<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="1" > author | Ning Jingcheng</h1>
In October 1945, after the Chongqing negotiations ended, Mao Zedong planned to return to Yan'an.
However, just as everyone was preparing to return, Zhou Enlai suddenly found that Hurley, the US ambassador to China, who had originally accompanied Chairman Mao to Chongqing for negotiations, and Zhang Zhizhong, a representative of the Kuomintang negotiators, could not accompany the people back to Yan'an "for some reason."
If there were no hurley and Zhang Zhizhong accompanying us, there would be only our people left on the plane, then Chiang Kai-shek would most likely manipulate the plane, and Mao Zedong and others would have worried about their lives.
When he was in great danger, Zhou Enlai stepped forward and finally safely sent Chairman Mao and his party back to Yan'an.
At this critical moment, how did Zhou Enlai protect Chairman Mao? During the negotiations in Chongqing, how much effort did Zhou Enlai really put into Chairman Mao's safety? Let's turn the clock back to the summer of 1945 and look back at that thrilling history.
In August 1945, Chongqing was extremely hot.
On August 15, Japan announced its unconditional surrender, which was a good thing for the whole country, but the situation in China was uncertain.
With the intention of "real civil war and fake peace," Chiang Kai-shek called Mao Zedong three times and invited him to go to Chongqing to "make a joint plan" at the same time; on the other hand, with the help of US military assistance, he dispatched troops and generals to prepare for the civil war.
Chiang Kai-shek's three telegrams pushed the Chinese Communist Party to the cusp of the storm.
Everyone in the country knows that Chiang Kai-shek's intention of getting drunk is not to drink, and this feast at the Hongmen Gate is extremely dangerous for Mao Zedong. The long-term house arrest of Zhang Xueliang, Hu Hanmin and others is a lesson from the past, and we have to guard against it.
But if we refuse, the other side can safely impose the charge of "not wanting peace and provoking civil war" on us, and then there will be no excuse for it.
At a time of dilemma, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a meeting for several days to discuss this matter.
August 23, Yan'an Jujube Garden. Chairman Mao made a statement at the meeting: "Do I go to Chongqing?" Or go out. The timing of the outgoing is determined by the Politburo and the Secretariat. ”
The next day, Mao Zedong replied to Chiang Kai-shek: "The contemptible people are very willing to meet with mr. Chiang kai-shek to discuss the great plan for peaceful nation-building." When the plane arrived, Comrade Enlai immediately went to Chongqing and Jin. The brother also prepared to go to Chongqing immediately. ”
As soon as these words came out, Mao Zedong decided to go to Chongqing for negotiations and basically finalized it.
Mao Zedong made this decision after careful consideration. He said: "Go, so that you can get the full initiative." We must fully estimate the possibility of Chiang Kai-shek forcing me to make an alliance under the city, but the signatory hand is in me... Because of the four conditions of our strength, the hearts and minds of the people of the whole country, Chiang Kai-shek's own difficulties, and foreign interference, this visit can solve some problems. ”
After analyzing the benefits of going to Chongqing, then we must also prepare for the worst. Mao Zedong felt that if we made concessions to no avail, then "prepare to sit in the classroom ... If it is house arrest, it is not afraid, it is to do something there. ”
Even though the trip was life-threatening, Mao Zedong decided to attend this "Hongmen Feast" in order to save the people from water and fire and avoid the destruction of lives to the greatest extent.
No wonder the later poet Liu Yazi wrote a poem praising Mao Zedong's trip as "a great courage in the sky."
Mao Zedong's visit to Chongqing was thus finalized. The organization finally decided that Zhou Enlai and Wang Ruofei would accompany Mao Zedong to Chongqing to negotiate and take care of each other.
How dangerous Mao Zedong's visit to Chongqing is, the author cannot clearly describe it in a few strokes here. According to historical records, the Kuomintang agents headed by Dai Kasa did indeed make plans to assassinate Mao Zedong at that time, but for many reasons, his plot failed. Among the many reasons, Zhou Enlai's protection of Mao Zedong was particularly important.
On the night of August 25, after learning that Chairman Mao was about to go to Chongqing for negotiations, Zhou Enlai, despite the exhaustion after the meeting, immediately sent an urgent telegram to the comrades of the Eighth Route Army's office in Chongqing: Chairman Mao wanted to go to Chongqing for negotiations, and asked the office to do all preparatory work, especially the security work, and to keep it a secret.
In addition, Zhou Enlai made specific arrangements for Mao Zedong's visit to guard, food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.
In terms of guards, "two dragons and one tiger" served as Chairman Mao's personal guards, namely: Yan Tailong, Long Feihu, and Chen Long. The crowd took turns to stand guard, day and night.
