Introduction:
In a military retreat in Beijing, the story of the wives of three generals is fascinating. Han Guanghui, Zhao Hao and Ren Meijuan, these three seemingly ordinary elderly women, have an unusual past. Their husbands were both founding generals who died in the 80s. Surprisingly, after losing their partners, these three women, who were supposed to be "rivals in love", became close friends like sisters. Every Qingming Festival, they always go to the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery together to remember their deceased relatives. However, when Han Guanghui and Zhao Hao paid tribute to their husbands, why did they go to the grave of Ren Meijuan's husband to mourn in silence? What kind of twists and turns and bizarre past do these three generals' wives have? Who are their husbands?
Background introduction of the wives of the three generals
In 1937, Japan imperialism invaded China in an all-round way, and the land of Shandong was shrouded in the smoke of war. It is in this context of the times that the fates of the three women, Han Guanghui, Zhao Hao and Ren Meijuan, began to intertwine. Although they came from different backgrounds, they all shared the same patriotic fervor and devoted themselves to the anti-Japanese salvation movement.
Han Guanghui was born in Jinan, Shandong Province, to a family of intellectuals. She received a good education since childhood, and was admitted to Qilu University in 1936. During her time at the school, she was deeply influenced by progressive ideas and actively participated in the student movement. At that time, Qilu University was one of the important bases of Shandong's anti-Japanese salvation movement, and Han Guanghui soon joined the "Chinese National Liberation Vanguard" and became a staunch anti-Japanese fighter.
In October 1937, the Japanese army moved south along the Tianjin-Pudong Railway and attacked Shandong. Faced with the policy of non-resistance of the Kuomintang authorities, Han Guanghui resolutely gave up his studies and transferred to Tai'an with the Shandong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China. There, she took part in the famous Culai Mountain Uprising and became a member of the Fourth Detachment of the Shandong People's Anti-Japanese Guerrilla. Han Guanghui's courage and determination quickly made her stand out in the revolutionary ranks.
Unlike Han Guanghui, Zhao Hao was born in an ordinary peasant family in Yishui County, Shandong. From an early age, she witnessed the atrocities of the Japan invaders and was full of hatred for her enemies. Although he had no higher education, Zhao Hao, with his ingenuity and perseverance, quickly rose to prominence in the local anti-Japanese salvation movement.
In 1938, under the leadership of the underground party of the Communist Party of China, Zhao Hao organized the Yishui County Women's Anti-Japanese Salvation Association. As the director of the Women's Relief Association, she went deep into the countryside to mobilize women to participate in the anti-Japanese struggle. Zhao Hao organized women to sew clothes, prepare food, and provide logistical support for the Eighth Route Army. She also led women in cultural literacy and political awareness. With the efforts of Zhao Hao, the women's anti-Japanese forces in Yishui County grew rapidly and became an important force in the local anti-Japanese struggle.
Ren Meijuan is the most educated of the three. She was born into a small merchant family in Liaocheng, Shandong Province, and was admitted to Peking University in 1935. In 1936, Ren Meijuan went south with the Beiping Student Petition Group and experienced the baptism of the "12·9" movement. This experience strengthened her determination to join the revolution.
After the outbreak of the all-out Anti-Japanese War in 1937, Ren Meijuan gave up the opportunity to return to Beiping to continue her studies, and resolutely decided to stay in Shandong to organize anti-Japanese rescue activities. With her cultural literacy and excellent organizational skills, she was soon appointed as the head of the propaganda department of the Mengyin County Party Committee. Ren Meijuan is good at using her knowledge and talents to publicize the truth of resisting Japan and saving the country to the masses through various forms such as speeches, running schools, and theatrical performances, and mobilizing more people to join the anti-Japanese ranks.
Although these three women were from different backgrounds, they all contributed their own strength to the cause of resistance against Japan in their respective positions. Their revolutionary enthusiasm and outstanding ability soon attracted the attention of their superiors. In 1942, at a study class held by a special commission, Han Guanghui, Zhao Hao and Ren Meijuan met for the first time. They admired each other in their studies and discussions, and soon became like-minded friends.
However, what they didn't expect was that fate soon would tie the trajectory of their lives intimately. This point of contact is Ni Zhengming, who later became the founding major general. Ni Zhengming is a native of Liaocheng, Shandong, and Ren Meijuan is a fellow countryman. He joined the underground party organization when he was a student at Jinan No. 1 Normal School, and after participating in the Culai Mountain Uprising in 1937, he quickly rose to prominence in the army.
