In the long history of the Chinese revolution, there is a name that may not be well known to many people, but his story is enough to move people. He was the youngest soldier on the Long March, and he was also the nephew of Marshal He Long - Xiang Xuan. From joining the army at the age of seven to experiencing the Long March at the age of nine, Xiang Xuan's life trajectory is closely linked to the course of the Chinese revolution. He witnessed the difficult years of the Red Army and experienced the ups and downs of New China until February 10, 2023, when the 97-year-old man passed away quietly. Xiang Xuan's life is a microcosm of modern Chinese history, and a representative of the struggle of countless revolutionary ancestors. However, what ups and downs did this young soldier experience in his life? How did he protect his original revolutionary intention during the long years?
In March 1926, in a mountain village in Sangzhi County, Hunan Province, a baby's cry broke the tranquility of the mountains. This newborn baby is Xiang Xuan, and his arrival brings joy to this revolutionary family. Xiang Xuan's mother, He Mangu, was the fifth sister of Marshal He Long, and his father, Xiang Guangming, was a local farmer.
At the time when Xiang Xuan was born, China was in a turbulent period of warlord secession, internal and external troubles. As the vanguard of the local revolution, not only did He Long himself lead the revolutionary struggle, but his sisters also actively participated in it. He Mangu and her sister He Ying were both early members of the Chinese Communist Party, and their revolutionary deeds were widely spread in the local area.
The news of Xiang Xuan's birth soon reached the ears of He Long, who was commanding the guerrillas. It is said that He Long was overjoyed when he heard the news, fired two shots into the sky in celebration, and shouted: "I have a little nephew again!" This scene has become a well-known story in the Xiang Xuan family.
However, the road to revolution has never been easy. When Xiang Xuan was just two years old, a sudden disaster befell this young life. One day, He Mangu took Xiang Xuan to the bazaar, but was unfortunately captured by the Kuomintang reactionaries. The mother and son were imprisoned, and He Mangu was brutally tortured to extract confessions. In prison, He Mangu always maintained the strong will of a Communist Party member and would rather die than give in. In the end, she was killed by the enemy with capital punishment, and Xiang Xuan, who was only two years old, lost the protection of her mother.
This incident had a profound impact on the young Xiang Xuan. Although he did not fully understand what was happening at the time, his mother's departure cast a shadow over his young mind. Fortunately, Xiang Xuan's family and He Long spent a lot of money to rescue Xiang Xuan and the other two children. After being released from prison, because Xiang Xuan's aunt He Ying had no son, she adopted Xiang Xuan. From then on, Xiang Xuan changed his mouth and called his aunt "mother".
Under He Ying's raising, Xiang Xuan spent a short period of peace. However, the flames of revolution interrupted his life again. When Xiang Xuan was seven years old, He Ying died heroically in a battle. This blow was tantamount to a bolt from the blue for Xiang Xuan, and he once again lost his mother's love.
Xiang Xuan, who lost his two mothers, could only defect to his uncle He Long. In the days of getting along with He Long, Xiang Xuan gradually understood the meaning of the revolution. He Long's words and deeds deeply affected the little boy, and the seeds of revolution quietly germinated in his young heart.
In this context, Xiang Xuan, who was only seven years old, made an astonishing decision - he wanted to join the army. This decision seemed so incredible at the time, but in that particular era, in the face of the needs of the revolution, age no longer seemed to be an issue. In this way, Xiang Xuan became the youngest soldier in the Red Army and began his legendary revolutionary career.
Xiang Xuan's childhood experience reflects the epitome of countless revolutionary families in that era. In turbulent times, even young children are not immune. Xiang Xuan's story is not only a personal biography, but also a heavy and glorious revolutionary history. The trajectory of his life, from the very beginning, was closely linked to the revolutionary process in China, laying a solid foundation for his later life.
Xiang Xuan's decision to join the army at the age of seven was a special case in the history of the Red Army. In 1933, Xiang Xuan, who was only seven years old, officially became a soldier of the Red Army. Despite his young age, he quickly adapted to barracks life in the crucible of the revolution. At first, Xiang Xuan was mainly responsible for some logistics within his ability, such as delivering information and taking care of the wounded. Over time, he gradually became involved in more military activities.
However, just two years after Xiang Xuan joined the army, the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army was faced with a major choice. In October 1934, in order to get rid of the encirclement and suppression of the Kuomintang army, the Central Red Army was forced to implement a strategic shift. This transfer came to be known as the world-famous "Long March". At this time, Xiang Xuan was only nine years old and became the youngest soldier in the Long March.
