We have all had the experience that at a critical moment in our lives, our fate suddenly changed dramatically, and the entire trajectory of our lives deviated dramatically.
For Zhao Baoqun, a former PLA guard soldier, the extraordinary year of 1973 changed the trajectory of his entire life. In that year, he received a special assignment and was sent to the PLA 301 Hospital to protect a mysterious "special patient".
No one could have expected that the real identity of this "special patient" turned out to be Zhang Aiping, a famous general of the Republic. Since then, Zhao Baoqun and the fate of this general have been inextricably linked. After a few months of getting along, Zhao Baoqun was suddenly asked to retire from the army and lost the opportunity to meet Zhang Aiping. General Zhang Aiping tirelessly searched for Zhao Baoqun's whereabouts, and it was not until 14 years later that they met again. However, why does Zhang Aiping attach so much importance to Zhao Baoqun?
1. Zhao Baoqun, a soldier of the People's Liberation Army, was ordered to protect the mysterious "special patient"
In the spring of 1973, when the peach and willows were green, the city of Beijing was full of life. However, in a barracks of a certain unit of the People's Liberation Army, Zhao Baoqun, the leader of the guard squad, had a solemn face and was preoccupied.
On the morning of the same day, Zhao Baoqun was urgently summoned to a higher department and ordered to take on an extremely special task. An officer in civilian clothes looked solemn and gave an order in a stern tone: "Comrade, you immediately go to the 301 Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, where there is a special patient who needs your 24-hour close care, and there must be no mistakes!" ＂
Zhao Baoqun has always scrupulously abided by military discipline, naturally did not ask for half a superfluous sentence, and immediately straightened out his spirit and carried out the instructions of his superiors. He hurried to the parking lot and joined up with two armed fighters, who drove to Hospital 301 one after the other.
Along the way, Zhao Baoqun only learned that the mysterious "special patient" was codenamed "Zhang Xu". The first priority of their mission this time is to keep an eye on the possibility of "Zhang Xu" escaping or being contacted by others, and to ensure his 100 percent personal safety.
After arriving at the hospital, Zhao Baoqun found that the situation was more tricky than he imagined. "Zhang Xu" was seriously ill and often fell into a coma, with many fractures and scars all over his body. Not only that, but the leaders also clearly stipulated that except for visits every Tuesday, Zhao Baoqun must not allow "Zhang Xu" to come into contact with any outsiders, and all exchanges must be recorded and archived.
In the face of such harsh work requirements, Zhao Baoqun could only grit his teeth and think to himself: "The identity of this 'Zhang Xu' must be extraordinary, and he needs to be so heavily guarded that he can't even obtain the most basic freedom of movement." I will do my best to live up to the trust placed in me by the organization! ＂
In order to better take care of the patients, Zhao Baoqun also specially purchased some fresh fruits and nutritional products for "Zhang Xu" from outside, and took good care of them. Gradually, after Zhao Baoqun's careful care, "Zhang Xu"'s injuries gradually improved, and his body recovered day by day.
One day, Zhao Baoqun returned from standing guard and came to the ward of "Zhang Xu" to check as usual, but he encountered a thrilling scene as soon as he pushed the door. I saw that "Zhang Xu" had fallen into a state of poisoning shock, his whole body was convulsed, foaming at the mouth, and his life was hanging by a thread! Zhao Baoqun first rang the emergency bell immediately, and then called the internal line to notify the doctor for treatment.
At the critical juncture, only Zhao Baoqun's heroic and resolute indefatigability and quick response saved the dying life of "Zhang Xu". It was later found out that it was caused by "Zhang Xu" accidentally ingesting Chinese medicine that day.
This thrilling scene made "Zhang Xu" sincerely grateful to Zhao Baoqun, and the two have formed a deep revolutionary friendship since then. Until one day, the news that "Zhang Xu" would be discharged from the hospital came, and when Zhao Baoqun came to visit again, he finally revealed the mystery of his identity.
Second, he saved Zhang Xu's life at a critical moment, and only learned the truth when he parted
At the end of the spring of 1973, in the late spring of Beijing, in March, a gentle spring breeze swept through the monuments of Zizhulin Temple, rolling up the remnants of red and falling into the country. In a single ward of the 301 Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Zhao Baoqun stared at the thin and haggard "special patient" on the bed, with a solemn face.
