preface
Figure | Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian
Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian, one was born in Wutai Mountain, Shanxi, and the other was born in Dabie Mountain, Hubei Province.
Although thousands of miles apart, the common revolutionary ideals and beliefs have brought them together, become revolutionary comrades in arms who live and die together, and have made tremendous contributions to the Chinese revolution...
Acquaintance in the fire of war, dependence in tribulation
Speaking of Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian's acquaintance, Li Xiannian once recalled:
"When I really knew Xu Shuai as a political commissar in the Red Thirty-third Regiment, the two of us were familiar with each other. He and I are very good, Xu Shuai and I are like-minded, he taught me to fight..."
In 1929, according to the organization's arrangement, Xu Qianqian came to the Eyu Border Region to work in the Red Thirty-first Division. In the same year, Li Xiannian led the guerrilla group into the Fifth Brigade of the Red Thirty-first Division and served as deputy squad leader.
Figure | Xu Xiangqian old photo
Xu Xiangqian was known for his strictness in leading the troops, not only requiring the soldiers to participate in combat training, but also receiving political education, learning culture, doing mass work, etc., and the daily arrangements were very full.
In this process, Li Xiannian strictly demanded himself, not only quickly adapted to the life of the army, but also was well received by the soldiers, but this time they did not have the opportunity to contact him too much
Our real acquaintance was in the autumn of 1931.
It was at the time of the establishment of the Red Fourth Front, li xiannian served as the political commissar of the thirty-third regiment of the eleventh division, and Xu Xiangqian served as the commander-in-chief.
With regard to leading troops, Xu Xiangqian was good at proceeding from the actual situation with peasants as the mainstay, grasping the characteristics of the troops, greatly mobilizing the enthusiasm of the soldiers, and bringing out an excellent army in a short period of time by summing up actual combat experience and strengthening training.
Li Xiannian couldn't help but sigh that this army was completely different from his previous situation as the acting squad leader of the Fifth Brigade. Although the task he faces is heavy, many things have to be learned from scratch.
Figure | Li Xiannian during the war
Fortunately, at this time, Li Xiannian and Xu Xiangqian had more contact. Li Xiannian could learn directly from him and, under his direct command, participated in the third anti-encirclement and suppression campaign of the Red Army.
Li Xiannian had great respect for Xu Xiangqian, and he would carefully study the battles that Xu Xiangqian participated in commanding, carefully ponder, combine with practice, and try to find regular methods.
He also often went to consult with Xu Xiangqian and talked about the strategy of the military book, the situation of the country, and the idea of combat.
He has said to people many times: "In the military, Xu Xiangqian is my best teacher..."
Xu Xiangqian praised Li Xiannian for being willing to study and be good at using his brain.
After that, they jointly ignited the beacon of armed struggle in Dabie Mountain and created the Eyu-Anhui Revolutionary Base Area.
Figure | Xu Xiangqian during the war
In this process, the friendship between Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian was further deepened. Li Xiannian also had a deeper understanding of Xu Xiangqian's military strategy, and his command level was also greatly improved, fighting one victory after another.
When the enemy began the fourth encirclement and suppression, the Red Fourth Front began to carry out strategic shifts. In the process of transfer, Li Xiannian cooperated closely with Xu Xiangqian and led his troops to fight in a bloody battle, turning more than 2,000 kilometers to northern Sichuan.
In the course of their campaign against Sichuan, although the situation was critical, they shared hardships and hardships and successfully established the Sichuan-Shaanxi revolutionary base area through hardships.
In the battle against the enemy's "six-way siege," Li Xiannian resolutely supported Xu Xiangqian's command, eliminated Zhang Guotao's interference, and won a brilliant victory in annihilating the enemy in a large-depth and roundabout way on the western front.
Then, they walked a long march together, when Xu Qianqian sent Li Xiannian to lead the leading troops to meet the Central Red Army.
After the successful meeting of the three main forces of the Red Army, in October 1936, the first part of the Red Fourth Front was ordered to cross the Yellow River to the west and carry out the Ningxia Campaign Plan.
Soon, this unit was renamed the Western Route Army, advanced into the Hexi Corridor, and looked for an opportunity to break into Xinjiang.
However, under extremely harsh natural conditions and under the strong encirclement of the enemy, Xu Xiangqian, Li Xiannian and others commanded the troops to fight with the enemy with fearless revolutionary heroism...
They fought bloody battles and spent that cruel and tragic time together.
In the subsequent War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the War of Liberation, although Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian could not work and live together, they did not break off contact, and their hearts were still worried about each other.
