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Text丨Editor: Literature and History
Preface
Chen Xilian's name contains countless stories of bravery and tenacity. He went from being a bullied cattle herd to a legend in the Red Army. In the face of life's many difficulties, he always insisted on his loyalty to the country and the people. Not only did he build an awesome reputation on the battlefield, but he also demonstrated the tenacity and sacrifice of a soldier in peacetime. But what was the feeling of such a strong man in the face of the tragic death of his child in his later years? His story is not only a symbol of courage and loyalty, but also a life journey full of twists and turns. Let's go with Xiao Yao to see how it is.
In Hong'an County, Hubei Province in 1915, an ordinary farmer ushered in the birth of Chen Xilian. The child was born in a humble farmhouse, and his life was full of challenges from the beginning. Chen Xilian's father died tragically at an early age, leaving him and his mother to depend on each other. His childhood was not full of laughter and games, but was exposed to the hardships of life at an early age. In that barren land, Chen Xilian learned to be self-reliant, and he was burdened with the burden of surviving for his family, and had to take on the role of an adult, carrying out all kinds of heavy and neglected work.
At the age of 14, the god of fate opened a whole new door for him. Chen Xilian joined the 11th Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army and became a young soldier. Despite his young age, his maturity and tenacity make it impossible to forget his actual age. In the army, he was not satisfied with just being an ordinary soldier, but through unremitting efforts and the study of military skills, he quickly rose to prominence in the army, and his courage and wisdom soon won the respect and trust of his comrades.
In 1947, when the land of China was raging in war, General Chen Xilian, as a heroic military leader, had already emerged in the Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong, and Henan field armies. He served as commander of the third column, a position that not only brought him heavy responsibilities, but also meant that he needed to report directly to Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping. Under his leadership, the Third Column quickly became an indispensable force in Liu Deng's army, known for its outstanding combat effectiveness and tight discipline.
By August 1947, as the war situation changed, Chen Xilian led his troops deep into the precipitous Dabie Mountain area. This action is not only a strategic adjustment, but also a symbol of a deep emotional return. He returned to the Hubei-Henan-Anhui base where he fought bloody battles in his youth, where he witnessed his growth from an ordinary soldier to an outstanding general. In this familiar land, Chen Xilian and his troops once again showed their bravery and wisdom, and made a significant contribution to the victory of the war.
This year, Chen Xilian demonstrated his outstanding talents as a military leader. Not only did he have a deep understanding of tactics and strategy, but he also had a unique approach to troop management and morale boosting. He was well aware of the psychology and needs of his soldiers, and often fought side by side with them in the face of enemy fire. His leadership style was loved and respected by his subordinates, and his name became a banner in the hearts of the soldiers.
Returning to the Hubei-Henan-Anhui base area was not only a strategic challenge for Chen Xilian, but also a spiritual touch. He walked through the mountains and rivers where he had fought, recalling the bits and pieces of those hard years. Every time he saw a familiar mountain, every time he crossed the battlefield, he would have a deep emotion in his heart. It is a nostalgia for the past years, a remembrance of the deceased comrades-in-arms, and a firm belief in future victories.
At the same time, in 1949, Chen Xilian's encounter with Wang Xuanmei was like a warm sunshine shining into his life. Their marriage is based on deep affection and mutual understanding. The couple co-raised their four children – Chen Zaiqiang, Chen Zaiwen, Chen Zaifang and their youngest daughter Chen Zaihong. General Chen Xilian has always adhered to the belief that every one of his exploits and honors was earned by his hard work and sacrifice on the battlefield. For him, these achievements represent not only personal glory, but also the embodiment of boundless loyalty to the country and the people.
In 1951, Chen Xilian's second son, Chen Zaiwen, was born, and he was full of strong interest in machinery since he was a child. Under the influence of his father, Chen Xilian, his interest in machinery gradually turned into a love for aviation. Chen Xilian's experience as the first artillery commander of New China undoubtedly had a far-reaching impact on the young Chen Zaiwen. While in college, he chose to major in aviation, and although many thought he would continue on his father's military path, Chen Zaiwen chose his own path.