Since he was sent to 301 Hospital to carry out this top-secret mission, Zhao Baoqun has never slackened his care for "Zhang Xu". He knew very little about the identity of this mysterious person, and only knew that he obeyed the orders of his superiors, did his best to protect his personal safety, and kept watch closely 24 hours a day.
Day after day, Zhao Baoqun regularly brought nutritious food to "Zhang Xu", and often bought him fresh fruits from outside. Gradually, through Zhao Baoqun's careful care, the physical condition of "Zhang Xu" finally improved, and the fracture wounds began to heal slowly.
However, one night, a sudden poisoning almost took the life of "Zhang Xu". That night, Zhao Baoqun returned to the dormitory after the night shift, and it was late at night. He wanted to take a nap first, but suddenly he heard someone knocking on the door.
"Squad leader, go to ward 309, Comrade Zhang Xu has been poisoned, and his condition is extremely critical! A nurse sweated profusely as she announced.
Zhao Baoqun didn't think much about it, and rushed into the ward in three steps and two steps, only to see that "Zhang Xu" had fallen into poisoning shock, foaming at the mouth, and his whole body couldn't help convulsing, and he was in danger!
At the critical moment, Zhao Baoqun didn't think much about it at all, and urgently rang the alarm bell beside the bed, and at the same time immediately called the internal line to notify the doctor on duty. Soon, several doctors and nurses rushed to hear the news and gave "Zhang Xu" a comprehensive physical examination and treatment.
After some rescue, the dangerous situation was finally brought under control. It was later found out that it was "Zhang Xu" who accidentally ingested a dose of traditional Chinese medicine that day, resulting in severe poisoning. If it weren't for Zhao Baoqun's quick response and heroic courage, I am afraid that "Zhang Xu" would have been wiped out due to this accident.
This thrilling scene undoubtedly made "Zhang Xu" look at Zhao Baoqun with admiration, and the revolutionary friendship between the two reached its peak. Soon, after a few months, the news that "Zhang Xu" was finally going to be discharged from the hospital came. When Zhao Baoqun went to visit for the last time, "Zhang Xu" finally unveiled the mystery of his identity.
It turned out that "Zhang Xu" was not his real name, but Comrade Zhang Aiping, a famous proletarian revolutionary of the older generation. After years of military training, General Zhang Aiping had dozens of scars on his body, and this time he was seriously injured in the line of duty, so he had to be treated like a prisoner.
Before parting, Zhang Aiping sincerely thanked Zhao Baoqun: "Comrade, if you weren't brave and resolute at that time, I'm afraid I would have died." In return, I invite you to visit you at home in the future, so let's relive those eventful years! ＂
Where did Zhao Baoqun expect that he would silently guard a generation of founding fathers for many years? He readily agreed, but he didn't expect that fate would have bigger twists and turns waiting for him.
3. After being discharged from the army, he was indifferent to fame and fortune, and became a worker incognito
Just when General Zhang Aiping sincerely invited Zhao Baoqun to his mansion as a guest, Zhao Baoqun suddenly received an order from the higher authorities: he was immediately discharged from the army and assigned to work as a worker in a brick and tile factory in the suburbs of Beijing.
At first, Zhao Baoqun was a little surprised and puzzled by this arrangement. As a qualified soldier of the People's Liberation Army, he has made many military exploits and has always performed well. During the protection of General Zhang Aiping this time, he was even more heroic and decisive, saving the lives of military generals. It stands to reason that he should have been rewarded and reused to continue serving in the army.
However, the instructions from the superiors could not be changed. In just a few days, Zhao Baoqun left the barracks and came to the small brick and tile workshop that was not named. There are more than a dozen workers here, and the production conditions are very simple and backward, all relying on manual operation.
In this way, the former heroic guards suddenly degenerated into ordinary workers. However, Zhao Baoqun did not complain much about this. He has been poor since he was a child, and he has known the truth of hardship and hard work since he was a child. After retiring from the army, he just regarded this simple labor as a new battlefield, studied the brick and tile production process with anger, and devoted himself to his work.
