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Preface

In 1973, Navy Commander Xiao Jinguang unexpectedly learned that his life-saving benefactor, the one-eyed veteran Chen Xingfa, was still alive. This veteran, who had a brush with death during the Red Army, voluntarily donated 10,000 yuan sent by Xiao Jinguang to the charity center. In the bloody storm, it was Chen Xingfa who risked his life to report to Chairman Mao, thus saving Xiao Jinguang, who was sentenced to death. Decades have passed, what kind of emotional fluctuations are the reunions between the two? Why is Xiao Jinguang so excited to learn that Chen Xingfa is still alive? What is the cause of all this?

Chen Xingfa was born in a poor family in Jiangxi Province in 1913. In this barren land, he lost his childhood from books and went deep into the forest with his father to hunt for a living, and he already showed extraordinary physical strength at a young age.

At the age of ten, Chen Xingfa's fate changed because of an old boxer of the Boxers. This boxer was originally reluctant to accept apprentices, but because Chen Xingfa's father had saved his life, he decided to teach Chen Xingfa martial arts. In the dense forest, Chen Xingfa, his father and master practiced fists with a whirring sound, but other than that, few people in the outside world knew about Chen Xingfa's martial arts.

When the First Jiangxi Independent Regiment led by Fang Zhimin arrived in Chen Xingfa's hometown in 1929, they acted quickly to punish the landlords who had long oppressed the peasants and redistribute the land occupied by these landlords to the poor peasants. This kind of impartial behavior deeply attracted Chen Xingfa, who he believed that this was the long-awaited heroic image in his heart.

When the Red Army was ready to leave the village, Chen Xingfa decisively approached them, expressing a strong desire to join. One of the instructors of the Red Army, impressed by his courage and astuteness, gladly accepted him. Chen Xingfa and his family then said goodbye and embarked on the journey of revolution.

Although he did not enter school because of poverty as a teenager, Chen Xingfa found an opportunity to study in the Red Army. In the Red Army, there was a special educational group that taught the basics of literacy and understanding Marxist ideas to fighters who had not received formal education, as well as the history of the October Revolution in Russia.

This study experience greatly enriched Chen Xingfa's thinking and laid a solid theoretical foundation for his subsequent combat career. He excelled in the Red Army not only because of his alertness and bravery accumulated from hunting since childhood, but also because of the martial arts he mastered. Soon, the young man, who was less than twenty years old, was promoted to the company commander of the special service company of the Red Tenth Army.

Chen's military career was then filled with difficult journeys and fierce battles. Every fight is a test of his abilities and an opportunity for him to stand firm in his beliefs. Through these experiences, he not only won the respect of his comrades in the Red Army, but also gradually established a prestige among the enemy that could not be underestimated.

In 1933, he was already the commander of a special service company in the Red Army, and at the same time joined the Communist Party of China and became a party member. During his years in the Soviet zone, Chen Xingfa carried out many dangerous missions because of his secret identity, and his existence is a mystery to many people. His bravery and wisdom have ensured the safety of important cadres many times, including Xiao Jinguang. After the Battle of Lichuan, Xiao Jinguang was able to return to the center safely, which depended on Chen Xingfa's wit and bravery.

Against this background, the story of Chen Xingfa slowly spread in the Red Army, and his legend gradually became known to later comrades. His life and battles are not only his personal history, but also a microcosm of that era, witnessing the vicissitudes and changes of an era.

In the tense atmosphere of 1934, Bogu had in hand the complaint documents that he had repeatedly revised and translated into Russian, ready to be submitted to Lide. The contents of the document violently attacked General Xiao Jinguang, accusing him of serious consequences for his decisions on the battlefield.

The impermanence of war forces the generals to make split-second choices, and Xiao Jinguang's retreat at Lichuan is seen as cowardice and betrayal. Li De and Bogu tried to blame Xiao Jinguang for this failure, accusing him of disobeying orders and colluding with the enemy, and even fabricated false charges in the indictment that Xiao Jinguang leaked military supplies to the enemy.

