In September 1949, Yunnan was about to be liberated. A secret order was issued from Chongqing and went directly to the secret service of the Kunming Military Command. There are more than 90 lives in the secret order, and a life-and-death battle is about to begin. A veteran of the Kuomintang, who is in his late teens, has made an astonishing move at this critical moment in history by virtue of his many years of political wisdom and reverence for life. His move not only changed the fate of more than 90 people, but also left a strong mark in China's modern history. Who is this old man? How did he manage to defuse this crisis at the last moment? What kind of family and country feelings are behind his behavior? Let's step into this little-known history and uncover this thrilling story.
1. Li Gengen's early experience
In 1879, Li Gengen was born in an ordinary family in Tengyue County, Yunnan Province (now Tengchong County, Baoshan City). As a teenager, Li Gengen showed extraordinary intelligence, he was diligent and studious, and he excelled in the local private school. However, the path of the imperial examination alone could not satisfy this ambitious young man. At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, when China was faced with a grim situation of internal and external troubles, Li Gengen deeply felt the weakness of the country and was determined to contribute his strength to the rejuvenation of the motherland.
In 1903, at the age of 24, Li Gengen went to Japan to study. He successively studied at the Zhenwu Academy and the Noncommissioned Officer School in Japan, where he systematically studied modern military knowledge and advanced Western thought. During his stay in Japan, Li Gengen not only studied hard, but also made extensive acquaintances with Chinese students at the same time, including Li Dazhao, who later became an important leader of the Communist Party of China. This study abroad experience not only broadened Li Gengen's horizons, but also laid the foundation for his future revolutionary activities.
After returning to China after completing his studies, Li Gengen immediately devoted himself to the revolutionary cause. He joined the League and actively participated in anti-Qing activities. When the Xinhai Revolution broke out in 1911, Li Gengen actively responded in Yunnan, organized local revolutionary forces, and made important contributions to the overthrow of Qing rule. After the success of the revolution, Li Gengen quickly rose to prominence in the nascent government of the Republic of China by virtue of his outstanding ability and revolutionary exploits.
In 1912, Li Gengen was appointed governor of Shaanxi Province. During his tenure, he vigorously pursued the New Deal, reformed the old system, and devoted himself to the development of education and the economy. He founded a number of schools, encouraged scientific and technological innovation, and made important contributions to the modernization of Shaanxi. Li Gengen's ability to govern was widely recognized, and he was soon transferred to the Beiyang government as the chief of agriculture and commerce.
In the position of chief of agriculture and commerce, Li Gengen continued to exert his talents. He developed a series of policies aimed at revitalizing China's agriculture and commerce. He advocated the development of modern agricultural technology to improve the lives of farmers; At the same time, he also encouraged the development of industry and commerce, and made efforts to modernize China's economy.
However, Lee's path to politics has not been easy. In 1923, Cao Kun was elected president through bribery, an incident that aroused strong resentment from Li Gengen. As an idealistic and aspiring politician, Li Gengen could not accept such corrupt political behavior. He openly spoke out against Cao Kun and decided to resign from all positions and retire to the countryside.
Li Gengen's decision reflects his noble character of adhering to principles and not conforming to corruption. He chose Suzhou as his retreat and began a life away from the political center. However, this does not mean that Li Gengen has given up his concern for the fate of the country. On the contrary, this period provided him with more opportunities for reflection and observation, laying the foundation for his later return to national affairs.
During his days in Suzhou, Li Gengen was not idle. He is actively involved in the preservation of local culture, and is committed to the preservation of monuments and traditional culture. At the same time, he did not forget the importance of education, and founded a local primary school to provide educational opportunities for children in the mountainous areas. These actions reflect the importance that Li Gengen attaches to cultural inheritance and educational development, and also demonstrates his sense of social responsibility as an intellectual.
2. The anti-Japanese feelings of the "Prime Minister of the Mountains".
In 1923, Li Gengen came to Suzhou to live in seclusion and started his career as the "Prime Minister of the Mountains". This title not only reflects his political status in the past, but also reflects the respect of the local people for him. In the mountains and wilderness of Suzhou, Li Gengen is not far from the world, but cares about the fate of the country in a new way.
Lee's reclusive life was not idle. He actively seeks out local monuments and is committed to the preservation of these precious cultural heritages. He knew that the cultural roots of a nation were essential to the country's rejuvenation. Thanks to his efforts, many monuments on the verge of destruction have been restored and protected, preserving valuable historical memories for future generations.
In addition to cultural preservation, Li Gengen also pays special attention to education. He found that children in the mountains were struggling to go to school, so he decided to start a primary school out of his own pocket. The school not only provides basic education for local children, but also serves as an important front for the dissemination of new ideas and knowledge. Li Gengen often personally went to the school to give lectures, impart knowledge to the children, and cultivate their patriotic feelings.
