Many sections of the Yellow River had already begun to freeze, especially in the gentler downstream areas. However, it was the dry season, so the water level was low. The ice didn't hinder Li Xiang's operations; in fact, it was the perfect time for waterway construction.
While Li Xiang was dredging the Yellow River, Zhao Xueqing and her team rushed to a patch of saline-alkali soil by the river in Lankao. Even though heavy snow was falling and the weather was frigid, government intervention had led to the construction of heated greenhouses on the site. These served as an experimental base, and with excellent heating, the inside was as warm as spring.
Furthermore, this was an official, government-funded assignment. They didn't have to pay for anything out of pocket, and they even received a generous monthly stipend.