In this storm of misunderstandings and accusations, many revolutionary fighters did not buy it. Although Bogu and Li De vigorously pushed for Xiao Jinguang to be dealt with according to military law, their support for him also strongly rebounded. Chen Xingfa was a prominent member of the opposition. He not only understood Xiao Jinguang's decision-making, but also knew the general's loyalty and dedication to the revolution. Chen Xingfa took great personal risks to pass on the dangerous situation of General Xiao Jinguang to Chairman Mao.

Chairman Mao acted immediately after receiving the news, and without even thinking about putting on shoes, he hurriedly intervened in the matter and successfully rescued Xiao Jinguang from the guns of Li De and Bogu. This rescue operation not only proved the correctness of Chairman Mao's decision, but also showed Chen Xingfa's heroic nature at a critical moment.

Xiao Jinguang is well aware of Chen Xingfa's contribution and remembers his life-saving grace. However, just when Xiao Jinguang thought that the friendship between the two could continue to last, tragedy struck suddenly-Chen Xingfa died young due to a recurrence of injuries on the battlefield.

In 1935 Chen Xingfa was appointed commander of the machine gun company of the 56th regiment, and soon after served as a battalion commander of the Red Army's anti-Japanese advance team. After suffering a heavy setback in the anti-Japanese campaign in the north, he led his troops to break through the siege under the command of Su Yu, and later joined the Red Army Advance Division in southern Zhejiang.

In intense and fierce battles, Chen Xingfa led by example, often leading the charge. The cruelty of fate befell him in a battle, an enemy bullet hit his left eye, penetrating the skull, Chen Xingfa fell on the spot, and the comrades on the battlefield thought he had died.

For ordinary people, it is almost impossible to survive such an injury, but Chen Xingfa, with his strong will to survive and indomitable spirit, has unbelievably struggled back to the lifeline. After a period of recuperation, his body gradually recovered.

After recovering from his injury, Chen Xingfa did not choose to rest, but threw himself into the battle again. He joined the Guangdong border guerrillas in southern Jiangxi under the command of Chen Yi and waged a continuous guerrilla war against the enemy. At this stage, Chen Xingfa not only participated in the battle as a combat commander, but was also responsible for training recruits and imparting his own combat experience and skills.

In the spring of 1949, with the liberation of Shanghai by General Chen Yi's troops, Chen Xingfa was appointed deputy director of the communication department of the East China Military Region and director of the first guest house. Although this is a prestigious position, Chen Xingfa feels that the hustle and bustle of city life is not in line with his heart. Having survived countless battles, he feels out of place with the hustle and bustle of life in the metropolis, and his heart longs to return to a peaceful and simple life.

In 1950, Chen Xingfa was assigned to Guixi County as deputy minister of the People's Armed Forces, a position that exposed him to a wider field of knowledge and made significant progress in political leadership. Three years later, he studied at the local party school for a year, and then applied for a transfer to Ninggang County, a revolutionary base with which he had deep emotional connections.

During the years when Chen Xingfa went north to resist Japan, he followed General Chen Yi to command guerrilla warfare in Ninggang. He still remembers the hard-working people of the Soviet district there, as well as the youth and blood that he and his comrades-in-arms dedicated there. Returning to work in Ninggang means a kind of return for him.

After arriving in Ninggang, Chen Xingfa walked more than 100 kilometers from Ji'an to the county seat, regardless of his physical exhaustion. When he met the county magistrate, he still maintained the solemn etiquette of a soldier and performed a standard military salute, which surprised the county magistrate.

The county magistrate tried to persuade him to stay in the county government, but Chen Xingfa insisted on participating in grassroots work and was eventually appointed director of the supply and marketing cooperative. He works in a different way, always sharing the ups and downs with the villagers, personally carrying the burden and visiting each village to promote crops and handicrafts. His simple and direct sales method has won the respect of the villagers and countless honors.

At work, Chen Xingfa always feels as if he has returned to the battlefield, and he can always achieve achievements with persistence and hard work. Many of the young workers bowed to his physical strength and energy, and they praised him as a veritable "old peasant", even though the files stated that he was a revolutionary cripple of the first class.

His charisma and caring for people also make him very popular. On a way to pick up goods, he happened to meet a fellow villager who had helped him escape danger. The two reunited and celebrated each other's lives to witness the founding of New China, drinking and talking about the past.

