Chairman Mao and He Zizhen
preface
Chairman Mao once said to his daughter Li Min: "Your mother pursued progress at a very young age, threw herself into the revolution, was a very remarkable soldier of the Red Army, she fought very bravely..."
Chairman Mao and He Zizhen met and married during the bloody war years. In the ten years together, they shared the same happiness and suffering; in the ten years together, they were united. This kind of camaraderie, comradeship, and friendship of relatives with one heart and one mind cannot be separated.
So many years later, Chairman Mao still cares about He Zizhen, and his concern and care for her has not been interrupted by the changes in the world.
Chairman Mao: He Zizhen played a great role in the building of our party and army
He Zizhen's hometown is Huangzhuling in the Wanyuan Mountains of Yongxin County, just at the foot of Jinggang Mountain. There is a dangerous terrain, lofty mountains, strong and simple folk customs, and stories of ancestors hoeing the strong and helping the weak, and the uneven road to help each other.
He Zizhen was born in this affectionate land, and from an early age, he was fascinated by this kind of swordsman novel, and whenever he had time, he concentrated on reading it, even to the point of sleeping and forgetting to eat.
The heroic deeds of the characters in the book affect the little girl's every move. At a very young age, she aspired to be a person who was useful to the country and the people.
He Zizhen
As she grew older, He Zizhen tirelessly learned new knowledge, accepted new ideas, and broadened her horizons. As a teenager, he applied to join the Youth League and became the earliest revolutionary among the He family's brothers and sisters.
In July 1926, He Zizhen officially became a member of the Communist Party, and on that day, she was not yet 17 years old.
Not long after, because of his outstanding revolutionary work, he was appointed secretary of the county party committee of the Communist Youth League and head of the women's department of the county party department. One person holding a double position is unprecedented in the history of Yongxin County, which is enough to see the trust and importance of her by the higher authorities.
In 1927, Zhu Peide, chairman of the puppet Jiangxi Province, organized two regiments of troops to rush to Yongxin to arrest the Communists.
Forced by the situation, in July, He Zizhen led the Red Guards to retreat to Jinggangshan. She was the first female soldier in the retreat to Jinggangshan and the only female comrade among all the Communists in Jinggangshan.
On October 27, 1927, Chairman Mao led the team of the Autumn Harvest Uprising to Jinggangshan. After fully understanding the situation in Jinggangshan, Chairman Mao was taken aback and did not expect that the "leading figure" of Jinggangshan was a female general who was only 18 years old.
A few days later, Yuan Wencai, a leader of Jinggangshan, led Chairman Mao to He Zizhen's side and introduced them to each other.
Yuan Wencai pointed at He Zizhen and said to Chairman Mao, "Her name is He Zizhen and she is a cadre from Yongxin County. ”
Chairman Mao smiled and said, "Which family did I think it was?" ”
As he spoke, Chairman Mao took the initiative to shake hands with He Zizhen: "Very good, very good, in the future we will fight together!" ”
In the subsequent contact, the two people slowly became acquainted.
Chairman Mao has a special fondness for investigation and research, and likes to draw conclusions through on-the-spot investigation, analysis, and summary. In his view, the investigation is conducive to deepening the understanding of China's national conditions, but also to stimulate revolutionary enthusiasm, without the investigation there is no right to speak, not to do the correct investigation is also not to speak.
Chairman Mao
From the winter of 1927 to the spring of 1928, Chairman Mao would run to Yongxin and Ninggang whenever he had time, investigate the situation in the local countryside, and obtain a lot of real data, but because of the many things at hand, he never had time to sort out these materials, so he could only set aside.
One day, Chairman Mao finished his day's work and said to He Zizhen: "In the past few days, I would like to free my hands to live in Xiangshan Nunnery for a few days, so that I can calm down and continue to write the "Yongxin Investigation" and the "Ninggang Investigation." I would like to ask you to transcribe it for a favor. What do you think? ”
He Zizhen replied happily, "I don't think my words are bad." ”
The next day, they came to Xiangshan Nunnery together. This is a dilapidated ancient temple where a garrison of the Workers' and Peasants' Revolutionary Army is stationed, and 20 officers and soldiers live here.
