The content of this article is based on authoritative historical data, and there are citations at the end of the article.
In the spring breeze of 2011, a ceremonial news quietly spread across the mountains and rivers of Hunan Province that Chen Geng and his two wives would leave Babaoshan in Beijing and move back to their common hometown, Yangjiwan, Quanhu Village, Longdong Town, Xiangxiang City. But why does Chen Geng's grave need to be relocated at this point in time? What kind of family wishes and deep reasons are hidden behind it?
In the early morning of that year, the morning glow sprinkled the village paths, and in the breath of spring, Chen Geng's descendants shouldered a major mission and slowly walked on the road to the new cemetery.
Every step of them seems solemn, as if every step is stepping on the depths of time, setting off layers of historical dust. What prompted them to decide to return the spirits of their ancestors to their homeland at this time?
Chen Geng: The destination of a hero
Chen Geng is a native of Xiangxiang, Hunan, with a prominent family background, and his grandfather was a general of the Hunan army, which laid a solid foundation for Chen Geng's military career.
In 1924, Chen Geng was admitted to the first phase of the Whampoa Military Academy, which was an important turning point in his life. The Whampoa Military Academy was not only a military academy, but also a gathering place for emerging military ideas and revolutionary spirits in China at that time, and Chen Geng was deeply influenced here.
During his time at the Whampoa Military Academy, Chen Geng demonstrated outstanding military talent and leadership.
Soon after, during the Eastern Crusade, Chen Geng saved Chiang Kai-shek's life in an unexpected battle, which made him deeply appreciated and respected by Chiang Kai-shek.
Chiang Kai-shek valued his courage and loyalty, and promoted him several times to participate in important military operations and programs. However, as time passed, Chen Geng gradually saw the contradictions and problems behind Chiang Kai-shek's policies and behaviors.
Differences in political philosophies eventually led to a break between Chen Geng and Chiang Kai-shek. Despite Chiang Kai-shek's admiration and dependence on him, as well as his repeated retention, Chen Geng firmly chose what he believed to be the right path, joined the Communist Party, and devoted himself to the revolutionary cause in China. This decision marked a major shift in the trajectory of his life, and since then, Chen Geng's path with the Kuomintang has become further and further away.
In 1955, after the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chen Geng was awarded the rank of founding general for his outstanding contributions and heroic performance in the revolutionary war for many years.
This honor not only affirmed his military talents, but also recognized his revolutionary sacrifice. Chen Geng's achievements in military strategy and tactics have given him an important position in the military and in the country's history.
However, it is a pity that in 1961, Chen Geng died of illness at the age of 58. His early death is a great loss to the country and a deep grief for countless comrades-in-arms and followers. Chen Geng's death made him the first founding general to die, which attracted widespread attention and mourning at the time.
After Chen Geng's death, he was buried in the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery in Beijing in accordance with his revolutionary contributions and personal wishes. Equally famous for his military career is his deep affection for his family.
Chen Geng's family life, although frequently interrupted by war, tried his best to play the role of husband and father every time he returned home.
Affectionate years with Wang Genying
Chen Geng's encounter and acquaintance with Wang Genying occurred in the years when the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was raging. Wang Genying, as a strong and independent woman, not only participated in the anti-Japanese actions, but also actively supported the fighting in the rear, which made her relationship with Chen Geng deepen rapidly. The two found each other in a common battle goal and revolutionary ideals, and soon decided to tie the knot and became each other's support on the battlefield.
1939 was a year full of hope and challenges for Chen Geng and Wang Genying. The shadow of the war has not dissipated, and the area where the two men are located has been frequently invaded by Japanese troops.
During a Japanese raid, Wang Genying's unit was responsible for keeping a number of crucial intelligence documents, which were related to the overall strategic deployment of the War of Resistance Against Japan.
At the time of the raid, Wang Genying had evacuated to safety with most of his comrades. However, when she learned that the important document might have been left in the danger zone, she decided to venture back without any hesitation.
Wang Genying sneaked back alone, she knew the importance of the document and the danger of the operation. Moving quickly through the jungle and the ruins, she managed to locate the documents, but just as she was about to evacuate, a Japanese search party approached.
After a shootout, Wang Genying died heroically, her sacrifice protected precious intelligence, and made an indelible contribution to the victory of the War of Resistance against Japan.
When the news came, Chen Geng was commanding operations in another war zone, and Wang Genying's sacrifice was like a lightning bolt slashing into his heart, and shock and grief enveloped his entire body and mind.
Although he was accustomed to the cruelty of war, this time, it was his beloved, his wife and comrades-in-arms, who had left him forever in the battle to protect vital information.
