On October 1, 1949, the joy of the founding of the People's Republic of China was still echoing in people's hearts, and another happy event was about to happen. Chairman Mao's eldest son Mao Anying and Liu Shaoqi's adopted daughter Liu Siqi are about to enter the palace of marriage. The union of these young people is not only a happy event for the two revolutionary families, but also a symbol of the bright future of New China. However, the process of preparing for a wedding was not all smooth sailing. From choosing a wedding date to deciding on a guest list, every detail touches the hearts of many parties. Especially on the issue of inviting guests, Chairman Mao's words sparked a lot of discussion. He said: "It's not enough to just invite Mother Deng, you should also invite Enlai." What are the considerations behind this seemingly simple sentence? Why is Zhou Enlai's presence so important? How will this wedding affect the political landscape of New China?
On a cold winter day in December 1945, a young man stood at the Moscow airport, his eyes firmly looking into the distance, his heart full of excitement and anticipation. This person is Mao Anying, who is about to embark on a journey back to China and end his 10-year life in a foreign country. When the plane entered China's airspace, Mao Anying's eyes moistened, and he silently shouted in his heart: "Motherland, I'm finally back!" "
In January 1946, Mao Anying arrived in Yan'an. The reunion of father and son, who have not seen each other for 18 years, is deeply moving. Chairman Mao dragged his sick body to the airport to greet him in person, and the moment he saw his son, a smile of relief bloomed on his face. Mao Anying ran to her father as soon as she got off the plane, hugged him tightly, and said excitedly: "Dad, I miss you so much!" "
In the same year that Mao Anying returned to China, another young woman also came to Yan'an, she was Liu Siqi. In June 1946, through the unremitting efforts of the Party Central Committee, more than 120 revolutionaries and their families who had been imprisoned by the Xinjiang warlord Sheng Shicai regained their freedom, including Liu Siqi's mother Zhang Wenqiu and her two younger sisters Shao Hua and Shaolin.
On the evening of June 11, Chairman Mao hosted a family banquet to entertain comrades returning from Xinjiang. Zhang Wenqiu and Liu Siqi's three sisters were also invited to participate. On this night, Mao Anying and Liu Siqi met for the first time. When Chairman Mao introduced Mao Anying to everyone, Liu Siqi's eyes were attracted by this handsome and dashing young man. And Mao Anying was also deeply impressed by Liu Siqi's big bright eyes.
Since then, Liu Siqi often went to Chairman Mao's place to play, and his exchanges with Mao Anying became more and more frequent. As they spend more time together, the two gradually discover the good in each other. Liu Siqi was attracted by Mao Anying's cheerfulness, easy-going and kindness. What's more, the two discover that they share similar life experiences.
As Mao Anying later said: "The fate of the two of us is the same, a bitter gourd on a vine." My mother was shot by the Kuomintang reactionaries, and your father was also shot by the Kuomintang reactionaries; I have been in prison since I was a child, and you have been in prison since I was a child; I have been wandering out of school since I was a child, and you have also been out of school since I was a child. These shared experiences resonated with the two and laid the foundation for their future relationship.
In May 1948, the situation of the Liberation War was getting better day by day, and Chairman Mao and other leaders of the Party Central Committee moved to Xibaipo, Pingshan, Hebei. A few days later, Mao Anying rushed to Xibaipo from Bohai in Shandong Province, and immediately accepted a new task to carry out land reform work in a nearby countryside. Coincidentally, Liu Siqi was seeing a doctor in Pingshan Hospital at this time, not far from Xibaipo.
heard that Chairman Mao and Mao Anying were both in Xibaipo, so Liu Siqi went to visit. When they met, Mao Anying was pleasantly surprised to find that Liu Siqi had grown taller and become more beautiful. The two had a warm conversation and shared their latest developments. Soon after, Liu Siqi recovered from his illness and was assigned to a nearby village to carry out land reform with Mao Anying.
During those days, Mao Anying and Liu Siqi got along day and night, went to the countryside to work together, and returned together at night. Mao Anying not only cares about Liu Siqi at work, but also takes care of her in life. Countless nights, the two sat under the stars, and Mao Anying told Liu Siqi about his childhood in Shanghai and his study in Moscow. In this way, the two young hearts gradually got closer, and love quietly sprouted.