After arriving here, Chairman Mao worked day and night to write investigation reports, while He Zizhen helped copy them. The two men were very busy.
Many times, when Chairman Mao wrote an article without a clue, and some places were confused, he would always ask He Zizhen's opinion.
Because, He Zizhen is a native of Yongxin, the folk customs here, the grass and trees here, the customs and customs, she knows it all.
When she encountered something that He Zizhen was not sure about, she would tirelessly ask familiar comrades and then return to answer Chairman Mao's questions. In this way, He Zizhen became the object of Chairman Mao's investigation and the first reader of the investigation report.
A few days later, the "Jinggangshan Investigation" was successfully released.
Later, Chairman Mao recalled:
Of the many survey reports, these two are the best and I am most satisfied. In the building of our party and the army, He Zizhen played a great role. Unfortunately, these two reports were lost during the Long March, and I am not sad to lose other things, but the loss of this "Jinggangshan Investigation" is the most regrettable thing.
Daughter Li Min once said: "The reason why Dad is sad may be because this report is not only his own efforts, but more importantly, there is the enthusiasm of his mother and the heart and soul of his mother." ”
Chairman Mao and He Zizhen fought side by side and spent difficult years together
On May 26, 1928, Chairman Mao and He Zizhen entered the palace of marriage. On that day, there were no firecrackers, no cheers, no gongs and drums, no peppercorns, just some candy, peanuts and the like, to entertain the guests who came to congratulate.
After marriage, they were both husband and wife, comrades-in-arms, shared revolutionary ideals, always worked together in the same boat, and spent many arduous days.
Chairman Mao liked to eat chili peppers, and every meal was not spicy or happy. He Zizhen would spend some money to buy fresh peppers, which was a luxury at the time.
Jinggangshan's living conditions are poor, materials are not sufficient, and vegetables are rare items, resulting in Chairman Mao's indigestion, often bloating and abdominal pain. He Zizhen specially walked more than forty miles to find a local Langzhong and asked him to prescribe medicine to solve the problem of Chairman Mao's abdominal pain.
In the days of Jinggangshan, Chairman Mao surveyed the terrain during the day, organized meetings at night, listened to everyone's reports on the local situation, and was often busy in the dark, and every day's sleep time was squeezed out.
In addition, diet and nutrition could not keep up, Chairman Mao's weight dropped day by day, his face became dry and thin, and there was no spirit.
He Zizhen saw it in his eyes and was anxious in his heart, so he called in the guards to discuss how to improve Chairman Mao's food. When discussing, the crowd made it difficult to buy food with high nutritional value such as fish and meat, which requires money, and the money in the organization is spent on the blade.
Therefore, the guards had no choice but to go down to the river to catch fish, and to make it as fresh and flavorful as possible, and Chairman Mao was able to taste the freshness, all thanks to he Zizhen and the attendants' thorough consideration.
Couples in any family will inevitably stumble. Every time two people disagreed, Chairman Mao would "take the initiative to seek peace," and the two people would soon "restore peace."
Chairman Mao would also apologize to He Zizhen, laughing and saying, "You are iron, I am steel, and I have encountered a piece of jingle." He Zizhen laughed after hearing this, and he couldn't get angry anymore.
Although life is full of joy and laughter, their future is closely linked to the Chinese revolution.
In 1933, the enemy launched the third anti-encirclement and suppression campaign at Xingguo County's Happy Wei. The battle was fierce, and suddenly, a bomb from the enemy landed right next to He Zizhen and a female comrade, shocking the two of them unconscious.
By the time the two men woke up and caught up with the large force it was already the next morning.