Wang Genying's heroic deeds and final sacrifice became a good story among the troops. She is not only an important figure in Chen Geng's life, but also a hero in the hearts of all anti-Japanese soldiers.
In the years that followed, whenever Wang Genying was mentioned, Chen Geng always carried a deep respect and remembrance, and he spared no effort to praise her courage and sacrifice in many public and private conversations.
Broad-minded Fu Ya
In the years when Fu Ya joined the revolution, she showed a firm will and indomitable spirit that matched Chen Geng. She has played a variety of roles in revolutionary operations, from logistical support to front-line medical care, no matter how difficult the environment, Fu Ya has always faced all challenges with a posture of no regrets. Her strength and independence not only won her respect among her comrades, but also deeply influenced Chen Geng.
The marriage with Chen Geng brought a new chapter of life to Fu Ya. Their lives together are full of the intertwined rhythm of war and peace, but no matter how the external environment changes, the four children they raise together become the center of their lives.
Although the family often faced separation due to Chen Geng's work, Fu Ya was always able to manage the family independently, while ensuring that the children received a good education and a favorable environment for their upbringing.
As time passed, Fu Ya not only played the role of mother and wife in the family, but she was also a guardian who deeply remembered the family history and the feelings of the members.
In 2010, Fu Ya's health began to deteriorate. In the last months of her life, she began to reflect more on her past and the future of her family.
On his deathbed, Fu Ya expressed a deep desire for family history and personal feelings. She hoped that after her death, Chen Geng would be buried with his first wife, Wang Genying.
The family's decision and relocation
In 2011, Chen Geng's children embarked on a complex and symbolic mission to move the graves of Chen Geng and his two wives back to their hometown in Xiangxiang, Hunan Province, in accordance with Fu Ya's last wishes.
The proposal was not a simple decision, but involved extensive family consultations, communication with local governments and relevant organizations, and a deep understanding and respect for Chen's life story.
First, Chen's children must ensure that all legal and administrative procedures are followed, including obtaining the necessary approvals to move graves and coordinating with the local government for a suitable cemetery location.
This process takes time and effort, but is widely supported by family members. Together, they participate in discussions and planning, taking care every step of the way to ensure that everything is carried out in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
After receiving all the necessary approvals and support, the family members chose a scenic location in Yangji Bay, Quanhu Village, Longdong Town, Xiangxiang City.
This location is not only close to Chen Geng's birthplace, but also has a peaceful environment with good feng shui, which is very suitable as a resting place. The choice of this location also reflects the family's respect for the story of Chen Geng and his two wives and the importance they attach to the family's roots.
Subsequently, the actual relocation of the graves began, a complex and ceremonial process. The relocation is carried out by a team of professionals to ensure that every step of the way is in line with traditional customs and technical requirements.
During this process, family members gather together and perform a series of rituals to pay homage and remembrance to their ancestors.
Eternal Rest: Sleep together in your hometown
On the day of the burial ceremony, the spring breeze blew through the gentle lake, and the sunlight shone on the newly renovated cemetery, which looked particularly peaceful. The cemetery is located on a small hill with a picturesque view of the rolling hills and gently flowing rivers in the distance.
The entire cemetery is carefully tended, and some local flowers and plants are planted around it, such as verdant bamboo and soft osmanthus flowers, which not only beautify the cemetery, but also symbolize tenacity and purity.
Chen Geng's tombstone is located in the center, slightly higher than the tombstones of the two ladies. Each tombstone is made from locally collected stone, which is rustic and sturdy.
The text on the tombstone is succinct, recording the names of Chen Geng and his wife, the year of birth and death, and some brief descriptions of their contributions to the country and its people. Although there are not many words, each word is as heavy as a thousand pounds, carrying the infinite respect and deep nostalgia of family members and descendants.
In the process of placing and designing the tombstones, Chen Geng's children paid great attention to respecting the life and achievements of each deceased. They hope that this cemetery will not only be a place of rest, but also a place for future generations to learn and remember.
Therefore, at the entrance of the cemetery, they specially placed an explanatory plaque, detailing the historical background of Chen Geng and his wife and their contributions to the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the construction of New China.
Every year during the Qingming Festival, Chen Geng's descendants and relatives and friends will come here to carry out traditional tomb sweeping activities. They lit incense, placed flowers, and some brought books or music that Chen Geng liked during his lifetime, and the whole cemetery was particularly lively on this day, full of nostalgia and admiration for the ancestors.
In addition, the cemetery has also attracted many scholars and students who study modern Chinese history and revolutionary history, who come here to learn more intuitively about the place and influence of Chen Geng and his family in Chinese history through field investigation and study.
References:[1]Zhai Qinghua. People's Forum,2006(08B):62-64