On January 30, 1969, Li Zongren died in Beijing due to the deterioration of pneumonia and ineffective medical treatment. Two days later, Li Zongren's memorial service was held in the Babaoshan Cemetery Auditorium.
As a famous anti-Japanese general of a generation, Li Zongren served as the acting president of the Nationalist government, and also made great contributions to the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the reunification of the motherland. Therefore, after learning this unfortunate news, all the talents from all walks of life came to mourn.
The atmosphere at the scene was solemn and solemn, and what was somewhat surprising was that among Li Zongren's many family members, the person standing at the front to return the salute was a young woman of about 30 years old.
Many unsuspecting members of the society mistakenly thought that she was Li Zongren's daughter or a relative of the younger generation, and after inquiring, they learned that the young woman was actually Li Zongren's widow.
Photo: Li Zongren and Hu Yousong
This result was a surprise, and everyone was very curious about the young woman's life and experience.
Moreover, there is a difference of nearly 49 years between her and Li Zongren, how did the two meet and know each other? What is the reason for marrying Li Zongren in the ancient rarity? It all starts at the beginning.
The mystery of life
Li Zongren's widow was Hu Yousong, who was also Li Zongren's third wife. According to Hu Yousong's own account, she is the illegitimate daughter of the famous movie star Hu Die, but there are many doubts about this identity.
In 1939, Hu Yousong was born in Shanghai, because his mother Hu Die was a big star in Shanghai Beach, often performing on stage, with a high income, so he grew up with no worries about food and clothing, basically no material troubles.
According to Hu Yousong's recollection, her mother, Hu Die, never told her who her father was, and never allowed her to ask. The most memorable thing about her childhood was The Paramount in Shanghai, where she often wandered around the stage.
Photo/ Butterfly
Sometimes, Hu Yousong will follow his mother in and out of various high-end occasions, always living with his mother in various hotel rooms, which can be said to have no real sense of "home".
When Hu Yousong was 6 years old, because he suffered from eczema, how to treat it was not good, his mother Hu Die, under the advice of the doctor, sent Hu Yousong to Beiping, asking her to recognize her friend Shen Wenzhi as a dry mother, and since then the mother and son have separated and have never seen each other again.
The specific reason is that the southern climate is relatively humid, which is not conducive to the treatment of eczema, so Hu Yousong was sent to Beiping to live. And her mother Hu Die's acting career is in Shanghai, and she can't get out of it at all, so she has to entrust her friends to help take care of it.
Of course, in order to ensure the life of her daughter Hu Yousong in Beiping, Hu Die gave her friend Shen Wenzhi a large amount of money, which is also considered to be the daughter's maintenance.
This Shen Wenzhi was the ninth aunt of the warlord Zhang Zongchang, who was originally a dealer in the acrobatic troupe and had been living in Beiping since Zhang Zongchang was shot and killed by enemies in 1932.
After the founding of New China, Shen Wenzhi, because he was lazy and lazy, sat and ate the mountain air, and soon squandered the family's money, and his life was suddenly unsettled, and he began to dislike Hu Yousong, scolding corporal punishment at every turn, and even beating him with fists and feet, making Hu Yousong miserable.
Later, after Hu Yousong graduated from medical college, he was assigned to Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, became a small nurse, and had a work income, which left the "dry mother" Shen Wenzhi.
This life experience is often mentioned by Hu Yousong to outsiders, and the reason why the outside world is suspicious of her statement is because there are indeed many logical loopholes, and the possibility of making up stories is too obvious.
One is that the time is unreasonable. Hu Die was a public figure in the society at that time, and her every move attracted people's attention, so her life experience has been recorded and reported.
In 1937, Hu Die fled to Hong Kong with her husband Pan Yousheng and her family. If Hu Yousong was really her biological daughter, she should have been born in Hong Kong in 1939, not Shanghai.
When Hu Yousong was 6 years old, it was 1945, that was the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, how could Hu Die still send her daughter to the north? Zhang Zongchang does have nine aunts, but his name is "Rich Gui'er", not "Shen Wenzhi" at all?
