On May 29, 1981, Soong Ching-ling, a great communist fighter who had been in love with Sun Yat-sen for many years, died in Beijing. Before her death, Soong Ching Ling left a will, instructing her not to be buried with Dr. Sun Yat-sen after her death, but to bury her in the Song cemetery of the Wanguo Cemetery on Hongqiao Road in Shanghai, along with her parents and nanny Li Yan'e.
Who is Li Yan'e? What did she do? Why didn't Soong Ching Ling, who had loved her for many years, choose to be buried with her nanny?
Met and loved Sun Yat-sen
In 1907, when he was still 15 years old, Song Qingling took his sister Song Meiling to study in the United States.
She graduated from the Westrian Women's College in June 1913 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In August of the same year, Song Meiling ended her five-year study abroad career in the United States and went to Japan to meet her family.
On the second day of arriving in Japan, Soong Ching Ling's father took Soong Ching Ling to visit Dr. Sun Yat-sen, who was also in Japan.
Soong Ching-ling, who is intelligent, studious, ideologically advanced, and has patriotic feelings, often pays attention to domestic facts when he is studying abroad, and calls the victory of the Xinhai Revolution "the greatest event of the twentieth century."
Soong Ching Ling admired Sun Yat-sen for a long time, and when he studied in the United States, he heard of many of Sun Yat-sen's great deeds. In the letters and materials exchanged with her father, she even admired Sun Yat-sen.
Since then, Soong Ching Ling has even visited Sun Yat-sen many times. In the winter of the same year, Soong Ching Ling served as Sun Yat-sen's secretary. He then resolutely threw himself into the struggle for the democratic revolution and began a revolutionary career of 70 years.
In the day and night with Sun Yat-sen, the two established a deep friendship and affection. In correspondence with her sister Song Meiling, she also wrote that "I have never been so happy."
In fact, not only Did Soong Ching Ling have admiration for Sun Yat-sen, but Sun Yat-sen also slowly fell in love with Soong Ching Ling. When they were still living in Japan in 1914, the two often played the piano and sang together, walked together in the cherry blossom bushes, and watched movies together in the evening. The two people who have been in love for a long time finally decided to marry and spend their lives together.
Together for ten years
In October 1915, despite his parents' objections, Soong Ching-ling resolutely married Sun Yat-sen in Tokyo, Japan, and held a simple wedding, when they were 27 years apart.
In May 1916, Soong Ching Ling left Japan with Sun Yat-sen and returned to Shanghai. After returning to China, the two still shared weal and woe, and worked together to advance and retreat, and Soong Ching Ling still served as Sun Yat-sen's secretary to assist him in his daily work. Song Qingling is not only an assistant in his career, but also a partner in life.
On June 16, 1922, Chen Jiongming launched a rebellion in Guangzhou for opposing Sun Yat-sen's Northern Expedition. The rebels even wanted to shell the presidential palace, and in the first priority, Sun Yat-sen asked Soong Ching-ling to leave first, but Soong Ching-ling did not agree, she insisted that Sun Yat-sen evacuate first, she said: "China can not do without me, can not without you." Later, After several twists and turns, Soong Ching Ling finally survived the danger and survived, and later rendezvoused with Sun Yat-sen on the Yongfeng ship.
On March 12, 1925, Sun Yat-sen died in Beijing, and the people of the whole country were deeply saddened. Soong Ching Ling even sat in the hospital bed of Sun Yat-sen's lifetime for a long time and could not help himself.
Soong Ching-ling's marriage to Sun Yat-sen lasted for 10 years until Sun Yat-sen's death. Before his death, Sun Yat-sen even told the people around him to take good care of Soong Ching-ling. It is not difficult to see Sun Yat-sen's love for Soong Ching-ling, nor is it difficult to see Soong Ching-ling's nostalgia and reluctance for Sun Yat-sen.
Why did the two people who were so kind and loving make a will to be buried with the nanny before Song Qingling died, but they were not buried in the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum?
Life of nanny Li Yan'e
In 1981, three months before Song Qingling's condition deteriorated and died, Song Qingling's nanny Li Yan'e, who had been taking care of her, suddenly died of illness, and Song Qingling buried Li Yan'e next to the parents' cemetery at the Cemetery of the Cemetery of all Nations.
Song Qingling also drew a picture showing the location of Li Yan'e's tombstone and the location of her tombstone after her death.
Soong Ching Ling's move shows that she did not want to be buried with Sun Yat-sen after her death, but arranged a burial with her parents' nanny.
So who is Li Yan'e? What did she do?
Li Yan'e was born in Zhongshan County, Guangdong Province, the family is poor, her parents died when she was young, it has always been her uncle to take care of her, for a long time Li Yan'e and her uncle lived on the ship, Li Yan'e gradually grew up under the care of her uncle.