However, the relationship was not all smooth sailing. As the children of revolutionary families, their marriage was not only about personal happiness, but also involved complex political considerations. Mao Anying and Liu Siqi are well aware of their responsibilities, and their union will receive attention and inquiries from all sides.
Despite this, the two remained steadfast in coming together. Their love is not only a natural expression of personal feelings, but also a union of two revolutionary families, and an important symbol of the imminent founding of New China. This relationship experienced the baptism of war, witnessed the birth of New China, and finally blossomed in October 1949, becoming the first couple after the founding of New China.
On October 1, 1949, the joy of the founding of New China was still echoing in people's hearts, and the preparations for the wedding of Mao Anying and Liu Siqi also began. However, the preparation process for this wedding is far from ordinary, and every detail contains deep political considerations.
The first is the choice of a wedding date. The People's Republic of China has just been founded, and the work schedule of the country's leaders is extremely busy. Chairman Mao suggested that the wedding be scheduled for late October, which would not be too hasty and could be held in a joyful atmosphere on the National Day. However, this proposal has sparked some discussion. It was argued that the wedding should wait until the situation was more stable so as not to distract the leaders. Others believe that the wedding as soon as possible can demonstrate the stability and self-confidence of the new regime at home and abroad.
After repeated considerations, the wedding date was finally decided on October 20. This day will not conflict with important government affairs, but also can take advantage of the joyful atmosphere after the National Day to add a joy to New China.
Next, the decision to make a guest list becomes a tricky one. As the wedding of the son of the supreme leader of the new China and the adopted daughter of an important leader, inviting anyone and not inviting anyone can trigger sensitive political associations. Chairman Mao personally inquired about the guest list, and his words sparked a lot of discussion: "It's not enough to only invite Deng's mother, but you should also invite Enlai." "
There are deep considerations behind this statement. Deng Yingchao, as Liu Shaoqi's wife, should naturally attend the wedding of her adopted daughter. But Chairman Mao specifically mentioned that he wanted to invite Zhou Enlai, which was not only out of respect for Zhou Enlai, but also a manifestation of political balance.
As the premier of New China, Zhou Enlai had extremely high prestige both inside and outside the party. Inviting him to the wedding would not only demonstrate unity within the party, but also send a signal to the outside world that the core leadership of the new regime is harmonious. In addition, Zhou Enlai has always been known for his rigor, and his presence can also add a bit of solemnity and standardization to this wedding.
The size of the wedding is also an issue that needs to be carefully considered. New China has just been founded, and all industries are waiting to be developed, so it is not appropriate to hold an overly extravagant wedding. But as a wedding for the children of national leaders, it can't be too simple. In the end, it was decided to adopt the principle of "simplicity and grandeur".
The choice of wedding venue was equally well thought out. Considering the safety factors and convenience, the final selection was held in Zhongnanhai. This decision not only ensures the safety of the wedding, but also facilitates the participation of the leaders, and also symbolizes the center of the new regime.
The design of the wedding ceremony also reflects the characteristics of the era of the transition between the old and the new. Traditional Chinese wedding elements have been retained, such as the exchange of rings and tea ceremonies, but some new elements have also been added, such as the bride and groom jointly reading vows, etc., reflecting the new Chinese concept of marriage.
In the process of preparing for the wedding, Chairman Mao repeatedly emphasized that we should pay attention to the exemplary role of the wedding. He hoped that through this wedding, he would send a message to the people of the whole country: New China advocates a new type of marriage, advocates equality between men and women, and opposes feudal bad customs.
In addition, every detail of the wedding has been carefully arranged. From the dress of the bride and groom to the menu of the banquet, from the arrangement of the seats to the order of the speeches, each item has been discussed and deliberated repeatedly. In particular, in the arrangement of seats, it is necessary to take into account the positions and qualifications of the leaders, which must conform to the rules of the party and not appear too rigid.
It is worth mentioning that although this is a high-level wedding, Chairman Mao insists on embodying a hard and simple style. He proposed that the dishes of the wedding banquet should not be too too luxurious and should be home-cooked, reflecting the spirit of thrift and thrift of the new regime.
As the wedding date approached, all preparations were in full swing. This wedding is not only a major event in the lives of the two young people, but also an important political event in the early days of the founding of New China. It should not only convey the new China's concept and values of marriage, but also show the unity and stability of the new regime, and the political wisdom and considerations contained in it go far beyond the scope of an ordinary wedding.
