In China's modern history, 1967 was undoubtedly the most incidental period. This year, China was at the center of the storm of the "Cultural Revolution", with extremely fierce political struggles and social unrest. Many former high-ranking officials and leaders have been in trouble for various reasons, the most famous of which is Marshal Peng Dehuai.
Peng Dehuai, a military strategist who made great achievements in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the War of Liberation, served as China's Minister of National Defense after the founding of the People's Republic of China. He was known for his directness and unflinching, and at the Lushan Conference in 1959, he raised the shortcomings of the Great Leap Forward policy, which directly became a sharp turning point on his political path. Peng Dehuai was removed from all positions and subsequently subjected to a prolonged period of political persecution.
Against this backdrop, our story takes place in Beijing in 1967. At that time, at the height of the "Cultural Revolution", the political struggle was becoming increasingly acute, many former high-ranking officials were overthrown, and Peng Dehuai was once again the target of criticism because of historical issues. And Lee Jong-ki's role is particularly complex in this. As a veteran revolutionary, Li Zhongqi was a hero with outstanding military achievements in the War of Resistance Against Japan. However, during Peng's tenure as defense minister, he suffered a reshuffle in his position as a result of the 1958 enlarged meeting of the Military Commission, which sowed the seeds of resentment in his heart.
On a cold day in 1967, a crucial meeting was held in Beijing, where cadres from all over the country gathered. On the sidelines of the meeting, many people gathered in a small auditorium to rest. In the corner of the auditorium, Mr. Peng sat alone. His countenance was very haggard, and there was an indescribable sadness in his eyes. Many people present could not help but feel sympathy, doubts, and fears for the old general's complicated gaze.
Suddenly, there was a commotion at the door, and Lee Jong-ki strode in. His face was very gloomy, and there was an unusual glint in his eyes. He walked straight to Peng Dehuai, and before everyone could react, Li Zhongqi had already grabbed Mr. Peng's collar, followed by two loud slaps. This sudden scene shocked everyone present.
"Why are you doing this?" Peng Dehuai's voice was full of confusion and pain.
Li Zhongqi responded coldly: "Your decision back then ruined all my future!"
The person next to him reacted quickly and hurriedly went up to separate the two. Li Zhongqi was firmly grasped by several cadres, while Peng Dehuai was supported by several old friends, and his face still had traces of being beaten, but it was more of a deep helplessness and sadness.
The impact of the incident quickly caused shockwaves at the top. Although many unreasonable struggles were common during the Cultural Revolution, Lee Jong-ki's public attack on an old revolutionary caused considerable controversy. The incident not only damaged Lee's own image, but also cast a shadow over his political career. As for Peng Dehuai, although this incident increased his suffering, it also aroused the sympathy of some people, especially those of the older generation who knew about his historical contributions.
In the days that followed, although Peng Dehuai was still at a political low ebb, he always maintained his deep affection for the country and the people. Lee Jong-ki was investigated for this behavior, and although he was not punished with the most severe punishment, this behavior left an indelible mark on his resume. The brutality of the political struggle and the intricate interweaving of personal grievances made this event one of the many tragedies of the Cultural Revolution.
Through this event, we can not only get a glimpse of the political turmoil and twists and turns of personal fate during the Cultural Revolution, but also deeply feel the complex relationship between individual choices and the background of the times in the historical process. Peng Dehuai and Li Zhongqi, two people who have shown their heroic qualities in different historical periods, have gone to opposite sides at a specific historical moment because of differences in ideas and positions.
This scene is not only the release of the grievances between the two, but also the epitome of the tragedy of that era. It reminds us that history is made up of human choices, and that the decisions made within it will have a profound impact on the future. In judging history, we should learn from it and understand the choices made by each person in the context of his or her time.
On the road ahead, let us treat history with a more tolerant and rational attitude, and treat everyone who has worked hard for the country. Let the lessons of history become a beacon for us to move forward and light the way for the future.