The period from 1945 to 1949 was a pivotal turning point in China's history, from the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to the outbreak of the Civil War and the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Against the backdrop of this period of violent turmoil, the stories of General Wang Bicheng and General Su Yu in the New Fourth Army are particularly eye-catching. Wang Bicheng, a peasant boy from a poor background, joined the revolution in 1928 and went through several battles before finally becoming a founding lieutenant general. Su Yu was an outstanding commander of the New Fourth Army, and the two fought side by side on the battlefield and jointly built the glory of the War of Resistance against Japan and the War of Liberation.
In that era of gunpowder, Wang Bicheng and Su Yu fought side by side and jointly created brilliant achievements in the Soviet-Chinese campaign. Wang Bicheng, known as the "Tiger General", was named for his bravery and outstanding performance in battle. On a late autumn night in 1946, the Central China Field Army was engaged in a fierce battle with the Kuomintang 74th Division outside Lianshui City. The tent at Wang Bicheng's headquarters was brightly lit, and he was studying tactics with his staff officers.
"The enemy's artillery fire was fierce, but our morale was superior. Tonight, show the enemy what a torrent of steel is! Wang Bicheng's voice was firm and powerful.
After the battle began, Wang Bicheng personally led the charge, and his troops defeated the Kuomintang troops in a fierce battle throughout the night, causing heavy losses to the other side. This battle not only strengthened the defense line in the liberated areas, but also greatly boosted the morale and influence of the PLA.
The brutality of war and the complexity of politics also emerged after the joy of victory. In 1958, due to the fluctuation of a political movement, Wang Bicheng "reported" some problems of Su Yu to the Party Central Committee. This behavior cast a shadow on their deep comradeship. Despite this, Wang Bicheng's respect and friendship for Su Yu in his heart have not changed.
In 1984, when he learned the news of Su Yu's death, Wang Bicheng was so distressed that he burst into tears in his room: "I lost a brother, a true hero!" Although the years and politics have caused them to misunderstand, Wang Bicheng's heart is still full of respect and nostalgia for Su Yu.
Chu Qing, Su Yu's widow, scattered her ashes at the place where he had fought during his lifetime, in accordance with her husband's wishes. When she came to Nanjing to meet Wang Bicheng, she did not expect a fierce emotional outburst during the meeting.
"Our comrade-in-arms, he sacrificed his life for the country and the people, how can I not be saddened by his passing?" Wang Bicheng had mixed emotions in his conversation with Chu Qing. Chu Qing knew the knot in the old general's heart, and comforted him softly: "It will be done, your brotherhood is deeper than the sea, and he will definitely understand it at this moment." ”
End of body
Time is like going back in time, and although the meeting between Wang Bicheng and Chu Qing in Nanjing was full of misunderstandings and emotional catharsis at first, it eventually turned into a deep understanding and respect for each other. When Chu Qing left, Wang Bicheng bowed deeply, with tears in his eyes: "Sister Qing, thank you for your tolerance, and please also convey my condolences and respect for Lao Su." ”
After Chu Qing left, Wang Bicheng stood alone by the river, looking at the turbulent Yangtze River, with a lot of thoughts. He recalled the days of fighting with Su Yu, and those moments of life and death clearly appeared in front of him again. Wang Bicheng knew that although the torrent of history would take away a lot, the brotherhood between him and Su Yu would flow forever like a river.
The long river of history is magnificent, war and peace are intertwined, and heroes shine like stars. Wang Bicheng and Su Yu, two founding generals of the Republic, their stories are profound discussions of loyalty and betrayal, understanding and misunderstanding, war and peace. In their stories, we see not only the heroism on the battlefield, but also the complexity and profundity of human nature. Just as the river never stops flowing eastward, history and memory will continue to circulate, so let us not forget our original intention and continue to move forward. The story of Wang Bicheng and Su Yu reminds us that the real hero is not only the victory on the battlefield, but also the adherence to faith in his heart and the inseparability of his comrades.