One day in 1952, an unusual thing happened in front of Zhongnanhai Gate in Beijing. A plainly dressed middle-aged man stood at the door, insisting on going in to see Chairman Mao. The guards routinely intercepted him, but the man took out a letter claiming to be Chairman Mao's sworn brother.
Who is this man who claims to be Chairman Mao's brother? Why is he able to hold Chairman Mao's handwritten letter? What is the relationship between him and Chairman Mao? Faced with this sudden situation, the guards fell into confusion for a while. What should they do with this particular visitor?
As the news spreads to the interior of Zhongnanhai, a long-sealed past is about to be revealed. What kind of unknown past does this blacksmith have with the top leader of New China? What kind of surprises and emotions will their reunion bring to each other?
Zhu Qisheng's early life
In a remote mountain village in Daye County, Hubei Province, in 1891, Zhu Qisheng fell to the ground. His parents were ordinary local farmers who had been farming for generations. The Zhu family has four sons, and Zhu Qisheng is the third. In that era of scarcity of materials, the life of a family of six was extremely difficult.
Zhu Qisheng has been working in the fields with his parents since he was a child. They grow mainly rice and corn, and in good years, they can barely make ends meet. Every harvest season, Zhu Qisheng and his brothers always happily helped, hoping to fetch more food. However, the heavy farm work did not make the family's life much better.
In 1903, 12-year-old Zhu Qisheng saw that his family was too poor and decided to go out to find a way to live. He heard that a blacksmith shop in a neighboring village was recruiting apprentices, so he took the initiative to ask for apprentices. Although the parents were reluctant, they also understood that this might be an opportunity for their son to change his fate, so they tearfully agreed.
In this way, Zhu Qisheng left his home, where he had lived for more than ten years, and came to the blacksmith shop in a neighboring village. Zhu Qisheng, who first arrived at the blacksmith shop, was both excited and scared in the face of the unfamiliar environment. The owner of the blacksmith shop was a middle-aged man in his fifties who looked very stern. He said to Zhu Qisheng: "Boy, since you are here, you have to endure hardships. It's not easy to strike iron, you have to be mentally prepared. "
Zhu Qisheng nodded, secretly determined to learn the craft well. However, the reality is far more difficult than he imagined. Every day, you have to get up before dawn, make a fire, prepare tools, and start your day's work. The work of striking iron is extremely hard, not only to face the heat, but also to constantly swing a heavy hammer. Zhu Qisheng's thin body was often unbearable, but he gritted his teeth and persevered, not daring to slack off.
In addition to striking iron, Zhu Qisheng is also responsible for repairing umbrellas. This may seem like a simple job, but it also requires a lot of patience and care. Zhu Qisheng was often confused by various parts, but he never complained, but practiced over and over again until he mastered the essentials.
However, hard work has not been rewarded with fair treatment. The owner of the blacksmith shop often beats and scolds Zhu Qisheng for no reason, sometimes just because of a small mistake. Zhu Qisheng swallowed his anger and didn't dare to resist, so he could only bear it silently. What saddened him the most was that despite all the work he had done, he often didn't have enough to eat. Sometimes, he was so hungry that he could only secretly scoop a spoonful of rice to satisfy his hunger.
In 1909, Hunan suffered severe flooding. The disaster not only caused widespread crop losses, but also led to soaring food prices. The business of the blacksmith shop was also affected, and the temper of the owner became more irritable. One day, Zhu Qisheng was so hungry that he couldn't stand it, so he secretly ate a little white rice left in the iron can by the boss. Unexpectedly, when he was discovered by the boss, he was furious, and while pulling Zhu Qisheng's ears, he scolded: "You wolf cub who can't be fed!" "
Zhu Qisheng couldn't bear it anymore, and finally collided back. The boss didn't say a word, raised his hand and slapped him twice, and said viciously: "I can't afford to provoke you's 'pig braincase', you can get out of here for me now!" "
In this way, Zhu Qisheng was kicked out of the blacksmith shop. He packed his simple luggage and embarked on a long road to survival with confusion and fear for the future. This year, Zhu Qisheng was 18 years old, in his youth, but he had to face the cruel reality alone.
After leaving the blacksmith shop, Zhu Qisheng found that he had nowhere to go. He had no relatives or friends to turn to, and he was reluctant to return home to burden his parents. In desperation, he could only beg along the road and barely survive. During this time, Zhu Qisheng has experienced many hardships, but it has also made him stronger. He secretly vowed that he must find a way out and change his fate.
