In twentieth-century China, the country experienced wars and suffering. The War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression from 1937 to 1945, especially in North China, was a continuous war and the people were struggling to make a living. The War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was not only a military struggle, but also a crucial battle for the survival of the country and the nation. Against such a background, countless heroic sons and daughters, including General Chen Xilian, stepped forward and dedicated their youth and even their lives to the independence of the country and the liberation of the nation.
Chen Xilian's name may be mentioned superficially in the long river of history, but his life is a magnificent epic. Born in 1915 into a poor peasant family in Hubei Province, Chen Xilian's childhood was full of hardships. When he was 8 years old, his father was killed in an accident, leaving the family to his mother and several children. In the days of poverty, his eldest sister was forced to sell to traffickers, and this scene was deeply rooted in the heart of the little Chen Xilian.
"Mother, please, don't sell the eldest sister. Xiao Chen Xilian knelt on the dirt floor, tears mixed with the dirt. His mother couldn't stop crying, but the reality of helplessness left her with no choice.
This family tragedy did not defeat Chen Xilian, but aroused his determination. He began to beg and later did odd jobs in the landlord's house, just to give the family a little more food. What really changed his fate was a conflict with the landlord. During a cattle herd, he had an argument with the landlord over a trivial matter, and in a fit of rage, he pushed the landlord down.
Knowing this, he did not have the courage to go home, but chose to flee to the mountains. On the same day, the landlord invaded his home, and the mother was treated roughly. When all this news reached Chen Xilian's ears, he was filled with grief and indignation, decided to join the army, and vowed to protect his family and country with his life.
"Mother, I'm going. Chen Xilian recalled what he said to his mother before joining the army, with a firm and sad light in his eyes. He embarked on a journey that lasted 18 years in the military.
Chen Xilian performed well in the army and soon became prominent. His bravery and tactical wisdom enabled him to quickly grow into an excellent officer under the command of Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping. During his tenure as commander of the Third Column of the Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong-Henan Field Army, he participated in many fierce battles and made outstanding contributions to the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japan.
In 1947, as the war faded away, Chen Xilian finally had the opportunity to return to his hometown. On the day he returned home, his mother was gray-haired, but she recognized her long-lost son at a glance. "Mother!" he called out and hugged tightly, tears streaming down their cheeks. At this moment, the vicissitudes of time and the cruelty of war seem to have dissolved in this wordless embrace.
Chen Xilian's battle is not over. With the outbreak of the Liberation War, he was once again drawn into the whirlpool of war. At this time, he was no longer the ignorant young man he was back then, but a brave and strategic Red Army general. Mao Zedong spoke highly of him, and personally handed over an important military directive to him, showing his trust and importance to him.
In a fierce battle with the Kuomintang army, Chen Xilian once again faced a test of life and death. His troops were surrounded by heavy enemy forces and were in an extremely dangerous situation. The artillery fire continued, and bullets rained down. At this critical moment, Chen Xilian was not afraid and commanded the troops to break through. His military prowess and perseverance once again earned him the respect and love of his warriors.
"Follow me!" he ordered loudly, leading his soldiers to break through the enemy's blockade line, assaulting all the way, and finally successfully breaking through and preserving the core strength of the troops. This battle strengthened his prestige in the army.
After the war, Chen Xilian's life gradually calmed down. He retired from the front, but the memory of the war will never be erased. In times of peace, he was still concerned about the security of the country and the well-being of the people, often participated in major policy decisions of the state, and contributed his wisdom and strength to the construction of New China.
As the years go by, Chen Xilian's life has undergone a tremendous transformation from war-torn to peace-building. In his later years, the old general often climbed high and looked into the distance alone, recalling the ups and downs of his life. His loyalty to his country and love for his family formed the main theme of his life.
Chen Xilian's story is not only a historical witness, but also a spiritual inheritance. His life teaches us that no matter how difficult the circumstances, with a strong will and unremitting efforts, any difficulty can be overcome. Whether we are fighting for survival in the flames of war or in peacetime, loyalty and courage are precious assets that each of us should inherit and carry forward. The story of Chen Xilian, the iron-blooded general, will always inspire us to move forward.