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Text/Editor/Dayu said Begonia
During a tumultuous period in China's modern history, Peng Dehuai, a figure who later became a famous general, was brutally persecuted by warlords. The story takes place when he was younger, when Peng Dehuai was captured by the warlord's forces. At this critical moment, a soldier pressed his back hard, and this action seemed to imply some meaning. Peng Dehuai understands, but what does this really mean? Is it a turn of fate, or is there something else hidden? This historical fragment not only reveals the cruelty of that era, but also triggers deep thinking about Peng Dehuai's personal fate and choices. How will he react to this oppression? How will his fate unfold?
On a spring dawn in 1921, the Zhuzikou of Hunan was bathed in a hazy morning light. Peng Dehuai, who later became a famous revolutionary military strategist in China, was leading his company to prepare for a secret transfer. But fate doesn't seem to be on his side, and he and his company are suddenly rounded up by local warlords. The warlord's charges against him were extremely serious: the murder of a local man named Oshengqin and his entire family.
Peng Dehuai was known for his strong will and integrity, and he was always amiable and helpful to the general public. During his stay at Zhuzikou, he not only had an in-depth understanding of the people's feelings, but also actively helped the local residents solve various difficulties, winning the respect and love of the people. His actions stand in stark contrast to the warlord's accusations, and it is hard to believe that such a brutal act could have been committed by such a soldier who has asked for his life.
Peng Dehuai also cared deeply about his soldiers, and often cooked for the soldiers himself, sharing weal and woe with them. These actions of his planted a deep respect in the hearts of the soldiers. Against this backdrop, Peng Dehuai's sudden accusation of killing an entire family shocked not only his soldiers, but also the local population.
Zhuzikou, a small town located in Hunan, is known for its convenient transportation and abundant resources. Not only was it a meeting point for commerce and trade, but it also attracted the attention of many warlords for its diverse products. In the autumn wind of 1921, the 11th Company of the 3rd Battalion of the 6th Regiment of the 2nd Division of the Hunan Army led by Peng Dehuai stepped into this prosperous place. Peng Dehuai was deeply impressed by the town, which had been formed in the late Qing Dynasty, and the prosperity of the town was in stark contrast to the wars he experienced.
The streets of Zhuzikou are lined with shops and are bustling with activity. Numerous small boats are docked along the river, and goods are constantly being loaded and unloaded, and the lively scene shows the economic vitality of this town. The arrival of Peng Dehuai and his entourage seemed to bring tension to this peaceful town. The townspeople were wary of the uniformed men, and they avoided them with fear that they would be forced into military service or pay unaffordable taxes.
The lives of the people in Zhuzikou were already difficult. Not only did they have to deal with frequent warlord levies and raids, but they also had to bear a heavy tax burden. Over time, these burdens gradually outstripped their ability to bear, and even basic livelihoods became precarious. In this case, asking them for donations is tantamount to adding insult to injury.
During his few days in Zhuzikou, Peng Dehuai gradually gained insight into the plight of the local people and their deep fear of the army. He is well aware that as a soldier, safeguarding the safety and interests of the people is his primary duty. Therefore, he repeatedly stressed that every member of the army must strictly observe discipline and must not engage in any act of oppression against the people.
Over time, Peng Dehuai and his company gradually won the trust of the local population. Some of the oppressed people began to muster up the courage to ask Peng Dehuai for help. Among them is Jiang Ziqing, a farmer born and raised in Zhuzikou. Jiang Ziqing originally owned a small area of fertile paddy fields and reeds, which was enough to sustain the whole family. Unfortunately, the landlord Ou Shengqin greedily usurped his land, which put the Jiang family in an extreme predicament, and even basic food became a problem.
Jiang Ziqing told Peng Dehuai about his experience, which is not only a personal tragedy, but also a portrayal of local social injustice. After hearing this, Peng Dehuai was deeply indignant, and he knew that as a soldier, he had the responsibility and obligation to correct this injustice, protect the weak, and let justice be served.
This defensive mentality is not without reason. Zhuzikou has always been a battleground for warlords, and every time an army enters the country, it undoubtedly means that the lives of the villagers will be affected. They had experienced so many warlord conquests that the sight of the army filled their hearts with fear and unease.
When Peng Dehuai was young, he joined the Hunan army, starting from the status of an ordinary soldier, gradually showing his prominence, and finally being promoted to acting company commander. In that turbulent era, Peng Dehuai led his troops to walk between small towns. They had stopped in a small town where there was a bully named Oshengqin, notorious for his cruelty and greed. He not only oppressed the weak, but also lent usury, causing countless families to die.