Ni Zhengming is handsome and talented, and soon became the object of admiration of the three women. Han Guanghui and Ni Zhengming met in Jinan as early as June, and the two participated in the student movement together. Zhao Hao had a sense of admiration for Ni Zhengming, who commanded Ruoding, in a battle. And the exchange of ideas between Ren Meijuan and Ni Zhengming in the study class made the two fall in love.
In this way, three women with their own characteristics, in the war-torn era, invariably set their sights on the same man. Their fates are therefore closely linked. This complex emotional entanglement not only witnessed their revolutionary career, but also laid the groundwork for their future sisterhood.
General Ni Zhengming's revolutionary career
Ni Zhengming's revolutionary career is a legendary journey, from an ordinary student to a founding major general, every step of his life is engraved with firm conviction and unremitting struggle.
In 1936, Ni Zhengming, who was only 20 years old, studied at Jinan No. 1 Normal School. At that time, China was in the midst of internal and external troubles, and the aggressive ambitions of Japan imperialism were growing day by day. In such a context, Ni Zhengming came into contact with progressive ideas and was soon absorbed by the underground party organization of the Communist Party of China as a member of the "Chinese National Liberation Vanguard". He actively participated in anti-Japanese activities, propagated anti-Japanese ideas among students, and organized various patriotic movements.
In October 1937, the Japanese army moved south along the Tianjin-Pudong Railway and attacked Shandong. Faced with the policy of non-resistance of the Kuomintang authorities, Ni Zhengming resolutely gave up his studies and transferred to Tai'an with the Shandong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China. There, he took part in the famous Culai Mountain Uprising and became a member of the Fourth Detachment of the Shandong People's Anti-Japanese Guerrilla. This uprising marked Ni Zhengming's official embarkation on the revolutionary road.
Among the guerrillas, Ni Zhengming performed well. He was not only brave and good at fighting, but also good at summing up combat experience, and soon established his prestige among the soldiers. In December 1938, the Shandong Column of the Eighth Route Army was established, and Ni Zhengming was transferred to the Independent Regiment of the Special Committee of the Yimeng Mountain Area as a political commissar. It was an important turning point in his military career.
After coming to the Yimeng Mountains, Ni Zhengming faced a new battlefield. The mountains are high and the terrain is complex, making it ideal for guerrilla warfare. Ni Zhengming gave full play to his ingenuity and quickly mastered the essentials of fighting in this area. He led the troops to adopt flexible and mobile tactics, and the Japanese puppet army was overwhelmed.
In one battle after another, Ni Zhengming's command ability has been fully displayed. In the spring of 1939, the Japanese army launched a large-scale "sweep" in the Yimeng Mountains. In the face of the enemy's superior strength, Ni Zhengming led his troops to adopt the 16-character formula of "the enemy advances and we retreat, the enemy is stationed and disturbs us, the enemy is tired and we fight, and the enemy retreats and we pursue." This flexible tactic not only preserved its own strength, but also inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.
In addition to military command, Ni Zhengming also attaches great importance to the political work of the troops. He often went to the grassroots level, ate and lived with the fighters, and learned about their ideological conditions. Thanks to his efforts, the combat effectiveness and political consciousness of the independent regiment have been significantly improved.
In 1940, Ni Zhengming was appointed commander of the Fourth Army Division of the Shandong Anti-Japanese Base Area. In this position, he further demonstrated his military talents and political acumen. He not only commanded the troops to win battles, but also actively carried out mass work and mobilized the masses to support the revolution. Under his leadership, the Fourth Army Subdivision became an important pillar of the anti-Japanese base area in Shandong.
In 1941, the Japanese army launched a larger-scale "sweep" against the anti-Japanese base area in Shandong. In the face of this grim situation, Ni Zhengming responded calmly. He led his troops to adopt guerrilla tactics, to be flexible and mobile, to avoid reality and to deal heavy blows to the enemy. In this arduous struggle, Ni Zhengming's military talent was further honed and enhanced.
In 1942, Ni Zhengming was transferred to the commander of the Third Army Division of the Shandong Military Region. In this position, he continued to use his talents, leading the troops to a series of major victories. The unified action of the "Battle of 100 Regiments" organized by him dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese puppet army and greatly boosted the morale of the military and people in the base areas.
In the later period of the Anti-Japanese War, Ni Zhengming was appointed commander of the first column of the Shandong Military Region. He led his troops to participate in the famous "Menglianggu Battle" and made important contributions to the victory of the Liberation War.