When Chairman Mao saw them return safely, his heart fell to the ground, and he was interested in it for a moment, and quipped: "The correspondent reported to me that he saw the bomb blossoming around you, and thought you had been killed." I intend to hold a memorial service for you when the fighting is over. Are you guys back now, or are ghosts back? ”
This remark amused everyone present to lean forward and backward, and He Zizhen also said happily: "Not only have we returned, but the document box has also been brought back." ”
When the two were alone, Chairman Mao also joked: "I thought that this time I was afraid that I would not even be able to find your body." The enemy will recognize that this is my wife, and he will not take your head to receive the reward! ”
He Zizhen also smiled and said, "My head is very strong, but it is not so easy to fall!" ”
The two men laughed and laughed, filled with a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, as if this was not on a battlefield where the flames were constantly burning and life and death were changing rapidly.
It is precisely because of each other's company that they can enjoy "suffering", and their hearts are connected and closely linked.
The old people of that year once said:
Chairman Mao and He Zizhen not only have the love of husband and wife, but also have the feeling of comrade-in-arms. They were a good couple who 'clanged'; Mao Zedong was an outstanding figure, and He Zizhen was also an amazing woman.
In those years of fighting, there were setbacks and victories. No matter what situation they are in, they always work together and go hand in hand.
During the fourth anti-encirclement campaign, Chairman Mao was deprived of his command and the correct policy he advocated was not heeded. At this time, Chairman Mao's mood was heavy, his mood was low, and he was worried about the future of the Chinese revolution.
As a member of the Communist Party, He Zizhen, like Chairman Mao, was worried about the future and destiny of the Chinese revolution; as Chairman Mao's wife, she was worried that her husband would be hit.
Since then, Chairman Mao's figure has lost weight, his face has lost the light of the past, and he often stays alone and becomes more and more silent.
In the dead of night, he would blow the whistle to relieve the depression in his heart. He Zizhen will quietly walk to his side and accompany him...
During those difficult years, the two people were confidants and confidants, relying on each other. They would talk by the river together, or say nothing and just sit... In this way, the two people spent the most painful and difficult days.
From January 15 to 17, 1935, the Zunyi Conference was held. Since then, Chairman Mao has returned home late every day. He Zizhen understood the importance of this meeting, and she was alone at home, concerned about the fate of the Chinese revolution and the fate of Chairman Mao.
On January 16, the meeting entered a critical period. That night, He Zizhen always hung a heart and fidgeted.
Finally, footsteps came from outside the door. She quickly walked to the door, opened the door, and before Chairman Mao could enter the room, she asked eagerly, "How are you when the meeting is over?" ”
Chairman Mao understood He Zizhen's concern and first said the message she most wanted to hear: "Yes, I will have the right to speak in the future." ”
When they finished speaking, both men looked at each other and smiled. They finally waited for this day, and the road ahead was clear.
Years later, Chairman Mao mentioned the day to his daughter Li Min, saying:
That night, your mother waited for me for a long time. I wanted to sell her a pass, but my heart was happy, and I couldn't hold back. Your mother looked at me with her eyes tight and listened so intently. We were so happy that night!
Chairman Mao and He Zizhen were concerned about each other
At the end of 1937, He Zizhen left the Soviet Union, and her and Chairman Mao's marital relationship officially came to an end.
Later, He Zizhen talked about leaving the Soviet Union and Chairman Mao, and his face showed a look of self-reproach, saying:
Alas, I also blame me for not understanding things, not giving him more comfort from the mind, but because of some small things, I often quarrel with him, I do have many places to be sorry for him...
There is no way to change all kinds of things in the past, but their revolutionary feelings and comradeship are constantly cut, and Chairman Mao has always cared about He Zizhen, and He Zizhen is also worried about Chairman Mao.
During the days when He Zizhen was far away in a foreign country, Chairman Mao did not forget her family.
In 1940, He Zizhen's sister He Yi was betrayed by traitors and arrested by the Kuomintang. To keep the party's secrets, she gave up her life and swallowed a gold ring.