Chen's aviation career has been full of challenges and adventures. On a rainy morning on April 26, 1982, he participated in a civil aviation mission as a pilot. As the plane crossed over Gongcheng County, a thick fog obscured the view, and visibility was extremely low. When the plane descended to an altitude of 1,400 meters, the crew suddenly noticed a mountain peak with an altitude of almost 1,500 meters ahead. Chen Zaiwen and the crew reacted quickly and tried to urgently lift the plane to avoid the tragedy.
It seems that fate is already preordained. At the critical moment when they were trying to avert disaster, the windshear in the valley suddenly intensified, and the planes lost control in this unpredictable air current. Despite the best efforts of Chen Zaiwen and his companions, they were ultimately powerless. The plane soared straight into the mountain at an alarming speed, and in an instant it exploded and caught fire, and the entire plane was completely destroyed in this disaster.
The crash not only took Chen Zaiwen's life, but also brought deep grief to the entire crew and their families. After Chen Xilian learned the bad news, although he lost his beloved son, he still faced this cruel reality strongly. He knew that as the son of a soldier, Chen Zaiwen chose the career of a pilot, and he was ready to face any possible risks. Chen's sacrifice is not only a personal tragedy, but also a major reminder of aviation safety, reminding people to always be vigilant against natural and technological challenges while pursuing their dreams.
General Chen Xilian's life is like an epic of ups and downs, full of tenacity and courage. This outstanding military general not only showed extraordinary bravery on the battlefield, but also experienced deep grief in his private life. His first marriage ended with the tragic death of his wife, Lai Chi Hui, leaving him with deep scars. Lai's death was a huge blow to Chen Xilian, who left behind not only endless grief but also a young child who needed to be raised alone.
In the blink of an eye, in 1985, Chen Xilian was carrying out important combat missions on the front line in Fujian. At this critical moment, he suddenly received a letter from home, which was sent by his sister, who had been staying at home. The letter carries heavy news - his beloved mother is critically ill and longs to see her son at the last moment. Chen Xilian's heart was suddenly filled with an indescribable anxiety and eagerness, and he immediately left his military affairs and rushed back to his hometown overnight with only one thought in his heart: to be able to see his mother for the last time before she died.
When Chen Xilian finally rushed home, he found that it was too late. All he encountered was his mother's cold tombstone, and dead trees and broken grass blown by the autumn wind, and their voices seemed to tell the sadness of his mother's departure. Standing in front of his mother's grave, Chen Xilian felt unprecedented powerlessness and grief. His heart was filled with deep regret that he was not able to be by his mother's side at the last moment. At that moment, he deeply realized that both the brilliant achievements in military affairs and the affection of the family were an indispensable part of life. This experience not only deepened his understanding of war and peace, but also made him value every moment with his family even more.
Chen Xilian's life is full of legends, as he grew from a poor peasant child to a respected military leader. His story is a perfect example of courage, perseverance and sacrifice. Everyone who appeared in his life, whether family members or comrades-in-arms, was deeply moved by his character and determination. Chen Xilian's life is like an inspiring legend, telling us that no matter what your background, as long as you have a strong will and unremitting efforts, you can create an extraordinary life.
Despite the trauma in his private life, Chen Xilian has excelled in his military career. From an ordinary soldier to an outstanding military general, he repeatedly demonstrated outstanding tactical talent and fearless courage in anti-encirclement battles. His life is full of legends, a perfect example of tenacity and courage. General Chen Xilian not only participated in the shaping of New China, but also devoted his life to defending the interests of the country as his mission. For him, the interests of the country and the people are always above all else.
During his military career, General Chen Xilian was not only a warrior, but also a strategist and leader. His wisdom and bravery on the battlefield earned him widespread respect from his colleagues and subordinates. His life has taught us that no matter what difficulties and challenges we face, we should never give up hope. The life of General Chen Xilian is not only a celebration of personal perseverance and sacrifice, but also an inspiration to those who have stood for their faith in difficult times. His story teaches us that even in the darkest of times, there is hope for light.