The first encounter with Mao Zedong
In the autumn of 1909, Zhu Qisheng came to the vicinity of Changsha. Just as he was worried about his livelihood, an announcement of the government recruiting new troops caught his attention. For Zhu Qisheng, this is undoubtedly an opportunity to change his fate. However, joining the army is not an easy task. The Qing court had strict requirements for the new army: no more than 26 years old, no less than 1.6 meters tall, and no bad habits such as smoking and drinking.
Although Zhu Qisheng meets these conditions, his road to joining the army is still difficult due to his lack of background. He ran around, begging those with a modicum of influence to intercede for him. After unremitting efforts, Zhu Qisheng finally obtained the qualification to join the army and was incorporated into the team led by Zhao Hengxi.
Although life after enlisting in the army was hard, it was a ray of hope for Zhu Qisheng. He trained hard in the barracks and worked hard to improve his military skills. Whenever he encounters a battle, Zhu Qisheng always charges forward and is not afraid. His bravery and efforts were soon appreciated by his superiors.
At this moment, a tall and thin young man caught Zhu Qisheng's attention. This young man's name is Mao Zedong, two years younger than Zhu Qisheng, and he is from Xiangtan County, Hunan. Mao Zedong also wanted to join the army, but because he was not strong enough, he was never able to do so.
Zhu Qisheng saw that Mao Zedong was rejected many times and felt sympathy. He took the initiative to talk to Mao Zedong and learned that the other party had come to join the army in order to join the revolution. Zhu Qisheng was moved by Mao's ambition and decided to help the young man.
Zhu Qisheng used some of his connections accumulated in the army to intercede for Mao Zedong. He emphasized Mao Zedong's knowledge and talents to his superiors, believing that such talents would be very helpful to the new army. With Zhu Qisheng's efforts, Mao Zedong finally got the opportunity to join the army.
Mao Zedong was very grateful for Zhu Qisheng's help. Although the two are of the same age, Zhu Qisheng has more seniority in the army, so he considers himself an elder brother and takes care of Mao Zedong's daily life. Mao Zedong often discussed the current situation with Zhu Qisheng and shared his views on the future of the country.
During the days in the barracks, the friendship between Zhu Qisheng and Mao Zedong grew deeper and deeper. They often train together and encourage each other. Although Zhu Qisheng did not have a high level of education, he left a deep impression on Mao Zedong with his hard-working and loyal character. Mao Zedong used his knowledge and insights to broaden Zhu Qisheng's horizons.
One day, Mao Zedong proposed to marry Zhu Qisheng as opposite-sex brothers. In those days, kowtowing was a solemn ritual that symbolized deep friendship and mutual aid. Zhu Qisheng readily agreed, and the two swore to the sky on a starry night and became brothers.
Since then, Zhu Qisheng and Mao Zedong have been called brothers. Zhu Qisheng likes to call Mao Zedong "Runzhi's younger brother", because "Runzhi" is Mao Zedong's cousin. Mao Zedong affectionately called Zhu Qisheng "his promoted brother". This brotherhood has become a precious memory for the two in the long years to come.
In the barracks, Zhu Qisheng and Mao Zedong were not only brothers, but also each other's confidants. They often had long conversations in the dead of night to discuss national affairs and personal ideals. Mao Zedong introduced many new ideas to Zhu Qisheng, which gave Zhu Qisheng a deeper understanding of the world. Zhu Qisheng used his life experience to make Mao Zedong more aware of the suffering of ordinary people.
In 1911, the Xinhai Revolution broke out. As an important force of the revolution, the Forces nouvelles took an active part in it. Both Zhu Qisheng and Mao Zedong threw themselves into the tide that changed China's destiny. They fought side by side and witnessed the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the birth of the Republic of China.
However, the victory of the revolution did not bring long-term peace and stability to China. In 1912, the revolutionary army began to be disbanded. Zhu Qisheng and Mao Zedong faced different choices. Zhu Qisheng decided to return to his hometown to work as a farmer, while Mao Zedong chose to continue his revolutionary cause.
On the occasion of separation, the two were reluctant. Zhu Qisheng said to Mao Zedong: "Brother Runzhi, although we are going to separate, the brotherhood will never change. No matter where you go or what you do, I will always have your back. Mao Zedong also said that no matter what the future holds, he will never forget Zhu Qisheng's help and friendship.