At first, due to lack of experience, Zhao Baoqun's craftsmanship was unfamiliar, and the bricks and tiles produced were often substandard. But he was never discouraged, but more humble and studious, humbly asking the old workers around him for many skills and tricks such as the firing heat of the brick kiln and the mixing technique of mud. Day after day, year after year, Zhao Baoqun's brick and tile craftsmanship has gradually become proficient, and the quality of the product has been repeatedly commended by the factory.
Especially in the late eighties and nineties, China's urban construction was in full swing, and orders for brick and tile factories also increased one after another. Zhao Baoqun was even more responsible, taking the lead in charging into battle, racing against time to catch up. Many people wonder if he ever served in the army. Because his spirit of enduring hardships and willpower of tenacious struggle are indeed very different from ordinary migrant workers.
However, Zhao Baoqun never took the initiative to mention his experience of serving in the army, let alone intersecting with General Zhang Aiping. He often said, "It's good to be able to eat this clean meal, don't talk about the past." Even if he later won many national model worker awards, Zhao Baoqun never cared about fame and fortune, kept a low profile, and was content with the status quo.
Once, the Propaganda Department of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee came to the brick and tile factory to interview and report, and learned that Zhao Baoqun was a soldier of the People's Liberation Army and had also written about meritorious service, so he took the initiative to ask him to do an exclusive interview. But Zhao Baoqun refused again and again, and bluntly said, "Let it pass in the past, I'm just an ordinary worker." Later, the propaganda department repeatedly accommodated, and Zhao Baoqun reluctantly agreed to the other party's interview.
When the reporter asked him why he was so humble and low-key and unwilling to reveal his past to outsiders, Zhao Baoqun just said calmly: "Each of us lives in the present, what is there to show off about our past experiences?" I just want to be an ordinary worker in An'an, and the rest is not important. ＂
Fourth, Zhang Aiping worked hard to find her old friend and reunited after 14 years
After being discharged from the army for many years, Zhao Baoqun has always lived an ordinary and down-to-earth life. He worked diligently in the brickyard and followed the rules, and he never even mentioned to his family and friends that he had served in the army, let alone had a relationship with General Zhang Aiping.
For Zhao Baoqun, the special experience of protecting "Zhang Xu" seems to be an unbounded dream, which has long since faded away with the passage of time and faded out of memory. However, what he never expected was that General Zhang Aiping never forgot his old comrade-in-arms who had saved his life.
One afternoon not long after he was discharged from the army, Zhao Baoqun was working at the brick kiln when he suddenly received a call from Babaoshan. The caller reported that it was General Zhang Aiping's family.
"Hello, comrade! I am Zhang Xiaoqian, the son of General Zhang, and I heard my mother mention it a few days ago that when she was in the 301 Hospital, she was saved by a soldier. It's just that my mother knows, and the soldier's name and specific unit are not very clear. I wonder if you are the hero of the year? ＂
When Zhao Baoqun heard this, he couldn't help but be surprised. He originally thought that his experience had been deliberately erased by his superiors, and even General Zhang Aiping himself would not pursue it anymore. Unexpectedly, after many years, there would still be this call from General Zhang's family.
"Comrade Zhang, I am the soldier who was responsible for taking care of your mother in the 301 Hospital. However, I have been in the army for many years, and it is also my duty to treat the wounded, and there is nothing remarkable about it. Zhao Baoqun replied truthfully.
"Yes, yes, my mother has never forgotten you! The fact that you were able to save her life was one of the greatest blessings of her life. It's just that due to various reasons, you and I couldn't see each other well, and my mother has always been angry, hoping to have the opportunity to thank you in person... Zhang Xiaoqian said diligently.
In this way, after some twists and turns, Zhang Aiping finally eliminated all difficulties and found out Zhao Baoqun's whereabouts. She personally wrote an enthusiastic letter to her family, inviting this former old comrade-in-arms to her home as a guest and relive the eventful years.
In the autumn of 1987, after a full 14 years, Zhao Baoqun finally met the old general Zhang Aiping again. At this moment, the "Zhang Xu", who was once seriously injured and described as withered, has regained the heroic demeanor of the revolutionary soldiers of the year, and his spirit is strong.