In the process of preparing for the wedding of Mao Anying and Liu Siqi, Zhou Enlai's special status gradually became prominent. As the first premier of the People's Republic of China, Zhou Enlai enjoyed high prestige both inside and outside the party. Chairman Mao specially proposed to invite Zhou Enlai to the wedding, not only out of respect for him, but also based on far-reaching political considerations.
Zhou Enlai's relationship with Mao Zedong dates back to the Yan'an period. In 1935, at the Zunyi Conference, Zhou Enlai took the initiative to admit his mistakes in military command and vigorously supported Mao Zedong's correct ideas. This move not only saved the Chinese revolution, but also established a deep political mutual trust between the two men. Since then, Zhou Enlai has been Mao Zedong's right-hand man and played an important role in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the War of Liberation.
In the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Zhou Enlai served as the premier and foreign minister of the Government Council, shouldering the heavy responsibility of governing the country and carrying out diplomacy. His ability to work, his diplomatic prowess and his charisma were widely recognized. In China, Zhou Enlai won the love of the cadres and the masses with his diligent and rigorous work style; Internationally, his diplomatic skills have won respect and recognition for New China.
It was based on Zhou Enlai's special status that Chairman Mao specially offered to invite him to his son's wedding. This decision has multiple implications:
First of all, inviting Zhou Enlai to the wedding reflects the unity of the party. New China has just been founded, and everything is waiting to be rebuilt, and intra-party unity is particularly important. Zhou Enlai's presence as an important leader of the party and the state can send a clear signal both internally and externally: the party's core leadership is harmonious, and the new regime is solid.
Secondly, Zhou Enlai's attendance can add a bit of solemnity and standardization to the wedding. As we all know, Zhou Enlai was rigorous, thoughtful, and had a high prestige inside and outside the party. His participation can ensure that the wedding takes place in accordance with the political norms and etiquette requirements of the new China.
Moreover, Zhou Enlai's presence is also an encouragement and support for the newlyweds. Zhou Enlai has always been concerned about the growth of the younger generation, and his participation can give spiritual encouragement to the newcomers, and at the same time, it also reflects the party's importance to the future generations of revolutionaries.
For example, in the exchange of rings, the original arrangement was for Chairman Mao to hand over the rings to the newlyweds. But Zhou Enlai suggested that it would make more sense for the newcomers to exchange rings by themselves. This suggestion was endorsed by Chairman Mao and eventually became a warm scene at the wedding.
In addition, Zhou Enlai also toasted from table to table at the wedding banquet and had a cordial conversation with the guests. His affability and diplomatic skills were on full display on this occasion, adding a lot of joy to the whole wedding.
Zhou Enlai's special status is also reflected in his attention to the details of the wedding. It is said that he inquired about the preparations several times before the wedding and made some constructive suggestions. For example, he suggested that the menu of a wedding banquet should be simple and distinctive, reflecting the thrifty style of the new China and making the guests feel hospitable.
On the wedding day, Zhou Enlai also paid special attention to the process of the wedding. He reminded the staff to pay attention to time control and ensure that every link can be carried out on time and not affect other work arrangements of the leading comrades. This kind of meticulous care fully reflects Zhou Enlai's overall concept and sense of responsibility as an outstanding politician.
Zhou Enlai's presence not only affected the atmosphere of the wedding day, but also had a profound impact on the concept of marriage in New China. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of a new type of marriage and advocated the concept of equality and free love between men and women. These views had an important impact on Chinese society at that time and pointed out the direction for the reform of the marriage system in New China.
Overall, Zhou Enlai played a special and important role in the wedding of Mao Anying and Liu Siqi. His presence is not only a blessing to the newcomers, but also a manifestation of political wisdom. By participating in the wedding, Zhou Enlai demonstrated the unity of the leadership of New China, spread the new concept of marriage, and also strengthened his position in the party. This kind of political wisdom and diplomatic talent is precisely the unique charm of Zhou Enlai as the founding premier of New China.
On October 20, 1949, this day destined to go down in history finally arrived. The wedding of Mao Anying and Liu Siqi was held in Zhongnanhai, and everything was carried out according to a well-designed process.