In this way, Zhu Qisheng and Mao Zedong left Changsha for the time being, and each embarked on a different life path. No one thought that this parting would be nearly 40 years. In these long years, how the fate of the two will change dramatically, and how they will reunite, these are all unpredictable at that time.
The two went their separate ways, and Zhu Qisheng returned to his hometown to farm
In 1912, Zhu Qisheng bid farewell to his sworn brother Mao Zedong and embarked on the journey back to his hometown. This year, Zhu Qisheng was 21 years old and in the prime of life. After returning to his hometown in Daye, Hubei, Zhu Qisheng found that the situation at home had not improved much. The parents are old, the younger siblings still need to be taken care of, and the family's land is much deserted.
Faced with such a situation, Zhu Qisheng decided to take on the burden of the family. He first set out to tidy up the abandoned fields and put into practice what he had learned about farming. Zhu Qisheng got up early and greedy for darkness, worked tirelessly to cultivate, and slowly rejuvenated his family's fields.
In addition to farming, Zhu Qisheng also used the blacksmith skills he learned in the military camp to open a small blacksmith shop in the village. He repaired farm tools and made simple metal products for the villagers. This side job not only increased some income for the family, but also gave Zhu Qisheng a certain status in the village.
In 1914, Zhu Qi was promoted to marriageable age. At the behest of his parents, he married a girl from a neighboring village. Newlywed Yan'er, Zhu Qisheng's life seems to be on the right track. However, fate is always full of uncertainties.
In 1915, Yuan Shikai became emperor, triggering a nationwide wave of opposition. Although Zhu Qisheng has left the barracks for many years, he still cares about national affairs. He often discussed the current situation with the people in the village and expressed his dissatisfaction with Yuan Shikai's perverse behavior.
In this turbulent era, Zhu Qisheng's first child was born. The sense of responsibility as a father makes Zhu Qisheng work more diligently, hoping to create a better living environment for his children.
However, a major drought in 1916 shattered Zhu's peaceful life. The drought has led to crop failures and many farmers are struggling. Zhu Qisheng's family was not spared, and the crops they had worked so hard to grow were almost non-reapable.
Faced with such a predicament, Zhu Qisheng decided to go out to make a living. He entrusted the affairs of the family to his younger brother, and he went to Wuhan to look for opportunities. In Wuhan, Zhu Qisheng relied on his blacksmith skills to find work in a factory.
Life in a factory is much harder than in the countryside. Zhu Qisheng has to work more than ten hours a day, but his salary is pitiful. But for the sake of his family, he gritted his teeth and persevered. In the factory, Zhu Qisheng got to know some workers from all over the country. They often exchange information about their hometowns and discuss the future of their country.
In 1917, Zhu Qisheng heard the news of the October Revolution in Russia in the factory. What happened in this faraway country reminded him of a conversation with Mao Zedong many years ago. Zhu Qisheng began to wonder whether China could also have such a change.
In 1919, the May Fourth Movement broke out. Although he was in Wuhan, Zhu Qisheng also felt the impact of the movement. He saw that more and more workers began to care about national affairs and began to participate in various social activities.
In this year, Zhu Qisheng received a letter from home and learned that his father was seriously ill. He immediately quit his job at the factory and rushed back to his hometown. After returning home, Zhu Qisheng found that his father's condition was already very serious. He sought medical advice everywhere, but he was unable to return to heaven after all. The death of his father made Zhu Qisheng deeply feel the impermanence of life, and also made him cherish the life in front of him even more.
After losing his father, Zhu Qisheng decided to stay in his hometown and take care of his mother and younger siblings. He returned to farming, but he did not give up his blacksmithing skills. Zhu Qisheng's diligence and kindness won the respect of the villagers, and he gradually became an important figure in the village.
In 1921, the news of the founding of the Communist Party of China reached Zhu Qisheng's ears. Although he had not seen Mao Zedong for many years, Zhu Qisheng vaguely felt that the news might be related to his sworn brother. However, Zhu Qisheng didn't have much time to think about these distant things. Family responsibilities and rural life occupy most of his energy.
In this way, Zhu Qisheng spent a long time in his hometown. He raised children, took care of the elderly, cultivated the land, repaired farm tools. Although life is dull, Zhu Qisheng does not regret it. He often thinks of his days in the barracks, and of Mao Zedong, a young man full of ideals. Zhu Qisheng didn't know where Mao Zedong was now or what he was doing, but he believed that his sworn brother must be fighting to realize his ideals.
