After Chiang Kai-shek's death, his son Chiang Ching-kuo once talked to Zhang Xueliang's old subordinates, and the first sentence asked: "What do you think of Zhang Xueliang?" ”
Zhang Xueliang's old subordinates pondered for a moment, thinking that since 1936, when Zhang Xueliang accompanied Chiang Kai-shek back to Nanjing and was detained, he had lost thirty-nine years of "freedom" before and after.
The "young marshal" who was originally full of vigor has now two sideburns and has entered the age of ancient rarity.
Although he felt helpless about Zhang Xueliang's encounter, it was more of a no-available thing, so he replied: "There is no way to see." ”
The old subordinate asked again: "Is it to give Zhang Xueliang "freedom"?" ”
But Chiang Ching-kuo immediately relayed Chiang Kai-shek's last words, "Do not let the tiger return to the mountain." ”
Why did Chiang Kai-shek never release Zhang Xueliang throughout his life, and why did he warn his son Chiang Ching-kuo not to return Zhang Xueliang's "freedom." What kind of ulterior secrets were there?
Chiang Ching-kuo and Chiang Kai-shek
The "Life" of a Young Man
Zhang Xueliang confessed in his later years that his life ended abruptly at the age of 36, revealing endless lamentations. However, his life before the age of 36 can be described as wonderful.
In 1920, Zhang Xueliang graduated from the Northeast Army Lecture Hall and was awarded the position of commander of the Feng Army, which was also the starting point of his military career.
Some people say that Zhang Xueliang was entrusted with a heavy responsibility when he was a fledgling, and he was blessed by his father Zhang Zuolin.
However, in the two zhifeng wars, Zhang Xueliang came to the fore, showing his excellent command skills, and the Third Corps he led was invincible and defeated the main force of the Zhi army.
The main force of the Feng army then entered Shanhaiguan and quickly controlled Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhili, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and other places, and the strength of the Feng warlords reached its peak.
Zhang Zuolin became the commander-in-chief of the An Guo Army, and Zhang Xueliang also became the head of the Third Army, commanding 80,000 elite troops, at this time, Zhang Xueliang was only in his early twenties.
Chang
However, the Japanese have long coveted the rights and interests of the northeast, and Zhang Zuolin, a generation of tyrants, wandered between cunning and power plots, and did not want to become a traitor hated by the Chinese people, which inevitably made him the target of assassination by the Japanese.
Soon, a loud noise of "Huanggutun" made Zhang Xueliang lose his father, and also brought him the unforgettable "hatred of the country and the family".
Upon learning of his father's death, Zhang Xueliang disguised himself as a wounded soldier and returned to Fengtian to mourn after several turns.
In order to remember the revenge of killing his father, Zhang Xueliang also changed his birthday and his father's death day to one day.
After that, Feng Jun all retreated to the northeast, and Zhang Xueliang took over all the positions of his father Zhang Zuolin.
In the past few years, under the leadership of Zhang Xueliang, after several years of recuperation and recuperation, relying on fertile land and rich natural resources, the people's livelihood has been improving day by day, and the economy is thriving.
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In addition, the Fengjun "whole army and military force", the strength has increased greatly, has 400,000 troops, but also developed the navy and air force, with more than 300 aircraft, more than 20 warships of various types, becoming the only armed force in China at that time with the navy, land and air force.
Therefore, Zhang Xueliang was once hot and became the object of the alliance of various factions of warlords in China; The target of foreign forces is Zhang Xueliang's stubborn character and fanatical patriotic enthusiasm.
Japanese diplomats once paid for guns to lure him into "claiming hegemony" in the northeast. However, Zhang Xueliang told the Japanese that thank you for your kindness, but you forgot the most important point, "I am a Chinese!" ”
At this time, Zhang Xueliang thought of the unification of China and the end of the situation of warlord division. At that time, in Zhang Xueliang's heart, the only person who could lead China to reunification was Chiang Kai-shek, commander-in-chief of the Northern Expedition.
Zhang Zuolin and Zhang Xueliang
On December 29, 1927, the Northeast was changed. Zhang Xueliang was not only entrusted with the heavy responsibility of deputy commander-in-chief of the navy, army and air force, but also gained a good reputation and prestige in the hearts of the people.
At this time, Zhang Xueliang obeyed Chiang Kai-shek's words, chiang kai-shek also cared for him, and Song Meiling became a bridge of communication between the two of them, affectionately calling Zhang Xueliang "little guy"; The majesty of the "superior" and "leader" followed Zhang Xueliang's heart, so that this unrestrained "young marshal" had a belonging and sustenance.
However, the Japanese launched the "Huanggutun" incident, the Northeast Army lost a million of the northeast in three months, public opinion was in an uproar, and in the hearts of the common people, Zhang Xueliang became the target of public criticism and was scolded as a "general who does not resist.".
This former brother of the northeast has since ceased to have the glory of the past. As the saying goes: "A young man's ambition is the great sorrow of life", and Zhang Xueliang's sorrow has just begun.