In 1965, Mao Zedong set foot in Jinggangshan again, and the echoes of history reverberated in this holy land of revolution. During this period, Chen Xingfa was assigned as the deputy chief security team leader for this trip. When Wang Dongxing found Chen Xingfa in the team, his surprise was beyond words, and he immediately reported the discovery to Chairman Mao.

Chairman Mao was full of relief when he heard that this veteran soldier who had performed well on the battlefield was still sticking to his post. He immediately instructed: "Immediately adjust his position, send greetings to him on my behalf, and inquire about his living situation."

Later, Wang Dongxing personally found Chen Xingfa and conveyed Chairman Mao's care and greetings. In the face of Wang Dongxing's concern and Chairman Mao's instructions, Chen Xingfa responded indifferently: "Many comrades-in-arms sacrificed for the country, and even their bodies have not been recovered, and I am deeply lucky to be alive today." I have no difficulty, and I thank the President for his interest.

In 1966, as time passed, Chen Xingfa left his post and retired with the rank of 11 administrative ranks, which was a recognition and respect for his many years of military service at that time. One day in 1973, when Xiao Jinguang learned that Chen Xingfa, who had saved his life many years ago, was still alive, his heart was full of deep gratitude and surprise. Although Xiao Jinguang himself has experienced vicissitudes and faced countless challenges and changes, the moment he learned the news, he decided to do his best to express his deep gratitude to Chen Xingfa.

Xiao Jinguang acted quickly and personally issued instructions to the Organization Department of the Jiangxi Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Department of Civil Affairs, asking them to provide appropriate support and arrangements for Chen Xingfa to ensure that this old comrade-in-arms can be properly taken care of in his old age. This is not only because Chen Xingfa's heroic performance has directly affected Xiao Jinguang's fate, but also because such care is the respect and reward that Chen Xingfa deserves as a veteran.

Su Yu was also extremely excited when he learned the news. For Su Yu, it was heartening news to learn that an old subordinate was still alive after so many battles and challenges. Su Yu was well aware of Chen Xingfa's bravery on the battlefield and his contribution to the organization, so he also emphasized his care and gratitude to Chen Xingfa.

With the joint efforts of these two senior generals, Chen Xingfa's living arrangements have been rapidly improved. He was placed in a comfortable environment and received the necessary medical care and life support to ensure a smooth and dignified life in his later years.

These arrangements not only reflect the respect for a veteran, but also reflect the deep comradeship and spirit of mutual support among the revolutionary fighters. In addition, Xiao Jinguang and Su Yu also arranged a party with Chen Xingfa to reminisce about the past fighting years and relive those days full of challenges and glory.

In 1977, Chen Xingfa, as a member of the old cadres of the Red Army in Jiangxi Province, was fortunate to go to Beijing and reunite with his old leaders Su Yu and Xiao Jinguang. This reunion not only amazed them with each other's vitality, but also gave them the opportunity to talk about the achievements of national construction from the difficult years of the old battlefield.

The old comrades-in-arms sitting together lamented that most of their ideals had been realized, and although they had entered their old age, they confidently handed over the baton to the new generation.

The impermanence of fate always catches people off guard. Just three years later, in 1980, Chen Xingfa died of a recurrence of old wounds left by the shooting. The Jiangxi Provincial Party Committee organized a grand memorial service to express his endless respect and remembrance. Representatives from Nanjing, Fuzhou, and the Political Department of the Navy all attended the commemorative activities, showing his far-reaching influence and extensive contacts in military and political circles during his lifetime.

In order to commemorate his heroic deeds and contributions to the country, the Ministry of Civil Affairs posthumously awarded Chen Xingfa the honorary title of "Revolutionary Martyr" in the same year. Although Chen Xingfa's body no longer exists, his indomitable spirit and sacrifice for his country will forever be remembered in history and continue to inspire generations of Chinese.

Resources

Chen Jining,Chen Haining,Chen Nanning.Reminiscence of the life legend of Chen Xingfa of the old Red Army[J].Party History Wenyuan,2013(23):41-43.

Chen Yi's two distress stories[J].Literature and History World,2006(07):13-19.