Dreaming back to 1949, the great powers were there to deceive us

At night, Hu Zhenhua stayed at Chongnan Wharf. He had too many things to do: Xue Lei was going to the south, the industrial zone was going to be expanded, which involved personnel and land acquisition, and he also had to deal with local rebels.

Thousands of threads.

Another sleepless night.

At 4 a.m. on April 23, Hu Zhenhua slapped his head and realized that he had made an appointment with Generals Liu and He to meet at 6 a.m.

He quickly dispatched a transport plane and returned to the Magic City urgently.

The general's rank is real, while I, as a team leader, am only in name only.

He hurried as fast as he could, but arrived at Chinachem a quarter of an hour late.

In the conference room, Lao Hu met three big men with gloomy faces!

Wang Yu said dissatisfiedly,

"Hey, isn't this Team Leader Hu? Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with us. Otherwise, I'll salute you!"

As he said this, he actually pretended to bow!

Hu Zhenhua hurried over, took the director's arm, and said with a flattering smile,

"Director, you've got to be kidding. I'm not trying to be rude to you all, I'm just too busy. Yesterday, I didn't sleep all night. I've risked my life for this industrial zone. Look at my eyes!"

The fatigue on Hu Zhenhua's face could not be concealed.

Of course Wang Yu knew that Hu Zhenhua had gone to Chongnan Wharf. How could the Secret Service not send someone to keep an eye on a person like Old Hu?

If Wang Cuicui hadn't stayed at his house, Wang Yu would have thought Hu Zhenhua was going to run away.

General Liu also had a dark face and shouted,

"Enough of the small talk, Team Leader Hu, call us over here, is there anything you want to arrange?"

Hu Zhenhua exchanged a few pleasantries with the director, then turned around and said with a smile,

"Deputy Team Leader Liu, Deputy Team Leader He, don't worry, I gathered everyone here today mainly to raise funds!"

When General He heard the words 'Deputy Team Leader He', the corners of his mouth twitched again.

If it weren't for the strict order from above to cooperate with Hu Zhenhua, He Ming would never have come. He said coldly,

"Didn't your company get a loan of 6.5 million yuan? Do you still need to raise additional funds?"

Hu Zhenhua could be polite to the director, but he would never indulge He Ming. He replied coldly,

"Every penny of the loan has a place to go. I'm raising funds now to build an arsenal!"

Hu Zhenhua glanced at the director and smiled flatteringly again.

"Director, I'm wondering what projects the Arsenal will build. Are you sure?"

Upon hearing this, the director took out a stack of documents from his briefcase and handed them to Lao Hu.

Yesterday, the higher-ups held a meeting all night and only then did they finalize the project.

When Hu Zhenhua took a look at the catalog, his pupils contracted sharply!

The first project was actually the C47 transport aircraft!

General Liu lit a cigarette and said lightly,

"In ground combat, the Nationalist Army has no advantage at all. Therefore, we must play to our strengths and avoid our weaknesses. The Nationalist Army's greatest advantage lies in its air force. We must tap into the potential of the air force to turn the tide!"

As soon as he finished speaking, He Ming continued,

"With a little modification, the C47 transport plane can be used as an aerial gunship. For example, we can mount two heavy machine guns on each side. Or, for example, we can open two windows in the belly and mount a 37mm rapid-fire cannon! That's a lot of firepower, hehe!"

The Director added,

"You already have a major repair line at Future Aviation. The Americans have two more on their list. With a few modifications, you can easily build a few more production lines!"

Hu Zhenhua opened his mouth wide!

In his memory, the first appearance of aerial gunboats was in the Vietnam War, where they used lateral firepower to attack the ground with amazing results!

And now, the government has actually put forward this concept.

Is it because of my appearance?

The butterfly flapped its wings and began to cause unknown effects?

No!

We must not allow aerial gunboats to be released prematurely. Otherwise, with the United States' powerful industrial production capacity, thousands of them can be produced in a very short period of time!

By then, how will the volunteer army fight?

Hu Zhenhua pondered for a moment and asked,

"Did this modified aircraft appear in the United States?"

General Liu shook his head and said,

"No, it was suggested by an Air Force officer named Jin Qiao. Actually, the concept of an aerial gunship wasn't first proposed by Jin Qiao. It can be traced back to the 20s, when the U.S. Army Air Force (the predecessor of the U.S. Air Force) began researching the concept of a fighter with flank fire. During World War II, the U.S. military again proposed developing a fighter with flank fire, but the concept remained on paper for a long time."

Historically, the aerial gunship program was not truly implemented until the outbreak of the Southern Monkey War. A modified C-131 "Samaritan" transport aircraft conducted several test flights. This C-131 transport aircraft had a rapid-fire machine gun installed on the side of the fuselage. Through continuous training, in the weapon shooting test, the aircraft had a hit rate of 3000% against a 10-square-foot target on the ground at an altitude of 25 meters.

