During the long years of the Chinese Revolution, there is a little-known story about the friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice between a group of classmates from the Yunnan Army Martial Arts Hall. One of them, who later became a marshal of the Chinese Communist Party; Others, on the other hand, held important positions in the Kuomintang camp. However, even in opposing camps, these old classmates still took many risks to help each other, showing a deep friendship that transcends political positions. However, this friendship also comes at a great cost. One of the generals of the Nationalist Army, for helping the communist marshal, was eventually murdered and died on the streets. What kind of friendship can make people risk their lives to help each other? What really happened between these old classmates? What can their stories tell us?
In 1906, the Yunnan Army Lecture Hall ushered in a group of high-spirited young students, including Zhu De, Zhu Peide, Jin Handing, Fan Shisheng and others. Founded by Yunnan Overseer Cai Yi, the military school not only provided students with solid military knowledge, but also became a cradle for them to establish deep friendships.
Zhu De was 22 years old when he entered the school, a few years older than most of his classmates. His calm and down-to-earth personality and excellent academic performance quickly won the respect of his classmates. Zhu Peide is two years younger than Zhu De, but the two are like-minded and often study military theories and martial arts together. Their friendship gradually deepened during the days of the martial arts hall, laying the foundation for sharing adversity in the future.
Jin Handing was Zhu De's classmate, and he was cheerful and sociable. In his spare time, Jin Handing often organizes students to discuss the current situation and discuss ways to save the country. These discussions not only strengthened the relationship between the students, but also planted the seeds for their future political ideas.
Fan Shisheng was a year younger than Zhu De, but his military talent was outstanding. In 1909, Fan Shisheng was selected into the special class with Zhu De because of his excellent grades. The two get along day and night in the special class and become friends of Jin Lan. They often stayed up all night talking, imagining their future military careers and aspiring to serve their country.
In the days of the martial arts hall, the reputation of "Model Erzhu" gradually spread. Whenever a foreign consul came to visit Wutang, Li Gengen, the general office, always assigned Zhu De and Zhu Peide to direct the exercise. The two worked well together and commanded well, which was impressive. This experience not only boosted their self-confidence, but also allowed them to build prestige among their classmates.
However, the friendship between classmates has not always been easy. After the outbreak of the Xinhai Revolution in 1911, the students of the lecture hall joined the revolution one after another. Zhu De and some of his classmates participated in the anti-Qing uprising, while others chose to wait and see. This was the first time they had a disagreement over their different political positions, but their friendship was not broken.
After graduating, these students went their separate ways. Zhu De, Zhu Peide and others stayed in Yunnan and participated in Yunnan's military and political affairs. Jin Handing went to Guangdong and joined the revolutionary ranks led by Sun Yat-sen. Fan Shisheng rose to prominence in the Yunnan army and soon became an outstanding general.
Despite their different paths, they have always kept in touch. Every festival or major event, they will exchange letters, greet each other, and share the latest news. This connection, which transcends geography and time, keeps their friendship alive.
In 1925, Zhu De joined the Chinese Communist Party. This choice left him at a fundamental disagreement with the political positions of most of his classmates. Surprisingly, however, this did not end their friendship, but rather the beginning of a test of their friendship.
In the years that followed, Zhu De encountered danger many times, and each time an old classmate reached out to help. This friendship that transcends political positions not only reflects the deep affection between them, but also shows the charm of their respective personalities. It is this kind of friendship that allows them to maintain their trust and support for each other in the changing times.
In the spring of 1927, the political situation in China was changing. Chiang Kai-shek staged the April 12 coup d'état in Shanghai and purged the Communists. This sudden political storm put Zhu De, who was in Jiangxi, into a dangerous situation. However, it was at this critical moment that his old classmates reached out and provided him with valuable shelter and support.
Zhu Peide, then chairman of the Kuomintang Jiangxi provincial government, was faced with a difficult choice. As a high-ranking Kuomintang official, he was responsible for carrying out Chiang Kai-shek's "Qing Communist" orders. But as Zhu De's old classmate, he couldn't bear to see his former friends persecuted. In this ambivalence, Zhu Peide adopts a delicate balancing act.
Zhu Peide originally planned to "gift" only Communist Party members who held political work positions and had their identities exposed. However, when he learned that the identities of more than 140 communists in the Third Army were all exposed, he had to "gift" all of them out of the country. Zhu De was also among the "gifts". This act of "gifting" was ostensibly carrying out the order of the "purging the Communist Party," but in fact it gave these communists a glimmer of life and avoided the more serious consequences they might suffer.