Li Gengen's fame spread far and wide, attracting many celebrities to visit. Li Yuanhong, Yu Youren, Li Liejun, Zhang Taiyan and other political dignitaries, as well as Zhang Daqian and other art masters, have visited his mountain residence. These visitors brought information from the outside world and allowed Li to keep an eye on state affairs. During these exchanges, Li Gengen always maintained a deep concern for the fate of the country, especially in the face of the increasingly severe national crisis.
On January 28, 1932, Japan brazenly launched the "128 Incident" and attacked Shanghai. This news was like a bolt from the blue, shocking Li Gengen, who was living in seclusion in Suzhou. Despite being away from politics for many years, the veteran revolutionary still retains a strong patriotic fervor. Unable to sit idly by, he decided to contribute to the anti-Japanese struggle in his own way.
Li Gengen's first thought was to build a cemetery for the sacrificed anti-Japanese soldiers. He believes that this is not only a tribute to the martyrs, but also a spiritual symbol that inspires future generations to bravely resist the enemy. Under his initiative and organization, a cemetery called the "Hero's Tomb" was soon completed at the foot of Magang Mountain. At the burial ceremony, the old man, who was over half a hundred years old, personally walked at the forefront of the team and expressed his reverence for the martyrs with practical actions.
This move caused a wide repercussion in the society at that time. Many people were moved by Li Gengen's patriotic spirit and joined the ranks of resisting Japan and saving the country. The famous painter Xu Beihong was deeply moved by this scene and created a photo painting called "National Mourning Picture", in which Li Gengen is holding a cane and looking solemn, fully showing the old man's patriotic feelings.
Since then, whenever an anti-Japanese soldier has died, Li Gengen will personally participate in the funeral activities. The soldiers who died in the Battle of Songhu in 1937 and the commander of the 200th Division who went on an expedition to Burma, Dai Anlan, and other heroic martyrs, were personally sent off by Li Gengen. This kind of behavior is not only a respect for the martyrs, but also an encouragement to the people of the whole country, arousing the patriotic enthusiasm of more people.
After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War in 1945, Li Gengen returned to his hometown Tengchong. Even after the war was over, he still did not forget the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. In Tengchong, he presided over the construction of the National Memorial Cemetery, including the Martyrs' Shrine, the Memorial Tower and the Monument. This cemetery not only commemorates the soldiers and civilians who died in the Tengchong Anti-Japanese War, but also becomes an important base for local patriotic education.
These actions of Li Gengen show the deep patriotic feelings of an old revolutionary. Although he was in the mountains, he was always concerned about national affairs. By repairing the graves of the martyrs and participating in the funeral, he not only expressed his respect for the victims, but also aroused the patriotic enthusiasm of more people with practical actions, and made his own contribution to the final victory of the War of Resistance against Japan.
3. Teacher-student friendship with Zhu De
The relationship between Li Gengen and Zhu De can be traced back to 1906, when Zhu De was still a hot-blooded young man with the ambition to serve the country. In the entrance examination of the Yunnan Army Lecture Hall, Zhu De almost lost his admission qualification because he was over the prescribed age. It was Li Gengen who made an exception to admit Zhu De, which opened the door to this future military strategist's military career.
This exceptional admission shows Li Gengen's discernment. At that time, although Zhu De was a little older, his enthusiasm for learning and military talent had already begun to emerge. Li Gengen believes that the selection of talents should not be confined to rules and regulations, but should focus on individual ability and potential. This decision not only changed the trajectory of Zhu De's life, but also cultivated an outstanding military commander for the cause of the Chinese revolution.
During his time in the Yunnan Army Martial Arts Hall, Li Gengen gave special attention and guidance to Zhu De. He not only gave Zhu De careful instruction in military theory and practice, but also often discussed state affairs with him and cultivated his patriotic feelings and revolutionary aspirations. This teacher-student friendship had a profound impact on Zhu De's growth and laid a solid foundation for him to become a military strategist in the future.
Although Li Gengen and Zhu De later chose different directions on the political road, the teacher-student relationship between the two did not fade because of this. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, although they were in different camps, Li Gengen and Zhu De still kept in touch. In 1938, Zhu De sent a special trip to Suzhou to inform Li Gengen, who was in seclusion, of the situation of the anti-Japanese war and to consult on strategic issues. This move not only shows Zhu De's respect for his teacher, but also shows that Li Gengen's excellent insights in military strategy are still valued.
