In the long history of China, the Qing Dynasty has left behind countless legends and stories that make people sigh. However, in these stories, there is a nobleman's perseverance and backbone that will be admired by future generations.
He is Pu Yi's seventh uncle - Zaitao. This noble-born nobleman, in the face of the coercion and temptation of the Japanese invaders, resolutely refused to serve him, and never wavered in his beliefs.
The trajectory of life
In the thirteenth year of Guangxu (1887), Aixin Jueluo Zaitao, a historical figure, was born in Beijing. At the age of three, he was awarded the rank of second-class Zhenguo general, showing extraordinary glory. After that, his path to promotion was smooth sailing, and he was soon promoted to the rank of Auxiliary Prince.
By 1902, he had succeeded in inheriting Baylor's prestigious status. In 1908, at the age of 21, he was given the title of county king, and served as the inspector of the general department together with Tie Liang and others, and became the minister of the Qing Imperial Guard.
He studied at the Somi Cavalry School in France, specializing in cavalry combat, and showed extraordinary military talent after returning to China. In 1908, he served as the minister of the Praetorian Guard as the prince of the auxiliary state and the prince of the county, and held great power.
During the Xinhai Revolution, he stood at the crossroads of history, chose to support the Zongshe Party, and stood on the same front as the Qing Emperor to oppose the abdication of the Qing Emperor.
In 1911, he demonstrated his versatility by serving as Minister of Military Counsel and in charge of the Praetorian Guard, and in the same year he also served as the Commander of the Yellow Banner of Mongolia.
However, with the fall of the Qing Dynasty, Zaitao's life also underwent a huge transformation. In 1912, he and Zaixun and others organized the Zongshe Party in an attempt to save the Qing Dynasty. But just a year later, the party was dissolved.
In 1917, he became commander of the Janissaries. However, as the situation changed, he was appointed general by Xu Shichang in 1918.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Zaitao's life ushered in a new chapter. He was appointed by the instructor as an adviser to the Ma Political Bureau of the Artillery Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army to contribute to the country's military development.
Since then, he has also served as an advisor to the Civil Affairs Bureau of the General Logistics Department, a member of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, a deputy director of the Beijing Civic Committee, and a member of the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang.
As a deputy to the 1st to 3rd National People's Congress and a member of the 2nd and 3rd CPPCC, Zaitao used his knowledge and experience to make suggestions for national construction.
However, on September 2, 1970, the legendary figure died in Beijing at the age of 83. To commemorate his outstanding contributions, his ashes were placed in the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery in Beijing.
Uncle and nephew reunited
In the court disputes in the last years of the Qing Dynasty, Zaitao and Pu Yi, two uncles and nephews, were estranged due to different political positions. However, under the sunshine of New China, they ushered in an unexpected reunion.
On July 5, 1955, Zaitao attended the second session of the First National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China. During the break in the conference, the leader introduced him to the faculty.
The instructor asked with concern: "Do you still have any contact with Pu Yi?" Zaitao replied nervously: "He is a war criminal, although I am his uncle, how can I take the initiative to communicate with him?"
The instructor smiled and said: "Our enemy is the exploiting class as a whole, not any one person." Your family needs to care for him and help him, and at the same time he needs your help to transform him into a new man. I heard that Pu Yi is studying well, you can visit him. ”
Under the arrangement, Zaitao was finally able to visit his nephew Puyi, whom he had not seen for many years. When Pu Yi saw the "Seventh Uncle" who had been separated for many years, he didn't recognize it all of a sudden, but he felt that the person who came was a little familiar, and after a while, he strode over, hugged Zaitao tightly, and shouted out the long-lost title with tears in his eyes: "Seventh Uncle!"
During this meeting, Zaitao briefed Pu Yi on the progress of the imperial family in New China and the party's policy on ethnic minorities, as well as the brilliant achievements in national construction.
When parting, Zaitao affectionately told Pu Yi: "You must study hard, transform well, and strive to become a newcomer as soon as possible." Pu Yi nodded in agreement.
吃饺子轶事
In Tang Lusun's classic "Sweet, Sour, Spicy and Salty", there is a story that depicts the unique experience of Beile Zaitao in the former Qing Dynasty tasting mutton dumplings in Donglaishun. This food connoisseur's attention to dumplings is the pinnacle.
In the cold winter of a certain year, when the snowflakes were flying, Zaitao suddenly made a big fortune and decided to go to Donglaishun in Dong'an Field to find out. His purpose is clear - to taste authentic mutton and cabbage dumplings. He specifically requested that the lamb must be made of hind leg meat to ensure the pure taste of the dumplings.
When the steaming dumplings were served on the table, Zaitao tasted them, and his face immediately changed. He sternly pointed to the running hall and asked why he didn't do what he was told. It turned out that when the kitchen was preparing ingredients, he saw a piece of tender lamb tenderloin, so he took it upon himself to chop it into a dumpling filling.
Although this change may not be a big deal in the eyes of ordinary people, it is a big taboo for foodies like Zaitao. With his sharp tongue, he immediately sensed that something was wrong. This kind of discernment is truly miraculous and breathtaking.
summary
Looking back on Zaitao's life, he experienced a legendary life from Baylor in the Qing Dynasty to a senior advisor in New China. His talent, courage and dedication are admirable.
He not only won honor and respect for himself, but also made outstanding contributions to the development of the country and the nation. Let us remember this great historical figure and carry on his spirit and legacy. Do you approve of his actions?