Although Zhu Peide's move seemed to be expelling Communist Party members, it actually bought Zhu De and others valuable time and opportunities. He did not immediately arrest the men and did not report the situation to his superiors, but gave them the opportunity to leave. This approach undoubtedly carries a huge political risk, but Zhu Peide still did it, which shows the depth of his friendship for Zhu De.
In late June 1927, when Zhu De left Nanchang and passed through Jiujiang, he was warmly received by another old classmate, Jin Handing. At that time, Jin Handing, who was already the commander of the northern Jiangxi garrison area, disregarded the political risks that might be brought about, personally arranged for the troops to line up to welcome Zhu De, and also ordered the military horn to be sounded three times in salute. This kind of high-standard reception not only reflects Jin Handing's respect for Zhu De, but also provides protection for Zhu De to a certain extent.
Jin Handing's move was undoubtedly very risky in the political environment at that time. He could have chosen to turn a blind eye or take a more cautious approach. However, he chose to openly welcome Zhu De, and this courage and righteousness fully reflected the deep friendship between them.
After Zhu De left Jiujiang, he went directly to Wuhan to report the situation to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. At this time, the CCP was secretly planning an armed uprising. On July 20, Zhu De returned to Jiujiang again and found Jin Handing. Although Jin Handing was already very busy at this time and was about to go to Lushan to attend the meeting, he still found time to meet Zhu De and told him that Zhu Peide had called and said that Wang Jingwei and Zhang Fakui had gone to Lushan and had important matters to discuss.
Jin Handing's information, which seems ordinary, actually provides Zhu De with important information. It allowed Zhu De to understand the movements of the Kuomintang top brass and made important strategic judgments for the next Nanchang uprising. Whether Kim realized that he had inadvertently leaked such important information is unknown, but it once again proves his trust in Zhu De.
At the same time, another old classmate, Yang Ruxuan, was also secretly supporting. Yang Ruxuan was the commander of the 27th Division of the 9th Army of the National Revolutionary Army at that time, stationed in Linchuan. On the eve of the Nanchang Uprising, Zhu De wrote a letter to Yang Ruxuan, persuading him to join the revolutionary ranks. Although Yang Ruxuan did not respond to Zhu De's call in the end, he did not report the letter to his superiors, but chose to remain silent. This silence, in the political environment at the time, was undoubtedly a silent support.
The secret assistance of these old classmates created favorable conditions for the success of the Nanchang Uprising. Their support, whether overt or implicit, not only reflected their trust and friendship with Zhu De, but also reflected their dissatisfaction with the political situation at that time and their sympathy for the revolution to a certain extent. This complex mentality is the epitome of that era.
On August 1, 1927, the Nanchang Uprising broke out. As one of the main leaders of the uprising, Zhu De led the troops to Guangdong. However, the rebel army was soon surrounded and suppressed by the Kuomintang army, and the situation took a sharp turn for the worse. At this critical moment, Zhu De once again received assistance from his old classmates, so that he was able to turn the crisis around.
After the rebel army retreated to the territory of Guangdong, it faced a serious shortage of troops and supplies. Zhu De realized that if he did not receive timely support, the rebel army would face the danger of total annihilation. In this situation, Jude decided to turn to his old classmates for help.
Zhu De first wrote a letter of help to Yang Ruxuan. Yang Ruxuan was the commander of the 27th Division of the 9th Army of the National Revolutionary Army at that time, stationed in Linchuan, Jiangxi. Although Yang Ruxuan did not directly provide material assistance, he adopted a "turn a blind eye" attitude. He did not report Zhu De's letter of request for help to his superiors, nor did he take any action to obstruct the actions of the rebels. This kind of passive support was already a very risky behavior in the political environment at the time.
Yang Ruxuan's attitude bought Zhu De valuable time. If he chooses to report the letter, it is likely that the Kuomintang army will more quickly encircle and suppress the rebels. Yang Ruxuan's silence is undoubtedly a silent support for Zhu De.
At the same time, Zhu De also asked another old classmate, Fan Shisheng, for help. Fan Shisheng was a member of the Guangdong Provincial Government and commander-in-chief of the 4th Group Army at the time, and had considerable influence in Guangdong. After receiving Zhu De's letter for help, Fan Shisheng immediately took action.
Fan Shisheng first took advantage of his position to secretly provide Zhu De with important military information, including the deployment of the Kuomintang army and the offensive plan. This information played a key role in the rebels' strategic decision-making, allowing them to better evade the enemy's encirclement.
Not only that, Fan Shisheng also took a huge political risk and secretly deployed a batch of weapons, ammunition and military supplies and delivered them to the rebel army through covert channels. The timely arrival of this batch of supplies greatly relieved the supply pressure of the rebel army, allowing them to continue to fight.