After more than 40 years of separation, Mao Zedong and Zhu Qisheng met again
On October 1, 1949, the People's Republic of China was founded. This major historical event has caused tremendous repercussions throughout the country, and Zhu Qisheng of Daye, Hubei Province, also heard the news on the radio. At this time, Zhu Qisheng was 58 years old, his sideburns were white, and his face was covered with the vicissitudes of time. He remembered the days with Mao Zedong in the barracks many years ago, but he didn't expect that the tall and thin young man had now become the founder of New China.
With the development of land reform, Zhu Qisheng actively participated in it as a poor peasant. He contributes his years of farming experience to help other farmers in his village increase their yields. Zhu Qisheng's enthusiasm and ability were appreciated by the local cadres, and he was elected as the village's production captain.
In the spring of 1951, Zhu Qisheng was in the field to guide the villagers in spring ploughing, when suddenly someone on a bicycle hurried to inform him to go to the county for a meeting immediately. Zhu Qisheng wondered in his heart, not knowing what was going on. He hurriedly packed up and set out on the road to the county seat.
When he arrived at the county seat, Zhu Qisheng found that he was not the only one who was called, but the surrounding towns and villages had sent representatives. Everyone got together, talked a lot, and guessed the content of the meeting. Suddenly, the venue was quiet, and a cadre in a tunic stepped forward and announced a shocking news to everyone: Chairman Mao was coming to Hubei to inspect!
When Zhu Qisheng heard the news, his heart turned upside down. He didn't expect that after more than 40 years of separation, he would have the opportunity to see his sworn brother again. After the meeting, Zhu Qisheng took the initiative to propose to the cadres in the county, hoping to meet Chairman Mao. At first, the cadres were confused by Zhu Qisheng's request, but when Zhu Qisheng recounted his association with Mao Zedong when he was young, the cadres decided to report the situation.
In the following days, Zhu Qisheng was both excited and apprehensive. He didn't know if Mao Zedong remembered him or if he had a chance to meet him. But Zhu Qisheng still prepared carefully every day, cleaned up his blacksmith shop, and deliberately found some old things when he was in the barracks.
Finally, on an early summer morning in 1952, Zhu Qisheng received a notice that Chairman Mao agreed to discuss him. Zhu Qisheng's hands trembled, put on his neatest clothes, and brought a carefully prepared gift - a sickle he had made with his own hands, which was his proud work as a blacksmith.
The meeting was held in a conference room at the county government. When Zhu Qisheng walked into the room, he saw a burly figure standing with his back to the door. Hearing footsteps, the man turned around, and it was Mao Zedong. Although the years left traces on the faces of the two, that familiar gaze suddenly pulled Zhu Qisheng back to the military camp more than forty years ago.
Mao Zedong smiled and said, "Brother Qisheng, I haven't seen you for a long time." Zhu Qisheng was speechless for a while, so he could only nod his head. Mao Zedong walked over and patted Zhu Qisheng's shoulder cordially, and the two began to reminisce like old friends who had not seen each other for many years.
Zhu Qisheng told Mao Zedong about his experience over the years, from returning to his hometown to work in the countryside to going out to work, and now serving as the captain of the production team. Mao Zedong listened attentively and nodded from time to time. When Zhu Qisheng talked about the changes brought about by the land reform in the village, Mao Zedong was particularly interested and inquired in detail about the specific situation.
Mao Zedong also briefed Zhu Qisheng on the course of the revolution over the years, from Jinggangshan to Yan'an, and then to the arduous process of national liberation. Zhu Qisheng listened attentively and felt sincerely proud of the achievements of his sworn brother.
During the conversation, Mao Zedong noticed the sickle brought by Zhu Qisheng. Zhu Qisheng respectfully handed the sickle to Mao Zedong, explaining that it was made by himself. Mao Zedong took the sickle, looked at it carefully, and praised: "What a sickle, very sharp." This is the wisdom and strength of our working people. "
Although the meeting was not long, it was unforgettable for Zhu Qisheng. When parting, Mao Zedong instructed Zhu Qisheng to continue to work hard and contribute to the construction of New China. Zhu Qisheng nodded solemnly in agreement, tears flashing in his eyes.