He Zizhen (left) and He Yi (right)
In March 1941, Zhou Enlai negotiated with the Kuomintang to rescue He Yi, who was dying and had to undergo surgery as soon as possible. When Chairman Mao learned of the situation, he told the doctor, "She is He Zizhen's sister, and I can be considered her relative!" ”
After speaking, Chairman Mao signed the operating form: "Agree to the surgical treatment, Mao Zedong." "Saved He Yi's life in time."
After He Zizhen's mother died, Chairman Mao buried her in Yan'an and erected a stone stele for her. Later, the grave was dug up, and Chairman Mao took out 10 silver dollars and entrusted his compatriots to rebury her.
In 1947, He Zizhen returned to China with his daughter Li Min. At that time, Chairman Mao was moving to northern Shaanxi and had a lot of official affairs, but he always remembered this matter in his heart, and specially took time to call the comrades of the Northeast Bureau: "He Zizhen is about to return from the Soviet Union, please take care of He Zizhen's mother and daughter." ”
When He Zizhen's mother and daughter arrived in Harbin, it was already autumn, the breeze was cool, and there was a hint of coldness in the air. The comrades of the Northeast Bureau prepared suitable winter clothes for them and arranged a set of housing for them to live in.
He Zizhen and Li Min
It was precisely because of Chairman Mao's special explanation that He Zizhen successfully settled down in Harbin and served as the general secretary of the party branch of the ministry of finance of the northeast people's government, while Li Min entered the local school in Harbin.
In 1948, He Zizhen learned from his sister He Yi that Chairman Mao was taking care of he's family, and he cried bitterly on the spot, and the guilt in his heart could not be expressed. After calming down, she wrote a letter in her own handwriting:
Chairman, I have come back to China. Not in good health, still recuperating, and participated in some work... I am very grateful for your care for my sister and mother, and for doing the heavy responsibilities of my sister and daughter on my behalf, which I will remember for the rest of my life...
The letter was only a few dozen words, but it carried He Zizhen's gratitude to Chairman Mao and those unspeakable feelings. At this time, they had not seen each other for a full decade, and the world had already undergone earth-shaking changes, and all words could only be spoken in silence.
In May 1949, li min had been with Chairman Mao for nearly half a year, and when she heard that He Zizhen was in Tianjin, she wanted to see her mother.
Chairman Mao sent Yan Changlin to Take Li Min to Tianjin, and he also instructed Yan Changlin in a meaningful way:
I went to Tianjin to greet Comrade He Zizhen for me, hoping that she would study hard, work hard, and take more care of her body. Tell her that the petite is very good to me, and every Saturday she comes home to meet me and have dinner together, please reassure her.
In 1950, Chairman Mao inspected Harbin, worried about the whereabouts of He Zizhen, and said to the staff: "You ask the people of the municipal party committee, where has He Zizhen arrived?" How's the body? Is life good? ”
Soon after, the staff reported to Chairman Mao: "Chairman, Comrade He Zizhen has left Harbin first to Shenyang, and now he has moved to Shanghai. ”
Chairman Mao asked, "Where does she live now?" ”
The staff replied: "She lives in the social office in Shanghai, life is very good, just no job, Chen Yi and Chen Pixian they sent guards and cooks, there are also traffic vehicles out, the health is also good, the chairman is at ease!" ”
When Chairman Mao heard this, he felt much relieved, but still asked, "Why haven't work been assigned yet?" ”
"Comrade He Zizhen is recuperating, and she suffered a lot during her time in the Soviet Union."
Chairman Mao sighed after hearing this, and with a wave of his hand let the staff out.
After returning to Beijing, Chairman Mao called Chen Yi: "He Zizhen's expenses in Shanghai can be paid from my manuscript fee, please help me take care of her!" ”
Chairman Mao cared about He Zizhen not only because they had a ten-year relationship between husband and wife, but also because He Zizhen had made outstanding contributions to the revolution, and there was a comradeship between them who lived and died and shared hardships and tribulations.
