and ran back to the office building. A military SUV rushed into the county government compound, and Tian Zhenming and Tang Yuanfeng were pushed into the vehicle and taken away. The security guards at the gate were dumbfounded; this was a blatant kidnapping of the county party secretary and the county head.
Tian Zhenming and Tang Yuanfeng were both afraid and ashamed. They were afraid that the soldiers wouldn't really do anything to them—bullets don't have eyes, and if they were hit, they'd be done for. They were ashamed because being kidnapped in front of all the officials in the county was too humiliating. What would become of their prestige? How could they command respect? If these soldiers were found to have acted without authorization, Tian Zhenming and Tang Yuanfeng would definitely report them to the Military Commission.
Volume Two [771] Opposition
Trembling with fear, they were led into the temporary military camp. County Chief Tang and Secretary Tian looked around anxiously. They knew these soldiers wouldn't dare harm them; after all, the national system still existed, and these soldiers wouldn't dare to act recklessly. But it would be a lie to say they weren't afraid of the hail of bullets. Zhang Junpeng hurriedly came out to greet them, "Aha, Secretary Tian and County Chief Tang are here! Please come in quickly."
Seeing Zhang Junpeng's respectful attitude, Secretary Tian immediately regained his official authority. He coughed, straightened his back, and said, "Who are you? How can you detain us without my permission! Do you know that we are the top two leaders of Chenguang County? We are public servants and Party cadres! I want to know who gave you the authority to do this."
Zhang Junpeng's expression changed: "Gentlemen, I am too busy with military affairs to pay my respects in person. This matter concerns the safety of the country, so I sent someone to invite you to discuss important matters. I wonder if any unexpected changes have occurred in the meantime?"
Secretary Tian said angrily, "Ask your company commander, he brought us here with guns."
Zhang Junpeng glanced at Liu Bo, who saluted and said, "Reporting to the battalion commander, Secretary Tian and County Magistrate Tang are delaying their arrival. In order not to delay important national affairs, we have no choice but to 'invite' them into the car."
Zhang Junpeng's face hardened: "Gentlemen, I've already given you plenty of face by sending Company Commander Liu to personally invite you. What, do you still have any objections? If you refuse to come, you'll be delaying important national affairs. I've already been very lenient by not shooting you."
"You..." Tang Yuanfeng pointed at Zhang Junpeng, too angry to speak. He hadn't expected Zhang Junpeng to be so protective of his own.
Zhang Junpeng slammed his hand on the table and pointed at Tang Yuanfeng, saying, "What do you mean, 'you'? Let me tell you, I have the right to deal with anyone who doesn't respond actively to this matter. I will definitely act first and report to the Central Committee for approval."
Tang Yuanfeng wanted to say something, but Tian Zhenming pulled him back and whispered, "County Chief Tang, since things have come to this, what are we still arguing about? Why don't we listen to what Battalion Commander Zhang has to say? What do you think? If we really delay national affairs, neither of us can bear the responsibility."
Tang Yuanfeng retorted, "Secretary Tian, you know perfectly well that they don't have military orders from the provincial military district, and we haven't received any notification either. How can we let them act recklessly! This is treating national affairs like a joke. If anyone can easily mobilize the army, how can we talk about national stability and unity?" Tian Zhenming gestured for Tang Yuanfeng to look around. The surrounding area was full of soldiers, carrying rifles. If they opened fire at any moment, what could they do if it was an accident? Just then, several soldiers intentionally or unintentionally raised their guns and waved them around Tang Yuanfeng. Tang Yuanfeng became frightened and quickly shut his mouth.
Zhang Junpeng said, "Alright, this is a misunderstanding, Secretary Tian, County Chief Tang, can we now get down to business?"
For their own safety, the two could not continue the argument, so they nodded. Zhang Junpeng waved to the soldiers, and everyone except Company Commander Liu Bo went out. Zhang Junpeng walked to the center of the barracks, where there was a giant sand table. Tian Zhenming and Tang Yuanfeng followed him over and immediately recognized that this was the terrain near Wulong Mountain. The area included most of Chenguang County and parts of several other surrounding counties and cities, with a very large total area.
“We plan to conduct a large-scale military exercise in Chenguang County, and our battalion is the vanguard force, mainly responsible for clearing the exercise area. County Chief Tang, Secretary Tian, Chenguang County may be abolished and incorporated into the surrounding counties and cities, and dozens of natural villages scattered in the mountains will also be relocated.”
"What?!" Zhang Junpeng's words almost startled Tang Yuanfeng and Tian Zhenming. They hadn't received even a sliver of information about such a big matter beforehand. Just last week, they had attended a meeting in the city, listened to the higher-level leaders' requirements for Chenguang County in the next stage, and even expressed their determination to lead the people of the county onto the road to prosperity.
Zhang Junpeng said coldly, "What, are you two hard of hearing? I have a military doctor here, would you like him to come in and take a look at you?"