Photo: Hu Yousong
Moreover, Hu Die only officially disappeared in 1966, and only moved to Canada in 1975, if there is a biological daughter in the mainland, after so many years, Hu Die cannot not find her own flesh and bones, so she left.
The second is that Hu Die once lost her fertility permanently because of ectopic pregnancy, which is a well-known fact, how could she suddenly give birth to Hu Yousong, an illegitimate daughter?
The third is that Hu Yousong said that since I remember, I have been running around with my mother Hu Di to perform, which is not very reasonable. If you look at a person's age, three or four years old should be a little sensible.
But at that time (that is, between 1942 and 43), Hu Die was under house arrest in Chongqing by Dai Kasa, where the performance came from, not to mention the stage when the War of Resistance Against Japan was in full swing.
Therefore, Hu Yousong's statement about her own life is basically her own side of the story, many things can not withstand scrutiny at all, and later became a mystery that is difficult to solve.
Therefore, whether Hu Yousong's self-statement is true or false, the truth of which outsiders have no way of knowing, I am afraid that only Hu Yousong himself is clear, but there is no doubt that her "packaging" is very successful.
It is undeniable that after growing up, Hu Yousong does have a bit of a similarity between her eyebrows, which also allows her to gain more people's attention, and her bumpy fate has won more sympathetic eyes.
Karmic coincidence
Back in 1965, 75-year-old Li Zongren and his wife Guo Dejie broke through many obstacles, returned to Beijing from the United States, and read a statement at the airport, saying that they would contribute to the reunification of the motherland.
Photo/ Li Zongren and his wife returned to China
At that time, Premier Zhou Enlai and other central leaders personally greeted them at the airport, and were subsequently received by Chairman Mao Zedong, Zhu De, and other state leaders.
After returning to China, Li Zongren personally chose a place and finally lived with his wife Guo Dejie in a mansion in Beijing's West Headquarters Hutong, hoping to raise a family here.
But I did not expect that not long after returning, Guo Dejie was diagnosed with breast cancer, although the hospital made every effort to diagnose and treat, but still unable to return to heaven, only a few months later he died.
Since then, Li Zongren has been depressed, his mood is getting worse and worse day by day, and the sudden death of his wife has indeed hit Li Zongren, an ancient and rare old man, too hard, and the original quiet life has become a mess.
Seeing that Li Zongren's mood was weakening day by day, under the meticulous arrangements of Premier Zhou and the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, Li Zongren, together with his old friends Liu Fei, Huang Qixiang, Cheng Siyuan, and others, went to East China to visit.
The group stayed in Nanjing for a few days, visited places of interest such as Yuhuashi and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and also visited some enterprises, with the intention of easing Li Zongren's sadness and relaxing his mood.
Who expected, after Li Zongren returned to Beijing, he was still very depressed, after all, he was a 75-year-old man, more nostalgic, and now sometimes alone, for a moment and a half will really not be able to slow down.
Photo: Li Zongren
Therefore, Cheng Siyuan, Yin Bingyan and other friends took the initiative to find Li Zongren to talk to, and brewed to find an old partner for him to take care of and spend his old age.
After the news spread, Li Zongren received letters from many ladies almost every day, expressing their willingness to take care of his later life, including workers, intellectuals, teachers, etc., and some were the widows of Li Zongren's old department.
Li Zongren met with several people, but they were not very satisfied, and the matter was delayed, and more than half a year passed unconsciously.
On this day, Cheng Siyuan met Zhang Chengren, a Well-known Shanghai reporter, and when the two chatted, Cheng Siyuan sighed a little, saying that Li Zongren had become lonely and depressed since the death of his wife Guo Dejie, and had not found a suitable companion to take care of.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Chengren suddenly said that it was very appropriate for him to know someone, but he did not know whether she was willing to take care of Mr. Li Zongren.