During this revolutionary career, Ni Zhengming not only showed outstanding military talent, but also got to know three women, Han Guanghui, Zhao Hao and Ren Meijuan. The encounter and intersection between them laid the groundwork for future emotional entanglements. Ni Zhengming and Han Guanghui met in Jinan, and the two participated in the student movement together. Zhao Hao had a sense of admiration for Ni Zhengming, who commanded Ruoding, in a battle. And the exchange of ideas between Ren Meijuan and Ni Zhengming in the study class made the two fall in love.
This revolutionary career not only forged Ni Zhengming's military talent, but also laid the foundation for him to become the founding major general in the future. At the same time, his intersection with three women also laid the groundwork for future emotional entanglements. Ni Zhengming's revolutionary career is not only a history of a person's struggle, but also a microcosm of those years of burning passion.
The married life of General Ni Zhengming
General Ni Zhengming's married life is like a drama of ups and downs, full of romance and tenacity unique to the revolutionary era. He has established a marriage relationship with three women, Han Guanghui, Zhao Hao and Ren Meijuan, each with its own unique background and story.
In 1943, Ni Zhengming and Han Guanghui became revolutionary partners. The two met during the Jinan student movement, and their common revolutionary ideals made them deeply affectionate. In the arduous War of Resistance Against Japan, they supported each other and fought together. Han Guanghui is not only Ni Zhengming's wife, but also his comrade-in-arms and assistant. She often went behind enemy lines to gather intelligence and provide vital information for the troops' operations. During a dangerous mission, Han Guanghui was almost captured by the enemy, but fortunately, Ni Zhengming led the troops to arrive in time to rescue her. This experience deepened the relationship between the two.
However, the cruelty of the war ruthlessly shattered the happiness of the revolutionary couple. In the spring of 1945, in a fierce battle, Han Guanghui unfortunately died. This is a heavy blow to Ni Zhengming. But as a revolutionary soldier, he quickly picked himself up, turned his grief into strength, and continued to lead his troops to fight bravely.
In 1946, during a campaign, Ni Zhengming met Zhao Hao. Zhao Hao was the person in charge of the local Women's Anti-Japanese Salvation Association, and she organized women to send food and ammunition to the troops, and she performed well. Ni Zhengming developed a good impression of this brave and strong woman. The two gradually developed feelings for their common revolutionary cause, and they married in the same year.
Although Zhao Hao was born in the countryside, she was smart and capable, and quickly adapted to military life. She not only takes care of her family, but is also actively involved in the logistics of the troops. During a surprise attack by the enemy, Zhao Hao led the women to organize a temporary medical team to rescue the wounded and reduce the losses of the troops. Her performance was highly praised by Ni Zhengming and other comrades.
However, fate once again played a cruel joke on Ni Zhengming. In 1948, during the most intense period of the Liberation War, Zhao Hao unfortunately died of illness. This blow made Ni Zhengming fall into a depression for a while, but the sense of revolutionary responsibility made him cheer up again.
In 1949, on the eve of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Ni Zhengming met Ren Meijuan at a meeting. Ren Meijuan was already a senior underground party member at that time, and she had outstanding performance in cultural propaganda work. The two met late and soon developed feelings. With the support of the organization, they got married at the end of the year.
Ren Meijuan is the most educated of the three wives, and her cultural literacy and political consciousness have brought great help to Ni Zhengming's work. In the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Ni Zhengming held important military positions, while Ren Meijuan worked in the cultural and educational departments. She is not only Ni Zhengming's virtuous helper, but also his right-hand man in his work.
However, married life is not all smooth sailing. Due to the nature of his work, Ni Zhengming is often away for a long time, and the husband and wife get together less and leave more. Although Ren Meijuan understands her husband's work, she inevitably feels lonely. She has devoted all her energy to her work and has achieved remarkable results in the cause of education.
In 1966, the "Cultural Revolution" broke out, and both Ni Zhengming and Ren Meijuan were impacted. Ni Zhengming was sent to work in the countryside, and Ren Meijuan was also suspended for review. During these difficult years, the husband and wife supported each other and got through the difficulties together. This experience only deepened their relationship.
After the end of the Cultural Revolution, both Ni Zhengming and Ren Meijuan resumed their work. But the long-term political campaign and hard life have made Ni Zhengming's health deteriorate. In 1985, Ni Zhengming died of illness at the age of 69.