However, the good times were not long, and she thought that she could barely live by the boat to live a stable life, and at the age of 16, she was promised by her uncle to a man who did not do business, but After marriage, Li Yan'e was not happy, and she was often beaten and abused by her husband.
Li Yan'e wanted to swallow her anger, but then she was humiliated and resolutely ran away from home to escape from her demonic husband.
In 1927, Li Yan'e braved hardships and obstacles, and ran thousands of miles to Shanghai to join Tan Ma, who was her fellow villager. And Tan Mama once worked as a nanny in Song Qingling's home, out of sympathy for Li Yan'e, Tan Mama decided to introduce Li Yan'e to Song Qingling.
In the same year, Song Qingling returned to Shanghai, and due to the introduction of Tan Ma, Song Qingling met this Li Yan'e, who had a clear love and hatred, a cheerful personality, and was loyal.
Acquaintance with Song Qingling
Before Li Yan'e met Song Qingling, she thought she was a picky and mean person, and Li Yan'e felt very scared and nervous. But when they met, Song Qingling first took her hand and greeted her warmly, so Li Yan'e put aside all stereotypes, and the initial nervous emotions disappeared. She felt that Song Qingling was different from other noble ladies, she was beautiful and moving, respectable and amiable, and had the temperament of everyone's bridesmaids.
And Song Qingling also expressed deep sympathy for Li Yan'e after learning of her unfortunate experience. Since then, Song Qingling has left Li Yan'e as her nanny. Li Yan'e also expressed her gratitude to Song Qingling and claimed to be willing to serve Song Qingling for a lifetime.
Song Qingling called Li Yan'e "Sister Li" and never treated her as a subordinate, but as his sister. Song Qingling regarded her as a member of the family, did not discriminate between meals, shared the table with her, and let Li Yan'e sit on the main seat, while she sat on the side seat.
After Song Qingling went abroad, she did not let Li Yan'e follow, so Li Yan'e did not stay by Song Qingling's side all the time. Li Yan'e left alone to take care of Song Qingling's home in Shanghai, and did not neglect because Song Qingling was not at home, but did her best to take care of many of Song Qingling's small life matters.
After returning in 1931, Song Qingling found that the home was still clean and tidy, well organized, and very familiar with her living habits, and could not help but think that the nanny Li Yan'e was so dedicated, and she was even more grateful.
Song Qingling's leniency has made Li Yan'e more industrious and loyal, she has not forgotten that she is an ordinary working person,Duty, and she has always been conscientious and diligent in taking care of Song Qingling.
"Guards who don't hold guns"
With the change of the times, after a few years of getting along with Song Qingling, Li Yan'e also gradually felt some political atmosphere. Due to Song Qingling's special status and the confidentiality of her work, Song Qingling stressed that no one except Li Jie could enter and leave her bedroom at will, so Li Yan'e slowly began to take charge of the safety of Song Qingling's related work.
When the Pacific War broke out, the Japanese planes hovered in the sky of Hong Kong and constantly bombed, in a critical moment, Li Yan'e was in a hurry, and when the opportunity was right, she set up the ladder, let the ladder lean against the wall, helped Song Qingling to climb over the wall, climbed into the air raid shelter of the next door neighbor's home, and successfully survived the crisis.
When secretly receiving underground communists, it was Li Yan'e who led them to and from his residence, and Li Yan'e also knew how important Song Qingling's safety was, so when she went out, Li Yan'e would guard Song Qingling step by step. Song Qingling often said that although Li Yan'e has no culture, she knows right from wrong and is careful.
Before liberation, in Chongqing or Shanghai and other places, the Kuomintang reactionaries noticed the nanny next to Song Qingling, so they repeatedly bribed li Yan'e with money and used the introduction object to tempt Li Yan'e, hoping to spy on Song Qingling's activities and whereabouts through Li Yan'e. But Li Yan'e did not give in, and sternly refused the enemy's coercion and inducement. She was very vigilant, but it was precisely because of such a careful and cautious Li Yan'e that she repeatedly resisted the reactionaries' ill-intentions for Song Qingling. Regardless of her personal safety, she protected Song Qingling many times. Therefore, Li Yan'e was also praised by Song Qingling as a "guard who does not hold a gun".
The two protected each other, and in the bloody era at that time, Li Yan'e and Song Qingling relied on each other for their lives, and the relationship between them was not only the master and servant but also the close comrades-in-arms.
