In 1990, Zhang Xueliang, who was nearly 90 years old, was interviewed by a reporter from Japan's NHK TV station. In the interview, he admitted that he had misjudged in 1931.
In the afterglow of the setting sun, Zhang Xueliang sat in his quiet study, facing NHK cameras and reporters. The room is steeped in history, with photographs of his youth hanging on the walls, as well as maps of that tumultuous era.
Outside is the world of 1990, but in this room, time seems to have returned to that pivotal turning point – 1931.
The reporter's question was simple and straightforward: "General Zhang, what do you think of the September 18 Incident in 1931 and your decision at that time?"
Zhang Xueliang took a deep breath, his eyes traveled through time, back to that tragic historical moment.
He began to narrate: "At that time, I really thought that the Japanese government would not invade China in a full-scale way, and I thought it was just the action of a small group of people in the Kwantung Army. I thought that if the Northeast Army did not act, the outbreak of war could be avoided. ”
His voice was tinged with a bit of grief and remorse. He recalled that night in 1931, when he received a report that the Kwantung Army had attacked, he suspected that it was only a local conflict.
At that critical moment, he decided not to use the troops, hoping for the sanity of the Japanese government.
"I really thought that if I hadn't acted, I could have avoided a bigger war. A trace of painful memory flashed in Zhang Xueliang's eyes.
The reporter asked: "If you had realized the true purpose of the Japanese government at that time, would you have made a different decision?"
Zhang Xueliang sighed: "Yes, if I had known at that time that their target was the entire Northeast, my choice might have been completely different. But I was wrong. I overestimated my judgment and underestimated Japan's ambitions. ”
His words reveal a deep reflection on history. He realized that his decisions might have changed the course of Chinese history.
The September 18 Incident was not only the action of the Kwantung Army, but the result of the joint decision of the entire Japanese ruling class, and was the prelude to the expansion of Japanese militarism.
The reporter was silent for a moment, he stared at Zhang Xueliang deeply, his eyes full of respect for the old general.
In this tranquil study, the weight of history seems to become even heavier. He spoke softly, with a hint of inquiry in his tone: "General, your experience reminds me of the ancient sage Zhuge Liang's 'empty city plan'.
At that critical moment, his choice seemed ridiculous, but it was actually the best choice based on the circumstances at the time. Did you make a similar decision at the time?"
Zhang Xueliang's gaze became deep, as if he had traveled through time and space, returning to that era full of beacon fire and fog.
He nodded slowly, a wry smile on the corner of his mouth: "Yes, the situation at that time was complicated, and I had to make the best judgment in the limited information.
Just like Zhuge Liang's 'empty city plan', it seems unreasonable, but at that particular moment, it may be the only option that can avoid a greater catastrophe. ”
The reporter continued to ask: "So, do you regret the decision at that time?"
Zhang Xueliang was silent for a while, and then slowly spoke: "Regret? Of course there is." But in the long course of history, every decision has its own context.
I regret that I was not able to discern Japan's true intentions, but that was based on the international situation at the time and my personal understanding. ”
The reporter nodded in understanding, and he felt the helplessness and deep thought in Zhang Xueliang's words. The old general's eyes have both the vicissitudes of history and thoughts on the future.
The reporter whispered: "Your experience is not only a part of history, but also a mirror for each of us to think about decisions and responsibilities." ”
Towards the end of the interview, Zhang Xueliang stood up and slowly walked to the window, looking at the outside world. His back looked particularly lonely, but full of determination. The reporter quietly put away the equipment, and his heart was full of respect for this historical figure.
On this peaceful afternoon, the view from the window was exceptionally peaceful. The sunlight shone through the window and sprinkled on Zhang Xueliang's body, casting a long shadow.
He seemed to be thinking about something, and there was a faint sadness on his face. This old man, who used to be so heroic and determined, now looks a little heavy under the weight of history.
The reporter said softly: "General, thank you for your honesty and sharing. Your experience is not only a testimony to history, but also a valuable lesson for all of us. ”
Zhang Xueliang turned around, a smile appeared on his face, as if thanking the reporter for his understanding and respect. He replied: "History will not change, what we can do is to learn from Xi and learn lessons." ”
The reporter nodded, and he realized that Zhang Xueliang's words were not only a reflection on his past, but also a piece of advice for future generations.
History cannot be rewritten, but it can teach us a lot. Zhang Xueliang's admission of mistakes may be a sign of courage that reminds us to be vigilant about the complexity and unpredictability of things.
As the reporter left, Zhang Xueliang was still standing by the window, his eyes deep. He knows that while history is a foregone conclusion, it continues to influence the present and the future.
In the face of new challenges, we need to remain humble and cautious, and keep learning and Xi and exploring to better cope with the ever-changing world.
And the echo of this history is not only the memory of an old general, but also a profound reflection on the entire era. It reminds us that both individuals and nations must constantly find balance and wisdom in the complex and ever-changing tide of history.