Peng Dehuai hated such a bully and knew that the existence of such a person was an insult to justice and morality. One night, he ordered three soldiers, led by a squad leader, to secretly execute Ou Shengqin, and then anonymously posted a notice exposing Ou Shengqin's crimes. This action has caused a great response among the local people, who feel an indescribable sense of relief and joy.
After this, someone suggested to Peng Dehuai that the grass should be completely cut down, and even Ou Shengqin's family should be eliminated. But Peng Dehuai is adamantly opposed to such innocent involvement, believing that only those who deserve their crimes should be punished. Soon, Peng Dehuai received a summons from the regiment commander, and he knew that he might have to face some trouble.
With an uneasy mood, Peng Dehuai embarked on the journey to the Changsha regiment headquarters. After only five miles of walking, the scene described in the opening chapter appeared. Peng Dehuai's sudden arrest was clearly an elaborate trap. Peng Dehuai knew in his heart that all this was related to his execution of Ou Shengqin.
In that turbulent era, Ou Shengqin's power was not limited to small towns, he also had a strong background in provincial capitals. His elder brother held the position of a senior senator in the province, which provided a solid backing for his evil deeds. Peng Dehuai's actions directly touched the interests of this high-level executive, so he himself was involved in a huge turmoil.
The soldiers who arrested Peng Dehuai were full of sympathy for him, but in the face of strict military discipline and orders, they had to carry out their tasks. Platoon Commander Xu remained calm on the surface, but in fact he was also very entangled in his heart. He told Peng Dehuai that although the regimental commander was also forced to do so, once he arrived at the Overseer's Palace, the situation would become very dangerous. Despite this, Platoon Commander Xu assured Peng Dehuai that he would try his best to find an opportunity to rescue him.
After a difficult march of sixty miles, Peng Dehuai proposed to rest for a while. At this time, a young soldier quietly loosened the rope that bound Peng Dehuai's hands without the platoon commander noticing, and pressed him hard twice on his back. Peng understood what that meant, and the soldier's move not only expressed sympathy for him, but also hinted at a potential help.
In those turbulent times, loyalty and faith were often tested, and Peng Dehuai's experience was a reflection of this test. Even in the face of an almost certain fate, Peng Dehuai remained steadfast and courageous, and the young soldier's small gesture undoubtedly brought a glimmer of hope for his escape.
On the edge of the Laodao River, Peng Dehuai deeply felt the danger of his situation. He realized that the path of the struggle for justice was glorious, but if he lost his life because of it, it would be all in vain. At this moment, he decided to take advantage of the opportunity to cross the river and create an opportunity to escape.
As the boat slowly approached the riverbank, Peng Dehuai turned to Platoon Commander Xu and told him that there was some money hidden in his coat pocket. When Platoon Commander Xu heard this, he showed a look of greed. He promised that if Peng Dehuai was saved, he would return the money to him, otherwise he would use the money to handle Peng Dehuai's funeral.
Peng Dehuai firmly refused, and he told Platoon Commander Xu to let them divide the money, and he didn't need it anymore. At this critical moment, Peng Dehuai suddenly exerted his strength and pushed Platoon Commander Xu into the icy river. Immediately, he quickly jumped ashore, and by this time the rope that had been tied to his hands had been loosened.
Peng Dehuai quickly ran out of this dangerous situation. The soldiers in the distance, although they fired several gunshots, apparently deliberately fired into the air, and none of them really pursued. Peng Dehuai was deeply grateful, he knew that these soldiers were also kind people, and their actions proved that there is still justice and conscience in the world.
Years later, Peng Dehuai still remembers the soldier who helped him, the young man with a Yuanjiang accent. Although he didn't know the soldier's name, he would never forget the affection and help. Peng Dehuai's experience tells us that in this complex world, there are still many people with good intentions. The existence of these people is a source of warmth and hope for this world.
Justice and peace, these two concepts hold an important place in everyone's heart. When we look back at Peng Dehuai's story, it is not difficult to find that his life is the epitome of the relentless pursuit of these two ideas. In those turbulent times, he courageously stood up against injustice, and despite the hardships and dangers of the road, his faith never wavered.
Each of us should draw inspiration from Peng Dehuai's story and use our actions to practice justice and peace. It's not just a slogan, it's an idea that requires us to take action in our daily lives. Whether it's showing kindness in small things or standing bravely in the face of big things and wrongs, every small effort we make can make a positive difference in the world.
Let us work hand in hand and work together to create a more just and peaceful world. Every step we take may be small, but it's these small steps that come together to make great change. As Peng Dehuai demonstrates, although the power of justice may seem small at times, it will eventually overcome many difficulties and illuminate the way forward for mankind. We believe that by working together by each and every one of us, the world will be a better place.