Li Gengen's support for Zhu De is not limited to the spiritual level. During the arduous War of Resistance Against Japan, he secretly provided material assistance to the Eighth Route Army led by Zhu De many times. Although the amount of this aid may not be large, it undoubtedly gave great support and encouragement to the Eighth Route Army under the extreme shortage of materials at that time. These behaviors of Li Gengen are not only a concern for the former students, but also a support for the cause of the anti-Japanese cause.
As the situation changed, Li Gengen and Zhu De had fewer and fewer opportunities to meet, but the connection between the two was not broken. When the Liberation War was coming to an end in 1949, Zhu De sent someone to secretly contact Li Gengen, hoping that he could contribute to the peaceful liberation of Yunnan. Li Gengen knew very well that the general trend had gone, and in order to reduce bloodshed and sacrifice, he actively responded to Zhu De's call and mediated in Yunnan's local military and political circles, making important contributions to the peaceful liberation of Yunnan.
After the liberation, Zhu De did not forget this teacher. In 1950, Zhu De, who had already served as vice chairman of the Central People's Government, sent a special letter to Li Gengen, inviting him to go north to attend the founding ceremony. Although Li Gengen was unable to make the trip due to health reasons, this invitation fully reflects Zhu De's respect for his teacher.
Since then, Zhu De has repeatedly cared about Li Gengen's later life through various channels. He sent people to visit Li Gengen regularly to learn about his living conditions and physical health. After learning that Li Gengen lived a simple life and was unwilling to accept special care, Zhu De was very moved and respected this principled teacher even more.
In 1955, Li Gengen died of illness in Beijing. After learning the news, Zhu De immediately sent people to mourn and personally wrote a eulogy. In his eulogy, Zhu De recalled the friendship between teachers and students with Li Gengen, spoke highly of Li Gengen's contribution to the cause of the Chinese revolution, and expressed his deep remembrance of this teacher.
The teacher-student friendship between Li Gengen and Zhu De spanned half a century and experienced the tests of revolution, war and regime change. This friendship not only reflects the deep affection between the two, but also reflects the family and country feelings and responsibilities of intellectuals in that turbulent era. It shows us a little-known history and illustrates what true teacher-student friendship is.
Fourth, the political choice of later life
In 1949, the situation in Chinese mainland underwent earth-shaking changes. As a former political leader, Li Gengen faces an important life decision. At this critical moment, he chose to stay on the mainland and share the same fate with New China. This decision not only reflects Lee's political wisdom, but also shows his deep insight into the future of the country.
Lee's choice was not impulsive. As early as the later stages of the Liberation War, he was keenly aware of the signs of decay of the Kuomintang regime. As a veteran revolutionary who lived through the Xinhai Revolution, the Northern Expedition and the War of Resistance Against Japan, Li has a deep understanding of China's political situation. He realized that only the Communist Party could truly lead China to prosperity and strength.
On the eve of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Li Gengen took an active part in the work of the peaceful liberation of Yunnan. He used his influence in Yunnan to persuade local military and political leaders to accept the leadership of the Communist Party, making an important contribution to avoiding unnecessary bloodshed and sacrifice. This action not only demonstrated Li Gengen's patriotic feelings, but also showed his grasp of the overall situation and his concern for the interests of the people.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Li Gengen was appointed as a member of the Central People's Government. This appointment is both an acknowledgment of his past contributions and a recognition of his political wisdom by the new regime. In this new position, Li Gengen actively participated in national construction and contributed to the development of New China.
In 1950, Li Gengen attended the first plenary session of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. At the meeting, he put forward a number of proposals on nation-building and people's lives. Among them, he particularly stressed the importance of developing education, holding that only by improving the cultural quality of the whole nation can the modernization of the country be truly realized. These suggestions were widely recognized by the delegates and pointed out the direction for the development of education in New China.
In addition to participating in the discussion of major national policies, Li Gengen also pays special attention to the development of ethnic minority areas. As a politician from Yunnan, he is well aware of the long history of neglect of ethnic minority areas. In many meetings, Li Gengen actively sought development opportunities for minority areas and put forward many forward-looking proposals, such as strengthening infrastructure construction and developing industries with special characteristics in minority areas. These proposals laid the ideological foundation for the later strategy of large-scale development of the western region.
In terms of cultural preservation, Li Gengen also played an important role. He has repeatedly called for the strengthening of the protection of traditional cultural heritage, which he believes is an important bond to maintain the national spirit. Under his initiative, many historical and cultural sites have been restored and protected, preserving valuable cultural wealth for future generations.
Lee's political career has not been easy. During the Anti-Rightist Movement in 1957, he was criticized for his remarks. However, even in such a difficult situation, Li Gengen remained loyal to his country. He did not complain, but actively cooperated with the work of the organization and worked hard to contribute to the construction of the country. This indomitable spirit fully embodies the political consciousness and responsibility of an old revolutionary.