In order to make Mao Zedong appear in front of the world with a new spiritual outlook, Zhou Enlai took pains.
As we all know, Mao Zedong has always acted freely and did not trim the border. As early as the Yan'an period, the conditions were harsh, and he often wore a wrinkled top to talk and laugh, quite a bit of his own style.
However, today is different from the past, and the image of Mao Zedong in this visit to Chongqing for negotiations represents the spiritual outlook of our party, which is not trivial. Thinking about it, Zhou Enlai decided to give Mao Zedong one of his Napoleon hats.
Behind Zhou Enlai's move, the significance is extraordinary.
First of all, Dr. Sun Yat-sen once wore a Napoleon hat, which is undoubtedly a signal of peace to the other side; secondly, this hat is quite popular in the West, which can break the inherent stereotype of the world on our side, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone.
Zhou Enlai said to Mao Zedong: Chairman Mao took the hat in his hand and waved it slightly, showing that it was the power to turn things around. ”
Mao Zedong nodded and affirmed, "You think thoughtfully and decently." When we went to Chongqing, we showed the political image of the Chinese Communists and the strength of the Liberated Areas to be united and fearless. Wave the cocker hat to show our strength. I put on this hat. ”
Before Chairman Mao and his party left Yan'an, the Yan'an airport was filled with people who had come to see them off early in the morning. Mao Zedong wore a Zhongshan suit and a Napoleon hat and shook hands with everyone to say goodbye.
Fang Ji, a reporter from Liberation Daily, described the farewell scene at that time:
The crowd at the airport stood silently, thousands of pairs of eyes moving with Chairman Mao's tall figure, watching Chairman Mao approach the plane step by step, stepping on the ladder of the plane step by step. Chairman Mao walked to the hatch of the plane, stopped, turned around, and headed toward the crowd that was sending them off, and the people once again rushed to the plane like a gust of wind. Chairman Mao took off his hat and stared at the crowd of send-offs, like comfort and encouragement. People don't know how to express their feelings, just desperately wave their hands. ”
At 3:36 p.m. on August 28, at Chongqing Jiulongpo Airport, the special plane taken by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai slowly landed. The moment Mao Zedong stepped out of the cabin and waved to everyone was forever recorded in history.
Regarding Mao Zedong's arrival, the Ta Kung Pao reporter wrote with emotion: "Hundreds of people who love democracy and freedom know that this is a happy news that will maintain China's current and future history and the happiness of the people." ”
Facing Chinese and foreign reporters at the airport, Mao Zedong said calmly: "Now that the War of Resistance Against Japan is victoriously over and China is about to enter a period of peaceful construction, the current opportunity is extremely important. At present, it is most urgent to ensure domestic peace, implement democratic politics and consolidate internal unity. ”
As soon as these remarks came out, our party's original intention of seeking peace was revealed, and the outside world praised it.
After the arrival of the crowd, Mao Zedong's safety remained a top priority, starting with accommodation.
At first, Chiang Kai-shek planned to arrange for Mao Zedong and his party to stay in the guest house where American guests were originally entertained, but after hearing the news, Mao Zedong laughed and said, "I am a Chinese, not an American, and I do not live in the guest house where Americans live." Chiang Kai-shek's arrangement was thus rejected.
Therefore, when the CPC delegation was planning to leave chongqing airport by car and go to the hotel to rest, Zhou Enlai stopped Zhang Zhizhong, who was going to get on the bus, and asked: "Brother Wen Bai, this is the case, Mr. Mao's accommodation and safety need to be discussed." ”
Zhang Zhizhong understood Zhou Enlai's concerns, so he proposed a solution: "As far as I know, in addition to this guest house, Mr. Jiang has also prepared two places on the outskirts of huangshan and a cave forest garden, which you can choose. ”
Zhou Enlai pondered for a moment and said, "Oh, there are these two places." I think the suburb of Huangshan is too far from the city, and the traffic is not very convenient. The cave forest garden is Mr. Jiang's residence, and Mr. Jiang is a neighbor, with him on the side to protect, Mr. Mao's safety does not have to worry. However, the official residence is strict, and it is probably very inconvenient for people from all walks of life to visit. In this way, let Mr. Mao first work and live in the office of the Eighteenth Group Army at No. 13 Hongyan Village, Hualongqiao, what do you think? ”
Zhang Zhizhong saw that Zhou Enlai's idea had been decided, and pushed the boat along the water: "Yes, yes." If it is not convenient to stay there, Mr. Zhou can come back to me. ”
After the communication, the two men left the airport in their respective cars.