In the early morning, Zhongnanhai was a busy scene. The staff began to decorate the wedding scene early, and the hall was decorated with red satin and festive flowers, and the atmosphere was full of joy. The national flag and party flag of New China are hoisted high, highlighting the special significance of this wedding.
The bride, Liu Siqi, wore a simple but elegant white wedding dress, which was a rare Western-style wedding element at that time. According to the staff involved in the preparation of the wedding, the wedding dress was determined after repeated discussions. Some suggested that traditional Chinese dresses should be worn to reflect Chinese characteristics; It was also suggested to wear a modest military uniform as a reminder of revolutionary traditions. In the end, it was decided to use a white wedding dress, which not only reflects the open attitude of the new era, but also loses its solemnity.
The groom, Mao Anying, wore a crisp tunic suit, which was the standard dress for party and government leaders at the time. The tunic not only has the charm of traditional Chinese clothing, but also integrates modern elements, which appropriately reflects the style of New China.
Before the official start of the wedding, Chairman Mao Zedong personally sorted out the appearance of the newlyweds. This detail was recorded by many participants and became one of the most heartwarming images of the wedding. As the leader of a country, Mao Zedong is more like an ordinary father at this moment, looking lovingly at his son who is about to enter the palace of marriage.
The wedding ceremony was presided over by Li Fuchun, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Li Fuchun was chosen as the host, not only because of his status in the party, but also because he has a deep relationship with the newcomer's family. Li Fuchun announced the official start of the wedding in a calm and enthusiastic tone.
The link of exchanging rings was completed by the newlyweds themselves according to Zhou Enlai's suggestion. When Mao Anying put the ring on Liu Siqi's hand, the audience burst into warm applause. This simple and symbolic ceremony represents the progress of the marriage system in New China and the deep-rooted concept of equality between men and women.
The wedding vows are one of the highlights of this wedding. Instead of taking the traditional oath of "growing old together", the newcomers solemnly promised: "Determined to serve the people and fight for the communist cause all their lives." This oath fully embodies the spiritual heritage of the revolutionary family, and also demonstrates the ideals and aspirations of the new generation of communists.
It is worth mentioning that a signature book was also set up at the wedding site. All the leaders and guests in attendance signed their names on it. This autograph book later became a valuable historical document, recording the important composition of the political elite in the early years of New China.
The menu of the wedding reception is also the result of careful design. According to Chairman Mao's instructions, the dishes were mainly home-cooked, reflecting the new regime's thrifty and thrifty style. But each dish is unique and incorporates the characteristics of all parts of the country. For example, there are roast duck from Beijing, braised pork from Shanghai, mapo tofu from Sichuan, and pot wrapped pork from Northeast China. This fusion of cuisines from all over the country also symbolizes the great unity of the people of all ethnic groups across the country.
In terms of alcoholic beverages, domestic white wine and red wine are the mainstay. In particular, a special "wedding wine" was also provided, which is a limited edition liquor made by Moutai Distillery specifically for this wedding. Each guest was given a small bottle to take home as a souvenir.
Halfway through the wedding banquet, Zhou Enlai suddenly proposed to let the old comrades present give some advice and blessings to the newlyweds. This impromptu session received an enthusiastic response. In his simple language, Marshal Zhu De blessed the newcomers to "share weal and sorrow and contribute to the revolutionary cause." Liu Shaoqi said earnestly: "I hope you will cherish this hard-won happy life and never forget our revolutionary ideals." "
The end of the wedding is an unexpected part. Chairman Mao proposed that the newcomers sing a song for the comrades present. Mao Anying and Liu Siqi readily agreed, and they sang a song "Dongfang Hong" together. When the loud singing sounded, many of the veteran comrades present could not help but burst into tears, as if they had returned to those arduous revolutionary years.
After the wedding, the couple did not leave immediately. They volunteered to stay and help the staff clean up the site. This detail has been remembered by many people and has become a vivid embodiment of the arduous and simple style of the new generation of communists.
Although this wedding is simple, it shows the characteristics and spirit of New China everywhere. It is not only a testimony of the love between two young people, but also a microcosm of an era, reflecting the political ecology and values in the early days of the founding of New China. Each of these wedding day details carries deep historical significance and political wisdom, and becomes a unique window into that special era.