After comparing the two, the US military preferred the C-47's long range, low speed, and excellent maneuvering performance. Thus, the C-47 Dakota became the first US military gunship to enter service. The US Air Force assigned the modified C-47 Dakota the code name FC-47, but soon changed it to AC-47.

Hu Zhenhua immediately raised questions.

"General, have you ever thought about why the US hasn't implemented this plan? Are they just not smart enough? I don't think so. Aircraft are different from other vehicles. They soar through the sky, flying at high altitudes and speeds. Even the slightest change to the fuselage structure could affect its strength. Is it really feasible to drill a few holes in the fuselage?"

He paused for a moment and said worriedly,

"If it were peacetime, we could naturally conduct tests slowly. Right now, we can't afford to waste a single second. My advice is to prioritize safety and produce the existing model!"

This argument was reasonable and flawless. Director Wang and He Ming were obviously persuaded, but General Liu still insisted on his own opinion and refused to give in.

"Team Leader Hu, please imagine how terrifying it would be to have an aerial fortress equipped with four heavy machine guns and two rapid-fire cannons attack you. Reverse slope fortifications and trenches would be completely useless against it!"

Hu Zhenhua snorted coldly.

"As if I can't fight back, you're using your gunboat to attack the ground. Do you have to lower your altitude? I'm firing my machine gun at you. If one isn't enough, I'll fire two, three, five. If even one bullet hits the propeller, the plane is finished!"

General Liu slapped the table and shouted,

"It's easy for air to beat the ground, but it's even easier for the ground to beat air!"

Seeing that he couldn't persuade him, Hu Zhenhua sneered.

"General Liu, I don't want to argue with you. If you want to modify it, you can do it yourself. If you insist on production, please provide me with a prototype and I'll do it!"

General Liu's face froze, and he said angrily,

"The arsenal should naturally be responsible for the testing work!"

Hu Zhenhua bared his teeth and shouted,

"Okay, then please provide the funds for the modification!"

General Liu was seriously lacking in confidence and laughed twice.

"Didn't we agree that you would raise the funds yourself?"

Hu Zhenhua was so angry that he cursed,

"You really think I'm a donkey. You just open your mouth and say, huh?"

When He Ming heard the word "I", he shuddered all over and wanted to get angry. He pressed his arm on his thigh. Director Wang shook his head at him.

He Ming then adjusted his mentality and said nothing!

The conference room fell into dead silence.

The four of them each held a cigarette in their mouths, puffing out smoke.

After a long while, Hu Zhenhua finally spoke.

"Testing new weapons takes too long. Three to five months might not be enough. Director, is this Golden Bridge reliable?"

Before Wang Yu could speak, General Liu replied,

"Absolutely reliable! I guarantee it with my life!"

Hu Zhenhua pondered for a moment and asked again,

"I'll transfer him here to be in charge of the aircraft modification, but the Air Force must provide the aircraft and equipment. I'll give him 1 yuan. Whether he can do it depends on his luck!"

General Liu's face looked a little unhappy, and he said,

"Jinqiao is a pilot, not an engineer. It's not appropriate to let him be in charge of the modification!"

Hu Zhenhua was shocked. He always thought that Jin Qiao was an engineer, which was why he could come up with such forward-looking ideas. He didn't expect that he was just a pilot.

Lao Hu originally planned to bring him here and play with him to death, but now there is no need for that.

Hu Zhenhua slammed the table and shouted,

"Liu Yue, what the hell are you talking about? The pilots made some random suggestions, and you generals actually brought them up for discussion at the meeting. And the key is, they even passed them! General, be pragmatic. We really can't afford to take any risks!"

Wang Yu coughed twice and shouted,

"Hu Zhenhua, watch your words! Don't swear!"

"Yes!"

He turned to Liu Yue and apologized sincerely.

"General Liu, I'm sorry. But my words are a bit blunt, but my point is clear. Director, please help contact the US side. We can first purchase a few production lines. Whether or not to modify them, the aircraft must be produced!"

Liu Yue's expression finally eased a little, and he said,

"I'll try my best to modify a prototype for you!"

Hu Zhenhua sighed inwardly. If nothing worked, he could only resort to the last resort: delay the project!

Wang Yu laughed heartily when he saw that the relationship between the two sides had eased.

"Isn't this right? It's all for the country!"

He Ming pondered for a moment and said,

"According to the purchase agreement, the C47 is only 1 yuan each. Why don't we buy a few hundred? Wouldn't that be more cost-effective than producing them?"

Hu Zhenhua looked at him like a fool and said sarcastically,

"General He is truly far-sighted. How about this: you take charge of Project Dawn, and I'll assist you!"

Wang Yu saw that they were about to quarrel again, so he quickly tried to mediate.

"Old He, the purpose of the Dawn Project is to attract foreign investment and establish a bond of interest, not to save a few bucks. Once our factory is built, we'll have as much weaponry as we want! A full meal or a full meal every day? Which do you choose?"