He Zizhen has also been worried about Chairman Mao, she once said: "The most loved thing in my life is Chairman Mao." In these words, there is her remorse, but also her helplessness and regret...
One day in 1954, He Zizhen was listening to the radio at her home in Shanghai when suddenly, the familiar voice came from the radio. She was momentarily stunned, listening to the recording over and over again, still unwilling to turn it off.
It didn't take long for He Zizhen to fall ill.
Chairman Mao burst into tears when he learned that He Zizhen was ill, and this was the first time his daughter Li Min had seen her father cry.
He Zizhen and Li Min, grandson Kong Jining
At the same time, Li Min wanted to visit He Zizhen in Shanghai, and Chairman Mao entrusted her with a letter that read: "Pay attention to the body, don't smoke so much, smoking too much is not good for the body; you have to go to the doctor, treat the disease well, and ..."
And explained to Li Min: "You told the Shanghai organization that your mother was sick, ask them to take more care of her and take her to the doctor." ”
When He Zizhen's condition improved, Li Min returned to Beijing. When Chairman Mao saw Li Min return, he was very happy and asked, "What is your mother like now?" ”
Li Min said: "My mother is so fat now..."
Chairman Mao said, "No, she used to be thin and weak, but now she is sick, how can she be fat?" ”
Li Min didn't want her father to worry, so she lied. At this time, I had to tell the truth: "Mother is very thin, very weak, very ..."
Chairman Mao listened, was silent for a long time, picked up a cigarette and smoked...
After that, Li Min had to visit He Zizhen as soon as he arrived at the winter vacation.
Before leaving, Chairman Mao would arrange for the staff to pack her luggage, and would personally prepare special snacks from old Beijing, poria cakes and preserves, and send people to buy pickles from "Liu Bi Ju" and put them in her bag. He wouldn't give up until all of Li Min's bags were full.
Chairman Mao and Li Min
Li Min knows that these are prepared by her father for her mother, because she has not loved snacks since she was a child. Once, he also stuffed Li Min's bag with two packs of cigarettes sent by foreign friends and brought them to He Zizhen.
When Li Min was about to leave, Chairman Mao instructed her to bring the medicine with her. The phrase "Take care of your mother on my behalf" was repeated many times by Chairman Mao before he left with confidence.
Even in his old age, he had been tormented by illness, and Chairman Mao had always been worried about He Zizhen...
In May 1972, Li Ne gave birth to a son, and in order to facilitate the care of the swaddling baby, he hired a nanny. Due to low wages, life is often difficult. In 1973, Li Ne had no choice but to ask Chairman Mao for help.
Chairman Mao approved a note, took out 8,000 yuan from his manuscript fee, ordered Zhang Yaoci, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, to hand it over to Li Ne, and also explained to Zhang Yaoci: "Give He Zizhen 8,000 yuan too!" ”
More than once, Chairman Mao said to Li Min, "I have no way to take care of your mother, and probably only you will take care of your mother in my place." ”
That being said, Chairman Mao's care for He Zizhen never stopped, and he was always worried about whether she was living well or not...
postscript
On September 9, 1976, Chairman Mao died, and when He Zizhen heard the news, he did not cry, but kept saying to himself: "The chairman has not always been in good health, how can it be...."
He Zizhen, Li Min, and Kong Linghua visited Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall
The story of two old men separated by life and death, what happened to them, those friendships eventually became part of history, blown away by the wind, washed away by the rain.
In his later years, Chairman Mao liked to reminisce about the past, and he once said to Li Min:
Your mother is a very cheerful, open-minded, very kind person, often laughing when she is happy...
In the past, when we caught fish in the Maoping River, she also stood barefoot in the middle of the river, and when she saw the fish swimming over, she reached out to catch it. Your mother is more flexible than me, and sometimes she really lets us catch a stupid fish or two that are vigilant, and she laughs happily and almost falls into the water...
When he said these words, he must have thought of the unforgettable years of fighting in Jinggangshan, and remembered the time when the two people first met...