Fan Shisheng's actions are undoubtedly playing with fire and self-immolation. If found out by his superiors, he would not only lose his position, but could even be executed for treason. However, Fan Shisheng still chose to help Zhu De, which fully reflects the deep friendship between them.
In addition to Yang Ruxuan and Fan Shisheng, some of Zhu De's other old classmates also secretly helped. Some used their networks to provide a hidden place for the rebels to recuperate; Some used their influence to spread public opinion in favor of the rebels among the local population; Others deliberately slowed down the pace of pursuit when the rebels retreated, giving the rebels more time to breathe.
These seemingly small helps, however, were particularly valuable in the current situation. They not only provided substantial support to the rebel army, but also gave Zhu De great spiritual encouragement. In that stormy period, being able to get the support of his old classmates undoubtedly made Zhu De feel the warmth of humanity and the power of friendship.
With the assistance of his old classmates, the rebel army led by Zhu De finally passed the most dangerous period. Although the uprising did not ultimately achieve the expected success, the main forces of the rebel army were preserved, laying the foundation for the later revolutionary struggle. Zhu De led his troops into Jinggangshan and joined forces with the Autumn Harvest Uprising led by Mao Zedong, opening up a revolutionary road for the countryside to encircle the city.
This experience not only demonstrated Zhu De's military talent and political wisdom, but also demonstrated the deep friendship between him and his old classmates. Although most of these old classmates did not join the Communist Party, they reached out to Zhu De in his most critical moment, showing the brilliance of humanity beyond political positions. However, this assistance also carries great risks for them, and some of them pay a heavy price for it.
On October 1, 1949, the People's Republic of China was founded. As one of the founding fathers of New China, Zhu De stood on the tower of Tiananmen Square and witnessed this historic moment. At this exhilarating moment, Zhu De couldn't help but think of his old classmates who helped him in the most difficult period of his life.
In the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Zhu De, as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, was busy with work. However, he never forgot the old classmates who helped him. In the spring of 1950, Zhu De specially arranged a party with his old classmates. The gathering was held in a quiet courtyard in Beijing, attended by Zhu Peide, Jin Handing, Yang Ruxuan, and others.
The atmosphere of the party was both warm and complex. Zhu De warmly greeted each of the old classmates who arrived, shook hands with them cordially, and asked them about their current situation. Zhu Peide has stepped down from his post as chairman of the Jiangxi provincial government and is recuperating in Beijing. Jin Handing, because of his identity in the Kuomintang period, was in the observation period at this time. Yang Ruxuan, on the other hand, stayed on the mainland because he did not follow the Kuomintang in retreating to Taiwan.
During the banquet, Zhu De recalled various past events before and after the Nanchang Uprising. He said with emotion: "If it weren't for your help back then, I might have died a long time ago, where can I still see today's victory." Zhu Peide responded with a smile: "We are all classmates, and it is appropriate to help each other." Jin Handing said: "Receiving you in Jiujiang back then was one of the most correct decisions I have ever made in my life." "
During the meeting, Zhu De made a special mention of the deceased Fan Shisheng. Fan Shisheng was suspected by the Kuomintang and persecuted for secretly helping Zhu De during the Guangdong period, and finally died of illness in 1948. Zhu De was saddened by what happened to Fan Shisheng, saying: "Brother Shisheng paid the price with his life in order to help me. We will never forget his sacrifice. "
At this gathering, Zhu De also specially arranged some young staff members to introduce the achievements of New China to the old students. He hopes that in this way, these old classmates who have helped him can feel the hope and vitality of New China.
However, the atmosphere of the party was not always relaxed. Some of the old classmates were worried about their future because they had served in the Kuomintang government. Zhu De sensed this, and he solemnly assured everyone: "As long as they are not guilty of serious crimes, the new government will give leniency." We need talents from all walks of life to build a new China. "
The gathering lasted a whole day. At the time of parting, Zhu De personally sent every old classmate to the door. He held their hands, his eyes full of affection. Zhu De said: "No matter what happens in the future, we will always be classmates and friends." "
However, the wheels of history do not always move according to the will of individuals. With the changes in the political situation in New China, Zhu De's contact with these old classmates gradually decreased. Some have been criticized for historical reasons, and some have chosen to fade out of the political arena. Although Zhu De wanted to protect these old classmates, he was limited in the political environment at the time.
In 1966, the Cultural Revolution broke out. Zhu De himself has been criticized. In this case, he is even more unable to take care of these old classmates. Some of the old classmates were affected by the movement, and some were even branded as "counter-revolutionaries". Zhu De was deeply saddened by this, but in that special era, there was nothing he could do.
