At the beginning of the 20th century, China was on the cusp of turmoil and change. Although the power of the Beiyang government is centralized, there are many internal factions, warlords are divided, and the political and economic environment at the top of society constantly shapes and influences people's lives. In such a context, Zhang Xueliang, a young warlord in the Northeast, was known as the "Young Marshal" because of his handsome appearance and generous policies. And Zhao Si, born in Hong Kong, has a rich family, but she was educated in the Chinese and Western Girls' Middle School in Tianjin, and her life seems to have an indissoluble bond with Zhang Xueliang.
In the spring of 1927, the Cai Mansion in Tianjin was brightly lit and the ball was in full swing. The second generation of officials and celebrities of the Beiyang government gathered here, and Zhang Xueliang's accidental appearance made the atmosphere of this evening even higher. Zhang Xueliang, personable and heroic, as the ace warlord of the Northeast, every time he appears, he can always cause an uproar. In the corner, a seemingly ordinary girl, Zhao Si, was sitting quietly, she did not wear heavy makeup like other girls, but maintained her fresh and refined nature.
That night, Zhang Xueliang's eyes inadvertently fell on Zhao Si. He walked over and said gently, "Miss, can you enjoy a dance?" Zhao Si raised her head, surprised by the young marshal's invitation, but soon she smiled and nodded. The two are in the middle of the dance floor, gently spinning to the band's melody. Zhang Xueliang asked in a low voice, "Whose daughter is Miss?" Zhao Si replied: "I am Zhao Qinghua's daughter." This name surprised Zhang Xueliang slightly, Zhao Qinghua is a well-known railway director with a deep political background.
From that night on, the story of Zhang Xueliang and Zhao Si began. Although Zhao Si's family is illustrious, she chose a nameless and pointless way to accompany Zhang Xueliang. For the decades that followed, the two men's relationship was both an open secret and a private commitment. Zhang Xueliang's wife, Yu Fengzhi, had long known this, and she mentioned in a "breakup letter" from 1939 to 1946: "The love between you is pure and flawless, and you can be called a 'confidant'." ”
The emotional lives of Zhao Si and Zhang Xueliang are full of sacrifice and selflessness. Zhao Si gave up the glamorous life he might have and chose to be by Zhang Xueliang's side, without regrets. It wasn't until 1964 that Zhang Xueliang put on a ring for Zhao Si in Taipei, and the two officially became husband and wife. At that moment, Zhang Xueliang's hand trembled slightly, and he said, "Fourth sister, thank you for your company over the years." ”
Although the wedding of Zhao Si and Zhang Xueliang was simple, it was of great significance. They went through 37 spring and autumn together, until they were gray-haired. The relationship grew from a chance encounter at a prom to a lifelong partner, and their love story is a challenge to traditional notions of marriage and an insistence on true love.
The love story of Zhang Xueliang and Zhao Si is not only the emotional entanglement of two people, but also a microcosm of history. Their relationship transcends the traditional definition of love, showing that even in turbulent times, true love can transcend time and reach the end of life. This emotional connection across time and space not only allows us to feel the warmest side of human nature, but also reminds us to bravely stick to our choices in the pursuit of personal happiness, no matter what the outside world throws. As the poet says, "Love is not about finding a perfect person, but about learning to appreciate an imperfect person with perfect eyes." The story of Zhang Xueliang and Zhao Si is an encouragement to everyone who has a dream, telling us: true love is worth waiting for, and it is worth sticking to.