People often only know that in order to win the war against Japan and oppose Chiang Kai-shek's policy of "foreign countries must first be at home," Zhang Xueliang did not hesitate to launch military advice in Xi'an before detaining Chiang Kai-shek and others.
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However, a few years before the "Xi'an Incident", a more important historical event occurred, that is, the "Central Plains War".
With the help of Zhang Xueliang's troops, Chiang Kai-shek defeated Yan Xishan, Li Zongren, and Feng Yuxiang, the three biggest military opponents, and eventually Yan Xishan could only commit himself to becoming the "Emperor of Tu" in Shanxi.
The army under Feng Yuxiang and Li Zongren was divided and disintegrated, and only a few false names were given to the two of them, and they took up posts in Nanjing.
At this time, Chiang Kai-shek held the great power of the party, government, and army, and his strength reached its peak.
As a "peach in return", Zhang Xueliang entered the power center of the Kuomintang, and also became acquainted with a large number of political elites, becoming the number two person in China at that time. It can also be said that Zhang Xueliang was also kind to Chiang Kai-shek.
In Chiang Kai-shek's view, even if Zhang Xueliang was kind to him, when he thought of the "Xi'an Incident", he felt that this was the greatest insult to him, which was also an important reason why he was unwilling to forgive Zhang Xueliang in his life.
Chang
Lost "freedom" and saved his life
And in the face of such a person who has both grace and hatred. Did Chiang Kai-shek ever kill him?
In 1949, before the Kuomintang was defeated and evacuated from Chongqing, Chiang Kai-shek did not forget to personally order Mao Renfeng to kill Yang Hucheng, another protagonist of the "Xi'an Incident". It can be seen that Chiang Kai-shek is a person who greatly hates people who insult his "personality."
As for Zhang Xueliang, who launched the "Xi'an Incident," he ordered him to be brought to Taiwan and continue to exercise strict control.
Why did Chiang Kai-shek hesitate to act on Zhang Xueliang?
According to historian Tang Degang, "Chiang Kai-shek killed Zhang Xueliang, but from a certain point of view, Soong Meiling played a big role. ”
As early as 1925 in Shanghai, Zhang Xueliang met Song Meiling before Chiang Kai-shek.
At that time, Song Meiling and Zhang Xueliang were both popular figures in Shanghai's social circles, frequently going to various night banquets in the Shili Ocean Field. Subsequently, the two also established a friendship.
Zhang Xueliang and Song Meiling
After the "Xi'an Incident," in order to resolve the dispute and extricate Chiang Kai-shek from the predicament as soon as possible, Soong Mei-ling and Soong Zi-wen broke through many obstacles and personally went to Xi'an to mediate and guarantee that they would not harm anyone.
In the end, thanks to the efforts of all parties, the "Xi'an Incident" was resolved peacefully, and the second cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party was promoted, which opened the prelude to the nation's War of Resistance.
Zhang Xueliang's act of accompanying Chiang Kai-shek back to Nanjing with his extraordinary courage and "bearing the guilt of Jingjing" also made Song Meiling very admired, and even more guilty.
According to Zhang Xueliang's later recollection, Chiang Kai-shek once tried to make a move against Zhang Xueliang, but he gave up under the strong persuasion of Soong Mei-ling.
In the most intense case, Soong Mei-ling threatened to run away and "tell the outside world about chiang kai-shek's secrets that he could not tell others", which made Chiang Kai-shek give up his idea.
Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling
In addition, at the time of launching the "Xi'an Incident", Zhang Xueliang had heavy troops in his hands, and although the Northeast Army retreated to Guannei, after several encounters with the Red Army, although the losses were heavy, the main force was there.
If Zhang Xueliang had been released at that time, Chiang Kai-shek was worried that the Northeast Army would regroup under his orders, emulate Yan Xishan, Long Yun, and others, occupy the place, and not listen to the orders.
It's really like "letting the tiger return to the mountain", and it is too late to regret it.
At that time, if Zhang Xueliang was to be executed immediately, then hundreds of thousands of soldiers of the Northeast Army would definitely fight back and become their enemies.
Only by taking Zhang Xueliang under guard and letting him lose his "freedom" can zhang Xueliang not only be useless, but also make the Northeast Army have illusions, and those officers who expect to release Zhang Xueliang do not dare to act arbitrarily, which can be described as "killing two birds with one stone."
Northeast Army
Soon, due to many internal contradictions, internal conflicts occurred, and gradually disintegrated, the various units were dispersed to Shaanxi, Hebei, Henan and other places to garrison, in the Songhu War of Resistance, Nanjing defense war suffered heavy losses, since then the Northeast Army as an independent military group disappeared from history.
It was the disintegration of the Northeast Army that also made many northeastern officers enrich the Kuomintang army, and later gradually became the backbone of the army.
After the Kuomintang was defeated and retreated to Taiwan, a large number of officers were also from the northeast. Chiang Kai-shek also considered the ability of Zhang Xueliang's subordinates in the army and warned Chiang Ching-kuo not to "let the tiger return to the mountain." ”
It can be seen that Chiang Kai-shek is still very jealous of Zhang Xueliang's military influence.