After the founding of New China, Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian still helped each other and shared hardships and hardships as they did in the war years at that time. Their revolutionary friendship was forged under the gunfire of war and will not change because of changes in identity and status.
Whether in war years or in peacetime, the revolutionary friendship between Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian has never changed.
Xu Xiangqian always regarded Li Xiannian as a comrade-in-arms who lived and died together and cherished each other, while Li Xiannian always regarded Xu Xiangqian as a division commander...
In 1954, Li Xiannian came to Beijing, and he did not tell anyone, so he went directly to Xu Xiangqian's home. Knowing that Li Xiannian had come, Xu Xiangqian was very happy.
Li Xiannian mentioned that because he was going to work in the financial department, his thinking was in contradiction, and he was worried that if he did not do a good job, it would affect the overall situation of the country's economic construction.
Xu Xiangqian encourages:
"I know you, you're smart and drill-hard, and even though you haven't done finance before, I'm sure it won't bother you." It's the same as fighting a war, you are not born to fight, you learn in war. ”
Xu Xiangqian's words gave Li Xiannian unlimited strength and made him shine in the economic field in the future.
Figure | Chairman Mao awarded Xu Xiangqian the medal
The following year, Xu Xiangqian was awarded the rank of marshal. From the day he was awarded the marshal until the day of his death, Xu Xiangqian often said:
"Those of us who are survivors, many of our comrades-in-arms have died, and if they are still alive, then the marshals and generals should belong to them."
In Xu Xiangqian's heart, honor never belonged to himself, to those comrades who had already sacrificed.
Although Xu Xiangqian later worked in the army for a long time, and Li Xiannian mainly worked in the government, this did not affect their contacts. Whenever there is a major national event, Li Xiannian will often go to discuss with Xu Xiangqian and exchange opinions.
Since the early days of the founding of New China, Xu Xiangqian's health has not been very good, he is plagued by diseases, and he often needs to recuperate, and Li Xiannian will often go to visit.
Figure | Xu Xiangqian
Xu Xiangqian, on the other hand, still holds a sick body, strictly demands himself, insists on work, regards work as life, and devotes himself to the construction of national defense modernization...
In the past few decades, Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian have always trusted each other, known each other, and talked about everything...
The marshal of the people has the people in his heart
After the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee in 1978, the country entered a new period of development.
At this time, Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian had already entered their twilight years, and although they were old, there was a sense of sacred responsibility supporting them.
They still disregarded their old age and their bodies, and threw themselves into the construction of the country.
In particular, during Xu Xiangqian's three years as defense minister, he met with foreign military delegations, celebrities and journalists more than 20 times.
During these meetings and conversations, Xu Xiangqian actively publicized the great achievements in the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics and talked about the modernization of the army.
At the same time, he also paid attention to the construction of the army and national defense, and worked hard to improve the combat effectiveness of the army.
As the founding marshal, Xu Xiangqian has his own unique qualities, and what are his unique qualities?
On New Year's Day 1984, Xu Xiangqian, who was recuperating in Guangzhou, wrote the following words in his message to the staff:
The preciousness of people lies in their deeds, the preciousness of their deeds lies in their results, and both big and small things are the same.
Although there are few words, but it has outlined a vivid image of words and deeds, Xu Xiangqian is such a person, doing what he says.
For more than forty years since the founding of New China, Xu Xiangqian has always maintained the true color of arduous struggle, never forgetting that he is the marshal of the people, and what is in his heart is the people...
In the 1980s, Xu Xiangqian was already in his 80s and was very concerned about saving a drop of water, a drop of oil, and a degree of electricity.
He often reminds the staff around him to turn off the lights in time, save electricity, and save water. His own dress is also very plain...
When Xu Xiangqian inspected the naval units in Beidaihe, he was wearing a washed and faded dress, which made the soldiers of the navy very moved: "The marshal is wearing this!" ”
In fact, that dress is a good dress for Xu Xiangqian, and it is usually more simple to wear at home, and the cuffs and neckline of the clothes are often sewn and patched.
His personal dress is like this, never paying attention to good or bad, but when supporting the mountains, he insists on taking out good clothes to donate.
In terms of eating, Xu Xiangqian is also not exquisite, he is used to eating coarse tea and light rice, and every few days he has to eat meals such as nest heads, and
He has also maintained the habit of eating wild vegetables.
He believes that eating wild vegetables is very beneficial, you can strengthen your bones, you can also remind yourself not to forget this.