Ni Zhengming's three marriages, each of which is deeply imprinted with the mark of that era. From the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to the War of Liberation, and then to the construction period after the founding of New China, his married life has witnessed the most turbulent decades in China's modern history. Despite the pain of losing his wife many times, Ni Zhengming has always maintained the strength and courage of a revolutionary soldier. His marriage story is not only a portrayal of personal emotions, but also a microcosm of that special era.
General Ni Zhengming's military achievements
General Ni Zhengming's military career is a magnificent epic, from the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to the War of Liberation, and then to the national defense construction after the founding of New China, he has always stood at the forefront of the times and made outstanding contributions to China's revolution and construction.
During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Ni Zhengming's military talent was fully displayed. In 1938, he was appointed political commissar of the Independent Regiment of the Shandong Column of the Eighth Route Army. In this position, Ni Zhengming not only has to be responsible for the political work of the troops, but also has to participate in military command. He led his troops to carry out guerrilla warfare in the Yimeng Mountains, inflicting heavy losses on the Japanese puppet army.
In the spring of 1939, the Japanese army launched a large-scale "sweep" in the Yimeng Mountains. In the face of the enemy's superior forces, Ni Zhengming adopted flexible tactics. He led the troops to go deep among the masses, relied on the masses, and adopted the tactics of "the enemy advances and we retreat, the enemy is stationed and disturbs us, the enemy is tired and we fight, and the enemy retreats and we pursue." This tactic not only saved its own strength, but also inflicted huge losses on the enemy. In one battle, Ni Zhengming led his troops to ambush a Japanese transport convoy and captured a large number of weapons and ammunition, which provided an important guarantee for subsequent operations.
In 1940, Ni Zhengming was appointed commander of the Fourth Army Division of the Shandong Anti-Japanese Base Area. In this position, he further demonstrated his military talents. He organized a number of successful raids, the most famous of which was the 1941 "Battle of the Hundred Regiments"-style unified operation. In this operation, Ni Zhengming commanded troops to destroy a number of Japanese strongholds, damaged a large number of railways and roads, and greatly dealt a blow to the enemy's arrogance.
During the War of Liberation, Ni Zhengming's military talents were brought into full play. In 1946, he was appointed commander of the first column of the Shandong Military Region. In this position, he participated in the command of many important battles.
In the summer of 1947, the Kuomintang army launched a large-scale offensive against the liberated areas of Shandong. In the face of a superior enemy, Ni Zhengming adopted flexible and mobile tactics. He led his troops to avoid reality and repelled many attacks by the Kuomintang army. In a key battle, Ni Zhengming commanded troops to surround a main division of the Kuomintang army, and after fierce fighting, the division was completely annihilated and a large amount of weapons and equipment were captured. This victory greatly boosted the morale of the troops and laid the foundation for subsequent operations.
In 1948, Ni Zhengming participated in and commanded the famous Battle of Menglianggu. In this campaign, he was responsible for commanding a force to contain the reinforcements of the Kuomintang army. Ni Zhengming skillfully used the terrain and set up multiple lines of defense, successfully preventing the enemy's reinforcements and creating conditions for the main force to completely annihilate the 74th Division of the Kuomintang Army. The victory in this battle marked a decisive victory for the East China Field Army on the Shandong battlefield.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Ni Zhengming continued to hold important positions in the army. He successively served as deputy commander of the Military Region and director of education of the National Defense University, and made important contributions to the national defense construction of New China.
During his tenure as deputy commander of the Military Region, Ni Zhengming actively promoted the modernization of the armed forces. He stressed the need to strengthen training in the use of new weapons and equipment and enhance the troops' modern combat capability. Thanks to his efforts, the level of equipment and combat capability of the military region have been significantly improved.
In the early 1960s, Ni Zhengming was appointed director of education at the National Defense University. In this position, he worked to improve the quality of education in military academies. He advocated that it is necessary to integrate theoretical study with practice, organize cadets to participate in actual combat exercises, and enhance their actual command ability. He also promoted the study of military theories, organized the compilation of a number of military textbooks, and made important contributions to the training of a new generation of military talents.
In 1966, the "Cultural Revolution" broke out, and Ni Zhengming was also impacted. He was sent to work in the countryside, but he was not depressed. During his time in the countryside, he remained concerned about the international military situation and continued to study military theory.
After the end of the "Cultural Revolution", although Ni Zhengming was old, he still gave full play to his spare energy and offered suggestions for army building. He participated in many seminars on military theory and put forward many valuable views on how to raise the level of modernization of the armed forces and how to cope with the new international situation.