A few days later, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai and others were invited to a cocktail party organized by the Sino-Soviet Cultural Association.
At the reception, including Soviet Ambassador to China Peter Trov and military attaché Luo Shen, more than 300 celebrities and dignitaries from all walks of life in Chongqing attended the banquet, and everyone wanted to see Mao Zedong.
Above the reception hall, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai appeared, and the applause was thunderous.
People raised their glasses and toasted Mao Zedong. Mao Zedong had a limited amount of alcohol, so he said humorously that he was willing to eat spicy seeds with everyone. Even so, some wine is toasted to the eyes, and it is still a little embarrassing not to drink. At this moment, Zhou Enlai, who had been standing next to Mao Zedong, stood up.
He first instructed the guards: "Leave me alone, and ensure Chairman Mao's safety." Then, whenever others toasted, Zhou Enlai always grabbed the first half of his position, took the wine in Mao Zedong's cup, drank it all, and then handed the glass back to Mao Zedong.
In the process of drinking, we were still very harmonious with the democratic parties, but the drinking with the Officials of the Kuomintang was very intense. Every time, Zhou Enlai not only drank the wine that honored Mao Zedong, but also drank the wine that honored himself.
Between the cups and cups, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai cooperated with tacit understanding and talked and laughed. Seeing Zhou Enlai drinking cup after cup, everyone knew in their hearts that he was simply defending Chairman Mao with his own life.
Zhou Enlai's deeds were all stunning to everyone present. The next day, the media in Chongqing commented: "One Zhou Enlai defeated the entire Kuomintang!" ”
After the banquet, Li Shaoshi, Zhou Enlai's secretary, asked bitterly: "Vice Chairman Zhou, why don't you even let Chairman Mao drink a glass of wine?" ”
Zhou Enlai replied in a whisper, "I am afraid that someone will do tricks and feet in the wine and poison..."
Zhou Enlai blocked Mao Zedong's wine, in addition to considering that people with ulterior motives were manipulating the wine, he also considered that his own amount of alcohol was larger than Mao Zedong's, and he could top it for a while. If Mao Zedong was accidentally drunk, he would inevitably lose his attitude after drinking, and if it was serious, he would also hurt his body, which would be an irreparable loss to his individual and organization.
On the other hand, it was precisely because the two had developed an extraordinary tacit understanding over the years that Mao Zedong was able to quickly grasp Zhou Enlai's intentions and willingly let him block the wine.
Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, one is free and free, one is modest and cautious; one is as willful as a mountain, one is flexible as a god; one is full of rivers and rivers, and one can hold a boat. The decades of collaboration between the two are perfect. Years of comradeship make people cry.
In fact, not only drinking, but even the food at the banquet, Premier Zhou tasted it first, made sure that there was no abnormality, and then gave it to Mao Zedong. It was precisely this kind of caution and prudence that ensured the safety of Chairman Mao's visit.
And whenever Zhou Enlai had a banquet, he was always too late to eat, and after more than a dozen glasses of wine, he hurriedly sandwiched a few mouthfuls of dishes.
What is less well known is that after the cocktail party, Zhou Enlai worked for more than ten hours in a row. After making sure everything was working properly, he fell into a deep sleep.
With a lot of work and severe lack of sleep, Zhou Enlai's body gradually became a little overwhelmed, but because he had the belief in protecting Mao Zedong in his heart, he did not fall.
Zhou Enlai knew that he could not drink alcohol and misbehave, he was not only good at self-management, after the founding of the People's Republic of China, he also repeatedly admonished in public: "No matter which level of leadership we are, we must be self-disciplined in drinking, and as subordinates, we must also pay attention to protecting our own leaders, so that they drink less, let alone get drunk." ”
In the blink of an eye, the Chongqing negotiations are gradually coming to an end, and the weather in the mountain city has cooled down.
Before Mao Zedong came to Chongqing, he wore an old beige sweater with a worn neckline and cuffs, and the warmth effect was greatly reduced. Before leaving, Zhou Enlai instructed the staff to knit a new sweater for Chairman Mao.
Li Jing, who was in charge of knitting sweaters at the time, later described the state of mind at that time in her memoirs:
"One day in early October 1945, in a nursing home more than twenty miles away from the eighth route army office, a comrade from the office came to me and said that I had an urgent task and asked me to go back to the office, where I was not in good health and recuperated. Hearing that there was a task, he immediately set off and rushed back. I was greeted by Tong Xiaopeng, chief of the Confidential Section, who said to me in earnest: 'Comrade Li Jing, Vice Chairman Zhou has asked you to knit a sweater for Chairman Mao in these two or three days.' At that time, when I received this task, my mood was extremely excited, and I thought to myself, Chairman Mao is our leader, his old man leads our party and army, for the liberation of the nation and the turning of the class, the southern conquest and the northern war, heroic struggle, but my own life is so simple! I must accomplish this task well, let Chairman Mao return to Yan'an in his new sweater, and lead the Victorious Advance of the Chinese Revolution. ”
From this small incident, we can see that Chairman Mao has always been in mind in the hearts of the people, and we can also see how deeply Zhou Enlai cared for Mao Zedong.