Sinister risks are deceived
According to shen drunk, the head of the French Concession group in the Shanghai Special Administrative Region, he had been instructed by Dai Kasa to inquire about Song Qingling's residence and her activities on many occasions, and tried to bribe people around her. At first, Shen Drunk only sent a female agent to approach Song Qingling's nanny Li Yan'e. Female agents pretend to be close to Li Yan'e under the identity of their fellow villagers, the two often meet in the vegetable market, they came and went for more than a month, the female agents slowly began to ask Li Yan'e about Song Qingling's situation, the female agents are very smart, she constantly gives gifts to Li Yan'e, and then Li Yan'e gradually found that things were not right, and did not easily agree.
Li Yan'e immediately told Song Qingling about this matter, and song Qingling immediately investigated the identity of this "fellow countryman" after learning about this matter. Song Qingling asked Li Yan'e to return all the things given to her just in case, and immediately refused to let the two come and go, and later the female agent disappeared.
After this incident, Li Yan'e became more cautious and paid special attention to guarding against any suspicious people around her. But Shen Drunk did not give up, he heard that Li Yan'e had married in her hometown when she was young, but At that time, Li Yan'e's husband did not treat her well, so he had a plan and planned to send a male agent to seduce Li Yan'e.
The male agent dressed up as a car driver, he always observed Li Yan'e, saw her go out to buy vegetables and deliberately hit her, the male agent immediately got out of the car to apologize and compensate. Li Yan'e faced the handsome driver and did not deeply investigate whether he might be a secret agent sent by the enemy.
Since then, the male agent has been constantly creating opportunities to meet with Li Yan'e, and Li Yan'e has slowly noticed the driver and gradually becomes interested in this person. In less than 3 months, the two exchanged more and more frequently, but Shen Drunk did not rush to succeed this time, and in order to avoid arousing suspicion, he instructed the male agent not to ask Li Yan'e anything.
Li Yan'e slowly discovered the gentleness and thoughtfulness of this driver, and involuntarily fell into this relationship, but Li Yan'e had no experience in love, and out of various considerations, Li Yan'e found Song Qingling to talk to.
Song Qingling was very happy, took her hand and said, "Although I am very reluctant to you, I would like you to live happily." However, in order to be responsible for you, find someone to help you inquire about the details of that person. Song Qingling carefully inquired about their encounter and acquaintance, and asked Li Yan'e to know more about each other's situation.
It didn't take long for Song Qingling to send someone to investigate the details of the situation. The driver of the car turned out to be a secret agent from the Kuomintang. Although Li Yan'e was very sad, she finally made up her mind not to marry anyone again, and Li Yan'e, who had been deceived many times, decided to take care of Song Qingling's life wholeheartedly.
She protected Soong Ching-ling and unconditionally supported her revolutionary activities, and many of the previous events made the relationship between the two people more and more intimate.
A soldier dies for a confidant
Li Yan'e takes care of the Song family, and naturally carefully and carefully takes care of the food safety of the entire family. Once, she found the cook in the house sneaky, and she secretly observed that the cook had moved his hands and feet in the ingredients he had purchased.
This cook has been with Song Qingling for a long time, Li Yan'e does not want to make things bigger, so she privately found a cook to solve this matter, but did not expect that the cook did not have a repentant heart, but also threw a tantrum at Li Yan'e and told her not to be nosy.
Li Yan'e is also a person with a straightforward personality, and when she saw that the cook was so dead, she also exposed his evil deeds in public in front of the rest of the Song family. This cook was also grumpy, and he couldn't bear to be embarrassed and ashamed to pick up the kitchen knife and cut off Li Yan'e's head.
The incident happened suddenly, Li Yan'e did not have time to think about dodging, and she was stabbed in the head. Fortunately, the crowd sent her to the hospital in time, although there were dozens of stitches on the top of her head, but fortunately, her life was worry-free.
At that time, Song Qingling was not in Shanghai but far away in Beijing, and Li Yan'e did not want to disturb Song Qingling's work, so she asked everyone to hide the matter.
Later, Song Qingling always had nightmares at night, dreaming that Li Yan'e was covered in blood and shouting that her head hurt, Song Qingling could not rest assured, so she immediately contacted the secretary in Shanghai and asked if Li Yan'e was injured.
The secretary saw that he could not hide it and told her all about it.
So Song Qingling immediately flew to Shanghai by plane, Li Yan'e was still recuperating in the hospital at that time, she heard that Song Qingling was about to rush back to Shanghai, so she did not stay in the hospital for a long time and hurried back home.
Song Qingling returned to Song's house to see Li Yan'e wrapped in gauze on her head, crying and blaming her, complaining about why she was hiding, and Li Yan'e just stood there smirking, but she felt very happy in her heart, because Song Qingling really cared about her.