It’s not your own money anyway, so why do you care whether it’s expensive or not!

He Ming glared at Hu Zhenhua in dissatisfaction, lit another cigarette, and said no more.

Only then did Hu Zhenhua turn his attention to the second page of the document: M26 tank.

The vehicle weighs 42 tons, is equipped with a 90mm cannon, uses a water-cooled gasoline engine, and has a maximum speed of 40 kilometers per hour.

Old Hu rubbed his eyebrows.

A tank factory requires countless small factories to support it.

Fortunately, the list provided by the United States includes a large number of factories that supply tractors and trucks, and the production lines in them can be used.

Hu Zhenhua rubbed his eyebrows and said with emotion,

"How much will this cost?"

The others looked at each other, and no one was willing to answer.

Next, there are the M2 heavy machine gun, 37 rapid-fire gun and 105 howitzer!

The Nationalist government may also know that Hu Zhenhua cannot make unlimited investments, and what remains is only the supporting ammunition production line.

Hu Zhenhua put down the documents, closed his eyes and thought for a long time before he said,

"Any offer?"

Director Wang took out a quotation and handed it to Lao Hu attentively.

1.2 million Mi Yuan.

This price is after discount because the production line is second-hand. If it were brand new, the price would be at least three times higher!

Of course, this price is very sincere, and the Americans also have their own calculations. They hope that the government can turn the tables with this!

Hu Zhenhua suddenly pulled out a list from his briefcase and handed it to He Ming.

"Immediately confiscate the homes of those on the list and use the proceeds to purchase production lines!"

He Ming took a look and frowned.

The people on the list, headed by Deputy Mayor Liu and their wives, all participated in the siege of Hu Zhenhua and his wife yesterday!

"Team Leader Hu, you're using your official position to seek personal revenge!"

Hu Zhenhua snorted coldly.

"For the sake of the overall situation, we have no choice but to sacrifice them!"

"What you said is very high-sounding!"

Hu Zhenhua chuckled,

"My current funding gap is at least 3000 million yuan. If anyone of you can fill this hole, I will definitely not make things difficult for them!"

A penny can make a hero fall. He Ming wanted to refute, but he didn't know how to start!

Lao Hu walked to the map of Shanghai, drew a circle and said,

"General Liu, I need to attract investment to this area. You go coordinate with the municipal government. I want to ensure that my orders are carried out here. Anyone who dares to shirk responsibility or delay will be killed!"

The muscles on Liu Yue's face kept twitching.

This is a very offensive job! If you are not careful, you will fail!

The area designated by Hu Zhenhua is the most prosperous area in Shanghai, including the former concessions, and is where countless dignitaries live.

General Liu pondered for a moment and said,

"Can you tell me more specifically?"

"This area is called the Magic Development Zone. Any manufacturing enterprise that settles in within a month will be exempt from tax for one year. From the second to the fifth year, the tax will be reduced by half, and the tax will be restored after five years! Existing enterprises in the area will enjoy the same treatment! I will establish a management committee, and Deputy Mayor Lin will be the head of it!"

Wang Yu opened his mouth wide and shouted,

"Tax exemption? Then the city government will lose its source of income and will collapse!"

Hu Zhenhua stared into the director's eyes and said seriously,

"That's right. Only tax exemption can attract a large number of companies to settle in. We are running out of time. We must take drastic measures!"

General Liu suddenly asked,

"Didn't you just say that the funding gap is 3000 million? If it's tax-free, how are you going to raise the funds?"

"It's simple. With a large number of companies moving in, land and housing prices are bound to rise! I can just sell my house and land!"

They looked at each other and immediately felt that this plan was feasible!

He Ming suddenly asked,

"That's not right. 1.2 million is just for the production line. We also need to purchase raw materials, which is the big expense!"

Hu Zhenhua gave a thumbs up and said with a smile,

"General He, that's a great idea! My plan is to offer discounts and place purchase orders with the major foreign companies, but payment will be made in installments after the goods arrive!"

Everyone is an old hand, how could they not understand the subtext of Lao Hu's plan: let the foreign bank advance the funds!

The benefits of doing this to Hu Zhenhua are obvious.

When a batch of products is produced, if the government does not pay, Lao Hu will have no money to purchase raw materials later. Even if the government wants to take advantage, it will not be able to do so!

General He looked at Hu Zhenhua meaningfully.

Even though everyone sees through his little thoughts, what can they do?

Even if you force him to death, you won’t be able to make any money!

Seeing that no one was talking, Hu Zhenhua smiled and said,

"Since no one has any objections, let's split up and act separately. Director, please be in charge of procuring the production line. If the Americans can deliver the production line to Shanghai within two weeks, we'll increase the price by 10%. If it takes a month, we'll increase the price by 5%!"

Wang Yu nodded.

"Okay, I'll send a telegram right away!"

……