The Long March is an extremely difficult test for adults, and it is an unimaginable challenge for Xiang Xuan, who is only nine years old. The 25,000-mile long march crossed the lofty mountains, crossed the vast grasslands, and crossed the turbulent rivers. Although Xiang Xuan was young, like other warriors, he embarked on this path full of hardships and dangers.
During the Long March, Xiang Xuan experienced many difficulties unimaginable to ordinary people. Food shortages are one of the biggest challenges. The Red Army soldiers often marched hungry, sometimes even eating tree bark and grass roots to satisfy their hunger. Xiang Xuan recalled: "At that time, many comrades died, they were my compatriots, comrades-in-arms, and brothers. This sentence contains deep sorrow, and also reflects the deep friendship between the soldiers of the Red Army.
In addition to hunger, the cold is also a big test. The Red Army had to climb many snow-capped mountains during the Long March. For Xiang Xuan, who is thin and small, it is a difficult task to resist the cold. However, with the help of his comrades-in-arms, Xiang Xuan stubbornly persevered. Sometimes, the older warriors would take turns carrying him on their backs to lighten his load.
During the Long March, Xiang Xuan also experienced many fierce battles. Among them, the Battle of Xiangjiang left the deepest impression on him. The battle was described as the most tragic since the Long March, and the Red Army suffered heavy casualties. Xiang Xuan witnessed his comrades-in-arms fall under the enemy's heavy artillery fire, and the river was stained red with blood. These images were deeply engraved in his mind and became unforgettable memories for the rest of his life.
Despite facing so many difficulties and dangers, Xiang Xuan showed extraordinary courage and tenacity. Not only did he not back down, but he grew rapidly in the process. During the Long March, Xiang Xuan learned how to survive in extreme conditions, how to unite and help his comrades, and how to face the test of life and death without fear. These experiences laid a solid foundation for his later revolutionary career.
After the end of the Long March, Xiang Xuan has grown from an ignorant child to a strong young soldier. His story soon spread among the Red Army and became a model for morale. Many were moved by the courage and perseverance of this young soldier, and his experience became a vivid embodiment of the spirit of the Red Army.
Xiang Xuan's Long March experience is not only a personal growth history, but also a microcosm of China's revolutionary spirit. His story shows how even the youngest warrior can show extraordinary courage and determination in a difficult environment. This experience deeply influenced Xiang Xuan's life, shaping his character and worldview.
In the years that followed, whether in war or peacetime, Xiang Xuan always maintained the indomitable spirit cultivated during the Long March. His story has become a valuable spiritual treasure that inspires future generations, and has also become a unique and touching chapter in the history of the Chinese revolution.
After the end of the Long March, Xiang Xuan did not stop the pace of revolution. With the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, this young soldier threw himself into an even more arduous struggle. During the War of Liberation, Xiang Xuan showed outstanding military talent and revolutionary enthusiasm, and made important contributions to the founding of New China.
In the War of Liberation, Xiang Xuan participated in many important battles. He gradually grew from an ordinary soldier to an excellent commander. In the Liaoshen Campaign, Xiang Xuan led a small detachment deep behind enemy lines, successfully destroying the enemy's communication facilities, and creating favorable conditions for the victory of our army. In the Battle of Huaihai, he led his troops to brave the enemy's artillery fire and successfully broke through the enemy's defensive line, opening a gap for our army's general offensive.
Xiang Xuan's military talent is not only reflected on the battlefield, but also in his innovative spirit. In the case of lack of materials, Xiang Xuan invented a simple artillery known as the "earth cannon". The guns were made from locally available materials and, although not far away, played an important role in close combat. The invention of the "earthen cannon" not only solved the problem of the shortage of weapons in the troops, but also greatly boosted morale. Xiang Xuan's invention was quickly promoted to other troops and became an important supplementary weapon in the later stage of the Liberation War.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xiang Xuan was assigned to work in the Chongqing Military Department. In this new position, he continued to give full play to his talents and made contributions to the construction of New China. An important task that Xiang Xuan was responsible for was to organize and preserve important documents and materials during the war. His careful and meticulous work attitude ensured that these precious historical materials were properly kept, and provided valuable first-hand information for future generations to study this history.
In addition to his daily work, Xiang Xuan also actively participated in the construction of New China. He went to the grassroots level many times to understand the lives of the masses and help solve practical problems. During a survey in the countryside, Xiang Xuan found that local farmers lacked farm tools and had low production efficiency. He immediately reported the situation to his superiors and put forward suggestions for improvement. Thanks to his efforts, the local area soon received a number of new agricultural tools, which greatly improved the efficiency of agricultural production.