It wasn't until the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976 that Zhu De had the opportunity to meet his surviving old classmates again. However, the reunion at this time has been accompanied by vicissitudes and melancholy. Many have passed away, and the rest are old. Zhu De lamented at a private gathering: "Our generation has experienced too many ups and downs. It's a great blessing to be able to meet again. "
On July 6, 1976, Zhu De died in Beijing at the age of 90. In the last moments of his life, he still thinks about his old classmates. According to Zhu De's secretary's recollection, Zhu De once muttered the names of several old classmates when he was dying, as if he had returned to that stormy era, back to those days when he fought side by side and helped each other.
2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 135th anniversary of Zhu De's birth. In this special year, people revisit the friendship between Zhu De and his classmates, drawing historical wisdom and strength from it.
In Zhu De's hometown in Yilong County, Sichuan Province, a newly completed memorial hall has attracted widespread attention. This memorial hall is different from the traditional memorial hall of revolutionary leaders, and it is dedicated to the interaction between Zhu De and his classmates. The museum displays a large number of precious historical photos, letters and cultural relics, vividly reproducing the deep friendship between Zhu De and his classmates.
A special exhibition area of the memorial hall aroused great interest among visitors. Titled "A Helping Hand in Distress," the exhibit details how Zhu De received help from his classmates after the failure of the Nanchang Uprising in 1927. In the center of the exhibition hangs a huge map showing Zhu De's retreat route and the help he received in various places. Each student who helped Zhu De had a special introduction, including their identity and background, the specific content of the help, and their later fate.
In one corner of the exhibition area, there is a small exhibition called "Hidden Supporters", which is dedicated to the students who secretly helped Zhu De but never made it public. Some of these people were Kuomintang officers, some were local dignitaries, and they took great risks to provide Zhu De with intelligence, supplies, or cover. The exhibition provokes visitors to ponder how, in those turbulent times, friendship transcended the boundaries of political positions and became the most precious part of human nature.
Another exhibition area of the memorial hall is called "Reunion after Victory", which records the reunion of Zhu De and his old classmates in the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China. This section displays photographs from the party, memoirs of participants, and some of Jude's later letters to his classmates. From these materials, one can get a sense of Zhu De's gratitude to his old classmates and his efforts to protect them in the new political environment.
However, the memorial does not shy away from the complexities of history. In the "Shadows of the Times" exhibition area, the experience of persecution of some of Zhu De's old classmates during the Cultural Revolution is recorded in detail. This exhibit sparked a discussion among many visitors: How to maintain humanity and sanity in the midst of political movements? How to maintain friendship during special times?
At the exit of the memorial, there is a "Wall of Friendship" with some classic conversations between Zhu De and his classmates. One of the most striking is a sentence that Zhu De said in his later years: "No matter how the times change, sincere friendship will always be the most precious treasure in life." "
In addition to the memorial, the story of Zhu De and his classmates has also spread in other forms. In 2021, a TV series called "Classmates' Love" will be broadcast nationwide. From Zhu De's point of view, this drama tells the various interactions he had with his classmates after graduating from Yunnan Jiangwutang. The play not only shows Zhu De's revolutionary process, but also focuses on the friendship between him and his classmates. There is a particularly touching plot in the play: after the failure of the Nanchang Uprising, Zhu De risked his life to visit his sick old classmate, who still provided shelter to Zhu De despite his different positions.
In the academic world, Zhu De's interaction with his classmates has also become a popular research topic. The history departments of a number of universities have organized academic seminars to explore the implications of this period of history for modern society. Some scholars pointed out that Zhu De's interactions with his classmates embody the spirit of "friendship and friendship with literature" in traditional Chinese culture. Some scholars believe that this history reveals the complexity of human nature and the value of friendship in the revolutionary era.
In all walks of life, the story of Zhu De and his classmates has also sparked extensive discussions. Many people are beginning to wonder: can we still maintain such deep friendships in today's society? In the face of conflicts of interest, can we still lend a helping hand in times of crisis, as Zhu De's classmates did?
Student clubs in some colleges and universities have followed the example of Zhu De and his classmates and launched "classmates love" activities. They encourage students to form strong friendships and support each other later in life. Some entrepreneurs have also been inspired to pay more attention to integrity and friendship in business cooperation, believing that this is a more valuable career foundation than simply pursuing profits.
In international exchanges, the stories of Zhu De and his classmates are also frequently mentioned. In some diplomatic occasions, Chinese leaders have used this story to illustrate the traditional Chinese culture that values friendship, as well as the Chinese character of "seeing truth in adversity". This story has become a vivid example of the promotion of international friendship.