Chen Yi was one of the elders of the Chinese Communist Party and played an important role in the revolutionary process. He was not only an outstanding military strategist, but also a wise and far-sighted statesman. However, Chen Yi's image is often blurred in people's minds, and he is regarded as a gentle and unskilled literati. In fact, Chen Yi showed amazing leadership and commanding ability at critical moments, especially when it came to suppressing the chaos of the Ten Commanders of Huaye, and his performance was impressive. So, how did this seemingly elegant and witty old man come forward in a moment of crisis, skillfully resolve internal contradictions, and unite the forces of all sides? What kind of courage and wisdom did he rely on to finally win the support and obedience of these tiger generals? What kind of historical wisdom does Chen Yi's legendary experience contain? Let us find out.
Chen Yi's early life and status within the party
In 1919, before the founding of the Communist Party of China, Chen Yi joined the Marxist study group in France. After the May Fourth Movement, as one of the first students to go to France for further study, he became acquainted with Zhou Enlai, Nie Rongzhen, Cai Hesen, Deng Xiaoping and other fellow travelers who later held high positions in the party. This laid a solid foundation for Chen Yi in the party.
In 1927, after Chiang Kai-shek and Wang Jingwei betrayed the revolution, the Chinese Communist Party decided to launch an uprising in Nanchang. Chen Yi, who was in Wuhan at the time, was invited by Zhou Enlai and Nie Rongzhen and resolutely joined this great cause that changed the world. Although he missed the fiery moment of the Nanchang Uprising, Chen Yi became Zhu De's deputy when Sanheba divided his troops, fought side by side with Zhu De, and made great contributions to the Tianxinwei army when it was in chaos. It was precisely by relying on the persistence of the two of them that they were able to hold this team on the verge of collapse and lay the foundation for the later Jinggangshan Base Area.
Studying in France to make friends with fellow revolutionary travelers, participating in the whole process of the Nanchang Uprising, Tianxinwei reorganized the army and dispersed. Chen Yi's experiences all demonstrate his persistent pursuit and unremitting struggle for the revolutionary cause. As one of the few veterans in the party who can control the scene, Chen Yi has established a very high prestige in the revolutionary years.
Chen Yi commanded Huaye's difficult beginning
In mid-September 1949, the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China decided that Chen Yi would be in command of the East China Field Army, responsible for leading the sea-crossing operation and liberating the entire territory of Shandong. This seemingly glorious task is actually full of dangers.
At that time, the situation in Shandong was chaotic. Luo Ronghuan, the former commander of the Shandong Military Region, had already led his troops to the northeast, leaving behind only two divisions of more than 50,000 troops. In the face of the Kuomintang army's three-sided attack, there was a serious shortage of manpower. What is even more tricky is that the power vacuum within the liberated areas of Shandong has led to constant infighting.
After Luo Ronghuan left, Li Yu, former deputy commander of the Shandong Military Region, should take over the highest post in the military region. But Li Yu was born from the grassroots and did not have enough qualifications to convince the public. In order to balance the interests of all parties, the Central Committee temporarily set up a leading group of the East China Bureau, composed of Chen Yi, Li Yu, Shu Tong, Chen Shiyu, and Rao Shushi.
Rao Shushi was born in the New Fourth Army, and he once turned the tide in the Southern Anhui Incident and made great achievements. He has a grudge against Chen Yi, and the relationship between the two has always been not harmonious. During the Yan'an rectification, Rao Shushi publicly listed the "Ten Crimes" to Chen Yi.
On the other hand, the "Ten Tiger Generals" in the East China Field Army are also surging. Among them, Su Yu, Xu Shiyou, Wang Jian'an, Nie Fengzhi, Song Shilun and others are the most powerful and influential. Most of them were born in Shandong, and they were not completely convinced by the foreign Chen Yi.
In particular, Su Yu, as the commander-in-chief of the East China Field Army, was questioned about his command. Su Yu was originally Chen Yi's subordinate, and the relationship between the two was average. Now Su Yu has an army of 100,000 under his command, and Chen Yi only has more than 50,000 men, so Su Yu naturally does not want to obey Chen Yi's orders.
In the face of internal and external troubles, Chen Yi was in a difficult situation at the beginning of his tenure. He must not only unify the command of the 100,000-strong army, but also resolve internal contradictions and unite the forces of all parties. This is indeed a great test for an elegant literati.
Chen Yi uses wisdom to resolve internal contradictions
In the face of the thorny situation of internal and external troubles, Chen Yi did not adopt simple tough measures, but used extraordinary wisdom to skillfully resolve internal contradictions and unite the forces of all parties.