Before Mao Zedong returned to Yan'an, the thoughtful Zhou Enlai once again found the hint.
It turned out that when everyone came to Chongqing, they were personally accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to China Hurley and Kuomintang negotiator Zhang Zhizhong, thus ensuring the safety of Mao Zedong and others. However, when Chairman Mao returned, Hurley planned to return to China, and Zhang Zhizhong was sent by Chiang Kai-shek to Gansu Province.
The plane was full of our people, which made Zhou Enlai wonder if Chiang Kai-shek would use this to manipulate the plane.
Therefore, Zhou Enlai immediately found Hurley and said in righteous words: "Mr. Ambassador, if you take our Chairman Mao out, you must send Chairman Mao back to Yan'an." You want to go now, this is not OK, you go at this time, you will lose faith in the world! ”
Then, he went to Zhang Zhizhong again: "Brother Wen Bai, you can't lose faith in the world, you don't send Chairman Mao back to Yan'an, we resolutely don't agree!" ”
In the end, Zhou Enlai directly approached Chiang Kai-shek for tough representations and proposed a compromise plan:
Didn't Chiang Kai-shek send Zhang Zhizhong to Gansu to take charge? Then ask Zhang Zhizhong to personally escort Chairman Mao back to Yan'an, and then fly from Yan'an to Lanzhou.
Because of the tremendous pressure of public opinion, Chiang Kai-shek finally had to make a compromise. After repeated mediation by Zhou Enlai, on October 11, 1945, after 43 days in Chongqing, Mao Zedong and his party finally returned safely to Yan'an.
I have to say that Zhou Enlai's move is extremely clever. Not only did he not delay Chiang Kai-shek's so-called "task of assignment," but he also sent Mao Zedong and others safely back to Yan'an, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone.
Just after Mao Zedong's plane took off, Zhou Enlai immediately instructed the staff to rush back to Hongyan and asked the radio station to maintain contact with the Yan'an side, and Chairman Mao should report as soon as he arrived in Yan'an.
At 1:30 p.m. that day, when Zhou Enlai saw the words "Chairman Mao has safely returned to the throne," he was relieved and made up for it.
Everyone knows that Premier Zhou was a world-renowned diplomat, but according to Huang Huoqing, who was the procurator general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of our country, "In the Long March, mao zedong's strategic principles and lines were relied on to win the battle, and Zhou Enlai, with amazing perseverance and the spirit of selfless work, specifically organized and implemented Mao Zedong's strategic arrangements and ensured the victory of the Long March." During the War of Liberation, Zhou Enlai, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, in fact became Mao Zedong's first assistant in commanding the national liberation war. ”
Zhou Enlai's military achievements should not be underestimated.
Looking at Mao Zedong's entire chongqing negotiation process, Zhou Enlai was indispensable. Comparing the lives of the two, it is actually extremely legendary.
Mao Zedong was 5 years older than Zhou Enlai, and the two were in the same era. One of them was born in Shaoshan, Hunan, and the other was born in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, although they were all southerners, their personalities and growth experiences were very different.
Mao Zedong was born in a peasant family, and when he was a teenager, he was very familiar with china's rural areas, and his study tour experience also made him develop the thinking of "investigating and studying everything and then making conclusions";
Zhou Enlai, on the other hand, was born in a family of eunuchs, as the eldest son in the family, his father attached great importance to his education, and Zhou Enlai read a lot of books, and his poetry books benefited from this.
Mao Zedong, like most Hunan people, loved peppers, had a free-spirited personality, and opened up and closed; Zhou Enlai inherited the introverted stability of the Shaoxing people, especially liked yellow wine, and did things cautiously and strictly.
They all successively accepted Marxist ideas and practiced them with all their lives. They are not only comrades-in-arms who support each other, but also confidants with complementary personalities.
At the end of the article, I recall that Lenin said when talking about the revolutionary friendship between Marx and Engels: "There are all kinds of very moving stories of friendship in ancient legends, and the European proletariat can say that its science was created by two scholars and warriors, and their relationship surpassed all the most moving legends of the ancients about human friendship." ”
I think this high evaluation also applies to Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.
End one by one