Chapter 28: The First Mission, 500 Guns

Wang hurried to meet them, and after a few words in a low voice, the expressions of those generals became exceptionally grave.

They immediately demanded a full set of tests be conducted again, this time adding even more rigorous conditions: Reliability Testing in environments of minus 20 degrees and 50 degrees Celsius, a continuous 3,000-round uninterrupted firing test, and extreme wind and sand environment simulation tests.

The Type Weapon System performed excellently in every test, completely exceeding expectations.

When the final test was completed, the several generals quickly gathered together, whispering urgently for a few minutes, after which the general with the highest rank walked to Wang's side and handed him a document.

Wang took the document, browsed through it hurriedly, and his expression became exceptionally serious. He waved his hand at the crowd: "Everyone stop, listen to me."

The venue immediately quieted down, and everyone looked toward Wang.

"According to the organization's decision," Wang said in a loud voice, "the Type Weapon System is from now on classified as a confidential project. I have authorized Comrade Zhang Guoqiang, the Chief Engineer, to be responsible for the security and confidentiality of the entire project."

General Zhang stepped forward, his expression solemn: "All personnel present, please note: from this moment on, everything that has happened here today, everything you have seen, heard, and participated in, is classified as a top-level military secret. Any unauthorized disclosure will be dealt with strictly in accordance with military tribunal regulations!"

He took a folder handed over by an officer, opened it, and revealed several documents inside: "These are confidentiality agreements; please sign them in order."

While everyone was signing the confidentiality agreements, the Chief Engineer walked to the front:

"Everyone, from this moment on, everything that happened here is classified as top secret. The Type Weapon System will become our military's next-generation main equipment.

The organization has decided to immediately launch a full-scale production plan, with the Rolling Mill responsible for the first phase of production, while simultaneously transferring technology to arsenals in Fengtian, Hanyang, and others to achieve large-scale mass production."

Li Mingyuan stood in the crowd, watching the shock, admiration, and seriousness on the faces of those around him, feeling a sense of accomplishment he had never experienced before.

……

The air in the testing ground seemed to have solidified, and everyone held their breath, waiting.

General Zhang and several Advanced officers walked to the side, talking in low voices with their brows tightly furrowed.

Li Mingyuan stood where he was, his expression calm, but in his heart, he was calculating his next plan.

If the Type Weapon System could obtain approval from the Military Department, his position at the Rolling Mill would be even more secure.

"The Type Weapon System is so excellent, we cannot let it stop at the testing stage!" General Zhang's voice suddenly rose, breaking the silence of the venue.

Turning back to face the crowd, General Zhang's face was full of determination, "I have just discussed it with several superiors; this weapon system must be put into production immediately!"

Li Shouzheng and Cheng Yanhai exchanged a look of surprise and nodded gently.

Li Mingyuan remained calm, as if everything were within his expectations.

"Comrade Li, the organization has decided that the Type Weapon System led by you will immediately enter the production stage," General Zhang stood straight, his eyes fixed on Li Mingyuan,

"The first batch of 500 weapons will be sent to the southern front for combat testing!"

As soon as these words were spoken, several experts at the scene immediately began to applaud, their eyes flashing with excitement.

"The success of this test proves that our country is fully capable of independently developing a world-class weapon system!" an old expert said excitedly, his voice trembling slightly.

General Zhang turned to look at the officers in military uniforms beside him, "I suggest we immediately convene a Military Industry Department coordination meeting to allocate the necessary materials and manpower to ensure the production task is completed smoothly."

Several officers nodded in agreement, and one of them immediately took out a notebook and began recording the key points.

"Comrade Li, I have one more question," General Zhang's brows furrowed slightly, "How long will it take to complete the production of this weapon system?"

Li Mingyuan pondered for a moment and answered slowly: "If we produce at full capacity, we can complete the manufacturing of the first batch of 500 Rifles within one month."

"One month?" General Zhang was clearly surprised by this answer, "So fast?"

Li Mingyuan nodded, "Yes, I have already designed the full production process; one only needs to operate according to the drawings to ensure product quality."

The several old experts at the scene were so surprised they could not speak; usually, a new weapon system takes at least half a year from testing to production.

General Zhang took a deep breath, "Good, then it is settled; I will come to the factory myself in one month to check the results!"

After the meeting ended, several Advanced officers and Li Mingyuan's group left the testing ground and walked toward the cars parked outside.

Outside the cars, the Factory Director was already waiting in a state of anxiety; seeing Li Mingyuan and the others walk out, he immediately greeted them, his face full of nervousness.

"How was it? What were the test results?" The Factory Director had almost jogged over, covered in sweat.

Just as Li Mingyuan was about to speak, General Zhang had already patted the Factory Director on the shoulder, "Factory Director, congratulations to your Rolling Mill for becoming the first production base for the Type Weapon System!"

The Factory Director was stunned for a moment, then a look of wild joy bloomed on his face, "Really? Our factory was chosen?"

"Not only that," General Zhang's expression was serious, "your factory must complete the production task of the first 500 weapons within one month; this is a strategic-level task, do you understand?"

"500 in one month?" The Factory Director gasped, then straightened his back, "Guarantee to complete the task! I will organize the workers to work overtime as soon as I get back, and mobilize the whole factory to put into production!"

"Good, that is the spirit we need!" General Zhang nodded with satisfaction, "This is a major matter concerning national security, and all resources will be prioritized."

The Factory Director turned to Li Mingyuan, his eyes full of admiration, "Chief Engineer Li, this is all thanks to you!"

Li Mingyuan waved his hand and said modestly: "It is the result of everyone's joint efforts."

……

On the way back, the atmosphere in the car was much more relaxed, and everyone was immersed in the joy of the successful test.

Li Shouzheng and Cheng Yanhai were still enthusiastically discussing the various technical details of the Type Weapon System, occasionally letting out exclamations of praise.

Li Mingyuan, however, was unusually silent; he stared blankly at the farmland outside the window, his brows slightly furrowed.

The crops in those fields looked weak and miserable, patches of yellow leaves swayed in the wind, and the farmers were bent over working in the fields; the scene was somewhat desolate.

"Old Li," Li Mingyuan suddenly turned to Li Shouzheng, interrupting his conversation with Cheng Yanhai, "do you know any experts in agriculture?"

Li Shouzheng was taken aback, clearly not expecting Li Mingyuan to ask this question, "Agricultural experts? Why are you suddenly interested in agriculture?"

"Can you help me get some books on agriculture? Especially research on yield-increasing technology." Li Mingyuan did not answer directly but continued to ask.

Li Shouzheng rubbed his bald head and looked at Li Mingyuan in confusion, "Why is a weapons expert like you interested in agriculture?"