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"Death is not afraid", and obtaining "freedom" is more difficult than shooting
When Zhang Xueliang sent Chiang Kai-shek back to Nanjing, he once frankly said: "I am not afraid of being shot!" However, he was not confronted with death, but with a life of decades of loss of "freedom."
In the days when Zhang Xueliang lost his "freedom", he was first accompanied by his wife Yu Fengzhi, and later his wife Yu Fengzhi went to the United States to seek medical treatment due to illness, and later it was Always Zhao Yidi who accompanied him.
But even so, "freedom" is still the most precious thing in life.
Therefore, Zhang Xueliang has sincerely conveyed a message to Chiang Kai-shek many times, hoping to gain "freedom".
Once, Zhang Xueliang gave Chiang Kai-shek a beautiful cage and a small bird, comparing himself to being locked in a cage like this bird, losing his freedom, hoping that Chiang Kai-shek would let himself go.
However, Chiang Kai-shek gave back a larger bird cage, which means that since Zhang Xueliang liked birds, he would send a large one, and as many birds as he wanted, implying that he could not rush out of the cage.
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In 1956, Chiang Kai-shek celebrated his 70th birthday.
At this time, it had been twenty years since Zhang Xueliang had lost his "freedom". Zhang Xueliang felt that this was a rare opportunity to impress Chiang Kai-shek and regain his freedom.
So he entrusted someone to give Chiang Kai-shek a Swiss watch, which means that time has passed like a shuttle, and it has been such a long time that the enmity and resentment between you and me should come to an end.
Unexpectedly, Chiang Kai-shek ordered two things to be returned: a calendar from 1936 and a pair of embroidered shoes. This means that Chiang Kai-shek is still grumpy about the "Xi'an Incident" and has not calmed the hatred in his heart, so that Zhang Xueliang will never forget what he once did; And that pair of shoes is to let Zhang Xueliang stay at home and be a "general in the boudoir." ”
Zhang Xueliang couldn't help but say: "Mr. Jiang is alive, and it is difficult for me to be free." ”
It was not until March 1959 that Chiang Kai-shek issued an order lifting the ban on Zhang Xueliang. However, many aspects of life are still monitored and controlled. At this time, Zhang Xueliang still did not get real "freedom".
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In the early morning of April 6, 1975, Zhang Xueliang was awakened by a ringing telephone. He was told that Chiang Kai-shek had died of a heart attack at the Shilin residence in Taipei.
After putting down the phone, Zhang Xueliang stood in front of the window in his pajamas, no longer sleepy, meditating for a long time, and his heart fluctuated.
Four days later, with the promise of Soong Mei Ling and Chiang Ching-kuo, Zhang Xueliang took Zhao Yidi to Chiang Kai-shek's spiritual hall to offer condolences. Zhang Xue's conscience was full of mixed feelings, and in his mouth he silently recited "The yin of care, love is the same as flesh and bones." The battle of political opinions is like a vendetta. ”
This is a pair of pulls brewed by Zhang Xueliang in his heart, and Zhang Xueliang thought about it for 3 days. However, with these short 16 words, how can we explain the enmity between ourselves and Chiang Kai-shek, and that there can only be a central committee
Only the parties can tell clearly.
At the scene, Song Meiling, dressed in black, looked at the remains of Chiang Kai-shek in the coffin and Zhang Xueliang, who had mixed feelings in front of him, and when he thought of Chiang Kai-shek's last words left behind on his deathbed, he couldn't help but burst into tears, and could not help himself under the support of everyone.
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After Chiang Ching-kuo took over as the reins of power, only five months later, Soong Mei-ling left Taiwan for the United States because of disagreements with Chiang Ching-kuo. Chiang Ching-kuo obeyed his father's last words and still controlled Zhang Xueliang's "freedom." However, compared with the past, it has changed a lot.
At this time, in addition to Zhang Xueliang's love of raising orchids and believing in Christianity, he could also occasionally meet with his former friends, Zhang Qun, Zhang Daqian, and Wang Xinheng, to drink tea and discuss the Tao, talk about poetry and painting, and comment on the past and the present. However, Zhang Xueliang's words never dared to involve any politics.
On January 13, 1988, Chiang Ching-kuo died of illness in Taipei at the age of 78.
On March 10, 1991, Zhang Xueliang and Zhao Yidi left Taiwan to visit relatives in the United States.
At this point, Zhang Xueliang gained the long-awaited "freedom".
On October 14, 2001, Zhang Xueliang died of illness in Hawaii, usa, completing his century of life path.
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epilogue
History is so paradoxical that Chiang Kai-shek spent his entire life taking care of Zhang Xueliang, and when he was dying, he wanted his son to continue to let him lose his "freedom."
Although Chiang Ching-kuo carefully obeyed the last words of his father Chiang Kai-shek and did not allow Zhang Xueliang to gain "freedom" in the full sense until his death, from the perspective of the competition for life, Chiang Kai-shek, Chiang Ching-kuo's father and son were both losers.
This "tiger" who has been imprisoned for most of his life, although his life has suffered great ups and downs, his contributions to the country and the nation are worthy of eternal remembrance by future generations.