Although the wedding of Mao Anying and Liu Siqi is just a happy event for the newlyweds, it carries multi-level historical significance in the historical background of the early days of the founding of New China. This wedding is not only a private matter of a family, but also a microcosm of an era, reflecting the political ecology, social outlook and values of New China.
First of all, this wedding marked a change in the marriage system in New China. In old China, marriage was often a political alliance or economic transaction between families, and personal wishes were often ignored. The marriage of Mao Anying and Liu Siqi is based on the free love of both parties. The practice of this new concept of marriage has played an exemplary role in promoting the promulgation and implementation of the Marriage Law.
On May 1, 1950, less than a year after Mao Anying's wedding, New China promulgated the first Marriage Law. The law clearly enshrines the principles of freedom of marriage, monogamy, equality between men and women, and protection of the interests of women and children. The wedding of Mao Anying and Liu Siqi can be said to be a rehearsal and practice of the spirit of this law.
Second, the wedding exemplified the political wisdom of the new regime. By inviting representatives from all walks of life to the wedding, the new regime sent an important message to the people of the country: revolutionary leaders are also ordinary people, and their children are also subject to social norms. This approach helps to bring the leaders closer to the masses and enhance the affinity and cohesion of the regime.
For example, the wedding was attended by representatives of workers, peasants, and intellectuals, which not only reflected the importance attached to all strata, but also demonstrated the political concept of "the people's democratic dictatorship led by the working class and based on the alliance of workers and peasants" in New China. The speeches and interactions of these representatives at the wedding became a microcosm of the political life of New China.
Moreover, the austere style of the wedding set a new social trend. Despite the fact that it was the wedding of the son of the leader of the country, the whole ceremony and banquet remained simple and frugal. This practice not only conformed to the actual situation of the country at that time, but also set an example for the whole society and advocated the fine tradition of hard work, diligence and thrift.
It is worth mentioning that after the wedding, Mao Anying and Liu Siqi did not enjoy special treatment, but returned to their respective jobs. Undoubtedly, this kind of behavior has had a positive impact on the social atmosphere and has established a good image of the children of leading cadres.
In addition, the wedding was diplomatically significant. Although no foreign envoys were invited to the wedding itself, the news of the wedding spread to the international community through various channels. To a certain extent, this showed the world the family life of the leaders of the new China and helped shape the international image of the new China.
For example, the Soviet ambassador to China, Roshin, in his report to Moscow, specifically mentioned the wedding. In his report, he praised the simplicity of the wedding, believing that it reflected the fine style of the leaders of the Communist Party of China. Such a positive international response will undoubtedly help New China establish a good image on the international stage.
The wedding also became an important display of party unity. The presence of senior party leaders from all walks of life not only showed respect for Mao Zedong, but also reflected the unity of the party. This solidarity has an important stabilizing effect on the nascent people's regime.
In particular, Zhou Enlai's positive performance at the wedding further cemented his position as Mao Zedong's right-hand man. This harmonious atmosphere at the top level of the party has laid the foundation for the political stability of New China.
From the point of view of cultural heritage, this wedding is also of great significance. Although the overall characteristics of a new-style wedding are presented, some elements of traditional Chinese weddings are still retained, such as auspicious words when exchanging rings and traditional dishes at the wedding banquet. This fusion of tradition and modernity reflects the exploration of cultural construction in New China.
After the wedding, Mao Anying and Liu Siqi's married life has also become the focus of social attention. Their lifestyles and work attitudes all affect the social atmosphere to a certain extent. For example, Liu Siqi still insisted on working after marriage, becoming a model of independence for women in New China.
Unfortunately, this marriage came to an abrupt end due to Mao Anying's sacrifice in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. On November 25, 1950, Mao Anying died heroically on the Korean battlefield at the age of 28. His sacrifice was not only a family tragedy, but also an important symbol of the Chinese revolutionary spirit passed down from generation to generation.
Mao Anying's sacrifice made this wedding more profound in history. It is not only an important historical event in the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, but also a vivid footnote to the Chinese Communists' dedication to the country.
In general, the wedding of Mao Anying and Liu Siqi, as an important historical event in the early days of the founding of New China, has a significance far beyond the scope of an ordinary wedding. It is a microcosm of the marriage system, political ecology, social atmosphere, diplomatic image and other aspects of New China, and provides a unique perspective for us to understand that special historical period.