General Ni Zhengming's military career is a microcosm of China's modern military history. From guerrilla warfare to large-scale campaigns, from traditional operations to modernization, his experience and contributions have profoundly reflected the development of the Chinese armed forces. His military thinking and practice had a profound impact on the later construction of the army.
General Ni Zhengming's later life
General Ni Zhengming's later life was a period full of ups and downs but not lacking in warmth. From the turmoil of the "Cultural Revolution" to the peaceful life after the reform and opening up, Ni Zhengming has experienced great changes in Chinese society, and in the process, he has also shown the tenacity and wisdom of an old revolutionary.
In 1966, when the "Cultural Revolution" broke out, Ni Zhengming, like many veteran cadres, was criticized. He was sent to a remote rural village in Henan Province for labor reform. In the countryside, although Ni Zhengming is over half a hundred years old, he still insists on participating in labor. Together with ordinary farmers, he farmed, hoeed weeds, and even participated in the construction of local water conservancy projects. In the process, Ni Zhengming got acquainted with many ordinary farmers and learned about the real situation at the grassroots level.
Once, the village was hit by a severe drought. With years of military experience, Ni Zhengming organized villagers to dig wells to find water. He personally took the lead and fought day and night with the villagers. Eventually, under his leadership, the villagers were able to find a water source and solve the irrigation problem. This incident allowed Ni Zhengming to win the respect and trust of the villagers.
Despite the adversity, Ni Zhengming did not give up learning and thinking. He used his spare time to read, paying special attention to the international situation and military developments. In an old notebook, he recorded his analysis of the world situation at that time, which later proved to be highly forward-looking.
In 1976, the "Cultural Revolution" ended, and Ni Zhengming was rehabilitated. He returned to Beijing and resumed a number of advisory roles. But at this time, Ni Zhengming no longer pursued power and status, but put more energy on summing up experience and cultivating future generations.
In 1978, the reform and opening up policy was implemented. Ni Zhengming expressed firm support for this policy. He has spoken at the meeting on many occasions, stressing the need to emancipate the mind and seek truth from facts. He also suggested that the armed forces should adapt themselves to the new situation and strengthen modernization.
In the early 1980s, Ni Zhengming began to organize his memoirs. He not only recorded his military career, but also described in detail the major historical events he experienced. This memoir later became an important source for the study of modern Chinese history.
In his later years, Ni Zhengming paid special attention to communicating with young people. He was often invited to give lectures at universities and military academies to impart revolutionary experience and life wisdom to the younger generation. Once, at a report meeting at a military academy, a young cadet asked Ni Zhengming what he thought of peacetime army building. Ni Zhengming said earnestly: "Peace does not mean that there are no threats. We must always remain vigilant and continue to strengthen national defense building. At the same time, however, we must learn to resolve disputes peacefully. These words made a deep impression on the young officers present.
In 1983, Ni Zhengming's health began to deteriorate. Despite this, he still insisted on keeping an eye on major events at home and abroad. Every morning, he asks his family to read the newspaper for him and keep up to date with the latest news. He also often talked on the phone with his old comrades-in-arms to discuss national affairs.
In the spring of 1984, Ni Zhengming's condition worsened. During his hospitalization, he remained concerned about the country's development. He told the comrades who came to visit: "Our country is at an important turning point. You must seize the opportunity to promote reform and opening up and make our country stronger. "
In February 1985, Ni Zhengming died in Beijing at the age of 69. Among his relics, a thick notebook was found. This notebook records some of his thoughts and suggestions on the future development of the country, involving army building, economic development, education reform and other aspects. These thoughts and suggestions have become a valuable legacy for future generations.
Ni Zhengming's funeral was simple and grand. Many old comrades-in-arms and ordinary people he had helped spontaneously came to see him off. A farmer who had worked with Ni Zhengming in rural Henan Province had traveled hundreds of kilometers to bring a handful of soil from his hometown and sprinkle it in front of Ni Zhengming's grave. This detail vividly reflects Ni Zhengming's deep affection for the masses of the people.
General Ni Zhengming's life spanned the most turbulent and glorious decades in modern Chinese history. His later life is not only a summary of his personal experience, but also a microcosm of that special era. From the tribulations in the "Cultural Revolution" to the restart after the reform and opening up, Ni Zhengming has always maintained the original intention of a Communist Party member and the true character of a soldier. His experience and thinking have left a valuable spiritual wealth for future generations.