The house he lives in is also very simple, the furniture is very simple, if you want to repair the house, you must get his approval, and extravagance and waste are strictly prohibited.
The house he lived in had not been repaired for many years, the walls had changed color, and the relevant departments proposed to paint and paste wallpaper, but Xu Xiangqian did not agree.
The sofa in his home has also been used for many years, and has been repaired many times, and when it is really difficult to repair, Xu Xiangqian agreed to replace it.
The relevant departments have assigned Xu Qianqian a car, but he is not in good health, rarely goes out, and he stipulates that the car cannot be used casually, let alone use the car to do private affairs.
His wife, Huang Jie, has been taking the bus to work...
Figure | Xu Xiangqian and Mrs. Huang Jie
Although these are trivial and trivial, it is very difficult to really do it, especially for a marshal in a high position.
In his later years, Xu Xiangqian was still very caring for the soldiers. In winter, he often went to the soldiers' dormitories to see if they were cold, whether the quilts were thick or not, and whether the heating was hot.
When he knew that the soldiers were living a little cold, he personally arranged for the relevant departments to add radiators. On holidays, he would also ask the staff to prepare some gifts for the soldiers.
Some of the newly enlisted soldiers watched the respected marshal care so much about them that they couldn't sleep.
In his later years, Xu Xiangqian's body blended the majesty of the marshal and the kindness of the elders, and the staff around him had a good understanding of this.
The staff around him come from different positions, work around him for a long time, get along with him day and night, and form a deep friendship.
Figure | In his later years, Xu Xiangqian
He kept in mind the staff's preferences and difficulties, and took care of all aspects, so that everyone felt very warm. In this way, under the influence of Xu Xiangqian, the staff have developed the habit of hardship and simplicity.
At the time of Xu Qianqian's 85th birthday, because of the fifth day, everyone thought about celebrating his birthday. But he made it clear a month ago: to refuse all requests for a happy birthday.
So they offered to take a photo with Xu Xiangqian on his birthday. For the staff's request, Xu Xiangqian, who has always been low-key, agreed.
After the group photo, Xu Xiangqian also specially proposed to follow his drivers and cooks for many years.
In addition, Xu Xiangqian and his neighbors and the residents of the street are also close to each other. Every time he saw the staff of the residents' committee, he would always say:
"I'm also a resident of Willow Street."
Regarding the military and civilian activities of Liuyin Street, Xu Xiangqian has always been actively involved. The people of Liuyin Street are also proud to have such a neighbor
。 In 1984, during the parade marking the 35th anniversary of the National Day, the masses of the people deliberately carved the seven characters of "Liuyin Military and Civilian Civilization Street" written by Xu Xiangqian himself on a large float...
Figure | In his later years, Xu Xiangqian and his family
During the war years, Xu Xiangqian led his troops to fight in Dabie Mountain, Daba Mountain, Qilian Mountain, Taihang Mountain and other places. He always missed the people there, the glory days there, and the comrades-in-arms who were buried there.
At that time, the relevant leaders went deep into Gansu to investigate the situation of the old Red Army, and Xu Xiangqian was very concerned about their lives, caring for their lives and running for their lives.
Xu Xiangqian is also very concerned about the descendants of his sacrificed comrades- Since the founding of New China, Xu Xiangqian has begun to inquire about the whereabouts of the descendants of those old comrades-in-arms.
At that time, after Xu Qianqian's comrade-in-arms Xu Jishen's son Xu Minqing found it, Xu Xiangqian, although he was not in good health, also asked the staff to send living expenses.
Xu Xiangqian has led the army to fight in the mountains since he was young, and he has a deep affection for the mountains, and he has never forgotten the people in the mountains.
One year, cadres from the old areas of Dabashan and Dabie Mountain came to see Xu Xiangqian, and they brought new news about the development of the old area and brought the people of the old area missing Xu Xiangqian.
Xu Xiangqian received them sickly, and seeing them was as kind as meeting the people in the old area, greeting them warmly. When he hears about the development and progress of the old areas, he will hold meetings, he will hear about the difficulties of the masses of the people, and he will be concerned.
One year, after he learned that the people in the old area of Dabie Mountain were having difficulty in life, he couldn't sleep well for several days in a row, and couldn't help but keep chanting: "After so many years of liberation, I am ashamed of the people in the old area!" ”
After that, he didn't let anyone wish him a happy birthday. When it comes to birthday celebrations, he will say: "There are places in the old district where 7 people use 6 bowls, what birthday do I have?"
Since then, regarding the development and construction of the old area, Xu Xiangqian has also put forward many suggestions, hoping to change the economy of the old area as soon as possible.