In his later years, although his health was getting weaker, he still cared about national affairs. He often reads newspapers, understands the situation at home and abroad, and contributes to the construction of the country within the scope of his ability. During a meeting, he made suggestions to the central leadership on improving people's livelihood and developing the economy, which later proved to be important and forward-looking.
In 1955, Li Gengen died in Beijing at the age of 76. In his will, he specifically instructed that his collection be donated to the National Library so that more people could benefit from it. This move fully reflects Li Gengen's noble character of still caring for the country and the people until the last moment of his life.
Li Gengen's political choice in his later years was not only a turning point in his personal fate, but also a microcosm of an era. His choice reflects the thinking and choices of that generation of intellectuals in the face of the transition between the old and the new. With his own practical actions, Li Gengen has explained what true patriotism is and what a politician should do. The trajectory of his life has left us with valuable historical enlightenment.
5. Historical evaluation and modern significance
Li Gengen's life spanned more than half a century of the most turbulent period in modern Chinese history, and his political career and ideological trajectory witnessed the vicissitudes of this history. As an intellectual and politician who came from the late Qing Dynasty, Li Gengen's historical evaluation has always been the focus of academic attention.
During the Xinhai Revolution, Li Gengen won widespread praise for his bold actions and firm revolutionary beliefs. The Yunnan Uprising led by him not only successfully overthrew the Qing Dynasty's rule in Yunnan, but also made an important contribution to the victory of the national revolution. During this period, Li Gengen was known as the "father of the Yunnan Revolution", and his revolutionary spirit and patriotic feelings were widely recognized.
However, during the Beiyang government, Li Gengen's political stance and behavior caused some controversy. Some people criticized him for not being resolute enough on the issue of Yuan Shikai's proclamation as emperor, and thought that he had a tendency to compromise. However, some scholars have pointed out that Li Gengen was actually trying to maintain the republican system in the complex political environment at the time, and some of his seemingly compromising behaviors were actually aimed at avoiding greater political turmoil.
During the period of the Nationalist Government, Li Gengen gradually faded from the center of the political scene. Some people believe that this reflects the contradiction between Li Gengen's political ideals and realpolitik. However, some researchers have pointed out that Li Gengen's retirement precisely reflects his political wisdom and grasp of the overall situation. Seeing that he could not change the political situation, he chose to take a back seat and focus on education and culture, which in itself is a worthy recognition.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Li Gengen chose to stay on the mainland and actively participate in the construction of New China, a choice that won him universal respect. He was seen as a visionary patriot who was able to make the right choices at critical moments in history. Although he was criticized during the "anti-rightist" movement, this did not affect the recognition of his overall contributions.
In contemporary academic research, Li Gengen's thought and practice have received more and more attention. His political ideas, especially those on democratic republics, local autonomy, and the rights and interests of ethnic minorities, are considered to be of great practical significance. Some scholars have pointed out that Li Gengen's political thought contains many insights that transcend the times, and still have important reference value for China's political construction and national unity today.
Lee's contributions to the field of education have also been widely recognized. The Yunnan Army Martial Arts Lecture Hall, which he presided over and founded, trained a large number of talents, including many later revolutionary leaders such as Zhu De. This kind of thinking of attaching importance to education and cultivating talented people is still of great significance in today's society.
In terms of cultural preservation, Li Gengen's contribution is also commendable. In his later years, he actively advocated for the preservation of traditional cultural heritage, which is now an important part of the country's cultural policy. His foresight has made important contributions to the inheritance and development of Chinese culture.
Li Gengen's feelings for his family and country are also talked about by later generations. From his early devotion to the revolution to his donation of books in his later years, Li Gengen has always closely linked his personal destiny with the destiny of the country. This kind of patriotic spirit still has important exemplary significance in today's society.
In the study of local history, Li Gengen is regarded as one of the most important figures in Yunnan's modern history. He not only promoted political reform in Yunnan, but also made significant contributions to Yunnan's education and cultural undertakings. There are still places to commemorate Li Gengen in many places in Yunnan, which reflects his important position in local history.
Li Gengen's political career also provides an important case for the study of China's modern political transformation. His transformation from a feudal bureaucrat to a revolutionary to a political leader in the republic reflects the trajectory of China's modern political elite. This kind of research is of great value for understanding the political development of modern China.
In general, with the passage of time and the deepening of research, the position of Li Gengen in modern Chinese history is becoming more and more affirmed. His political practice, ideological propositions, and personality charm constitute a complex and rich historical picture, leaving a valuable spiritual wealth for future generations. Li Gengen's life is not only a personal legend, but also a microcosm of an era, which faithfully records China's difficult journey from feudal autocracy to modernization.