The beginning of a saga is often the most moving. In 1927, Wang Runsen, a child of a wealthy family, was born in Hebei. He grew up in a family that admired literature and art, his grandfather was a calligrapher, and his father was also a poet and singer.
The young Wang Runsen showed an amazing talent for painting, and at the age of 6, he could sit all day copying the paintings of famous artists, which amazed the elders.
When he was 9 years old, Wang Runsen's talent for painting was discovered by a guest who strongly recommended him to visit a famous teacher Xi art. Since the age of 13, Wang Runsen has successively studied under Lin Fengmian, a master of flower and bird painting in Beijing, and Xu Linlu, a famous landscape painter.
Under the careful guidance of the two teachers, Wang Runsen learned how to use ink to express the beauty of landscapes, flowers and birds. At the age of 17, Wang Runsen was successfully admitted to the Chinese Painting Department of Beiping Art College.
When he was a student, he studied hard, often skipping classes to copy the works of major painting saints, and won the favor and affirmation of Xu Beihong, the painting sect. Everything seems to indicate that Wang Runsen has embarked on the road of painting and achieved great achievements.
However, the torrent of history can change the trajectory of a person's destiny at any time. In 1931, the 918 Incident broke out, and the news of the fall of the Northeast made the angry young Wang Runsen heartbroken.
Putting down the brush and devoting himself to the anti-Japanese salvation movement became his heart at that moment. Striving for the future of the country is the fate choice of young Wang Runsen.
An ill-fated young man, a magnificent legendary story, starts here. This is Lantian Ye's past and present life.
The incident in 1931 changed the trajectory of Wang Runsen's life.
Originally with a bright future, he gave up his career as a painter and chose to go to the front line of resistance against Japan. In 1937, when the all-out War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression broke out, Wang Runsen resolutely joined the Communist Party of China and devoted himself to underground work under the pseudonym "Lantian Ye".
Since then, the incognito Lan Tianye has lived two completely different lives of day and night. During the day, he disguised himself as a businessman or an actor to meet and talk to people, and was active in various parts of the enemy-occupied area.
At night, he had to carefully connect contacts and carry out various secret missions to obtain information for the party. Once, Lan Tianye brought out an important document from the headquarters of the Japanese army, which contained a confidential map.
On the way back, he did everything possible to avoid the inspection of the Japanese outpost, and finally delivered the documents in good condition, providing key clues for the combat deployment.
In this most difficult environment, Lan Tianye is smiling and gentle on the surface, but secretly fighting alone. His surprise attacks repeatedly sabotaged the Japanese army's plans and greatly encouraged the morale of the army and the people.
It was countless revolutionary martyrs like Lantian Ye who made the birth of New China possible.
In 1949, the birth of New China ushered in new opportunities for Lantian Ye. He took off his spy's coat and officially joined the Beijing People's Art Theater, becoming one of the first professional actors in China.
Since then, he has devoted himself to the drama career.
Lan Lao is strict with himself, and in order to interpret different roles more realistically, he often goes deep into life to draw materials. For example, in order to play the role of Zeng Wenqing, who raised pigeons, Lan Lao himself specially raised pigeons; In order to understand the living conditions of ordinary bungalow residents, he also lived in bungalows to experience life himself.
Under his influence, many outstanding young actors have also been trained.
In 2011, the 84-year-old Lan Lao returned to the art stage. To everyone's surprise, it wasn't until 2021 that Lan Lao's underground job identity was publicly revealed.
It turned out that he was also an unknown spy who made significant contributions to the party's work and was awarded the "July 1st Medal". An old artist, two different histories, and his legendary story became a footnote to that special era.
Incognito for 75 years, Lan Tianye is like a hero who sleeps forever, and his other identity has never been known to the world. It wasn't until 2021 that Lan Lao, who was over 90 years old, revealed to the world that he was still a spy who made significant contributions to China as an agent.
It turned out that Lan Tianye was still an unsung hero, he fought to the death against the Japanese behind enemy lines, obtained important information for the party, and was a fighter with the "July 1st Medal".
Now that I think about it, Lan Lao's life is like a thrilling legend, during the day he is an excellent dramatist, teaching post-scholars to learn Xi drama; At night, he has to transform into a Communist agent on a secret mission.
With two different lives and two identities, he has always cared about the people and the nation, and selflessly dedicated everything he has. Now 94 years old, Lan Lao can finally take off his disguise and show his true self generously.
He practiced "virtue and art" with his life, and continued to contribute to the literary and artistic career with an old and strong attitude.
Born in troubled times, what does Lan Lao show to future generations with his legendary life?
In the surging rivers of history, Lan Lao chose to give up the road of painting and go to the forefront; After the birth of New China, he devoted himself to the cause of literature and art.
As a generation of grandmasters, he spanned two eras with a dual identity, and he used his life to prove to the world that as Chairman Mao said, "like the moon, illuminate the way forward".
Yes, in the darkest of times, Lan Lao illuminated the way forward like moonlight. He first risked his life to gather intelligence and enlighten the people; Later, he stood on the stage to guide the younger generation and promote the development of the theater industry.
Today, we are living in an era of peace, and we should learn from Xi spirit of selfless dedication of Lan Lao, give full play to our talents and enthusiasm, and contribute to the prosperity and rejuvenation of the country.
As Lan Lao practiced with his own actions - no matter how difficult the environment is, faith is like the moon, always illuminating the way forward. This is the spiritual message he left us, and it is also the main theme of the times that we must carry forward.
Lantian Ye, formerly known as Wang Runsen, is a little-known but extremely legendary name.
Born in 1927 into a scholarly family, he showed an astonishing talent for drawing from an early age. However, there were unforeseen circumstances, and the 918 Incident broke out, Wang Runsen resolutely decided to put down his brush and devote himself to the anti-Japanese salvation movement.
During the war-torn years, he assumed the pseudonym "Lantian Ye" and lurked behind enemy lines to carry out secret activities and obtain important information for the Chinese Communist Party.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Lan Tianye took off his spy coat again, stood on the stage, and became an outstanding dramatist. He continues to delve into the performing arts, incorporating life experiences into his roles.
Many classic characters have been carefully shaped by him.
It wasn't until later in life that Lan Lao's identity as an agent was revealed. An old artist, with two identities, he used his peculiar life story to span the bits and pieces of the growth of New China.
Now that people know the truth, they must have admired Lan Lao's iron will and selfless dedication.
Each of us should bear in mind the history of the struggle of the revolutionaries of the older generation, shine in our own posts, and work together to weave a historical picture of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.