It can be seen that Xu Xiangqian is the people's marshal, his heart is full of the people, he has worked hard for the construction of the country, and he has bowed down to the cause of the people.
Even if he is old and sick, he still has a thousand ambitions!
The last exhortation, the deep friendship
In his later years, Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian also had a very good relationship and have maintained contacts. For sixty years, they have been comrades in arms who share life and death, and are like-minded...
Once, Li Xiannian originally wanted to go to Xu Xiangqian to discuss some important matters in the country, but he suddenly fell ill, so he asked the staff around him to go to Xu Xiangqian and explain the situation.
Xu Xiangqian said: "I have known Xiannian for decades, I went to see him, and it doesn't matter if he is sick. ”
Knowing that Xu Xiangqian was coming, Li Xiannian insisted on getting up to greet him. As soon as they met, Li Xiannian said humorously: "You see you on crutches, and I am on crutches now." ”
Then, Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian laughed, they laughed so kindly, so sincerely, so cheerfully!
In 1990, Xu Xiangqian's health was getting worse and worse, and he had to enter the hospital to visit at the end of June.
During that time, Xu Xiangqian was tormented by the disease and could not sleep peacefully, but he was still trying to fight the disease.
Knowing that Xu Qianqian was seriously ill and hospitalized, Li Xiannian rushed to the hospital to visit.
Figure | In his later years, Li Xiannian
Li Xiannian did not intend to disturb Xu Xiangqian, who was seriously ill, but just watched from a certain distance from the hospital bed. Xu Xiangqian learned that Li Xiannian had come, so he signaled Li Xiannian to come to the bed.
Although Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian have met many times in the past sixty years, this meeting is still so different.
Seeing this old comrade-in-arms, Xu Xiangqian was obviously a little excited, and he said solemnly and weakly:
"There are three last words of mine: one is not to say goodbye to the body; the other is not to open a memorial service; and the third is to scatter my ashes to Dabie Mountain, Daba Mountain, Hexi Corridor and Taihang Mountain."
This is Xu Xiangqian's final arrangement for himself, and it is also the final account of an old marshal who has been in a bad mood for the country and the people.
Listening to the words of his old comrade-in-arms, Li Xiannian was extremely sad, but still comforted: "You will be fine." Then, Xu Xiangqian said, "What if my illness is not cured?" ”
Hearing these words, Li Xiannian was even more upset, and the medical experts present were also very emotional, and they greatly respected this marshal who had been on horseback for half a lifetime.
Looking at this old comrade-in-arms who was about to leave this world, Li Xiannian couldn't help but say to everyone: "I am also these three." ”
This also became the final farewell of Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian, and these three last words also became their final agreement.
On September 21, 1990, Xu Xiangqian passed away, Li Xiannian lost his comrade-in-arms who had been with him for sixty years, the people of the whole country lost a great marshal, and a shining handsome star in the army fell...
He did not have a eulogy, did not leave ashes, but erected an eternal monument in the hearts of the people of the whole country
。
In accordance with Xu Qianqian's last wishes, the staff of the relevant departments and his relatives took a special plane to trace the footprints of Xu Qianqian's battles.
His ashes were scattered with bright flowers to the landscapes and rivers that Xu Qianqian had guarded with his life, and the village was strange.
He fulfilled his wish to always be with the people and always with his fallen comrades-in-arms.
Although Marshal Xu Qianqian has left, his spirit will always exist in the green mountains and green waters.
Figure | Li Xian commemorated Xu Xiangqian's inscription
After Xu Xiangqian's death, Li Xiannian wrote "DeepLy Mourning Marshal Xu Qianqian" with infinite thoughts of his comrades-in-arms:
A loyal Marxist with firm conviction in communism, indomitable perseverance, and ceaseless fighting, a man of great wisdom and courage, a master of decisive thinking, and a master of war, a frank and selfless, resolute, considerate of the overall situation, modest and prudent servant of the people——— this is the former comrade whom I have deeply understood in the years of struggle for more than half a century.
Two years later, Li Xiannian died. Before his death, he left the same three last words, to scatter his ashes in Dabie Mountain, Daba Mountain and Qilian Mountain.
He wanted to be with the people, with his sacrificed comrades-in-arms, and with Xu Xiangqian, the division commander and confidant, forever.
The common revolutionary ideals and ambitions of that year brought them together, their friendship withstood the test of time and difficulties, and finally they chose to leave in the same way...
Never abandoning each other, life and death depend on each other, this is the revolutionary friendship between Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian.