A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

He has been studying in the United States for 7 years, and he has been in the world for 5 years.

These past few years have been the most beautiful and passionate years of his youth, the most vibrant, energetic, and creative period in a person's growth and maturation.

Song Hongfei is very grateful for his experiences during this period of growth, and grateful to everyone who taught, guided and helped him.

Song Hongfei took time to say goodbye to his teachers, faculty, and friends at West Point and MIT, and everyone was reluctant to part.

During this period, Professor Vannevar Bush repeatedly and earnestly tried to persuade Song Hongfei to stay in the United States to conduct research on electronic computers. After all, he had just published such a heavyweight paper, and it would be a waste not to continue.

Professor Bush earnestly hoped and emphasized: "Staying at MIT to continue research will surely lead to even more significant achievements in the future."

Song Hongfei politely declined Professor Bush's offer to stay.

Professor Bush had long been aware of Song Hongfei's intentions and understood his ideals, aspirations, and patriotism.

"Perhaps due to the needs of this era and the country, this young talent had no other choice," Professor Bush said with great regret.

Song Hongfei said, "That young man who contacted us about pursuing a master's degree some time ago will surely achieve even greater success in the future."

"You've only met him once, and you're so sure?" Professor Bush couldn't help but laugh, then shook his head with regret, "But he's just about to arrive, and you're leaving again."

Song Hongfei laughed too: "I bet he'll soar to great heights in the future."

The young man they were referring to was none other than Claude Shannon, the future father of information theory.

Shannon was a 1936 graduate of the University of Michigan. After Song Hongfei's paper on Boolean algebra, electronic circuits and binary code caused a sensation, Shannon came to MIT to pursue graduate studies. The two men had an in-depth conversation with Shannon.

Shannon was very interested in the general ideas proposed by Song Hongfei in his paper. Song Hongfei shared his knowledge without reservation and had a heated and in-depth discussion with the enthusiastic Shannon.

Song Hongfei thought to himself, "This is some compensation, the father of information theory! It seems that information theory and electronic computers will emerge earlier than expected..."

"Another talented young man has arrived!" Professor Bush was overjoyed and immediately decided to recruit Shannon as his student.

Early that morning, two guests quietly visited Song Hongfei's residence.

Song Hongfei knew them; he was also quite familiar with Chen Liren and Gao Muyu, the special liaison officers sent by the Military Commission to supervise Chinese students studying in the United States.

He received full support from the Office of the Supervisory Commissioner for Chinese Students in the United States and the Chinese Embassy in the United States in all his affairs in the United States. He didn't have to worry about anything, which allowed him to study and conduct research without any worries. Song Hongfei was very grateful to them.

Since obtaining his doctorate, Song Hongfei has been in frequent contact with them more often than before, in order to handle various follow-up matters before returning to China.

The older one was Director Chen Liren. Director Chen first warmly greeted and congratulated Song Hongfei, and then told him some news: "Hongfei, you have received a call from China. The Military Commission wants you to go from the United States to Europe to participate in the Chinese National Government's European inspection tour, and then return to China from Europe."

He continued, "We'll send a car to pick you up at 3 p.m. on Sunday. You'll stay in New York for one night and then take a cruise to Germany the next day. In the next few days, pack your things, say goodbye to your friends, and we can help you transport any luggage that's inconvenient to take back home."

Song Hongfei was a little surprised and said, "A delegation to Europe? Did they say anything about it?"

Chen Liren said, "They didn't say anything specific, but they were talking about military cooperation. Some countries are very interested in semi-automatic rifles, and they need someone like you, a true expert, to participate. You should prepare in advance."

Song Hongfei nodded.

Chen Liren added, "Once you arrive in New York, Team Leader Tang Hongji and Xiao Gao will accompany you on the ship to Europe. Xiao Gao will come over to help you these next few days. If you need any assistance or errands, Xiao Gao will take care of them for you."

Gao Muyu was a capable young man. He smiled and nodded to Song Hongfei, saying, "Brother Song, I'll be staying at the hotel across the street for the next few days. Just let me know if you need anything."

Song Hongfei looked at Gao Muyu and smiled, "There's nothing left to pack. I'm almost done here."

Director Chen suddenly blinked, revealing a sly expression, and said, "For example, if you have any female relatives or children here, we can also make proper arrangements for you."

This made Song Hongfei a little embarrassed, and he said, "I'm all alone, I don't have any family."

All three of them burst into laughter.

A few days later, Song Hongfei boarded the "Europa" luxury cruise ship, which was on a route from New York to Bremen, Germany.

A gentle sea breeze, the long whistle of a ship, and the towering Statue of Liberty gradually receding into the distance.

Goodbye, America!

The luxury cruise ship "Europa," fully loaded with tons of cargo, sailed in the Atlantic Ocean for five days at a speed of 27 knots.

Throughout the journey, Tang Hongji and Gao Muyu kept a vigilant and sharp eye on the surrounding situation, transforming into two loyal and capable bodyguards who stayed by Song Hongfei's side, leaving Song Hongfei somewhat amused and exasperated.

Team leader Tang Hongji was slightly older than Song Hongfei, and Gao Muyu was two years younger than them; they were all young people.

Seeing the two of them looking tense as if facing a formidable enemy, Song Hongfei was happy to let them have some free time. Apart from occasionally inviting them to the bar on the "Europa" for a couple of drinks and to enjoy some symphony, he spent most of his time buried in his research and design in his room.

Accompanied by a loud and long blast of the ship's horn, the Europa cruise ship slowly docked in the German port city of Bremen, where the staff of the Republic of China government's embassy in Germany were already waiting at the dock.

Tang Hongji and Gao Muyu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Tang Hongji breathed a sigh of relief: "Hongfei, you don't know, we were given a death order from above. I haven't dared to be careless for a moment on this journey. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We've finally fulfilled our mission. Now that the mission is complete, we need to go back and report as soon as possible. Take care!"

Song Hongfei shook hands with the two men one by one and said, "Thank you for your hard work! Take care and have a safe journey!"

The embassy's car sped along the wide, flat road from Bremen to Berlin, and five hours later arrived in Berlin, the German capital, a city steeped in history and culture, before pulling into the Adlon Kempinski Hotel.

The Adlon Hotel is one of Germany's most famous hotels. It officially opened in 1907 and is located directly opposite the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. It is renowned throughout Europe for its elegant architecture, high-quality service, and comfortable and luxurious rooms.

At the Adlon Hotel, Song Hongfei met with the delegation sent to Europe for an inspection tour. The official name of the delegation was "Special Delegation to Europe by the Nationalist Government of China".

The delegation consisted of 18 members, whose official title was "Special Commissioner of the Nationalist Government of China." The head of the delegation was Kong Yongzhi, Vice Premier of the Executive Yuan and Minister of Finance, who was specially appointed by the Nationalist Government of China as a special envoy to investigate European and American countries.

The delegation included four members responsible for transportation and telecommunications, and was led by Yu Feipeng, the acting Minister of Transport who also served as the deputy head of the delegation.

The remaining positions were responsible for military and arms industry matters, and were headed by Hsu Ting-yao, the "Father of the Armored Forces," Director General of the Transportation and Communications Corps, and Director of the Army Transportation and Logistics School, as well as Yu Ta-wei, Director of the Ordnance Bureau, and Hsu Pei-ken, Director of the Machinery Division of the Ordnance Bureau.

The delegation was specially dispatched by the Nationalist government. Its main tasks were to visit Europe to investigate industry, transportation and military, negotiate industrial and military cooperation, and seek opportunities to recruit relevant personnel with practical experience to serve in the Nationalist army. It also had the secret mission of negotiating loans and purchasing arms from various countries.

During their trip to Europe, the delegation visited and negotiated cooperation in Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, France, Belgium, and Austria. They also contacted Germany and Italy to purchase military equipment and aircraft, as well as to establish factories in China to manufacture weapons.

In particular, the cooperation with Germany allows for a barter system, with China relinquishing its mineral resources and purchasing advanced German military equipment at preferential prices.

Song Hongfei's research findings served as valuable assets to the delegation, playing a significant role in negotiations with various countries. The delegation members warmly welcomed and eagerly anticipated Song Hongfei's arrival.