However, the arrival of the Cultural Revolution interrupted Xiang Xuan's stable work and life. Because of his kinship with He Long, Xiang Xuan was inevitably involved in political turmoil. He was wrongly criticized, imprisoned, and treated unfairly. But even in such a difficult period, Xiang Xuan still maintained the strong will of a revolutionary fighter. He always believed that the party and the people would eventually recognize the facts and give themselves justice.
Sure enough, with the end of the Cultural Revolution, Xiang Xuan was finally rehabilitated. After regaining his freedom, Xiang Xuan did not resent, but devoted himself to his work with greater enthusiasm. He took the initiative to take part in the large-scale development of the western region. In a small mountain village in Gansu Province, Xiang Xuan leads a team to help local farmers improve production conditions and introduce new technologies. Thanks to his efforts, this once impoverished mountain village has gradually become wealthy, and the lives of the villagers have improved significantly.
Xiang Xuan's life, from a small soldier who participated in the Long March, to a builder of New China, and then to a pioneer in the development of the western region, has always been closely linked to the fate of the country. His experience is not only a history of personal struggle, but also a microcosm of modern Chinese history. Xiang Xuan used his own practical actions to explain what is the true revolutionary spirit and what is loyalty to the party and the people. His story has become a valuable spiritual treasure to inspire future generations.
Xiang Xuan, who entered his old age, although his body was getting weaker and weaker, his revolutionary spirit was still burning. He spends most of his time compiling his memoirs, hoping to leave his experiences to posterity as a valuable historical source.
Xiang Xuan's memoir writing process was not all smooth sailing. Due to his advanced age, his memories are often confused. In order to ensure the accuracy of every detail, Xiang Xuan often needs to go through a large number of historical documents, and even look for his comrades-in-arms for verification. Sometimes, in order to recall a certain detail, he will stay awake all night and think about it repeatedly.
In his memoirs, Xiang Xuan particularly focused on documenting some little-known stories during the Long March. For example, he recalls that while climbing over the Great Snow Mountain, an elderly warrior took off his only cotton coat and gave it to him. The fighter said: "You are still young, you are the future of the revolution, you must live." Such details make Xiang Xuan's memoirs not only a precious historical document, but also a touching revolutionary epic.
In addition to writing his memoirs, Xiang Xuan was often invited to schools and the army to educate him in revolutionary traditions. During one of his lectures, a young student asked him, "How did you manage to endure such a difficult environment?" Xiang Xuan pondered for a moment and replied, "Because we believe that we are fighting for a better China." Such simple and unpretentious words deeply touched the young people present.
In 2010, Xiang Xuan, who was 84 years old, accepted a special invitation. He was invited to participate in the re-walking of the Long March route. Despite the concerns expressed by his family and doctors, Xiang Xuan insisted on walking the road himself. In the process of re-walking, Xiang Xuan stopped from time to time to tell the stories of the year to the reporters and young people accompanying him. When the team came to the site of the Xiangjiang Campaign, tears flashed in Xiang Xuan's eyes. He pointed to a stone by the river and said, "It was here that I watched many of my comrades fall. Such a scene has made the younger generation more deeply understand the sacrifice and dedication of the revolutionary ancestors.
Xiang Xuan's later life was not just memories. He has always followed the development and changes of the country. Whenever he sees TV news reports on China's achievements in various fields, Xiang Xuan always feels sincere joy. He often said: "We shed blood and sacrificed back then for today's happy life." "
In 2015, Xiang Xuan's memoir was finally completed. This book, which is more than 500 pages thick, records his entire experience from joining the army to the founding of New China. The publishing house held a grand launch for the book, which was attended by many historians and journalists. At the press conference, Xiang Xuan said: "I wrote this book, not to promote myself, but to let more people understand that period of hardship and cherish today's happy life." "
After Xiang Xuan's memoirs were published, they caused widespread repercussions in society. Many readers were touched by his experience and posted their impressions on the Internet. A young reader wrote: "After reading Grandpa Xiang Xuan's memoirs, I truly understood what the revolutionary spirit is and what it means to fight for ideals. "
As he grew older, Xiang Xuan's physical condition gradually deteriorated. But he still insisted on reading the newspaper every day and paying attention to national affairs. Even while in his hospital, he often asked about the latest developments in the nurse country. Xiang Xuan said: "My life has always been closely linked to the fate of the motherland, even if I am lying on the hospital bed, I must always care about the development of the motherland." "
Xiang Xuan's life, from joining the army at the age of 7 to being in his 90s, has always been inseparable from China's revolution and construction. His memoirs and later life are not only a record of personal experiences, but also a microcosm of an era. Through his story, we can get a glimpse of those magnificent revolutionary years, and we also cherish today's hard-won happy life.