First of all, Chen Yi adheres to the concept of "convincing people with morality". He is humble and courteous, and never puts on a show of old qualifications. Even for those young generals, Chen Yi always patiently explained and persuaded them step by step. He often said: "We are all revolutionary comrades-in-arms, and we should share weal and woe and be considerate of each other." ＂
For example, for Su Yu, Chen Yi never directly ordered him, but treated him as an equal. The two often had disagreements in combat meetings, but Chen Yi always listened to Su Yu's opinions first, and then tactfully put forward his own opinions, and finally reached a consensus. It is this attitude of treating each other as equals that has won Su Yu's respect and trust.
Second, Chen Yi advocated the concept of "collective leadership" and gave full play to the advantages of democratic centralism. He advocated that major policy decisions should be discussed collectively and the opinions of all parties should be fully heard. Even if it is a young general's suggestion, as long as it is reasonable and feasible, Chen Yi will humbly adopt it.
For example, during the sea-crossing operation, Chen Yi convened an important meeting to discuss the landing site and tactical deployment. At the meeting, Xu Shiyou and others put forward a lot of pertinent opinions, and Chen Yi not only did not slack off, but carefully recorded them and adopted them in the final plan. This democratic style of work has greatly enhanced the cohesion of all parties.
Thirdly, Chen Yi advocated the spirit of "sharing weal and woe", and shared weal and woe with his soldiers. Whether it was in the flames of war or in the cold kiln indigo, Chen Yi always ate and lived at the grassroots level, sharing weal and woe with the soldiers. He never asks for special treatment, and he never makes a show.
Once, on the way to transfer his troops, Chen Yi encountered a river with a strong flow and a bridge that had been blown up. Chen Yi didn't say a word, took off his coat, and was the first to jump into the river to open the way for everyone. Seeing Chen Yi working so hard, his morale was greatly boosted, and they followed him to wade through the water. This kind of bravery in the face of death made Chen Yi win great prestige in the army.
It was with these wise strategies that Chen Yi finally resolved the internal contradictions and united the forces of all parties. Under his leadership, the East China Field Army finally became an iron contingent and laid a solid foundation for sea-crossing operations.
Chen Yi is resourceful and strategic
After the sea-crossing operation began, Chen Yi's commander-in-command talent was fully displayed. He has shown remarkable wisdom and foresight in both strategic layout and specific command.
The battle of Zou County is the epitome of Chen Yi's resourcefulness. At that time, the Kuomintang army had not yet completely taken over the place, and only a small number of Japanese puppet troops were stationed there. Chen Yi carefully deployed, concentrated his forces and quickly captured Zou County. This battle not only established the prestige of the East China Field Army, but also cut off the passage for the Nationalist Army to advance from Jinan to the south.
Next, Chen Yi personally led the troops and successively conquered Wuhuawen, Tengxian and other important towns. Among them, the battle of Tengxian was even more thrilling, and the East China Field Army was once surrounded by the national army. Chen Yi was in danger, personally commanded, and finally broke through the enemy's blockade with exquisite tactics.
This battle not only annihilated the living force of a division of the national army, but more importantly, smashed Wang Yaowu's attempt to open up the Jinpu Road. Since then, the foundation of the national army in Shandong has been completely cut off.
In addition to personally commanding operations, Chen Yi has also made great achievements in strategic layout. He insisted on crossing the sea as the main direction of attack, and at the same time carried out harassment in other areas, forcing the Nationalist army to divide its forces to respond. This strategy of "imagining the real and the real" enabled the East China Field Army to win an overwhelming victory despite the fact that it was inferior in both manpower and material resources.
What is even more worth mentioning is that when Chen Yi commanded operations, he always fully respected and trusted the opinions of Su Yu and other young generals. He never put on a shelf of old qualifications, but communicated with his soldiers on an equal footing and humbly accepted advice. It is precisely this humble and moderate style of work that has won the support and trust of the troops.
For example, at the critical moment of the sea-crossing operation, Chen Yi convened an important meeting to focus on the landing site and tactical deployment. At the meeting, Xu Shiyou, Nie Fengzhi and others put forward a lot of pertinent suggestions, but Chen Yi not only did not slack off, but carefully recorded them and adopted them in the final plan.
This democratic style of work has greatly strengthened the cohesion of all parties and laid the foundation for the victory of the sea-crossing operation. And Chen Yi himself has won the reputation of "winning a thousand miles in the midst of the curtains".