After this reunion, Zhu Qisheng returned to the village and devoted himself more enthusiastically to agricultural production. He often told the villagers about his interactions with Chairman Mao and encouraged them to work hard for the construction of New China. Zhu Qisheng's story has become a good story in the local area and has become a spiritual force that inspires people.
A good brother forever in the hearts of the people
On September 9, 1976, the news of Chairman Mao Zedong's death spread throughout the country, and Daye County, Hubei Province, where Zhu Qisheng was located, was also immersed in grief. At this time, Zhu Qisheng was 85 years old, with white sideburns, but he was still in good spirits. Hearing this bad news, Zhu Qisheng sat silently in his small courtyard, recalling the bits and pieces of his acquaintance with Mao Zedong.
Zhu Qisheng's son saw his father's appearance and knew that he must be nostalgic for that past. So, he asked softly: "Dad, can you tell us more about the story between you and Chairman Mao?" Zhu Qisheng nodded, slowly spoke, and told his family and the villagers who heard the news about him and Mao Zedong.
Zhu Qisheng began with his acquaintance with Mao Zedong in the Hunan New Army in 1911, describing how the two became like-minded friends and supported each other in the difficult life of the barracks. He singled out their discussion of China's future, when Mao Zedong expressed deep concern about the country's fate and determination to change the status quo.
Then, Zhu Qisheng talked about the scene when the two were separated in 1912. At that time, Mao Zedong was full of spirit and determined to continue his studies and fight to change China; Zhu Qisheng chose to return to his hometown to farm and take care of his family. Although the two have diverged in life, the brotherhood has always existed.
Zhu Qisheng also described the scene when he met Mao Zedong again in 1952. He recalled: "That day, I went to see Chairman Mao with the sickle I had built. Although I hadn't seen me for more than 40 years, he recognized me at a sight and affectionately called me 'Brother Qisheng'. We talked about the past and the construction of New China. Chairman Mao was particularly concerned about the situation in our rural areas and inquired in detail about the changes brought about by the land reform in the villages. "
Hearing this, the villagers all showed admiration. Some of them still remember that after Zhu Qisheng returned from the county, he excitedly told everyone about meeting Chairman Mao. At that time, Zhu Qisheng's story became a good story in the village and became a force to inspire everyone.
Zhu Qisheng continued: "Chairman Mao has always been worried about the lives of our ordinary people. He told me to work hard and contribute to the construction of New China. Over the years, I have always kept in mind his entrustment and done my best to contribute to the development of the village. "
Speaking of this, Zhu Qisheng paused, and a trace of imperceptible tears flashed in his eyes. He continued: "Although Chairman Mao and I have different life paths, we are both working towards the same goal – that is, to make a good life for us Chinese." "
The villagers listened attentively and nodded their heads in agreement from time to time. Someone asked: "Grandpa Zhu, what do you think is the most admirable thing about Chairman Mao?" "
Zhu Qisheng thought for a while and replied: "What I admire most about Chairman Mao is that he never forgets his original intention. From the conversation we had in the barracks when we were young, to the fact that he led the revolution later, to the governance of the country after the establishment of New China, Chairman Mao has always worked for the welfare of the people. He has not forgotten our original ideals and ambitions. "
With Zhu Qisheng's narration, the villagers seem to have returned to that turbulent era. Everyone discussed the changes in the village since the founding of the People's Republic of China. Some people talk about land reform, some people talk about the great iron and steel smelting, and others talk about the impact of the people's communization movement.
Zhu Qisheng listened to everyone's discussion and nodded from time to time. "yes, we've been through a lot over the years," he said. There are times of joy and hardship. But as Chairman Mao said, 'without a people's army, there is nothing for the people'. We farmers are also part of this 'people's army', and only when we work together can we create a better future." "
As night fell, the villagers reluctantly bid farewell to Zhu Qisheng. Zhu Qisheng's son helped the old man back to the house, but found that his father was still immersed in memories. Zhu Qisheng muttered: "Comrade Mao Zedong is gone, but he will always live in the hearts of the people. We will continue to work hard to carry out his unfinished business to the end. "
Since then, Mr. Zhu has often told young people about his relationship with Mao. These stories have not only become valuable memories in the village, but also spiritual wealth that inspires future generations. Although the trajectories of Zhu Qisheng and Mao Zedong were very different, their friendship and common ideals became the link between ordinary people and great leaders, and they will always be praised in the hearts of the people.