In a fortuitous historical collection in Dabaiyangwan Village, Heyang Town, Danyang City, a villager's oral account caught the attention of researchers. The villager recounted an unforgettable experience from his youth, when he personally dealt with a Japanese invading soldier and buried him under a dilapidated brick kiln outside the village. Although it happened decades ago, it still seems vivid and shocking.
On December 9, 1937, on an ordinary winter day, during the fierce battle of the War of Resistance Against Japan, a small leader of the Japanese army inadvertently walked into Dabaiyangwan Village, Heyang Town. With a saber on his shoulder and an arrogant attitude, he directly broke into a poor family in the east of the village, which was Xu Maoer's home. The Japanese leader unceremoniously demanded eggs, drink, and was arrogant, apparently accustomed to this predatory behavior.
Xu Mao'er, an ordinary peasant with a gentle character, could only give in in the face of this Japanese army armed to the teeth. He went out to collect food and drink, hoping that the Japanese soldier would leave his home as soon as possible. After the Japanese soldier was full of food and drink, not only did he not mean to leave, but made even more excessive demands - he asked Xu Maoer to find a woman from the village to accompany him.
This request completely touched Xu Maoer's bottom line. He looked at the Japanese army leader, and his heart was filled with anger and powerlessness. In the face of such an arrogant enemy, Xu Maoer knew that it was impossible to fight with force, but he must not let this insult continue to happen. So, he pretended to agree to the request of the Japanese army, and quietly returned home after going out.
After Xu Mao'er returned home, she quickly walked to the kitchen and took out a bone chopping knife used to chop pork bones from the cabinet. This knife is usually only used when killing pigs during the Chinese New Year, and it is sharp enough to cut hard bones. He clenched the hilt of his sword, and a resolute courage rose in his heart.
He quietly approached the drunken leader of the Japanese army. Just when the Japanese soldier was still drinking and waiting for the so-called "flower girl", Xu Maoer suddenly used force and cut him down with a knife. Later, he dragged the corpses of the Japanese soldiers to the dilapidated brick kiln outside the village, where no one cared for him, dug a pit and buried the invader.
This incident did not cause much trouble in the village, because in that war-torn era, many villagers had their own sufferings and stories. Many years later, when the staff of the local Party History Office was collecting historical materials, they accidentally learned about this past from the villagers. This is not only a small episode in the context of the Anti-Japanese War, but also an unforgettable heroic story in the hearts of the villagers.
As the years passed, the flames of war were long gone, and the days of peace gave people more time to review and remember the past events of those war years. At such a chance opportunity, the heroic behavior of the old man Xu Maoer was re-mentioned, which not only provided researchers with precious first-hand historical materials, but also allowed more people to get a glimpse of the courage and tenacity of ordinary people in that turbulent era.
Although the deeds of the old man Xu Maoer are only one example of thousands of heroic stories of the Anti-Japanese War, it shows the choice and sacrifice spirit of ordinary people in desperate situations. This spirit, no matter how the times change, is worth remembering and propagating.
Over time, this story has also inspired generations of Danyang people. Whenever the history of the village is talked about, Xu Laohan's story always arouses the admiration and contemplation of the audience. His actions are not only an individual against violence, but also a staunch defense of dignity and life.
In the end, it did not become an official record, no flowery rhetoric to embellish it, no wide dissemination to move more people, it was simply recorded in the memory of the village, occasionally narrated by the village elders on a quiet night.
For us today, the story of Xu Laohan is not only a memory of the past, but also a deep touch of the soul. It reminds us that in the long course of history, every seemingly insignificant act may contain indomitable spiritual strength. This kind of power can transcend the boundaries of time and inspire future generations to show the same courage and determination in the face of difficulties and challenges.