"Comrade! It's so good that we're finally back together. Zhang Aiping burst into tears, holding Zhao Baoqun's hands tightly, and her tone was extremely kind.
Zhao Baoqun was also infected by the revolutionary enthusiasm of the old general, and he couldn't describe the joy in his heart. He thought back to his time at Hospital 301, as if it were right in front of him.
"General, I won't tell you anything, when I was discharged from the army, I also invited you to be a guest in the brick and tile factory, but unfortunately I heard that you had another important responsibility, so I gave up. Unexpectedly, God still left us the fate of reunion... Zhao Baoqun said sincerely.
"Yes, I was suddenly transferred to the south to participate in guiding rural construction work, so I couldn't go as promised. But today, let's finally get together, let's talk about the wine and talk about the eventful years of the year! Zhang Aiping said, personally pouring a glass of hot wine for Zhao Baoqun.
In this way, in this small study of the Zhang family, the two former comrades-in-arms met like old friends, you and I said a word, reliving the vicissitudes of that time, until the sky was getting dark...
Fifth, relive the eventful years and forge ahead
In Zhang Aiping's home, Zhao Baoqun seems to have traveled back to that turbulent era through time and space. He and the old general said a word, looking back on the fiery years and recalling that eventful process.
"Comrade, do you remember when you blocked that shot for me? Zhang Aiping said with high appreciation, "If you hadn't made a quick decision and had quick eyes, I'm afraid I would have died in that war-torn mountain forest." ＂
Zhao Baoqun listened, and that thrilling scene came to mind: In the autumn of 1947, he, Zhang Aiping and others were sniped by a group of Kuomintang spies in the old area of western Henan, and Zhang Aiping was accidentally shot and fell to the ground. Seeing this critical juncture, Zhao Baoqun was quick to move, and used his body to protect General Zhang and block the shot for her.
"That was decades old. Zhao Baoqun smiled and did not talk eloquently about the scene back then, "Each of us has shouldered heavy responsibilities and worked hard in that era, and there is really nothing to boast about." ＂
Zhang Aiping was deeply touched after hearing this, she picked up her wine glass and solemnly raised a toast: "To the heroic and selfless two comrades back then!" It is precisely because of the silent dedication of you unsung heroes that our revolutionary cause can finally be victorious! ＂
Zhao Baoqun and Zhang Aiping drank happily in this way, reliving those eventful years. Starting from the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in the 30s of the last century, to the arduous guerrilla warfare during the War of Liberation, and then to the construction years after the founding of New China, the two have almost recalled the eventful course of half a century.
From Zhang Aiping's narration, Zhao Baoqun learned that although he was a nobody, he was born and died many times and made a lot of contributions. It was only after that serious injury that he narrowly escaped death that he had the opportunity to protect General Zhang later.
Zhao Baoqun was deeply touched, although he had been retired from the army for many years, the spirit of that revolutionary soldier has never disappeared. In contrast, his choice of being indifferent to fame and fortune and staying incognito in the world can be regarded as a kind of perseverance and inheritance.
"General, in fact, I have been working as a worker in a small brick and tile factory for more than ten years, and I have contributed to the construction of the country with my own hands. Although my status is small, at least I am still serving the people and continuing the heart of the revolution back then. Zhao Baoqun said sincerely.
Zhang Aiping praised when she heard this: "Comrade, what you are doing now is undoubtedly the best persistence!" Our revolution was to turn the people into masters, and now you are an ordinary laborer, which is the implementation of this idea. As long as the revolutionary spirit does not die, our cause will always be passed on! ＂
On the occasion of parting, Zhang Aiping once again warmly invited Zhao Baoqun to go home as a guest. Zhao Baoqun nodded again and again, promising that he would take the time to visit his old comrades-in-arms from time to time and talk to her about those eventful years.
In this way, while regaining the revolutionary friendship, Zhao Baoqun also gained new spiritual motivation from the old general. Although he is now just an ordinary worker, he vows to continue to contribute to the modernization of the country with the same selfless dedication.