Cheng Siyuan, a subordinate and comrade-in-arms of Li Zongren for many years, was very concerned about this matter, and immediately urged Zhang Chengren to inquire as soon as possible, even if the final matter did not work, it was not impossible to see it.
The person Zhang Chengren said was Hu Yourong, the two met by dancing at a party, not long ago, Hu Yoursong also said that working in the hospital was too monotonous, and asked Zhang Chengren to help find a job.
At this time, Hu Yousong was 27 years old, and at that time, she was a proper leftover woman, who originally had a relationship with a male doctor in Shanghai, but due to the opposition of the man's parents, the two had to finally part ways.
Photo/ Cheng Siyuan
On this day, Zhang Chengren went to the hospital to find Hu Yousong, saying that he helped her find a new job, and introduced Hu Yousong to Cheng Siyuan, the head of the recruitment unit.
After listening to Cheng Siyuan's story, Hu Yousong decided to try it, which was originally his old business, only need to care for and take care of the living life of a "big person", which is not a problem at all.
The reason why it is not clear is that Hu Yousong is too young and worried that she does not want to meet. The second is to be afraid that Li Zongren will not be satisfied, and then he will be busy in vain, and using such an excuse can avoid embarrassment between the two sides.
But fate is a strange thing, when people are particularly eager to get it, it does not appear, once it feels indifferent, but the closest to it.
So many women with excellent conditions, Li Zongren did not look at it, but from the first time he saw Hu Yousong, Li Zongren liked it.
On the day of the meeting, in order to leave a good impression on the future leaders, Hu Yousong specially dressed up and wore an elegant cheongsam, which was more beautiful and moving.
Cheng Siyuan specially sent a car to pick up Hu Yousong, and only after getting on the car did he tell her that he was going to meet the big man, it was the famous anti-war general Li Zongren, which made Hu Yousong's heart inevitably feel a little excited and a little nervous.
At that time, Hu Yousong had no idea the real reason behind this interview, and the impression that Li Zongren left on Hu Yousong was completely unexpected by her.
Get to know each other
Entering the Li Mansion, Hu Yousong met Li Zongren for the first time, unlike most of the old people who were hunched over, Li Zongren looked very energetic, not at all like a 70-year-old look, not tall, straight waist, loud voice, and very tough physique.
When the anti-japanese general who had been a soldier all his life talked to Hu Yousong, he was naturally kind and amiable, just like chatting with his family, which made Hu Yousong relax suddenly.
The two ate and talked, and Li Zongren also picked vegetables for Hu Yousong from time to time during the meal, which made Hu Yousong, an ordinary nurse, a little flattered.
Li Zongren seems to be particularly satisfied with Hu Yousong, and has always praised Hu Yousong for his beautiful looks, especially like her mother Hu Die, and is knowledgeable and knowledgeable.
Hu Yousong could not help but be a little shy, he could only smile shyly, did not know how to respond, and did not expect That Li Zongren would be so direct, thinking that Li Zongren might be affected by life abroad, but it was just a whim.
And the unique shy appearance of oriental women shown by Hu Yousong made Li Zongren even more moved.
During this time, the two talked about work, and Hu Yousong learned that Li Zongren's wife had just died a few months ago, so he needed a personal care to take care of his life.
Li Zongren took the initiative to invite Hu Yousong to work at the Li Mansion and offered her a monthly salary of 100 yuan, which made Hu Yousong very satisfied.
Hu Yousong's monthly income at that time was only a few tens of yuan, such a high welfare treatment, undoubtedly has a great attraction, coupled with the comfortable and quiet working environment of the Li Mansion, it is difficult to refuse.
For all this sudden, Hu Yousong sincerely said to Li Zongren before leaving: "Can the general let me think about it?" I will get back to you as soon as possible. ”
Li Zongren smiled and nodded in agreement, and before Hu Yousong was about to get on the car and leave, he very politely stuffed a red envelope with her, saying that it was a meeting gift and asking Hu Yousong to buy some items he liked when he returned.
Hu Yousong resigned several times, really bad, but also accepted, after going home to open a look, oh my God! There was 300 yuan in the red envelope, which was enough for her living expenses for a year.