Comrade Xiang Xuan's life spanned the most turbulent and critical period in China's modern history. His story is not only a personal legend, but also a microcosm of an era. From the young soldiers who participated in the Long March, to the backbone of the construction of New China, to the old revolutionaries who devoted themselves to the education of revolutionary traditions in their later years, Comrade Xiang Xuan's life trajectory is closely linked to the development of the Communist Party of China.
In the military aspect, Comrade Xiang Xuan's contribution cannot be ignored. His tenacity, resourcefulness and bravery during the Long March made an important contribution to the victory of the Red Army. During the War of Liberation, the "earthen cannon" he invented became an important supplementary weapon, embodying the innovative spirit of revolutionary soldiers. This spirit of being able to innovate and seek change under difficult conditions became a microcosm of the PLA's tradition of "self-reliance and arduous struggle."
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Comrade Xiang Xuan played an important role in army building and local development. He participated in the collation and preservation of important documents and materials during the war, providing valuable first-hand information for future generations to study this period of history. These materials not only have important historical value, but also provide an important basis for us to better understand the history of the revolution and inherit the revolutionary spirit today.
Comrade Xiang Xuan's experience of suffering injustice during the Cultural Revolution has also become a microcosm of that special period. However, after his rehabilitation, he still maintained his revolutionary enthusiasm and took the initiative to participate in the work of large-scale development of the western region, thus embodying the lofty character of the revolutionaries of the older generation who "devoted themselves to serving the public interest regardless of personal gains and losses." This spirit is still of great enlightening significance for the building of today's contingent of cadres.
In his later years, Comrade Xiang Xuan devoted himself to the writing of memoirs and the education of revolutionary traditions, which played an important role in inheriting the red gene and carrying forward the revolutionary spirit. His memoirs are not only a record of personal experience, but also a vivid textbook of revolutionary history. Through his narration, the younger generation was able to understand those arduous years and cherish today's hard-won happy life even more.
Comrade Xiang Xuan's deeds have had a wide impact on society. In 2018, the movie "Eternal Warrior" based on him was released nationwide and caused a strong response. The film truly restores Comrade Xiang Xuan's experience of participating in the Long March, devoting himself to the War of Liberation, and building New China, so that more people can understand the heroic deeds of this old revolutionary. After the film's release, many viewers spontaneously organized viewing activities and shared their impressions on social media. A college student wrote on Weibo: "Grandpa Xiang Xuan's story made me understand that great causes need the relay of generation after generation. As young people in the new era, we should study hard and contribute to the development of the motherland. "
In the educational circles, Comrade Xiang Xuan's deeds have also been widely used as material for patriotic education. Many schools have incorporated his story into their school-based textbooks, allowing students to understand the history of the revolution and cultivate patriotic feelings through vivid cases. In a special history class at a middle school in Beijing, the teacher invited Comrade Xiang Xuan's grandson as a special guest to tell the students the story of his grandfather. This form of "oral history" makes history more vivid and gives students a deeper understanding of the deeds of their revolutionary ancestors.
Within the army, the spirit of Comrade Xiang Xuan has also been widely inherited. Many military units have taken his deeds as an important part of their political education and encouraged officers and men to learn from his spirit of defying difficulties and being bold in making innovations. In a certain army unit, officers and men spontaneously organized a theme activity on the theme of "learning the spirit of Xiang Xuan" and deeply experienced the hardships and wisdom of the revolutionary ancestors through re-walking the Long March road and simulating the production of "earthen cannons."
Comrade Xiang Xuan's spiritual legacy is not only reflected in the ideological level, but also inherited in practical work. The Chongqing Military Department, where he once worked, has now set up a study group of "Xiang Xuan Work Method", taking his rigorous and meticulous work style and innovative work attitude as a learning example. This inheritance not only improves work efficiency, but also maintains the vitality of the revolutionary tradition in the new era.
Comrade Xiang Xuan's life is a vivid portrayal of the unremitting struggle and courage of the Chinese Communists. His deeds and spirit have become an important part of China's revolutionary spirit and continue to inspire generation after generation Chinese to work hard to realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.