Later, Mao Zedong came to Shanghai to visit Song Qingling, and under the introduction of Zhou Enlai, he met the strong and brave nanny next to Song Qingling. He shook Li Yan'e's hand and said, "A good soldier dies for a confidant, and with your care, I am very assured of the safety of Chairman Song (Song Qingling). ”
When Li Yan'e heard Chairman Mao's praise, she felt very happy, and she was very satisfied with the mere wish to be with Soong Ching Ling all the time.
After liberation, they will not abandon each other for their lives
Song Qingling, who has entered old age, loves Li Yan'e even more. Every tenth day of the tenth month of the tenth lunar month, Song Qingling celebrates Li Yan'e's birthday.
In the winter of 1966, Soong Ching Ling often lived in Beijing, but she still paid close attention to Li Yan'e. They often wrote letters to each other. A few days before Li Yan'e's birthday, Song Qingling would also write a letter to the managers of her residence in Shanghai, asking them to buy more food instead of her not being able to come back in person to wish her a happy birthday.
In 1979, Li Yan'e was suffering from uterine cancer, and Song Qingling was worried, personally took her from Shanghai to Beijing to take care of her, and instructed those around her to take care of Li Yan'e as they treated her.
Later, Li Yan'e's physical condition became worse and worse, and Song Qingling began to stop letting her take care of herself, and specially hired a small nanny for Li Yan'e. At that time, Song Qingling had already regarded Li Yan'e as his own sister, and he had to take care of Li Yan'e personally and bring soup and medicine.
When she learned that Li Yan'e's cancer was advanced, Song Qingling was very sad. She suppressed her grief and chatted with Li Yan'e as much as possible to ease her pain. Song Qingling was afraid that Li Yan'e was not used to the taste of Beijing cuisine, and asked someone to buy more fresh broad beans to supplement nutrition, Song Qingling specially ordered Li Yan'e to eat chicken and drink chicken soup every day.
Li Yan'e's condition worsened, making Song Qingling's heart very heavy. In a letter to Mahid, she said: "My dear housekeeper is suffering from a terrible disease which makes me very upset... I was afraid she would die soon... She lay in bed completely unaware of the pain that was really afflicting her! I am so sad and six gods without a master..."
People always have to go through life, old age, illness and death.
In February 1981, Li Yan'e died of illness. Song Qingling could not hide his grief and burst into tears. Song Qingling held the ashes for a long time and could not let go.
After Li Yan'e's death, her adopted daughter Li Yuan was not even willing to kneel, and Song Qingling was very angry when she saw that Li Yuan was so unfilial, and immediately drove Li Yuan out of the Song family.
Li Yan'e has experienced hardships in her life, her marriage is unhappy, and even her adopted daughter has no feelings for her. But fortunately, there is also Song Qingling, who does not abandon her as a sister.
In order to accompany Li Yan'e all the time, Song Qingling decided to bury Li Yan'e's ashes in the Song cemetery, next to her parents' grave.
Li Yan'e used her own practical actions to prove that she said to Song Qingling that "I will serve you for a lifetime", Li Yan'e has been following Song Qingling, never married again, and accompanied her for 53 years. It was not until February 1981 that Li Yan'e died before Soong Ching Ling. Song Qingling fulfilled his promise and buried Li Yan'e's ashes next to his parents' graves, and when he died, he was also buried with his parents.
epilogue
On May 29, 1981, Song Qingling died of illness in Beijing.
Before his death, Song Qingling made a will: "I promised Sister Li that I would be buried with her." Please don't bury me with Dr. Sun Yat-sen, I don't want to share his glory. I only wish to be buried in the Cemetery of Nations, accompanied by my parents. "
Why Soong Ching Ling did not want to be buried with Dr. Sun Yat-sen after his death was not because the two did not love each other. Soong Ching Ling once said that Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a great man, her heart has always admired Mr. Sun Yat-sen as a hero, although it is husband and wife, but she does not want to disturb him, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is the last place where Dr. Sun Yat-sen's last rest was rested. She also said that she could not be compared to the great man, and did not want to destroy the mausoleum.
Song Qingling has been in a high position all his life but has never looked down on people. In her own words: "Nannies and national leaders are just different positions, nothing else is different." Li Yan'e's task is to serve me, and my task is to serve the public, and Li Yan'e is also one of the public. ”
After Song Qingling died, he wanted to bury himself in the Song Cemetery because on the one hand, he promised his nanny Li Yan'e to be buried with his parents and did not want to renege on his word. On the other hand, because as a daughter, she did not listen to her parents' dissuasion in her early years, still had a lot of guilt in her parents' hearts, and she has been thrown into the revolutionary cause, failed to accompany them well, and after death, she wants to do her last part as a child and wants to be buried next to them.