After a few days, Hu Yousong officially quit his job and began to work at the Li Mansion, which was also the result of Hu Yousong's careful consideration.
In addition to the preferential treatment, Hu Yousong pays more attention to the sense of pride and satisfaction brought to her by this job, after all, it is rare to be able to work around the "big people".
Secondly, Hu Yousong has actually always had some inferiority in his heart. Although her appearance and life have received many people's attention, she knows very well in her heart that it is only because others are more curious, and in fact, they do not respect her, and even look down on her.
Like many other generals, Li Zongren is also not good at talking about love, especially in front of the woman he likes, but he seems to be somewhat restrained, which may also be a common disease of Chinese hot-blooded boys.
However, Li Zongren also had the courage of a soldier, straight to the point, blunt, and able to afford to put it down, so it didn't take long for him to boldly tell Hu Yousong about his love.
When the two met for the 6th time, Li Zongren still couldn't help but propose to Hu Yousong, which made everyone stunned, Hu Yousong was also like being hit by an electric current, suddenly stunned in the same place for more than ten seconds, did not react, and did not know how to answer.
All this is too abrupt, too incredible, although Hu Yousong also feels Li Zongren's subtle feelings for her in his daily life, he has never really thought about that aspect.
Although he was a little overwhelmed, Hu Yousong did not choose to escape, and after returning to his senses, he proposed to Li Zongren to give himself a period of time to consider.
After work, Hu Yousong returned home uncertainly, lying alone in bed thinking about his thoughts, and really began to calm down and think about this lifelong problem.
The huge age difference between the two of them for nearly half a century, even if the quality of the marriage is not considered, in that sensitive era, people's gossip must also be considered.
What will others say about Hu Yousong? Coveting Li Zongren's money and status? Unscrupulous means to change your situation? Such doubts would drown her out like a tsunami.
For Li Zongren, Hu Yousong originally had admiration and admiration in his heart, but the feelings between him and his lover were completely different, and now Li Zongren took the initiative to propose marriage.
In the face of this sudden fate, Hu Yousong tossed and turned, his heart was confused, and he fell asleep for a while when it was almost dawn.
Three days later, Li Zongren suddenly arranged a car to call Hu Yousong to the Li Mansion, and directly said: "I have already reported our affairs to the organization, and I have received a reply from Premier Zhou." ”
Li Zongren paused for a moment, looked into Hu Yousong's big eyes, and told her that Premier Zhou meant that china's laws do not limit the age gap, as long as both sides are willing, in favor of two people together.
Hu Yousong was a little incredulous, and he was a little honored, how he thought of his marriage, he could get the care of Premier Zhou, and he had some uncertain ideas, but suddenly he had a positive answer.
"Then I obey the organizational arrangement." Hu Yousong showed a shy smile on his face.
Chinser and Chimes
On July 26, 1966, 75-year-old Li Zongren and 27-year-old Hu Yousong held a wedding ceremony at the Li Mansion in West Headquarters Alley.
For various considerations, everything at the wedding was simple, only a group of old friends of Li Zongren came to the scene to congratulate, and Cheng Siyuan and his wife, Zhang Chengren, Liu Fei and others all came to celebrate.
When the guests left, Hu Yousong sat down on the dresser and prepared to remove his makeup, looked at the jade-like appearance in the mirror, looked at the face of her husband Li Zongren who had experienced vicissitudes, and suddenly an inexplicable grievance rose from the bottom of his heart, and he actually lay on the table alone and cried bitterly.
Although it is voluntary, Hu Yousong still has some imbalance in her heart, which young woman has no expectations and yearning for future life? Don't have the slightest illusion about future marriages?
Now that all the wood has become a boat, thinking that her husband is dying of old age, and he does not know when he will die, this makes Hu Yousong suddenly a little confused about the future days.
It is true that Hu Yousong especially wanted to change the situation at that time, and did not even hide his motives for marrying Li Zongren, but when all this became a reality, he still did not hold back the sadness in his heart.
The beauty and reality of the imagination always have an immeasurable distance, especially the yearning for marriage, so that Hu Yousong, who is already helpless, is more eager for the companionship and care of his family.
When Li Zongren saw his wife suddenly burst into tears, he was surprised and a little uneasy at first, but after all, he was a well-informed old man. Soon understood Hu Yousong's mixed feelings.
After a while, when Hu Yousong's crying was a little quieter and his mood calmed down a lot, Li Zongren stepped forward, gently shook Hu Yousong's and said, "Don't worry, this is your home from now on, although rest assured, I will be good to you for the rest of my life." ”
This sentence made Hu Yousong feel the warmth she had never had, and in the life of being upheaval and displaced since childhood, in the lonely days like duckweed, such intimate words, she was still the first time to hear others say this to herself.
Because Li Zongren loves to snore when he sleeps, which makes Hu Yousong very unaccustomed, in order not to affect Hu Yousong's sleep, Li Zongren took the initiative to propose that the two sleep in separate rooms, which can be described as very considerate.
Li Zongren gets up very early in the morning, always prepares breakfast for his wife in advance, and every time he asks for Hu Yousong's advice, he specially makes some favorite meals for her.
Once, Li Zongren got up at night to pass by his wife's room and found that Hu Yousong loved to pedal the quilt when he slept, so he often went to the room to help her cover the quilt.
However, Hu Yousong was easily awakened by Li Zongren's footsteps, so he politely refused the kindness of her husband Li Zongren and asked him not to enter the room in the middle of the night, so that Li Zongren himself would not catch a cold.
However, Li Zongren did not give up, in order not to disturb his wife, when he entered his wife's room in the middle of the night, he changed to go barefoot, and never woke his wife again.
Li Zongren's meticulous thoughtfulness and care gradually made Hu Yousong find the feeling of home, and for the first time in his life, he understood the taste of being pampered and felt the happiness of life.
Once, Hu Yousong's stomach had been uncomfortable, and the pain was often unbearable. Li Zongren heard that pumpkin seeds can relieve pain, so he specially bought two pounds for his wife to eat.
As a nurse, Hu Yousong naturally knows basic medical knowledge. For Li Zongren's actions, she cried and laughed, but it was not good to hit him, jokingly saying: "Pumpkin seeds are not easy to peel, when do you want me to bump?" ”
Li Zongren smiled, and then said, "Rest assured, I have my own way." ”
The next morning, after Hu Yousong woke up, he saw the pumpkin seeds piled up like a hill on the living room table, and he was shocked, only to learn that Li Zongren had not slept all night, and specially peeled more than two pounds of pumpkin seeds for his wife.
For a woman, it should be very lucky to meet a man who loves herself so much. Especially an orphan like Hu Yousong, no one has ever treated her so sincerely in her life, and she was moved to tears.
However, the age difference between the two people in reality will not always exist because of happiness or not, and the happy life of this marriage is fleeting.
Three years later, Li Zongren died of pneumonia at the age of 78. Gossip in society rushed towards Hu Yousong like a tidal wave.
Everyone is saying that this woman has finally achieved her goal, and should not recognize the name of Mrs. Li Zongren, let alone inherit Li Zongren's large inheritance.
Have they ever had true love? We don't know, perhaps from Hu Yousong's later actions, she gave her own answer.
End
Hu Yousong not only moved out of the West Headquarters Hutong, but also donated all the documents, letterheads, and materials left by Li Zongren to the Chinese Historical Archives.
At the end of the 1980s, Hu Yousong donated all the property and antiques that Li Zongren left to him, all of which were donated to the state free of charge, and her approach also completely shut up those with ulterior motives.
After the rest of his life, Hu Yousong never married, and spent his life with the Qinglan Ancient Buddha, this mysterious woman was far from people's sight, and also away from the disturbances of the world.
Is there any love between Hu Yousong and Li Zongren? No one has been able to unravel this mystery so far...